The Triangle • Spring 2016

The

Triangle Spring 2016

physical social financial community career

Well-being A FOCUS ON ENRICHMENT, VIABILITY, VOLUNTEERISM AND LIFELONG COMMITMENT

M

from the president

Let’s Talk What is well-being?

KAYE SCHENDEL Gamma Phi | National President

Much of the work that Executive Council and staff have

learning activities while in college, all of which likely

been doing around the new strategic plan has had an

have contributed to their higher work engagement

emphasis on well-being. What exactly is well-being you

and well-being.

may ask? Well, the folks at Gallup have studied well-being extensively and what they have learned may surprise you.

They have discovered that much of what we think will improve our well-being is either misguided or just plain wrong. They state that contrary to what many people believe, well-being isn’t just about being happy or being wealthy or successful. It also isn’t limited to physical health and wellness. In fact, Gallup says that when we focus on only one element of our lives in isolation it can lead to great frustration and even failure.

According to Gallup, well-being is about the combination of love for what we do each day, the quality of our relationships, the security of our finances, the vibrancy of our physical health and the pride we take in what we have contributed to our communities. Most importantly, it is about how these five elements interact. I’d like to think that sorority, when done right, can positively impact your life and influence your well-being.

A 2014 Gallup survey of more than 30,000 college graduates across the U.S. found that those who were members of fraternities or sororities are more likely to be “thriving” in their well-being and engaged at work than college graduates who did not go Greek.

Additionally, fraternity and sorority members are more likely than all other college graduates to be thriving in each of the five elements of well-being (career, physical, social, financial, and community). Thus, fraternity and sorority members are more likely than their non-Greek counterparts to find fulfillment in daily work and interactions, to have strong social relationships and access to the resources people need, to feel financially secure, to be physically healthy, and to take part in a true community.

Crafting strong friendships is probably the number one selling point to sorority membership, but an ancillary benefit of those friendships that may be overlooked is that good relationships are a vital factor in determining happiness. Happiness has a number of benefits, including better physical and mental health, from a stronger immune system to better pain tolerance and increased longevity.

Anyone can throw around statistics on how beneficial it is to be a sorority member, but in my opinion, these statistics don’t capture the true essence of why, for many of us, sorority life has made all the difference in the world. The decision I made to join Tri Sigma has positively affected my well-being for the majority of my life. My sisters have supported me when I am

Gallup partnered with the National Panhellenic

down, cheered me on when I do something good,

Conference (NPC) and the North-American Interfraternity

have coached and mentored me in the various roles

Conference (NIC) to conduct this research. According

I play, and also sometimes been my partners in crime.

to the survey, college graduates who were members

We have laughed, we have cried. We have stood by

of Greek organizations are more likely to report being

each other, “faithful unto death.” How blessed we

emotionally supported and having experiential and deep

all are to have Tri Sigma in our lives.

The

Your Voice

Triangle VOLUME 16, NUMBER 1

FOUNDERS DAY 2016 Each April, in celebration of the founding of Sigma Sigma Sigma, I reflect on what I have received from this organization and the ways that I may be able to give in

Features: 4 44th National Convention

the upcoming year. For the past nine years, the way I have chosen to give has been in service as an Executive Council member. However, my time is this role will soon draw to a close with our upcoming Convention. So what’s next?

This year, I have spent a lot of time thinking about my Tri Sigma legacy, so I found it most appropriate that this year’s Founders Day program, written by Linda ManleyKuitu, Epsilon Rho, was about this very same topic.

I believe you will find it inspiring to read about Tri Sigma’s history and the women who have left such a powerful legacy, guided by our mission of friendship, character and conduct, which has made our sorority thrive for 118 years. Each of us can contribute in our own unique way. To continue to move our sorority ever forward, I urge you spend some time on April 20th pondering how you will be part of Tri Sigma’s legacy.

To give you some food for thought as you embark on this task (it’s not an easy one!), I would like to share some words by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner from

16 Experiencing Tri Sigma Convention for the First Time 18 The Baltimore Suburban SW Alumnae Chapter’s Active Saturdays 20 Golden Violets­– Staying Well and Remaining Steadfast

Departments:

their book, “A Leader’s Legacy”:

6 Empowered Women

“By asking ourselves how we want to be remembered, we plant the seeds for

10 Inside Sigma Sigma Sigma

living our lives as if we matter. By living each day as if we matter, we offer up

14 Thank You Consultants

our own unique legacy. By offering up our own unique legacy, we make the world we inhabit a better place than we found it.”

“Legacy thinking means dedicating ourselves to making a difference, not just

21 Housing 22 Our Collegians

working to achieve fame and fortune. It also means appreciation that others

28 Our Alumnae

will inherit what we leave behind.”

34 Our Foundation

So this year on Founders Day, challenge yourself to answer the question:

36 Our Leadership

What will be your Tri Sigma legacy?

39 Omega Chapter

In Our Bonds, Correction: Alpha Pi Chapter celebrated 80 years in spring 2015.

Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi

The Fort Wayne, IN Alumnae Chapter celebrated 70

National Vice President

years in spring 2015. We regret the oversight in last year’s issue.

Editor

Mallory Borino, Eta Omicron

Executive Council 2013-2016

Design/Editing

Shelle Design, Inc.

National President

Alumnae Editor

Michelle Maskaly, Eta Nu

Collegiate Editor

Katie Bevan, Eta Chi

Features Editor

Amanda Marchegiani, Beta Xi

Copy Editors

Katie Lauer Wadington, Epsilon Xi Joie Montgomery, Beta Gamma

Sigma Sigma Sigma 225 North Muhlenberg St. Woodstock, VA 22664-1424

Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi

National Treasurer Bonnie Rainey, Alpha Sigma

National Vice President Natalie Averette, Gamma Beta

National Vice President Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi

National Vice President Courtney Stone, Alpha Psi

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

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

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

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

Articles are invited for publication in this magazine. Manuscripts should be submitted to the Editor for consideration. Acceptances are on a contributing basis only and are subject to editorial review.

All copies and photos become the property of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

p 540.459.4212 // f 540.459.2361

National Vice President

Member of National Panhellenic Conference and Fraternity Communications Association.

sigma@trisigma.org // www.sigmasigmasigma.org

Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi

© 2016 Sigma Sigma Sigma

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44th National Convention What Will Matter

44th National Convention

Angela David

Courtney Cruse Halverson

Holly Trembczynski

Michelle Tantillo

Alyssa Galinaitis

Renee Kries

Jill Zager

The 2016 Convention theme of “What Will Matter” explores our past, present, and future, and shows how the sorority has evolved on what has mattered to our Founders, leadership, and sisterhood. Convention will give us an opportunity to dive deep into who we are and our values in regards to what matters to us as individuals, as well as a sisterhood.

As asked by Michael Josephson “So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?”

CONVENTION COMMITTEE: Angela David, Alpha Chi, Convention Chairman

• Semi/formal dress for the Laurels Banquet and Group Photo

Courtney Cruse Halverson, Alpha Psi,

• Semi/formal dress for the Festival of Lights Banquet

Decorations Committee Co-Chairman

• Ritual whites for the Memorial Service and Triangle Degree for

Holly Trembczynski, Alpha Psi, Decorations Committee

Honor Initiates

Co-Chairman

• Derby hat or fascinator for the Interfraternal Luncheon

Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron, Fun Day/Night Committee

• Games, toys, books for children through fifth grade and/or Target,

Chairman

Walmart or Visa gift cards (to purchase said items) to benefit three

Alyssa Galinaitis, Iota Alpha, Hospitality Committee

local organizations in the Chicagoland area.

Co-Chairman

• And don’t forget to bring your badge

Renee Kries, Iota Alpha, Hospitality Committee Co-Chairman

FUN DAY ACTIVITIES:

Jill Zager, Alpha Nu, Swag Bag Committee Chairman

Over 300 Sigma Sisters and guests will enjoy the traditional fun day – Women of Chicago. This guided tour includes round trip

WHAT TO PACK: • Casual clothes (including letters) for after hours • Business casual for the business and educational sessions

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

transportation to the city of Chicago, with stops along the way that reflect on notable women of Chicago and dinner at the Walnut Room in Macy’s on State Street. For those who love musicals, the alternative choice is a ticket to The Sound of Music.

44th National Convention What Will Matter

WHERE WE WILL STAY: The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in

JUNE 11 Business Session

8:30 a.m.

Schaumburg, Illinois is the area’s only lifestyle hotel that inspires its

Educational Sessions

10:30 a.m.

guests to discover something different each time they stay. They

Interfraternal Luncheon

Noon

deliver an experience that goes beyond expectations. The

Fun Day Starts

3:00 p.m.

Schaumburg hotel accommodations boast stylish design and luxurious

On Your Own

3:00 p.m.

comfort. Down the street from the Woodfield Mall, guests can also enjoy complimentary transportation to the mall, which features

JUNE 12

upscale shopping and dining options.

Memorial Service (to honor our Sisters who have entered our Omega Chapter)

8:30 a.m.

Circle Degree

9:45 a.m.

Triangle Degree

11:00 a.m.

ACTIVITIES: Located in an accessible hub with a sophisticated collection of retail and culinary options such as Sam & Harry’s, IKEA, and Woodfield

The Pearl Celebration (by invitation only) 1:15 p.m Business Session

2:30 p.m.

Convention Body Photo

7:00 p.m.

Laurels Banquet

7:30 p.m.

impeccable service.

JUNE 13 Educational Sessions

8:15 a.m.

Women of Character/Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

11:00 a.m.

DETAILED SCHEDULE:

Business Session

1:30 p.m.

Festival of Lights Banquet

7:30 p.m

Mall, this Schaumburg, Illinois hotel serves as an indigenous ambassador for entire Chicagoland area…and a gateway for the entire Midwest. Experience refined style at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg where stunning design blends seamlessly with

June 9 Dunham Women of Character Institute 6:00 p.m.

June 10 Dunham Women of Character Institute 8:00 a.m.

Pre-Convention Educational Sessions

1:00 p.m.

Opening Session

7:00 p.m.

Brand Launch Party (Immediately following the Opening Session)

CONVENTION 2016 SIGMA SHOP Sigma Shop returns to Convention 2016 and the proceeds will benefit our “Heart Home” – Walton House.

Everyone, every chapter, and even those not planning to attend Convention can contribute to Sigma Shop with hand-crafted items to be purchased by Conventioneers for gifts and mementos. Items may be simple or elegant and decorated with Greek letters, sailboats, violets, or other purple and Sigma décor. Those that are reasonably priced ($5.00 or less) and can be easily tucked into a suitcase sell best. Larger and more expensive items will be part of the Silent Auction.

Don’t let your creative talents go to waste and you can experience the pride in knowing that you have contributed to Convention 2016 and to Walton House.

Questions or to request a contribution form may be addressed to Carol Gregory Swango, 2016 Sigma Shop Chairman at Cjswango@aol.com.

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empowered women

Character Counts Essay Winners Sigma Sigma Sigma and The Josephson Institute

Amanda Fellin

of Ethics hosted a character essay contest. This

Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Penn State University

year both collegiate and alumnae were invited to

Amanda is currently a sophomore at Penn State University

participate and to submit 500-word essays defending

and a part of the Alpha Chi Omega Beta Mu chapter. She

the message, “What you permit, you promote!”

holds the positions of Greek Sing chair and Non-Executive

Layla Siraj won first place and earned $1,000; Erin Kissick won second place and earned $500; Amanda

soccer and basketball.

Fellin won third place and earned $250. All three alumnae winners received paid registration for Tri Sigma’s upcoming National Convention.

Alumnae Winners Emmy Smith Epsilon Pi, Seattle Alumnae Chapter

Collegiate Winners Layla Siraj Alpha Phi Sorority, Harvard University Layla Siraj is a senior at Harvard, where she studies Organismic and Evolutionary Biology with a focus in genetics. She is also pursuing a secondary in Economics and a citation in French. Layla is one of the Classical Music directors for WHRB, Harvard’s radio station, having served on the administrative board of the station for the past three semesters. A competitive pianist who started taking lessons at the

Emmy joined Tri Sigma at Epsilon Pi at Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina. She graduated with a degree in math and physics and continued her education with a MS in Statistics from the University of South Carolina. She has held multiple volunteer roles with Tri Sigma, most recently the Programs Coordinator. She recently relocated to Seattle, WA for a career opportunity with T-Mobile leading a finance reporting and analytics team. She’s joined the Seattle Alumnae Chapter and is enjoying exploring the West Coast with her husband and two dogs.

age of six, Layla continues her piano performance at

Sharon Devlin

Harvard as co-President of the Harvard Piano Society.

Beta Lambda, Dallas Alumnae Chapter

She is a member of the Harvard Figure Skating Club

Sherrie became a member of Tri Sigma in 1966 at the

and teaches figure skating at her home rink, the Skating

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Beta Lambda chapter.

Club of Boston, every weekend. She is a former writer

After moving to Texas, she joined the Dallas Alumnae

and editor on the Harvard Crimson’s Arts, Editorial, and

chapter (now for 25 years) and served as its president.

