The Triangle • Winter2007

Let’s Talk The Alumnae Collegiate Advisory Committee met November 3-5 in our

Laura Ward Sweet Alpha Sigma National President

Letter

National Headquarters at Walton House. Representatives from award-winning chapters and individual award winners met with the Executive Council, Foundation Chairman and the Walton House Board Chairman.

We spent the entire weekend reviewing issues, providing a few of our own and brainstorming solutions. You can read the report in this issue of The Triangle or in the Sigma Standard. It is a true celebration of Sisterhood when we are able to get together. This group had a terrific combination of bright ideas, talent and good will.

This is a special year for Tri Sigma Sisters. Our Convention will be this summer, beginning June 22nd in Nashville, TN. This will be another opportunity for you to have your voice heard and to ask questions about our current programs, policies and processes. You may get swept away with the programs, the music and Sisterhood while you are there. There’s nothing more special and exhilarating than having hundreds of Sigmas gathered together to celebrate our past and plan for our future.

If you have never attended Convention before, make this your first! If you’ve been to one (or many more) Conventions, we will welcome you back with open arms!

I’d like to make a toast, so raise your can of soda, cup of tea or coffee or glass of water.

Here’s to good women, May we know them, May we be them, May we raise them.

—Author unknown

from the

President

This toast is to us. It celebrates who we are and what we know best: Sigma Sisterhood!

Yours,

Laura

Pictured left to right, top row: Melanie Hickerson, Beta Beta, National Standards of Efficiency Award Winner; and Susan Dusold, Beta Kappa, Alumnae Chapter of the Year.

Bottom Row: Christina Cook, Zeta Rho, Recruitment Program Award Winner; Ginger Niemann, Chi, Mabel Lee Walton Award Winner; Sue Wells Weaver, Alpha Zeta, Emily Gates Achievement Award Winner; and Laura Sweet, Alpha Sigma, National President.

Triangle

the

Vol. 07 No. 1

Telling the stories of Tri Sigma’s Heart

On the Cover: We thought it would be interesting to touch base with five remarkable women who have served as National President for Sigma Sigma Sigma: Helen Marie Eggert Snyder, Alpha Xi; Mimi Brandt Hiner, Beta Xi; Ann Buchler Williams, Gamma Eta; Donna Hornick Sarber, Beta Mu; Mary Barbee, Iota; and current National President, Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma. You will find them as remarkable as ever!

MISSION STATEMENT Sigma Sigma Sigma promotes a perpetual bond of friendship, develops strong womanly character, and inspires high standards of ethical conduct.

Editor Barbara Victoria Colvert Feature Editor

2 M. Barbee photos by Russell Pickering

Alumnae Editor Sandy Allen, Alpha Lambda Collegiate Editor Courtney Stone, Alpha Psi Copy Editors Peggy Gamble, Alpha Sigma Marilyn McGraw Beiter, Beta Xi Katie Lauer Wadington, Epsilon Xi Executive Director Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma Sigma Sigma Sigma 225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664-1424 p 540.459.4212 f 540.459.2361 Executive Council 2004 – 2007 National President Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma National Treasurer Barbara Stoe Stone, Beta Tau Alumnae Vice President Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi Collegiate Vice President Reatha Cole Cox, Alpha Zeta Membership Development Vice President Bethany Deines, Beta Kappa Publications Vice President Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi National Panhellenic Conference Delegate Linda Manley-Kuitu, Epsilon Rho

contents Our National Presidents Today

2

Hazing as Relationship Abuse

4

Ever Forward with…

Our Foundation

7

Empowered Women

8

Collegiate & Alumnae Awards

12

Our Leadership

14

Our Sisters

16

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

Our Collegians

19

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

Our Alumnae

28

Convention 2007

32

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

Member of National Panhellenic Conference and College Fraternity Editors Association. © 2006 Sigma Sigma Sigma

10

18

32

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.

9

Omega Chapter:

37 1

What Our National Presidents Are Doing Today

By Donna Dunn HELEN MARIE EGGERT SNYDER Alpha Xi and Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter National President 1971-1983 When Helen Marie Eggert Snyder became Tri Sigma’s seventh National President (1971-1983), she was the youngest woman to ever serve in that office. At the time she and her husband, Howard, a mechanical engineer, ran a manufacturing representative company called Snyder and Associates.

She found wisdom and support in the Sisters who had come before her.

“Having Mabel Lee Walton as my mentor… as well as the many additional officer mentors I worked with during the years as president…” helped her to reach many goals.

“My proudest achievement was to put Sigma Sigma Sigma on a strong financial base, which has served us well over all of these years,” she said.

Snyder now passes on her wisdom through the Past National President’s Advisory Committee, which advises the current National President.

She knows how important this is because she counts as her fondest memory “… receiving love, affection, and support from Sigma Sigma Sigma Sisters around the world.”

An Alpha Xi Chapter member initiated at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, Snyder came to the presidency after being appointed as Ceremonials Chairman in 1949, Senior Send-off Chairman in 1954, and collegiate officer from 1958-1967.

Beginning in 1969 she chaired a regional pilot program in the Northwest.

A member of the Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter since she graduated from college in 1948, she is also a member of the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter. Her daughter, Pamela Snyder Johnson, was initiated into the Gamma Lamda Chapter at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.

Both sons are fraternity men — Greg a Phi Delta Theta at the University of Michigan, and Gary a Sigma Nu at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Snyder serves her community and is the Treasurer of the South Wisconsin District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod,

2

which covers 216 churches as well as a Lutheran Camp. She is also on the Board of Directors of the South Wisconsin District and serves as the Board Advisor of the Finance Committee of the District and as Advisor to the District Personnel Committee.

“I am Co-Chair of a Capital Campaign to solicit funds to pay off the loan to build an addition to our church and parochial school,” she said of her work at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, Wisconsin.

She was well prepared for community service, as her 12 years as National President provided incomparable leadership training.

“As National President I learned to listen, to be flexible when new ideas came forward,” she said. “I found it was never necessary to have everything run ‘my way;’ thus Tri Sigma grew and became more and more viable to the world around us.

Micromanaging was also not the norm under my presidency; the creativity of all individual officers created what is Tri Sigma today. How blessed we are!”

MIMI BRANDT HINER Beta Xi and Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter National President 1983-1989 Mimi Brandt Hiner credits her time as National President with opening doors and expanding horizons in the rest of her life.

“When evaluating and working with teachers, therapists, and parent educators, support staff or parents, the Tri Sigma influence is always there.”

An educator, Hiner is active in professional organizations, including the National Association for Elementary School Principals. She works as the Hazelwood West Early Childhood Education Site Coordinator and Hazelwood School District’s Coordinator of Parents as Teachers.

“One of my major tasks this year is serving on the transition committee from half-day kindergarten to all-day kindergarten,” she said. “We are charged with the tasks of developing curriculum, informing parents about the change in kindergarten and how that will look, and making the transition from an early childhood program to the school age program.”

Initiated into the Beta Xi chapter at Southeast Missouri State University, she is a member of the Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter. Within Tri Sigma Hiner served in a number of Collegiate Department positions from 1968 until 1977 when she was elected Collegiate Vice President, an office she held until 1983. After serving as Tri Sigma’s eighth National President (1983-1989), she served

on the Foundation Board and eventually became the second Foundation Board Chairman. Establishing the Foundation during her presidency was one of her proudest achievements.

While serving as National President, Hiner obtained a masters degree in elementary counseling, certification in Reading Recovery, certification in special education K-12, and earned 33 additional hours post-masters.

In the years after being National President, she was a fifth grade teacher, counselor, and instructional specialist.

Currently she is the Site Coordinator for one of three early childhood centers in her school district for children three to five years old, some of whom speak other languages and others who have special needs. She also coordinates the Parents as Teachers Program for the entire district that serves more than 2,000 families through home visits, group meetings, and large group activities from pre-natal to five years old.

Mimi Hiner cherishes her memories as National President, and especially her time with the other National Officers.

“It was a thrill and a challenge to lead intelligent and welleducated women who are leaders in their fields,” she said.

She looks back to her time as President, but also looks forward to the future.

“I had the great privilege of meeting Mabel Lee Walton, Gamma and Omega, and Mary Hastings Holloway Page Lovejoy, Alpha and Omega, and was the NPC delegate when I became a National Officer,” Hiner said.

“Serving in various capacities, the ensuing National Presidents all had great influences on my life. Each of these dedicated Sigmas has brought something special to Tri Sigma through her leadership. Their leadership foreshadows the wonderful future that is ahead — a future in which each of us has a place.”

That future includes her daughter, Leah Brandt Hiner, Beta Beta, who graduated from Missouri State University and now works in the marketing department for

King Innovation. Her son, Bill, works in the engineering department of King Innovation doing research and design. Her husband, Bill, retired two years ago.

Hiner is very involved in children’s ministries at her church, where she conducts the Jesus and Me program.

ANN BUCHLER WILLIAMS Gamma Eta and New Orleans Alumnae Chapter National President 1989-1995 For most of her adult life, Ann Buchler Williams has been in service to Tri Sigma.

However, a devastating hurricane and needs in her hometown have called her into service for New Orleans and her family.

“While I was blessed with little or no problems because of Katrina, my family wasn’t as lucky,” Williams told The Triangle after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. “My siblings and I own my 88-yearold stepmother’s house, and it flooded. All of my four siblings either flooded or had children who were flooded, so I am the one who is taking care of my stepmother’s house.”

A retired teacher, Williams was a reading specialist with the Jefferson Parish Public School System for 39 years.

She was also on the adjunct faculty at Loyola University New Orleans for the last 28 of these years, teaching methodology and diagnosis in the Masters Reading Program two days a week in the very late afternoons each semester, and during the summers.

How did she juggle two jobs while serving as National President? ”By being very organized and learning to compartmentalize my life,” she states, “and also by trusting the outstanding women I served with in Sigma to do their jobs well.

“When possible, I did my Sigma traveling on school holidays and weekends,” she adds. “In all honesty, I had very little social life while I was National President, but loved every minute of my three ‘jobs,’ especially Tri Sigma.”

Williams currently serves as docent at three New Orleans museums: the Cabildo (Louisiana History Museum), D-Day: The National World War II Museum, and

Hermann-Grima House built in 1831. She also mentors an at-risk teenager, baby-sits her nieces and nephew, and is involved in several community organizations.

“I love doing all of it and have felt more needed with these activities since Katrina.”

The ninth National President (19891995), Williams served as a National Collegiate Chairman, Education and Training Director, Publications Vice President, Foundation Secretary, Foundation Chairman, and Walton House Board Chairman.

“I led a Council team of outstanding women and learned the give and take of compromise in often difficult situations to benefit Tri Sigma and its members… I made many good friends outside of New Orleans. In fact, I have more good friends from around the country than I do here at home,” she said. “These Sigma Sisters have added much to my life.”

Her favorite memories revolve around these special Sisters.

She loved “becoming close to and working with the outstanding women who served with me on the Council, the good times and the hard work.”

Williams takes pride in having merged the Robbie Page Memorial with the Educational Foundation to form the current Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation and in revising the old alcohol policy into the nucleus of the current policy.

Dedicated to her students and her Sorority, she spoke passionately at the final banquet of the Convention at which she was installed as National President.

“We must be leaders, not followers. The future of Tri Sigma is in our hands: yours and mine.”

DIANA HORNICK SARBER Beta Mu and Edmond Alumnae Chapter National President 1995-2001 Ushering Tri Sigma into a new century, Diana Hornick Sarber, tenth National President, took pride in helping the Sorority harness new technologies.

“I won’t forget the adrenalin rush when our Web site was first launched at a DLC [Dunham Leadership Conference], or the gasps when our new visual image was introduced at the 2001 Convention,” she said. “A behind-the-scenes celebration occurred when Executive Headquarters became fully computerized.”

Sarber, a realtor by profession, served in numerous positions in Tri Sigma, including Chapter Advisor, National Collegiate Chairman, Area Director, National Panhellenic Conference Delegate, and National President and on various committees. At a Beta Mu Chapter reunion, members signed a petition to recharter the Oklahoma City Alumnae Chapter, and at the following Convention in 2001 Sarber accepted the charter. She

became the re-chartered Chapter’s first President and remains active with it and the Edmond Alumnae Chapter. She also is a member of the Walton House Board and is Chairman of the Nominating Committee for the 2007 Convention.

Sarber stays busy as a volunteer with her local food bank, arts council and the Oklahoma City Zoo. She said her time as National President helped her grow in her appreciation of volunteerism.

“I became acutely aware of the most valuable contribution we ask of our volunteers — their time — and learned to prioritize, organize and delegate,” she said.

“The daily leadership issues challenged me to maintain a positive attitude and to adopt a ‘can-do’ attitude toward tasks and projects. I believe I became a better woman because of my service as National President.”

She said she was “truly blessed” by the Executive Council team she worked with at the time.

“We shared many fun times and celebrated many achievements together,” she said. “But, probably, some of my fondest memories came from my travels to collegiate and alumnae chapters and the opportunity to meet so many Sigma Sisters. There are no barriers when we embrace in a Sisterly hug — and nothing we can’t accomplish together.”

Her time as National President was also fun because she has a passion for traveling.

“I’ve been on several cruises. Last summer my brother and I spent 25 days touring the Baltic and Scandinavian countries and St. Petersburg, Russia,” she said. “I’m looking forward to a Mediterranean trip next year.”

Sarber has a daughter, Shannon, and is excited about her new role as a grandmother to granddaughter, Drue Ann Love, born October 18, 2006.

“My proudest achievement is yet to come!” Sarber exclaimed.

MARY BARBEE Iota • National President 2001-2004 On July 1, 2006, Mary Barbee stepped down as pastor of the Cody United Methodist Church ending a 14-year career in the ministry and a remarkable professional life that spanned 5 decades.

A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of

continues on page 31 3

More on HAZING:

Relationship Abuse

By Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi, Director of Programs

There is sadly very little research about hazing; it is such a personal, traumatic issue that most people cannot or will not talk about it.

In doing the groundwork for an article about hazing and self-esteem, I stumbled across a book called “When ‘I Love You’ Turns Violent” (Johnson, 1993) about abuse in dating relationships. The power dynamics and the forms of abuse in romantic relationships are so similar to those in relationships between pledges and hazers that I decided to research this topic further.

According to Johnson (1993), abuse is any act intended to cause or resulting in harm to someone. According to Sigma Sigma Sigma, hazing is “any action taken or situation created, knowingly… to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule… hazing abuse may harm a Sister physically and/or emotionally.”

The similarity between Johnson’s definition of relationship abuse and Tri Sigma’s definition of hazing is astounding. Hazing is, plain and simple, abuse. It causes harm to our members. It is intentional.

Types of Abuse There are three types of abuse present in both relationship abuse and hazing: emotional/psychological, physical, and sexual.

Emotional/Psychological Abuse Emotional abuse, also known as verbal abuse, is when someone’s self-esteem or self-worth is attacked which makes the victim feel degraded, uneasy, confused, and angry. Psychological abuse occurs when these attacks are made against the whole being of the other person. (Johnson, 1993).

As a result of emotional and psychological abuse, the victim, according to Johnson, (1993), “… may experience fear — of the abuse, of being harmed, or of others finding out about the abuse — as well as feelings of being trapped, worthless, and exploited” (p. 6).

Johnson (1993) listed several examples of emotional and psychological abuse that occur in relationship abuse that are also frequently reported in hazing incidents: Behavior Reported in Relationship Abuse

Similarity to Hazing Behaviors

Monitoring the other’s actions (who they talk to, where they go, who they see, etc.)

Limiting communication with family or friends. Requiring pledges to be silent.

Requiring pledges to report to a specific location (e.g. a house or apartment) when not in class. Requiring pledges to be accompanied by a member at all times.

Treating the other as if inferior or a servant; Withholding and/or controlling the other’s money.

Requiring the use of pledge’s own money to purchase personal items for members (e.g. doing laundry, buying cigarettes or food, using own gasoline for running errands or “chauffeuring” members); confiscating ATM or credit cards or campus meal/dining cards; requiring personal servitude (e.g. cleaning members’ rooms, grocery shopping, phoning members to wake them for class.)

Verbal attacks and name calling; criticizing the other’s thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors; belittling the other’s accomplishments.

Being called worthless, stupid, “we made a mistake when we gave you a bid.” Use of dehumanizing terminology (e.g. goat, bitch, slut, fag,). Constantly criticizing the progress of the pledge class regardless of actual progress; punishing pledges to try to get them to depledge.

Interrupting eating and/or sleeping patterns.

Waking pledges up in the middle of the night to report for line-ups, work assignments, scavenger hunts, kidnapping, etc. Requiring “take home” assignments that interfere with regular sleep and study hours. Requiring pledges to stay at the house all night (oftentimes sleeping on floors, in basements, etc.). Requiring pledges to always eat meals as a group. Not allowing pledges to leave house to eat at regular mealtimes.

Forcing the other to do anything degrading, humiliating, or dangerous.

Requiring consumption of noxious substances or alcohol or excessive consumption of any substance (e.g. water, milk, food, etc.). Allowing other organizations’ access to the pledges for swaps. Requiring pledges to dress alike, wear conspicuous clothing, or march in line or formation. Not allowing pledges to bathe for extended periods of time.

Psychological abuse involves objectification, when abusers begin to view others as possessions they own rather than as people.

Objectifying others makes it easier for the abuser because it is much easier to abuse an object than a person (Johnson, 1993).

“Objectifying is often used in times of war. We rename the enemy to make it easier to kill, because it is far easier to kill an object than a person,” Johnson writes. “In dating violence (as well as in domestic violence) the abuser renames the victim, thereby allowing easier rationalization and justification for the abuse… . When abusers call their significant others by vulgar, degrading names, less energy is required to abuse them because they are no longer viewed as human, but rather as objects” (p. 19).

The same pattern of objectification is apparent in hazing situations. Hazers never call their victims “sister” or “brother” and rarely even address them by their first names, but instead use terms of objectification such as pledge, rookie, plebe, or goat, to name just a few.

4

Physical Abuse Physical abuse in relationships, according to Johnson (1993), involves physical attacks, including any unwanted bodily contact. Common examples include: slapping, pushing, grabbing, throwing objects, spanking, pinching, biting, spitting, scratching, pulling hair, restraining (holding the other down, not allowing them to leave, etc.), using any object or weapon against the other (including a stick, belt, paddle, whip, rope… or any object that can cause injury or be used to create fear through threatening to use or actually using the object) (p. 7).

