Triangle - Summer 2008

Summer 2008 | T h e T r i a n g l e 1

Triangle o f S i g m a S i g m a S i g m a

S u m m e r 2 0 0 8

The

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Grand Ole Opry Inductee

Carrie Underwood

National Headquarters Who’s Who

Tri SigmaLooks to the Future with Strategic Plan 2013

Mission

VisionValues

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.

Sigma Sigma Sigma inspires exceptional lifelong learning and friendships.

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

T h e T r i a n g l e | Summer 20082 Summer 2008 | T h e T r i a n g l e

from the president

The Tri Sigma strategic plan, sev-eral years in the making, involved many planning team members and hours of conversation. Our goal has always been to develop robust programs that are relevant to our members’ needs. Our mission and values are the platform for the plan, and our purpose is to establish among our members a perpetual bond of friendship, strong womanly character and high standards of conduct. Our shared values of faith, hope, wisdom, power and love are as timeless as Tri Sigma, and were set forth many, many years ago by our Founders. Their vision was as relevant in 1898 as it is in 2008!

Our collegiate chapters and newest members have seen the evolution of our values-based Sorority plans in the Essential Sigma program. Thanks to Sigma donations to

the Tri Sigma Foundation, the Foundation was able to fund the development and production of this program. We are working to get full Alumnae Advisory Boards and Housing Corporations for all of our chapters. If there is one thing we recognize, it is that we need greater alumnae involvement to sustain our collegiate chapters and provide them with the support and guidance that our young members need. We are trying to make the work of our volunteers manageable and with end times, so that our alumnae can volunteer as they have interest and time.

We have begun pilot programs in using region-based staff leader-ship. Collegiate chapters and chap-ter advisors in two regions have Regional Directors they can call for support. These two positions report to the Director of Chapter Services. The Regional Directors have the support of Sigma volunteers with expertise in many areas, such as recruitment, college Panhellenics, housing, ritual, and scholarship.

In the planning stages with the hiring of a program director are programs that engage alumnae into chapter life (or perhaps a vir-tual chapter life), such as the exten-sion of our Essential Sigma program to alumnae, and an experience for women entering leadership posi-tions within their careers or volun-teer associations.

The Organizational Structure Committee, chaired by Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi, will begin the final version of the volunteer organization chart to be presented to the 2010 Convention for consideration. This initiative will move the Council from day-to-day operational management responsibility to a focus on strategic thinking, long-term planning and decision making.

There is much to look forward to as Tri Sigma continues to progress and grow. And, the part that you play, dear Sigma reader: Become involved in Tri Sigma; perpetuate our growth. Begin or join an alum-nae chapter, recruit new members to ensure your collegiate chapter maintains its optimum membership size, take on a leadership posi-tion, serve on an AAB, support the Foundation … look for opportuni-ties to stay involved in Tri Sigma. Visit the Web site today to see how you can get involved. Our Circle of Sisterhood depends on every one of us to continue to give back something for all that we have received from our great Tri Sigma. Remember the vision set forth by our Founders is just as relevant today. Don’t you agree?

Yours,

Laura

Let’s TalkLaura Ward SWeet

Alpha Sigma | National PresidentMore Member Engagement Than Ever Before

Associations are moving….• from a traditional political model

of decision making

• to a more rational or businesslike model focused on information and insight

Leigh Wintz, CAE Techer Consultants, LLC FEA, May 21, 2008

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TriangleThe

VoLume 8 , Number 3

Features: 8 Looking Into the

Future: the tri Sigma Strategic Plan

12 Carrie underwood Inducted Into the Grand ole opry

14 mizzou Gets Colonized!

Departments: 4 awards

16 our Leadership

24 our Foundation

26 our Collegians

32 our alumnae

36 empowered Women

38 our Sisters

39 omega Chapter

Editor Barbara Palar, Innova Ideas & Services

Alumnae Editor Jenell Hironimus, Beta Xi

Collegiate Editor Jackie Wise, Alpha Chi

Features Editor Hillary Ashton, Zeta Beta

Copy Editors Peggy Gamble, Alpha Sigma Katie Wadington, Epsilon Xi

Executive Director Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma

Sigma Sigma Sigma 225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664-1424 p 540.459.4212 | f 540.459.2361 E-mail: [email protected]

www.sigmasigmasigma.org

Executive Council 2007– 2010

National President Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma

National Treasurer Barbara Stoe Stone, Beta Tau

Alumnae Vice President Mandy Meehan Chocheles, Gamma Eta

Collegiate Vice President Emily Eure Ellis, Gamma Beta

Membership Development Vice President Bethany A. Deines, Beta Kappa

Publications Vice President Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi

National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Reatha Cole Cox, Alpha Zeta

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 three 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. Ac-ceptances 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 College Fraternity Editors Association.

© 2008 Sigma Sigma Sigma

To establ ish among its

members a perpetual bond of

fr iendship, to develop in them

strong womanly character,

and to impress upon them

high standards of conduct.

Mission Statement

T h e T r i a n g l e | Summer 20084

The term “steadfast” is a fitting tribute to one alumna. Since the 1962 National Convention, one alumna has been selected for this award each year. The winner has demonstrated loyalty and has exemplified unchanging virtues in her own character. Tri Sigma’s continuing strength comes from the fine examples of these recipients.

This award winner must have demonstrated loyalty and devo-tion to Tri Sigma through 25 or more years of service as an alumna. Additionally, she has paid annual alumnae dues since becoming an alumna or has paid lifetime dues

and has been a Foundation contributor. She is also a current member of an alumnae chapter in her area (if one exists).

The 2007-2008 recipient of the Steadfast Alumna Award is Beverly Fairleigh Wathne, Chi and the Wichita Alumnae Chapter.

Wathne has been a member of the Wichita Alumnae Chapter for over 50 years and has served in various positions many times: President, Vice President, Secretary, Panhellenic Representative, Founders Day Chairman and Social Service Chairman. Receiving her Golden Violet in 2001, she has

attended National Conventions and many more State and Founders Day events. Wathne is also involved in the community as a member of the Wichita Retired Teachers’ Association, Wichita Botanical Gardens, Countryside Christian Church and Women’s Club, and as a volunteer reading teacher. She is an inspiration to the Wichita Alumnae Chapter members and a great example of a steadfast alumna.

You can send congratulations to her at the following address.

Beverly Wathne 5823 Flagstaff St. Wichita, KS 67220-1858

Steadfast Alumna Award

Reflections from our Steadfast Alumna Wow! What an exciting Founders

Day it was when National Treasurer

Barbara Stone flew in from Chicago

to present to me the Steadfast

Alumna Award. I thank the Executive

Council of Tri Sigma for the privilege

of being so honored.

I have been a member of Wichita

Alumnae Chapter since 1955, and

have cherished the bonding and

friendships made through the years.

Some of the early memories are of

taking young daughters to tea, work-

ing garage sales, and hosting salad

suppers on the deck. After having

held every office (some several times)

it has been gratifying to see younger

Sisters join us, share their talents and

leadership skills in the Tri Sigma tradi-

tion. They have been a blessing to us.

I look forward to serving many more

years in our local chapter because

it is really special to be a Tri Sigma

“girl.”

— Beverly Fairleigh Wathne, Chi

Awards Honor Top Tri Sigmas

awards

We take a moment to recognize some of our brightest stars


T


,

Mabel Lee Walton demonstrated a lifelong interest and encouragement to collegiate members. This leader-ship award, first presented in 1945, was named in her honor as a lasting memory of this gifted Sigma leader. The Executive Council recognized the award as an opportunity to encourage collegiate members who display out-standing leadership. Mabel Lee was presented a silver loving cup in 1917 as an appreciation of her leadership.

All award recipients are expected to help carry onward the increasingly challenging tasks that a progressive organization requires. The collegian should have exhibited leadership capabilities in her chapter, on cam-pus and in her community. This

recipient will serve on the Alumnae/Collegiate Advisory Committee.

The 2007-2008 Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award winner is Ashley Ladyman, Zeta Pi, Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, VA. Those who endorsed Ladyman indicated that she leads with integrity and author-ity. People are comfortable under her leadership and often seek her advice and guidance as evidenced by her receiving the Virginia Wesleyan College Exceptional Leader of the Year Award. Ladyman participates in many clubs and organizations on campus and within the community. She has assumed the highest leadership posi-tion in the Wesleyan Activities Council,

works with children in the local commu-nity, works with a local middle school ministry, and co-leads a middle school Bible study. Ladyman has also served her chapter in various positions: Secretary, Honor Council Secretary and Fundraising Committee Coordinator.

Congratulations, Ashley, and thank you. You can send congratulations to her at the following address.

Ashley Ladyman 828 Woodcott Drive Chesapeake, VA 23322

Awards Honor Top Tri Sigmas TThe Margaret Freeman Everett

award is named for a member of the Sigma chapter at Western State College in Gunnison, CO. Dubbed “Dixie” by Mabel Lee Walton, Everett was small in stature but a giant in spirit. She was the 1939 Honor Initiate at the Colorado Springs National Convention. She was known to work hard as a col-legian, holding a number of chapter offices, including President.

Her experience as a collegian pre-pared her for her volunteer work as a Tri Sigma alumna. Margaret began her national officer service as the Exchange Editor in 1946. She was elected our fifth National President in 1956. During her tenure, she expanded the Robbie Page Memorial and helped to secure our National Headquarters.

Everett felt that time was precious to college women and was con-cerned that young women eliminate

nonessential activities from chapter schedules. She stressed that the gift of friendship should be a primary concern.

The candidate for this award must be a senior class member with accept-able academic achievement and have exhibited outstanding contributions and service to Tri Sigma. She should be devoted to Tri Sigma and to the joy of friendship.

The Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award win-ner for 2007-2008 is Tiffany Fay, Alpha Chi, Murray State University in Murray, KY. Fay earned a degree in elementary education and social and behavioral studies. Fay embod-ies Dixie’s spirit, as she has assumed many chair and officer positions within Alpha Chi. Fay’s biggest and most lasting contribution to both Alpha Chi and Sigma Sigma Sigma has been in the role she assumed in their nationally recognized com-mitment to anti-hazing and excep-

tional New Member program. Fay helped prepare a program designed to raise awareness of and prevent haz-ing and worked tirelessly to make it a mandatory Panhellenic program.

Fay, in a joint effort with the Vice President, wrote and implemented the New Member activities that are now included in our Essential Sigma as Inspiration Week. Very few of us have the opportunity or abilities to impact Tri Sigma on a national level, but Fay has accomplished this very thing as an undergraduate.

Congratulations, Tiffany, and thank you. You can send congratulations to her at the following address.

Tiffany Fay 15903 Shelbyville Road Louisville, KY 40245

Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award

Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award


Established in 1938, this highest alumnae award is presented annu-ally to the one alumna who has

been an outstanding business or professional woman or contributor to her community’s welfare and progress.

The Sigma who is recognized with this award was a charter member of Zeta Chapter. Active in all Zeta affairs, Emily Gates served her chapter as its Vice President and President and was the Buffalo Alumnae Chapter delegate to the 1929 Santa Fe National Convention. Gates gave unselfish devotion to all of her work. She continued her interest in Tri Sigma with frequent appointments from the Executive Council. Since the first award was presented in 1938, the winners have been selected from many fields including music, literacy, business, education, theater, civic enterprise, politics, medicine, personnel management, and research.

The Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award for 2007-2008 is awarded to Cynthia Drasler, Beta Kappa and Phoenix Alumnae Chapter. She is being recognized as an alumna who has made out-standing contributions in the field of business. Drasler graduated with a MBA in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Drasler was a Traveling Field Consultant, now titled Leadership Consultant, in 1978, served as National Recruitment Director from 1978 to 1980 and wrote the 1980

Founders Day Program. Recently, she was the assistant chair of the 2004 National Convention in Scottsdale, AZ. With a degree in Biology from Arizona State University, Drasler worked for many years in the pharmaceu-tical industry in the areas of research sales and sales training, and in 1996 she started Organic Excellence® Co., which manu-factures and sells chemical-free personal care and health products with organic herbs. In 2005, she started an Internet radio show, Chemical Free Living®, which has since been accepted for broadcast on www.ContactTalkRadio.com

and is heard on the Telstar Satellite System and locally in Seattle, WA.

