Tri Sigma Foundation

Join us in celebrating the class of 2021!

It is with great pride that Tri Sigma shares National Panhellenic Conference’s (NPC) announcement that Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma Chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi, will serve on the 2021-2023 NPC Board of Directors.

Sweet has advocated for Tri Sigma at the NPC level for many years through her service to Tri Sigma as second alternate delegate (‘91-’95) and Tri Sigma Executive Council National Panhellenic Conference Delegate (‘95-’04), NPC delegate (‘10-’19) which also held Executive Council ex-officio member 2016-2019. Her service on the NPC Board of Directors will allow for Sweet to advocate for the greater Panhellenic community and ensure the future of sorority life.

“When it comes to Laura’s dedication and championing of the sorority experience, Tri Sigma has much to be proud of,” said Tri Sigma’s Executive Director Jenna Martin Pendry. “We know that she will continue to do great things for the Panhellenic community through her second term on the Board of Directors.”

Sigma Sigma Sigma is proud to recognize exceptional members and chapters as a part of the annual awards program. Award recipients celebrated this year have created a legacy of excellence, hard work, and stellar examples of a values-focused commitment to Tri Sigma and their communities. 

Alumnae Chapter and Individual Awards 

Alumnae Chapter of the Year – Chicago North Shore 

The 2020 Alumnae Chapter of the Year is the Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter. This award is presented annually to one outstanding alumnae chapter. Categories evaluated are payment of annual national alumnae fees, local publicity, support of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation, local social service, service to collegiate chapters, participation in Alumnae Panhellenic, and representation at Convention, reunions, and meetings. The chapter writes, “This year our chapter has continued to grow and adapt during these times in our programming, membership, sisterhood, and community service. By adding new recruitment strategies, we grew our chapter by 50% this year and have found new ways to continue to support our community and offer programs virtually.  In addition, we have been able to engage with more sisters locally, across the nation and in other chapters.” 

Steadfast Alumna Citation – Brenda Christie, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University, and Tulsa Alumnae Chapter 

The Steadfast Alumna Citation recipient for 2020 is Brenda Christie, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University, and Tulsa Alumnae Chapter. Initially presented at the 1962 Convention, the Steadfast Alumna Citation honors an alumna whose exemplary loyalty and commitment to the Sorority, for so many years, merits special recognition.

Her nominator writes, “Brenda once said that her philosophy is, ‘The world is a much bigger place than you think it is and you should make it a bigger place.’ She not only does her part but encourages and inspires others to do theirs.”

Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award – Rebekah Giaraffa, Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University, and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter  

The Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award recipient for 2020 is Rebekah Giaraffa, Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University, and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter. The award is named for Emily Machemer Gates, Zeta and Omega, Alumnae Representative to the 1938 National Council. Emily is recognized as one who demonstrated unselfish devotion to Tri Sigma and many community projects. The award is presented for outstanding service to society as well as to the Sorority.

Her nominator says, “She helped to form a leadership team for the Dirt Divas, a woman’s mountain bike organization designed to create community in a male dominated sport. Rebekah serves the community through Colorado Mountain Bike Association by providing trail service and works with Golden Giddy-up to build and maintain recreational trails along the front range.” 

Creative Educational Programming: Civil discourse – Western Wayne Washtenaw 

Excellence in Collegiate Support – Indianapolis Suburban   

Excellence in Member Development – Western Wayne Washtenaw   

Excellence in Membership Recruitment – Western Wayne Washtenaw  

Excellence in Ritual and Values – Denver Area  

Excellence in Volunteerism – Phoenix  

Emerging Alumna Award – Sierra Lykins, Eta Kappa, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas Alumnae  

Outstanding Alumna Award  

• Laura Manthey, Gamma Lambda, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Denver Area   
• Patricia Mroczek, Alpha Phi, Central Michigan University, Central Michigan Alumnae  

Collegiate Chapter and Individual Awards 

Collegiate Chapter of the Year – Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

The 2020 Collegiate Chapter of the Year is Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This award is presented annually to one outstanding collegiate chapter that exemplifies high performance in all areas of chapter operations. The chapter writes, “Our emphasis on maintaining our relationships combined with the creation of memorable, safe sisterhood events are the basis for Alpha Mu’s successes this year. We recognized and met the needs of our members, and, because of that, Alpha Mu can look back on a year filled with not only hardship and frustration, but with resiliency, strength, and excellence.”  

Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award – Xena Vandusartz, Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin – Stout 

The Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award recipient for 2020 is Xena Vandusartz, Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin – Stout. Mabel Lee Walton, Gamma and Omega, third national president, was a gifted leader whose interest in and encouragement of collegiate members and alumnae was exceptional. The award serves as a lasting memory honoring her lifelong dedication to Tri Sigma as it recognizes collegiate members who display outstanding leadership. 

Xena says, “The idea of wisdom is commonly correlated with knowledge and good judgement. For me it has been the ability to learn for others experiences and understand the sagacity of looking at situations from all viewpoints and doing what is best for all than for the few.” 

Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award – Margaret Shepherd, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

The Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award recipient for 2020 is Margaret Shepherd, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior award is in honor of Margaret (Dixie) Freeman Dixon Everett, Sigma and Omega, fifth national president whose idealistic, capable, congenial leadership remains an excellent example for leaders of today. 

Margaret says, “Love has really proven to serve as the glue of our sisterhood throughout the pandemic, and I can only hope that my love for Tri Sigma and my sisters has shone through my leadership in Alpha Mu.”

Chapter Advisory Board of the Year – Delta Pi, Winthrop University  

Creative Educational Programming: Wellbeing – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University   

Creative Educational Programming: Civil discourse – Delta Pi, Winthrop University   

Excellence in Member Development – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Excellence in Membership Recruitment – Delta Pi, Winthrop University  

Excellence in New Member Development – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Excellence in Ritual and Values – Delta Pi, Winthrop University  

Excellence in Volunteerism – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency Award – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Panhellenic Excellence Award – Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette  

Fraternity and Sorority Advisor of the Year – Amie Jackson, Kappa Kappa Gamma nominated by Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University   

Outstanding Advisor Award  

• Susan Flowers, Kappa, Miami University, serving Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University   
• Brooke Erving, initiated and serving Delta Pi, Winthrop University   
• Ivonne Ramirez-DeBlois, Phi Mu Fraternity, serving Gamma Iota, University of Massachusetts Amherst  

Outstanding Member Award  

• Alison Bloom, Epsilon Rho, Minnesota State University Mankato  
• Ally Bordelon, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette  
• Danielle Altringer, Delta Pi, Winthrop University  
• Alexis Lewis, Gamma Xi, Barton College  

Outstanding Senior Award  

• Jacquelyn Gorby, Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University  
• Kelsi Churchill, Alpha Phi, Central Michigan University  
• Sarah Myroup, Alpha, Longwood University   
• Brooke Ryals, Gamma Xi, Barton College  

We are excited to share the Prevention Awards that were presented at the 2021 Prevention Institute. Watch the award ceremony and view the full list of winners below.

Prevention Recognition

These chapters not only followed through on their plan and correctly applied the prevention framework, but their plan also was creative, focused, and collaborative.

• Alpha Phi, Central Michigan University
• Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University
• Beta Tau, University of Detroit Mercy
• Delta Zeta, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Epsilon Omicron, Illinois State University
• Eta Beta, Newberry College
• Eta Lambda, Moravian College

Prevention Award Winners

As a result of implementing their plan and correctly applying the Prevention Framework, these chapters were able to see a significant positive change in their GLE data because of their prevention plan. Their impacts were grouped into 3 main categories:

Membership Experience

These chapters had a significant decrease in the number of negative member to member interactions (mean girl behavior, bullying, etc.).

• Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University
• Gamma Iota, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Pi, Emporia State University

Healthier Drinking Habits

These chapters focused on making better personal choices if a member chooses to drink, and as a result, decreasing high-risk or problematic drinking behaviors in their chapter.

• Alpha Zeta, Northwestern State University
• Epsilon Gamma, Grand Valley State University

Intervention

As a result of focusing on communication skills, building relationships, and enhancing intervention skills, these chapters saw an increase in upstander behaviors. Members recognized the need to intervene sooner to prevent more harmful behaviors. For example, increasing confidence in intervening to address high-risk behaviors (alcohol, hazing, controlled substances, sexual violence) or decreased fears of calling 911.

• Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University
• Theta Delta, Lindenwood University
• Zeta Theta, Idaho State University

Join us in celebrating the summer and fall class of 2020!

This month, six alumnae and four collegians were selected to serve on the Inclusive Excellence standing committee. This committee will review the sorority’s current climate, policies, and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, engage with and gather input from members of the sorority’s constituency groups, research best practices, assist with identifying tools and developing educational materials for increased dialogue and civil discourse, and monitor progress towards implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

Meet each member below and read an excerpt from their response to the question, “why are diversity, equity, and inclusion imperative for the future of fraternal organizations such as Tri Sigma?” 

Leslie Deeb, Committee Coordinator, Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University

Leslie Deeb, Committee Coordinator, Beta Epsilon, Western Illinois University 

I believe fraternal organizations, such as Tri Sigma, are well past their due date to set diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into motion. The only way fraternal organizations can begin to re-imagine their representation in this world, and their purpose is by having authentic, raw conversations. These conversations must happen regularly from member to member in individual chapters all the way to the leadership entities in national headquarters. Fraternal organizations must begin to acknowledge, welcome, and celebrate the unique, lived experiences of our individual members who have minoritized, marginalized intersectional identities. It is critical that fraternal organizations create, promote, and foster an environment that is inclusive and equitable so that diverse identities can thrive in our spaces.

Pritali Amrutkar, Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University, and Atlanta Alumnae Chapter

Pritali Amrutkar, Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University, and Atlanta Alumnae Chapter 

Black sisters, Indigenous sisters, other sisters of color, LGBTQIA+ sisters, lower income sisters, disabled sisters, and others who face discrimination in their day to day life deserve to have a place they can call home. In the end, that’s what Tri Sigma is about – having a place you can call home. Many disenfranchised women struggle with this as it is because society at large has deemed that irrefutable qualities of themselves – the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, the socioeconomic class in which they grew up – make them lesser, Tri Sigma can be a place they can turn to for comfort and security.

Giselle Chun, Epsilon Nu, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Giselle Chun, Epsilon Nu, University of North Carolina at Greensboro 

The standards that are taught and upheld should include an understanding and acceptance of diversity among members based on race, identified gender, ethnicity, culture, LGBTQIA+ identity, etc. as the experiences one has in college and in organizations, whether fraternal or otherwise, can strongly influence the impact the individual makes in the world. By including these important features in fraternal life, we set a positive standard for change and can positively influence other organizations and groups to follow in our footsteps. 

Charlotte Coberley, Omicron, Eastern Michigan University

Charlotte Coberley, Omicron, Eastern Michigan University  

As microcosms of society, historically white fraternal organizations (HWFOs) mirror the systemic oppression that is rooted deep within the fabric of our nation. It is imperative that Tri Sigma (and other HWFOs) engage in unlearning and redefining its generationally inherited oppressive practices before it can begin to champion ones that center diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Miranda Himel, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Lafayette Alumnae Chapter

Miranda Himel, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Lafayette Alumnae Chapter 

It is not enough to simply keep up with social norms, we must continue to fulfill our legacy of activism and lead the way. Without our societal mission, I believe we will fail to recruit future generations of young, powerful global citizens, eventually leading to the eradication of fraternal organizations altogether.  