Common hazing injuries resulting from physical abuse documented by Dr. Michelle A. Finkel, M.D. (2002) are almost identical to those in relationship abuse and include:

“A particularly troubling and dangerous practice includes forced sexual activity as part of the hazing process,” according to Finkel (2002). “Pledges may be made to simulate sex… they may have undesirable materials rubbed on their bodies… they may be coerced into unwanted close proximity with a naked individual, and they may be forced to have unwanted sexual relations… or be raped… .”

One recurring issue in sorority hazing occurs when pledges are “swapped” with a fraternity or a fraternity hosts a party so that the sorority may participate in the hazing of the fraternity pledges. When alcohol is added to an already dangerous situation, sexual assault and rape becomes an additional concern.

Both Relationship Abuse and Hazing

• Beating/paddling/whipping/striking; are about Power and Control • Branding/tattooing/cigarette Additional forms of relationship abuse burning/burning; include (Johnson, 1993): • Calisthenics; • Intimidation occurs when the abuser • Confinement in a restricted area; instills fear in his or her victim. It is the • Consumption of nonfood substances; abuser’s way of letting the victim know • Drowning, near-drowning from victims that he or she is in control and that being forced to swim in untoward force may be used if the victim refuses circumstances; to cooperate with demands.

• Blunt trauma from falls from victims being coerced into climbing roofs, ledges, and bridges; • Immersion in noxious ? substances (e.g. vomit, excrement, raw eggs) ABUSE refers to any act that is intended to “A cause or results in harm to another person.

Sexual Abuse Included here are verbal put-downs and name Sexual abuse involves attacking calling on one extreme, to pushing, slapping, someone sexually and includes rape, and murder on the other extreme. any forced sexual contact, whether by coercion HARM is the emotional, psychological, “H (psychological force), physical physical, or sexual injury that occurs as a result force, threats, or ignoring the of abuse. We may not always be able to see other’s rights and requests that abuse has occurred. There may be no (Johnson, 1993). Examples scars, bruises, or bleeding; nevertheless, other include: factors and symptoms are present.

What is

• Unwanted sexual comments or gestures; • Touching the other sexually without consent; • Forcing the other to commit any sexual act against his or her will; • Pushing or breaking sexual limits or boundaries; • Engaging in sexual activity when the other is impaired (sleeping, injured, under the influence of drugs or alcohol) or unable to say no for any reason. (Johnson, 1993).

ABUSE

“IINTENT refers to what a person wants to do – the plan. The concept of intent often causes confusion, and it is often believed that abusers do not intend or mean to cause harm. But all abuse is planned, and when abuse occurs it is because of a conscious choice made by the abuser. Abusers make a decision; they give themselves permission to abuse. Intent may be difficult to establish or prove, but if the goal is to create fear, injury, or to gain the cooperation of someone through intimidation, force, or injury, then abuse is intentional” (Johnson, 1993) Hazing is ABUSE. Hazing causes HARM .

Hazing is INTENTIONAL .

• Threats are a direct verbal or nonverbal statement that if one fails to do as told, consequences and harm will occur.

• Isolation often occurs in abusive relationships and can be an important force preventing a victim from seeking help and assistance. Isolation includes controlling who a victim sees and talks to, what he or she does, and where he or she goes. (pp. 13–14) Hazing, like relationship abuse, is about having power and control over and taking power and control from others.

“Hazing is about people feeling powerful — not from a sense of inner strength, but power at the expense of others,” said Allan (1994). “When you understand hazing as an act of power and control over others, then you also understand how hazing is a form of abuse… and as such, a form of victimization… . Those who have been hazed have been victimized.”

Hank Nuwer wrote in his 1999 book, Wrongs of Passage, “Hazing involves a group’s request… that a newcomer take some action in order to be held in esteem by the group and/or gain entrance into an organization… Hazing demonstrates a group’s power and status; it teaches precedence as a way to subjugate the individual for the perceived good of the group.” (p. 37 and p. 39)

Hazing is Incongruent with Tri Sigma’s Values: Friendship, Character, and Conduct Victims of relationship abuse lose ownership of their own lives and bodies.

They lose self-esteem, trust for others, feelings of safety and security. They experience feelings of shame, guilt and worthlessness. They may also experience depression, suicidal thoughts, drug or alcohol abuse, and increased medical problems related to physical injury, as well as stress-related illnesses. Often the victim is forced to stop associating with friends and even family members resulting in a decreased social network (Johnson, 1993).

According to the www.hazing.cornel.edu common outcomes for victims of hazing include: • Loss of friendships outside of the organization; • Resentment towards current members; • Exhaustion and stress-related illness; • Emotional duress from humiliation/intimidation; • Depression or other mental health problems;

5

• Physical pain from accidental or inflicted injuries; • Decreased academic performance; • Re-traumatization of past abuse; • Death.

Again, the similarities between relationship abuse and hazing are astounding. I have to believe that we would not tolerate a Sister being in an abusive personal relationship. We would intervene. We would ask for help. We would confront the abuser. Then how in the world do we tolerate abuse in our New Member education process?

Friendship. Character. Conduct. Hazing is so antithetical to our Sorority’s values.

How can we promise friendship, vow to uphold strong character, and pursue high standards of conduct and then allow our New Members to be abused emotionally, psychologically, physically, even sexually. It doesn’t seem to make much sense . . . yet Tri Sigma continues to have to investigate hazing allegations semester after semester.

In the Summer 2005 issue of The Triangle, Tri Sigma National President Laura Sweet wrote, “Hazing has no place in Tri Sigma, and the abuse of others is a direct contradiction to the vows we commit to during every Ritual.”

Tri Sigma has taken the hard line when it comes to violations of national policies, especially hazing: • If a chapter through its action and/or individual members in their conduct show disregard for the national policies, insurance costs will increase for the chapter to reflect the higher risk exposure.

• Chapters found in violation of national policies will face disciplinary sanctions.

The status of those chapters will be reviewed by the Executive Council. If it is determined that progress is not being made or that members are failing to uphold our standards, the chapter charter will be suspended.

• Any member found by the Honor Council to be in violation of our hazing policy will immediately have her membership terminated.

As a result of this stance, many chapters such as Alpha Chi at Murray State University have chosen to confront hazing directly.

“Embarrassment, peer pressure, and other mild forms of ridicule are often thought of as a joke or just a game,” said Tracy L. Nearhoof, Alpha Chi. “It is so important though, to not forget what it would be like if you were in that position.

It may seem that because the individual…

6

does not object nor seem upset, that they are okay with what is going on and are accepting the treatment. Unfortunately, this most likely is not the case. In fact, the individual is probably trying so hard to fit in that they just accept the treatment they are given.

“Alpha Chi Chapter encourages all other chapters to look within and deeply consider everyone’s position and feelings before doing something that could have any possibility of being hazing,” Nearhoof continued. “It won’t seem obvious, and you probably won’t be specifically told that it is hazing before you do it. However, it is easy to recognize if you first consider if what you’re doing is respectful to everyone and you make sure there are no possibilities for hidden discomforts.”

“In choosing to become a member of a fraternity or sorority you have become a member of a brotherhood or sisterhood that stands for much more than a group of individuals living together and socializing through your college experience,” said Allan (1994) in her speech “The Ripple Effect.” “Becoming a brother or sister means you have become part of a community that offers many opportunities, a community that goes beyond ‘friend’ and calls its members brother and sister. But what do we really mean by that? Do our actions match our rhetoric? I would like to understand how we can justify or rationalize tolerance of hazing and other abusive practices in any organization, but especially in an organization where we say we care about each other, where we actually choose to

affiliate with each other. Failing to confront abusive behavior… is really another way of saying ‘I don’t care about you.’ And I don’t think that’s what most of you want to stand for.”

Friendship. Character. Conduct. This is what Tri Sigma stands for. Hazing has no place among these values and will not be tolerated in our organization.

References for this article: Allan,E. (April 14, 1994) speech delivered at University of Texas, Austin. “The Ripple Effect.” Retrieved from www.mashinc.org/resources-speecesripple.html on June 30, 2006.

Finkel, M.A. (June 12, 2002). “Traumatic Injuries Caused By Hazing Practices”. From the American Journal of Emergency Medicine.

Nuwer, H. (1999). “Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, sororities, Hazing, and Binge Drinking”. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press.

Johnson, S.A. (1993). “When ‘I Love You’ Turns Violent: Emotional & Physical Abuse in Dating Relationships”. Far Hills, New Jersey: New Horizon Press.

Lipkins, S. “Why: The Perfect Storm Theory.” retrieved from www.insidehazing.com/why.php on June 28, 2006.

Sweet, L. (Summer, 2005). “Hazing, Alcohol Abuse, and Insurance Costs”. From The Triangle of Sigma Sigma Sigma. www.hazing.cornel.edu/issues/arguments.html

Editor’s Note: Allison Duttine-Swick’s research was intended to run with the hazing articles in the fall issue of The Triangle. I apologize for them not appearing together. There cannot, however, be enough said about this compelling problem.

BOOKS

Additional Resources

Johnson, J. & Holman, M.J. (eds.) (2004). “Making the Team: Inside the World of Sport, Initiations, and Hazing.” Canadian Scholars Press.

Jones, R. L. (2004). “Black Haze: Violence, Sacrifice, and Manhood in Black Greek-letter Fraternities.” Albany, New York: State University of New York Press.

Lipkins, S. (2006). “Preventing Hazing: How Parents, Teachers, and Coaches Can Stop the Violence, Harassment, and Humiliation.” San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass.

Nuwer, H. (1990). “Broken Pledges: The Deadly Rite of Hazing.” Atlanta, Georgia: Longstreet Press.

Nuwer, H. (ed.) (2004). “The Hazing Reader.” Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press.

WEBSITES • www.campuspeak.com/programs/hazing/ • hazing.hanknuwer.com • www.stophazing.org

This June be sure to visit the

Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation area at Convention 2007 in Nashville.

You’ll find lots of excitement!

Walking the Walk

Third Convention for the Foundation Walk! What better way to exercise one Convention morning – Saturday, June 23 – than to walk with your Sisters and raise money for the Foundation at the same time?

You can “walk,” whether you’re at home or at Convention. Here’s how: 1. Convention attendees secure support from friends, chapter, family.

A minimum of $35 is required for walkers, who receive a continental breakfast and memento. Walk the easy course at your own pace after stretching with the whole group.

Some of the 180 walkers at Convention 2004 stretching before the Walk.

2. Not attending Convention or not interested in walking?

Become a “phantom walker” by supporting a chapter Sister or friend.

Send in your contribution by using the on-line form.

Click on www.trisigma.org on the purple bar, click on “Foundation,” then on “Foundation Giving” at the top of the page. Next click on “on-line giving process” and scroll to the section on “Convention Walk.” If you need help, call Associate Director of Development Nancy Benedict at 540.459.4212 or email her at nbenedic@trisigma.org 3. Prizes for top money raisers! Those raising the most money for the Foundation win prizes.

4. Identify your chapter as you walk.

New this year: think about a special banner or ribbon to identify your chapter. The chapter with the most walkers wins a prize.

Please register by June 12 to facilitate planning.

Last Convention, the Walk raised nearly $20,000 for Foundation programs. Goal this year is $25,000. Your small step is a big help.

Swing for Sigma Don’t know your irons from your woods?

Need to correct your chip shot? Whether a beginner or practiced player, tee up at the Tri Sigma Foundation premier golf clinic at the Hermitage Golf Course in Nashville during Convention. Hermitage pros will be on hand for teaching, and golf foursomes will be matched for play.

Clinic fee is $75. Improve your game and improve services to members and hospitalized children at the same time.

Partial proceeds will go to the Foundation in support of leadership, education and play therapy. For more information, e-mail nbenedic@trisigma.org.

Violets for Remembrance Violet Tributes honor Sisters attending Convention and support the Foundation.

For a contribution of $5 you can let that special Sister know you care about her.

To do this, purchase one of the Foundation’s popular Violet Tributes by emailing nbenedic@trisigma.org or by going to www.trisigma.org and clicking on “Foundation,” then “Foundation Giving,” then “on-line giving process.” Scroll down to “Violet Tributes” and list the names of those you want to honor.

Each one of these women will receive an embroidered violet sticker for her Convention nametag and an honor card from you.

Who to recognize? Your friends, chapter Sisters, volunteers on committees; the possibilities are unlimited.

Help the Foundation’s violet garden grow with your contribution. Deadline: June 12.

Eat ‘n Greet The Foundation plans many ways to honor its “Sixty for Sigma” donors at Convention.

They’ll be invited to a special donor breakfast on Sunday morning, June 24. Invitees are women who contributed $1,000 or more between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007, donors whose cumulative gifts are above $5,000, and members of the Foundation’s Heritage Society.

Another special invitation-only event: a showing of the film, “The Ultimate Gift” starring James Garner. The movie, which debuted to rave reviews, answers the question, “What would you be willing to do to inherit one billion dollars?” The Stanford Group of Houston, Texas, the Foundation’s new investment counselors, sponsors the film.

Additional surprises are in store for the Foundation’s most generous donors as a special way to recognize them and say thank you.

Convention Pin Don’t forget to stop by the Foundation booth for your Convention 2007 pin!

The Foundation office has brochures and sign-up forms if you need them.

7

Kendra Naef Receives Prestigious National Recognition Kendra Naef, Beta Pi, has received national recognition for outstanding teaching methods and professional leadership as a family and consumer sciences teacher at Kimberly High School, Kimberly, WI. A member of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), Naef was awarded the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in October 2005. She received state recognition at the Wisconsin governor’s mansion in February 2006, and was presented with an unrestricted $25,000 cash award for professional development during the annual Milken National Education Conference in Washington, D.C. in May. Forty-eight states and the District of Columbia participated in the award competition. Since its inception in 1987, more than 2,100 kindergarten through 12th grade educators have been recognized with the Milken National Educator Award.

Naef began teaching at Kimberly High School in 2000. A Certified Family and Consumer Services specialist, she teaches family and consumer sciences and leads the four-member Family and Consumer Sciences Department. She has also developed a curriculum for 9th through 12th grade students focusing on human sciences and early childhood development and developed a Partners Program that pairs cognitively disabled students with regular education students. Her teambuilding exercises forge a strong bond and a sense of camaraderie that strengthen academic and developmental learning. Recently she received a grant for a new leadership program.

An active professional on numerous state and local committees and a frequent workshop presenter, Naef received the New Achiever Award from AAFCS in 2004.

Naef earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin–Stout in 1999. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. with a concurrent M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Iowa State University.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Steve Hines, AAFCS contact spokesperson, for information gathered for this article.

Kelly Jo Karnes Assumes Leadership Role in AFA K

elly Jo Karnes, Pi, has been elected as Executive Vice President for the Association of Fraternity Advisors. During the past year she served the Association as the Conference Coordinator for their annual meeting, which was attended by approximately 800 participants November 29–December 3, in New Orleans, LA. Karnes was recommended for the EVP role early in the fall and submitted an application. After her interview with the nominating committee, she was selected to be one of two candidates on the ballot.

Following her election to the twoyear term, she was sworn in at the annual meeting in New Orleans.

8

“My role on the Executive Board will be to oversee all of our work groups,” Karnes said. “This includes groups working on such programs as ‘First 90 Days,’ Virtual Seminar Series, and Technology

Workgroup, and a group that is revisiting our Core Competencies for the Association.”

Karnes noted “some other amazing Sigmas are serving in great leadership roles for AFA,” which will make Tri Sigma very visible. Beth Deines is currently Chair of the AFA Foundation Board, and Allison Swick-Duttine is Editor of the AFA magazine, Perspectives.

“I was also lucky this last year to have two Sigmas on my Conference Committee in chair roles. They are Kara Miller, Graduate Staff Chair, and Tara Benson, Graduate Experiences Chair.”

This story comes straight from the heart of Sigma.

Begin with two little girls, age 8, who became fast friends: Marigale Murray and Phyllis Killar. The girls grew into women with lives and careers of their own, and their friendship strengthened through the years.

Years later, Marigale Murray Briggs, Sue Wright Stieglitz, and Mary Tobin, all Beta Epsilon alumnae, met for monthly lunches.

Briggs, who had become Chairperson of the Beta Epsilon Alumnae Advisory Board and President of the BE Housing Corporation, enlisted the help of her childhood friend, Phyllis Killar Janda, to help with the latter responsibilities.

In 2005, Briggs died of breast cancer at the age of 58. At one point in her life, she had become a close friend of Susan G. Komen, who later died of breast cancer, and whose biological sister started the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in her name.

Stieglitz and Tobin met Phyllis Killar Janda at Briggs’ funeral, and the three of them decided to form “Team 3 Sigmas” for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walk in Chicago. These three captains formed a team of 58 that included 11 Beta Epsilon Sisters. They raised $12,000 and won two out of three top individual fundraiser awards.

And there was more.

Team 3 Sigmas at the 5K in Chicago on September 30.

Walkers take a blister stop at the Komen Walk.

“Soon after the funeral, I was approached by Lee Rapach (Alpha Delta and former Housing Director) and asked to continue my work with the Sorority,” says Janda. In October 2005 Janda joined Sigma Sigma Sigma as an Alumna Initiate and was given Briggs’ badge. Though she and Briggs had never discussed it, she feels that her childhood friend was grooming her for this role.

“Her concern was to continue the work of Sigma,” Janda adds.

In 2006, Janda became even more active on behalf of Tri Sigma and breast cancer awareness.

On September 8, 9, and 10, she walked 60 miles in the three-day Susan G. Komen event in Chicago and raised more than $5,000.

“The closing ceremony was very emotional, including the 2,500 walkers entering the staging area, our cheering for the 300 crew members who cheered us on every step of the route, the one-shoe salute as the 200 survivors walked in, and the raising of the empty flag for those who are no longer with us,” Janda explains.

“Never underestimate what your support and presence means to someone doing this walk! It is what helps us continue when our bodies are asking us, ‘Why?’” she adds. “It was an emotional and inspiring three days. I will do it again. Whether you walk or are a crewmember for the three days, it will be a lifechanging experience.”

The Team 3 Sigmas joined together again for their second annual Komen 5K walk in Chicago on September 30, Marigale Briggs‘ birthday. Among 28 participants were Beta Epsilon Sisters Phyllis Janda, Mary Tobin, Amy Spelman, Joyce Rankin Watson, Sue Giacomini Callinan (a cancer survivor), and Diana Ruff Goff.

The team raised almost $2,000.

“The support from the Tri Sigma Sisters locally and nationally was a huge part of the totals for both Komen Walks!“ Janda states.