Admissions boards. In her spare time, Layla tutors through

During this alumnae time span, she’s helped with

Harvard’s Bureau of Study Counsel and also has served as

recruitment for Zeta Gamma at Southeastern Oklahoma

a Course Assistant for Math 1b, Harvard’s second-semester

State (for 24 years) and also with recruitment for Eta

calculus class, for the past three semesters.

Kappa (for 15 years) at Texas Woman’s University; as

Erin Kissick Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, Kettering University Erin is a junior pursuing her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan.

Outside of school, she co-ops at Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan, and is the Ritual Chairman and Vice President of Membership Education for her chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority.

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Standards and she is an active participant in Intramural

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

Recruitment Advisor for 5 years and Housing President for 16 years. Her best Tri Sigma memories come from working with our collegiate chapters. Being there at the beginning of Eta Kappa through today gives her great joy in watching our women grow in sisterhood and leadership.

She will be eligible to receive the Golden Violet award at Convention in 2019.

empowered women Danica White

As we’ve seen, the consequences for permitting behavior

Pi

is in fact promoting it, and such a policy can have

Danica joined the Pi Chapter at Emporia State University

devastating consequences. This holds equally well for

in Emporia, KS in 2008. Upon graduating with a Master

large, global-scale events such as international politics

of Science in History in 2012, she continued to stay

as it does our day-to-day interactions with our peers,

active with Tri Sigma by becoming a member of the local

both in person and in social media.

alumnae chapter and holding a position as Ritual Advisor.

In 2013, she served as a coach for the Officer Academy in St. Louis, MO. She is currently employed as a library assistant at the Emporia Public Library and is still heavily involved with Tri Sigma as the Alumnae Relations Advisor of the Pi Chapter in Emporia, Kansas.

In a world where social media presence is increasingly relevant, the way we interact and present ourselves on social media has accordingly become more important.

Our social media presence is seen as an extension of our character, our beliefs, and our values. Our interactions on social media directly reflect the values we hold as a person and as a member of a group. What we permit

Winning Essay “What you permit, you promote!”

By: Layla Siraj, Alpha Phi, Harvard University “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist.

our group members to say and do on social media then reflects not only their values, but also impacts how others perceive our values, making it seem to others that what we have permitted someone to post is what we as an organization promote.

It is extremely important, both on the individual and the group level, to speak out against those who may post hurtful statuses or articles or put inappropriate

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not

pictures of themselves and/or their activities. By not

speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

speaking out against malicious remarks, one becomes

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

a bully through the act of being a passive bystander.

The passive bystander bully phenomenon is born of the fact that bullies crave attention and implicit approval, and by acquiescing to someone’s hurtful views, one

Martin Niemöller, a Protestant pastor, spoke these words

is then implicitly expressing their support for these

in an early post World War II lecture to express his regret

views. Furthermore, if the person posting inappropriate

that he had not done more to oppose the Nazis during

pictures of themselves or their activities, not only does

the war. World War II is the quintessential embodiment

this person gain an injurious reputation through social

of the phrase, “What you permit, you promote.” From

media but that reputation then extends to the groups

Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement towards

in which this person takes part.

Hitler’s expansion to the millions of citizens, like Niemöller, who permitted atrocities to be committed against their neighbors, what was permitted was promoted. Hitler’s Germany conquered Austria and the Sudetenland; because of Chamberlain’s appeasement towards Hitler, the expansion he permitted became by extension a policy he promoted, until Britain joined the war against Germany after Hitler’s invasion of Poland. When the citizens of Nazi

Acquiescence implies acceptance. If we permit something to be said or done, we are promoting it. We must be aware of our duty to avoid the pitfalls of the passive bystander bully and speak out when we do not agree.

Instead, we should aim to cultivate values both on and offline that reflect our higher aims and ideals, and we must not permit that which we would not actively promote.

Germany permitted the Nazi party to commit heinous and unspeakable crimes against their fellow citizens, they were essentially promoting these activities by their passivity; the Stuttgart Declaration of Guilt, published in 1945 by the Council of the Evangelical Church in Germany, echoes this sentiment as it laments their own insufficient opposition to the actions of the Nazis.

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empowered women

Laura Osteen receives NPC’s Woman in Higher Education Achievement Award The National Panhellenic Conference awarded Laura Osteen,

Throughout her speech, she showed photos of her niece,

Ph.D., the Woman in Higher Education Achievement

Sophia Doves, and discussed the challenges she has ahead

Award in November 2015. The award is sponsored by

of her. There are challenges for sorority women but with

Tri Sigma and recognizes an outstanding woman who is

collective work to create change, it’s possible.

making a significant difference in higher education through leadership and positive support of the fraternity and sorority experience. She was also nominated by Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Osteen has been involved with National Panhellenic Conference both personally and professionally for 27 years.

She is an Alpha Delta Pi legacy member. She was a house director to the women of Kappa Alpha Theta. Osteen is the director of the Florida State University Center for Leadership and Social Change.

She opened her acceptance speech with this statement.

She outlined these challenges to becoming a most trusted women: • Oftentimes, complexity is hard to welcome with policies, procedures and right ways of practicing sorority life, but if we can create an open space full of freedom, growth,and less rules women will be able to live and own the values of sorority life.

• To be trusted by women who understand and identify the spectrum of gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation.

Chapters must become spaces and places of inclusivity

“I am honored to be here. First and foremost, I am woman

to find a deeper and personal understanding that

who believes deeply in the sorority experience. I am a

strength, beauty, and intellect only come from diversity.

product of sorority life – and the experiences it provided me make me who I am. I believe sorority life can and should be - the most trusted higher education organization in the development of women - this has been my vision for sorority

• Even if we do become trusted by women, will women be able to afford us? Sororities need to maintain relevance and be a feasible option for women.

life for close to 20 years. And while I believe we are currently

In closing, Osteen challenged all to create a space

far from this truth – I see no reason why we shouldn’t or

welcoming complexity, commit through your actions,

can’t be the most trusted.”

and to examine the costs in order to continue to become the trusted lifelong organizations that sororities are.

Back Row: Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma Front Row: Barb Stone, Beta Tau; Mary Barbee, Iota; Joyce O’Daniel, Alpha Chi; Laura Osteen; Kaye Schendel, Gamma Phi; Laura Sweet, Alpha Sigma; Linda Henderson, Delta Psi; Kelly Jo Karnes, Pi

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

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empowered women

Tri Sigma celebrates the life of Phyllis Seidler McIntyre as she enters the Omega Chapter On November 2, 2015, Tri

(1977-1980); Public Information Chairman (1979-1980);

Sigma announced the passing of

Triangle Press Editor (1979-1980); Public Relations Chairman

longtime member, Phyllis Seidler

(1980-1983); Triangle Interim Editor (1983-1984); Alumnae

McIntyre, Beta Zeta. Phyllis was

Extension Chairman (1989-1995); Historian (1995-2001);

initiated into Tri Sigma in 1946,

and “Path from Farmville” Editor (2001-2004). Among

as a member of Beta Zeta at

Phyllis’ many awards, she was awarded the 30+ Year

State University of New York.

National Officer Service Award, and in 2001 was given

She served over 30 years in a

Tri Sigma’s highest honor, The Founders Award.

variety of regional and national volunteer positions, including

Triangle Editor (1965-1977); Publications Vice President

Phyllis will be greatly missed but her impression and impact on Tri Sigma remains.

2016 Chapter Anniversaries Alumnae Chapters

Collegiate Chapters

1921 • 95 yrs. - Greater Kansas City

1926 • 90 yrs. - Alpha Delta

1921 • 95 yrs. - Denver

1931 • 85 yrs. - Alpha Mu

1926 • 90 yrs. - Dayton

1946 • 70 yrs. - Beta Epsilon

1946 • 70 yrs. - Dallas

1951 • 65 yrs. - Beta Xi

1946 • 70 yrs. - New Orleans

1961 • 55 yrs. - Gamma Zeta

1951 • 65 yrs. - San Francisco-East Bay

1971 • 45 yrs. - Delta Zeta

1951 • 65 yrs. - San Jose Peninsula

1986 • 30 yrs. - Epsilon Zeta

1961 • 55 yrs. - Harrisburg

1986 • 30 yrs. - Epsilon Eta

1961 • 55 yrs. - North Jersey

1991 • 25 yrs. - Epsilon Sigma

Pi 100th Anniversary Save the Date!

1961 • 55 yrs. - Edmond

1991 • 25 yrs. - Epsilon Tau

1966 • 50 yrs. - Baton Rouge

1991 • 25 yrs. - Epsilon Upsilon

Emporia Homecoming

2001 • 15 yrs. - Oklahoma City

1991 • 25 yrs. - Epsilon Phi

2001 • 15 yrs. - Eta Lambda 2001 • 15 yrs. - Eta Nu 2006 • 10 yrs. - Eta Tau 2011 • 5 yrs. - Theta Gamma

October 15, 2016

1991 • 25 yrs. - Epsilon Chi

Formal Celebration

2011 • 5 yrs. - Philadelphia Area

1991 • 25 yrs. - Epsilon Psi

April 8, 2017

2011 • 5 yrs. - First State

1991 • 25 yrs. - Zeta Alpha

2011 • 5 yrs. - Central MA

1991 • 25 yrs. - Zeta Gamma

2011 • 5 yrs. - Minot

1991 • 25 yrs. - Zeta Delta

Metropolitan

For more information contact Kelly Olson at: kjoolson@gmail.com

1991 • 25 yrs. - Zeta Epsilon

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inside sigma sigma sigma

Upholding Our Standards By: Amanda Marchegiani, Beta Xi • Features Editor Sorority women are leaders in their communities and have the

• Consent cannot be given when one is under the influence of

opportunity to stand up against sexual assault and provide their

alcohol or other drugs. If you’re interested in someone and

members with the best resources possible. As Tri Sigma sisters

sexual activity seems like a good idea, then waiting to make

we are tasked with inspiring women to change the world and

the decision until you and/or your partner are sober is best

to live our ritual daily.

for all parties involved.

As women of character, we need to be educated on what

•M ost sexual assault isn’t physically violent. Many perpetrators

is defined as sexual assault. Sexual assault can be defined as

use coercion, either through threats of violence or emotional

unwanted sexual contact whereas rape typically refers specifically

manipulation, instead of physical violence to pressure the

to unwanted sexual intercourse. If you are unsure of what

victim into unwanted sexual activity.

consent is, it can be defined as the property of the person who gave it, so it’s theirs to take away at any time. Although you may consent in physical activity that doesn’t mean you consent for the duration of the activity if you begin to feel uncomfortable.

If one of your sisters were to have been a victim of sexual assault, what can you do for her?

• T he absence of “no” does not mean “yes.” It’s your responsibility to ensure you have consent.

From a prevention and risk management standpoint, there are several ways to educate about the topic of sexual assault. You can empower your sisters to become more educated on sexual assault. As a chapter you could consider hosting educational

First off, you should not place blame on the victim or pass

workshops. You can utilize the professionals in your community

judgment. It’s your role to be a listening ear for your sister.

who are experts on this topic, suggest a large program tailored

You can help your sister validate her feelings and her perspective

to your university’s Greek life as a whole, and provide tips and

as she tells you her story. You can also offer sisterhood and

information to your sisters on a monthly basis. Some may also

support but know that your sister should seek others out

be interested in attending relationship violence or sexual assault

regarding medical and legal actions related to the situation.

courses through an organization or a course. As Tri Sigma

Finally, you can support your sister’s decision regardless if

women, we can be the catalysts for starting the conversation

you agree or disagree with it.

on campuses throughout the country.

The better informed we are as a whole Greek community, the

DID YOU KNOW?

more support we can provide to our sisters who may fall victim

• Regardless of relationship status or sexual history, sexual

situation alone.

assault is non-consensual sexual activity perpetrated against someone’s will.

• Regardless of clothing or behavior, no one has the right to

to sexual assault. No one needs to go through this type of

For more resources, you can check out liveyouroath.org or visit your health center or Greek Life Advisor on campus for additional information.

sexually assault another person. Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. *Article source: The Compass Fall/Winter 2015 edition.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

inside sigma sigma sigma

Lambda Chapter Marks 100 Years The Lambda chapter of Tri Sigma at Indiana University of

National Vice Presidents Elizabeth

Pennsylvania celebrated its 100th Anniversary in October 2015.

Hoffert and Natalie Averette.

The chapter was installed on campus on February 12, 1915.

Speeches were given by Kaye

The celebration gathered sisters from the past and present to acknowledge the chapter’s milestone. The festivities included an alumnae dinner at a local restaurant called Benjamin’s. The

Schendel, the university’s Greek life advisor, Courtney Bisch, as well as several Tri Sigma sisters.

following day, a luncheon was held in the Blue Room of Sutton

After the luncheon, group photos

Hall on campus with nearly 100 Sigma women. Several Executive

were taken and sisters were able to tour the Tri Sigma suite.

Council members attended this celebration including National

The suite housed composites, photos of sisters and a special

President Kaye Schendel, National Treasurer Bonnie Rainey, and

slideshow of all sisters through the past 100 years.

The Nu Chapter of Tri Sigma Celebrates a Century of Sisterhood In November 2015, the Nu Chapter of Tri Sigma at University of Central Missouri celebrated its 100th anniversary of sisterhood.