Crystal Jones, Zeta Pi, Virginia Wesleyan University

Crystal Jones, Zeta Pi, Virginia Wesleyan University 

It is important to me to know that my sisters nationwide are with me in the belief that every single woman-identifying member of this organization and human being in this country deserves respect, equality, and belonging in all aspects of life. If we want to be known as women of character, we must lead the charge and hold ourselves, AND others accountable in this fight.

Logan Levine, Alpha, Longwood University

Logan Levine, Alpha, Longwood University 

We want fraternal life to be a place where individuals of all races, genders and gender identities, orientations, and beliefs to feel loved and supported and are given chances to grow and help others in ways not previously available to them.  

Maria Price, Alpha Beta, Kent State University

Maria Price, Alpha Beta, Kent State University 

By making Tri Sigma and other organizations inclusive and welcoming, we open the door to vibrant members that keep us growing as chapters. We are able to challenge ideas and the ways “it’s always been done.” We are able to build support systems for these many communities in spaces they have been told for years they were not welcome.  

Berylann Rivera, Eta Nu, Ramapo College of New Jersey

Berylann Rivera, Eta Nu, Ramapo College of New Jersey 

DEI exists to say that we are not content with just having visible representation but want to ensure that all members, particularly those holding identities that are often minoritized by society, find a home in an organization that is truly accepting, aware, and prepared to make the changes necessary to ensure that everyone has a great experience.

Lily Rupert, Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University

Lily Rupert, Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University 

To continue to exist we must evolve from our history and seek to move with the tides of progress. Tri Sigma has the capacity to be better, and in knowing that, it’s our job as members to push our organization to do better.  

Apply now for the Inclusive Excellence committee

To continue critical work focused on amplifying diverse voices, Tri Sigma is establishing a standing committee representing various identities of women from across the sorority. This committee will be charged with serving as an advisory group with responsibilities including, but not limited to development of diversity-focused resources and programs.  

For a full volunteer position description of the committee, click here. 

The committee will be led by the Inclusive Excellence committee coordinator and supported by staff and an Executive Council liaison. For a full volunteer position description of the committee coordinator, click here.  

To apply for the committee or committee coordinator role, click here and follow all instructions in the introduction of the application. Applications are due Aug. 20.  

Direct any questions about the Inclusive Excellence committee to Melissa Kolb, director of Education and Training.

National Hazing Prevention Week will be Sept. 21-25, 2020. Tri Sigma is partnering with Delta Zeta National Sorority to present programming for our members this year. To support health and safety for gatherings during COVID-19, we will provide outstanding virtual educational learning opportunities for collegiate and alumnae chapters. The detailed schedule is below, along with links for members to access the sessions.

National Hazing Prevention Week 2020

Sept. 20 – Sweating the Small Stuff

In this 60-minute keynote, Tri Sigma’s Assistant Executive Director Lorin Phillips will host an educational session on women’s hazing environments. This session will allow chapters to watch together and discuss topics shared as a group. Chapters should plan to show this video during their weekly chapter meetings. Access to this session will be posted by Sept. 15.

Sept. 23 – Building Better Sisterhood

Members of both Tri Sigma and Delta Zeta are invited to tune in live on both organization’s Facebook pages at 8:00 p.m. EDT for a session, hosted by Tina VanSteenbergen, on the power of belonging within their sisterhood. Tina is authentic, funny, and uplifting. You will not want to miss her message! Click here to like our page and tune in on Sept. 23 at 8:00 p.m. EDT when we go live.

Sept. 27 – A Safe and Healthy Future Together

Join Tri Sigma’s Assistant Executive Director Lorin Phillips and Delta Zeta National Sorority’s Chief Safety Officer Will Frankenberger for a live 20-minute discussion on lessons learned during National Hazing Prevention Week 2020. We will discuss questions from the week, explore some of the biggest challenges around hazing, and seek solutions for creating the safest and most welcoming environments for all members.  Registration is required for this Zoom session at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Click here to register.