Drasler’s goal is to help educate people about the importance of avoiding synthetic chemicals in our lives and finding alternative ways of healing that do not involve pharmaceutical drugs.

Thanks, Cynthia, for your efforts in this important work. You can send congratulations to her at the following address.

Cynthia Drasler 4727 E. Bell Road #45-125 Phoenix, AZ 85032

Robin Jones, associate director of stu-dent activities and judicial affairs at Armstrong Atlantic State University (AASU) in Savannah, GA, was honored with the Sigma Sigma Sigma Greek Advisor of the Year Award.

Tri Sigma honors a college or university advisor every year for contributions to the Greek system on campuses that have an active Tri Sigma chapter. Members of Eta Rho, the local Tri Sigma chapter at AASU, nominated Jones for the award.

“AASU is extremely pleased that Sigma Sigma Sigma honored Robin Jones for her contributions to Greek life,” said Vicki McNeil, vice president of student affairs, who presented the award to Jones. “Robin has been instru-mental in building the Greek community on campus, and she is highly respected by our fraternity and sorority leaders. This award was well-de-served.” Tri Sigma presented a $500 grant in honor of Jones to the AASU Foundation, which designated it to the Nick Mamalakis Emerging Leader Scholarship.

“This award is very special to me because it comes from the students,” Jones said. “I feel as though we have gone through this process of reintroducing Greek life to this campus, and this award lets me know that it has been rewarding and valuable to these women.”

Robin Jones is Greek Advisor of the Year

Robin Jones (left) receives the Tri Sigma Greek Advisor of the Year Award from Vicki McNeil, vice president of student affairs.

Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award

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TAFA Distinguished Service Award

The Association of Fraternity Advisors honored two Tri Sigma alumnae at its annual meeting in November. Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi, Publications Vice President, and Bethany Deines, Beta Kappa, Membership Development Vice President, were presented the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award.

The award is named for AFA’s second Executive Director, Sue Kraft Fussell, and its purpose is to recognize individuals who have exhibited high professional standards and achievements in fraternity/sorority advising and outstanding achievements in one or more of the following areas: service to AFA; programming and/or service that reaches beyond the recipient’s campus; development and research activities; and/or ser-vice to the college and fraternity/sorority communities.

allison Swick-duttine Publications Vice PresidentAllison Swick-Duttine joined the Psi Chapter at Marshall University in 1991. Prior to becom-ing the Publications Vice President, she served Tri Sigma as Director of Programs and Collegiate Coordinator. Swick-Duttine lives in Plattsburgh, NY, with her husband, Matt.

Swick-Duttine is the Director of Fraternity/Sorority Life and Organization Development at the State University of New York Plattsburgh. She serves as the President of the SUNY Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Association, a volunteer for the Association of Fraternity Advisors and on the

Board of Directors for Gamma Sigma Alpha Greek Scholastic Honor Society and the Northeast Greek Leadership Association. Swick-Duttine also serves as the chair of the Board of Directors of HazingPrevention.org. She spends time each year volunteering as a SUNY Plattsburgh Alternative Breaks site leader during trips to Nicaragua as well as in her home state of West Virginia.

bethany a. deines Membership Development Vice PresidentBeth Deines joined Beta Kappa Chapter at Arizona State University in 1987. She has served Tri Sigma for 14 total years, beginning in 1992 as a National Collegiate Chairman. Deines was elected Publications Vice President in 2004 and transitioned to Membership Development Vice President in 2006. Prior National Officer service included being a member of the Walton House Board of Directors, Executive Director, National Ritual Director, National Scholarship Director, and Director of College Panhellenic Services. She lives in Hamilton, OH, with her two cats, Francis and Spencer. She is the Director of Annual Gifts for the Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. Deines volunteers for the Association of Fraternity Advisors Foundation and previously served as chair. She is a member of the Fraternity Executives Association, Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Association of Fraternity Advisors. Locally, Deines is active in the Oxford Rotary Club.

aFa CommIttee ChaIrS

Kelly Jo Shannon Karnes, Pi Executive Vice President and Coalition Assessment Project Team Campus Visit Member

Kara miller, epsilon delta 2009 Annual Meeting Chair

Kathleen reagan Gillan, alpha Zeta Virtual Seminars Committee member

beth Fisher, Zeta rho Awards and Recognition Committee member

allison Swick-duttine, Psi HazingPrevention.org Liaison

National President Laura Sweet celebrates with Allison Swick-Duttine, left, and Bethany Deines, right, after they received the Sue Kraft Fussell Award.


feature

Mmirror, mirror on the wall, where will tri Sigma be in 2013? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a magic mirror with all the answers? While we may not have any magic at our fingertips, we do have a plan.

The Sorority is now in the first year of a five-year plan to inspire and empower the women of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

In August 2007, the members of Executive Council and staff attend-ed a retreat to discuss the future of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. At the meeting, they adopted what is now called the Strategic Plan: 2008-2013 – Growth, Leadership, Service and Communication.

“In the past 10 years, task forces have made recommendations for future growth and directions of Tri Sigma,” says Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma and National President. “The Strategic Plan was made by a subgroup of Council and staff.”

The plan is both comprehensive and aggressive, laying out specific objectives, tactics and action steps for each of the four key focuses.

“It will truly take each member doing her part for this plan to be completely accomplished. Every Sister can play a part, from doing simple things such as pay-ing alumnae dues or making a gift to the Foundation to more complex initiatives to revitalizing our operational structure,” says Bethany Deines, Beta Kappa and Membership Development Vice President. “There are opportuni-ties for every member to contrib-ute to the achievement of our Strategic Plan.”

“I think the goal is ultimately to make Tri Sigma relevant to women of all ages. This is not an organization for collegiate women only,” says Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi and Publications Vice President. “Council has been very intentional about developing a plan to

create an organization that will truly engage and empower women at all stages of their lives.”

mISSIoN, VISIoN aNd VaLueS The plan begins by setting the foundation for the women of Tri Sigma with the mission, vision and values statements of our organiza-tion (see sidebar).

“As we look at our women and determine who we are, we need to give them the mission, vision and values, and make sure they are in line with who we are as Tri Sigma members and who we are collectively,” says Emily Eure Ellis, Gamma Beta and Collegiate Vice President.

When discussing the future plan for the organization, the topic of core values became important, leading the Council to add a values statement: Sigma Sigma Sigma reaffirms its long-standing core values of wisdom, power, faith, hope and love.

Looking into the Future:

by Hillary Ashton, Features Editor

Strategic Plan 2013


These values are not new to the women of Tri Sigma; they were inspired by our Founders and are articulated in the Ritual.

“We wanted something that would show what Sigma is all about,” says Mandy Meehan Chocheles, Gamma Eta and Alumnae Vice President. “Through her Sisterhood experience, and through our Rituals, a Sigma woman will learn exactly how important wisdom, power, faith, hope and love are.”

Although rooted in the history of the organization, the addition of this statement enables Tri Sigma to express these values in a more public fashion, showing others what the Sorority stands for in our daily lives.

“[These values] have guided our organization for over a century and will for centuries to come,” says Deines. “Our values are time-less. They have consistently guided our decisions, our operations, our character. Our values are what make Tri Sigma unique.”

StrateGIC FoCuS 1: GroWth This first of the four focuses of the plan is on growth, centering on the long-term health and stability of the organization. The key areas that the plan highlights are mem-bership and resources.

The strategic plan outlines an objective of increasing total col-legiate membership to 6,500 by gaining approximately 300 mem-bers each year through enhanced recruitment, redeveloping lost chapters where the opportunity exists and expansion to new cam-puses. This will be done by adding

new resources, and developing a comprehensive extension plan and improving collegiate chapter retention.

A second objective is growth in the alumnae chapters. The plan is to increase the number of engaged alumnae by increasing the number of alumnae chapters and the number of members involved. Council and staff also plan to develop an outreach cam-paign to alumnae chapters and to increase the number of alum-nae serving on collegiate chapter Alumnae Advisory Boards.

Several programs are in the works that are expected to help engage alumnae, including the creation of an online social net-work where Sigma alumnae will be able to exchange information and experiences in a safe, secure Internet environment.

“Women who do not live near an alumnae chapter will be able to connect with other alumnae throughout the country. Reunions of various chapters could be organized more easily. And Sigma’s membership data-base would be expanded,” says Chocheles.

Alumnae chapter growth also includes plans to expand the Essential Sigma member program. The program will follow the out-line of the present program that is available for collegians.

“Essential Sigma provides programming opportunities for members to personally grow and develop at every age,” says Deines.

MissionTo 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.

VisionSigma Sigma Sigma inspires exceptional

lifelong learning and friendships.

ValuesSigma Sigma Sigma reaffirms its

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

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1

StrateGIC PLaN: 2008 – 2013

Growth, Leadership, Service, and Communication

StrateGIC FoCuS 1:

Growth – Propel growth in all areas of ΣΣΣ in order to provide for the long-term health and stability of

the Organization.

StrateGIC FoCuS 2:

Leadership – Establish opportunities for personal leadership development and enhance the overall advancement of ΣΣΣ.

StrateGIC FoCuS 3:

Service – Foster a commitment to service.

StrateGIC FoCuS 4:

Communication – To create organi-zational visibility through ongoing

awareness and education of Tri Sigma’s mission and purpose.


To be able to sustain and build Tri Sigma growth, financial support will also be necessary. The plan outlines the need for develop-ing a long-range financial plan for Sorority operations, assisting collegiate chapters with financial management and increasing the number of dues-paying alumnae.

The final objective for growth highlights the importance of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. It calls for enhancing the partnership with the Foundation by building awareness of Foundation needs, implementing a major develop-ment initiative and pursuing opportunities for receiving grants.

“Foundation growth will enable the National Organization to offer tremendous Leadership Institute opportunities for both our colle-gians and alumnae, areas that will draw prospective members to us,” says Barbara Stoe Stone, Beta Tau and National Treasurer.

StrateGIC FoCuS 2: LeaderShIP The second focus of the plan concentrates on leadership and establishing opportunities for both personal development and overall advancement of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Sorority leaders have set out two objectives in this area: enhancing the chapter support system, and designing and implementing a comprehensive human resource development plan.

Enhancing chapter support includes the restructuring of the support team organization. A regional pilot program is in place to test the new structure. Leaders also plan to create both chapter

and colony support structures and a collegiate scholarship plan.

In the past, chapter support has relied greatly on volunteers. The goal of the new support system is to provide chapters with the resources they need and lessen the time commitments of volunteers, allowing them to work more close-ly to meet each chapter’s needs.

The new program relies more on professional staff members, but volunteers will continue to be the core of the organization.

“We have to streamline the vol-unteer experience so that women can volunteer as they have time and energy, drop in as they can. Volunteers will lead and add exper-tise. Staff will add the continuity and support for alumnae and collegiate chapters,” says Sweet.

“I firmly believe that a strong AAB is the secret to success of a strong collegiate chapter. College women today, no matter how smart or independent, need to have the guidance of older Sigma Sisters to help them make the most of their college experience,” says Chocheles.

Another goal is to create a devel-opment plan to provide more leadership training opportunities for both collegians and alumnae. Leaders are working to develop a national educational programming model and to implement a trien-nial leadership and education plan.

The goal is to provide ongoing, annual training and development to members through conferences and/or institutes which focus on operations, values, ritual and wom-en’s leadership and empowerment.

“Our educational programming model will provide practical support for chapter operations, but more importantly, our innova-tive programs will encourage our members to use our ritual and val-ues to guide and enrich all stages of their lives,” says Swick-Duttine.