Since the chapter was installed in 1915, as the first sorority on campus, almost 2,000 women have been initiated into the chapter and our sisterhood!

The weekend celebration commenced with over 100 alumnae at the school’s golf clubhouse, Traditions. The next day, collegiate members offered tours around the university’s campus to see changes that have occurred on campus since their collegiate years. That evening, over 300 Tri Sigma women gathered in the Union Ballroom at the University’s Alumni Center for a more formal dinner celebration. Executive Council members and staff members, as well as Foundation staff members, university professionals, and chapter officers were introduced. University President Chuck Ambrose and Tri Sigma National President Kaye Schendel gave remarks, thanking all in attendance for their support and involvement in Tri Sigma on campus. Tri Sigma alumnae spoke about their fondest experiences in the sorority through their collegiate years. Scrapbooks, trophies, and composites were placed around the room to showcase the accomplishments over the past 100 years. There were opportunities to pose for group photos at a photo booth created by collegians. To close out the weekend, a brunch was hosted in the chapter’s lounge area.

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inside sigma sigma sigma

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

inside sigma sigma sigma

Sisterhood through Song: Over 100 Years of Singing Sigmas By: Liz Johns, Delta Omicron • National Archivist Song has a way of bringing people together, and any time I attend

Theta’s lyrics to the same tune gave a similar message, reminding

a Sigma event, I can be sure to either learn a new song, teach

sisters to be faithful unto death:

one to another sister, or join in with others on a familiar tune. Last

Aye, faithful unto death, The words our lips repeat Shall win our hearts’ devotion To the bonds of Sigma sweet.

In the glad dreams of the future, In the mem’ries of the past, Thou wilt hold our love, O Sigma, Still faithful to the last.

year at the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Mabel Lee Walton House, I chanted and sang with collegiates, alumnae, Executive Council members, and Golden Violets over s’mores. Song can help us become more connected to our sisterhood and stay with us as a reminder of our commitment throughout our lives. Sigmas have a long history of song; our first song book being printed in 1910. For over 100 years, Tri Sigmas have been singing about our sisterhood and its long-lasting presence in our lives.

Even as the sorority was entering only its second decade, the women knew that their sisterhood would last for years and

Many of our songs are made of Sigma lyrics, but are sung to

years to come. Song can enrich our lives and strengthen our

familiar tunes, such as one of my favorites, “1492”, which is

sisterhood. By 1925, the revised song book contained many

sung to the tune of “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” “Fins,” sung to

more tunes, and many more official songs, such as an “Opening

the Jimmy Buffett tune of the same name, was written by the

Song,” “Founders’ Day” song, “Initiation Song,” and even a

Delta Pi chapter; and “Sigma, Tri Sigma,” submitted by Omicron,

“Convention Song.” Although we no longer sing these songs,

is sung to the tune of “Frosty the Snowman.” When I came

the general theme of love, friendship, and sisterhood live on in

across the original “Sigma Sigma Sigma Song Book” in the

the new songs that touch the hearts of Sigmas today. With each

archives, published in 1910, I eagerly cracked it open to see

new song book, new music enters our shared Sigma experience;

if there was anything familiar.

though some songs do eventually fade away. Through careful

The first song printed was “Stately and Royal,” and the lyrics

preservation and digitization, the Archives Committee will ensure

have not changed a bit in over 100 years. Besides “Stately and

that Tri Sigmas’ song history will never be truly lost.

Royal,” all other songs in the book were written by Sigmas

For questions about the archives and its collections, or submitting

from various chapters. The first song book was created after

materials to the Archives, contact Liz Johns, National Archivist at

the passing of a resolution at the Sixth Convention in 1908 in

archives@trisigma.org.

Chattanooga, TN. “The committee made every effort to obtain all Sigma songs,”* and songs were solicited from all chapters, yielding in almost 30 Sigma tunes. The Sigmas of the early 20th century often did as we do now, choosing familiar tunes and writing their own lyrics. Two songs were written to the tune “Annie Laurie,” a Scottish song. The version from the Gamma chapter reminds sisters that Tri Sigma lasts even after college:

Long live the white and purple, The fragrant violet blue, And to Sigma Sigma Sigma, May each of us be true, And faithful, too, for aye, Yes, Sigma we will love you Better as the years go by.

* Song Committee [Margaret B. Goodman, Lila MacDonald, and Jessie McCullough]

Sigma Sigma Sigma Song Book, 1910, 1st ed.

Compiled by Margaret B. Goodman, Lila Macdonald, and Jessie McCullough.

Sigma Sigma Sigma Song Book, Revised Edition, 1925.

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Consultants

Thank You Consultants!

STEPHANIE BLAIR, Delta

Tri Sigma Consultants are an essential asset to our organization. Consultants

Delta, Colony and New Chapter Consultant “What I have enjoyed

are the primary contact and link to our

most about my experience

collegiate chapter leaders and help to ensure

is working with chapter

our collegiate women have the support they

leadership skills develop.

leaders and seeing their

need from National Headquarters. They

It is amazing to see our

work to support our chapters, strengthen

collegiate members develop

the National Organization, develop personal and professional skills, assist

over time through various leadership roles. I have learned a lot about myself from this experience and have definitely grown in my own leadership skills.”

with recruitment, and make an impact in Tri Sigma. Consultants collaborate with collegiate chapter members and help develop and implement chapter support plans and provide in-depth education

PAIGE BROWN, Alpha Iota, Colony Consultant (Old Dominion University) “There is something so special about watching

in areas such as officer training, recruitment,

women go from strangers

and leadership, and offer guidance to

to sisters in such a short

uphold the policies and procedures of

Watching women realize all of

Tri Sigma. Additionally they cultivate valuable professional skills that will continue to serve them after their year of travel. Thank you to

time period that is so special. their potential and helping them grow into it is something I will cherish forever.“

this year’s Consultants for your steadfastness

LAURA GROH,

and guidance to continue to move our

Epsilon Epsilon, Region 3

sisterhood ever forward.

See what some of our Consultants had to say about their experience throughout the past year...

Consultant “Being a consultant has been a life changing experience in the best way possible! I have learned so much more about Tri Sigma than I could have ever known before and I have watched myself grow immensely as well. I have continued to develop strong bonds of sisterhood and

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

have truly enjoyed every minute of it. Traveling to new places,

been able to watch the chapter members develop into sisters and

meeting sisters who are the same as me, meeting sisters who

leaders in just short six months and that’s been the most exciting

are completely different from me, and watching chapter

part of this past year! It’s been a whirlwind of a year, but I wouldn’t

members grow and succeed has been truly rewarding. I am

trade this experience for anything.”

forever thankful for this experience I have been given!”

AILEEN TOOMEY, Delta JULIA HILKEY, Alpha

Chi, Colony and New

Chi, Colony and New

Chapter Consultant

Chapter Consultant

“My time as a Consultant

“Being a Consultant

has not only taught me

has been the best

how to support and

experience I could

empower our chapters

have asked for after

and their members, but

college. I had an amazing

also how to do the same for

experience as a collegiate

my coworkers and myself. I

member of Tri Sigma, but

love seeing chapter members smile at their success after working

being a Consultant has given me such a deeper appreciation of

hard towards something; and nothing brightens my day quite

what Tri Sigma is and can be in a woman’s life. I love being able

like a FaceTime call from another Consultant. It’s a difficult job,

to connect with Tri Sigma women from all walks of life. Whether

but an incredibly fun one.”

it’s sitting down with a new member to discuss her plans for her time in the chapter or getting to grab dinner with a chapter advisor whose love for Tri Sigma leads her to volunteer. I love getting to see how the bonds of our sisterhood transcend age, distance, and lifestyle. My time as a Consultant has deepened my love for Tri Sigma and has given me an abundance of knowledge and skills that I will take with me in my next steps.”

KAYLEY WEINBERG, Eta Chi, Region 1 Consultant “My favorite part of being a Consultant is becoming a part of different sisterhoods.

I consider it a privilege to be able to experience the love

ABBY PENDLETON, Alpha, Colony Consultant (Oakland University)

that each chapter shares with one another. With every visit, I see the words of our mission personified in the power and passion of our members.”

“Working with the women of the Theta Theta chapter has taught me just as much as I have taught them about Tri Sigma. I’ve

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feature

Experiencing Tri Sigma Convention for the First Time By: Amanda Marchegiani, Beta Xi • Features Editor The significance of Convention can be hard to comprehend if you’ve never truly experienced it on your own. With over 700 Tri Sigma women gathered together for the governing body of our sorority it can be overwhelming to fully grasp how impactful and meaningful the experience can be.

Christa Hoen from the Beta Tau chapter has been involved in many leadership roles through her collegiate years in Tri Sigma but she truly connected with our sisterhood on a larger scale when she experienced her first Convention in 2013.

I was able to connect with Christa and hear how the Tri Sigma Convention in 2013 has impacted her.

Amanda: What was your perception of Convention prior to going versus after attending?

Christa: The first convention I would have been able to go to fell during the summer of my freshman year and my first summer as a Tri Sigma. As a young collegian and new Tri Sigma member, I didn’t truly see the allure. To me at that point in my membership of Tri Sigma I looked at my sisters at the University of Detroit Mercy as my connection with Tri Sigma. I knew the experience was a financial commitment and that many of the older members of our chapter were going to attend. It was only after attending several national programming experiences like Officer Academy and the Labyrinth Experience that I was able to see the importance of connecting with sisters from other collegiate chapters as well as women on the national level of Tri Sigma.

I attended my first Convention in 2013 in Orlando. One of our advisors always said that once you go to a Convention you’ll be hooked and her statement could not have been more accurate. It was phenomenal to be able to have the opportunity to network with other Tri Sigma women that share the same values I do and to connect with friends I’d made from other chapters in my collegiate years. Now, there’s no cost, location, or date that would keep me from attending Convention.

Amanda: Did you know there were breakout sessions and sisterhood bonding opportunities?

Christa: Yes, I did know about the breakout sessions. At my first convention, I had the opportunity to lead two breakout sessions which was a really unique experience. One session I collaborated with our then current president (at the time I had just graduated and passed my presidency over to this woman)

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

on our “Sigma Love Committee” and how we integrated ritual

2

1

1. 2012 Labyrinth Participants come together for a reunion during the last night of convention. 2. Christa joins Meghan Balder (Beta Tau) at the Dunham Women of Character Institute prior to convention.

into our lives and chapter by really taking the time to implement

Amanda: What were some of your favorite memories from the

it into everything we did and the other session was on the

2013 Convention?

book “Half the Sky” whose mission is to “turn oppression into opportunity for women worldwide.” I also collaborated on this breakout session with a sister I met during the Labyrinth Leadership Experience who was from a chapter in Pennsylvania.

These opportunities not only allowed me to really engage and participate during Convention, but they allowed me to take some ownership in my experience and share knowledge.

Christa: There are so many wonderful aspects of Convention that it’s hard to even narrow down to a few favorite memories.

I think that the Women of Character luncheon was one favorite memory because it really highlighted so much of the work that I was doing as a national volunteer at the time. The woman who spoke at the luncheon was an incredibly powerful speaker and had a great story to tell. Additionally, I really enjoyed the business

Amanda: Where you involved as a national volunteer prior to

meetings. They can sometimes seem long and tedious, but I

attending Convention?

think that the topics discussed in those meetings with so many

Christa: Yes, I was a national volunteer prior to Convention serving on the Character Counts committee. Post-Convention, I served in other national volunteer roles as well. Once I attended Convention I was able to understand how being a national volunteer helps to contribute to the mission of Tri Sigma and that even the small contribution helps support the entire organization.

Amanda: When you thought about staying connected to Tri Sigma, was Convention one of the ways you saw yourself staying connected?

Christa: Staying connected to Tri Sigma post-college is challenging for anyone. Your Sigma experience changes as does your experience as a woman transitioning out of higher education and into the workforce. Through maturing and growing so much after college, it can be hard to feel as connected to Tri Sigma as you did as a collegiate member. I find that national programs within Tri Sigma really help to rejuvenate the connection you feel to the sorority and the bonds that you feel with other women. I don’t think that I would have seen Convention as my lifeline to Tri Sigma, but more as a way to

different perspectives being shared is incredibly powerful. Having so many of our sorority’s best women in one room, discussing how we as a national organization want to move forward is not only empowering but inspiring. My last favorite memory will probably sound a lot like many sisters. I think the Festival of Lights is one of the most moving experiences a Sigma can have.

The entire banquet is so spectacular and powerful as well that I couldn’t imagine ever missing one!

Amanda: What would you tell sisters that might be on the fence about attending Convention?

Christa: I think one of the biggest barriers for a woman who has never attended Convention is the cost. Attending Convention is rather expensive, but once you go, it’s extremely obvious to see the return on your investment. Financially you’re investing in the sorority, but you’re also investing in a lot more. You’re investing in the Tri Sigma experience, in meeting sisters from across the nation, in an empowering long weekend, and in yourself. I think Tri Sigma’s Convention is such a pivotal part of the full Tri Sigma experience that everyone should take advantage at some point in their membership.

re-energize and remember why it is such an important and large part of my life.

