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In Memoriam:
REMEMBERING PAST GRAND ARCHON RUTH COOPER BURG
WRITTEN BY WENDY LAU, THETA UPSILON CHAPTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE
On October 21, 2023, Phi Sigma Sigma gained another member of Chapter Eternal with the loss of Past Grand Archon, Ruth Cooper Burg, Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University.
A quick Google search of Ruth recounts her numerous “firsts.” First woman to graduate first in her law school class. First woman to serve in a Tax Court clerkship. First woman appointed as an administrative judge at the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals. And the first woman to chair the American Bar Association’s public contracts law section. While her numerous and varied tributes all list her incredible accomplishments in life, what they fail to truly shine a light on is the immense impact of all those “firsts.”
As a woman (and a woman of color), representation is so important to me. In meeting Ruth, she epitomized endless possibilities made real. Ruth’s life story is one of resilience, perseverance, courage and the profound impact of belief in oneself despite the odds. My favorite thing that Ruth embodied was audacity. The audacity to silence the naysayers, to pave her own way, and to be fearless enough to recognize her own inherent
worth by penning her autobiography: My Book of Ruth: Memories of Ruth Thelma Cooper Breslauer Burg.
As one of our “Phi Sig Legal Eagles,” Ruth normalized being a strong woman and being unapologetically yourself. Her existence - her representation through all of the glass ceilings she SMASHED - continues to remind all of us that we belong. We DO make a difference and we can accomplish whatever it is we decide to do.
One of my favorite things about Ruth was the way she lit up around her sisters at Convention. Never mind the gaps in age, backgrounds or experiences, she was overjoyed to be with her sisters and never tired of sharing her stories and listening to all of ours.
Ruth will be missed for her brilliance, her aptitude, her kindness and her love. But we will remember her for showing us the impact of our existence in all of the places we choose to inhabit.
Past Grand Archon Ruth Cooper Burg attended The George Washington University where she joined Phi Sigma Sigma’s Kappa Chapter. She received her Juris Doctor cum laude from The George Washington University Law School and was the first woman to graduate first in her class. She served as Grand Archon of Phi Sigma Sigma from 1954-1956.
Ruth was a trailblazer and advocate for women in the law. Paving the way for women in government contracting, Ruth’s work was recognized with many honors, including the D.C. Bar Association Beatrice Rosenberg Award for outstanding government service, the George Washington University Law Alumni Association Fulbright Award for public service, the “Star of the Bar” award by the District of Columbia Women’s Bar Association in 2002, and she was the first recipient of the American Bar Association Public Contract Law Section Fellows Spirit of Leadership Award.
In addition to her professional work, Ruth was an active member and leader within her community. She was founding president of a chapter of B’nai B’rith Women and served on the Board of Advisors of the Federal Contract Reports and Court of Federal Claims Advisory Council.
Annual Report
Phi Sigma Sigma’s Annual Report provides a detailed overview of our organization’s activities, accomplishments and highlights over the past year. Throughout this report you’ll learn about our various initiatives and hear stories about the impact they’ve had on our sisters.
SUPREME COUNCIL
GRAND ARCHON
Tess Stovall
Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University
GRAND VICE ARCHON
Breny DaParre Garcia
Delta Kappa Chapter at Florida International University
GRAND VICE ARCHON - FINANCE
Jenny Bernard
Delta Psi Chapter at the University of West Florida
DIRECTORS
Marybeth Althoff
Theta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Meggie Baker Daniel
Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University
Beth Davis
Xi Chapter at Temple University
Lia Ham
Epsilon Beta Chapter at Ferris State University
EX OFFICIO
Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg
Epsilon Delta Chapter at Chapman University
LEGAL COUNSEL
Elizabeth Hoffman
Pi Chapter at Syracuse University
FOUNDATION BOARD
PRESIDENT
Vanessa Freeman Zerhusen
Theta Rho Chapter at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise
VICE PRESIDENT / SECRETARY
Melissa Sylvester
Beta Psi Chapter at the University of Florida
TREASURER
Melanie Boone
Beta Rho Chapter at Drexel University
DIRECTORS
Marcie Berson
Beta Chapter at Tufts University
Lisa Damore
Gamma Nu Chapter at Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Gina Kerley
Delta Gamma Chapter at San Francisco State University
EX OFFICIO
Tess Stovall
Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University
Michelle Ardern
Delta Iota Chapter at Central Michigan University
LEGAL COUNSEL
Amanda M. Uliano
Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University
NHC BOARD
PRESIDENT
Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg
Epsilon Delta Chapter at Chapman University
TREASURER
Sandy Grossman
Gamma Nu Chapter at Rutgers University - New Brunswick
DIRECTORS
Barb Gentry
Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University
Alicia Scott
Beta Psi Chapter at the University of Florida
Lindsay Siolka
Iota Zeta Chapter at the University of Minnesota - Duluth
Wendy Lau
Theta Upsilon Chapter at the University of La Verne
EX OFFICIO
Michelle Ardern
Delta Iota Chapter at Central Michigan University
Tess Stovall
Kappa Chapter at The George Washington University
LEGAL COUNSEL
Erin Sweeney
Beta Delta Chapter at Ohio University
LETTER FROM THE GRAND ARCHON
Even all these years after my time on The George Washington University campus, I love fall. From the nostalgia of the school year starting and our collegians returning to campus, to the excitement of preparing to invite new members into our beloved sorority, and of course, taste testing the best pumpkin spice lattes—fall is a season of excitement, promise and reconnection.