The following weekend, October 7, Janda traveled to the Beta Epsilon Chapter at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, with Diana Goff and other Beta Epsilon alumnae, to join the full Beta Epsilon collegiate chapter. They all worked hard to inaugurate and coordinate this effort with the community.

More than 200 turned out for the 5K run and one-mile walk.

According to Becky Paulsen, president of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development

Taking off for the Komen Walk in Chicago.

Women

By Barbara Victoria Colvert, Editor, The Triangle

Empowered

The Purple & Pink Journey of Phyllis Janda

Beta Epsilon Chapter in front of their house at Western Illinois University in Macomb.

Corporation, the event would not have been possible “without the full help and support of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority during the day.”

The Sisters helped participants stay on course and ran a cheering chute to the finish line. The event, called “Paint the Town Pink,” was highlighted by a balloon release on the courthouse steps, with participants writing their memories and hopes on a pieces of paper tied to balloons.

“In all three walks — the three-day and 5K in Chicago and the latest in Macomb — my ‘3 Sigmas’ hat, with Marigale’s name on the back, was always on my head!” notes Janda.

“We should never take friendships for granted,” she continues. “We should always tell people we care about that we love them — unconditionally, always. One never knows what tomorrow will bring any of us.”

Now that is Sigma Love in action!

Carrie Underwood Takes Two CMA Awards!

This has been another banner year for Carrie Underwood, Alpha Iota.

The 2005 “American Idol” winner was named Female Vocalist of the Year and was given the Horizon Award at the 40th annual Country Music Association Awards held November 6, 2006, in Nashville, TN. “Two years ago I was sitting at home watching these very awards and watching all these other people win and have the best night of their lives, and this is the best year of my life,” Underwood said through tears after accepting the CMA awards.

Underwood received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts last spring from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. The once-aspiring broadcast journalist attests that a balancing act is the main thing she picked up from college.

Sigma Love, Carrie!

9

Mary Delaney Publishes Children’s Book

By Donna Dunn

C

ombining memories of a strict babysitter and her mother’s amusing experience as a pediatric nurse, Mary Gerlaugh Delaney, Rho, recently published her first book, Mabel O’Leary Put Peas in Her Ear-y.

Delaney said her mother once had a young patient who put bits of newspaper in his ears. She thought the story was so funny she decided to use it and an experience with a babysitter who made her eat her peas to create a lyrical children’s story. In the book Mabel O’Leary finds peas unappetizing fare, so she puts them in her ears. This mischief leads to impeded hearing and a comedy of errors.

Delaney equates Mabel with the Amelia Bedelia books because “books where the reader knows what’s happening, but the characters are confused, are a lot of fun for kids.”

The 28-page picture book for children has received many positive reviews.

“This is an engaging cautionary tale, and the extreme silliness of the story makes it a fun choice for reading aloud,” said Piper L. Nyman for the School Library Journal.

“My four-year-old granddaughter and I share the delightful ritual of reading books over the telephone when we’re miles apart,” wrote Andrea Sisco (armchairinterviews.com). “I read Mabel O’Leary Put Peas in Her Ear-y to Caroline, and she giggled and clapped her hands joyfully. When we’d finished reading it, she asked me to read it to her again. Now that’s a recommendation!”

Delaney, who remembers writing her first book at age 8, reconnected with her writing as she read dozens of books to her own children. Today 19-year-old Lawrence is a sophomore at Johns Hopkins

Miss

Z eta Pi Chapter is proud to announce that one

of their Sisters, Krystle Kitchen, was crowned Miss Virginia. Krystle is a junior at Virginia Wesleyan College majoring in Criminal Justice and Sociology and minoring in Psychology. She is involved with the Honors and Scholars program, the PORTfolio Honors Program, and Americans for Informed Democracy.

10

University, 17-year-old Jack is a high school senior, and her youngest, Caroline, is 13.

As her interest in writing grew, Delaney joined a writer’s group and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Through these connections she learned of an editor at Little, Brown & Co. Books for Young Readers. Delaney wrote to her about Mabel O’Leary and found out the book was accepted two weeks later. However, bringing the book to publication took almost five years.

“Everything in publishing works at a glacial pace,” Delaney said, adding that writing children’s books is not as easy as it appears.

“One of the difficult things about picture books is that there are so few words,” she said. “Every word has to be just perfect. The economy of words is much harder than it looks.”

Delaney grew up in Florida, attended Florida State University and was initiated into Rho Chapter in 1977. An interior design major, she focused on her graphic design skills after college. She and her husband, Larry, now live in Bolton, MA, where she is co-chair of the Friends of the Library group at Bolton Public Library.

Though Rho Chapter is no longer active, Delaney holds dear her Tri Sigma Sisters.

“I loved my Sorority very much… I made life-long friends there.”

Editor’s Note: Thank you to Ames O’Neill, Publicity Department, Little, Brown & Co. Books for Young Readers, for use of the cover image.

Virginia The new Miss Virginia attended the National Miss America Pageant in Hollywood, CA, in November. Zeta Pi Chapter sponsored her as she participated in the pageant.

“We are all positive that she will represent us and establish perpetual bonds of friendship, develop strong womanly character, and promote high standards of conduct,“ said Whitney Hughes, Publications Relations Chair.

Krystle may be contacted at: klkitchen@vwc.edu

Empowered

Marcia Cutter

By Barbara Victoria Colvert, Editor, The Triangle

Tri Sigma is fortunate to welcome seasoned professional Marcia Cutter as Executive Director. She brings to this position a wealth of managerial experience working in the private sector, and hails from the Beta Gamma Chapter with years of dedicated service as a National Officer.

Cutter graduated from Ball State University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She also obtained an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designation from the Insurance Institute of America.

She began her professional career at Banc One Corporation working, from 1984-1994 as Assistant Risk and Insurance Manager. She moved to Richard Oliver International where she served as Assistant Vice President, Risk Finance Manager. Prior to moving to Woodstock in mid-August, she worked for Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC, a global financial services company in Orlando, FL, as Director of Human Services Administration and Insurance Risk Management. She was responsible for a $10 million annual budget and was accountable for the implementation, testing, and rollout of a Human Resource Information System (“HRIS”) and an on-line applicant tracking system. In addition, she managed the Organizational Development and Training and Insurance Risk and Benefits groups. Cutter was responsible for such activities as annual performance appraisals, salary planning, succession planning, Diversity in the Workplace, Sarbanes-Oxley, and other regulatory compliance and affirmative action monitoring and testing.

When asked what prompted her to make a professional move last August, she said, “I was excited about the opportunity to utilize my business and human resource skills with my knowledge of the National Organization to help further Tri Sigma’s mission of ensuring a perpetual bond of friendship, developing strong womanly character, and promoting high standards of conduct.”

Cutter brings a rich balance of Sigma experience to Headquarters with her professional résumé. She served as Treasurer and Secretary of Beta Gamma

Chapter and in 1989 began her career as a National Officer. For three years she served as National Alumnae Chairman and served as Alumnae Director from 1992-1995. In 1995 she began her service as National Treasurer, a post she held until 2004.

number of dues-paying alumnae but the number of participating alumnae will help move Tri Sigma Ever Forward,” Cutter states. “But more importantly, the retention of members, collegiate and alumnae alike, is key to ensuring that we leave Tri Sigma in a better place for those brave, enthusiastic and loving women waiting in the wings to become members of Sigma Sigma Sigma.”

She is also pleased to see Ever Forward progress in maintaining Tri Sigma’s “Heart Home” at Walton House. Major progress has been made bringing the majestic home into the 21st century with the recent electrical upgrade; window air conditioning units and cable TV offer a substantial amenity to the second floor. Ceiling lights and fans have been installed in the Zeta and Alpha Upsilon rooms, and the repaired walkway in the Memorial Garden will make it easier for members to stroll there.

“We are all so thrilled to see the installation of the Sisterhood Walk yet this year.” But the Walton House Board is not resting on these laurels.

“They are busy working on plans to give the house a new coat of paint on the outside and on the inside, a partial kitchen remodel, and a total landscape refresh. Long term we hope to renovate our office space. Thanks to the membership for its financial support in maintaining Walton House,” Cutter adds.

The new Executive Director is also excited to contribute to the long-range goals for her Sigma Sisterhood: life success, significant community contributions, women’s empowerment, intellectual and personal development, purposeful philanthropic service, responsible citizenship, and meaningful sisterhood experiences. It is a full agenda, by any estimation, but the future of Tri Sigma is definitely in good hands.

“I am privileged to be following some of Tri Sigma’s great Executive Directors and working and interacting with the forward thinking and dedicated leaders and volunteers of this incredible organization,” Cutter states.

Sigma Love, Marcia!

Women

Takes the Helm at National Headquarters

“I was excited about the opportunity to utilize my business and human resource skills with my knowledge of the national organization to help further Tri Sigma's mission... ” Her love for Sigma Sigma Sigma runs deep, and she is proud of the distinction of her Sisterhood among other Greek organizations, beginning with the diversity of its membership.

“I would have to credit my Beta Gamma Sisters. Ours was the only suite where when I walked into it, I immediately felt a connection, I felt welcomed and I felt at home. At Ball State we were not all blondes, not all petite; we had diverse backgrounds and interests. I always found people I could talk to.”

She is especially proud of the programming that distinguishes Tri Sigma from the other 25 National Panhellenic Conference groups.

“Our programming is cutting-edge, thought-provoking and forward-thinking and yes, award-winning too,” she states, citing the Essential Sigma program, a comprehensive membership education program; Honor Council, which is charged with upholding the standards of membership; innovative and interactive programming at the National Convention; and the Volunteer Leadership Institute and Dunham Leadership Institute. “Tri Sigma’s Foundation is leading the way as well, with their award-winning programs and fund-raising campaigns.”

While collegiate membership has seen a slight rise in the current triennium, Cutter sees the retention of members as a clear priority for maintaining a high level of programming. “Increasing not only the

11

S p r i n g

2 0 0 6

Collegiate Chapter A W A R D Jane E. Kinderman National Standards of Efficiency Beta Beta, Southwest Missouri State University College, Springfield, MO

Outstanding Achievement in Standards of Efficiency Delta Pi, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC Epsilon Epsilon, Stockton State College, Pomona, NJ Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX Epsilon Upsilon, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY Zeta Beta, Cameron University, Lawton, OK Zeta Lambda, Wingate University, Wingate, NC Eta Eta, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL Eta Rho, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA

Alumnae Advisor of the Area, West Marcy Schulte, with Beta Xi, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO

Alumnae Advisor of the Area, Southeast Laura Turk, with Alpha Theta, Radford University, Radford, VA

TRIANGLE Correspondent Katie Poticher and Kacey Faberman, Delta Omicron, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA

Music Program Epsilon Alpha, California State University-Hayward, Hayward, CA

Outstanding Improvement in Standards of Efficiency

Scholastic ”Excellence” Ranking Citation

Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX

Mu, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO Alpha Upsilon, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Beta Tau, University of Detroit-Mercy, Detroit, MI Gamma Phi, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI Delta Delta, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC Delta Omicron, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA Delta Chi, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA Delta Psi, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX Epsilon Mu, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ Epsilon Pi, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC Zeta Rho, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI Zeta Psi, College of New Jersey, Trenton, NJ Eta Beta, Newberry College, Newberry, SC Eta Eta, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL Eta Theta, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN Eta Lambda, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA Eta Xi, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA Eta Sigma, Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO Lynchburg Colony, Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA

Recruitment Program Zeta Rho, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

Improvement in Recruitment Eta Rho, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA

Greek Advisor of the Year Robin Jones, with Eta Rho, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA

Total Public Relations Zeta Psi, College of New Jersey, Trenton NJ

Alumnae Relations Epsilon Alpha, California State University-Hayward, Hayward, CA

Outstanding Total Programming in Ritual Zeta Lambda, Wingate University, Wingate, NC

Website of the Year Epsilon Alpha, California State University-Hayward, Hayward, CA

12

W I N N E R S

Scholastic Honor Roll Lambda, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA Alpha Theta, Radford University, Radford, VA Alpha Chi, Murray State University, Murray, KY Beta Alpha, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Gamma Beta, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC Delta Upsilon, Widener University, Chester, PA

Epsilon Alpha, California State University-Hayward, Hayward, CA Epsilon Sigma, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA Zeta Gamma, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK

Scholastic Achievement “Ranked #1 on Campus” Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX Epsilon Mu, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ Zeta Pi, Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, VA Zeta Rho, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI Eta Beta, Newberry College, Newberry, SC

Scholastic Achievement “All Greek” Lambda, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA Alpha Epsilon, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO Alpha Upsilon, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Alpha Chi, Murray State University, Murray, KY Alpha Psi, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL Beta Alpha, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Beta Beta, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL Beta Upsilon, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA Gamma Pi, Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA Gamma Phi, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI Delta Omicron, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA Delta Upsilon, Widener University, Chester, PA Epsilon Iota, St Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX Epsilon Mu, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ Epsilon Nu, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Greensboro, NC Epsilon Pi, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC Zeta Rho, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI Zeta Upsilon, Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA Eta Beta, Newberry College, Newberry, SC Eta Eta, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL Eta Sigma, Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO Eta Theta, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN Lynchburg Colony, Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA

Scholastic Achievement “Chapter GPA Above All Sorority” Lambda, Indiana University of Pennsylvanian, Indiana, PA Alpha Psi, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL Beta Alpha, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Beta Beta, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX Epsilon Mu, Rowan College of New JerseyUniversity, Glassboro, NJ Epsilon Pi, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC Zeta Pi, Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, VA Zeta Rho, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI Eta Beta, Newberry College, Newberry, SC Eta Eta, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL Eta Lambda, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA Eta Rho, Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA Lynchburg Colony, Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA

Scholastic Achievement “Chapter GPA above all Women”

Zeta Psi, College of New Jersey, Trenton, NJ

Scholastic Achievement “Comparative Standing, Highest GPA of all Sigma Chapters”

Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA Alpha Chi, Murray State University, Murray, KY Beta Alpha, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Gamma Phi, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI Delta Omicron, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA Delta Upsilon, Widener University, Chester, PA Delta Chi, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

2006 Alumnae Chapter A W A R D

W I N N E R S

Alumnae Chapter of the Year

Region 4

Region 8

Phoenix, AZ

Triangle Area: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, NC Columbia, SC Upstate South Carolina

Lafayette, LA Baton Rouge, LA New Orleans, LA Houston, TX Northern Houston, TX

Excellence in Overall Programming Oklahoma City, OK

Outstanding Single Program Twin Cities, MN

Sisterhood Award for Alumnae Chapter in a College Town Central Florida, FL

Region 5 Central Florida, FL Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL Sarasota-Mantaee Counties, FL Tampa Bay Area, FL Pinellas County, FL Southwest Florida, FL

Region 6

Dayton, OH; Greater Cincinnati, OH Northeast Ohio, OH

DeKalb, IL Northern Illinois Lakes, IL Twin Cities, MN Nashville, TN Chicago S.W. Suburban, IL Chicago North Shore, IL Milwaukee, WI

Region 3

Region 7

Indianapolis Suburban, IN Oakland County, MI Western Wayne-Washtenaw, MI Toledo, OH

Oklahoma City, OK Edmond, OK Tulsa, OK Wichita, KS Greater St. Louis, MO Greater Kansas City, MO

Alumnae Chapter Honor Roll Region 2

Region 9 Denver, CO Colorado Springs, CO Maryville, MO Phoenix, AZ Tucson Sunshine, AZ

Region 10 Anchorage, AK San Diego, CA San Jose Peninsula, CA Sacramento, CA Inland Empire, CA Long Beach, CA Seattle, WA

Alumnae Panhellenic Citation Lydia Petrus Kennedy, Alpha Zeta, Shreveport, LA

TRIANGLE Alumnae Correspondent Heidi Mills, Omicron, Western Wayne-Washtenaw Alumnae Chapter, MI

Women

Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA Alpha Chi, Murray State University, Murray, KY Beta Alpha, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL Gamma Phi, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI Delta Omicron, Gettysburg, College, Gettysburg, PA Delta Upsilon, Widener University, Chester, PA Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX Epsilon Mu, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ Epsilon Pi, Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC Zeta Rho, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI Eta Beta, Newberry College, Newberry, SC Eta Eta, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL

Gamma Phi, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI Delta Omicron, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA Delta Upsilon, Widener University, Chester, PA Epsilon Eta, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA Epsilon Iota, St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX Epsilon Mu, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ Epsilon Tau, St. Leo College, St. Leo, FL Zeta Pi, Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, VA Zeta Rho, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI Eta Beta, Newberry College, Newberry, SC Eta Eta, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL Eta Lambda, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA Lynchburg Colony, Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA

Empowered

Scholastic Achievement “Chapter GPA Higher than the All-Greek Women”

Leadership Consultants Share Highlights of Their Experiences I had the pleasure of interviewing three women who traveled from 1984 to 1985 as Leadership Consultants for Sigma Sigma Sigma. Lori Hess Coyne, Alpha Theta; Lori Yokich Taylor, Omicron; and Beth Tepper Benoudiz, Gamma Alpha, share their experiences below.

Lori Hess Coyne, Alpha Theta Remembering your traveling year: The things I remember most from traveling are the women I met, the many places I visited that you would never see otherwise and, of course, Mardi Gras; it was great!!!!!

Staying in Touch: I have lost touch with some of the women I met while traveling, but I have always stayed in close contact with Lori Yokich Taylor and Jill Meehan. Lori and I met during my first year of travel at the June Convention, when she was serving as President of her chapter and again when I visited her chapter that year. We became instant friends. She then traveled with me the second year. (Yes, Lori traveled in 1983–1984 too!) We always loved having an assignment together! That was the year Lori and I, along with Beth Tepper, our third consultant that year, got to spend a long weekend in New Orleans and go to Mardi Gras! That was probably one of the highlights of our free time during that year!

After that year as Leadership Consultants, Lori and I traveled together on vacations and long weekend trips. We went to Acapulco, Hawaii, Arizona, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon, and as I moved around the country, we visited each other, too. We were at each other’s weddings and still have long chats on the phone.

Jill Meehan was the NCC for the Colorado chapters my first year of travel, and I met her while working with those chapters. She and I have also stayed in touch. I have visited her several times through the years when I was moving and made it a point to drive through Denver to spend a night with her. I visited her one year at Thanksgiving and was able to enjoy some skiing.

