Golden Glimpses Spring 2020

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How to Make our Garden Grow Just like any other garden that needs attention and loving care, we are looking to make our Golden Violet Garden grow. Tri Sigmas, who are fortunate enough to have either an alumnae chapter nearby or a group of sisters who have stayed close over the years, are able to nominate someone meeting the eligibility requirements to receive the Golden Violet designation. The process is simple. The nomination form is found in Sigma Connect under the SigmaPedia Tab, Alumnae Resources. Toni Dinges, Alumnae Membership Coordinator, verifies the financial requirements and is instrumental in arranging for the pin and certificate to be sent for presentation.

There are times this Garden requires a bit of “digging.” Nancy Strom McGowan, Kappa, and

Golden Violet is one of the “gardeners” actively searching for members of the now inactive Chicago Southwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter. She contacted Toni to help with last known addresses. Nancy then used Google and Facebook, letters and phone calls to reconnect. Some women with whom she spoke were aware of other Tri Sigmas who were eligible for the Golden Violet designation, so she shared the link to the nomination form via email. Success! A growing garden of future Golden Violets is planted.

If you would like to be part of this unique group of gardeners within our most steadfast Sigma sisters, contact Toni at tdinges@trisigma.org or at 540-459-4212. Or contact, Mandy Chocheles, at sigmom3@aol.com. It will be lovely to see a thriving assortment of new Golden Violets in 2020.

From the National President

Our Founders and Our Heroines Hello Golden Violet sisters ~ It will soon be time to bid farewell to the winter season, and with the departure of chilly temperatures, springtime awaits. The anticipation conjures thoughts of warm breezes, April showers and violets in bloom. As warmer days become increasingly more plentiful and the month of April rolls in, Founders Day always comes to mind too.

Founders Day is a time of reflection... realizing when it all started, where it took place, and remembering the people that brought the sorority to life.

Through the years, the values of wisdom, power, faith, hope and love and the principles of our founders have continued to influence the work of the sorority, and our Golden Violets continue to inspire our members. You set the example through your dedicated presence, your longstanding commitment to Tri Sigma and the good deeds that you do.

Not long ago, I attended a March of Dimes event which recognized and celebrated the heroines of Washington in the DC metropolitan area. It was an honor to be there to celebrate with one of the finalists who happens to be one of our very own Sigma sisters. Her video message, shared with a large crowd of people, highlighted her involvement in Tri Sigma, her support of the Foundation, women’s empowerment and the March of Dimes.

Heroines are admired for their courage, good deeds, outstanding achievements, and fine qualities, and it’s gratifying to know there are heroines within our Sisterhood. Golden Violets are like heroines.

Through the decades, you’ve shared your love and have remained devoted to Tri Sigma.

A few days after returning from Washington, DC, I ventured to the movie theater to see It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Once again, I found myself thinking about Tri Sigma...the bonds we share, the experiences we create, the opportunities we have to empower and support each other and the many ways we show kindness.

Much like my philosophy of why I support the Organization and the Foundation, Mr. Fred Rogers shared this sentiment. “Look at us – I’ve just met you, but I’m investing in who you are and who you will be, and I can’t help it.” I express my everlasting gratitude to you, our Golden Violets, for continually investing in Tri Sigma.

In our bonds,

Natalie Moore Averette, Gamma Beta National President 2

From your Golden Violet Coordinator

Let’s Stay Connected Those of you who have read my letters in the Golden Glimpses over the past three years may have noticed mention of my oldest granddaughter, Mallory, several times. When she graduated from high school in 2018, she made the decision to attend LSU. She subsequently joined Pi Beta Phi Sorority and has begun to realize what sisterhood means, even though she has two sisters at home! She is planning on taking a leadership role in her chapter. She also proudly told me that a friend who went to high school with her is a Tri Sigma at another university in Louisiana and was recently elected as Chapter President.

In such a short time, these lovely young women are beginning to be involved with their sororities.

I joined the Gamma Eta Chapter at Loyola University, New Orleans, as a junior transfer student. My collegiate experience with Sigma was a short one. I was chosen as Best Pledge and served as Recording Secretary! Now, 55 years later, I can look back at so many extraordinary experiences and friendships that have come my way. As Golden Violet Coordinator, I get to read every nomination form for those women receiving the Golden Violet designation. How special it is to see what has propelled these women, some who were probably not sure of what sorority meant in those early college days, but who have made Tri Sigma part of the fabric of their lives in small ways, or larger ones when possible.