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feature

The Baltimore Suburban SW Alumnae Chapter’s Active Saturdays: Exercising the Bonds of Sisterhood By: Amanda Marchegiani, Beta Xi • Features Editor

The Baltimore Suburban SW Alumnae Chapter’s award-winning

endeavors. Joanne Feustle, one of the founders of the Baltimore

Active Saturday program, going two years strong, has provided

chapter, says she loves Active Saturdays because she gets to do

an avenue for members to try different exercise activities in a

something she would not normally try while giving her a chance

nonthreatening environment while having fun and sharing in

to meet wonderful sisters along the way. Webmaster Laura

sisterhood. The program began following a discussion at the

Braddick raved about the Bikram yoga class. Braddick had always

chapter’s annual event planning brunch in January 2014 of the

wanted to try Bikram yoga but was too intimidated. However,

many different exercises in which members participate, such as

Braddick says “going with a group of sisters gave me a huge

yoga, Tai Chi, barre, running, hiking, etc. According to chapter

boost of confidence. It was challenging, but we all encouraged

Vice President Hillary Gras, “That’s barely scratching the surface.”

each other to push through.”

Gras, who has taught a barre class for the chapter, came up with the idea for the Active Saturday series based on the Wellness Chair in her collegiate chapter, Epsilon Chi at Northeastern University.

This chairperson, Gras says, “ran voluntary healthy living challenges, scheduled gym time for anyone who wanted to work out together, and promoted a balanced approach to wellness and self-care.” Baltimore Alumnae Chapter members immediately grabbed onto the idea of participating in a similar program!

true fit with our Tri Sigma values: to establish a perpetual bond of friendship, to develop strong womanly character, and to impress upon members high standards of conduct. Gras describes how Active Saturday “encourages sisters to teach and support each other through empowering activities” and that it is a “healthy way that we can incorporate our values into our programming.”

Additionally, the program has helped the chapter to recruit new

On the first Saturday of every month, various sisters get together

members by diversifying the programming calendar, offering

to try different fitness activities. The chapter decides on the Active

alternatives to the typical potluck, happy hour, or dinner at

Saturday schedule at previous business meetings, and the activity

a restaurant.

choices are driven by members’ interests. Most of the activities are free or available at a reduced cost. The first Active Saturday event was a local charity 5K. Other events have included walks, hikes, Bikram yoga, Zumba, bowling, ice skating, a boot-camp style fitness class, barre, and Tai Chi. The Active Saturday program encourages leadership from within the chapter and inclusion of members’ family and friends. In addition to Gras teaching barre to the chapter, President Jessica Dowches-Wheeler’s husband Blake led an outdoor Tai Chi class in a park.

18

This kind of encouragement and support from Sigma sisters is a

It’s easy for a chapter to start an Active Saturday program.

First, start with a point person in charge of the program who makes sure that the events are scheduled. However, the point person does not need to plan or attend every event. She should encourage members to plan the events based on their interests.

Second, be sure to plan a variety of activities. While not all members will enjoy the same activity, offering different choices is a great way to increase participation and enthusiasm. Finally, tap into the expertise and hobbies of your chapter! Many sisters have

The variety of activities, as well as the encouragement from fellow

a favorite exercise, sport, or activity, so invite them to share their

Sigma sisters, provides motivation for women to try new fitness

talents and knowledge with the chapter!

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

1

2

4

3

5

6

1. Allison Ramell, Erin Magee, Hillary Gras, Laura Braddick, Joanne Feustle, Liz Johns, Instructor. 2. Hillary Gras, Erin Magee, Liz Ricketts, Jessica Dowches-Wheeler. 3. Tara Sachdev (MN), Emily Schmitt (MN), Christina Miller (MN), Liz Johns, Liz Ricketts, Erin Magee, Amanda Marchegiani. 4. Jessica Dowches-Wheeler, Erin Magee, Hillary Gras, Stacey Gutridge. 5. Julie Kim (and her 2 children), Hillary Gras, Erin Magee, Jessica Dowches-Wheeler, Allison Ramell, Stacey Gutridge. 6. Hillary Gras, Andrea Wiseman, Erin Magee and Jessica Dowches-Wheeler.

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feature

Golden Violets­ – Staying Well and Remaining Steadfast By: Amanda Marchegiani, Beta Xi • Features Editor

If you’ve ever been to Convention or any other Tri Sigma national program, you’ve seen Tri Sigma Golden Violet members present. These steadfast sisters not only provide knowledge and insight to our organization but they have committed to staying involved in your respective local communities as well.

I for one was not fully aware of all of the things this elite group of women are accomplishing together.

Marilyn McGraw Beiter, Beta Xi, a member of the Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter and Golden Violets Coordinator, said Golden Violets remain an active group of women in many

Advice from a Golden Violet Marilyn’s best advice for Sigma sisters who want to stay engaged is to get involved and stay true to the sorority commitment. She encourages sisters to join an alumnae group and continue to work for the sorority. Some of her best Sigma friends have come from alumnae chapters. She suggests that if a chapter isn’t nearby, sisters can help to charter one. Marilyn has started two alumnae chapters because there were none where she lived and she craved for time with her Sigma sisters. She notes that time with sisters is so important after the collegiate years, and especially for women with young children it’s wonderful to get out for a night. Sisters need that time for themselves with their fellow Sigmas.

capacities. With 405 Golden Violets, interests

The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation helps Golden Violets stay

and activities include traveling together, playing

connected by assisting with the Golden Glimpses publication.

bridge, singing in their church choir, attending book clubs and yoga classes, helping community organizations, and even trap and skeet shooting.

Marilyn praised the work of the Golden Violets and Tri Sigma’s Foundation. “Our Foundation continues to grow, and our sisters are really involved locally in their alumnae groups and nationally

“Although we are a diverse group, we share the one golden

with our sorority. We continue to help collegians with their goals

thread that binds us together as Golden Violets of Sigma

and provide workshops to bring out the best in each young

Sigma Sigma,” she said.

woman. We are seeing more and more Golden Violets each year

Aside from those activities, every three years in the fall before Convention, the Golden Violets Reunion is held at the Mabel

and it is gratifying to know they have kept up with their Sigma vows and want to stay involved.”

Lee Walton House in Woodstock, Virginia. Marilyn noted how wonderful it is to host the reunion at our Heart Home, as it gives sisters an opportunity to see our National Headquarters. For some sisters it’s their first time visiting Woodstock and the Shenandoah Valley, which is quite beautiful in the fall.

The reunion starts with networking and dinner and an activity at Walton House on Friday evening. Saturday begins with a group breakfast and an update from National Officers and Executive Director Marcia Cutter. There is some free time to explore Woodstock, visit Mabel Lee Walton’s grave, and take advantage of the local businesses in the city. In the evening there is a social hour and dinner and a presentation for a sister receiving Golden Violet status.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

Row 1: Shirley Alsager, Fay Donaldson, Bette Lewis. Row 2: Marilyn Beiter, and Barbara Stone, Martha Ott, Jean Wiechmann, Mary C. Thompson. Row 3: Judy Brown, Mandy Chocheles, Judy Zumwalt.

Row 4: Margie Murphy, Joy Borgmnn, Mary Gottwalt.

Row 5: Jacqueline Lewis, Marie Beck

housing feature

Fort Hays Housing Project In April 2015, the Alpha Gamma Chapter was re-chartered and installed at Fort Hays State University in Kansas. The chapter’s success is a result of its alumnae and collegiate leadership, collaboration, partnerships, and local support. The collaboration with the institution is critical

The 1898 Campaign is seeking 60 donors willing to pledge $18.98 a month for 18 months.

to the immediate and long-term success of a chapter. We often

Because of the FHSU

neglect to publicly recognize the importance of our partnership

Foundation partnership,

with the institutions that welcome us to their campus. At Fort

donations to the project

Hays State University, that partnership extended beyond their

through the foundation

local Panhellenic and Fraternity/Sorority office. At FHSU, the

will be tax deductible.

work of university administrators and foundation has made

Additionally, they have

possible a housing project for the fraternities and sororities

helped the chapter set

including Tri Sigma’s newly installed chapter. It is a safe, well-

up naming opportunities

maintained, modern space for the members to be sisters and

for the bedrooms. A

continue their chapter traditions.

contribution of $4,654

Fort Hays State University will build a three-story themedhousing facility with four separate units, or houses. The Alpha Gamma Chapter was one of the first sororities to sign onto the project, in conjunction with its re-establishment.

will name a bedroom in the house; there are 14 opportunities to do

Renderings of the exterior and interior of the three-story themed housing facility.

so. Naming a room for alumnae, previous house mom, or a big sister will not only assist

Each house will have a dedicated front door, private staircase,

with the upgrades but also provide scholarship funds available to

and interior door to a shared space with additional stairs,

current undergraduate memberships. The scholarship will offset

elevator, chapter room, and laundry room. Construction

tuition and can fund leadership development programming such

will be completed in summer 2017, with the first Tri Sigma

as Convention and other national programming.

members moving into the new house in fall 2017. The house will sleep 24 members and will include a space for officer meetings and chapter meetings. The local housing board is working with collegiate members, alumnae, and friends of Alpha Gamma to fundraise for the project. The funds will enable upgrades to the space to personalize it and make it a home - wood floors, wood wrapped columns, wood base/ crown, wood blinds, and a digital wall covering that includes the crest and Tri Sigma letters. In November, the local housing

The goal is to have 100 percent of the funds raised by Spring 2017. The chapter will celebrate the new housing project with a ribbon cutting event in April 2016 alongside its one-year reestablishment anniversary. Follow the chapter and its exciting housing project on Facebook and Twitter for photos, updates, and ways to contribute @ Sigma Sigma Sigma at FHSU. You can learn more about the project at http://issuu.com/fhsufoundation/ docs/02.13.15_themed_house_-_unit_two___/1.

board launched an 1898 Campaign to fund these upgrades.

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our collegians

Collegiate News LAMBDA

ALPHA IOTA

INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, INDIANA, PA

NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY, TAHLEQUAH, OK

The Lambda Chapter has been involved in a few community service events in town. A few members helped sort newspapers at the Indiana Gazette. Other members also helped the Indiana County Community Action Program with their food drive, which was a part of community care and share day on September 26. A group of sisters participated in Delta Phi Epsilon’s philanthropy event, which was a 5K color run that raised money for The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders. The chapter is looking forward to continuing their involvement in the community and with other Greek organizations.

Every year, brothers and sisters of the Greek Life community take a stand and show their support for Hazing Prevention Week. This year members of the Tri Sigma Alpha Iota Chapter decided to help share the hazing awareness message with our entire campus, not just other organizations of Greek Life.

Although the sisters love to show that “These hands don’t haze,” they also wanted to show that feet don’t either. For National Hazing Prevention Week, one of the lovely sisters came up with the idea to have a kickball tournament that was open to not only members of Greek organizations, but to any student on campus. On September 22, at 4 p.m. the chapter’s sporty event kicked off. The chapter’s slogan was, “Be the Change, Kick Hazing Off Campus!” A common theme for Northeastern State University is “Be the Change,” so the sisters thought, what better way to be the change on campus than to take hazing awareness to the next level.

ALPHA ZETA NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY, NATCHITOCHES, LA The first week of September at Northwestern State University is usually associated with the first days of college and the first days of classes, but to the Alpha Zeta chapter, it is associated with recruitment. Banners and letters were prepared, songs were rehearsed, and the house was decorated for the potential new members to take in. By the end of the weekend Alpha Zeta’s sisterly bonds were formed even closer than before. The potential new members could see the love members had for one another and the chapter. There were 42 new members, raising chapter total to 111 wonderful, talented, and beautiful women!

Intramurals have been a success so far, as the chapter won three out of the four events, including battleship and pickle ball. Sisterhood has been a focus as well to give the active members and the wonderful new members a chance to bond. The chapter took a trip to Shreveport to go to Air-U, the trampoline warehouse. The entire building was a Tri Sigma takeover! There were single trampolines as well as a tumble track and a dodgeball arena, all overflowing with members. Being able to spend quality time with sisters is one of the best aspects of sorority life!

Alpha Zeta chapter members celebrating a successful recruitment.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

To register, teams had to pay a fee of $25 and have 9 members.

To keep a team from having extra man (or woman) power, possibly causing unfair advantages, the teams had to be co-ed.

All proceeds went towards a national hazing foundation. Tri Sigmas don’t haze, and ladies of character should work to spread the message of anti-hazing.

ALPHA RHO LOCK HAVEN UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, LOCK HAVEN, PA So many positive things have happened in the Tri Sigma Alpha Rho chapter this semester. In order to reconnect, the sisters had an all-day retreat in which one of the chapter advisors hosted many games and activities. These activities were focused on sisterhood and what it means to be a Sigma. At the end of it, so many tears were shed, hugs were given, and lives were touched. From there on, the sisterhood felt so comfortable and connected with each other and that the chapter truly was a home away from home. The sisters are all coming together so much more and making an even more positive name for themselves within the community. For example, a bunch of women served with other Greeks and non-Greeks in a program through the school called “Movers and Shakers.” In this program, volunteers helped the incoming freshmen have an easy transition moving into school and getting acclimated to the change. The Alpha Rho chapter also participated in two other campus events. They hosted tables at the Lock Haven club fair and at a “Meet the Greeks” event where women could speak with people who are interested in going Greek.

our collegians BETA DELTA SHEPHERD UNIVERSITY, SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV This semester the Beta Delta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma participated in multiple activities, such as the Organization Fair where all Greek Life put themselves on display for the student body. Potential new members came to talk to each chapter and ask any questions they had about recruitment and Greek Life.