Skills that have served you well in your career: I definitely learned to be self-sufficient and disciplined, as we were largely on our own for planning the logistics of visits. I am sure it has changed a lot with laptops and cell phones, but we relied on pay phones and calls to the airlines’ 800 numbers to plan our travel. I also learned to deal with people at all levels (from students and Sisters to the President of the college/university) and people of different backgrounds.

14

What are you doing professionally? I am responsible for Sales and Marketing of the InterContinental Harbor Court Hotel in Baltimore. I worked for Hyatt Hotels for many years in eight different locations, but am excited to be back on the East Coast, which is home for me. I recently joined InterContinental, and I love it.

Personally: I have been married for 10 years to my husband, PJ. No kids, but we have a terrific dog, a border collie named Gallagher, and have four wonderful nieces/nephews. We love to travel and have done a LOT of it over the years, all over the U.S. and several trips to Europe.

Involvement with Tri Sigma today: I am involved to some degree, but my work/travel schedule makes attending regular meetings difficult. However, I have joined many alumnae groups through the years when I have moved to new cities, and these are wonderful connections. I’d have to say that my favorite alumnae group over the years was in Houston. They are a fun group of ladies!

What advice would you give today’s Leadership Consultants: Enjoy it! Appreciate the local flavor of each town you visit. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are delaying your career; I actually had people tell me that! I will tell you that my consultant position led me to all of my other career opportunities and opened many doors for me. So many people in the professional world are Greeks, and they have wonderful memories of their college days and their visiting consultants.

Why did you want to become a consultant?

Did someone influence you? I remembered a consultant visiting our chapter and how much we enjoyed our time with her. I always loved to travel with my family. I really loved my time in my own chapter, Alpha Theta, and thought it would be a fun opportunity. I was right!

What was the most rewarding experience during your travel year? I would have to say that the colonizations and chapter installations were the highlights. It was so rewarding to be a part of starting something new like that.

Lori Yokich Taylor, (left), and Lori Hess Coyne (right) vacationing together in Hawaii in 1993.

By Jennifer Tetrick, Omicron, Leadership Consultant Director

Lori Yokich Taylor, Omicron Remembering your traveling year: The things that I remember most were seeing the huge variety of our women coast to coast, and seeing the different chapters, the huge chapter houses, and the commuter campuses. It was wonderful to see it all. I also remember and enjoyed going to Mardi Gras with the other two consultants.

We had some time off, and an alumna invited us to stay with her and her husband. They stayed in the same place every year and took good care of us; we all had a blast.

There were two chapters that I was fortunate to work with that year. Both were struggling and possibly closing. The spirit of the Sigma chapters was so overwhelming.

They all wanted to stay and fought hard through recruitment. It was very touching to see their emotional drive and fight.

Staying in Touch: I have been fortunate to continue my friendship with Lori Hess Coyne. We have stayed in touch through the years, traveled together on many vacations (after our Sigma year), and attended each other’s weddings.

Skills that have served you well in your career: Meeting skills! I learned how to meet and speak with administrators at colleges and people at all levels in a variety of organizations. I learned how to travel, how to complete reports, how to write professional reports, and how to be a professional person.

What are you doing professionally? April 21, 2006, marked my 20th anniversary at EDS in Auburn Hills, MI. My job is to help segments of business do performance measures and management.

Personally: I have been married to Tony for eight years.

Involvement with Tri Sigma today: Not as much as I would like to be. I was fortunate to have been the Editor of The Triangle in the past and a member of the Oakland County Alumnae Chapter.

What advice would you give today’s Leadership Consultants: Be open to anything.

Chapters are so different; don’t assume chapters are the same. Put chapters at ease; let them know you are there to help them.

This is such a wonderful experience, enjoy it!

Why did you want to become a consultant?

Did someone influence you? Lori Hess visited my chapter during the year I was Chapter President. I talked with her a lot about the position and became very interested. Then I worked with her the next year! I also wanted to visit other Sigma chapters around the country. I have so many great memories to this day.

What was the most rewarding experience during your travel year? The most rewarding experience was being able to help collegiate chapters that were facing losing their charters. No chapter wants to be faced with that. I thought I would be dealing with members who might be, understandably, down on the chapter or Tri Sigma, yet what I experienced was a very positive spirit, willing to do whatever was needed to preserve the chapter. Together, we were able to do that.

That was very rewarding.

Beth Tepper Benoudiz, Gamma Alpha Remembering your traveling year: I loved the travel and meeting all of the people. I was fortunate to work with only the colonies, and though there were times the colonies were unaware of how to treat a National Officer and/or how to present themselves appropriately, I truly enjoyed all aspects of my work. I remember having to close a colony, which was not easy at all to do. On another occasion one of the installations was snowed out! Being able to be a part of an installation

team was awesome, and when I still see those chapters in The Triangle, it gives me such a great feeling. Of course going to Mardi Gras with the two Loris was also a tremendous amount of fun! Seeing and meeting all of the different women and connecting with all of those people was a wonderful experience.

Staying in touch: No, unfortunately I do not, but I would love to catch up again with past friends.

Skills that have served you well in your career: I learned how to adapt and survive in all different types of situations. I also learned how to communicate professionally with all levels of people, which in turn helped me with people skills.

What are you doing professionally? I am a full-time mom to Zoe (age 2) and Jake (age 1). In the past, I worked retail, went back to school, became a CPA, and then was Chief Financial Officer for a health system. I still do some independent work/consulting.

Personally? I am married to Dave. We live in Virginia with our two beautiful children, Zoe and Jake.

Involvement with Tri Sigma today: I am a member of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter.

What advice would you give today’s Leadership Consultants: Enjoy it! Have fun with it! Realize you are making an impact.

Take it seriously but enjoy the travel year.

Why did you want to become a consultant?

Did someone influence you? Actually Lori Hess influenced me at the time. She had been our consultant at Gamma Alpha for my senior year, and we got to see her fairly often. She felt it was such a great experience that I decided to apply as well.

What was the most rewarding experience during your travel year? The installations that I was able to attend were my most rewarding experiences. As a consultant who worked only with colonies, it was hugely rewarding to see all of their hard work pay off.

News from the Walton House Board

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

W

in late October. We have sold 250 bricks, and will have space for 500 ell, we have some good news and some bad news! I will start more to be sold. You can go to the Web site to purchase a with the bad news. Ann Williams, Gamma Eta, has resigned her commemorative brick. We will have order forms and samples at position on the Walton House Board. As many of you know, Ann has Convention, too. been in the thick of recovery issues in New Orleans after Hurricane The Walton House Board is in the process Katrina. Between helping family, museums, of putting together a “wish list” for the house, and other community agencies recover, Ann and we will feature it in future editions of The felt it best to let something go.

Triangle, and at Convention. There are many We will miss her leadership and insight into specific items such as enclosed bookshelves Tri Sigma, and the amazing knowledge she has and display cases, individual room draperies, about the history of Walton House. As a Board, and a dishwasher for the kitchen, that an we want to extend our sincere appreciation to alumnae or collegiate chapter could provide Ann for all the work she has accomplished on with fundraising activities. The following is an behalf of Walton House. We are keeping her in example of why we need these items. the loop as we progress forward.

During our annual meeting in June, I went For some good news, the electrical up to the library on second floor and started upgrade is complete! Now all the lights, looking through the books lining the shelves. It computers, fans, air conditioners, etc. work was obvious from the dust and debris that no and don’t short out if you plug in a hair dryer! one had taken these down from the shelves in Pictured on the left is Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma, Lorin Phillips did an outstanding job with Inez Fridley, Gamma Beta. The lithograph is by many years. Imagine my surprise when I found working with the Board during her tenure as William Sartain in which George Washington is a first edition of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone Interim ED and kept us on track as she surrounded by his family and symbols of American life.

With The Wind! An even bigger surprise was supervised work on site with her many other Mabel Lee Walton’s brother gave her this framed lithograph for Walton House. to find a dedication to Mabel Lee Walton in responsibilities. the front cover and carefully tucked inside all of the book review We welcomed Marcia Cutter as our new Executive Director, and clippings from the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the she hit the ground running with these projects as well. Marcia is Saturday Review of Literature! I loved this book, and to find that currently living at Walton House, and her new office is in the Mabel Lee loved it, too, and had gone to the trouble to keep all of President’s Room on the second floor. This change in office space these reviews from 1936, was a special moment for me. gives the Executive Director a prime spot within the house, rather Mabel Lee also loved history, and the library has many books about than being located in the office area. It also frees up office space for the Shenandoah Valley and the Civil War and biographies of many the Foundation. historic figures, all with dedications from grateful friends and Tri As an interim step to make Walton House more livable, we Sigmas. These books and articles should be preserved and displayed, installed window air conditioners in each of the second floor not left to gather dust, moisture, and damage. bedrooms, being careful to keep these on the sides of the house so Also, we found stuffed back in a closet a print that had been a gift they do not impact the historic façade. The electrical upgrade has to Mabel Lee from her brother. The print was now discolored and had made this possible, and now we will be able to host small groups in quite a bit of foxing on the edges. We went on the Web to find that the house over the summer months rather than having them go to a this was an original lithograph from about 1870, and I promptly motel. In the long run, this will be better for the house and its brought it to Greenville to have it put on conservation backing and contents as well. Eventually we will install central air conditioning, but framed with conservation glass in the original handmade frame. for the present, window units will be a welcome improvement.

Naturally, we have kept the wavy original glass as it is part of the Commemorative brick sales were brisk before the order was piece’s provenance. If steps aren’t taken to preserve these treasures, placed for the first installation. Jeanne Johnson has done a wonderful they will be lost to us forever. job of designing the brick placement for the installation set to begin

15

On Line Communities

By Rachel Siron, Zeta Tau

A re you on Facebook? Did you see her new picture? What did you write on her wall? If you are familiar with the newest craze of online communities, you know what these phrases mean.

Students’ language across the country is continuously changing with new technology, and with sites like Facebook and MySpace, finding Sisters from the past and present is becoming increasingly common.

Online communities are growing in popularity among college students. They affect the way students communicate, network, and express their identities. Online communities are Web-based, social tools that students use to record their lives, experiences, and interests. As these networking tools have become increasingly accepted among students, sorority and fraternity members have begun using these communities for socializing, advertising, and recruiting.

Facebook is an online community specifically for college and high school students. Members can create profiles with their interests, post pictures, and invite other students to be their friends. Their profiles can contain messages from other friends, cell phone numbers, addresses, and political views. Members are able to connect with friends, new and old, from high school, college, and even elementary school. This online community can best be viewed as a digital yearbook, and nationally Facebook has more than 7.4 million members making it the seventh most visited site on the Web in the U.S. MySpace also is an online community used by many college students, yet this site is less constrictive in its membership. It is similar to Facebook, yet users do not need a college e-mail address to join. Similar to Facebook, MySpace allows users to create profiles with pictures, music, and interests.

While Facebook has become the trend among college students, many risks are associated with its use. According to an article by Patrice Hutton of The Wichita Eagle, students at Kansas State University were caught violating the academic honor code by cheating online through Facebook.

Some institutions have released students from leadership positions and athletic teams due to their Facebook pictures and groups.

Dismissed students’ pictures may have included alcohol in the residence halls, drug paraphernalia, or images that objectify men and women. Two members of the swim team at Louisiana State University were dismissed after posting inappropriate comments about the coaches. Employers are using these online communities as an additional reference for its employees and job applicants.

Many universities and colleges do not have policies for online communities, but a number of schools are developing codes for this trend. Student organizations and athletic teams have been carefully examining ways to regulate Facebook use among their members, and many institutions are not shying away from restricting members’ use. Loyola University in Chicago is one institution that banned its athletes from Facebook, and many other schools have sent out warnings about what athletes should and should not post online.

On a regular basis, Tri Sigma is creating new policies for the safety and protection of our members. Currently our chapter Web standards are being redeveloped to incorporate Facebook and online communities. Interim Executive Director Lorin Phillips explains this development, “Although we do not currently have a policy that specifically addresses Facebook, we do have policies on alcohol, hazing, and human dignity. If online communities depict actions that violate our policies, Tri Sigma can and will investigate.”

In many instances, Facebook has created the potential for situations that some Greek

organizations are not ready to process.

While this trend is something that national Greek organizations are watching closely, there are ways these online communities can be effectively used.

The decision to use online communication can be frightening and should never be made without discussion and agreed upon guidelines. If the chapter decides to use the social networking tools, they can be very beneficial to chapters when used in effective ways. Facebook has features for advertisements, events, and announcements. These are effective tools for recruitment, philanthropic events, and chapter announcements.

Facebook provides members the opportunity to join groups. Any student can create a group for other users to join, and within the groups the members can post messages. A group page has the potential to allow another form of communication for a chapter. This is a great opportunity for chapter members to announce upcoming events and post meeting reminders, or just send birthday wishes to a Sister.

Advertisements range in cost depending on the institution; however prices are affordable, ranging from $10-$23 per advertisement, which is quite a bit cheaper than more traditional forms of advertisement. If cost is an issue for the chapter, members can send an event reminder to their friends. Reminders can be viewed by anyone looking at the group pages on Facebook. When creating an event, members can choose certain friends to send the reminder to, thereby being more selective in the advertising of and invitation to chapter events.

One of the most important tips to remember is how to truly represent yourself in all you do. As members of Tri Sigma, we strive to live as strong women with foundations in Friendship, Character, and Conduct. Online communities are one way that we represent ourselves and our national organization.

Here is a list of tips when using online communities:

16

• Be selective about the information you post. Is it safe to include where you live and your phone number? Would you give that information to just anyone you go to school with?

• Use the privacy settings. With the privacy setting, you can identify who can see your profile. By using these settings, you can know who is viewing your profile.

• Know who could be looking at your profile. Faculty, staff, and potential members can view your profile. Keep this in mind when recruitment time comes around! You should only post information that you want the public seeing.

• Think twice before you post! Some companies archive every Web page on the Internet. What may be funny now, may not be funny later!

• Reap all the benefits Facebook has to offer. Connect with your classmates to create a study group, learn more about a student organization, meet hall mates and become better connected to the Tri Sigma world.

• Advertise your events! Chapters can purchase space for $10-$23 to advertise events. If you don’t have the extra money, use the “My Events” feature to invite Sisters and potential new members to events!

A Sigma Sister Works with Habitat for Humanity

Sisters

Our

A LETTER FROM NEW ORLEANS

By Andrea Young, Epsilon Chi and former Leadership Consultant Editor’s Note: Andrea Young, Epsilon Chi, has returned to Massachusetts after spending two weeks last summer helping build homes in New Orleans. She has noted ways for individuals or chapters to help if they wish to do so.

I

left Arizona on August 26 and drove to New Orleans, arriving the night of the 27th. After spending two eventful weeks, I left New Orleans on September 10 and arrived home in Massachusetts the night of September 11.

My two weeks in Louisiana were definitely not what I expected but definitely worth the trip! It was a lot of hard work and very physically and emotionally draining, but I had time to have a little fun in the city as well. I met many awesome people from all over the country, and I hope to keep in touch with them.

The first week I helped build houses at Musicians Village. I painted, landscaped, laid shingles, poured a foundation, and started building the framework of a house. Five houses have been finished, and the homeowners should be moving into them.

Working beside the potential homeowners, I talked to them about their survival stories.

This first week had added excitement when President Bush visited our worksite on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Then, Hilary Duff served us dinner that night before she performed for the local residents.

The second week I gutted houses in St. Bernard Parish. We had to wear full protective gear (hard hats, goggles, respirator masks, steel toed boots, and gloves). The houses were still sitting in four to six inches of mud, and almost nothing was salvageable. And let me tell you, refrigerators that have been sitting in flooded houses in the Louisiana heat for a year do not smell very good! I came in contact with more bugs and rodents than I ever hope to see again! I was definitely out of my physical and emotional comfort zone, but it was great knowing that I helped to make these houses livable again.

It is hard to believe how devastated it still is down there, as though the storm just happened a couple of weeks ago. Traffic lights are still not working; the street signs are not back in place; almost nothing is rebuilt; piles of debris line the streets; and only about 20 percent of the people are back. There is still so much to be done!

If you are interested in helping out or know someone who is interested, here are some suggestions on how to become involved: •

For information on how to volunteer, go to: www.habitat-nola.org They are especially in need of skilled labor (electricians, carpenters, etc.), but any type of help is needed.

•

If you are not able to make a trip due to work, family, finances, etc., the volunteer camp that I stayed at has a wish list on the Home Depot website: www.homedepot.com. Go to “gift registry” and type “Camp Hope“ in the last name area.

Andrea Young with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans

•

Contact Camp Hope at the following address for items that are needed: Camp Hope - (504) 682-9267 6701 E. St. Bernard Highway, Violet, LA 70092

•

If items are too expensive to be shipped, a gift card can be purchased in that exact amount. Call the Chalmette, LA, Home Depot, (504) 278-4491, so they can stock the item and then send the gift card to Camp Hope so they can pick it up themselves.

•

If you are unable to donate anything at this time, PLEASE try to spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, businesses, schools, churches, etc., and let everyone know that even after a year New Orleans and the Gulf Coast are nowhere near back to normal, and they can use whatever help they can get: physical labor, monetary donations, supply donations, and prayers.

Virginia Deal Lawrence Receives Golden Violet Award

By Jackie Goreham, Alpha Psi and Golden Violet Coordinator

I

t isn’t often that a charter member of a Sigma chapter attends the 75th anniversary of her chapter’s founding and also is “a very big hit with alumnae and collegians.” That is just what was reported at Radford University, Radford, VA, when Virginia Deal Lawrence, Alpha Theta, returned for this special occasion in April 2004. The only living charter alumna of that Sigma chapter, Lawrence turned 97 in February 2006.

Lawrence remains amazingly active and just recently gave up driving only because she broke her wrist. She lives alone in a wellgroomed, brick ranch on tree-lined Oak Drive in Christiansburg, VA. Smartly dressed, her

generous blue eyes sparkling, she welcomed three Sigma Sisters into her home last spring when they arrived to present her with her Golden Violet Award.

As a collegian, Virginia Deal served as Chapter Vice President. Her fondest memory is of the 1931 Convention at the Grand Hotel on Mackinack Island, on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She also treasures being chosen to portray the Tri Sigma Girl for which she wore a white dress with a purple sash.

“That was a long time ago, but I appreciated the honor at the time,” explained Lawrence. The next year she was also selected to portray the Tri Sigma Girl at the Chicago Convention. She knew Mabel Lee Walton and relates that she was “a wonderful person.”

A teacher for 43 years, Virginia Deal Lawrence taught all but one year of her career at her beloved Riner Elementary and retired in 1974. For 35 years she was treasurer for the Alpha Lambda Chapter of

the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, international honorary society for teachers.