Our collegiate lifecycle creates the special memories that we carry with us when we leave campus and set out on our “adult lives.” It is so special knowing there is a group of sisters who knew me before… before I went to grad school, got married, started my career with the State of Tennessee Education and became a mom to Sloane and Owen. These relationships will always serve as an incredible foundation for my life.
Each fall as I reflect on the memories of my time as a collegiate member, the value of sorority membership is reinforced. One of the aspects that differentiates sorority from other extracurricular options on campus is that sorority membership is for life. The idea of Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, Always a Phi Sigma Sigma allows for our sisters to feel confident that, regardless of time, they always have a place that will provide lasting support. To ensure that previous and future generations of sisters, have a strong Phi Sigma Sigma network, I have been working across the Fraternity, Foundation and National Housing Corporation to develop new initiatives focused on providing value and substance to a lifelong membership experience.
Because of this lifetime commitment, Phi Sigma Sigma has a crucial and important role in fostering personal and professional growth and equipping our members for success beyond graduation. Through our membership experience and various programs and initiatives, we are providing our collegiate sisters with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in their academic and personal pursuits. Our sisterhood provides a safe space for members to grow, hone their personal leadership skills, gain hands-on leadership experience, navigate relationships and build connections. We want to ensure that through her membership, every sister has developed the skills and confidence to ensure a successful life, rooted in strong friendships and connections that will provide lifelong support.
We know that women entering college today are laserfocused on their future and are actively seeking out opportunities to start their professional network. This creates an enormous opportunity for us to evaluate and reorient our programming and focus to support collegiate and alumnae members. Over the past four
years, we’ve seen almost 500 collegians and alumnae utilize our valuable mentoring programs to build their knowledge and understanding in their chosen profession and develop a wonderful relationship with another sister in that field.
This fall, we are expanding our mentoring and networking efforts with the launch of a Phi Sigma Sigma LinkedIn community. We are excited to leverage the world’s largest professional network on the internet to connect our sisters and look forward to growing this community in the upcoming months.
I know that behind every one of our chapters is a group of dedicated volunteers and amazing professional staff, who spend countless hours working in partnership to ensure our chapters are supported, events are successful and our members are having a first-class experience. We are forever grateful for your dedication and passion.
I also want to thank my fellow partners at the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation and National Housing Corporation. Along with the Fraternity’s board of directors, we are working to ensure that our thousands of collegiate members, and nearly one hundred thousand alumnae members, have a membership experience that transcends our campus walls and nurtures the personal and professional development of each member— yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Like our trailblazing Founders did 111 years ago, today’s Phi Sigma Sigma is charting an incredible path forward, to ensure our relevancy and perpetuity for generations to come!
In Our Bond,
Tess Stovall International President Phi Sigma Sigma
Sisterhood Rekindled
We love seeing our sisters strengthen their lifelong friendships through local meet-ups, reunions and sisterhood outings! Here are a few recent highlights.
THETA CHAPTER CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Champaign, IL April 2023
BOSTON MEET-UP
TIDEWATER ALUMNAE CHAPTER FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION
Virginia Beach, VA November 2023
DELTA CHAPTER CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Buffalo, NY April 2024
DELTA IOTA CHAPTER 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Boston, MA April 2024 NASHVILLE MEET-UP
Mount Pleasant, MI July 2024
Nashville, TN August 2024
PHILADELPHIA FOUNDERS’ DAY MEET-UP
Philadelphia, PA November 2023
DETROIT TIGERS BASEBALL GAME Detroit, MI May 2024
GAMMA THETA REUNION
Troy, NY September 2024
Contact Headquarters for a directory of local alumnae or to help promote your event! Email oncealways@phisigmasigma.org.
SISTERHOOD STORIES
We’re excited to spotlight our many sisters who are aiming high and helping advance womanhood through mentorship.
FROM DISTRICT COURT JUDGE TO MENTOR
KIMBERLEY WIEGAND, DELTA IOTA CHAPTER AT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Kimberley Wiegand’s journey from founding sister of Delta Iota to being appointed as the first woman district court judge for 41-A District Court in Michigan is a testament to her commitment to the advancement of womanhood. Kimberley continues to elevate future generations of women through mentorship and guidance both within her industry and most recently as a Phi Sigma Sigma mentor.