StrateGIC FoCuS 3: SerVICe The importance of service is the third focus of the strategic plan. “Our chapters do a tremendous amount of service,” says Sweet.

Sigma leaders hope to help foster this commitment to service and provide members with more opportunities for meaningful service. They want members to continue to not only seek out ways to serve their communities, but also to serve the Sorority.

“Our chapters do a wonderful job of service, and so many of them are volunteering both on campus and in their communities,” says Ellis.

Service initiatives include develop-ing a national week of service that emphasizes Sigma Serves Children, developing a service-learning experience and encouraging civic participation.

“Becoming more involved in the civic arena is an exciting prospect for our Sigma women who want to continue their leadership roles in the future on a scale much larger than just a college chapter,” says Chocheles.

Sigma service will continue to focus on hospitalized children and chil-dren in need. Chapters are being encouraged to seek opportunities for members to make an impact directly in their own communities.


Leaders also plan to seek oppor-tunities for service recognition by evaluating the current program and seeking new ways to recog-nize members actively involved in service.

“Many young women join the Sorority specifically seeking ways to get involved with public service. It’s exciting to see the selfless dedication of our members and their desire to help those in need,” says Deines. StrateGIC FoCuS 4: CommuNICatIoN The final focus of the plan centers on communication and creat-ing more visibility of Tri Sigma. Objectives focus on branding, publications and technology.

“It is only if the name of Tri Sigma is well known that we will be able to increase our membership numbers and consequently be able to provide more leadership and educational opportunities for our members,” says Stone.

Tri Sigma has hired a public relations firm to help the organiza-tion enhance and communicate its image. It will assist in the creation of a communication plan to educate members and the public about Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority.

“This will not only assist us in recruitment but will help our members identify with Tri Sigma throughout their lives,” says Deines. “We are proud of our membership; our branding should demonstrate very clearly how exceptional Tri Sigma and our Sisterhood are.”

Where would you like to see Tri Sigma in 5 years?

“We are an organization that women join to have support, not only in college but in life. I would like for our chapters to maintain high academic averages, provide service to the communities they are in, and to have diversity that reflects the college community. I would like for collegiate chapters to have full alumnae advisory boards. I would like for alumnae to be involved in an alumnae chapter and to have the Sorority support women through their lives.”

— Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma and National President

“I want Sigma Sigma Sigma to be a Sisterhood organization women gravitate to because of our values. We should be the group everyone wants to join because we stand for what we believe, don’t follow the crowd. We are to be the lead-ers on campus and in our lives.”

— barbara Stoe Stone, Beta Tau and National Treasurer

“I would like to see us strong, both collegiate and alumnae chapters. It is important for our chapters to be strong and be the best chapters they can be.”

— emily eure ellis, Gamma Beta and Collegiate Vice President

“I think about Tri Sigma actually 10 years from now. My oldest granddaughter will be 18, ready to go to college. I want more than anything for her to have the choice of joining our Sisterhood at any number of schools she might choose. I want Sigma to be there to continue to share its values and vision with her gen-eration and to provide her the opportunity of Sigma Sisterhood that has been offered to young women since 1898.”

— mandy meehan Chocheles, Gamma Eta and Alumnae Vice President

“We should be THE organization that every college and university wants on their campus because we have such solid understand-ing of our values that they are conveyed in everything we do. Every member should take pride in her membership and remain committed to helping preserve the Sorority for future genera-tions. Our future does not rest in the hands of a few. It rests in every one of us. Ponder well your responsibilities.”

— bethany deines, Beta Kappa and Membership Development Vice President

(Continued on page 15)


CCarrie Underwood has come a long way since her days in the Alpha Iota Chapter at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. From “American Idol” to some of the biggest stages in the country, she is now an established music star.

In May, Underwood had many accomplishments to celebrate. She not only won her second con-secutive top female vocalist award at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, but she also became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

On May 10, a sold-out Opry House audience cheered on the Checotah native as she was inducted by fellow Oklahoman and Opry member Garth

Brooks. “Nothing will last as long or be more important than this award right here tonight. Congratulations,” said Brooks as he presented her with the Opry Member Award.

Giving the award a kiss, Underwood beamed, “This is going to have a very special place in my awards case.” Her voice breaking, she continued, “I want to thank everybody at the Opry for having me as part of your family because it is such a great family to be a part of … it really means everything to me. I am so blessed.”

It’s been more than three years since Underwood made her Grand Ole Opry debut just two weeks after winning “American Idol.”

Carrie Underwood: On the Ride of a Lifetime

She says her love for the Opry started as a child as she grew up watching and listening to the show, dreaming of one day per-forming there and even becoming a member herself.

“We could not be happier to welcome Carrie into the Opry family,” says Opry Vice President and General Manger Pete Fisher. “We look forward to many Opry performances in the future and to all of the bright moments that her future holds.”

For more than 80 years, the Grand Ole Opry has provided a uniquely American experience, present-ing the best in country music live every week from Nashville, TN. The Opry Member Award pre-sented to Underwood is a 14-inch

By Hillary Ashton, Features Editor

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bronze and oak replica of the Opry’s vintage microphone stand designed by renowned sculptor Bill Rains.

Underwood has spent much of the year headlining her “Carnival Ride Tour.” Her current album “Carnival Ride” was certified double-platinum within two months of its release. Her debut album “Some Hearts” was recently certi-fied 7x-Platinum, making it the all-time U.S. top-selling album by any “American Idol” contestant.

Carrie Visits UNC

Children’s HospitalCarrie Underwood took a break from her “Carnival Ride Tour” to visit the University of North Carolina Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill this spring.

She toured the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation Robbie Page Play Atrium on April 19 along with Tri Sigma National President Laura Ward Sweet and several other Sigmas. Carrie was able to spend about an hour meeting with the children, posing for pictures and signing autographs.

The Atrium is the showcase of the North Carolina Children’s Hospital and is supported through gifts to the Sigma


SSigma Sigma Sigma is placing itself right in the heart of it all at the University of Missouri-Columbia, better known as Mizzou. Under the guidance of Membership Development Vice President Bethany Deines, Beta Kappa; Extension Director Beth Fisher, Zeta Rho; and Colonization Director Jennifer Bisel Tetrick, Omicron, volunteers from the Alumnae, Collegiate, Publications and Treasury Departments, and staff from our National Headquarters have logged numer-ous hours planning and promoting the colonization.

Below is a brief timetable of the colonization process:

• Planning Visit (March): Fisher, Tetrick and Executive Director Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma, visited the campus to research housing options and conduct meetings with administrators and students to help plan the logistics of the colonization.

• Alumnae and Collegiate Chapter outreach Visits (April): Alumnae Vice President Mandy Meehan Chocheles, Gamma Eta, and National

Treasurer Barb Stoe Stone, Beta Tau, visited 10 chapters in Missouri. The initial purpose of the trips was to provide National support and outreach to chap-ters in the region; but during their visits, Chocheles and Stone received overwhelming support for the colonization and a result-ing petition for a new alumnae chapter in Columbia and the surrounding area.

Sigma T-shirts and buttons were distributed to Mizzou’s Greek community, and current Greek students were asked to initi-ate “Tri Sigma Tuesdays” and wear the shirts to notify the student body that we’ll see them in the fall.

• Sweet Treat Meet & Greet (May): Tetrick and Membership Coordinator Mandy Herbeck McGuire, Beta Xi, visited the campus to host an ice cream social for the officer teams of all the Mizzou chapters and their Greek Councils’ leader-ship boards. During the social they introduced the students to Sigma’s colonization methods and encouraged them to

become part of the process through positive word-of-mouth marketing and referrals.

Also in May, Director of Collegiate Chapter Services Lorin Phillips, Alpha Upsilon, and Alumnae Director Cara Luyster, Alpha Beta, conducted Alumnae Advisory Board training. We proudly have a full team of eager and fully-trained volunteers ready to welcome and guide our newest members. They include:

• Jane Hubbs, Mu, Colony Advisor• Julie Wilson Edgar,

Beta Xi, Scholarship Advisor• Barbara Ingrum Melson,

Mu, Recruitment Advisor• Stephanie Wade, Pi,

Essential Sigma Advisor• Julee Richey Sherman,

Alpha Epsilon, Financial Advisor• Paulette Reistad Strader,

Nu, Honor Council Advisor• Jessica Vargas, Eta Sigma,

Ritual Advisor

Additionally, for the first time, we plan to provide a full-time, on-campus Leadership Consultant for the colony. Angela David, Alpha Chi, a recent graduate of Murray State University, will be Mizzou’s Residential Leadership Consultant.

Something New is Coming to MiΣΣΣou!

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Mizzou’s formal recruitment will be Aug. 17-24. A team of National staff and volunteers, alumnae and collegians from our other chapters in Missouri will participate in open house socials so we can have the oppor-tunity to meet potential new members. We will then step back from the process until formal recruitment is fully completed, allowing interested women to further explore all of the sororities on campus and make the best decisions for themselves.

If at that time they haven’t made a pledge to join one of the cur-rent sororities, we will encour-age interested women and their friends to attend our colonization recruitment events to see if Tri Sigma is the Greek experience for them. We will recruit to the aver-age chapter size through our con-tinuous recruitment process, and those who will be invited to join

with us will become colony mem-bers having the opportunity to build our chapter at Mizzou. Our goal is to recruit freshmen through senior undergraduate women who value our principles and view themselves as trendsetters to build our legacy on campus. The oppor-tunities for immediate leadership experience, shared memories and lifelong friendships are endless.

We are eager to meet women during this process and share what makes Tri Sigma so excep-tional. If you know any women who are or will be attending Mizzou and whom you feel would be assets to our Sisterhood, we encourage you to visit www.sigmasigmasigma.org/pages/sss_collegians::MizzouColonization and fill out a Potential New Member Recommendation Form. For more information, please con-tact us at [email protected].

Mizzou’s Jesse Hall is home to the offices of admissions, financial aid, student affairs, and the University’s chancellor.

Sigma staff will develop a long-range technology plan, which will involve a needs analysis and upgrading and enhancing the Sorority’s Web site.

“People today want their infor-mation quickly, highly visible and easy to look at, something that catches their eyes and ears. So we need to project our national image in a uniform, current mode that will make everyone sit up and take notice,” says Chocheles. reaChING SuCCeSS Leaders say every member – colle-giate and alumnae – will need to do her part to help make the plan successful. This will involve contin-ually communicating the strategic plan to the membership, collegiate chapters and alumnae chapters.

The goal is to complete all of the focus areas by 2013. Several priorities will be completed during the Triennium.

“Strategic plans don’t stop and start; they build upon the suc-cesses achieved. I would anticipate that this plan will lead into new developments for the future,” says Deines.

Sweet admits the plan is compre-hensive but says it’s better to aim too high than too low.

“It will take each Sister, each chapter, each staff member and each volunteer!” she says. “Everyone wants what is best for Tri Sigma. We have a responsibility to the future to make this Sorority experience a meaningful part of the educational process and an enhancement to our lives.”

(Continued from page 11)


our leadership

the Leadership Consultant position is invaluable to our organization. It’s a professional position within the organization as well as an outstanding experience and year of learning. the position comes with great responsibility to develop and support our collegiate chapters, to deliver tough messages, and to represent our organization to collegiate members, advisors, and campus officials. many consultants have felt the job was “the toughest thing you’ll ever love.”

this year we would like to welcome four new empowered women to our National headquarters staff as the 2008-2009 Leadership Consultants. to see who is visiting your chapter, learn more about them, or apply to travel in 2009-2010, visit the Leadership Consultant section of the National Web site.

Tiffany Fay is from Louisville, KY, and spent the last four years at Murray State University. During her time there, she was involved in Kentucky Education Association, Regents Honor Society, Gamma Sigma Alpha and the Campus Activities Board. Fay served her chapter as Sisterhood Chair, Alumnae Relations Chair, Education Director and President.