Her biography and achievements were noted in the September 1970 edition of Outstanding Educators of America. Active in her church, she has been treasurer of the Methodist Women’s Group for approximately 30 years.

Her serious hobby is scrapbooking, and Lawrence sees herself as a local historian, documenting such events as the Christiansburg centennial celebration in 1992, the construction of a church, and other special community and church events.

She has captured many family memories as well and documented six trips abroad that she took with her sister. She has traveled widely in Canada and South America and has visited all of the states in the U.S. except two.

Lovingly, Virginia Deal Lawrence will also show a precious, old book covered with purple and gold felt that has been sewn with the insignia of the first sorority at Radford University: Sigma Sigma Sigma!

17

By Sharon “Sherrie” Devlin, Beta Lambda

Dallas alumna Sharon “Sherrie” Devlin, Beta

Pictured left to right are Linda Rood and Sherrie Devlin.

Students in Korastishiv at new desks purchased for the third grade.

Students in Teterivka with boxes of used clothing and shoes they received.

Lambda, recently returned from a two-year assignment to the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine. While working at the Embassy, she and her husband, Jim, spent their weekends visiting and bringing humanitarian aid to the 10 orphanages sponsored by her church in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. Her church did not visit the orphanages in the city but, instead, searched out remote areas where assistance was rarely received. Chernobyl is in the Zhytomyr region, and one girls orphanage, Nova Barova, is near Chernobyl itself. Before Devlin left the States, she engaged her Sigma Sisters to help in this cause of humanitarian aid. The cause was readily accepted by our Sisters because Sigma helps children.

During the last six months of their tour, the Devlins and the church team visited an orphanage almost every weekend. The church team sang songs, put on a puppet show and gave candy, all in the process of sharing the Word of God with the otherwise atheist children. The team provided hope that the children can overcome their surroundings and become a vital part of society. A bookmark for each child carried the Bible verse from Psalms 27:10 “When my mother and father desert me, the Lord will hold me close.”

Embassy personnel so believed in this humanitarian cause that the U.S. Marines sponsored a used clothing drive at Christmas and a fundraising party. Devlin used the proceeds to purchase items and services desperately needed at the orphanages, including a refrigerator, the leveling of a playground, and cement entrance steps into an orphanage. She bought more than 100 pairs of shoes for the children, 12 student

Horizons Programming H

orizons educational programs gained a brand new look in August. Tri Sigma continues to provide programs on leadership; personal, professional, and study skills; group dynamics; and substance abuse. More than 20 new programs on topics such as self-esteem, study, drugs, hazing, and book clubs have been written by campus fraternity/sorority advisors, Sigma volunteers. and others. These and all existing Horizons programs are now located on the Sigma Sigma Sigma website.

How can a chapter use Horizons programs? Use them alongside Essential Sigma! According to Kristen Medley, Membership Education Coordinator, chapters should refer to Horizons programs when planning their Essential Sigma programs for the year. The Education Director can also refer to them when looking for innovative programs to present to the chapter or to use for a campus intersorority presentation.

A new Horizons Programming Award will be introduced this year. Chapters will be given the opportunity to create their own Horizons programs and submit them for consideration for inclusion as an official Horizons selection. This award will be in the Collegiate Awards program packet.

To learn more about Horizons programs or to suggest an idea to be included in the series, contact Tracie Massey, Horizons Coordinator, at masseytm@uncw.edu

18

desks and chairs, and seven sinks and three toilets for an infirmary.

Three days before the Devlins’ return to America, Dallas alumna Linda Rood joined them for a visit in Kiev.

Through Hope Cottage, Rood volunteers two weeks every summer to orphanages overseas. For the past five years she had gone with her team to Romania, but this year the group went to the Ukraine. Fortunately, Rood’s schedule allowed her to stay with the Devlins and sightsee, attend the opera, and shop before heading to her destination.

At the end of their tour, the Deputy Chief of Mission gave the Devlins a going away party. The Ambassador thanked them for their volunteer work at the orphanages and for providing positive relations between America and the Ukraine. The Devlins plan to visit Zhytomyr again.

Devlin wishes to thank the Dallas alumnae for their support of this project for the past three years. During that time, the chapter gave gently used clothing, and bought new shoes and school supplies. They also donated money throughout her tour. Two collegiate chapters, Eta Kappa from Texas Woman’s University and Zeta Gamma from Southeastern Oklahoma State, also gave clothing for the Ukrainian orphans.

“Sigma Serves Children” has always been a vital part of our Sisterhood through Robbie Page Memorial, so it was only natural to take Sigma overseas. These children have so little that even candy is a luxury. Sigma has done well in continuing our tradition of helping those in need.

Tri Sigma Welcomes New Colony

By Beth Fisher, Zeta Rho, and Extension Director

The Membership Development Department of Sigma Sigma Sigma is proud to announce the newest addition to our organization, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Colony. Colonization activities took place on the weekend of September 15–17, 2006.

The colonization team, consisting of Beth Fisher, Zeta Rho and Extension Director, Jessica Holt, Eta Xi and New Chapter Coordinator; Kaye Schendel, Gamma Phi and Publications Vice President; and Andrea Davis, Zeta Gamma and Leadership Consultant, recruited 28 collegiate women (including one legacy) and one alumna woman to begin this colony.

Following Arc Degree on Sunday, many area alumnae, including National Treasurer Barb Stone, Beta Tau, gathered on the UW-Parkside campus to celebrate during a reception.

The colony members are being supported this semester by Leadership Consultants Andrea Davis and Karen Cartwright, Alpha Xi, and their fullystaffed AAB made up of Jessica Thompson Szatkowski, Alpha Beta; Cory Gagnon, Alpha Xi; Marinda Mantel, Alpha Nu; and Katie Biondi, Alpha Nu. The colony women are working hard to accomplish their goals for installation and are continuing to recruit more women from the campus.

Sigma Sigma Sigma is the first NPC sorority at UW-Parkside.

Sisters

Our

Sigma Helps Children in Ukraine

Over the summer Colleen Stauffer, a member of Lambda Chapter, went to San Diego to run in the Rock and Roll Marathon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She participated in a training program called “Virtual Team in Training” to prepare for the big day. She ran 26.2 miles in 4.5 hours and raised $1,350. After she returned home to Pennsylvania, she received many thank you letters from the family of the girl she sponsored.

year. They pledged 24 equally fantastic women during their fall 2006 formal recruitment. Since then, their numbers have continued to increase.

PSI – Marshall University, Huntington, WV

Collegians

Our

LAMBDA – Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA

The Sisters of Psi Chapter were the overall champions in Greek Week 2006. They placed first in events such as cornhole, water balloon toss, Greek trivia, women’s Greek games, and women’s Greek sports. This is the Sisters’ first win in 18 years.

MU – Truman State University, Kirksville, MO Mu Chapter participated in Truman State’s annual homecoming week with activities such as a skit, scavenger hunt, a new event called “Dancing with the Professors,” and the always popular Lip Sync. With this excellent chance to get Sigma Sigma Sigma’s name out on campus the women participated at every opportunity!

ALPHA ALPHA – Concord University, Athens, WV

Some of Omicron Chapter’s members went to Michigan’s Adventure theme park in Grand Rapids in early July to raise money for the Sorority. All of these wonderful women worked very hard for hours at the various concession stands to help Tri Sigma.

Alpha Alpha Chapter’s theme for their recent formal recruitment was said to be their best yet.

“Tri Sigma Tiffany’s” showcased five blue boxes with items that elucidated ALPHA ALPHA pictured left to right are: Cydney Smith, Courtney Jones, Hannah Helm, Kristen Von Ville, Sara Wimmer, what our Courtney Morgan. organization is truly about. The sailboat represented our striving to move Ever Forward; the framed picture of Robbie Page symbolized the ongoing contribution to our philanthropy. The chapter met quota.

PI – Emporia State University, Emporia, KS

ALPHA BETA – Kent State University, Kent, OH

Pi Chapter completed another successful recruitment, welcoming 16 wonderful young women. Along with the New Members, the chapter welcomed back four Sisters who served as recruitment counselors during the formal recruitment period. Bid night for the women of Pi Chapter included food, a game of Ships and Sailors, the viewing of Pirates of the Caribbean, and some dancing on the front lawn.

The Sisters of Alpha Beta chapter have been busy encouraging women to participate in Panhellenic formal recruitment. Chapter members participated in Kent State’s “Panhellenic Spirit Week” by painting the campus rock with “Go Greek!” in Tri Sigma’s colors and symbol. They also took part in Kent State’s inaugural Panhellenic sorority brunch, an event designed to help potential new members meet sorority women prior to recruitment.

CHI – Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS

ALPHA EPSILON – Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO

NU – University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO Nu Chapter raised its grade point average considerably, and the members are growing closer to one another. Each and every Sister is making great achievements not only with the Sorority but in campus-wide activities as well. The chapter recently recruited a great group of women.

OMICRON – Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

Recruitment went very well for Chi Chapter this year.

After pledging 14 wonderful women in the fall of 2005, they nearly doubled their formal recruitment numbers this

CHI members on their way to pick up new members on Bid Day, pictured left to right: Krista Nucci, Meagan Hastert, Emily Crenshaw, Kendra Wolf, Jessica Patterson, and Ashley Kelley.

The theme for the first day of Alpha Epsilon’s fall recruitment was “Welcome Aboard.” Sisters held one-onone conversations to get to know all of the potential new members. Their second day was “Sigma Safari,” during which they played icebreaker games as a group.

Philanthropy day featured a theme of “Aloha.” Members and potential new members completed two different crafts and viewed a short film about Robbie Page. On Preference

19

Night they welcomed back three alumnae who spoke to the group about Character, Conduct, and Friendship, and one who sang for the group. The chapter was pleased to welcome 24 new Sigmas into our Sisterhood.

ALPHA ZETA – Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA Alpha Zeta is pleased to announce a very successful recruitment for the fall of 2006 with bids extended to 30 beautiful women. The chapter will be tutoring at the Cane River ALPHA ZETAS pictured left to right on Bid Day 2006: Hannah Salter, Kaleigh McCord, Gabrielle Procell, Melanie Mansour, and Allyce Hartt.

Girls Home every week for the remainder of the 2006-2007 school year. Alpha Zeta also helped sponsor the Natchitoches Christmas Angels pageant for young girls from pre-K to 8th grade. The chapter supports all Demon athletics, working with the athletic department and the alumni center with fundraising and volunteering at special events.

ALPHA THETA – Radford University, Radford, VA Alpha Theta Chapter is holding a fabric drive to make caps for children of all ages at a local hospital. The children will be able to pick out their own caps before they go into their surgery. They hope this will help all the children going through a rough time in the New River Valley.

ALPHA IOTA – Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK Alpha Iota Chapter had an amazing recruitment this year.

They picked up 24 New Members and have more signed up for informal recruitment. The chapter also won the Mustard Seed Award last year for the most spiritual growth in a Greek organization. Their Sisters Lauren Jolly and Carrie Underwood were inducted into the NSU hall of fame.

ALPHA KAPPA – Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV This past July the Sisters of Alpha Kappa held a weeklong reunion for the chapter. Alumnae were given tours of campus, and there were speakers from each decade that Tri Sigma has been at Fairmont State. The weekend concluded with a Sunday brunch.

ALPHA MU – University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA Last spring the women of the Alpha Mu Chapter spent every Saturday morning volunteering for Top Soccer, a soccer program for mentally and/or physically disabled children ages four and up. The goal is to give these children

20

a chance to play and a chance to blossom. Sisters helped by preparing the field for play and cleaning up afterward. By engaging in the games, Tri Sigma has been able to help improve the children’s self esteem and allow them to forget about their disabilities.

ALPHA NU – Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL During Greek Week the members of the Alpha Nu Chapter won first place in events that ALPHA MU Sister Jennifer Arnould plays along with one of the Top included the Soccer participants, Shawn, under the big parachute. campus lake run, the canoe race, tug-ofwar, and basketball throw. The women of Alpha Nu were also proud to contribute more than $2,300 to the Foundation.

ALPHA PI – Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, PA This past year Alpha Pi won Best Greek Community Service Project for their “Stuff the Stockings” program.

Megan Perrucci and Kelsi Wilcox won awards for contributing the most community service hours. Kelsi Wilcox also won Greek Woman of the Year, and Alishia Azzarello won Greek Senior of the Year.

ALPHA RHO – Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Lock Haven, PA During recruitment Alpha Rho conducted a “sign campaign,” coming up with creative sayings and putting signs all over campus. Some of the sayings were “Carrie Underwood is a Tri-Sigma. You should be too!” and “Pretty in Pink, Perfect in Purple!” These signs helped the chapter recruit women and put their name around campus.

ALPHA UPSILON – James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA Sisters of the Alpha Upsilon Chapter have been very busy these past few months planning for fall recruitment. The theme for Alpha Upsilon’s recruitment was “A League of Our Own.” February will mark their annual local philanthropy, the Leslie George Eating Disorder Awareness Month. Every year this foundation grows and they are able to gain more support.

ALPHA CHI – Murray State University, Murray, KY The Sisters of Alpha Chi have been globetrotting all summer. Jackie Hope participated in the Walt Disney World Internship program. A senior from Belleville, IL, she spent

ALPHA PSI – Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL The Alpha Psi chapter has achieved great success within the past year.

In the spring semester, the Sisters placed third in Greek Sing, second in Tugs, and first for the Greek Week overall title. Also Erin ALPHA PSI Greek Week tuggers, pictured left to right: Nicole Morettes was Kentfield, Kelly Crockett, Amy Gaydo, Ashley Nolan, Amie Adams, elected EIU’s Kate Geyer, Breanne Engelking, and Jill McQuade.

Panhellenic Council President; Ally Kopeloff was placed on PHC Executive Board with Administrative Affairs; and Kristin Carlstrom, Jamie Pence, and Kristen Erdmann succeeded as PHC cabinet members.

BETA ALPHA – Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL

BETA XI – Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO Fall formal recruitment was very successful for the women of Beta Xi Chapter. Twenty-one women accepted Tri Sigma bids. The chapter not only doubled in size but also achieved campus quota. The Sisters of Beta Xi waited at the bottom of the Southeast Missouri State terraces as the new members ran to their sororities in the annual tradition. They concluded the exciting day with a Hawaiian luau party, welcoming the women to their new Sigma home.

BETA PI – University of Wisconsin-Stout, Stout, WI During the past year, the Beta Pi chapter worked very hard, increasing their numbers by 50 percent. They also held their annual Taco Dinner, a fundraiser for the Foundation.

The chapter traveled to the Twin Cities for Founders Day, celebrating the occasion with other Sigma chapters and with the Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter.

BETA TAU – University of Detroit-Mercy, Detroit, MI Silona Thomas and Mary Cheeramvelil from the Beta Tau Chapter traveled to India to volunteer at the Missionaries of Charity from May 4 to June 6, 2006. They received no compensation for the trip, as its purpose was to mentor orphaned children and aid in buying goods such as personal hygiene products, clothes, blankets, shoes, food, school supplies, and clean water.

BETA UPSILON – Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

The Sisters of the Beta Alpha Chapter were very busy with recruitment during a workweek that included a Ritual and values education program. The hard work paid off, and the chapter now has ten 10 members, making quota as well.

Beta Upsilon’s Lyndsey Jenkins was chosen to be on the PSU Dance MaraTHON overall committee. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.

BETA BETA – Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

GAMMA BETA – East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Beta Beta Chapter held their Robbie Page Memorial event with a chapter member leading 10 teams in water relays and trivia games. Many other chapters on the Missouri State University campus attended this event, helping to raise more than $2,000.

With Gamma Beta’s school year in full swing, the chapter now has 17 beautiful New Members following a successful fall recruitment. On bid day the Sisters celebrated by having a welcoming party along with a slip-n-slide in the front yard of the house.

BETA DELTA – Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV The Sisters of Beta Delta helped the Shepherd campus raise more than $40,000 for cancer research through the Relay For Life. This event was started at SU by a Tri Sigma alumna, Kara Bransford, and has continued strong leadership through Tri Sigma Sisters. The chapter also raised more than $1,200 for the Foundation.

BETA EPSILON – Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL Beta Epsilon Chapter was awarded most successful philanthropy by the Panhellenic Council because of their success with the annual Mr. Greek competition. Beta Epsilon also worked preparing for their new philanthropy during breast cancer awareness month in October, in honor of beloved alumna, Marigale Briggs.

Collegians

Our

the spring semester living in Orlando, FL, with other college students and working at Walt Disney World. She worked as a character/performer in different shows, parades, and productions held in the park.

GAMMA BETA Sisters pose before their big night out on the town.

21

GAMMA ZETA – Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

DELTA DELTA – University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

The Gamma Zeta chapter was very busy fundraising during the fall semester. They have been working numerous Pitt football games as well as Steelers football games. They also participated in a weekend fundraiser at Cedar Point.

The Sisters of Delta Delta have geared up for various Sisterhood and philanthropy events in the coming months. They are holding a Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament to raise money for the Robbie Page Memorial Playroom at the UNC Children’s Hospital and DELTA DELTA Kacey Faberman takes a break with the Ronald are cooking McDonald sculpture after cooking dinner for families at the brunch and Chapel Hill Ronald McDonald House. dinner at the local Ronald McDonald House. There are holding Grey’s Anatomy nights and a favorite function, Midnight Moonshine, where they and their dates dress up as cowgirls and cowboys and enjoy Southern music.

GAMMA PI – Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA The women of Gamma Pi were accredited with honors, and they had a very successful recruitment during the fall semester. They reached quota, picking up 21 new Sigma Sisters and bonding with them. Three women of Gamma Pi were nominated for the Homecoming Court, and the chapter took an active part in the festivities.

GAMMA RHO – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Edinboro, PA Over the summer, 13 members from Gamma Rho chapter traveled to Hamburg, NY, to see Carrie Underwood perform live at the Erie County Fair.

The Sisters made summerthemed shirts GAMMA RHO members kick up their heels for Sigma’s very own Carrie Underwood. and a sign for the concert. After an amazing performance, the Sisters met with Carrie for photos and autographs.

GAMMA PHI – University of Wisconsin–River Falls, River Falls, WI Gamma Phi Chapter began the 2006-2007 school year with invigorating enthusiasm! As a kick-off to formal recruitment, a 24-hour teeter-totter was set up in the middle of campus to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The chapter had members teeter-tottering at all hours of the night for this great cause. This intriguing idea, thought up by their recruitment director Cassie Parsons, created fresh interested in joining sorority life!