The Beta Delta chapter had so much fun and enjoyed helping potential new members understand more about Greek life on campus and more about the chapter. Then the sisterhood went full throttle into a week of recruitment, which had a Disney theme. At the end of the week, the chapter recruited 14 new members. Once recruitment was over the chapter prepared for homecoming, which was stressful but rewarding as the chapter took the win. The women worked extremely hard to make everything perfect and came out on top of all Greek Life. For Anti-Hazing Week, the chapter passed out Dum-Dum lollipops and told the student body, “Don’t be a Dum-Dum and always report hazing.” The girls loved the activity and spread awareness throughout the campus.

BETA XI SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY, CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO In the fall of 2015, 17 Beta Xi members gave up the last weekend Members of Beta Xi volunteering of their summer to during freshman move-in week. help with freshman move-in week. During this week, they spent hours preparing, a whole day moving the incoming students into their dorms, and even were given groups of about 30 students to mentor. These groups met and it was their job to answer new students’ questions and get important information to them. The women email these students at key times of the year to keep in touch and help remind them they have a friendly face and person to ask questions to. These women were at most freshman events, such as the move-in bash and the ice cream social. The women who volunteered for this event really enjoyed it and many plan to do the event next school year!

This year the women of the Beta Xi chapter participated in Character Counts! Week for the first time. This has never taken place on a large scale on our campus, but this year a sister, Breanne Bleichroth, took it upon herself to make her dream a reality and bring Character Counts! Week to campus.

She started by making cards with a kick-off event that was open to anyone on campus. She also set up a booth for people to come make cards for children in hospitals during their lunch break. It was a great opportunity to spread more information about Tri Sigma’s philanthropy. Sisters posted pictures about character and sisterhood on social media and started the hashtag #charactercountsweek on our campus.

GAMMA MU SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY, HAMMOND, LA Recruitment 2015 was one for the books! Gamma Mu’s members worked hard this week to show the potential new members how strong the chapter’s sisterhood is and how much sisterhood means to them. Members worked hard to show them what Tri Sigma could bring to their life and helped them realize how much they had to offer Tri Sigma. The sisters did an amazing job, as they were able to welcome 30 new sisters into the major leagues on their baseball-themed bid day.

On bid day, five active members were also able to run home for a second time after being recruitment counselors and disaffiliating from the chapter for the entire summer. The chapter was so proud of them for all of their hard work and for helping over 150 girls find heir homes within the Panhellenic community on campus.

GAMMA XI BARTON COLLEGE, WILSON, NC The sisters of Gamma Xi found a great way to enjoy the last bit of summer weather! They put together a course with some tarps and kiddie pools for a great game of Water Kickball.

What had originally started out as a sisterhood ended as a great recruitment event as several other women on campus joined in on the fun. Chapter members were able to show off another side of themselves while letting loose and shaking off the stress of recruitment and the firstweek-back jitters.

DELTA BETA ELON UNIVERSITY, ELON, NC Delta Beta Chapter has been taking a stand against hazing.

Sisters volunteered to make different baked goods and set up a table outside Moseley to reach out to a majority of Elon’s student body. They handed out anti-hazing pins and had people

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our collegians passing by sign a hazing prevention pledge to prevent hazing across all organizations on Elon’s campus. This is something that the chapter does every single year and it is always a success!

Hundreds of students contributed their signatures and the banner is now hanging up outside of the Sigma house to remind organizations to keep the campus free from hazing.

DELTA THETA UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT PEMBROKE, PEMBROKE, NC On September 12, 2015, the Delta Theta chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma participated in the 9/11 Day of Service. This day of volunteering started with an opening ceremony led by the site leaders of University of North Carolina at Pembroke Stephanie Lawson and Taley Strickland. Stories were shared of the impact 9/11 had on our nation, which was led by the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. After the ceremony, sisters dispersed into our volunteer groups, in which Sigma Sigma Sigma volunteered at The Methodist Home for Children and AIDS help center. While at The Methodist Home and AIDS Help Center, the chapter helped clean and organize the buildings. As the volunteering came to a close and the laughter died down, the sisters realized they should never take things for granted. This volunteering experience brought the sisters closer as a sisterhood and created a bond that they will never forget.

DELTA PI WINTHROP UNIVERSITY, ROCK HILL, SC This has been a great year for the Delta Pi chapter at Winthrop University. In April, Delta Pi organized a community service event at a local Montessori school for a Spring Field Day. Over the summer, the chapter was lucky enough to send five sisters to visit the UNC Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. Also during the school year, Delta Pi received a grant toward the funding of five iPads to be donated to the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC, their local philanthropy. Their “Gold Week” was topped off with another visit to Levine Children’s Hospital at the end of September, where sisters dressed like superheroes and got a chance to spend time with the kids by playing games and doing crafts. Out of Tri Sigma’s two National RPM Grant Hospitals, Delta Pi is lucky enough to only be two hours away from UNC Chapel Hill. The sisters of the Delta Pi chapter brought paper plates and finger paint to the play atrium and the women were able to spend time with some of the children and really get to know their stories.

“I really enjoyed getting to talk to the kids and their parents to hear their stories and how that room and everything we’ve done as a sorority has helped them stay positive through all the treatments,” Madison Cooley, senior, shared.

The sisters spent the whole afternoon with the children and their families, giving them a chance to forget about their treatments and letting them just be kids. The chapter has already planned another visit for this fall semester. Being able to share these memories together truly enforces a strong bond within the chapter.

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DELTA UPSILON WIDENER UNIVERSITY, CHESTER, PA On September 4, the Delta Upsilon chapter of Widener University participated in an event called Sink-A-Sigma alongside with Kappa Sigma and Phi Beta Sigma. With a dunk tank located outside of the university center, students could donate money in exchange for throwing a ball to try and “sink a Sigma.” All proceeds were split evenly to benefit each chapter’s philanthropy. A total of $230 was raised and $74 was donated to the Robbie Page Memorial Fund.

On September 14, the sisterhood sponsored a Robbie’s RootBeer Float stand. Outside of the university center, students could purchase a root beer float to benefit the Robbie Page Memorial Fund. A total of $274 was raised and donated.

EPSILON ALPHA CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY EAST BAY, HAYWARD, CA The Epsilon Alpha Chapter from California State University, East Bay volunteered for their local philanthropy, The George Marks Children’s Home in San Leandro, California, at their annual Fundraising Gala. Epsilon Alpha has received RPM Foundation grants from the Tri Sigma Foundation for the past two years to benefit George Marks and the sisters were thrilled to help them at their annual local fundraising philanthropy! Epsilon Alpha was asked to volunteer the entire day and were organized into hourly shifts by Vice President of Chapter Operations, Jyanea Fae Casiano. Sisters spent the day setting up for the gala, registering gala attendees, acting as parking attendants, running and monitoring the silent auctions, greeting gala attendees, and cleaning up after the event. It was an amazing and empowering experience bonding as a sisterhood and giving back to the community that gave sisters so much. The chapter loved knowing that we could go above and beyond and do more than providing financial support to a children’s hospice home. Sister Olivia Chavez-French says, “Knowing that our time and money we raise goes to helping children in need, even after they are released from the hospital, reminds me of our Sigma values and reinforces my want to strive to be a woman of character.”

EPSILON DELTA GANNON UNIVERSITY, ERIE, PA The Epsilon Delta chapter recently participated in an event called “Pie A Sigma.” The event was created to help raise money for the Robbie Page Memorial Fund. The event turned out to be a huge success for the chapter. Also, the women of the chapter are now at the halfway point for the Abbie Brynda

our collegians scholarship that they are working toward and have raised a total of $13,500. The women have many new ideas for continuing to raise more money this coming school year such as participating in a Taco Night for the second year in a row and having all our proceeds go towards the scholarship.

EPSILON IOTA ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY, SAN ANTONIO, TX The Epsilon Iota chapter of Tri Sigma at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, recently had its annual Spike Fest in hopes of raising funds for the Tri Sigma Foundation. This event took place at Fatso’s Sports Garden, as it is close to campus.

Competitors in this event were able to make a team of 6-8 people, both men and women. This event was open to all students. In the end, seven teams signed up, including fellow collegiate members, men and women from different Greek affiliations, a few faculty members, all along with athletes.

There was an incredible turnout and the chapter raised $500 for the Foundation. The Epsilon Iota chapter showed exemplary leadership and organization skills. Not only was this event an amazing way for sisters to work together and promote their philanthropy, but sisterhood as a whole. Being a part of and working such a fun event was an amazing way for Tri Sigma to get better recognized on campus and in the community.

The Epsilon Iota chapter also was a part of a recycled art competition held by the Civic Engagement and Career Development Center on campus. All registered student organizations were eligible to participate and compete.

Sister Kendall Pasko did an amazing job of representing the chapter with her work of art. Sisters in the chapter and faculty members donated all materials that were used in this art piece.

The recycled art that she created was meant to represent the philanthropy and what Tri Sigma stands for. She incorporated the idea of children’s play therapy by making children’s toys out of plastic water bottles and cardboard boxes. Kendall was just the person to represent the chapter in the competition.

Her creativity skills and her love for Sigma is what granted the Epsilon Iota chapter third place along with $150 that will be used to benefit the sisterhood.

EPSILON UPSILON MARIST COLLEGE, POUGHKEEPSIE, NY The Epsilon Upsilon chapter started off the year with a brunch for sisters who had studied abroad as a way for them to meet the newest members; everyone was so excited to see each other. The chapter joined the other Greek organizations on campus in a hazing prevention walk, which had a great turn

out. The premise of the day surrounded “These hands do not haze.” A sister proposed that the chapter participate in a suicide prevention walk, in honor of her father. Every sister stepped up and said that they would be there for her. Every October, the chapter helps make bows for Breast Cancer Awareness Month because of another sister who lost her mother to breast cancer. Whenever a sister has a cause that is important to her, she always knows she will have the entire chapter’s support. The chapter is working with a local children’s home, participating in Adopt-a-Highway, and has sisterhood events every Wednesday.

ZETA ETA WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY, WINONA, MN The Zeta Eta Chapter in Winona, Minnesota, recently held its first pancake breakfast fundraiser where the sisters managed, cooked, and cleaned up. The event, named trIHOP, was an incredible success that raised over $500 that will go directly back to the chapter. This event took place as a breakfast for parents on Parents Weekend, but community members were also encouraged to attend and get to know the sisters! The chapter hopes to do this event again in the future and can’t wait to see how it will continue on in years to come!

ZETA KAPPA MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY, MONTCLAIR, NJ This summer, the Tri Sigma national organization chose Sister Nicole Gaudenzi amongst several other candidates to attend the Undergraduate Inter-Fraternity Institute (UIFI) held at Indiana University. She was thrilled to be given the privilege to attend this leadership conference with members of Greek life from all over the country. During the five days that Nicole spent at the UIFI, she discussed the positive changes that she and the members of Greek life could make to their individual chapters, Greek communities, schools, and society. She also participated in community service at different locations surrounding the campus, such as giving her time to visit a halfway house for battered women and their children where she interacted and played with the children. Nicole was extremely grateful for this opportunity and felt as though it was one of the best experiences of her life. This life-changing experience motivated

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our collegians her to want to implement changes into her own Zeta Kappa chapter to further improve us as a whole.

ETA TAU

After a long summer apart, the Zeta Kappa chapter came together to attend a sisterhood retreat. Sisters Tiffany Sisak and Caroline Channell, who are the sisterhood chairs this semester, shared how they believed it was important for each sister to leave a positive mark on the Zeta Kappa chapter. They had an activity set up for everyone to put one hand in different colored paints and leave their handprints on a set of wooden letters. This symbolizes the mark that each individual can leave on the Zeta Kappa chapter for future sisters.

The sisters of Eta Tau Chapter started the Fall 2015 semester with excitement. This semester, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, recruitment has transformed into formal recruitment.

The number of students signing up for recruitment is unmatched from previous years.

The chapter made sunshine kits for children in a local hospital.

These kits were superhero themed to show the children that they are as strong, brave, and invincible as superheroes. Sisters included little toys, a mask for them to decorate, and a note of encouragement to get them through their hard times. This part of the retreat was very rewarding and a reminder of why each woman joined this organization. The retreat was a great start to the year and way to bring the sisterhood back together as they began working on goals for the upcoming year.

EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY, DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

In addition to the formal recruitment, Sigma Sigma Sigma members are making blankets to send to one of the foundation hospitals. The chapter is also having their second Farmers Market on campus, which was a huge hit last year. This community event brought awareness for the Sigma Sigma Sigma philanthropy.

To better serve the community, sisters of Eta Tau are volunteering at Spruce Creek Elementary to work with young students.

Working with young children has always been close to the chapter’s heart.