Can you tell us a little bit about your career and how you got to where you are today?
When I graduated, I got a job as a traveling consultant for Phi Sigma Sigma. That was the one of the best things that ever happened to me. I spent a lot of time on the East Coast, going to schools like Rutgers and George Washington, and just taking in the different opportunities available at each chapter. What we share across all chapters is a common bond as Phi Sigs. It was just amazing to experience that in each of the chapters I visited.
I then went on to law school at the Detroit College of Law, now the Michigan State University College of Law. After passing the bar, I practiced law for 13 years.
In 2003, I put my name in for an appointment with the governor and was appointed by Governor Granholm to be judge of the 41-A District Court, which serves over 300,000 people. I’m the first female judge ever to hold this position in the district court. As of this fall, I have been on the bench 21 years.
How have you remained involved with Phi Sigma Sigma over the years?
I was the division president in Michigan for a while, and then at one point, I was an alternate NPC delegate for Phi Sigma Sigma.
I also had the privilege of serving as president of the Detroit Alumnae Panhellenic, which was an amazing experience! The local Panhellenic association was very active and I think it was really good for Michigan.
I strongly believe that I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my involvement with Phi Sigma Sigma. No question, hands down. Through Phi Sig, I was able to learn leadership and numerous other skills that opened so many doors for me.
Recently you participated in Phi Sigma Sigma’s alumna-to-alumna mentoring program. Can you tell me about your experience?
Throughout my career I have mentored many attorneys and law school students, so when I saw this opportunity through Phi Sigma Sigma, I was very excited. I wanted to share the different experiences I’ve had in my career and the lessons I’ve learned along the way with someone who’s at the beginning of their career journey.
I joined the mentor program in March and when it concluded in June, both my mentee and I decided to continue our mentorship relationship. We have contact at least once a month to just talk about careers, life and other different things. It has been extremely rewarding! It has been great to give back and meet someone that you’ve never met before but are connected to through our sisterhood.
I highly recommend other sisters get involved with Phi Sigma Sigma’s mentorship programs. It has been invaluable to share my experiences and give back to members. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone as everyone has something important to say—and that’s from both sides: the mentor and the mentee!
INTERESTED IN ONE OF OUR MENTOR PROGRAMS?
Join our interest list and receive notifications about our alumna-to-alumna and alumna-to-collegian mentoring programs!
FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR TEACHING IN SPAIN
MACKENZIE HECKMAN, GAMMA NU CHAPTER AT RUTGERS UNIVERSITY - NEW BRUNSWICK
Mackenzie Heckman’s appreciation for learning and cultural exchange has shaped her educational career and provided her with numerous opportunities. As a recipient of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Award, Mackenzie takes her passion for education abroad this fall, teaching in elementary classrooms in Tenerife, Spain.
How did Phi Sigma Sigma positively impact your college experience?
The friends I made in Phi Sigma Sigma are the same people who are my strongest supporters and loudest cheerleaders as I begin my next chapter!
I completed my fifth year at Rutgers University - New Brunswick as one of our house directors. Through this position I was able to complete my schooling with significantly fewer external stress factors. I remained in a community and was relieved of many financial burdens. And in doing so, I was able to direct a vital focus onto my Fulbright process, first as an applicant and then as a preparing grantee. I will always be appreciative for my time as house director and what it ended up bringing me!
“The friends I made in Phi Sigma Sigma are the same people who are my strongest supporters and loudest cheerleaders as I begin my next chapter!”
What are your career aspirations?
For the past five years, I was a student at RutgersNew Brunswick where I completed my Bachelor of Arts in psychology, minor in Spanish and Master’s degrees in elementary education and special education. I find my passion lies in the intersection of child education and child psychology.
In my career, I will focus on behavior analysis with the intention of fulfilling the individual needs of students.
Can you share with us your plans for the upcoming year as a Fulbright participant? This fall, I begin my Fulbright grant in
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. During this grant I will be assisting in various elementary English classes.
If it’s possible to make this sound non-cliche, I have had the travel bug all my life and have been practicing teaching since I could talk. So it’s no surprise that I’ve merged the two to teach internationally—and in Spain, the country I fell in love with sophomore year of high school and again during my junior year study abroad.
What are you looking forward to most?
I cannot wait to see the water from a mountain that I successfully hiked! The opportunity for immersion. I cannot wait to meet the people, learn the culture and live a life far different from my own.
About the Fulbright Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines.
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant programs place grantees in schools overseas to supplement local English language instruction and to provide a native speaker presence in the classrooms
COMMUNITY
Join our exclusive Phi Sigma Sigma LinkedIn community and connect with sisters from around the world. Share your professional journey, seek advice and discover new opportunities. Let’s build a strong network of empowered women together!