In the spring of 2006, she was one of six members on a committee to create a program on hazing pre-vention and education for Murray

State University Panhellenic. The presentation contained information on what is considered hazing, role playing and case study analysis to understand hazing, methods to prevent hazing and alternate team building activities.

At Founders Day 2008, NPC Delegate Reatha Cole Cox, Alpha Zeta, presented Fay with the Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award for 2007-2008 for her lasting contribu-tion to both Alpha Chi and Sigma Sigma Sigma in the role she

assumed in their nationally recog-nized commitment to anti-hazing and Exceptional New Member pro-gram. She and others responded to Tri Sigma’s challenge to redirect the chapter to a stronger commit-ment to Sigma values. Fay, in a joint effort with the Vice President, wrote and implemented the New Member activities that are now included in Essential Sigma as Inspiration Week. Very few of us have the opportunity or abilities to impact Tri Sigma on a national level, but Fay has accomplished this very thing as an undergraduate.

Eventually she would love to teach any of the primary grades, but until then we welcome her contin-ued contributions to the National Organization as a Leadership Consultant. This summer, Fay plans to move back to Louisville and teach dance classes and hold another job, perhaps in the child care profession.

[email protected] 540.383.5626 Field of study: Elementary Education Birthday: September 29

tIFFaNy Fay Alpha Chi – Murray State University, Murray, KY

New Leadership Consultants Begin Their Year


Since joining in Fall 2005, Celinda Miranda has taken to heart the phrase, “To receive much, you must give much.” After serv-ing her campus community as an Orientation Leader, Resident Assistant and Assistant Director for Homecoming, she served her Greek community as Zeta Epsilon’s Vice President, Honor Council Chair, Parliamentarian and Ritual Chair, and then served as

Panhellenic Council Chief Justice and Panhellenic Council Extension Committee Co-Chair.

Miranda was a Tri Sigma Foundation 2007 Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) scholarship recipient, a UIFI 2008 intern, Order of Omega Initiate, and a member of Rho Lambda. She was also the FIU Relay for Life Hearty Laughs for Cancer Team Captain, Dance Marathon 2005

dancer, Dance Marathon 2006 Morale Captain, and FIU Relay for Life Team Captain.

She was inspired to give back to Tri Sigma after attending DLI in 2006. Those four days cemented her desire to be a Leadership Consultant, espe-cially after meeting the Sigmas who inspired her and worked with her chapter on a national level, includ-ing Amy Borne, Alpha Mu, Reatha Cox, Alpha Zeta, and Lorin Phillips, Alpha Upsilon. Miranda wants to bring a sense of fun and humor to the chapters and the collegians that she will work with, as well as patience, positivity and encourage-ment. Miranda said, “I hope that I can help my chapters grow bigger, better and stronger with proven ini-tiatives and strategies that will bring Tri Sigma into its next chapter.”

Emily McDonough joined Tri Sigma her sophomore year, spring 2006, after transferring from a small private college. Montclair State University, the second largest university in New Jersey with about 17,000 students, has about 35 Greek organiza-tions and social fellowships. She was the Alumnae Relations Chair, Community Service Chair, Parliamentarian, Public Relations

Chair and Secretary. She was a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the Communications Honors Society. McDonough’s proudest accom-plishment within Tri Sigma was a 15th anniversary celebration she put together for Zeta Kappa last September. She worked to invite alumnae and current members.

McDonough wanted to become an LC “because this organiza-tion has given so much to me,

not just something to do on a random Wednesday night, but a true family away from home.” Remembering that those who receive much must also give much, McDonough says, “I want to give back to Tri Sigma because I feel that it has allowed me to really become the person that I want to be: active, engaging and contribut-ing to an organization that is big-ger than my campus.”

McDonough says she believes it is always valuable to get an outside perspective because sometimes we are so close to a situation or prob-lem we can’t see what is really going on, but someone who is not directly involved in the situation can give a different perspective. She considers herself an “idea per-son” and hopes that she can bring her ideas to the chapters she visits.

[email protected] 540.383.5628 Field of study: Public Relations and Women’s Studies Birthday: March 2

[email protected] 540.383.5627 Field of study: Communication Studies and Public Relations Birthday: August 1

CeLINda mIraNda Zeta Epsilon – Florida International University, Miami, FL

emILy mCdoNouGh Zeta Kappa – Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ


Kelsi Wilcox is a 2007 gradu-ate of Clarion University with a bachelor’s in Secondary Education, English. Throughout her undergraduate years, she held many positions including Vice President, Secretary, Education Director, Community Service and Philanthropy chairs and Honor Council member. She also held the position of Secretary and Vice President of Committees on Panhellenic Council. Wilcox was a Student Senator and a member of Sigma Tau Delta (English Honor

Society). She has always been extensively involved with commu-nity service efforts, and she was a Clarion University Excellence in Service Award recipient four years in a row. She attended Impact, UIFI and NGLA conferences. Wilcox was the recipient of the Tri Sigma Foundation and Alpha Phi Omega scholarships and won the Greek Woman of the Year and Greek Senior awards.

“To receive much you must give much” is a quote Wilcox has applied to every aspect of her life

since joining Tri Sigma. Wilcox explained that “lasting friendships, leadership opportunities, lifelong commitment to service, program development skills, the ability to take on new challenges, network-ing skills … the list of what this organization has given me is endless.”

Wilcox was immediately interested in learning about the position when Leadership Consultant Jody Abdon visited Alpha Pi during her first semester as a Tri Sigma. She is looking forward to travel-ing, visiting different campuses and meeting new people with whom she already has a connec-tion. She looks forward to bring-ing her outgoing and energetic personality to this position while meeting collegiate members and striving to help collegiate chapters live up to their potential.

Executive Director Marcia Cutter reported, “It is with regret that the Executive Council voted to accept the petition of the members of Alpha Nu Chapter to suspend its charter, effective April 20, 2008.

“Undergraduate initiated members in good standing will be granted alumnae status and retain the rights and privileges of their life-time membership.

“Executive Council continually reviews campuses where dor-mant chapters exist,” Cutter said. “When conditions are appropriate

for our return, Sigma will actively seek the opportunity to become a productive and viable chapter at Southern Illinois University.”

Sherri Ballard, Alpha Nu, and the Chapter Advisor, reflected on the recent closing. “The request for removal of chapter charter was done by the chapter members. The decision was not made lightly nor instantly. There were no tragedies or any illegal activities. Alpha Nu had been on a difficult journey for the past few years. They made the graceful decision to request closure.

“I am proud of the things Alpha Nu has accomplished,” Ballard continued. “We know the rewards of giving much. I’ve never worried about risk management issues with this chapter. Yet struggling against declining membership and the resulting housing dilemma has drained the energy from those who fought to keep the ship sailing forward. We look forward to returning to Southern Illinois University when the time is right.”

[email protected] 540.383.5629 Field of study: Secondary Education, English Birthday: July 12

KeLSI WILCox Alpha Pi – Clarion University, PA

Alpha Nu Relinquishes Chapter Charter



WWhat a delight it was to be at Walton House on May 28 to begin the planning process for our new executive office complex. We hope the new office will provide appropriate office space for the Foundation and for Tri Sigma’s executive office functions. It will provide adequate meeting space for the Council, various boards and committees and Leadership Consultant training. The creation of this new space will also provide accessibility so the needs of Sisters of all ages and all physical abilities can be accommodated, including access to the living areas on the second floor.

We are still in the dreaming phase. Many issues will have to be decided as we go forward. Realistically, we could have this important project complete by the 50th anniversary of our purchase of Walton House.

In addition, it was a treat to see all of the wonderful work completed since my last visit to Walton House. The new storm windows have just the impact desired, and much improved energy efficiency. The Friendship Garden looks spectacular with new plantings of daylilies, a forest pansy redbud, a new Kousa Dogwood, and numerous hostas

and ferns. The landscaping sur-rounding the front entrance to the house looks wonderful as does the newly sown grass that accents our Sisterhood Walk. You won’t see all of this on the virtual tour now on the Web site, but you can make a virtual visit to Walton House any time you like, thanks to the work of Walton House Board member Pam Hall Hathaway, Gamma Beta, and Executive Director Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma.

As I was preparing this article, I thought of all the special times Tri Sigmas have experienced at Walton House. I asked several members of our Board and others to share a memory. Past National President Ann Buchler Williams, Gamma Eta, wrote: “The first time I went to Walton House I arrived in Woodstock from D.C. on a Greyhound bus to attend a National Officers conference in preparation for the 1973 leadership school. Walton House was full of Sigmas, crowded and happy, full of conversation and laughter. As a relatively new National Officer I knew few people, but right away I felt welcome and at home.”

“The rooms were full of Sigma Legends – Mabel Lee Walton, Helen Marie Snyder, Jane

Kinderman, Phyl McIntyre, Santy Dunham, Mary Hastings Page, Marilyn Carson, Mimi Hiner, Mary Barbee, and probably more – and I was there talking with them and being welcomed by them. We ate, we played, we learned, and we renewed our love for Tri Sigma. Walton House will always hold a special place in my heart because it is the spirit of our National Sisterhood and our heart home.”

Peggy Gamble wrote: “My first visit was in 1968, when I attended Convention in Roanoke as a colle-gian. We took buses from Roanoke to Woodstock with stops at Natural Bridge and Luray Caverns to space out the number of people at Walton House at any time. My only clear memory of that visit is meeting Mabel Lee Walton, who was sitting in a wheelchair in the drawing room receiving her guests.”

I have other memories I will share in upcoming articles, but if you have a special memory of Walton House, please e-mail it to me at [email protected], and I will include your story in future articles. As we approach our 50th anniversary, sharing all of the many wonderful Walton House stories of our Sisterhood will be fun.

Walton House Plans Take Shape

our leadership

By Inez Fridley, Gamma Beta, Chairman, Walton House Board


Who’s Who at National Headquarters

our leadership

From sending in reports and dues to just picking up the phone to ask a question, most Sigma women have become familiar with the address, phone number or e-mail address of our National headquarters. have you ever wondered to whom you are talking to when you call National headquarters? What exactly do they do? here’s an inside look at the women who help Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority to thrive.

NatIoNaL headquarterS 225 N. muhlenberg St. | Woodstock, Va 22664

Phone: 540.459.4212 | Fax: 540.459.2316 | e-mail: [email protected]

marcia Cutter, Executive Director Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma, serves as our Executive Director. She develops strategies that sup-port, expand, sustain and pro-

mote membership growth. She develops and refines leadership, educational and Sisterhood opportunities for Tri Sigma women. Cutter also creates alternative revenue streams and enhances our current financial position and is active in the execution of the strategic planning process. She serves as property manager for Mabel Lee Walton House and as the executive man-ager for National Headquarters.

E-mail: [email protected] Extension: #205

Jodie rudolph, Bookkeeper Have questions about taxes, balances and fees? Jodie can help! Jodie Rudolph is our National Bookkeeper. She helps chapters with taxes and their

chapter tax ID number. She can provide information and help in understanding outstanding balances, collecting new member fees, badge orders and initia-tion fees. she processes Annual National Collegiate Dues and insurances fees and oversees all phases of the jewelry operation.


teresa Shoemaker, Accountant Teresa Shoemaker can address your accounting questions and concerns. She processes CCF loans/withdrawals, National

Officer Travel Reimbursements, loyalty loans, accounts payable and payroll.

Email: [email protected] Extension: #207

Christina Smithhisler, Director of Programs Chris Smithhisler, Iota Alpha, is the newest member of the National Headquarters team. Smithhisler was named Director of Programs in April.

She is responsible for the development and execution of leadership programs. She not only works to build and grow existing programs but also to create new and innovative programs for collegians and alumnae.