Please encourage any of your alumnae sisters who have not received the Golden Violet designation to send in their “history” with Tri Sigma and always be looking for another generation of young college women to see if they can bring Tri Sigma into their lives as well.

A request: I would love to know how you are currently connected with a collegiate chapter. Is it by attending a Homecoming event? Are you in an advisory position? Would you like to be involved, or in touch, again? Let me know at sigmom3@aol.com.

In our bonds,

Sisterhood

Mandy Chocheles Gamma Eta

is not a destination, but a journey.

Golden Violet Coordinator

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From the Foundation Chair

Honor Our History And Celebrate Our Future Destiny Alderin, Epsilon Nu, dreams of one day pursuing a career in training and development because she values building relationships and serving others. However, as a senior, she feels the uncertainty of transitioning from a college student to her future career path.

There are hundreds of Sigmas like Destiny seeking opportunities each year through scholarships, leadership, philanthropy, and service that, unfortunately, we are unable to support. You have the power to change this reality – empowering more women for life after college.

While the Foundation has made progress, we still have a lot of work to do. The Foundation currently funds less than 10% of Tri Sigma’s leadership and educational programming needs. Annual programs like Presidents Academy, Recruitment Summit, and Dunham Women of Character Institute directly impact our collegiate chapters and the growth of our sisterhood.

Beyond investing in the future of Tri Sigma, many sisters desire leadership opportunities and educational resources to support their personal and professional development.

With your support, you can help us raise more money for our cause and increase our impact. Our Foundation family is built by dedicated leaders and Tri Sigma philanthropists like you.

Join the Foundation on April 20 for our first Giving Day. As I prepare to honor our history and founders, I will also be celebrating Tri Sigma’s future. I plan to dedicate my gift on April 20 to our youngest sisters across the country who depend upon our support. May they find friendships not only for four years but for a lifetime. May they be empowered to lead and give back to others. And may they always remember “to receive much, you must give much.”

In our bonds,

Bonnie Rainey

P.S. Save the date for our Giving Day!

Chair, Foundation Board of Directors

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The Steadfast Giving Club recognizes loyal Sigmas who give monthly recurring gifts to support our philanthropy.

In less than two years, more than 160 sisters have made the Foundation a philanthropic priority each month.

Thank you to the following Golden Violets for leading the way and investing in the future of Tri Sigma!

First Name

Last Name

Chapter

First Name

Last Name

Chapter

Marilyn

Beiter

Beta Xi

Bette

Lewis

Beta Kappa

Jo

Candy

Alpha Iota

Suzanne

McGlone

Gamma Mu

Mandy

Chocheles

Gamma Eta

Nancy

McGowan

Kappa

JoAnn

Conley

Beta Mu

Phyllis

Prange

Gamma Alpha

Patricia

Foster

Gamma Nu

Sandy

Sandel

Alpha Phi

Kathy

Jackson

Gamma Alpha

Ann

Seymour

Gamma Mu

Jacque

Lewis

Beta Gamma

Helen

Shull

Beta Gamma

Save time, protect assets and avoid distress with a well-planned estate When you think about giving to charitable causes, do you think about the legacy you will leave behind? The Foundation believes in providing resources that are beneficial to you and Sigmas of all ages focusing on smart ways to give and financial planning for their family.

Your spring resource is a comprehensive estate planning kit that includes a helpful lesson book and an electronic record book: • The

lesson book will walk you through essential lessons on

creating an effective estate plan. • After

completing the lesson book, you can download the

record book to begin.

To download your FREE resources today, visit trisigmafoundation.planningyourlegacy.org/personal-estate-planning-kit.

For any assistance or questions about planned giving resources, contact Chris Smithhisler at (317) 373-1347 or csmithhisler@trisigma.org 5

Golden Glimpses Spotlights Spring 2020 In each issue of the “Golden Glimpses”, we shine the spotlight on just a few of the many women who are now considered Golden Violets.

Kathy Rayburn Kopperud, Alpha Chi When most of us made the exciting

Kathy’s service to Tri Sigma as a

decision to join Tri Sigma as a

volunteer includes attendance

collegian, the thought of remaining

at five Conventions, the 2019

involved with that campus group

Volunteer Leadership Institute,

50 years later seemed something

several Officer Academies,

we might not consider. Kathy

Volunteer Summits and a

Rayburn Kopperud, who joined

Dunham Women of Character

the Alpha Chi Chapter at Murray

Institute. She is also a member

State University as a freshman

of the West Kentucky Alumnae

and served as President and Vice

Chapter. Each experience has

President, has proven that she is

made her realize the value of

an exception to that thought. Kathy has been

sisters in her life and the significance of values

the Chapter Advisor for her collegiate chapter,

in guiding her life and decisions.