Learn more at: https://onephisigmasigma.org/linkedin
A SUMMER AT THE NEW YORK TIMES
JULIA KAHEN, PI CHAPTER AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
Julia Kahen, a senior at Syracuse University, landed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the heart of the Big Apple. As an intern at The New York Times, the aspiring digital journalism and economics major gained invaluable experience learning the business behind the newsroom at one of the world’s leading mass media companies.
How has Phi Sigma Sigma impacted your college experience?
It has really broadened my social circle. Since I joined my freshman year, I’ve had the opportunity to meet people with many different backgrounds and life experiences. One thing I really appreciate is that everyone is so supportive and always willing to help each other, whether it’s in a professional or personal sense.
One of my favorite Phi Sig experiences was living in the house my sophomore year. I made my closest friends in the sorority and made some of the best memories by eating dinner together every night, doing homework and just living together in this big house!
How has Phi Sigma Sigma supported your professional growth?
Through Phi Sigma Sigma, I’ve had the opportunity to network with alumnae in the journalism industry and get professional advice from chapter sisters. Additionally, Phi Sig showed me the value of being a well-rounded person. I feel like a lot of companies are looking for a person, not just like a hard skill set.
You spent the summer as an intern at The New York Times. Tell us about that experience. I was on the Audience Insights team, which focuses on audience research for The New York Times Company and primarily worked on the Games team. I optimized content for the Gameplay newsletter, which is sent out every Monday. I also did a project on Wordle where I did a usability test to identify areas for improvement in the game.
I also did survey data analysis and standardization of survey questions for the Audience Insights team, making sure that the terminology was up-to-date in the way that we ask questions to our audience and creating new questions that are more reflective of what The New York Times Company wants to know about their audience today.
One of my favorite projects was prototyping a new game idea for the Games app, which we did over a two-day period. We then presented to the Greenlight Committee, which is the committee that decides whether a game can go through to the next phase. This project really gave me a sense of how cross-functional the game team is at The New York Times and how Audience Insights is working with product designers, engineers and people in the Tech team, and all of that has to come together to create a game and make sure that it is successful.
“I know that education is really valuable in college, but I think the friendships you make, the people you meet and ultimately how you grow as a person here are just as important.”
What is the biggest thing that you’ve taken away from your internship experience?
I think it’s given me a new perspective on the business side of the news and media industry. As a journalism and economics dual major, I don’t see a lot of crossover in my two fields of study. It was really cool having them come together this summer and seeing how a business model has to operate today in order to make a newspaper profitable and increase the revenue.
What are you hoping to do next and what are you looking to gain from the rest of your time at school? Upon graduation, I definitely want to work in the media industry. I’m not sure if that is going to be on the business side, on the research side or as an actual reporter, but life is long and who can say I can’t do all of it—just at different times! So I guess we’ll just see what happens.
As for school, I really want to focus on building connections with the people around me and my peers. I know that education is really valuable in college, but I think the friendships you make, the people you meet and ultimately how you grow as a person here are just as important. I really want to maximize my time with the people here right now and make sure those relationships are really strong. You don’t get that time back, but it really is so impactful.
TWO-TIME EMMY AWARD WINNER IN SPORTS MEDIA
COURTNEY MCKAIN SNYDER, EPSILON KAPPA CHAPTER AT HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY
Courtney McKain Snyder, a video editor at ESPN and two-time Emmy award winner, has carved a successful path in the sports media industry. With a Bachelor of Science in television production from Hofstra University, Courtney’s talent has been recognized by the industry’s highest authority, earning her first Emmy in 2015 while at MLB Network and her most recent one in 2023 for her work on ESPN’s SportsCenter. As someone who had to hustle to reach her dreams, Courtney became a mentor through Phi Sigma Sigma’s mentoring program, to share her experiences and lessons learned.
Tell us about your career in sports production.
Early on in my career I was quickly exposed to how difficult this career path was going to be. I was not going to be able to just name five players to prove I know sports. I was going to be underestimated in almost every setting I walked into.
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has taught me skills I didn’t even know I could have. Confidence to stand up not just for myself, but for others, a thick skin to not take everything personally, and a desire to prove everyone wrong! I have done everything in sports from holding a camera person’s cable while they film the National Anthem on the ice at a hockey game, to editing the Super Bowl highlights for Sportscenter for millions of people to watch! Working in sports is a lot like trying to become a pro athlete—sometimes you have to start in the minors before someone gives you your break in the big leagues.
You’ve won two Emmys— congratulations! Can you tell us about these achievements?