E-mail: [email protected] 317.769.5109


Jessica Jett, Alumnae Membership Coordinator Jessica Jett works to make sure we stay in contact with our alumnae by making directory updates and maintaining alum-

nae chapter rosters. She also maintains the National Officer Roster and processes AAB and National Officer appointments. She answers new alumnae chapter inquiries and responds to alumnae procedure questions or inquiries about chapter locations. Jessica runs ZIP code/address requests, alumnae listings and geographical printouts. She assists with collegiate expansion efforts and formats Golden Glimpses, Alumnae Newsletter and other National publications. Jett also processes Golden Violets.


margaret Fields, Office Manager & Technical Coordinator Margaret Fields, Alpha Upsilon, is the queen of reports! She processes Scholarship Reports;

maintains collegiate chapter size statistics and recruit-ment statistics; and processes terminations, inactive status requests, and fifth-year senior requests. She also manages DLI/Convention/VLI registration.


dianna Jett, Collegiate Membership Coordinator Dianna Jett, Alpha Upsilon, can answer your questions on new member forms (P-109, P-106, and P-107), National test scores

(P-115), initiation clearance, initiation numbers, badge orders (T-8), member transfer information, depledge information, terminations and membership statistics, chapter roster changes, and Alumnae Initiates (AR-4). She also assists the Risk Management Director by sending Chapter Supervision Program letters.

Email: [email protected] Extension: #201

Lorin Phillips, Director of Chapter Services Lorin Phillips, Alpha Upsilon, works with collegiate chapters to answer questions on Honor Council, Chapter Accreditation and other programs. She oversees

Leadership Consultants, Regional Directors, Accreditation Mentors and Accreditation Advisory Committee. Phillips resolves Leadership Consultant visit issues, concerns and travel requests. She assists with questions about most facets of col-legiate chapter operations (finances, recruitment, Panhellenic, chairman and officer responsibilities, etc.) and policies; con-ducts Risk Management investigations; produces collegiate chapter resources and a variety of projects to benefit chapter development (If you have suggestions, let her know); and over-sees Collegiate Chapter Reporting.

E-mail: [email protected] Home Office Phone: 765.282.5097

amy borne and aimee Jensen, Regional Directors Amy Borne (above), Gamma Pi, and Aimee Jensen (below), Eta Iota, serve as Regional Directors. These positions are critical in the overall health and develop-ment of the collegiate chapters and colo-nies. Both women serve as the primary contact for 20 to 23 assigned chapters and/or colonies. They each oversee the general operations of their designated chapters/colonies.

Amy Borne’s Contact Information E-mail: [email protected] Home Office Phone: 225.275.3145

Aimee Jensen’s Contact Information E-mail: [email protected] Home Office: 330-940-3171

I like the fact that every day is different. I also love the people I work with (both in the office and the volunteers).

— Margaret Fields, Alpha Upsilon Office Manager and Technical Coordinator

Summer 2008 | T h e T r i a n g l e

theresa taylor, Director of Distribution Theresa Taylor, Alpha Upsilon, can address questions about supplies needed and mail, received

or sent. She coordinates timing and shipping of materials and supplies to Conventions, presentations, installations, AABs, National Officers, and collegiate chapters (bid cards, New Member Pins, “Songs Sigma Sing,” “A Century of Sisterhood,” etc.). She catalogs and completes work orders including printing and distribution, distributes reports and publications (records dates received). She also coordinates sending recognition pins and the accompanying documents to longtime members.


Kim Guinn, Distribution Assistant Kim Guinn, Alpha Upsilon, helps to make sure people receive the information they need. She processes

address changes and sends new member welcome packets and new alumnae packets. She also coordinates National Officer and Executive Council conference calls, distributes Leadership Consultant visit information, and files visit reports and academic information. She also processes C202s, alumnae dues and Omega Chapter members.


Kate Gaston and amy Keith, GOLD Development Officers and Alumnae Development Coordinators Kate Gaston, Alpha Chi, and Amy Keith, Beta Xi, work for the National Organization as Alumnae Development Coordinators as well as visit alumnae, particularly those younger than 40, to secure five-year pledges to the Foundation. As Alumnae

Development Coordinators, they also work with the National Organization’s Alumnae Department to identify volunteers, visit alumnae chapters and establish new chapters.

Kate’s e-mail: [email protected] Amy’s e-mail: [email protected]

Nancy Craig, Executive Director of the Foundation Nancy Craig is responsible for the development of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation and communication between the

Foundation and Tri Sigma members. She also over-sees Foundation Board relations.

E-mail: [email protected]

Nancy benedict, Director of Philanthropic Programs Nancy Benedict can answer any question on Foundation, RPM, fundraising, philanthropy, nonprofit letters, scholarship

applications, scholarship due dates, scholarships available, member giving, matching employer dona-tions, honors and memorials.


SIGma SIGma SIGma FouNdatIoN

As a member I like Tri Sigma for what it stands for and for the way it cares for its members.

— Kim Guinn, Alpha Upsilon Distribution Assistant


T


This spring, Tri Sigma’s leadership decided to bring an additional resource to our new colonies by hiring a Residential Leadership Consultant who will live on the sites of newly established colonies/chapters and serve as a lead facilita-tor of colony programming and development.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, we welcome Angela David (top photo) to our team, working with the Mizzou colony. David, Alpha Chi, recently earned a B.A. in organizational communication at Murray State University where she was the Historian and co-chair of Alpha Chi’s Ultimate Frisbee phi-lanthropy event. David also served as a Resident Advisor, Summer Orientation Counselor, Senator for Student Government Association and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society, and was on the Dean’s List.

“I wanted to be a Residential Leadership Consultant because I love Sigma and want to give back to the organization and help devel-op a wonderful colony at University of Missouri, Columbia,” she said. “I am looking forward to the new members, traditions, and experienc-es at Mizzou.” During her free time she enjoys scrapbooking, crochet-ing and photography. She aspires to obtain her master’s and doctoral degrees in communications and become published within commu-nication research or create her own special event planning company serving underprivileged children.

For the past two years, Aimee Jensen, Eta Iota, and Amy Borne, Gamma Pi, serving as Regional Directors, have been working with approximately 23 chapters each. The Regional Director is critical in the overall health and development of the collegiate chapter/colony. She serves as the primary contact for assigned chapters/colonies and oversees the general operations. Regional Directors also work with a team of volunteers (Regional Support Teams) to provide guidance and support to chapters in all areas: Panhellenic, recruitment, financial, accreditation, chapter operations and AAB development.

This fall and next spring, the north-east chapters will begin to work with our new Regional Director Randi Simon Pillion (lower photo), Delta Nu. Pillon graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 2004. As an undergraduate, she served as the Membership/Recruitment Director. As an alumna, Pillon has continued to serve Tri Sigma as a Chapter Advisor for Eta Xi. Pillon comes to our National Headquarters staff with experience in business, education, and Human Resources. Outside of work and Tri Sigma, Pillon loves to cook and really loves rock climbing and high ropes courses. At one time she was a certi-fied instructor and enjoys helping people conquer their fears while climbing.

Pillon said, “I want to ensure that women are given the same oppor-tunities and advantages that I had. I feel that when you have a strong Sorority experience you can go out

into the world knowing that there is always a net behind you to catch you when necessary.”

This year, Pillon will begin working directly with our Epsilon Chi, Epsilon Lambda, Epsilon Psi, Epsilon Upsilon, Eta Nu, Zeta Alpha, Zeta Delta, Zeta Kappa, Zeta Omicron, Zeta Rho, and Zeta Upsilon Chapters. Additionally, she will be assisting the National AAB Recruiter in the northeast.

We’re looking forward to a great year with the support of four Leadership Consultants, one Residential Leadership Consultant, three Regional Directors, and all of our wonderful and important volun-teers who serve as National Officers, Alumnae Advisory Boards members, and Housing Corporation members.

New Collegiate Services Staff Members

Summer 2008 | T h e T r i a n g l e

STwo Foundation Board members retire

Six years ago, Marie Schrag Beck, Beta Upsilon, and Susie Fink Kuhn, Beta Gamma, met each other for the first time. They were attending their first Foundation Board meet-ing in North Carolina.

Each had taken a different path to the meeting. Beck, an active volunteer and longtime member of the Dallas Alumnae Chapter (and now the Sarasota-Manatee Counties Alumnae Chapter) is a successful professional. With a bachelor’s degree in business from Penn State, and master’s degree and Ph.D from other universities, she works as an executive coach and human resources expert. She brought her knowledge of the complicated personnel services field to the Board, as well as her per-spective as a member from large collegiate and alumnae chapters.

Kuhn, vice principal of a K-8 school in Carmel, IN, is a seasoned Tri Sigma volunteer. She’s served on Executive Council as Alumnae Vice President and given countless hours in the Alumnae Department. Kuhn knows the history of the Sorority from a leadership perspec-tive and also as a member of both the Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter. Her skills as an administrator who works daily with different person-alities are an asset to the Board.

“When we came together in North Carolina for the first time,” says Kuhn, “I didn’t know what to expect. The Foundation Board was very different from Council. The Board has no specifically assigned responsibilities as Council members do. There, I knew I was respon-sible for managing the alumnae program of Tri Sigma. On the Foundation Board, I understood that all of us have to help with fundraising, but I wasn’t sure what else might be involved.”

Kuhn quickly learned that the Foundation Board was responsible for raising money, particularly for leadership programs developed by the National Organization, and always challenged itself by setting higher and higher goals. “I could see that the more money we raised,

the more programs we could offer to our members,” she says.

She also found a particular niche in Foundation fundraising that appealed to her. “I noticed that we had many scholarships that were not endowed. It’s important that we work to endow these scholarships that honor special women,” she says.

(If a Foundation scholarship fund reaches the $25,000 endowment level, an annual scholarship can be offered to a Tri Sigma member; scholarship funds less than this amount produce an award only every three years.)

Kuhn became responsible for finding committees to work on scholarship endowments. First, the Ann Williams Scholarship, honor-


Marie Beck, left, Beta Upsilon, of Tampa, FL, loves traveling with longtime friend Bonnie Rainey, Alpha Sigma, who lives in Dallas.

our foundation

By Nancy Craig, Foundation Executive Director


ing former National President and Foundation Chairman Ann Buchler Williams, Gamma Eta, reached $25,000 after a committee headed by Sandra Peyton Thayer, Beta Gamma, conducted a campaign.

At the same time, the Epsilon Xi Scholarship, in honor of the closed Indiana University chapter, neared the endowment level, as Heather Mergler Mitchell and Kaki Eads Garard, both Epsilon Xi, worked on this fund. “We’re only $2,000 away from endowing this fund,” Kuhn says. “It will happen in the next two or three years because of the committee’s commitment.”

This year Joyce Newcom O’Daniel, Alpha Chi, and Maryellen Drasler Baxter, Beta Kappa, begin their campaign to endow the Gertrude Lawrence Ledford Scholarship. Ledford, a member of Pi Chapter and charter member of the Topeka Alumnae Chapter, was a dedicated member of the Phoenix Alumnae Chapter for more than 40 years, holding many offices and working with the Beta Kappa Chapter at Arizona State.

Kuhn says, “Even though I am leaving the Foundation Board, I plan to continue to work with local committees to endow several more scholarships. It’s become my passion; I want us to be able to offer annual awards in the name of women who made such a difference to Tri Sigma.”

On the Board, Kuhn served three terms as Chairman of the Foundation. She presently heads the Development Committee.

Beck’s work on the Board duplicated her professional expertise. As a human resources expert, she headed the Human Services Committee, with Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi; Lee McIntyre, Epsilon Upsilon; and Jane Walsh Seiboldt, Beta Mu. The committee accomplished much during Marie’s chairman-ship: development of a Board orientation program, expansion of staff benefits, writing Board and staff job descriptions, development of new personnel policies, review of Bylaws, and creation of a Board Expectation Statement, Board Assessment tool and Board Exit Interview.

Beck, who served as Foundation Board Secretary, also worked with the Board Executive Committee to help find ways to increase Board productivity and committee effectiveness.