ETA PI ZETA CHI COASTAL CAROLINA UNIVERSITY, CONWAY, SC The sisters of the Zeta Chi Chapter teamed up with another fraternity on campus to do a “Beach Sweep” where they walked up and down the shores of Myrtle Beach picking up trash and giving back to our awesome community.

METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER, DENVER, CO The Eta Pi chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma started off fall 2015 with a bang! The chapter jumped straight into recruitment week and pledged 30 new members who all exemplify the Tri Sigma values. We are very excited to welcome every one of them into our chapter and our sisterhood, and we are looking forward to educating and mentoring each new member on their journey through initiation.

ETA ZETA UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE, AK The Eta Zeta chapter represented Tri Sigma at the breast cancer walk through downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on October 3, 2015. Initiated and new members came together with the community to support the fight against breast cancer. It was very touching to see so many people come out to walk for such a great cause on a rainy Saturday morning. The sisterhood walked for the cure so others can fight like a girl. Stay strong and have hope.

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THETA ALPHA HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY, HIGH POINT, NC The Theta Alpha chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma was paired with Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Sigma for High Point University’s 2015 Greek Week, held in mid-September. Competitions were held throughout the week including a banner painting contest, a blood drive for the American Red Cross, a chili cook-off, an eating competition, Olympic Games, and lip sync performances.

Tri Sigma’s team consistently competed well every day, and earned the title of Greek Week champions.

our collegians

Theta Theta Chapter Initiated On January 16, 2016, 66 women were initiated into the newly installed Theta Theta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma at Oakland University in Rochester, MI with, Past National President, Laura Sweet as the installing officer present. Several local Sigma chapters also assisted in the chapter’s initiation and installation including Theta Beta (University of Michigan-Flint), Beta Tau (University of Detroit Mercy), Omicron (Eastern Michigan University), and Alpha Phi (Central Michigan University).

To begin the bonds of our sisterhood, during the new member period the women were involved in several sisterhood events including a game night to get to know one another and a program to find out which founder each woman was most like.

The chapter members used social media to express their love for Tri Sigma and publicly share the goals they hope to achieve as a chapter. They were also able to attend social events together and compete in a Panhellenic Volleyball tournament which they won.

“Our initiation and installation weekend was very memorable to all of us and Sigma Sigma Sigma will have an impact on us for the rest of our lives. We are so grateful for one another and excited to see what the future holds for our chapter,” said Allison Rechtzigel, the chapter’s Triangle chairman.

Charter Members: Sylwia Adamczyk, Kelly Baum, Lindsay Beck, Susan Bismack, Celeste Black, Haley Bommarito, Josie Burt, Alyssa Cardillo, Marie Carey, Madison Chase, Katrina Cotton, Megan

Cwick, Amanda Ditri, Brooke Dombrow, Kara Duquet, Alexandra Dziewit, Andrea Farkas, Dana Ferrand, Meagan Ferzo, Megan Fisher, Emily Lynn Fraser, Nicole Freeman, Ashley Geck, Brandy Geeck, Sarah Gillay, Abigail Glenn, Samantha Jo Gray, Shelby Gulda, Taylor Hagel, Jennifer Hakala, Paige Hall, Cassandra Jo Harrington, Elizabeth Harris, Mary Claire Hass, Leeanna Jean Hempstead, Shelby Herrmann, Cassandra Marie Hock, Samantha Hoffman, Liz Iwanski, Marie Alyssa Jacks, Megan Kabara, Alyssa Kline, Alyssa Kupper, Sierra Catheryn Leske, Ivana Ljuljdjurovic, Alexandria Martin, Catherine Mitts, Megan Morris, Haley Catherine Orlowski, Krista Pallas, Mary Plodzik, Lillian Queen, Stephanie Katherine Rachwal, Allison Rechtzigel, Jessica Maria Semaan, Erica Shantz, Alexis Sikora, Leah Silvestri, Rachel Silvestri, Emily Sketch, Emily Strieter, Lauren Symon, Shannon Marie Trantham, Katie Jeanne Turner, Alexis Zeigler, Emily Ziesmer The chapter would like to thank Abby Pendleton and the National Organization for the tremendous support throughout the colony and installation process.

Welcome to The Sisterhood On Saturday, November 21, 2015, 78 women were united in sisterhood at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. The installation weekend began with a dinner and pre-initiation meeting on Friday night. On Saturday, initiation was held with Emily Michalski as the honor initiate. Following initiation, a post-initiation banquet was held with dinner, awards and speeches from Executive Council members. A post-initiation and the chapter’s first ceremonial business meeting took place on Sunday to close out the weekend.

Since the Theta Eta chapter has been installed, sisters have participated in many philanthropic activities including placing second in a fraternity’s event to receive 30% of the total money raised going toward the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. Additionally, sisters have hosted a blood drive, helped serve food to the homeless community, and donated over 70 children’s books to their local hospital.

Charter Members: Hope Allen, Chloe Arganbright, Anacristina Arias, Michaela Banks, Chauntel Barrymore, Samantha Belotti, Kayla Berry, Jessica Bogert, Kamera Bracey, Jocelyn Card, Kelly Chanthakhoune, Kristen Crook, Katlyn Davis, Sade De La Rosa, Sabrina Delgado Stickley, Leah Breeze Din, Kelsey Donahue, Madison Opal Dorn, Jamie Ellis, Jeaven Ellmer, Liana Gloria Elysee, Taylor Foreman, Ariel Gaines, Jordan Guynn, Devonshay Guyton, Jazmin Michelle Harris,

Amanda Jordan Harrison, Christina Heitman, Jessie Higginbotham, Calicia Howard, Katelyn Keefer, Rachel Kuchem, Chloe Gonzales Mamangun, Berkeley Martin, Shayee Mirza, Hailey Alexis Morris, Asia Destiny Motley, Meghan Murray, Kimtuyen Thi Nguyen, Carly Osborn, Lauren Page, Samantha Parrish, Megan Phelps, Priscilla Melissa Contrearas, Morgan Pribble, Klarissa Puducay, Jenna Reed, Alexandra Jeanne Reibeling, Leah Russell, Shef Salahuddin, Hannah Sawyers, Molly Schneider, Rachel Scott, Victoria Scott, Kiera Scruggs, Schyler Rae Galasso, Katelynn Sparks, Molly Sternberg, Sarah Stone, Leeana Sumner, Caitlin Tadalan, Emily Tanis, Tamera Thomas, Amber Thomasson, Treena Thompson, Rebecca Tovar, Isabela Vandevender, Jalyn Wells, Jessica Wilke, Alexis Wilson, Sara Worrill, Imani Zakiya Wyche, Kim Sibson, Emily Michalski The Theta Eta chapter will continue to grow as a chapter and we cannot wait to update the entire sisterhood on their success in the future.

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our alumnae

Alumnae Chapter News ANCHORAGE This alumnae chapter has a diverse membership, with collegiate chapters from across the country represented. It is small in numbers but strives to leave a lasting impact in our community.

One of the most active members, Tamara Kaniaupio Rentz, is the key to our chapter being active together.

Her continued effort to organize various race teams and volunteer opportunities that support healthy lifestyles lead to the creation of her own chair, the Sigma celebrations chair.

bowled, ran/walked various charity 5Ks, taken a barre class, and participated in outdoor Zumba! These fun activities keep the chapter’s sisterhood active while enjoying time together.

CHICAGO NORTH SHORE The Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter visited North Shore University Evanston Hospital to see how the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation helps the well-being, growth and development of children through play therapy.

Ashley Ellingson (Gamma Phi), Tamara (Kaniaupio) Rentz (Eta Zeta), Brigette Stark (Eta Zeta), Meghan (Dornan) Burr (Eta Zeta), Melissa McDermott (Eta Zeta), Christina Worland (Zeta Mu)

Over the last decade she has made an effort to include all local Tri Sigmas in the events she coordinates. Recently, she has planned meetups at the Dog Jog (a dog friendly race that raises money for a local nonprofit), the Mayor’s Marathon (which takes place on the summer solstice), and many other “fun runs” that vary in topic and interest in the chapter. When there is a new race, chapter members are sure to hear about it from Tamara! When Sigmas aren’t running the races, Tamara organizes volunteer opportunities at local races that need support for the race day.

She had a baby boy, Kayden, on September 21, 2015. Throughout her pregnancy and afterward, she has kept the women of the Anchorage Alumnae Chapter motivated to stay fit by completing a race a month.

BALTIMORE SUBURBAN SOUTHWEST The Baltimore Suburban Southwest Alumnae Chapter has a strong commitment to well-being through its monthly Active Saturday program. On the first Saturday of each month, the sisters participate in a physical activity. The goal is to have fun together while being active and trying a variety of exercise activities. The chapter has gone hiking (locally and near Walton House), taken a Bikram Yoga class, performed Tai Chi in the park, ice skated,

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The chapter visited the Neonatal Department to see how this year’s grant will help the littlest of their patients. North Shore University used the grant to purchase a Playscapes Play Panel Box, Sammons Preston Therapy Mat, Tumble Forms Deluxe Floor Sitter, doublesided infant crib mirror and a 4moms mamaRoo Infant Seat. It was really a wonderful experience for all of the chapter members to be able to see the little babies up close. The sorority has been able to help the growth and development of these little patients and offer support for their families now and for years to come.

As part of the annual tour, the chapter presented a large award check to the hospital staff and had lunch at Convito Café, a local restaurant.

This event helps everyone learn more about Tri Sigma’s philanthropy. It is a great way for the chapter to see how our relationship has benefitted the hospital and see the wonderful things that the Foundation is able to provide, as we continue to build upon our 10-year relationship with the hospital, while spending time with our Tri Sigma sisters.

our alumnae CINCINNATI

DALLAS

In October 2015, Nora Eyre Moushey (Kappa, Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter) was presented with one of the highest honors from Junior Achievement. She has received many local and national awards for her leadership with Junior Achievement, including the prestigious National Gold Leadership Award from Junior Achievement USA. But in October, she was presented with an award that only two others have ever received: The Junior Achievement Lifetime Award.

This past year, the Dallas Alumnae Chapter offered two events each month, and chapter members attended three officer weddings. In October, Dallas hosted a dinner called the President’s Dinner for several of our past national presidents, board, and NPC delegates who were in Dallas to honor Mary K. Barbee’s service in NPC.

Nora has provided invaluable advice and counsel to Junior Achievement over the last 18 years. She has been very generous to JA with her time, talent and treasure!

During high school in Columbus, Nora participated in the JA Company Program. She graduated from Miami University to become an actuary, a very unusual field for a woman at that time. She began her career with Columbus Life and eventually became their senior vice president of product and financial management. Western and Southern bought Columbus Life in 1997, and Nora was promoted to senior vice president and chief actuary. She retired in 2014 after 43 years with the enterprise.

Nora became a Junior Achievement Board Member in 1997 and just retired in late 2015 from the JA Board. Nora has served on numerous committees and was board chair from 2009-2011.

Under her leadership as a board member, JA in the Greater Cincinnati has served over 1 million children. Nora has continued as a JA classroom volunteer in the Sycamore School District, a suburban district in Cincinnati.

Nora’s leadership, inspiration and motivation was extremely important during the great recession in 2008-2009.

We are proud that Nora represents women and Tri Sigma in such a noble manner.

Chapter members’ lifelong commitment to Sigma is shown through attendance and donations to our two chapters, Eta Kappa at Texas Woman’s University, and Zeta Gamma at Southeastern Oklahoma State University for the past 24 years. Chapter members join Eta Kappa chapter members every year for Founders Day, this year with 63 sisters in attendance. Then Dallas alumnae went to Durant, OK, and had Founders Day with Zeta Gamma. At both events, members had their traditional Robbie Page raffle combining collegiate and alumnae donated gifts for bid. All proceeds go to the Foundation.

Chapter members have done this type of fundraising at Founders Day for at least 25 years.

INDIANAPOLIS SUBURBAN Alumnae chapters offer great opportunities to grow through your sisters.

The Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter, like many others, has a wonderful group of women who offer their talents to their sisters and the community. Take Chris Hammock, for example; she is a gifted teacher who won a grant First row Left to Right: Sandy to travel to Paris to further enrich (Peyton) Thayer, Susie (Fink) her knowledge. While she was Kuhn Back Row left to right: in Paris, one of our other sisters Joie (Dickison) Montgomery, met up with her and toured Kara (Eaton) Rees, Chris (Myers) Hammock, Nancy the city, learning along the way (Sauer) Mann, Ilene with Chris. They came back with wonderful stories that they shared (Swank) Garrett with the chapter and further built their bond as sisters. And Chris’ students were able to reap the benefit as well from the knowledge that she gained through the grant program. Another example of strong bonds that are formed as sisters is from Dee McConville and Nancy Mann. They took a vacation together with Dee’s family. They kept chapter members in the loop while traveling through their vacation photos. When they returned, they shared the stories that went along with the pictures.

Chapter members’ favorite was how they got a little lost while walking and spent an extra hour getting back, but they managed to make it back to their villa and laugh about it later. They told it with such details it made it possible to imagine it as if you were there with them. Stories like the ones Chris, Dee, and Nancy shared with the group allow us to get a chance to learn about opportunities and cultures. Other sisters keep the group laughing with stories of their kids or grandkids and the challenges/triumphs they have seen.