Thank you! My Emmys represent two very different points in my life. I won my first Emmy in 2016 for my work as an Associate Producer on MLB Tonight in the Best Daily Studio Show category. By the time Emmy statues were sent out, it had been almost a year since I had stopped working at MLB Network. Therefore, I had to personally purchase my own Emmy statue. My second Emmy came seven years later as a video editor on Sportscenter in the same category, Best Daily Studio Show. I worked my entire career to be a video editor and to be able to add “Emmy AwardWinning” to the front of that title was truly the ultimate victory.
Can you share about your experience as a mentor in Phi Sigma Sigma’s mentor program. I am so thankful for the mentor program for gifting me one of my best friends. I joined the mentor program a little reluctantly as I didn’t think I had much to offer as a mentor. My mentee, Celine, was graduating into a very unstable world in 2020 and I realized she truly just needed a big sister! While I was able to offer her more professional advice than I gave myself credit for, I think both of our biggest takeaways were the life lessons we learned from each other and ultimately the friendship that resulted. Over the past four years, we’ve stayed connected, talk regularly and met up several times in person. She has truly become my little sister and this has become a lifelong friendship.
BECOME A LIFE LOYAL SISTER
Show your support and commitment to sisterhood by becoming a Life Loyal member. Life Loyal Sisters receive:
y Voting privileges for Supreme Council board members at Convention
y Ongoing recognition
y Early access to promotions and notifications
Join over 350 sisters who have already made their commitment to the Always!
To make your one-time payment of $349, and become a Life Loyal sister today or to learn more, visit: onephisigmasigma.org/life-loyal
EMERGING LEADER PROGRAM
FUNDED BY THE PHI SIGMA SIGMA FOUNDATION
Sponsored by the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, the Emerging Leader Program is a multi-dimensional leadership program for first-year members that guides participants through personal exploration and helps hone leadership skills. Participation in the Emerging Leader program includes:
y Attendance at a three-day in-person Emerging Leader gathering
y Assigned alumna leadership mentor
y Virtual Emerging Leader cohort activities to develop personal leadership trajectory within the chapter and campus community
In its third year, our Emerging Leader Program has brought together 59 sisters from 41 different chapters. Six former emerging leaders returned as interns to facilitate the program and share their growth and experiences.
2022
EMERGING LEADER PROGRAM WAS LAUNCHED
“I think this program will help me to grow not only as a leader, but as a sister in my chapter. I hope to be able to bring these skills into my sorority and leverage them to help me take a position on e-board one day.”
“This program impacted me as a leader by helping me explore my strengths, understand who I am as a leader, and see how women from different chapters can embrace each other’s unique strengths to work together as a team.”
Sabine Lee Theta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Grace Jenkins Iota Tau Chapter at Miami University of Ohio
WHY I GIVE BACK
“I give to the Foundation because Phi Sigma Sigma has provided me with so many opportunities; I would not be the woman I am today without this organization in my life. I believe in the advancement of womanhood and because of this I provide my treasures as often as possible. I believe in the perpetuity of Phi Sigma Sigma and because of that I am forever grateful for our sisterhood. ONCE, ALWAYS.”
Michelle Castro Delta Kappa Chapter at Florida International University
DAY OF GIVING
May 1 marked the inaugural “Day of Giving” campaign aimed at raising critical financial support for the leadership fund. The leadership fund is responsible for programming benefiting our members:
Emerging Leader Program, a multi-dimensional leadership program for first-year members that guides participants through personal exploration and helps hone leadership skills
Mental Health First Aid, a skills-based training course developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and helps participants assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis
Gallup® CliftonStrengths Workshop provides attendees with an understanding of their unique strengths from the CliftonStrengths assessment and how the 34 different themes work together to play a role in unique leadership styles
Virtual leadership development and officer training through Reach, our online learning management system
Diversity, equity and inclusion training for volunteers and staff
Leadership and professional development for staff and volunteers
AIM Project, a hybrid leadership development program aimed at enhancing board-level competencies and high-level leadership skills for those sisters interested in making a difference in Phi Sigma Sigma and their local communities.
Thank you to the sisters who contributed to our first Day of Giving! Because of YOU, we are able to provide vital educational opportunities in support of current and future members.
FOUNDERS’ DAY GIVING CLUBS
In fall 2023, to celebrate 110 years of Phi Sigma Sigma sisterhood and 54 years of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, three giving clubs were launched: 1100 Club, 554 Club and 110 Club.
We are proud to recognize the more than 130 club members for their generous contributions!
Add your name to the list of Founders’ Day donors by joining one of our 2024 Founders’ Day giving clubs!