If you have any programming questions, please contact Tri Sigma’s Assistant Executive Director Lorin Phillips. We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions during Hazing Prevention Week 2020. Together, we will continue to combat hazing in the fraternal experience.

Delta Zeta Sorority is a global women’s organization whose shared values support a vision to truly inspire action and impact lives through leadership, service, and philanthropy. Founded on Miami University’s campus in Oxford, Ohio in 1902, the Sorority has more than 275,000 alumnae and collegiate members in the United States and Canada. The Delta Zeta Foundation, a non-profit organization, makes possible gifts and support for scholarships, leadership, philanthropy, and education. Learn more about our mission at deltazeta.org. For more information about the Delta Zeta Foundation, visit www.deltazeta.org/foundation.

Sigma Sigma Sigma was founded in 1898 at Longwood University in Farmville, VA. Tri Sigma strives to prepare women for life after college by advocating bonds of friendship, developing strong womanly character in its members, and promoting the highest standards of conduct. Currently, there are over 125,000 members and over 200 alumnae and collegiate chapters. The Sorority supports children’s health initiatives through funds contributed to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation. The Foundation benefits both therapeutic play programs among children’s hospitals through our Robbie Page Memorial Fund and advocacy and research to fight prematurity through our support for March of Dimes.

Yesterday, we shared information with our collegiate members, volunteers, and alumnae chapter presidents via email and social media about the elimination of Tri Sigma’s legacy policy.

A legacy is defined as a sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, stepdaughter, stepmother, or stepsister of an initiated member. Tri Sigma will continue to recognize and celebrate Tri Sigma legacies, but potential new members who are legacies will no longer receive preferential treatment during the recruitment process.

Realizing the importance of equitable consideration for all women seeking membership in Tri Sigma and after recommendation by both departments of Chapter Services and Growth Initiatives, on July 6, Executive Council voted in favor of eliminating the current legacy policy. We are confident this change will allow for greater opportunities for membership and will empower our collegiate members to have the autonomy to make their own membership selection decisions. This change means that chapters are no longer required to invite a legacy to the first invitational round during recruitment, nor is it a requirement to place legacies at the top of the bid list submitted after the final round of recruitment. Chapters also are no longer required to receive approval from National Headquarters before releasing a legacy.

Why did Tri Sigma decide to make this change?

Sororities were founded during a time in our country’s history when women’s rights were limited. Being allowed to attend colleges and universities provided exciting opportunities. Being a part of a sorority enabled women to build friendships and offer support to one another, especially as they navigated the fortuitous changes. Even though doors were opening to women, historical information reveals that the sorority experience was limited to those who were white. The world has since evolved, and Tri Sigma is evolving as well. It is important to offer a welcoming environment and provide the opportunity for all women to find a home in Tri Sigma.

Please direct any questions to sigma@trisigma.org.

Tri Sigma is strong, resilient, and adaptable. Over the past several months, Tri Sigma has stepped up in numerous ways to make changes for a bright future for the organization. Every year we look to add members to our sisterhood who will inspire us, learn with us, and grow with us as we look toward the next 122 years. As potential new members, collegiate sisters, and alumnae, you have questions about the Tri Sigma experience for the immediate future. We hope that the following gives insight into how Tri Sigma has endured and flourished during this unique time in our history. 

What will the Tri Sigma experience look like in the fall? 

Tri Sigma has been offering exceptional experiences for over 120 years, and this fall will not be any different. We will continue to encourage our members to explore the best versions of themselves, develop friendships based on mutual respect, and endeavor to accomplish their goals. When you join Tri Sigma, you get a sisterhood that will always be there for you, inspiring you to lead, and empowering you to change the world.   