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our alumnae The sisters’ various backgrounds and involvement with community service projects give the Indianapolis Suburban chapter additional ways to grow. Every few months the group either sets up a service project or goes out to learn about something within the community.

The chapter benefits from all of the unique individuals brought together by Tri Sigma. But an additional goal is to share Tri Sigma with the community and continue to build the legacy that will open the doors for future alumnae members. Keeping the bonds strong for many more decades.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA The sisters of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter are proud that they hail from all parts of the country and that they have the ability to share diverse experiences with one other. Members are a stone’s throw from Washington, DC, and have access to a wide variety of cultural opportunities for enrichment and growth. In the past few months alone, members attended Broadway shows “Once,” “Book of Mormon,” and “Bright Star” and Georges Bizet’s opera “Carmen” at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Sisters have attended games together to show their support for local professional sports teams, the Washington Nationals and the Washington Redskins. Chapter members have

recruitment, Heather Cruz, Zeta Psi, and fellow member Marianne Stonefield, Alpha Chi, are members of the Alexandria Choral Society, a nonprofit choral arts organization that has been enriching the Alexandria, VA, community for 45 years; Heather also serves as board president. These are just a few examples of the countless ways the Northern Virginia chapter members seek enrichment and growth in their daily lives, and how its sisters demonstrate their lifelong commitment to each other and to Sigma Sigma Sigma.

NORTHSHORE LOUISIANA Members of the Northshore LA Alumnae Chapter recently participated in the Chiari Walk Across America, a nationwide event to raise awareness for Chiari Malformation, a serious neurological disorder.

PHOENIX We begin as babies in the “I-being,” and as we grow, we evolve into “we-beings.” Life has taught us how we behave and accept being a “being” in this world, we develop habits of that become life-long. The commitment we donate to be self-less allows us to grow as human beings.

Many of us were drawn to the purple, to the sailboats, to the water, allowing us to find ourselves being a part of a whole. Our growth has allowed us to be enriched toward charity and donating parts of our souls, our spirits, our whole beings at one point in our lives for the greater good, a bond that was forged when we took the oath to become better selves of ourselves. To learn to be a part of the sisterhood, to grow stronger, develop what we could not find within our genetic bloodlines.

As adults, to give a part of ourselves outside of our comfort zones, to share our strengths and lean on others to help us in times of stormy weathers and troubled waters. During times of turbulence, how we choose to become well, how we wake each day to grow, how we go through life to commit to lifelong growth and giving a part of ourselves allows for us to be a better part of ourselves for others around us.

As we grow past college days into the working world. We take what we have learned in dedication to ourselves and others by paying it forward for a day will come when we need a helping hand.

organized several group exercise activities, which include standup paddle boarding, running races, and Pure Barre classes. Sisters have also attended cooking classes together, learning lifelong skills.

Many members support the well-being of others in their daily lives as exercise instructors throughout the region. Chapter treasurer Liz (Roling) Mataya, Mu, is a Jazzercise instructor in Fairfax, VA, and organized a special class in October to benefit the Foundation, demonstrating the chapter’s dedication to health and our lifelong commitment to the sorority. Vice president of membership and

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As we go through the motions, the many hours in a day, the seconds that tick on by, the lightness of days become darkness of nights. These moments in time, we struggle, we achieve, we see the glory, we see the sadness, we see the madness, we rely on our ideals to see us through the days, we rely on our goals to get us to the next chapter in our lives. We have sisters to help us turn the pages of the unknown into the known.

As sisters of Tri Sigma, we’ve embraced the focus on being committed to a smaller part of the greater good. Being women

our alumnae

Northshore Louisiana members Jennifer Paul Frederick, Alpha Zeta; Julie Mathies, Gamma Mu; Robin Brown Griffin, Gamma Mu

from all across the country, some going through falback, others through the winter chill warming by a fire , summer has brought blooms and beauty, springing ahead, that loss of an hour to conserve energy. We are all united by committing to life-long habits that keep us healthy and moving forward to focus on giving to others, to be self less, to sleep through the night to allow us to grow stronger.

Being well, our well-being has united us all through the life-line of lifelong commitments to those that need a helping hand.

Sail on Sigma girl, pick up that telescope and scan beyond the horizon, a blur to where we are travelling; whether far or near, will become clear.

SOUTHERN WV Tri Sigmas in Southern West Virginia took their lifelong commitment to the organization to the next level in 2015 by rechartering the Southern WV Alumnae Chapter. Interested alumnae started meeting in late 2014 and had a number of events during the past year in hopes of becoming an official chapter. The chapter received approval in August and was officially presented their charter on October 10 by national representative Lori Pettyjohn.

WI FOX VALLEY The Wisconsin Fox Valley Chapter has been very active promoting sisterhood and providing opportunities to renew and foster lifelong sisterly bonds. The chapter recently had an activity at a local establishment to showcase their artistic and creative gifts. The chapter has been promoting and encouraging all our sisters to grow in their respective talents.

WICHITA The Wichita Alumnae Chapter demonstrates the deep and lasting bonds of its sisterhood. Always having a large number of Golden Violets, they meet as a group once a month for brunch at a local restaurant to enjoy friendships developed over the years. The brunches are filled with laughter, personal stories, and Sigma news. It is common for the group to close the restaurant down before its turnover for lunch. The group is also active in the chapter’s monthly meetings and enjoys the sisterhood of all its members.

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our alumnae

Celebrating 75Years with Tri Sigma!

Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Alpha Beta Alpha Beta Alpha Beta Alpha Beta Alpha Beta Alpha Beta Alpha Delta Alpha Delta Alpha Delta Alpha Delta Alpha Delta Alpha Delta Alpha Epsilon Alpha Epsilon Alpha Gamma Alpha Gamma Alpha Iota Alpha Iota Alpha Lambda Alpha Lambda Alpha Lambda Alpha Lambda Alpha Lambda Alpha Lambda Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Mu Alpha Nu Alpha Nu Alpha Omicron Alpha Omicron Alpha Omicron Alpha Pi Alpha Rho Alpha Sigma Alpha Sigma

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Katherine Vaughan Cobb Louise Bell Lyons Mary Eades Goodall Evelyn Ward Bivens Joyce Pendleton Bertalon Dorothy Coles Riley Ann Meador Wells Barbara Hole Reed Elma Holkko Kahelin Mary Morgan Wands Elaine Harvey Shelton Roberta White Alexander Annamae LeBadis Chase Helen Lintern Harris Alvina Gillingham Nagle Marcia Murdoch Simmons Betty Skaggs Hartman Norma Schaeffer Heselbarth Vivian Yergey Heywood Dora Miller Helen Matters Hurst Evelyn Romberger Norton Margaret Earnist Vines Johnnie Jones LeMasters Wilma Dean Henry Betty Miller Scott Dorothy von Glinow Athanasakos Ruth Herlihy Jacquelin Thompson O’Shaughnessy Felicia Kohl Scheublein Jean Burt Heintz Quintilla Anders Lewis Aline Jackson Smith Catherine Prescott Roy Britt Hammers Ardoin Gloria Lehmann Hinckley Hazel Buttigig Longino Mary Vincent Broussard Shirley Pennington Faulk Martha B. Ramos Catherine Zicos Mitchell Kathleen Isom Larimer Manie Terrell Whitten Margaret Daniel Prince Wanda Thomas Mathis Mary Kay Banner Jean Erieg Bowes Mary Askew Middleton Elizabeth Galtney Chappa

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

Alpha Tau Alpha Tau Alpha Tau Alpha Tau Alpha Theta Alpha Theta Alpha Theta Alpha Theta Alpha Theta Alpha Theta Alpha Theta Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Upsilon Alpha Xi Alpha Xi Alpha Xi Alpha Xi Alpha Zeta Alpha Zeta Chi Chi Chi Chi Iota Iota Iota Iota Lambda Lambda Lambda Lambda Mu Mu Mu Nu Nu Nu Nu Omicron Pi Pi

Mary Conlon Ware Jane Moberly Poythress Elsie Turner Sampselle Isabel Prichard Radford Margaret Morgan Slusher Catherine Quillin Russell Ann Giesen Litton Geraldine Sewell Southern Rachel McGuire Coleman Betty King Stone Mary Montgomery Wilkinson Betty Carney Keeling Mary Bliss Sinex Macaria Sheffield Wheeler Kathryn Valenti Porter Marjory Murphy Clark Mary Hethorn Fitzgerald Ann Lankford Brown Frances Keiter Slater Marjorie F. Hollandsworth Josephine Scott Brown Mary Calkins Barbee Doris Ziemer Estes Sigrid Newell Hinchliffe Dorothy Pester Merriman Dorothy Bell Donaldson Cecile Bridges Denbo Doris Shaff Fisher Mary Kerr Clary Marian Hart Predmore Mabel Martin Barber Jean Morgan Glover Edith Marie Jennestad Harriette Hopkins Anglea Ila Barth Krier Jean McCullough Craig Helen Uhler Zimmerman Alice Poole Sheeder Patricia Shaw Butler Margaret Taylor Campbell Maxine Mackie Farrar Dorothy Hewitt Wright Wanda Clements Brown Myra Searfoss Hiles Jeryl Yates Vaught Royce Bartlett Marjorie May Colburn A. Jean Friend Walters Dorothy Ely Foster

our alumnae Pi Pi Pi Pi Psi Psi Psi Psi Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma Sigma Tau Tau Tau Upsilon Zeta Zeta Zeta

Letha Meyer Wilson Anetha Soderstrom Mauderly Alice Teske Sharp Helen Fearl Shadwick Alma Uhlig Beer Betty Parrish Peters Betty Curtis Purcell Hazel Ferguson Flynn Dorothy Fisher Wayt Margaret Steadman Patterson Olga Grisenti Bryce Betty Bird Cosseboom Carrie Davis Mergelman Rosie Tornatore DeSiato Katherine Young Lopez Barbara Taupert Bird Betty Bruhl McCollaum Billye Jo Ozbirn Barringer Harriet Carr Van Valkenburg Marion Bartow Rostad Dorothy Vincent Mitchell

TRI SIGMA STATE DAYS Arkansas 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., March 12, 2016 At The Enclave, Benton, AR Contact Danielle Kloap, danisigmagirl@yahoo.com or artrisigmastateday@gmail.com Oklahoma April 23, 2016 At Greens Country Club, Oklahoma City, OK Contact Lisa Koeller, lisa.r.koeller@boeing.com South Carolina February 13, 2016

Congrat s

scstateday.trisigma@gmail.com

ALUMNAE INITIATES as of Fall 2015

INITIATION NAME

INITIATION

INITIATION NAME

INITIATION

DATE

CHAPTER

DATE

CHAPTER

09/10/2015

Felicia Caetano Amaral

Zeta Upsilon

11/14/2015

Nichelle Young Colon

Epsilon Tau

09/10/2015

Catherine Andrea Buell

Zeta Upsilon

11/15/2015

Jessica Hope Montgomery

Eta Rho

09/10/2015

Linda Jane Donadio

Zeta Upsilon

11/21/2015

Kim Bullington Sibson

Theta Eta

09/10/2015

Natalie Moroz Karagodsky

Zeta Upsilon

11/22/2015

Janet Sanchez

Zeta Epsilon

09/12/2015

Janet Falgout Gros

Gamma Pi

11/23/2015

Haley Elizabeth Cadle

Alpha Iota

09/12/2015

Michelle Autin Richardel

Gamma Pi

12/03/2015

Katya Nicole Sarmiento

Zeta Epsilon

09/12/2015

Mona Arabie Zeringue

Gamma Pi

12/04/2015

Julie Salzi Sieben

Epsilon Rho

10/04/2015

Samantha Paulann Quinn

Iota Alpha

12/04/2015

Sharon Harrison Stocker

Nu

10/17/2015

Amber Lynn Cass

Eta Pi

12/06/2015

Cecile Janousek Befort

Chi

10/24/2015

Marie Stewart Kramer

Eta Theta

12/06/2015

Karen McFarland Pinardo

Epsilon Epsilon

11/06/2015

Paula Urtubey Fish

Eta Zeta

12/06/2015

Haley Baum

Epsilon Epsilon

11/07/2015

Judy Tenney Wojtowicz

Alpha Pi

12/06/2015

Tracy Sicola Cummings

Epsilon Epsilon

11/08/2015

Jessica Johnson Searcy

Eta Tau

12/06/2015

Kimberly Allard Herbert

Epsilon Epsilon

11/14/2015

Angela Schultz Fillafer

Beta Pi

12/06/2015

Jessica Sara Gaudet

Zeta Alpha

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our foundation

Tri Sigma Foundation Sigma Serves As the announcement of the addition of a national partner to our

Since that time, thanks to generous gifts from individuals and

Sigma Serves Children network nears, I’ve found myself taking a

chapters, the Tri Sigma Foundation has donated over $3 million

moment to look back on how our service to children got started.

to serve children through therapeutic play. These grants have

I would like to extend special thanks to Carol Swango, Alpha Psi,

impacted communities small and large all across the United

for her research on the philanthropic history of Tri Sigma, which

States, and this is a tradition that we are proud to continue.

she graciously lent for the purpose of this article.