working with the young women of Tri Sigma and

Kathy and her husband, Bill (a Sigma Chi from

helping them to learn our values, since 2005. This

Murray State), have two grown children and

dedication has been acknowledged by several

have co-owned Kopperud Realty since 1987.

national and community awards, among them

She is President of the Murray Calloway County

Area Advisor of the Year, Outstanding Greek

Board of Realtors. Not surprisingly, she has

Advisor at Murray State, and Tri Sigma’s Woman

also found time to be extremely active in her

of Distinction. A genuinely memorable Sigma

community. Kathy is the President of a local

moment for Kathy was when Alpha Chi was

food pantry and emergency non-profit, and

named Chapter of the Triennium in 2013.

is a member of the Enduring Hope Project to

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raise six million dollars to help fund a new Cancer

selects the books for each child based on their

Radiation Treatment Center for a local hospital.

interests and reading ability.

She also works with the two local school system

Special recognition for this lifelong steadfast Sigma

Family Resource Centers by donating an average

came at the 2019 Convention when she received

of 1,500 books a year for the last 21 years. Kathy

her Golden Violet at the Laurels Banquet.

Barbara Stichler Bonapfel, Rho In a large state university such as Florida State, in

member for the

Tallahassee, FL, finding a group of women with

Theta Iota Chapter

whom you feel the most comfortable was essential

at Auburn University

to Barbara Stichler Bonapfel. Initiating into the

in Alabama.

Rho Chapter in 1968, she had found a special

She attended

place. A Math major, Barbara still made time for

seven Triennial

her Tri Sigma activities and served as the chapter’s

Conventions and

Recording Secretary, Panhellenic Representative

was the Bylaw and

and President.

Resolution chair for

On her Golden Violet nomination form, Barbara

Nashville in 2007.

shared a memorable Sigma moment. “Upon

After teaching

pledging Rho Chapter in August 1968, I learned

school for several

that Nelda Frances Crawford was the National

years, Barbara began tutoring high school students

President and lived within three miles of my home

in Math, which she continued doing for 30 years.

in Orlando. I spent many afternoons visiting

She and her husband, Paul, have two grown

with Nelda over the years. As the first chair of

children and have lived in Atlanta since 1977.

the Collegiate Advisory Board, we had the first

Teaching Senior High Sunday School, playing

meeting in Walton House, where Mabel Lee

tennis and gardening are some of her favorite

Walton met with the committee. What an honor!

things that fill her days now. She remains a member

To this day, I have the note that she wrote to me

of the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, as well.

upon my marriage.”

Barbara received the Steadfast Alumnae Award in

Barbara continued to serve Tri Sigma by working

2012. She feels that much of the training for lifetime

with Collegiate Chapter Extension, as well as

Sigma service and leadership, in general, she’s

being the National Housing Coordinator from

received from another very special Tri Sigma, Mary

2000-2003 and the National Director of Housing

Hastings Holloway Page Lovejoy. Barbara is most

2003-2010. She has been a Tri Sigma Foundation

deserving of her recognition as a Golden Violet of

Committee member and a Chapter Advisory Board

Tri Sigma.

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Debbie Melancon Caliva, Gamma Mu When you are the first person in your family to attend college, there are many expectations and some doubts as well. Debbie Melancon Caliva belonged to a high school sorority before she enrolled in Southeastern LA University and knew how special those bonds could be. She majored in Elementary Education and joined the Gamma Mu Chapter. As a collegian, Debbie found that Tri Sigma helped her develop so many talents and gifts that she had not realized she had.

The feeling of closeness that she developed with her chapter sisters answered any doubts she might have had about how college could change her life.

Following graduation, Debbie’s husband Bruce was in the service, stationed in Texas where she taught various grades throughout her 10 years. Later she worked for 17 years in the family retail business in New Orleans. During that time, she and Bruce had four children. She joined the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter and was Vice President and later President. She remains active in that group, even though she and Bruce have moved to Ponchatoula, north of the city across Lake Pontchartrain.

One of her most memorable moments as a Tri Sigma was seeing her daughter, Cari, initiated into the Gamma Mu Chapter. Mother and daughter attended the Centennial Convention in Tyson’s Corner, VA, in 1998. It meant so much for them to witness that Tri Sigma celebration together. Cari lives in Little Rock, AR, and is involved with other Tri Sigma alumnae there. Debbie is retired now and has time to visit with two of Cari’s children and four other grandchildren who live in Tucson, AZ. When Debbie received her Golden Violet award with her New Orleans alumnae sisters in April 2019, she recalled what many of us have done on such occasions. Tri Sigma has provided us with wonderful lifelong friends over the years, both collegiate and alumnae sisters, and for Debbie, a Tri Sigma daughter as well!