DELTA ZETA – Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA Delta Zeta members are very excited to be participating in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk. They are looking forward to raising money to promote fitness and healthy living.

DELTA THETA – University of North Carolina–Pembroke, Pembroke, NC The Sisters of Delta Theta started this semester by returning to UNC-Pembroke early to help freshmen move into their rooms. They also passed out pencils in the women’s residence halls to help promote their name around campus.

DELTA OMICRON – Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA The Delta Omicron chapter had an extremely exciting spring semester. Through their hard work and dedication they attained first place in the Greek Week competition, beginning

DELTA BETA – Elon University, Elon, NC This was a year of dedication to volunteering for the Delta Beta chapter. During the fall the entire Delta Beta chapter donated their time to help out those affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks. Members participated in a 9/11 vigil with the Kappa Sigma fraternity to remember the tragic day and to share personal stories.

22 DELTA OMICRON members tear it up during Greek Week Airband!

DELTA PI – Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC During fall 2006 recruitment, Delta Pi chapter added 31 amazing women to their chapter!

DELTA UPSILON – Widener University, Chester, PA Delta Upsilon has strived to achieve excellence in all areas of Sigma. They had a very successful year in Sisterhood and leadership and were recognized for the highest sorority GPA for the 2005-2006 school year. Their former president, Jennifer Wright, received the Outstanding Presidential Award for her work and dedication to Greek life. She is not only devoted to Tri Sigma, but to Beta Alpha Psi, Order of Omega, and the Pre-Law Society. She also was accepted into Widener Law School for the 2006-2007 academic year.

DELTA CHI – University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA Several Sisters of Delta Chi chapter have been recognized for their involvement in the University Guides service, an elite program at the University of Virginia. Others have been offered internships and/or jobs as a result of summer internships with companies such as Lockeed Martin and various government agencies.

DELTA PSI – St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA Last fall the Sisters of Delta Psi Chapter worked to increase their presence on campus. Under the guidance of their president, Colleen Flynn, the chapter participated in several community service events and worked to join a variety of campus activities and groups. In addition, the chapter participated in more community service projects. On several weekends, the women of Delta Psi helped build a new playground at the local elementary school, supported a walk against domestic violence, and continued to be proactive with philanthropic projects.

EPSILON ALPHA – California State University–Hayward, Hayward, CA Epsilon Alpha Chapter sponsored a children’s fair at a local elementary school. They supervised carnival games such as ring toss, plinko, and tic-tac-toe and provided face painting for the children.

EPSILON DELTA – Gannon University, Erie, PA The Sisters of Epsilon Delta have made great progress in bringing their chapter house up to date. They requested housing money from the National Organization and used it to purchase a new television, DVD player, and kitchen tables. The television and DVD player have been used for movie nights and recruitment events. Every Sister has paid her dues. The chapter has also updated the status of their alumnae, and they have created a more effective way of staying in contact.

Collegians

Our

with a community cleanup event. For the Airband event, Delta Omicron seniors put together a dance routine, mixing the theme songs of favorite early 90’s television shows and commercials.

EPSILON EPSILON – The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, Pomona, NJ The women of the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter have many accomplishments. Some have achieved 4.0 GPAs and have been inducted into Order of Omega and Who’s Who in American The EPSILON EPSILON Chapter takes time for a picture Colleges and during preference night Universities.

Others have served as presidents on the local Panhellenic and Greek Councils or belong to the College’s housing staff. The chapter has a section called Super Sigmas on their website devoted to their most current accomplishments.

EPSILON ZETA – Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR Epsilon Zeta Chapter has completed their Boys and Girls Club concession stand fundraiser, which helped to raise money for the Foundation. The members worked very hard and raised enough money to give the Foundation the full $25 per member. In the end, the members accomplished their goals.

EPSILON ETA – East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA Epsilon Eta began the semester by donating $75 to sponsor alumna Danielle Reynolds in a walk for multiple sclerosis. Through the semester they continued fund raising to support the Monroe County PSPCA. The chapter also held many service events, including having a Halloween costume parade at Pocono Medical Center to cheer up patients and acting as Halloween trail guides for Pocono Environmental Education Center’s PEEC-a-BOO. Sisters

23 EPSILON ALPHA Sisters have a great time with the children at their fair.

babysat the children living in Pocono Area Transitional Housing while they treated their mothers to a night out at the movies, volunteered at the Special Olympics, and walked in the Pink Light Walk for Breast Cancer. Keighty Simmons began planning the East Stroudsburg University production of The Vagina Monologues, which she is directing in the spring.

EPSILON THETA – Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA Epsilon Theta completed formal recruitment with 13 New Members, which set a new quota. Implementing the Essential Sigma Program, the chapter is looking forward to a retreat at the home of one their charter members to strengthen bonds between Sisters. The EPSILON THETA looks like it knows how to pick a great Epsilon Theta bunch of Georgia peaches on Bid Day 2006!

Chapter currently holds the much-coveted Highest GPA of all Greeks. They participated in the AIDS walk and in their local philanthropy, Starlight/Starbright, in October.

EPSILON IOTA – St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX The Sisters of Epsilon Iota recently held their annual “Bail Out” philanthropy event. Students, faculty, and staff “arrested” one another, and to be freed from “jail,” they had to be bailed out or wait until their time was served. All proceeds went directly to the Tri Sigma Foundation in support of the Robbie Page Memorial.

EPSILON KAPPA – University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, WI Jenny Jurss, the Membership/Recruitment Director for Epsilon Kappa, worked hard all summer preparing the events for each night of formal recruitment. Over the summer the chapter held a very successful brat sale at a local grocery store.

EPSILON LAMBDA – Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY Epsilon Lambda Chapter kicked off the semester with a visit from two amazing National Officers. Leadership Consultant, Andrea Davis, Zeta Gamma, shared a PowerPoint slide presentation on risk management that was insightful and helpful. Sherri Ballard, Alpha Nu, Essential Sigma Resource Consultant, gave training on the new Essential Sigma program. The chapter gave out food and drinks to participants in the American Heart Association Walk. They also raised money for scleroderma research.

24

EPSILON MU – Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ Epsilon Mu Chapter has chosen to take action in a community service project that will not only benefit those they have lost to cancer but survivors as well. The Sisters raised more than $700 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for children with cancer and introduced this fundraiser to the students at EPSILON MU members serve refreshing lemonade on campus for a Rowan. great cause, Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

EPSILON NU – University of North Carolina–Greensboro, Greensboro, NC This summer three members of Epsilon Nu Chapter attended the DLI held in Chicago. In addition, Epsilon Nu’s Membership/Recruitment Director attended Recruitment Boot Camp. The chapter has doubled the number of New Members and now has the largest New Member class their chapter has seen in four years!

EPSILON OMICRON – Illinois State University, Normal, IL During the summer the women of Epsilon Omicron upgraded conditions in their house beginning by re-doing the bathrooms.

Plans are under way to re-do the kitchen, and EPSILON OMICRON Sisters looking great dressed in their letters they have hired gathered in their chapter room at Illinois State. food service for the year. Their philanthropy fundraiser for the fall semester was Flap Jack Attack, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast.

EPSILON RHO – Minnesota State University-Mankato, Mankato, MN Epsilon Rho began the year with a special Sisterhood event at a Minnesota Twins baseball game. The chapter participated in the annual homecoming festivities on

EPSILON UPSILON – Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY Epsilon Upsilon Chapter was named the Sorority of the Year and was EPSILON RHO members cheer on the Minnesota Twins at their recognized baseball Sisterhood. with having the highest sorority grade point average on campus. Last May they teamed up with Alpha Phi Delta to raise money for cancer at Relay for Life. The team raised more than $8,000 and won the award for highest fund raiser. The American Cancer Society has asked President Lauren Flood and the rest of the chapter to be in charge of Relay for Life for next year.

contacted to attend a Founders Day reunion, and attendance was good. Two Sisters were recipients of national awards: Kristina Dial received the Margaret Everett Freeman Award, and Cynthia Chambliss received the award for Outstanding Member of the Area–Western Region.

They were the first members of Zeta Beta chapter to receive these awards.

ZETA GAMMA – Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Durant, OK Courtney Claborn, Chapter President, was accepted into The Washington Center, a very competitive internship program, and spent 10 weeks living in Washington, D.C. interning for The Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection, and Financial Practices Division.

During her stay, she worked 40 hours a week, attended a weekly class, and was responsible for attending many lectures and a leadership series. While in D.C. she not only made connections that will help her advance in her career, but made many friends.

ZETA DELTA – State University of New York–Oneonta, Oneonta, NY The Sisters of Zeta Delta took a bus trip down to NYC for a New York Yankees game to support their home state team. They were honored with having the highest GPA on campus last semester.

EPSILON PHI – University of North Carolina–Wilmington, Wilmington, NC

ZETA EPSILON – Florida International University, Miami, FL

Epsilon Phi chapter conducted a Bowl-A-Thon with all proceeds going to the Foundation. Epsilon Phi had a successful recruitment with the addition of 18 wonderful women.

Zeta Epsilon Chapter sent nine women to DLI in Chicago this summer. Using tools developed at DLI and with the help of CCCD, Amy Borne, the chapter of 23 was able to recruit 42 New Members.

EPSILON CHI – Northeastern University, Boston, MA

ZETA THETA – Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID

Epsilon Chi Chapter was named Sorority of the Year; Danielle Anzaldi was named President of the Year; Katie Conner was awarded Greek Scholar; Krystal Beaulieu was awarded Unsung Hero; and Stephanie Walsh won Greek Goddess. The chapter conducted “Kicks for Kids,” raising enough money for their philanthropic goal. The chapter is planning their 13th annual Teeter-Totter-A-Thon, which raises money to benefit play therapy for hospitalized children across the country.

Last summer Zeta Theta Chapter raised more than $550 dollars for the Robbie Page Memorial by doing car washes and raised $200 in the fall at their annual Swing-A-Thon.

Chapter Vice President Chelsea Collins, President Valerie Fedon, and Katina Kimball recently attended the DLI in Chicago. Chelsea Collins has taken on the responsibility of Panhellenic President.

ZETA ALPHA – Bryant College, Smithfield, RI The semester began with the Sisters of Zeta Alpha conducting a fundraiser at Gillette Stadium during the Patriots games. The chapter had their semiannual Yankee Candle sale. They also held their Roll for Robbie philanthropy and rollerbladed for 12 hours outside of the Bryant Center.

ZETA BETA – Cameron University, Lawton, OK

Collegians

Our

campus where the theme was “Decades Gone By.” RPM chair, Ashley Ryan, worked hard to make Epsilon Rho’s Robbie Page Memorial fundraising event, “Quarters for a Mile,” a success.

ZETA KAPPA – Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ Zeta Kappa is very proud of their Sister, Ann-Marie Sepe, who is auditioning for Disney Cruise Lines, Universal Studios in

At Founders Day 2006 Zeta Beta Chapter celebrated its 15th year at Cameron University. All chapter alumnae were ZETA KAPPA and Sigma Delta Tau members team up for the Relay for Life.

25

Osaka, Japan, and Tokyo Disney. They are also proud of their Sister, Jaclyn Ignolia, for being cast in the student musical as a sophomore.

ZETA LAMBDA – Wingate University, Wingate, NC Zeta Lambda Chapter received many awards last spring during Greek Week, including overall Greek Week champions. Individuals within the chapter also received many awards: Sorority Woman of the Year, the Presidential Cup, Senior Sorority Member of the Year, and the Greek Spirit Award.

ZETA MU – University of Alaska–Fairbanks, AK Recruitment this year has been quite an experience at UAF, with a second sorority colonizing on campus for the first time in Zeta Mu’s 13-year history. The chapter worked hard over the summer, talking with women interested in Tri Sigma and conducted Arc Degree when school started for four very enthusiastic women. During recruitment week, Zeta Mu continued recruiting potential new members, after which they held another Arc Degree for two more amazing women.

ZETA OMICRON – Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ For what seems to be the norm for Zeta Omicron Chapter, the Sisters have once again achieved the highest GPA for all sororities on their campus for 2005-2006.

ZETA PI – Virginia Wesleyan College, Norfolk, VA Zeta Pi member, Krystle Kitchen, won the title of Miss Virginia National American! She will go to California to compete for the title of Miss America.

ZETA PI’s Krystle Kitchen is crowned Miss Virginia at the National American Beauty Pageant.

ZETA RHO – Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI

Zeta Rho chapter had another successful year, holding its third annual Providence Princess, a service project to help local high school girls attend their proms. The women donated prom dresses, shoes, jewelry, purses, and make-up, which the high school girls could keep. This project has given the Sisters of Zeta Rho the opportunity to network with other sororities and other Sigma Sigma Sigma chapters to obtain dresses and accessories.

ZETA UPSILON – Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA Zeta Upsilon members held a teeter-totter-a-thon to raise money for the Foundation. They also participated in a walk for breast cancer and painted pumpkins with children for the Life Is Good pumpkin festival.

ZETA PSI – The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ At Inter-Greek Council Awards, the women of Zeta Psi were named a 4-star chapter, the highest designation. They also won honorable mentions for Chapter of the Year and Outstanding Scholarship Program.

26

ETA EPSILON – Ringling School of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL Eta Epsilon’s Caitlin Flood and Robyn Hyzy attended the DLI in Chicago and came back with many helpful ideas for the upcoming year. Some of the Sisters attended a luncheon with chapter alumnae and were given money for the trip to Chicago.

ETA ZETA – University of Alaska-Anchorage, Anchorage, AK Labor Day weekend meant more that just a chance to sleep-in an extra day for the Eta Zeta Chapter. They were answering phones for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, ETA ZETA members answer phones during the MDA telethon. which they take part in every year. While the Alaska State Fair was in town, several Sisters took the visiting Leadership Consultant, Susan Fronrath, Beta Tau, to enjoy the festivities.

ETA ETA – Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL Eta Eta chapter is glad to report that they have 22 New Members. More than five Sisters will be receiving a scholarship ring this year! They raised more than $1,000 for breast cancer, more than $800 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and held the largest campus event: the Tri Sigma and Alpha Phi Delta Valentine’s Day Crush Party.

ETA THETA – Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN The Sisters of Eta Theta Chapter held a wonderful spring banquet, a non-formal event that allowed Sisters to let loose and laugh when they visited the local Comedy Sportz.

ETA IOTA – Defiance College, Defiance, OH Eta Iota Chapter worked for Habitat for Humanity in Hicksville, OH. The chapter

ETA IOTA members pose with the signed Ginobili jersey during Bail Out 2006. Pictured left to right: Krista Garcia, Miriam Granados, Gina Nava, Jessica Gallegos and Ana Canuto

ETA KAPPA – Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX Eta Kappa Chapter added nine wonderful women who helped make this the largest membership the chapter has had since their installation six years ago. The chapter would like to thank the Dallas Alumnae Chapter and give a special thank you to their advisors, Sherry Devlin, Beta Lambda, and Stephanie Strom, Beta Iota, for all their time and dedication.

ETA LAMBDA – Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA Eta Lambda Chapter started the year off with several community service events. They participated in a benefit 5K run/walk to raise money for the Miller Keystone Blood Center. Groups of five women and eight women were formed and walked to raise money. The Sisters asked the community to donate baby clothing and other baby supplies for a Moravian College alumnus whose house and belongings were destroyed by a fire.

ETA XI – Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA Eta Xi achieved 90 percent accreditation and just received a full AAB! The chapter was presented with an award for academic honors and an award for Excellence in ETA XI members look great at their annual formal dance.

Initiation. Four Sisters obtained a 4.0 for the Spring 2006 semester, and four Sisters were inducted in the campus Greek Honor Society. To end the semester, Eta Xi came in second place during Greek Week!

ETA PI – Denver Metro College, Denver, CO Just four short years ago no one believed that Greek life could exist at Denver Metro College, a commuter campus.

However Eta Pi has changed that! In the spring they were accredited by the National Organization. Eta Pi has hosted two successful and popular fundraisers on campus that helped children locally and nationally.

ETA RHO – Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah, GA The Sisters of Eta Rho have won several awards: Outstanding Senior of the Region, Emily Kimball; Greek Advisor of the Year, Robin Jones; and Song of the Year. Two Sisters, Tiffany Dodgen and Amanda Robinson, won the Silver A service award given out to a select few on campus.

Kristin Usher was accepted into the doctoral program for physical therapy at AASU.

Collegians

Our

sponsored a reunion dinner at homecoming for Gamma Omega Kappa, the local sorority that became Tri Sigma in 1999. Both local and national sorority members attended.

Gamma Omega Kappa members will be encouraged to become alumnae initiates of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

ETA SIGMA – Culver– Stockton College, Canton, MO Over the summer officers of Eta Sigma Chapter attended the DLI in Chicago, IL. The women attended several ETA RHO Chapter shares with the campus community what it means to be a Tri Sigma. workshops and Recruitment Bootcamp. They also met Sisters from all across the country and National Officers.

ETA TAU – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL The Sisters of Eta Tau attended an orientation event this year on the ERAU campus where a hypnotist was invited to perform. The Sisters also parked cars at last summer’s Pepsi 400 NASCAR race, raising $760 for Tri Sigma. Although the women were very busy with their installation last January, they still received the Highest GPA on Campus Award. The chapter was proud of their successful fall recruitment when they reached both quota and total.

LYNCHBURG COLONY – Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA In the spring of 2006, the women of Lynchburg Colony recruited some amazing women and more than doubled in size, going from 13 to 30 in a single semester! The colony lost seven seniors and two transfer students and returned in the fall with 21 stunning women. Leadership Consultant, Andrea Davis, Zeta Gamma, informed the Colony they were being voted on for installation in November of 2006. The colony needed to double in size again during the fall semester to achieve this goal and switched to Team Based Recruitment for informal recruitment. When these women achieve their goal, they will make not only Sigma history but also Lynchburg College history having recruited the most women in ANY semester of any sorority or fraternity on their campus!

27

ARIZONA PHOENIX ALUMNAE are always busy. In the past six months they’ve held an elegant tea, traveled to Sun City to celebrate Pauline Millington Childers’ 100th birthday, and hosted a special Sigma luncheon to present to Kathie Williams an official invitation to join the Sorority. The chapter announced their new officers and compiled nominees for various Tri Sigma awards.

They are constantly introducing prospective members for the chapter.

Phoenix Alumnae chapter at the 100th birthday party for Pauline Millington Childers.