LocalImpact
$27,000 DONATED TO FUND A TECHNOLOGY ROOM
DELTA KAPPA CHAPTER AT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
The Delta Kappa Chapter at Florida International University donated $27,887 to Holmes Elementary School, a Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS). Holmes Elementary School is a Title I M-DCPS school serving over 325 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. This generous donation will help finance a technology room, providing students the opportunity to do research on state-of-the-art computers, as well as provide a space for standardized testing on computers. The remaining funds will be used to purchase uniforms for students who have a financial need and to provide school-wide incentives to motivate student involvement. On October 18, 2023, sisters of the Delta Kappa Chapter presented Holmes Elementary School with the donation at a school-wide assembly.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND
The Community Impact Fund streamlines efforts between the Foundation and collegiate chapters to best support school and college readiness. When chapters raise money through fundraising events, the money is credited to their Community Impact Fund. Then when a need is established with their partner school, the chapter’s Community Impact Fund is leveraged to meet the need. Past programs include funding backpack builds, direct financial grants to support programs or projects, or purchasing other equipment/supplies for the school, reinvesting directly into their local community.
In 2023-2024, chapters raised more than $138,000 for the Community Impact Fund.
$15,000 TO BUILD AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
EPSILON ALPHA CHAPTER AT ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
The Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University donated $15,000 to Unit 5 Educational Fund. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting McLean County Unit District No. 5 educators and students, providing enhanced educational opportunities for students at all levels. The generous donation will establish an outdoor classroom at Oakdale Elementary School in Unit 5.
Outdoor classrooms provide a unique and engaging learning environment for students of all ages. These spaces allow for hands-on learning experiences, promote creativity and collaboration, and foster a deeper connection to nature. The new outdoor classroom will provide students with a valuable resource for years to come.
OVER $24,000 OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES
DONATED THROUGH BACKPACK BUILDS
Potential new members are making an early impact in community classrooms by participating in service projects during sorority recruitment. Chapters utilize their Community Impact Fund to purchase supplies and stuff backpacks or pencil pouches to donate to their local partner school.
Together, our chapters purchased over $24,000 in school supplies through the Community Impact Fund to donate to local schools!
$2,690 TO PURCHASE SCIENCE SUPPLIES
IOTA RHO CHAPTER AT ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY
The Iota Rho Chapter at St. Joseph’s University donated $2,690 to fund the purchase of science supplies for six different classrooms at Samuel Gompers Elementary School. The chapter purchased and assembled science supply kits to support the science curriculum for grades K-6. The kits were directly requested by teachers at their partner school.
$7,650 RAISED DURING PHIELD DAY
ZETA TAU CHAPTER AT LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
The Zeta Tau Chapter at Loyola University Chicago hosted their annual Phield Day raising over $7,650 for their Community Impact Fund. The chapter plans to meet with their local partner, the Emmett Louis Till Math and Science Academy, to identify the school’s current needs and leverage these funds.
$1,360 TO FULFILL TEACHER WISHLISTS
IOTA ZETA CHAPTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA - DULUTH
The Iota Zeta Chapter at the University of Minnesota - Duluth donated $1,360 worth of school supplies to a local Title I school, Stella Maris Academy. The donation fulfilled individual teacher wish lists and stocked the school with general supplies they needed.
SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is proud to award 55 sisters with scholarships or educational grants as part of the 2024-2025 scholarship cycle. Additionally, the Foundation proudly announced two new scholarships: the Theta Centennial Scholarship and the Iota Nu Jackie Brown Memorial Scholarship.
THETA CENTENNIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Theta Centennial Scholarship was established by Theta Chapter alumnae to celebrate the chapter’s Centennial in 2023. This award is presented to collegiate members of Theta Chapter who are current juniors; who demonstrate service to the sorority, to fraternity/sorority life or to the campus; and maintain a GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to collegians who have served or are serving on the chapter executive board. This scholarship was awarded to its first two recipients as part of the 2024-2025 scholarship cycle.
IOTA NU JACKIE BROWN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Iota Nu Jackie Brown Memorial Scholarship was established by the Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University in loving memory of their chapter sister, Jackie Brown, who lost her battle with rhabdomyosarcoma on November 1, 2022. Once fully funded, this scholarship will be available for undergraduate and graduate women who reflect the values and characteristics of its namesake. Priority will be given to sisters of the Iota Nu Chapter who are working towards a career in any area of marketing.
“I am honored to receive the Maria Arena Memorial Scholarship as a part of the Delta Zeta Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma. It is with great pride that I continue Maria’s legacy by striving for the same academic excellence as well as service to our chapter and community that Maria upheld. As a biomedical engineering major with plans to advance my education in medical school, this support motivates me to continue to contribute meaningfully both to my academic pursuits in the field of healthcare and to my community at large.”
Diya Jariwala
Delta Zeta Chapter at Stevens Institute of Technology
Maria Arena Memorial Scholarship Recipient
“Being awarded this scholarship provides me the opportunity to continue my higher education and beyond. Phi Sigma Sigma has been incredibly beneficial in supporting me through my undergraduate years at Linfield University. Thank you to the Foundation as a whole for choosing me as a recipient and to all the supporters who make these scholarships and grants happen. I hope I can radiate the kind of love and compassion Lindsey showed to the world. Once a Phi Sig, Always a Phi Sig.”