Nancy Aiken Vail, Gamma Delta Nancy Aiken Vail attended Adrian College in Adrian, MI, and found that her roommate, her friends in the school choir and the upperclassmen she knew all had the same thing in common: they belonged to Tri Sigma. It made her curious to find out exactly what these women found so intriguing about this group. Over time, she witnessed their strong friendship and sisterhood as well as examples of philanthropy and service. She knew that scholarship was apparent, as this Gamma Delta Chapter always had the highest GPA on campus.

An open bid to join the sorority proved to be an excellent move for both Nancy and her new sisters. She was the Student Government representative for two 8

years, a song leader and tutor, and the chair of Spring Formal. Some of her most memorable Tri Sigma moments occurred in those college days as she witnessed the Triangle Degree, Spring Sings, and serenades. Her future attendance at multiple Conventions added other special moments for Nancy, notably the Festival of Lights.

Almost immediately after graduation in 1972, Nancy moved and joined the Toledo Alumnae Chapter. Her teaching career included time in high school and magnet schools as well as being Coordinator for the University of Toledo Center for International Studies. She served as Alumnae Chapter President for almost 20 years, during which the chapter won Alumnae Chapter of the Year. She was their Convention Delegate seven times until the chapter closed.

Nancy attended Conventions in 2016 and 2019.

Nancy is both a cancer and a stroke survivor. Still, her volunteer activities have been numerous, serving on the Alumni Board of Adrian College and her position as a Girl Scout leader rank among them. She and her husband have been married for 47 years and have four daughters and three grandchildren. Her Tri Sigma friendships have never ended.

She looks forward to meeting several times a year with local sisters as well as those from many different states. Now, as a Golden Violet, she continues to epitomize the loving, caring, and sharing she learned 50 years ago.

Susan Slezinger Kluth, Beta Alpha In the Fall of 1966, Susan Slezinger Kluth began her college career at Northern Illinois University. In addition to planning which classes to take, she decided she wanted to be a part of a group of women who shared like values. She had talents to share in serving others and she wanted to be a leader and a team player. The Beta Alpha Chapter provided all of these ideals. Susan became active right away, learning to budget her time and serving as Panhellenic Delegate.

Fast forward to 1986, Susan had been a member of the Chicago SW Suburban Alumnae Chapter for nine years and was attending her first Triennial Convention, held in Indianapolis. She was impressed with the beauty and formality of it. She loved making items for the Sigma Shop and especially enjoyed the camaraderie of all the sisters. Susan recognized that as a national organization, Tri Sigma provides valuable networking opportunities.

Before the closing of her alumnae chapter, Susan served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. She was an elementary school teacher for 34 years and was busy working with the IL State Board for the Junior Miss Pageant.

She was also the first woman to serve as President of her Church Council. Susan has received the Jaycee Woman of the Year Award as well as the AAUW High Esteem Award.

Multiple hobbies keep this steadfast Sigma busy where she lives in Sun City, AZ. Susan will receive her Golden Violet pin and certificate in Spring, 2020.

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Eligible Golden Violets Elizabeth Johns, Delta Omicron and Tri Sigma’s National Archivist, reports in the latest issue of The Triangle that the first Golden Violet designation went to Mabel Lee Walton in 1954. As the first recipient, Mabel Lee was recognized for her 50 years of faithful membership and dedication to the sorority. Liz goes on to report, “but just being a Tri Sigma for 50 years does not automatically earn one this special designation; it requires that the member has been loyal and steadfast through the years. A chapter or individual member may nominate alumnae who have demonstrated loyalty to the sorority for 50 years or more through active participation in Alumnae life, serving the sorority as a volunteer and paying lifetime dues or dues for over 20 years. The award marks a special achievement for women who have held such long-term dedication to Tri Sigma, and often becomes a goal for many Tri Sigma women.” If you know of other members who have been steadfast to Tri Sigma for over 50 years, nominate them, and they, too, could join this select group of women.