When 95-year-young Gladys Cooper Travers, a Golden Violet who joined Alpha Epsilon Chapter in 1936, was asked what being a Tri Sigma really meant to her, she stated, “No matter how many awards the chapter may win, how interesting the programs maybe, it all boils down to the wonderful lifetime friendships formed with this very special group of women.” Well said, Gladys!

Sharon Hines Rockwell, Iota, Denver, and Gladys Cooper Travers, Alpha Epsilon, Golden Violet, Denver, reminisce over chapter scrapbooks as the Denver Alumnae Chapter plans for the future and celebrates its 85th anniversary year.

KANSAS TOPEKA ALUMNAE enjoyed a “progressive dinner” for one of their fall meetings.

They began at a sports-themed restaurant for appetizers and socializing and moved on to a Mexican restaurant for dinner.

During dinner they planned their schedule for the year and for their charity for the holidays. The camaraderie was overwhelming and made it one of the best meetings they have had.

Topeka Alumnae

FLORIDA

Arkansas Alumnae

ARKANSAS CENTRAL ARKANSAS ALUMNAE – Elaine Wever Wolff, Alpha Omicron, is pleased to announce the new Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter. The first gathering was held at a local restaurant in August.

Several members were not able to be present, so the group is larger than those pictured! Sixteen women signed up to participate in the Koman Arkansas Race for the Cure on Oct. 7 in Little Rock, which is one of the largest races in the United States. Elaine Wever Wolff, Alpha Omicron, is serving as the new contact for the chapter.

CENTRAL FLORIDA ALUMNAE – Mabel Lee Walton, Gamma and Omega, and Mary Hastings Holloway Page, Alpha, were among the charter members who founded the Central Florida Alumnae Chapter on December 31, 1945. The 60th Anniversary of the chapter was celebrated at the Founders’ Day luncheon hosted for alumnae and collegians by the new Eta Tau Chapter at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

A chapter with members whose names are familiar because of their national service to Sigma such as Nelda Francis Crawford, Alpha and Omega; Ida Belle Appleby Dowdell, Rho and Omega; and Peggy Gamble, Alpha Sigma, continues the tradition of local and national service projects and fund raising established by charter members whose commitment to Sigma Sigma Sigma set high standards.

MICHIGAN GRAND RAPIDS ALUMNAE and representatives from each Michigan collegiate chapter made up Team Sigma.

They traveled to Muskegon to spend the day working at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park to earn money for Sigma State Day scheduled for April 12, 2008.

These generous individuals endured inflated gas prices, extreme 95-degree heat, continuous Charlie Brown music, and wearing hairnets to raise $1,050. Michigan Sigmas are urged to save this date and pass the word to your Sisters. For more information concerning State Day, check out the planning blog on the web at: http://sigmas.edulogs.org/tag/suggestions

LAKELAND-WINTER HAVEN ALUMNAE celebrated Founders Day at Mrs. T. Potts in Lakeland. Everyone had a wonderful time.

Plans were discussed for the 2007 Sigma Convention in Nashville.

COLORADO DENVER ALUMNAE celebrated their 85th anniversary as a chapter and are looking forward to continuing their traditions.

28 Members of Lakeland-Winter Haven Alumnae Chapter celebrating Founders Day.

Team Sigma gathers for a group shot before heading home. Grand Rapids alumnae and Michigan collegians spent the day at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park.

OAKLAND COUNTY ALUMNAE celebrated Founders day with Barb Stoe Stone, Beta Tau and National Treasurer, presenting the Steadfast Sigma Award and the Outstanding Alumna for the Region Award to Sara Wilson Woolfenden, Gamma Delta.

Woolfenden is a continuous role model, showing her leadership, community involvement and commitment to Tri Sigma to all of her Sisters.

The Oakland County Alumnae Chapter gathering on Founders Day 2006.

children displaced from their homes. They also received a Foundation grant for a sandbox at the JD McCarty Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities.

They are working hard to send a delegate to Convention this summer.

NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE ALUMNAE came together to celebrate the Circle Degree. Last fall they collected back-to-school supplies for local children, participated in Race for the Cure and assisted the Sigma chapters in the area.

Charlotte Alumnae pictured left to right, bottom row: Stacey Armstrong,Delta Pi; Jennifer Harvey, Delta Pi; Julie Raischel, Delta Pi; Brigitte Ashley, Delta Pi; Shawna Speer, Epsilon Zeta.

Top row, left to right: Haley Hines, Delta Pi; Erin Wendt, Delta Pi; Laura Sweet, Delta Pi; Melanie Twyne, Delta Delta; Donnie Mitchem, Alpha Alpha; Julie Moon, Beta Alpha; Kathryn Glenn, Epsilon Pi.

Donna Ricchiardi Johnson, Alpha Psi and Financial Advisor; Kaylene Simmons, Eta Epsilon; Liz Lorini, Eta Epsilon; Janet Clifford Tucker, Alpha Alpha and Sarasota/Manatee Counties Alumnae President are pictured left to right. They met for a Circle of Friends Ceremony for Eta Epsilon Chapter.

Pictured left to right are Janet Dorado Yost, Psi; Lenora Casto Sutphin, Psi, both members of Huntington, WV Alumnae Chapter; and Janet Clifford Tucker, Alpha Alpha, Sarasota/Manatee Counties Alumnae Chapter, enjoy a cruise on the Delta Queen.

New Jersey Alumnae pictured from left, front row: Liz Ricketts and Jamie Court, both Zeta Psi. Back row: Jessica Siegel, Eta Nu; Kathy Anderson Hedden, Alpha Pi; and Michelle Maskaly, Eta Nu.

NEW JERSEY NORTH JERSEY ALUMNAE enjoyed a “friends and family” outing to a Somerset Patriots baseball game last summer. This fall the chapter wrapped gifts for a needy single mother with twin daughters. Their “Make It, Bake It, Fake It” auction for the Foundation was a great success.

OKLAHOMA OKLAHOMA CITY ALUMNAE CHAPTER offers an interesting program each month.

Sigmas have toured an Oklahoma winery, participated in guided tours of the Oklahoma Art Museum, held a game and fun night, and listened to topical presentations by members. Founders Day was shared with the Edmond Alumnae Chapter. “Backpacking for Sigma” involved members donating backpacks filled with necessities and fun items for

Ellen MacLauchlin, Delta Kappa; Joan Pollack Gibbs, Beta Upsilon; and Emily Lewis Lee, Alpha Upsilon, are pictured left to right with the stuffed dolls donated to Palmetto Health Richland Children’s Hospital.

COLUMBIA ALUMNAE, with the dedicated leadership of Joan Pollack Gibbs, Beta Upsilon charter member, and Ellen MacLauchlin, Delta Kappa alumnae initiate charter member, made 1,000 stuffed cloth dolls and presented them to Palmetto Health Richland Children’s Hospital. Upon admission for surgery, each child will be given a doll to mark where his/her treatment will occur and a colorful carrying bag.

San Francisco Alumnae enjoying the outdoors at their Founders Day Luncheon.

TEXAS NORTHERN HOUSTON ALUMNAE have many interesting careers and are very busy as a chapter. They hosted a Creative Memories get-together, donated food to a needy family at Thanksgiving and toys to needy children at Christmas. Two members are on the housing board for the Eta Omicron Chapter and are helping the Chapter raise funds for college scholarships.

Lafayette Alumnae – Ashtyn Raxsdale, 4 year-old daughter of Tarah Landry Raxsdale, Alpha Mu, was practicing for her future run through at the Alpha Mu house for bid day. Each year during formal recruitment, new Sisters run through after being announced to the chapter.

29

Marzella “Marcie” Clary Houghton, Alpha Epsilon, turned 95 this year and has been an active member of Tri Sigma for more than 75 years. She is a true delight and an inspiration to all who know

Marcie Houghton with school supplies donated in honor of her 95th birthday.

her. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1953 and completed a master’s degree in education in 1959, both from Northwest Missouri State University. After teaching for 29 years at Eugene Field Elementary, she retired from teaching third grade at the age of 75. Houghton commented that she loved the many children she taught during her years at the school.

In honor of her 95th birthday and to commemorate her teaching career at Eugene Field Elementary, each member of Sigma Sigma Sigma donated school supplies to the school.

Tiffany Dodgen, the first honor initiate of the Eta Rho Chapter and a 2006 graduate of Armstrong Atlantic State

University, was hired as the Interim Assistant Director of Student Activities for the 2006-07 school year.

Dodgen is an amazing Sigma, always an example of the values we hold close to our hearts. Serving as Colony Vice President and Chapter Panhellenic Delegate, she showed strong dedication to the Chapter and her Sisters. She also demonstrated a commitment to the community by serving as Student Government Vice President and Colleges Against Cancer member. The Eta Rho Chapter is excited to be under her leadership for this school year and wishes her much luck and success.

Dodgen plans to attend graduate school for a degree in higher education with a focus on student activities and student affairs. It appears that she is well on her way!

Sigma Sisters to the Rescue A WARNING to all SIGMAS!

C

oncerned Tri Sigmas, who reacted with the bonds of Sisterhood we pledge to uphold, thwarted a disturbing situation that could have had unwanted results.

In early August, our sweet, 84-year-old Patsy O’Rouke Mooney, Beta Kappa, saw her kindness to a homeless woman grow into a lengthy imposition. She casually asked a woman in business attire in a local lunchroom if she was taking a census. This innocent question set the woman off; she explained she was taking stock of her personal possessions after losing her job at a local radio and TV station. The few jobs she had tried recently paid too little, and though she had a college degree, she had no prospects and little money. She was 58

and homeless. She had lived with different friends for a while, but each had asked her to leave. Her car was shot.

Compassionate Mooney felt sympathy for the woman and invited her to stay with her a few days until she found a decent job. She tried many ways to help the woman, driving her to job interviews and to church (hers and the woman’s) and taking her to pick up her mail miles away.

She also tried to secure help from parishes and large philanthropic organizations. Two weeks and 400 miles on her car later, Mooney still had the woman in her home with no end in sight.

Sigma Sisters intervened when they learned of Mooney’s plight. D.E.S. Adult

Protective Services advised her to call police immediately. They escorted the woman out with her possessions.

Mooney would like all Sigmas to be aware of the following precautions that she learned from this painful and potentially dangerous experience, and from the police:

1 Never take in strangers; be very cautious even talking to strangers.

2 Go through established organizations to help those in need.

3 Save a portion of your earnings, no matter how small, for that “Rainy Day” or for the unexpected.

Alumnae Reunions Sisters of the Lambda Chapter of Indiana State Teachers College — now Indiana University of Pennsylvania — were entertained at a reunion cookout at the home of Beverly Jones Stuck. After 50 years it was wonderful to relive old memories and make new ones. Plans are under way for the next party scheduled for June 2007.

The Sisters of Epsilon Kappa Chapter will hold their 20th anniversary celebration on April 14, 2007, at LaSure’s Banquet Hall in Oshkosh, WI. They are updating their alumnae records so all can be contacted. For more information, contact Dede DeWitt, Chapter Advisor, at: ddewitt@new.rr.com

30

Alumnae

Our

Significant Sigmas

What Our National Presidents Are Doing Today – Continued from Page 3 Science in Education, she received a master’s degree in Counseling Education from the University of New Mexico. She has worked as a high school teacher, a small business owner, an Assistant Dean of Students, an Executive Director, a speaker, and a pastor to three congregations. She has excelled in everything she’s turned her hand to and raised four children while doing so.

Her calling to the ministry extends as far back as her childhood.

“I’d known there was something to do since I was a child,” she explains. “It took a long time to get ready to do this.”

Major life changes following the end of two marriages provided a catalyst. She entered Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University where she completed her ministerial studies. She accepted her first pastorate at the First United Methodist Church, Trinidad, CO, in 1992 and in 1997 moved to the Wesley United Methodist Church, Pueblo CO. In 1999 she went to the Cody United Methodist Church in Cody, WY, where she met and married Wesley Thring in 2000.

“Doors opened, and I walked through,” she says.

Always a trailblazer, she has been the first woman to serve each of her congregations.

“It’s a real thing for a congregation to accept,” she states. “Women in the ministry are barely 25 percent.” Her successor in Cody is a woman.

“A woman has succeeded me in every appointment I’ve had.”

Barbee developed invaluable speaking, leadership, and organizational strengths when she joined Iota Chapter at the University of Northern Colorado in 1954.

Living in the Sorority house taught her people skills that have served her throughout her professional life.

She served Tri Sigma as a National Officer from 1965 until 2004, serving on the Executive Council as National Panhellenic Conference Delegate from 1972-1986, and as Alternate Delegate from 1986-1989 and 1992-1998; as Membership Development Vice President 1992-1998; and as National President 2001-2004. In addition to being Sigma’s NPC Delegate, Barbee has served on NPC’s

Executive Committee as Treasurer (19771979) and Secretary (1979-1981) and was NPC Chairman from 1981 to 1983.

These are mere highlights of the illustrious professional career of Mary Barbee. How will she fare walking away from the center of the action she has lived and worked for all of her life?

Barbee says she is amazed at how much she has put off for decades, and she has begun what will be an ongoing task of organizing her papers and catching up in her home office in Cody.

“I’m just moving along,” Barbee says.

“I have 15 years of deferred maintenance in my life to take care of.”

There is much she will miss of her ministerial work: the dynamics and immediacy of working with a congregation.

“There is such a lot of joy in ministry,” she explains. “You can’t get caught up in getting everything just right or you’ll miss the moment. Ministry is a moving organization.”

While she is surprised with how completely she stepped away from Tri Sigma in 2004, she has remained open to new opportunities and is maintaining a similar openness with her ministry.

“It’s good to be able to let go, to be available, but not to be intrusive,” Barbee explains. “God places you where you can do things,” she says with a knowing smile.

“What comes next we just embrace for whatever it may be.”

In other words, where Mary Barbee is concerned, just stay tuned!

LAURA WARD SWEET Alpha Sigma National President July 2004 — Present Laura Ward Sweet has found that the challenges of being National President are balanced by the strength of Sisterhood.

“I have less time then I ever thought possible and more caring thoughts sent my way that I ever thought possible,” she said.

Sweet was initiated into Alpha Sigma Chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg where she received a B.A. and an M.A. She served her chapter as treasurer, secretary, and during her senior year as president. She has also served as Convention Parliamentarian.

In 1984 she started working part-time as a Panhellenic Advisor and has served the National Panhellenic Conference in numerous capacities. She has served as Tri Sigma College Panhellenics Coordinator (CPC), and National Panhellenic Conference Delegate, which put her on the Executive Council. While serving in NPC, she was a College Panhellenics Area Advisor, Area Coordinator and College Panhellenics Chairmen which put her on the NPC Executive Committee.

Her NPC service also includes: the NPC Recruitment Process Analysis Committee to revolutionize sorority recruitment, the Judicial Appeals Committee to revise the Panhellenic judicial procedures, and the Extension Committee committed to developing new extension protocol.

She was the 2004 winner of the McCrory Order of Interfraternal Excellence, which recognizes outstanding individuals outside the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority for their service to Alpha Sigma Tau and the Panhellenic community. In the spring of 2006 the College Fraternity Editors Association awarded first place for editorial comment to Laura Ward Sweet for her unflinching stand on hazing that appeared in the spring 2005 issue of The Triangle, giving Tri Sigma their first CFEA writing award.

Sweet began her service as National President in July 2004, providing overall guidance to the Sorority, giving direction for all endeavors, and supervising the work of all officers. Her favorite part of serving in this office is “seeing Tri Sigmas enjoying being together.” Yet, at times she is challenged by the “complexity of the organization.”

“We are a business, and every day brings business decisions,” she said.

Her Sisters make the effort worthwhile.

“Every chat or e-mail, the thought that Sisters care about our Sisterhood” means so much to Sweet.

She takes no personal credit for Tri Sigma’s successes in recent years but praises the Sorority’s teamwork.

“I am proud of The Triangle, our volunteers, Chapter Advisors, the Essential Sigma program, the Foundation Board achievements, the major renovations to Walton House, the Honor Council, Headquarters staff, and the Accreditation Program.”

Sweet lives in Greenville, NC, with her husband, Greg. They have one son, Chris, who graduated last spring from North Carolina State University. She is employed at East Carolina University as Associate Vice Chancellor/Ombudsman. Tennis and sailing are her two favorite hobbies.

31

Your Head Start for

Convention 2007

By Julie Lammel, Alpha Sigma and Nashville Alumnae

T

he Nashville Alumnae Chapter is excited to welcome Sigmas to their hometown. Sigmas will travel from all over the country to gather at the Sheraton Music City Hotel June 22-25, 2007. The Sheraton Music City offers complimentary shuttle service from the nearby Nashville airport (BNA). Sigmas traveling by car will find easy access to the hotel from Interstate 40. Sisters will want to pack their swimsuits, as the hotel has both an indoor and an outdoor pool.

The hotel also has a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Delegates should bring their white dresses for the Hanging of the Shields. We will need two special dresses for the Festival of Lights and the Laurels Banquets.

Business attire will be perfect for the meetings. Nashville can be hot and humid in the summer, so be sure to pack your capris and Sigma T-shirts. Throw in your tennis shoes to be ready for the Foundation Walk.

Shari ArnoldHolifield, Gamma Mu and Nashville Alumnae Chapter, is Chairman of Tours.

She has done a magnificent job of bringing Nashville to life for Sigma.

32

SATURDAY EVENING: JUNE 23

TUESDAY: JUNE 26

Option #1: General Jackson Showboat

Option #1: Downtown Nashville

The General Jackson is the proud heir to the long tradition of floating musical palaces, but with a difference: she’s a sleek, modern vessel, sparkling with the excitement of the historic paddle wheelers. The General Jackson combines the sights and sounds of a river excursion with sensational on-board entertainment and sumptuous food in a thoroughly congenial and relaxing atmosphere.

Sigmas will visit the Ryman Auditorium (the birthplace of the Grand Ole Opry), the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. A highlight of the day will be lunch and dance lessons at the Wildhorse Saloon.

Option #2: The Grand Ole Opry Experience the longest-running live radio show ever, Music City’s own Grand Ole Opry. Shari Arnold-Holifield is a Gaylord/Opryland employee and has arranged for Sigmas to receive a V.I.P. backstage tour of the Opry between sets.

This will be an unforgettable experience.

Pictured left to right, front row: Helen Sharrett Shull, Beta Gamma; Deborah McMahon Standley, Alpha Nu; Jessica Anderson, Beta Epsilon; Gwen Maniscalco, Gamma Eta; and Joyce Smith White, Alpha Epsilon. Left to right, back row: Kelly Magee Thrush, Epsilon Pi; Ginny Raynes Lund, Alpha Delta; Julie Lammel, Alpha Sigma; Molly Dougherty Colli, Epsilon Omicron; Jillian Beaird, Eta Omicron; and Donna Thurman, Gamma Chi.