Allyson Nicklous
Delta Delta Chapter at Linfield University
Lindsey Orser Memorial Scholarship
“By being awarded this year’s Theta Chi Educational Fund Scholarship, I have been able to take the stress off my family and my finances and focus on my education. As a first-generation college student who plans to apply to doctoral programs this fall, this award means a lot to me. The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation has made it possible for me to lessen the financial burden this upcoming school year. I cannot thank the donors and committee members enough for honoring me with this generous scholarship.”
Sicilia Oseguera
Theta Chi Chapter at California State University, Sacramento
Theta Chi Chapter Educational Fund
FUNDED BY THE PHI SIGMA SIGMA FOUNDATION
Understanding the challenges our members may face during their time in college, we believe it is important to empower identified chapter officers to have more confidence in knowing how to support the sisters they care about. Beginning in 2023, we started rolling out Mental Health First Aid training, sponsored by the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, to chapter officers and advisors. During the 2023-2024 school year, 85 collegians and 14 volunteers received Mental Health First Aid Training.
Mental Health First Aid is offered to chapter leaders who have high touch points with members to learn to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and understand how and when to check in with sisters who may be experiencing a challenge to provide support and refer them to resources.
15
PROFESSIONAL
14
“I feel much more informed and capable of having difficult conversations, as well as asking challenging questions to better support individuals facing mental health challenges or crises. I will be able to apply several things I learned as a CKA to assist current collegians, whether they are in immediate or progressing need. Additionally, I intend to utilize this professionally. The training was highly informative, and I am grateful Phi Sigma Sigma offered it.”
Sammy DiGeorge Chapter Key Advisor Xi Chapter at Temple University
“By going through the Mental Health First Aid training program, I have learned how to be a more compassionate person and have learned how to address any mental health issues that may arise in my chapter. This will help me, not only in my sorority, but through my entire professional career.”
Camille La Fleur Iota Iota Chapter at Grand Valley State University
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to teach participants how to assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. The course covers:
y Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
y Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
y How to interact with a person in crisis.
y How to connect a person with help.
y Expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care.
The course also teaches about recovery and resilience—the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better and use their strengths to stay well.
841,000
Chapter
Support
Celebrating the spring 2024 seniors was bittersweet as they were the last class of Phi Sigma Sigma members who had their chapter experience begin before COVID-19 interruptions.
Entering the 2023-2024 school year, general chapter operations stabilized post-pandemic and chapters were able to begin to rebuild, bring back and reenvision many of the large-scale events that were staples of sorority membership experience. While it will take time for chapters to regain the lost years of knowledge and fine-tune event execution, chapters push themselves to host signature events and engage their campus community.
Today, the shifts in the collegiate experience and what sisters seek from their time in college continues to change. Members are incredibly discerning about how they invest their time and money, and are looking for high-quality events that help them engage and foster meaningful sisterhood connections. Chapter coaches, the professional staff members assigned to support chapters’ day-to-day needs, work closely with executive boards on calendar planning and budgeting to ensure meaningful, quality events that maximize the budget and address the impacts of inflation.
Remaining hands-on when onboarding and transitioning officers has helped foster chapter success by ensuring that the leadership is equipped with the knowledge, tools and resources to carry out their responsibilities with confidence.
OFFICER ONBOARDING
Officer Onboarding is a multi-faceted training for incoming executive board officers. The provided programming packages self-guided trainings, interactive virtual trainings and board development exercises.
The self-guided trainings include a position-specific guidebook outlining their duties; an officer orientation course sharing information on professionalism relevant to all executive board officers; and a course reviewing policies and expectations as well as requirements, guidelines and steps for successful event planning and risk reduction. Additionally, Headquarters staff hosted interactive, virtual trainings and institutes for executive board officers to apply the knowledge they learned through their guidebooks. Case studies, group discussions and activities enabled officers to get comfortable with their positions and practice leadership skills and critical thinking. Chapter officers were also provided a set of customized board development exercises to help the incoming executive board members facilitate a working relationship with each other for their term.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS SUMMIT
The Strategic Operations Summit is a professional conference for leaders navigating large campuses and complex chapter dynamics. Summit attendees consisted of archons, vice archons or alternate delegates from 24 of our largest chapters.
Over the two days, attendees participated in discussions and workshops focused on effective chapter management, understanding the business behind chapter operations and strategies for scaling the chapter’s impact. Trained attendees were responsible for taking back and implementing these practices and procedures within their chapter.