In the spring, our chapter engagement had to change for the safety of our members. As we learned more about the coronavirus and its impact on the world, we quickly transitioned our experience from being dependent on face-to-face interactions to a virtual environment. We are ready for the fall to be a mix of virtual meetings and small in-person gatherings based on CDC guidelines and local/state regulations. Tri Sigma is represented on over 100 college campuses across the country, and we have been able to work with each chapter and ensure their success based on their specific needs. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to our chapters’ needs, and we pride ourselves on working directly with each chapter and their situation to provide a suitable solution. 

Fall will be full of Tri Sigma firsts, and we are hoping that you will share with us in those experiences. First virtual recruitment, first virtual bid day, a virtual sisterhood or two, and I am sure we will learn a lot, stumble a bit, but thankfully, we have many amazing sisters who will guide us through it all.   

What will be different about Tri Sigma fall recruitment? 

Recruitment this fall will be different, and we embrace the change and ready to welcome new members just like every other year. We like to focus on creating experiences for potential new members to meet our members, and although that might not be in-person this year, it will still be the focus of our recruitment process. We want to get to know potential new members, create relationships that will form into sisterhood to enhance our chapter experience.   

We encourage all potential new members to reach out to the Office of Student Life or the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life on your campus to learn how to register for sorority recruitment. Tri Sigma National Headquarters staff is working directly with the National Panhellenic Conference and our campus partners to determine what recruitment will look like on each of our campuses. At the forefront is ensuring the health and safety of potential new members and collegiate members. And although it may look different, we hope that it feels the same, that friendships will be formed, connections made, and sisterhood shared.

Should a collegiate woman join now or wait? 

Now is the right time to join Tri Sigma. There are so many unknowns in our world right now, Tri Sigma can be and will be a group of women who will help you navigate the path ahead. Think of the women who joined during the right to vote movement, or at the dawn of World War I or World War II, or those who were members during the Spanish Flu pandemic. However, decades ago, their experiences were much of what they were going through rings true today, uncertainty, anxiety, and hope for the future. Having sisters by your side provides stability, support, and encouragement to face the future head-on.   

Additionally, Tri Sigma women will help you engage on your college campus. Assist you with joining other campus organizations, acclimate to the college classroom, and be there for you when you are unsure how to navigate the path ahead. Tri Sigma will provide you with a deep connection to your college experience and add value, structure, and purpose to the next four years.   

Why should I join Tri Sigma? 

Tri Sigma offers valuable leadership and personal development experiences throughout the life of a member. All programs are based on our fundamental mission of empowering women to change the world. We believe that today’s society needs strong female leaders. We offer an experience to allow chapter officers and members to learn and practice the skills necessary to thrive in our modern society.   

What does it mean to empower women to change the world? It may seem like a daunting task, but we believe that giving women space to explore who they are and who they want to be is our organization’s purpose. We then go a step further to encourage and support women to find their purpose in this world. Is it to impact their campus community to make a positive change for all students? Is it to impact their local community with new resources and programs? Is it to be a change agent for the country or the world? No idea is too small or too big, and our sisters have accomplished so much, and we cannot wait to see what the next generation of members will be able to do. 

What can I expect from a Tri Sigma experience? 

Sisters to support you, encourage you, lead you, and listen to you for a lifetime. You can expect thoughtful chapter meetings, fun sisterhood events, inspiring educational opportunities, and many social activities.   

Tri Sigma experiences include: 

• New member education and programming 
• Philanthropy and service focused on serving children through our national partnership with the March of Dimes. 
• Sisterhood events – everything from movie nights to hiking trips to beach days to spa nights 
• Semi-Formals, formals, date parties, mixers, tailgating and theme parties 
• Big/little relationships, senior celebrations, alumnae events 
• Ceremonies, initiation, ritual activities 
• National leadership programs and engagement 

How is Tri Sigma keeping members safe? 

Tri Sigma has directed all members to follow local, state, and CDC guidelines to ensure all members’ health and safety. Collegiate chapters have been instructed to comply with all institutional regulations regarding COVID-19. 

All Tri Sigma facilities have and will continue to comply with all campus standards on sanitation.