While we will be announcing the addition of a national partner

It’s unclear when the membership of Sigma Sigma Sigma began

to our Sigma Serves Children network at Convention, our

impacting their communities through philanthropic acts; many

commitment to communities through the Robbie Page

would argue it’s something we’ve always done. However, it was

Memorial Fund will not waiver.

at the 10th National Convention in Chicago in 1917 that reports were presented as to the work alumnae had done in “social service.” Not surprising given the time, this work included the Red Cross and war relief. In the 1920s social service of the sorority was carried out by chapters, college and alumnae, according to the unique needs of their individual communities.

It was between 1921-1931 that a national focus on service to children really began. The sorority endowed a bed in the Cradle Beach Mission on Lake Erie. At that time, approximately 2,000 underprivileged children of Buffalo, NY, spent two weeks at the mission each year.

The Social Service Department of Sigma Sigma Sigma had long been financially independent, being supported by the Birthday Penny collections and individual and group annual gifts.

The goal is to stay consistent with our brand and our tradition – children’s health – while adding a respected national organization that can provide engagement opportunities near our collegians and alumnae throughout the nation. This, in turn, will involve our women not only through fundraising activities, but also through the personal engagement that can only occur from the experience of working directly with children and families in need.

That deeper, more emotionally engaging experience will help us bring new donors to the foundation, help our women become philanthropists, and help others throughout the country see the positive role Tri Sigma women play in their communities.

We hope you’ll join us at Convention to celebrate the continued impact of the Robbie Page Memorial Fund, as well as the big reveal of the new national partner! If you’re unable to join us at

For years, the general theme of the sorority’s social service

Convention, keep your eyes on the Sigma Sigma Sigma National

program had been service to children.

Sorority Facebook page and make sure you email is up to date!

Following the tragic death of Robbie Page on September 15, 1951, from polio, the Robbie Page Memorial Fund for Polio

We want you to be able to celebrate with us from wherever you are!

Research was adopted. Robbie was the 5 ½-year-old son of Mary Hastings Holloway Page, National President.

For Sigma,

With the successful development of the Salk vaccine in 1955, the Robbie Page Memorial (RPM) entered into another stage of service for children. A program to provide improved hospital facilities and playrooms for their care and rehabilitation was enthusiastically initiated and adopted as the new National Social Service Project of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

Jennifer Holtsclaw Avenel, Delta Pi

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35

our leadership

Prevention Institute Partners in Prevention. This was the theme as 100 advisors

• I found I was learning not just new information, but how

and 320 collegiate members gathered at the first Tri Sigma

to apply information. Also, the communication session was

Prevention Institute. National Honor Council Specialist

truly relevant and zeroed in on a key problem in chapter life.

and the SAFE Team (Tri Sigma’s Alcohol Abuse Prevention

I cannot wait to apply it to my chapter and train the rest of

Facilitation and Education) volunteers served as the trainers

our chapter leaders.

for the weekend program. The curriculum, written in partnership by the volunteers and their staff counterparts, emphasized the necessary partnership between chapter leaders, members, National Headquarters, volunteers and advisors, and campus support systems to ensure safety for all members. More importantly, the program focused on how the Risk Managers/Vice President of Operations and

• I really enjoyed learning, to find the root problem, and not just making assumptions about what is wrong. There are many things going on in my sister’s lives and it is important to understand where they are coming from and what their needs are. I see what I learned here having a lot of effect on how I run HC meetings, and writing goals.

Honor Councils also need to partner in their local chapters.

• The Keep it CLASSY program was a big ah-ha moment. There

Risk Managers are proactive planners and Honor Council

were a lot of things in there that were new to me that I didn’t

is a partner in education of members and individual

know before. For instance, the letter “S” for standard drink

accountability for unsafe behaviors.

taught me that your BAC increases by 0.03 per “standard drink” and that just because you have one cup doesn’t mean that you have had just one standard drink. If it’s a mixed drink, you could have possibly had 4 or 5 different drinks.

• We should focus on the factors we can change and makes those changes. I also loved the quote that confrontation isn’t about who is right but what is important.

• I realized just how important my position is. There’s more to it than just scheduling a fire drill and giving educationals

The Prevention Institute is not a policy program. Instead, the

about alcohol!

Prevention Institute focuses on empowering our members to

• Risk Management isn’t just keeping your chapter safe during

problem-solve and develop skills to change behaviors. This happens

chapter events, but also making sure each individual sister is safe.

when our Honor Councils apply motivational interviewing techniques

It kind of hit me that it is not always about alcohol and hazing

during meetings or when Risk Managers train members how to

that I need to know about.

be assertive versus aggressive or passive in their communication.

Members practice these new skills in a mock Honor Council

While we will continue to assess the impacts of the program

Meeting, crisis management simulation, and completing a

and evaluate the curriculum for future Prevention Institutes, the

problem analysis on difficult topics such as sexual assault,

trainers were impressed with the focus of the attendees as they

women and hazing, mean girl behavior, bullying, excessive

discussed difficult and complex topics over the course of the

drinking, and impacts of alcohol (academics, health, injury).

3-day program.

Initial feedback from the program provided some great guidance

Amy Chapman, Zeta Gamma Advisor shared “The Prevention

for improvements as well as topics members found relevant:

Institute was incredibly impactful for not only our collegiate attendees but for the advisors as well. Instead of focusing

36

• There was a good balance of hands-on learning with

on response and reaction, the institute allowed us to see

presentation style, and many of the topics will be useful

opportunities to prevent issues both large and small for our

to attendees in their personal and professional lives.

individual chapters. Having an opportunity to plan and discuss

T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

our leadership

“The Prevention Institute was incredibly impactful for not only our collegiate attendees but for the advisors as well. Instead of focusing on response and reaction, the institute allowed us to see opportunities to prevent issues both large and small for our individual chapters.” - Amy Chapman, Zeta Gamma Advisor was invaluable for our members. Ultimately, the institute gave

accountable for the choices they make and expects personal

the members and advisors the skills needed to strengthen our

responsibility from its members and accountability through

sisterhood and the tools to work towards prevention not towards

local accountability.

response. I learned how issues of inclusion and exclusion can affect the sisterhood, and I found the crisis management drill an excellent exercise to open our eyes to work we truly need to do.

It was a very positive and rewarding weekend, and our chapter members left empowered and excited for the coming year.”

This isn’t just a philosophy for national officers, staff, and student leaders – it is a call to action for all members. Sisterhood is caring enough to confront. Sisterhood is caring more about the safety of members than maintaining risky traditions.

Sisterhood is upholding a policy because of its positive purpose

Attendees were also called to action as they were encouraged

not the potential punishment. Tri Sigma is a sisterhood striving

to be positive role models of the four cornerstones in the

for safety - we are partners in preventing risky behaviors.

Harm Reduction Philosophy: Education, Collaboration, Safety, and Prevention. As Tri Sigmas we don’t just want to RESPOND to risky choices but rather we want to PREVENT a high-risk situation.

First and foremost is SAFETY – We are concerned for the safety and well-being of our members.

COLLABORATION – We are an educational partner with the institutions where Tri Sigma chapters are located.

EDUCATION – The Sorority works to address the negative behaviors associated with alcohol misuse and abuse, and not simply the location of those behaviors. As such, Sigma Sigma Sigma, addresses these behaviors with a comprehensive educational approach including character education for valuesbased living.

PREVENTION – Through education, training, and mature adult guidance, we provide the tools to help students make responsible choices, and to understand the consequences of their choices.

The Sorority will hold chapters and individual chapter members

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our leadership

Officer Academy Our chapter leaders began the year with transformative leadership education which has empowered them to excel in their formal officer, chairman, and advisory roles, as well as life beyond the chapter at Officer Academy in January 2016.

Each chapter president and an officer of the chapter’s choice attended Officer Academy. Led by both Tri Sigma alumnae and friends of Tri Sigma, this year’s Officer Academy focused on getting back to basics. The women were educated on how to be their best self by living Tri Sigma’s values, leading with their strengths, and demonstrating their commitment to character.

Combined, the program served nearly 214 collegians; 39 coaches; staff members; Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation representatives; and an intern from each of the five locations in Chicago, St. Louis, Columbia, Dallas, and Dulles. Participants contributed $8,680 to the Tri Sigma Foundation through joining the 1898 Giving Club and the purchase of Violet Tributes. Tri

Officer Academy allowed me to meet great women from all over the country.

I was able to give and take new ideas back to my own chapter, and make new friends. I learned so much about being a better leader, empowering women, connecting with women that share our values and to express why I’m a Tri Sigma. – Emma Hanby, Alpha Beta, Kent State University.

Sigma sisters also served children this year by creating capes for kids. Each cape was cut and decorated by a collegiate Tri Sigma woman. Capes will be going to three different hospitals: St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Children’s Medical Center (Dallas, TX), and Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital (Columbia, SC).

Officer Academy would not be possible without the generous support of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. Additionally, thank you to all of the coaches, lead coaches, participants, Tri Sigma staff, and programming team members for your talent, collaboration, and time. It truly helped make this year’s Academy a success! Officer Academy continues to evolve just as our sisterhood.

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T h e T r i a n g l e | Spring 2016

Officer Academy provided me with a way to develop my leadership skills as well as taking our philanthropy events to the next level.

Being involved with Capes For Kids was so much fun I decided to bring it back to our chapter, Epsilon Delta. I also wanted to break barriers between the Greeks and athletes, so I reached out to the men’s basketball team and they are excited to work with our sisters to brighten up kids’ hospital visits. – Rachael Luciano, Epsilon Delta, Gannon University.

Omega Chapter During the period from June 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015, the following Tri Sigmas were reported to have entered the Omega chapter.

We offer our sympathy to their friends and families and honor them for their lifetime commitment to Tri Sigma.

ALPHA Mary Burwell Coleman Phyllis Denit Gladden Berkeley Davis Richardson Lucille Pollard Wrenn

SIGMA Lois Roe Brinton Shirley Cummins Corn

DELTA Anne Catherine Cross

ALPHA ALPHA Shirley Wood Casali Dorothy Calfee Davis Paula Hayner Dyer Barbara Couch Ofsa Anna Ballard Snidow Ellen Lazenby Swope

MU Marla Osborn Eckel Maxine Mitchell Hertel GOLDEN VIOLET Nancy Lee Stoops

OMICRON Ardath Franklin Olsen GOLDEN VIOLET

PI Mary Jo Wilhite Jensen Leila Lewis Ruddick GOLDEN VIOLET Lorene Durr Stormont GOLDEN VIOLET RHO Cynthia Martin DiBona Marabeth Miller Farmer

PSI Jane Butler Gryder Dorothy J. Schroeder

KAPPA Jeanne Lay Browne Diana Marie Hunn

NU Sylena Michelle Bagley Janet Sutherland Erwin Jonna McKendree Merritt GOLDEN VIOLET Karen Lynne Pratt

ALPHA MU Danella Primeaux Hero Jane McCulla Riviere

TAU Mernice Roquemore Ross CHI Nancy Dunham Greenwood GOLDEN VIOLET

ZETA Marcia McGuire Stefanik

ALPHA LAMBDA Nancy Mehro Movshin

ALPHA DELTA Dorothy Brown Hurt Josephine H. Kotch

ALPHA NU Roberta Lacy Montross GOLDEN VIOLET

BETA IOTA Joyce McNeill Davis Marilyn Kringlee Nichols GOLDEN VIOLET

ALPHA OMICRON Betty Nicholson Doty Meredith Susanne Floyd

BETA XI Virginia Fulton Lawless

ALPHA SIGMA Helen Hall Stafford Catherine Verdel Toole

BETA RHO Margaret Ogar Draper GOLDEN VIOLET

ALPHA TAU Janet Bigley McIntyre

ALPHA THETA Clyde McConnell Addington Mary Price Campbell Ellen Lee Oliver Roberta Ingles Steele

ALPHA UPSILON Mary Shuford Dobbie Marion Watkins Herget Elrie Moore Krauss Virginia Winfield Manson Marine Aleshire Modisett Peggy Dinkel Watkins ALPHA PHI Kay Marie Zitta

BETA EPSILON Carol Wheeler Zindel BETA ZETA Phyllis Seidler McIntyre GOLDEN VIOLET Publications Vice President 1977-1980

ALPHA XI Lola Ruehmer Boreiko GOLDEN VIOLET

ALPHA EPSILON Edna Stephens Peart

ALPHA KAPPA Patricia Tucker Chaney Jean Reilly Delaney Beverly Fitzhugh Doran Virginia House Haught Francine Batton Justice Maxiene Dawson Linger Linda Teets Martin Carol Lucas Tucker Judith Allen Scharle

BETA GAMMA Geneva Evelyn Cook GOLDEN VIOLET

BETA TAU Joan Davidovicz Faber

GAMMA DELTA Judith Wenger Best GAMMA XI Angela Blair Biddle EPSILON NU Nancy Elizabeth Archibald

ALPHA CHI Millicent King Emerson

ALPHA PSI Dolores Pagliei Gallagher Jo Ann Craig Murray Karen Wolf Pitcher Jane Wigginton Taylor

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