MRC INSTITUTE: RECRUITMENT RETREAT
The Recruitment Retreat is focused on preparing membership recruitment chairmen (MRC) to run their chapter’s recruitment. Sisters from across the country came together to learn from each other, practice recruitment skills, participate in thoughtful discussions and solidify their chapter’s recruitment plan.
“Overall, this Summit made me feel a lot more confident in myself because I felt heard and supported by the other chapter leaders and members of HQ. I didn’t feel like I was alone in my role anymore.”
Cameron Wehr Xi Chapter at Temple University Archon
“During the Summit, I learned how to be a better leader for my chapter, what resources the Fraternity supplies to the chapter and how to rely on the other members of the board to work together as one team.”
Madison Powers Gamma Zeta Chapter at the University of Rhode Island Vice Archon
“The MRC Institute was an experience that helped me go into recruitment with my head held high. From meeting sisters in other chapters to having endless conversations about how to lead my chapter through a successful recruitment, this opportunity truly made me grow as a leader and person. Because of this program, I had the skills and confidence to help my chapter continue to expand.”
Maura Cappadona Iota Upsilon Chapter at the University of New Hampshire Membership Recruitment Chairman
STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT
GALLUP® CLIFTONSTRENGTHS
In early 2024, Phi Sigma Sigma launched a partnership with Gallup® that enables us to provide the CliftonStrengths Assessment and facilitate workshops to different groups to support leadership training. The assessment force ranks each individual’s strengths, identifying the underlying qualities that energize us. It’s different from other psychometric tools because it is focused on your energy and your potential and is based on the idea of growth mindset.
CliftonStrengths is an assessment used in a wide variety of settings. Many campus leadership development or career services offices use this assessment. This is also used in corporations and businesses as a tool to build positive working cultures.
CliftonStrengths is used to:
y Establish a shared language to talk about how individuals contribute to a successful team.
y Learn how to create environments that promote individual development and impactful collaboration.
y Embrace unique talents and strengths to make a meaningful contribution to any team.
At the beginning of the year, Headquarters staff and Supreme Council engaged in coaching and team development surrounding strengths. We realized the powerful implications of bringing this to some of our members to help them learn more about who they are and to embrace what our members do well to become stronger leaders.
Hannah Torrance, Manager of Programs & Education, is a certified Gallup® CliftonStrength coach working with us to facilitate the program with our members. Our hope is that members leverage the learning outcomes from this assessment both within their Phi Sigma Sigma experience and other areas of their lives.
This summer we piloted the program during our summer Strategic Operations Summit: Advisor RoadMap cohort as well as the Emerging Leader Program. We look forward to expanding the program to more participants over the upcoming year including:
y CKA and volunteer onboarding and development
y Executive board officer onboarding and development
y Headquarters staff development
STRENGTHS ASSESSMENT PARTICIPANTS
24
19
65
CONGRATULATIONS 2023-2024 AWARD WINNERS!
Our annual awards program recognizes individuals and chapters who most embody the virtues of Phi Sigma Sigma and continue to “Aim High” throughout their collegiate and alumnae experiences. Congratulations to our 2023-2024 award winners!
Meaghan Woods Epsilon Theta Chapter at Montclair State University
Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Archon of the Year
Kirsten Harrod Gamma Iota Chapter at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Beverly Parkes Collegian of the Year
OUR RESIDENCES
MANAGED BY THE
NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION (NHC)
NHC facilities serve as the central location for many chapter activities and social connections. Maintained by dedicated, professional staff members and trusted vendors, our residences provide members with a welcoming, safe environment. Residents live alongside their sisters, where they are able to deepen their friendships and make lifelong memories.
“Living in the Phi Sig house for three years has been one of the best decisions of my college experience. I love waking up every day surrounded by my sisters, supported by them, and having fun together. Each year that I have lived here, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to grow closer with many of my sisters while enjoying a beautiful home and the incredible meals by our chef.”
Kara Fasbach
Gamma Nu Chapter at Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick
The NHC manages properties on the following campuses:
y Central Michigan University (Delta Iota)
y Florida Institute of Technology (Iota Eta)
y Grand Valley State University (Iota Iota)
y Illinois State University (Epsilon Alpha)
y James Madison University (Iota Chi)
y Miami University (Iota Tau)
y Rutgers University - New Brunswick (Gamma Nu)
y Stevens Institute of Technology (Delta Zeta)
y Syracuse University (Pi)
y University of New Hampshire (Iota Upsilon)
y University of Rhode Island (Gamma Zeta)
NEW HOUSE AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
The Pi Chapter at Syracuse University has a new permanent home at 208 Walnut Place. Following a total gut-renovation, sisters moved into the newly renovated 36-bed house this fall.
The two residential floors each feature single and double bedrooms, its own laundry room, single bathrooms and central air conditioning. Additionally, all chapter members will benefit from the house’s common spaces, commercial kitchen and study rooms.