First Name

Middle/ Maiden Name

Last Name

Initiation Chapter

First Name

Middle/ Maiden Name

Last Name

Initiation Chapter

Stephanie

Diane

Bickers

Alpha

Theresa

Neese

Westerfeld

Beta Gamma

Barbara

Berg

Richko

Alpha Alpha

Sheryl

Lynn

Smatana

Beta Kappa

Jean

Moyer

Metzger

Alpha Chi

Barbara

Walls

Strader

Beta Kappa

Beverly

Peterman

Schelling

Alpha Epsilon

Mary

Rita

Webster

Beta Kappa

Nancy

Diamond

Strother

Alpha Kappa

Mary

Sawicki

Lovell

Beta Lambda

Nancy

Allen

Whitney

Alpha Lambda

Jewell

Gaye

Underwood

Beta Phi

Jeanne

Wurzlow

Domingue

Alpha Mu

Mary Jo

Zimmermann

Urbanek

Beta Pi

Nancy

Oliver

Patterson

Alpha Phi

Lois

Wiegand

Wolff

Beta Pi

Carol

Ann

Stevenson

Alpha Phi

Rosemary

Phillips

Burton

Delta Alpha

Nannette

Susan

Peffley

Alpha Rho

Fraya

Pugh

Clark

Delta Alpha

Laura

Ward

Sweet

Alpha Sigma

Ruth

Abernethy

McCreary

Delta Alpha

Gloria

Luttrell

Freye

Alpha Upsilon

Paula

Moore

O'Brien

Delta Alpha

Vicki

Vandegrift

Martin

Beta Beta

Mary

Ann

Osborne

Delta Alpha

Ruth

Darby

Dean

Beta Delta

Marilyn

Wall

Phillips

Delta Alpha

Margie

Joan

Leitch

Beta Epsilon

Kathryn

Elizabeth

Lawson

Delta Beta

Jeanne

Fogler

Meek

Beta Epsilon

Donna

Huff

Harward

Delta Delta

Kathryn

Brown

Swope

Beta Epsilon

Andree'

Michelle

Aubert

Delta Epsilon

Kathleen

Jones

Fruchey

Beta Gamma

Gail

Elizabeth

Brinkman

Delta Gamma

Dee Ann

Myers

McConville

Beta Gamma

MaryJean

Westling

Thorsland

Delta Gamma

Skillman

Beta Gamma

Julie

Fritz

Bergman

Gamma Delta

Stephen

Beta Gamma

Marcia

Toms

Dunnigan

Gamma Delta

Sally Catherine

Short

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First Name

Middle/ Maiden Name

Last Name

Initiation Chapter

First Name

Middle/ Maiden Name

Last Name

Initiation Chapter

Brenda

Lane

Schnaidt

Gamma Delta

Joy

James

Thomas

Gamma Psi

Karen

Graham

Serilla

Gamma Delta

Ilene

Swank

Garrett

Kappa

Margaret

Mitera

Gerner

Gamma Epsilon

Karin

Kanitz

Schneider

Kappa

Sheila

Maureen

McQuillan

Gamma Epsilon

Claudia

Boggess

Smith

Kappa

Melanie

E.

Hocking

Gamma Kappa

Constance

Swank

Kappa

Margot

Estelle

Hammond

Gamma Mu

Deborah

Green

Johnson

Nu

Sarah

Beach

Belinski

Gamma Nu

Vicki

Morris

Emery

Pi

Mary

Lane

Burns

Gamma Nu

Cynthia

Lord

Heintzelman

Pi

Claudia

Ann

DelZoppo

Gamma Nu

Kathleen

McKnight

Baird

Rho

Shirley

Sylvester

Boots

Gamma Omicron

Margaret

Josephine

Clark

Rho

Sally

Swanson

Krier

Gamma Phi

Kathryn

Ann

Hamilton

Rho

Julie

Erickson

Myhre

Gamma Phi

Polly

Wingfield

Horne

Rho

Camille

Cancienne

Boudreaux

Gamma Pi

Judith

Gentry

Johnson

Rho

Golden Violets received since last edition First Name

Middle/ Maiden Name

Susan

Slezinger

Nancy

Aiken

Last Name

Initiation Chapter

Kluth

Beta Alpha

Vail

Gamma Delta

Tri Sigma Creed We, the women of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, throughout our lives, strive to steadfastly uphold our vows and cherish our bonds of sisterhood; to become inspired leaders; to support causes greater than ourselves; to seek wisdom and joy; and to live purposeful lives of integrity, faith, empathy, understanding, and love.

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Golden Glimpses is published twice a year for the Golden Violets of Sigma Sigma Sigma.

Editorial Staff: Mandy Meehan Chocheles Aimee Jensen Boland Toni Ritenour Dinges Desiree Paulhamus

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Save the date for our first Giving Day to benefit the Tri Sigma Foundation.