Both Beck and Kuhn intend to participate actively in Foundation committees after they leave the Board. Their two three-year terms have “hooked us,” Kuhn says. “We understand the impor-tance of Foundation growth to support Sigma’s mission, and we’ll help spread the word to Sigma’s nearly 60,000 members: There’s no better place for their philanthropic dollars.”

Sigma certainly contributed to my development as a collegian and an alumna, so I want to continue to give back to the organization and help my Sigma Sisters grow into strong leaders.

— Marie Schrag Beck, Beta Upsilon

Amber Renee Adkins, Eta Xi, Ursinus College

Nicole Renee Argo, Nu, University of Central Missouri

Catherine Elizabeth Grace Birdsey, Alpha Rho, Lock Haven

University of Pennsylvania

Megan Leigh Black, Alpha Chi, Murray State University

Emily Nada Bogovic, Zeta Rho, Johnson & Wales University

Ryann Michelle Buckman, Zeta Mu, University of Alaska Fairbanks

Cassie Marie Burgin, Alpha Chi, Murray State University

Keara Marie Chestney, Beta Theta, University of Pittsburgh

Jessica Lyn Christian, Eta Rho, Armstrong Atlantic State University

Jessica Ann Cichy, Epsilon Rho, Minnesota State

University Mankato

Nina Marie Cook, Epsilon Mu, Rowan University

Tricia Marie Eichorn, Delta Pi, Winthrop University

Melissa Rae Elderton, Eta Sigma, Culver-Stockton College

Nicole Renee Eshenaur, Alpha Rho, Lock Haven University

of Pennsylvania

Brittany Nicole Forshay, Epsilon Phi, University of NC Wilmington

Rebecca Kathleen Griffin, Zeta Lambda, Wingate University

Taryn Alexis Hamill, Eta Eta, Lynn University

Emilie Mae Hannon, Omicron, Eastern Michigan University

Kathryn Elizabeth Hanus, Eta Sigma, Culver-Stockton College

Stephanie Marie Harms, Eta Upsilon, Lynchburg College

Leslie A. Harris, Eta Upsilon, Lynchburg College

Sara Beth Howard, Gamma Psi, Morehead State University

Mary Grace Hubley, Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University

Emily Christine Johnston, Eta Sigma, Culver-Stockton College

Michelle Lynn Jones, Alpha Chi, Murray State University

Stephanie Elise Kerkaert, Epsilon Rho, Minnesota State

University Mankato

Katie E. Kestle, Alpha Theta, Radford University

Stephanie Rae Krebs, Gamma Lambda, University

of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Monica Ann Lange, Gamma Xi, Barton College

Rachel Marie Latz, Epsilon Omicron, Illinois State University

Joann Elizabeth Laws, Alpha Upsilon, James Madison University

Korina Sames LeClerc, Zeta Mu, University of Alaska-Fairbanks

Traci Lynn Martin, Gamma Mu, Southeastern Louisiana University

Kate Samantha Merrell, Alpha Omicron, University

of Central Arkansas

Jessica Marie Morgan, Eta Pi, Metro State College of Denver

Jamie Lynn Mose, Alpha Omicron, University of Central Arkansas

Ashley Rose Nolan, Alpha Psi, Eastern Illinois University

Jamie Nicole Pence, Alpha Psi, Eastern Illinois University

Jessica Andrews Pitcher, Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University

Brianne Wanda Ryan, Gamma Beta, East Carolina University

Hannah Beth Salter, Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University

Kelsey Rae Savre, Eta Theta, Gustavus Adolphus College

Anna Louise Schick, Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University

Emily Ann Scott, Alpha Chi, Murray State University

Danielle Elizabeth Seal, Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University

Heather Lynne Sears, Eta Eta, Lynn University

Colleen Marie Shanahan, Epsilon Tau, Saint Leo University

Sara Ann Sharrer, Eta Eta, Lynn University

Paige Elizabeth Solomone, Gamma Beta, East Carolina University

Ashley Heather Spada, Epsilon Mu, Rowan University

Katie Rebecca Starr, Alpha Epsilon, NW Missouri State University

Kristen Marie Stevenson, Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University

Samantha Robyn Straube, Zeta Lambda, Wingate University

Christine Renee Taylor, Epsilon Omicron, Illinois State University

Amanda Lynn White, Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University

Christina Anne Yingling, Alpha Rho, Lock Haven

University of Pennsylvania

Scholarship Ring Recipients 2007-2008



Lour collegians

AccreditLambda – Indiana university of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pa Lambda Chapter went through its rebuilding program last year. With the help of the Leadership Consultants and the National Organization, the chapter is proud to announce that it is Accredited with Honors. Each officer par-ticipated in the Officer Training Transition Program, which was very useful and helped each to better uphold the ideals of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Nu – university of Central missouri, Warrensburg, mo Nu Chapter participated in a multicultural program, a wellness program and a study skills pro-gram, and Sisters honored their financial obligations by paying on time. All of these achievements helped the chapter move forward to become Accredited with Honors once more.

PI – emporia State university, emporia, KS Pi Chapter achieved the status of Accredited with Honors last year and is trying to achieve that status again. To achieve this goal, the chapter kept up with its CBMs and encouraged members to be involved in campus activities

and community service events. Pi Chapter became more involved in Panhellenic Association by holding leadership positions, including Public Relations Chair and Activities Chair.

ChI – Pittsburg State university, Pittsburg, KS Attending programs on alcohol abuse, safe spring break, and health and wellness helped Chi Chapter gain Accredited with Honors status. Many Sisters hold executive and officer positions for other organizations, and they meet with their Greek Advisor once a month. Chi Chapter effectively implement-ed and utilized its Honor Council.

aLPha ePSILoN – Northwest missouri State university, maryville, mo The chapter is close to complet-ing all honor standards for the category of member development and educational programming. To help with this, the chapter attended numerous presentations on drunken driving, human dignity and multicultural awareness. At the Alpha Epsilon Chapter retreat, members participated in various programs to fit the specific needs of the chapter and par-ticipated in various teambuilding/Sisterhood activities.

Where

For this issue of The

Triangle, we asked chapters

to let us know how they

are working to achieve a

status of accredited or accredited with honors. Chapters also shared their

experiences with the pilot

of the Officer Training and

Transition program which

took place last November

through January.

is Due


aLPha Zeta – Northwestern State university, Natchitoches, La To reach Accredited with Honors status, Alpha Zeta completed tasks through chapter development, educational programming and social events. Alpha Zeta partici-pated in the pilot program for Officer Training and Transition. Having the outgoing officers there and having a National guide to follow helped the new officers learn important information to ensure a successful year.

aLPha theta – radford university, radford, Va Alpha Theta participated in the pilot of Officer Training and Transition and found teambuilding exercises helped the officers to form the bond needed to work together as a team. The chapter worked to achieve a sta-tus of Accredited with Honors by staying current with finances, meeting quota and using educa-tional programming.

aLPha xI – university of Wisconsin - Whitewater, Whitewater, WI By working hard, Alpha Xi achieved Accredited with Honors status. They held recruitment edu-cation programs to inform mem-bers about the rules and methods, had educational programs on the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation, and co-sponsored a program on alcohol and other drugs.

aLPha omICroN – university of Central arkansas, Conway, ar The former UCA Colony achieved its goal of installation, which took place the weekend of April 11. The women raised their member standards and reached a mem-bership total of 70 Sisters by meeting with recruitment groups weekly and hosting meet-n-greets throughout the semester. To build their new Sisterhood, women helped organize a cake walk with other Greeks on campus for tor-nado relief victims in Clinton, AR.

Sisters from the Alpha Epsilon Chapter gather with National President Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma, at the Mid-American Greek Council Association Conference in Chicago. Pictured (from left): Melissa Sides, Laura Sweet, Amy Circello, and Lindsey Avitt.

Soldiers in Afghanistan display a banner sent to them from Alpha Theta.


aLPha PI – Clarion university of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pa Alpha Pi urged each member to take responsibility for the chapter’s Accreditation status. Members were encouraged to take on leadership positions and other responsibilities. The chapter renews its vows each spring as a sign of a new beginning. The Officer Training and Transition program helped the new officers make the transition better, and the chapter hopes to continue using it in the future.

aLPha uPSILoN – James madison university, harrisonburg, Va On the campus of James Madison University, Alpha Upsilon Chapter attended the Officer Training and

Transition program. Members worked alongside the officers of other chapters to further develop their leadership skills, and par-ticipated in several different workshops. The chapter was very receptive to the fresh perspective the new officers had for the future and to the positive direction the chapter is heading.

beta theta – university of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa Working to obtain a status of Accredited, the Sisters of Beta Theta had a variety of activities that helped bring them together. They reached maximum capac-ity in the chapter house and sent out their first alumnae newslet-ter. All Sisters who hold chair and executive positions participated

in the pilot Officer Training and Transition program and found it beneficial.

beta tau – university of detroit mercy, detroit, mI To achieve a status of Accredited with Honors, Beta Tau is striving to reach optimum membership and working toward improving efficiency. Chapter officers partici-pated in the Officer Training and Transition program and completed all the requirements.

beta uPSILoN – Pennsylvania State university, university Park, Pa Beta Upsilon Chapter worked to reach Accreditation by hosting programs on alcohol and sub-stance abuse and planning

Alpha Mu Sisters celebrate Valentine’s Day by delivering cards to a nursing home. Pictured (from left): Rebecca DeMaria, Michelle Tuminello, Madison Maher, Lindsey Sells, Cecilia Thoulion and Alana Sonnier.


its annual philanthropic event, Sigma Dodge Ball Tournament. The chapter participated in the Officer Training and Transition Program, which proved to be very successful as it encouraged team-work and leadership skills.

Gamma mu – Southeastern Louisiana university, hammond, La Spring semester, Gamma Mu posted a checklist of accredita-tion standards and reviewed it each week. This list helped the chapter submit its annual budget on time, hold monthly CBMs, and follow parliamentary procedure. The women also had a complete Ritual closet. More than half of the chapter was involved in other organizations on campus and in the community, and members attended the Greek Forum, a leadership development program on Southeastern’s campus.

deLta theta – university of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC In the process of achieving Accreditation, Delta Theta raised money for the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. Sisters participated in and hosted different forums for Greek Week and attended many NPHC forums to learn more about Greek unity and the Black Greek community.

deLta omICroN – Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa Delta Omicron Chapter reviewed the requirements for Accreditation on a monthly basis to meet all the requirements in a timely and man-ageable manner. This was accom-plished by having each officer maintain an updated list of the

requirements that fall under her position. They found the Officer Training and Transition program to be extremely helpful in regard to hearing other chapters’ ques-tions and situations.

deLta ChI – university of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va Officers in Delta Chi partici-pated in the Officer Training and Transition program, which was extremely valuable. It helped the officers better assess goals for the chapter and clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each officer’s position.

ePSILoN deLta – Gannon university, erie, Pa For the second year in a row, Epsilon Delta worked toward Accredited with Honors status. The officer team kept an outline of each accreditation item with the plans to achieve it. It was updated regularly with the help of the chapter and the rest of the officer team.

ePSILoN eta – east Stroudsburg university, east Stroudsburg, Pa Epsilon Eta spent many hours doing community service, includ-ing fostering five kittens for their local SPCA and fundraising for the March of Dimes. The chapter orga-nized fundraisers for the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation and established goals of raising mem-bers’ GPA and becoming more involved with the community.

ePSILoN KaPPa – university of Wisconsin oshkosh, oshkosh, WI Strong involvement on Panhellenic helped Epsilon Kappa Chapter reach its goal to become Accredited with Honors. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Greek Advisor implemented cam-pus accreditation and provided many programming opportunities spring semester, including topics on leadership, alcohol aware-ness and safety. The chapter also has two members serving on the Executive Board of Panhellenic.