Option #2: Culture Nashville Sigmas will visit the replica of the Parthenon in Nashville’s Centennial Park, the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, and the Belle Meade Plantation. Sigmas will enjoy a Southern lunch at the Loveless Cafe.

IN ADDITION Sigmas bringing their families will want to visit the Nashville Shores Water Park, The Adventure Science Center, Grassmere Wildlife Park, Opry Mills Mall and the Tennessee State Museum. Families will enjoy taking in a baseball game with the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Nashville has more than a dozen colleges and universities to visit while you are here.

Nashville alumnae will be greeting you and will be easily identified by their white scarves and purple violet pins.

See you in June for a wonderful Convention. After all, Sisterhood is the Music of Your Life!

Sigma Sigma Sigma 2007 Registration Form Registration form to be used by Collegiate Members, Alumnae Members, and visitors, not Chapter Delegates or National Officers.

Sigma Sigma Sigma Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville, TN June 22 – 25, 2007 www.sigmasigmasigma.org

Deadline: Completed registration materials must be postmarked by May 1, 2007.

Please indicate on the Registration Form the appropriate category. Please feel free to reproduce this form. Any questions can be directed to National Headquarters at (540) 459-4212.

Attendee Category: Collegiate Member Alumna Member Guest

INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS: To Register: Print or type and send in one mailing to: Sigma Sigma Sigma 225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664-1424 1. Convention Registration Form 2. Check payable to Sigma Sigma Sigma for registration (VISA and MasterCard also accepted)

or Fax to: (540) 459-2361

or E-mail to: sigma@trisigma.org

Attendee Information Full Name:

First Name for Badge:

E-mail Address:

Day Phone:

Evening Phone:

Address: City:

State:

Collegiate Chapter:

Alumnae Chapter:

I am a Golden Violet I would like to assist with

Zip Code:

I would like to receive Circle Degree (alumnae only) Hospitality Table

Displays

Decorations

Choir

Sigma Shop

Other

# of Conventions attended (not including 2007):

Airline Information: Arrival Date:

Airline:

Flight #:

Time:

a.m.

p.m.

Departure Date:

Airline:

Flight #:

Time:

a.m.

p.m.

I will be driving to Convention. Expected day andtime of arrival:

a.m.

p.m.

Hotel Room Reservations/Roommates: Please refer to the Hotel Accommodations section of the instruction page enclosed with this mailing. *** IMPORTANT: If you select a multiple occupancy room and do not list the required number of roommates, others will be placed in your room to fill the requested rooming space. For example, if a quad room was selected and only two roommates were listed, a fourth will be placed in the room. ROOMMATES WILL BE ASSIGNED FOR ALL DELEGATES AND NATIONAL OFFICERS.

I do not need hotel accommodations Single-occupancy room: ($125/night) (0 roommates)

I do not wish to share a room

Double-occupancy room: ($62.50/night) (1 roommate)

Requested Roommate 1: Requested Roommate 2: Requested Roommate 3: Please indicate any additional special needs:

Triple-occupancy room: ($42/night) (2 roommates)

Quad-occupancy room: ($31.25/night) (3 roommates)

Banquet Meals Reservations: See the Banquet Meals information on the instruction page enclosed with this mailing.

Vegetarian Food allergies

33

Sigma Sigma Sigma 2007 Registration Form FEES/PAYMENT:

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Registration Fee: Full-time Registration - $200.00 ($250 if submitted after May 1, 2007)

$

Daily Registration ($100/day) Friday Saturday

$ Sunday

Monday

Meals: Panhellenic Luncheon - Saturday, June 23, 2007 ($30.00):

$

Laurels Banquet - Sunday, June 24, 2007 ($45.00):

$

Festival of Lights - Monday, June 25, 2007 ($60.00):

$

Accommodations: Single Occupancy:

$125.00 X

(# of nights) =

$

Double Occupancy:

$ 62.50 X

(# of nights) =

$

Triple Occupancy:

$ 42.00 X

(# of nights) =

$

Quad Occupancy:

$ 31.25 X

(# of nights) =

$

Tours: Saturday, June 23, 2007 Option 1 General Jackson Showboat ($75.00) Option 2 Grand Ole Opry ($52.00)

$

Tuesday, June 26, 2007 Option 1 Downtown Nashville ($85.00) Option 2 Culture Nashville ($70.00)

$

$

PAYMENT METHOD: VISA

The convention rate applies to three days before and three days after Convention based on space availability. Lodging requirements pre and post Convention will need to be made by you with the hotel, and you are responsible for those lodging costs, which must be paid to the hotel at time of checkout. Acceptable methods presented to hotel upon arrival are: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover Card, Diners Club and travelers checks.

The standard Sheraton room rate, including tax, is $125.00 per night (the rate applies to single, double, triple and quad occupancy).

Room description: The Sheraton Music City Hotel guest rooms have been re-designed for comfort, elegance and functionality. The guest rooms offer sleigh beds with pillow-top mattresses, spacious bathrooms, three phones, computer data ports, workstations with ergonomically designed chairs and patio/balcony. Each standard room has 2 double beds.

Common amenities: GRAND TOTAL

Check

Sheraton Music City Hotel 777 McGavock Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37214 (615) 885 - 2200 www.sheratonmusiccity.com

Hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.

Check out time is noon.

MasterCard

Card Number:

Coffee makers, air-conditioning with individual temperature control, alarm clockradio, balcony/terrace with table and chairs, cable television with in-room pay movies, video games and express video check-out, iron and ironing board.

Expiration Date:

Signature (as it appears on the card): 3 digit security code:

REFUND POLICY: • Refunds will be granted as follows: • Cancellation received prior to May 22, 2007 – 80% refund.

• NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER May 22, 2007.

There is a $25.00 penalty on all returned checks.

Emergency Contact Information:

TRANSPORTATION: You must arrange your own transportation to Nashville, Tennessee and be financially responsible for payment through your own booking site of choice. Please fill in the flight information on your Registration Form.

Sheraton provides complimentary shuttle transportation to/from the airport.

CONFIRMATION: Confirmation of your completed Convention Registration will be sent from National Headquarters on/before June 1, 2007 to your permanent or summer address. If you do not receive a confirmation packet by June 10, 2007, please contact National Headquarters.

Write:

Sigma Sigma Sigma 225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664-1424

Call:

(540) 459-4212 Phone (540) 459-2361 Fax Eastern Time, Weekdays 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

E-mail:

sigma@trisigma.org

In case of emergency please contact: Name

Relationship:

Phone Number:

34

Tour Package Options FUN NIGHT TOURS (Saturday, June 23, 2007) Option 1: General Jackson Showboat (includes food and entertainment) Pick-up Time from Music City Sheraton: 6:00 p.m.

Departure for Music City Sheraton: 10:15 p.m.

$75.00 TOTAL Option 2: Grand Ole Opry Pick-up Time from Music City Sheraton: 6:00 p.m.

Shopping & dinner on own at Opry Mills & free GOO Summer Plaza Parties Grand Ole Opry (“GOO”): 9:00 p.m.

Departure to Music City Sheraton: 11:30 p.m.

$52.00 TOTAL NOTE: GOO cost includes admission to GOO show & V.I.P. backstage tour of the Opry by Senior Sales Manager, Wayne Chandler or the Gaylord Manager. Sigmas will be taken backstage in smaller groups between sets of the show. Dinner is ON YOUR OWN at Opry Mills or Gaylord Opryland Hotel.

POST-CONVENTION TOURS (Tuesday, June 26, 2007) Shari Arnold-Holifield, Tour Chairman 615-458-3366, work 615-403-2662, cell Sarnold-holifield@gaylordentertainment.com Feel free to research the following two attractions at their websites or e-mail Shari Arnold-Holifield, Tour Chairman at sarnold-holifield@gaylordentertainment.com and she will be glad to answer questions!

Option 1: Downtown Nashville Pick-up from the Music City Sheraton: Ryman Auditorium: Frist Center For the Visual Arts: Free time & lunch/dance lesson at the Wildhorse: Country Music Hall of Fame: Depart for Music City Sheraton:

8:30 a.m.

9:00 -10:00 a.m.

10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

12:00 - 2:30 p.m.

2:45 - 4:30 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

$85.00 TOTAL Option 2: Culture Nashville Pick-up from the Music City Sheraton: Parthenon: Cheekwood Botanical Gardens: Lunch at The Loveless Cafè: Belle Meade Plantation: Depart for the Music City Sheraton:

8:30 a.m.

9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

10:30 - 12:00 p.m.

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

2:30 - 4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

$70.00 TOTAL

35

Alumnae/Collegiate Advisory Committee Meeting Leadership Development and Training Tri Sigma is committed to the development of its leaders. Leadership Development begins with the most fundamental elements that are best learned as a chapter officer. The need for consistent, formalized officer training materials is vital for the continued success of our chapter leaders. Through the development of the Officer and Chairman Training Program, we are ensuring that progress is not lost, but also that on-going problems are addressed. Elements the program should address include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • • • •

Conflict management and resolution Team building Risk assessment Values congruence Time management Delegation of authority Standard expectations of both national and local chairman Effective communication strategies Alumnae Advisory Boards/collegiate chapter relations

There must also be chapter-wide leadership development programs. Development of a leader should begin with the Tri Sigma experience. Ongoing leadership development will promote future officer positions in the sorority, leadership as alumnae, as well as leadership roles in a professional future. Officer training materials and leadership development materials should be available in a variety of media, such as regional training sessions, online tutorials and manuals.

Publications, Resources and Branding In order for Tri Sigma to continue to move forward, a branded image must emerge. This image would include resources and publications made available to both collegiate and alumnae chapters to promote the values and beliefs of the Sigma Sisterhood.

Publications should be uniform in nature, allowing for tailoring by individual chapters (such as photos, events, etc.). Examples of publications include: recruitment videos, pod casts, brochures, letterhead, news releases, etc. These resources would be available for both collegiate and alumnae use.

The website will be the communication tool that will move Sigma forward. The website must appeal to collegians, alumnae, parents, faculty, administration, community and civic leaders, and should be used as an interactive tool to promote Tri Sigma. Enhancements of the website could include a message board or blog serving active and alumnae membership, search engine, centralized document station, promotional templates including video and audio components, and current, up-todate information on the benefits and impact of current Sigma programs.

The benefits of a branded image stretch beyond collegiate campuses. This image should be portrayed to the communities as an image of scholarship, philanthropy and sisterhood exclusive to Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Alumnae & Collegiate Partnerships It is the consensus of the A/CAC that a certain level of Alumnae Advisory Board (AAB) and House Corporation (HCP) presence is necessary for the success of a collegiate chapter. The first problem

36

that must be addressed is the fact that not all chapters have access to or are aware they have access to, AAB/HCP members. Current AAB/HCP members must have access to resources and training materials in order to sustain active, working relationships with chapters. These materials should be developed addressing issues such as: • • • • •

chapter expectations of AAB/HCP members, and vice versa procedures/structure of the AAB/HCP organization knowledge of the national organization promotion of the lifelong commitment these positions entail task of developing better women

In addition to gaining chapter support, collegiate chapters must be aware of ways their members can contribute to Tri-Sigma, through organizations such as the Walton House Fund and the Sigma Foundation. Contributions made as collegians will benefit the organization and alumnae.

Alumnae Recruitment and Dues Involvement in Tri Sigma continues to evolve beyond the collegiate experience. Alumnae chapter information must be made available to women upon Circle Degree. Alumnae chapters can gain membership by ensuring that all collegiate women have the opportunity to participate in Circle Degree. This could be arranged on a local, or even a regional basis, to ensure that women continue the Tri-Sigma experience. There is a current project attempting to locate Circle Degree facilitators. A list of graduating women should be made available to alumnae chapters.

There is a need to increase the number of alumnae who pay yearly dues. Additional funding from dues would benefit the sorority on a number of different levels. Communication to non-paying alumnae could be via e-mail with a direct link to a payment option. Alumnae chapters should also seek the involvement of current, inactive, dues-paying members. Additional ways to support the national organization, such as the Walton House Fund and the Sigma Foundation, should continue to be communicated to alumnae chapters and alumnae.

Chapter Assessment Chapters, both collegiate and alumnae, need a way to assess the progress. This assessment could be completed in the form of a survey, where all members are involved and free to give input. This could be viewed as a strategic plan, or program of work. This assessment process could be an ongoing, living document, re-evaluated at various points during the year. This could strengthen chapters by holding them accountable for selfdeveloped goals, which for collegiate chapters, would align with the current accreditation process.

The aforementioned Leadership Development program would reinforce the development of the individual chapter by engaging each and every member.

Alumnae Programming Based upon the response of the national survey, the ACAC targeted alumnae programming as an area for development. Sigma is a lifelong commitment, and through strategic programming, every alumnae chapter can grow larger and stronger. Ideas for this programming include longterm life planning, identity theft, ritual, values, and other nationally developed programs. Also for consideration, local programs could be developed to address issues dealing with financial and physical well being based upon the diversity of our members. These programs could be extended to collegians as well, as they face the next 80-90 years of sisterhood.

Along with lifetime commitment comes the gift of lifetime Sisterhood. The re-introduction of the concept of sisterhood could be found through philanthropy projects, such as Memory Boxes, Birthday Bags, and “Preemie” Hats. Ideas for these and other projects should be made available via the Website, publications, etc. to all alumnae chapters.

A/CAC Winners • Christina Cook, Zeta Rho, Recruitment Program • Susan Dusold, Beta Kappa, Alumnae Chapter of the Year • Melanie Hickerson, Beta Beta, National Standards of Efficiency • Ginger Niemann, Chi, Mabel Lee Walton • Michelle Wallace, Beta Mu, Excellence in Overall Programming * • Sue Wells Weaver, Alpha Zeta, Emily Gates Achievement

A/CAC Guests • Inez Fridley, Gamma Beta, Walton House Board Chairman • Jan Horner, Beta Xi, Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation Chairman

Executive Council • • • •

Laura Sweet, Alpha Sigma, National President Barbara Stone, Beta Tau, National Treasurer Liz Hoffert, Beta Xi, Alumnae Vice President Reatha Cox, Alpha Zeta, Collegiate Vice President • Beth Deines, Beta Kappa, Membership Development Vice President • Kaye Schendel, Gamma Phi, Publications Vice President • Linda Manley-Kuitu, Epsilon Rho, National Panhellenic Conference Delegate * * Unable to attend

â„Ś

OMEGA CHAPTER

During the period from May 1 to August 31, 2006 the following Tri Sigmas were reported to have entered Omega Chapter.

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

Kappa

Alpha Delta

Beta Delta

Mary Verbryke Schemp

Dorothy E. Hons

Patricia Fletcher Whitacre

Lambda

Alpha Epsilon

Beta Epsilon

Margaret Brice Koontz

Pauline Carroll Hauber

Frances Lundin Ohlson

Nu

Alpha Zeta

Beta Iota

Mary Warren Bixler

Claire Elizabeth Berthelot Kathryn Jeanette Adams

Stella Otterson Alme

Alpha Eta

Elizabeth Hampton James Vurlyne Ellsworth Boan

Xi Lois Molz Peaster

Omicron

Hazel Harvey Bateman

Beta Kappa

Alpha Theta

Beta Psi

Helen McGuire Hahn

Nancie O'Connor Pierce

Sigma

Alpha Iota

Beta Upsilon

Nancy Rockwell Pressler

Kari Dawn Godbold

Julia Coffey Noll

Christine Schultz Lawrence Mildred Ramser Warrener

Tau

Alpha Rho

Gamma Xi

Shirley Ramsey Franken

Betty Lorigan Mulcahy

Marie Elizabeth Eppes Eileen Foster Anderson

Upsilon

Alpha Sigma

Norma Rotenberry Rowland

Marinel McCarty Koch Hazel Overall Watkins

Psi Nancy Griffin Von Hollen Betty Jennings McComas Joanne Wilson Scott Elizabeth Wright Crickard Alice Dickinson O'Malley Alma Eastwood McConnell

Alpha Tau Margaret Morgan Dawson

Beta Gamma Grace Grinstead Showalter Betty Strange Day

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

Corrections Corrections It has come to our attention that Sonja Patrice Johnson, Epsilon Psi, was listed by mistake with the Omega Chapter in the winter 2006 issue of The Triangle.

National Headquarters has two women by this name in the data base, and Sonja Patrice Johnson of Toronto, Canada, is not deceased. We apologize for this error.

In a layout change the photo on page 15 of the fall issue contained the wrong caption.The Leadership Consultants pictured are, from left to right: Andrea Davis, Zeta Gamma; Karen Cartwright, Alpha Xi; Kelly Bryan, Delta Delta; Susan Fronrath, Beta Tau.

37

You Can Be A Part of Convention 2007!

By Carol Swango, Alpha Psi, Sigma Shop Chairman

Attention All Sigmas!

If you are planning to attend Convention in 2007 — or even if you are not — YOU can join the fun and excitement by contributing to the Sigma Shop and supporting our “Heart Home,” Walton House.

The Sigma Shop offers items that delight Conventioneers and provide them the opportunity to purchase gifts and mementos to take home to Chapter Sisters, friends and family.

Inexpensive items ($5 or less) and those that can be easily tucked into a suitcase sell the best. They may be simple or elegant and decorated with Sigma letters, sailboats, violets, Sigma colors or other décor.

It’s not too late! Don’t let your creative talents go to waste! Don’t be left out!

Experience the pride and joy of knowing you have contributed to Convention 2007 and have done your part to help support Walton House.

Details will be sent at a later date as to when, where and to whom your items should be sent. They should not be sent to the Sigma Shop Chairman, Walton House or to National Headquarters!

If you plan to attend Convention, you can bring the items with you.

Remember: The Success of Sigma Shop 2007 depends on all of us, and your contribution will help support Walton House.

Questions or requests for contribution forms may be addressed to Carol Gregory Swango, 2007 Sigma Shop Chairman, at: Cjswango@aol.com or by calling her at (918) 333-4599.

Letters of inquiry may be sent to: Carol J. Swango, 2408 Jefferson Road, Fox Hollow, Bartlesville, OK 74006-6500.

Illustration by Wendy Baker, Eta Epsilon

Please contact National Headquarters if you would like to make craft contributions for the Sigma Shop at Convention.