Epsilon Chi Sisters wrap up their 48th hour at their annual teeter-totter-a-thon philanthropy fundraiser.


ePSILoN Nu – university of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC Epsilon Nu Chapter worked on recruitment through chapter work-shops to achieve Accreditation. The chapter hosted a Leadership Consultant who helped focus on ways to make the chapter stronger. The chapter worked to promote Greek unity by participat-ing in philanthropic events held by other Greek organizations.

ePSILoN omICroN – Illinois State university, Normal, IL With the help of chapter officers, Epsilon Omicron reached 102 percent efficiency in March, and helped meet the alumnae stan-dard through its Founders Day celebration. Epsilon Omicron worked on a philanthropic event, Spring Swing and Flapjack Attack, to raise money for the Tri Sigma Foundation.

ePSILoN SIGma – Virginia Commonwealth university, richmond, Va The chapter adopted the educa-tion folder to meet its biggest challenge in working toward Accreditation. The chapter used the techniques to ensure that grades were being improved.

The chapter worked with Greek advisors and Panhellenic to ensure it met all requirements through the school.

ePSILoN tau – Saint Leo university, Saint Leo, FL Education was a front-runner for things the chapter wanted to achieve for Accreditation. The Sisters took advantage of the study hours implemented and were quite pleased with the outcome. The chapter put a lot of effort into programs and fundrais-ing this year and worked to meet and surpass those goals.

ePSILoN uPSILoN – marist College, Poughkeepsie, Ny Community service and philan-thropy were the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter’s focus this year, allow-ing the chapter to achieve Accreditation with Honors. The chapter raised money for Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation and cleaned the road next to the Marist campus for its annual participation in the Adopt-a-Highway program. With the two other sororities on campus, Sisters donated old prom dresses, shoes and accessories to Cinderella’s Closet.

Amanda Lachs, Sara Joy Hernandez, Shiham Collegial, and Andrea Malave, Zeta Epsilon, are participating in Relay for Life with their food stand.

Accreditation

Chapter Accreditation, established in 2004,

provides a foundation for empowering our

members to improve the quality of their

Tri Sigma experience. The goal is to develop

a plan that brings together the appropriate

resources to support the successful and

ongoing growth and development of chapter

and members. The standards for colony and chap-

ter performance are rooted in the Sorority’s core

values. Guidelines for performance are outlined

for membership selection, financial stability, Ritual

and values, Sisterhood and group life, campus

and chapter leadership, membership development,

philanthropy, scholarship, chapter organization,

and Panhellenic participation. Congratulations

to the following chapters who were either

Accredited with Honors or Accredited in 2007.

Lambda

Mu

Nu

Pi

Chi

Psi

Alpha Alpha

Alpha Beta

Alpha Epsilon

Alpha Zeta

Alpha Theta

Alpha Iota

Alpha Xi

Alpha Phi

Alpha Chi

Alpha Psi

Beta Delta

Beta Epsilon

Beta Xi

Beta Pi

Gamma Beta

Gamma Xi

Gamma Pi

Gamma Rho

Gamma Phi

Gamma Psi

Delta Delta

Delta Chi

Delta Psi

Epsilon Delta

Epsilon Epsilon

Epsilon Zeta

Epsilon Iota

Epsilon Mu

Epsilon Nu

Epsilon Rho

Epsilon Upsilon

Epsilon Phi

Epsilon Chi

Epsilon Psi

Zeta Epsilon

Zeta Eta

Zeta Theta

Zeta Kappa

Zeta Lambda

Zeta Mu

Zeta Pi

Zeta Rho

Eta Theta

Eta Kappa

Eta Pi

Eta Rho

Eta Sigma

Delta Omicron

Delta Pi

Epsilon Alpha

Epsilon Eta

Zeta Alpha

Zeta Upsilon

Zeta Chi

Eta Alpha

Eta Iota

Eta Xi

Eta Omicron

~aCCredIted ~

~aCCredIted WIth hoNorS ~


ePSILoN PhI – university of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC Epsilon Phi attended “Take Back the Night” and held a CBM at least once a month. Also, they participated in Up ’til Dawn to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital and attained 100 percent initiation in Spring 2008.

Zeta deLta – State university of New york College at oneonta, oneonta, Ny The members of Zeta Delta are working hard to earn Accredited with Honors status. They partici-pated in many local fundraisers and dedicated much time to improving their chapter. Sisters also participated in “Into the Streets” for which campus organizations volunteered an entire day to help the city of Oneonta and its citizens.

Zeta ePSILoN – Florida International university, miami, FL Zeta Epsilon found the detailed discussion of each officer’s position in the Officer Training Program to be very effective. The Social and Risk Management Chairs benefitted from the social event tutorial and achieved over 90 percent accuracy on the post-assessment. In their quest to main-tain their accreditation status, Zeta Epsilon members completed all of their educational program require-ments, including a program on the importance of living the Ritual on a daily basis

Zeta mu – university of alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, aK The chapter’s focus has been on Sisterhood, recruitment, com-munity service, and events to help

Zeta Mu reach Accreditation. The Officer Training and Transition program was effective, as it enabled the new officers to bet-ter balance school, family, and Tri Sigma officer responsibilities.

Zeta omICroN – Seton hall university, South orange, NJ Zeta Omicron is particularly proud of its focus on community service and volunteer efforts to reach Accreditation. The chapter par-ticipated in the ARC Valentine’s Day Party held on campus where chapter members spent the night dancing with adults with special needs. They also worked with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and the American Cancer Society.

Zeta PSI – the College of New Jersey, ewing, NJ The most beneficial parts of the Officer Training and Transition for Zeta Psi were the bonding that took place among the new offi-cers and the discussion of goals and hopes for the chapter. Action plans were developed for achiev-

ing these goals, and they saw their hard work pay off. The chapter improved efficiency and recruit-ment strategies.

eta xI – ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa Sisters of Eta Xi worked hard to boost community service by partic-ipating in Ursinus College’s Relay for Life. The chapter worked to meet recruitment goals and initi-ated 20 new Sisters in the spring.

eta PI – metropolitan State College of denver, denver, Co Eta Pi worked hard this past spring to maintain the status of Accredited with Honors. By partici-pating in the pilot of the Officer Training Program, the incoming officers were able to support the chapter in setting a strong and positive tone for 2008. Eta Pi start-ed the year with clear goals and an exciting calendar for the spring semester. The chapter reached out to local alumnae, planning and hosting a Ritual education program for the Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter.

Sisters Erin Harty, Julianne Houghton, and Christal Moniga, Zeta Upsilon, entertain students at a Greek Council fundraiser, Midnight Munchies.


our alumnae

aLaSKaAnchorage Alumnae Chapter President Amber Stout, Eta Zeta, recently took some time off from teaching to travel to Belize and Guatemala. After surviving a journey of more than 4,000 miles in a cramped airplane, she stretched her legs by climbing some of the ancient Mayan ruins at Lamanai (Mayan for “Submerged Crocodile”), such as the High Temple, pictured at left.

arIZoNaSisters of the Tucson Sunshine Alumnae Chapter participated in “The Farmville Four” tea given by the women of Zeta Tau Alpha. The Farmville Four refers to the four national sororities founded at Longwood College in Virginia: Kappa Delta, Oct. 23, 1897; Sigma Sigma Sigma, April 20, 1898; Zeta Tau Alpha, Oct. 15, 1898; and Alpha Sigma Alpha, Nov. 15, 1901. Each sorority presented a brief history of its founding at Farmville.

Summer Alumna NotesServing children and enjoying each other’s company – Summer is a good time to be a Sigma Sister.


CaLIForNIaThe Inland Empire Alumnae Chapter honored charter mem-ber Jo Ann Estes Coble, Iota, with a Golden Violet Award. Coble generously volunteers in numerous community activities and is the chapter’s Panhellenic Representative. In honor of Founders Day, alumna initiate can-didate Natalie Thompson created a cake in the shape of the Tri Sigma badge. Thompson is a culinary arts graduate and enjoys creating imaginative desserts.

FLorIdaPinellas County Alumnae Chapter member Margy Merryman Kincaid, Beta Phi, shared her love of quilting as part of a recent chapter pro-gram. Other members have dem-onstrated their talents the past few years: an artist, who had just pub-lished her first book, talked about the color blue in art; a bead jewelry creator helped members construct Sigma bracelets; and a ballroom dance competitor performed with her studio partner. It was interest-ing to learn more about its Sisters’ interests. At each meeting, differ-ent paper goods or school supplies are collected for a local school system’s assistance team for homeless students.

ILLINoISIn keeping with Tri Sigma’s philan-thropy, “Sigma Serves Children,” members of the Chicago SW Suburban Alumnae Chapter donated gift cards to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The gift cards will help offset everyday living expenses of families with children at St. Jude. The Chapter also donated stuffed animals and Dr. Seuss books to Children’s

The Charlotte/Rock Hill Area Alumnae celebrated Founders Day with Delta Pi and Zeta Lambda with an array of desserts,

tea, and lemonade. It was a time to reflect on the Sorority’s history and a great networking event for the members.

The Baton Rouge Alumnae Chapter at a Founders Day luncheon at Capital City Grill. From left: Diane Vickers, Gamma Mu; Alida Bishop Casey, Alpha Zeta; Amy

Borne, Gamma Pi; Shannon Cortez and Tuesdai Belle, Gamma Mu.


Sisters of the Tucson Sunshine Alumnae Chapter at the Farmville Four tea. From left: Dorothy Owens Thomason, Alpha Psi; Kathryn Cortner Smith, Iota; Henrietta

Zinn Hallaq, Beta Xi; and Deborah Green Johnson, Nu.

Memorial Hospital in Chicago. The stuffed animals and books will be given to patients during their hospital stays or placed in the children’s play rooms.

LouISIaNaThe Baton Rouge Alumnae Chapter held a Founders Day luncheon at Capital City Grill to celebrate 110 years of Sisterhood. The alumnae chapter was chartered Sept. 21, 1966. All Tri Sigmas in the Baton Rouge area are welcome to join. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

mIChIGaNThe Detroit Metro (formerly Oakland County) Alumnae Chapter members attended the Michigan State Day in Grand Rapids. Jan Horner, Beta Xi and Foundation Chair, spoke on lifetime commitment, and Tricia Woolfenden, daughter of Sara Wilson Woolfenden, Gamma Delta, spoke on Sisterhood at various avenues in life. Lois Hansen-Hjelle, Alpha Phi, was recognized as Outstanding Alumna for the Region.

North CaroLINaThe Eastern North Carolina Alumnae Chapter is in the pro-cess of re-establishing its chapter. President Chanel Smith, Gamma Xi, is pleased about all the help the chapter has been receiving from past officers, Sisters and National Officers. On behalf of the chapter, she wants to thank everyone for all their support!

Sisters from the Metro Detroit Area Alumnae Chapter celebrated Founders Day. From left: Kristine Trewyn Plotinski, Beta Tau; Mary Bussone-Neam, Beta Tau; Sara Wilson Woolfenden, Gamma Delta; Julie Evans-Zelinske, Beta Tau; Kate Kaczmarek

Schuch, Beta Tau; Arlene Reid Ball, Alpha Phi; Peggy Tringali Curtis, Beta Tau; Amanda Calabrese, Beta Tau; Lois Hansen-Hjelle, Alpha Phi.


Alumnae of Alpha Sigma Chap-ter of the University of Southern Mississippi will be holding a “once in a lifetime” reunion the weekend of Oct. 10-12, 2008, on campus in Hattiesburg.

Alumnae will have the opportunity to visit the former chapter room in Wilbur Hall, which is now a freshmen women’s residence hall. Wilbur Hall was the result of an endowment by the late Ivah O. Wilbur, dean of women at USM and a Tri Sigma alumna. At her request, Tri Sigma was given the top floor of the building so that

the chapter would never forget its place within the Greek community. The chapter room, which is under renovation, will sport décor based on Sigma’s colors of royal purple and white. Alumnae will present artwork to hang in the former chapter room.

Campus tours by students from the Southern Miss admissions department will be available, including a visit to The Village, a new 354-bed residential complex for upper-class female students. There will also be tailgating before the nationally televised football

game with Boise State. Tri Sigma, the first national sorority at Southern Miss, will be recognized for its attendance.

This weekend will kick off the planning for a more formal reunion to coincide with the university’s centennial celebration in 2010. All alumnae are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Penne Davidson Ard at [email protected] or Cindy Robinson at [email protected].

Alpha Sigma Chapter Reunion Planned

Ellyn Podjaski Dunne, Alpha Xi, along with her husband, Joseph Dunne, and nine close friends climbed to the 19,340 foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. There is about a 45 percent overall success ratio for those who attempt the climb. For nine nights, they camped in remote wilderness areas, where they were exposed to extreme tem-peratures and conditions. For good luck and inspiration, Ellyn wore a Tri Sigma bracelet, a gift from Alpha Xi Sister Georgia Marciniak Janke, and a Green Bay Packer breast cancer hat, a gift from Alpha Xi Sister Krysten Stepke. She said many of her Sorority Sisters helped her through some of her toughest struggles with breast cancer. She figured that if she could beat breast cancer, she could make it to the top of Africa.

Alpha Xi Climbs New Heights


Tri Sigma Experience Lays Foundation for Success

In 2007 Robin Adkins, Delta Pi, was selected as one of the “Top 30 Under 30” business leaders in the Tampa Bay, FL, area. The “Top 30 Under 30” award was created by the Tampa Bay Business Journal to recognize business leadership, professional success and commu-nity involvement. Adkins has gone above and beyond these criteria as the owner of her own business and with her commitment to helping others.

At Relations Public Relations, Adkins has handled everything from concept to completion in event planning for her clients. “In today’s world, business owners want to get their names out.

This is a hard task as more of the news is focused on bad events than on special interests.”

Starting in 2005, Relations Public Relations has handled marketing of special events for small to medium-sized companies. It offers services such as creating press releases, securing radio and television coverage for special events, and helping companies rebrand themselves.

After majoring in mass communi-cations in college, Adkins took the advice of one of her professors. She struck out for California to do something for herself. She spent eight months working for one of the country’s top special events companies. She waited on tables at events like pre-Emmy celebrations and presidential fundraisers. One of her memo-rable experiences was listening to President Clinton speak at a dinner where the topic was not just political agendas but personal stories. He even stopped to take a picture with the wait staff.

Growing up in Rock Hill, SC, Adkins felt the Sorority helped expand her collegiate experience. She often found herself acting as the liaison between the chapter and the town. When they wanted to coordinate a car wash, Adkins

often knew the owners. In fact, Adkins discovered the house that Delta Pi currently occupies at Winthrop University. While work-ing at a local country club, Adkins overheard that the house was going on the market.

Adkins credits Tri Sigma with giving her the charity bug. She says she believes that her cur-rent drive to help others stems from her activities in college. She explains that women and children are causes she supports with a passion. At a golf tournament for Children’s Dream Fund, she once played 54 holes in one day to support a four-year-old with a brain tumor. She was invited to be on the board of directors for Voices for Children. This is a Guardian Ad Litem program, which helps children caught in the legal system. Although Adkins has not been able to be a Guardian, she is confident she can help the program with her marketing savvy.

As the Super Bowl returns to Tampa in 2009, Adkins is excited to work on special events related to it. But she’s found a greater challenge to overcome. After coor-dinating hundreds of weddings, it should be easy to plan her own, but Adkins is finding it hard to stick to a budget.

36

empowered women

By Sherri Ballard

Robin Adkins, Delta Pi


Tri Sigma Experience Lays Foundation for Success Beating Cancer is Her Goal

In 1991 Fran Miley, Alpha Nu,

participated in her first Relay for

Life event. She was honoring her

grandfather who had lost his

battle with lung cancer. Seventeen

years later, Miley now participates

in or attends an average of 20

relay events each year. Miley has

transformed her passion and sup-

port for the American Cancer

Society into her professional

career.

As the Income Development

Manager for the Southern

Illinois Region of the American

Cancer Society, Miley’s goal

is to raise $1.6 million per year.

She oversees all income sources

in 22 counties. With a staff of

four and thousands of volunteers,

Miley supports 21 annual relay

events,

a gala ball and miscellaneous

fundraising efforts.

Miley says she helps others raise

the funds that fund the mission

of the American Cancer Society.

Even the briefest conversation tells

you how passionate Miley is about

the ACS. While it is known for

funding cancer research, the ACS

mission also involves education,

advocacy and patient services.

Although she holds a master’s

degree in Workforce Educational

Development, Miley credits her

Sorority collegiate experiences

for empowering her to work with

volunteers. From learning to get

along with others in college to

learning from the older alumnae

she has befriended along the way,

her experiences with Tri Sigma

have given Miley a good basis

for working with a diverse group

of people. “Since cancer doesn’t

discriminate,” Miley explains,

“the volunteers are a cross section

of different backgrounds.”

Miley describes the process of

attracting new volunteers and

keeping them engaged in the

mission as being similar to Sorority

recruitment. Whether they are

selling brownies for a quarter

or planning elaborate affairs,

the ACS relies upon its volunteers

for successful grassroots fundrais-

ing efforts. With so many differ-

ent opportunities available, she

must convince them that the ACS

deserves their support.

For her Sisters considering a career

in the not-for-profit sector, Miley

cautions that they should talk to

someone else who has made it a

career choice. While working for

an organization with a philan-

thropic goal of caring for others

may feel good, people need to

keep in mind that it is still a job

with responsibilities. Just as public

corporations must answer to their

stockholders, not-for-profit orga-

nizations must be conscientious

of acting as good stewards of

donors’ time and dollars.

Like many women, Miley struggles

with balancing her life between

career and recreation. She keeps

her positive outlook on life by

surrounding herself with positive,

uplifting people. Miley realizes

that self-care is important to all

of us, and that we should do

things we are passionate about.

“Although I work for a volunteer

organization, I love volunteering!

By Sherri Ballard

Fran Miley, Alpha Nu


Iour sisters

Collegiate members Hannah Salter, Alpha Zeta, and Jamie Collins, Epsilon Omicron, recently visited Washington, D.C., and Capitol Hill as part of an effort by the North American Interfraternity Conference. Below are impres-sions of their visit:

hannah Salter: The trip to Capitol Hill to lobby for Greek initiatives was a trip that I will never forget. We received training from some of the most elite lobbyists in Washington, D.C. Approximately 80 undergraduates involved in fra-ternities and sororities gathered in Washington to learn and lobby for important pending legislation on Capitol Hill concerning Greeks.

The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2007 (H.R. 643/S. 638) and the College Fire Prevention Act (H.R. 642) are the two pivotal bills that, if passed, could allow Greeks across the nation access to capital funds and could provide their alumnae with tax breaks. The bills make college more affordable and stress safety among non-university-owned, not-for-profit, student housing.

The Greek systems on college campuses provide students with community, leadership and unmatched academic develop-

ment experiences that play a crucial role in preparing students for success later in life. I learned that the number of Greek under-graduates is at a roaring 750,000 and growing by the second. Greeks are currently located on over 800 college campuses across the nation. More specifically the National Panhellenic Conference is comprised of 26 sororities with 250,000 undergraduate members and 3.5 million alumnae.

I also learned that Greeks are the largest not-for-profit student landlord, with one of every eight college students living in Greek housing. We as Greeks own and manage $3 billion in student hous-ing at no cost to the American taxpayers. All the while, we are the largest, most visible, and most active values-based organizations on college campuses.

Speaking with the people who make laws was very eye-opening for me. I was able to express what Greek life means to me and how it has played a significant role in my life. As I walked across Capitol Hill with Laura Sweet and the members of my team, I felt a newfound sense of purpose. I realized the work that I was doing today would echo through-

out history. I came to the actual-ization that I was not only stand-ing for my beliefs but voicing the opinions of thousands of young men and women who have been a part of Greek life.

When I look back, nothing could make me prouder than to be a part of this experience. A week-end full of government, Greek affairs, and new friends allowed me to live my Ritual as I strived to pass laws that could benefit current and future undergraduates for years to come.

Jamie Collins: I had never been to Washington, D.C., before, so I really did not know what to expect from the city, let alone from the congressional visits. You would think it would have been intimi-dating, but it really wasn’t, and that was probably because I was working with an amazing group of leaders from all across the country. Everyone was so friendly and very easy to work with.

The experience of lobbying on Capitol Hill was so surreal I don’t think words can express all the emotions I felt on that day. At first I was very nervous, but you soon find that you have no time to be nervous as you are literally running between office buildings on the

Tri Sigmas Lobby on Capitol Hill



During the period from January 1 and March 31, 2008, the following Tri Sigmas were reported to have entered Omega Chapter. We offer our sympathy to their friends and families and honor them for their lifetime commitment to Tri Sigma.

Omega Chapter

ALPHA Laura Thomas Crichton Geraldine Smith Shawen

ZETA Mary Boller Knight

KAPPA Patricia Gift Griesinger

LAMBDA Mildred Markell Campbell

OMICRON Nancy Reindl Eshenroder

PI Verna McQuey Allen Betty Backmann Mitchell

RHO Rebecca Paddock Swain

SIGMA Dorothy Dye Heiny

CHI Madeline Ginardi Bucklien

PSI Rita Richey Keaton Mary Jenkins Kington Helen Gay Jones McGurk Marilyn Teresa Miller

ALPHA ALPHA Margaret Hale Scholl

ALPHA GAMMA Ellen Randall Meul Dorothy Arensman York

ALPHA DELTA Marie Riley Haas

ALPHA EPSILON Susan Swan Douglas Jill McGinnis Gooding Gladys Cooper Travers

ALPHA ZETA Catherine Carroll Vitler Alison Breazeale Webb

ALPHA THETA Mary Gillespie Gordanier

ALPHA IOTA Alice Rogers McElhaney

ALPHA LAMBDA Mercedes Voelpel Janda Jane Kennealy Rosemary Kline

ALPHA NU Sara Coffee Gidcumb Marjorie Templeton Hamilton Margaret Watson Reynolds Stephanie Kelsey Rives

ALPHA XI Jean Lord Hels

ALPHA PI Dolores Weidner Cascavilla

ALPHA SIGMA Carmel Clanton Curry Ethel Edwards Hall Doris Curry Traylor

ALPHA UPSILON Ellen Saum Getz

ALPHA PHI Wilna Mitchell Hall

ALPHA PSI Jeanne Mitchell Bidle Margaret Neathery Sims Barbara Keen Zimmack

BETA ALPHA Elaine Epperson McConnell Kathryn Pontius Prostrollo Judith Petrik Yates

BETA BETA Janet Wolgamott Sherrell

BETA GAMMA Marianne Rowe

BETA XI Karen Jo McClain

BETA PI Mary Halada Gohr

GAMMA BETA Gloria Britt Dupree

GAMMA ZETA Ann Lapore Shope

EPSILON THETA Marcilla Gray Humphries

ZETA RHO Judith Elizabeth Guertin

It is the responsibility of every initiated Sigma to see that the badge she wears is protected and never worn by or in the possession of a non-member. When a Tri Sigma enters Omega Chapter her badge may be buried with her or returned to the National Headquarters. The National Treasurer is the official custodian of Sigma Sigma Sigma badges.

omega chapter

Hill trying to make your next scheduled meeting. The day culminated with a reception, where I met up with Hannah and Laura Sweet, and we shared our experiences about our day on Capitol Hill.

It was such an honor to represent Tri Sigma in this capacity and to be the face of a bill that I feel so passionately about. I could not imagine a better way to expe-rience Washington, D.C. than to spend a day on Capitol Hill as a lobbyist and get a behind-the-scenes look at the lawmaking process.

Hannah Salter, left, and Jamie Collins, met with National President Laura Ward Sweet in Washington, D.C., as they

lobbied for Greek-based initiatives on Capitol Hill.

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Documents

Triangle - Summer 2008