Tri Sigma Foundation

“Your high independence only reveals the immeasurable distance between us. The blessings in which you, this day, rejoice, are not enjoyed in common. The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me. The sunlight that brought light and healing to you, has brought stripes and death to me. This Fourth July is yours, not mine.” —Frederick Douglass

Wow. These words are impactful. Hard to swallow even, for a young white woman like me who has truly not been forced to think about something like this until the last few months. I don’t remember this in my history classes (granted, I don’t remember a lot of things from my history classes).

How are people unlike me impacted by this holiday? This is new for me but has always been for my Black brothers and sisters. I have been blissfully unaware, oblivious to the hidden heartbreak and frustration that others experience… during holidays and in their daily lives. I am grateful, in a way, for the chaos of our world right now and how it has forced people like me, blind to how history is still rearing it’s sharp teeth, to see that there are still major struggles for BIPOC in our current world. The world that many people see as accepting, inclusive, “healed.” It isn’t. The Fourth of July is a reminder of that.

In 1776, the 13 colonies claimed independence from Great Britain, and the Declaration of Independence was signed. It would be a casual 89 years later before Black Americans felt any of those feelings of jubilation. I hope you take a moment to let that sink in.

Does this mean that the Fourth of July should not be celebrated? By no means. Do not interpret this message as an attack on any beloved barbecue plans. But acknowledge that you don’t have the same experience as others, and everyone’s experience is valid and worthy of being known. Use this day as an opportunity to be mindful of how far we still need to go—of what things you can personally do to make the world a better place. A good first step is listening and understanding one another without the lens of judgment or superiority.

Expunging the mortal sin of racism from our nation’s soul is not easy, but it is essential. — Andrew Carleen

With Sigma love,

Jesi Wilcox

Additional reads:

https://time.com/5614930/frederick-douglass-fourth-of-july/

https://www.wbur.org/cognoscenti/2020/07/02/fourth-of-july-frannie-carr-toth-cloe-axelson

May 18-22, 2020, is all about our graduating seniors—from celebrating their accomplishments to supporting their transition to alumnae life and providing resources as they enter their next journey. Join us in congratulating a senior you know and follow along in our Sigma Senior Week events below!

Monday, May 18

Limited Edition Alumnae Gift
Update your contact information in Sigma Connect on this day and receive a limited-edition gift!

Tuesday, May 19

Tribute Tuesday
Honor fellow graduates by sending them Violet Tributes to celebrate their graduation!

violettributes.com

View the list of graduating seniors here.

Wednesday, May 20

Honoring the Class of 2020
Watch a special Class of 2020 announcement from the Mabel Lee Walton House at 3 p.m. EDT!

Thursday, May 21

Virtual Commencement Ceremony
Join Jess Ekstrom, Delta Delta, and CEO of Headbands of Hope, for Tri Sigma’s virtual commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. EDT!

Friday, May 22

Alumnae chapter sisterhood event
Meet sisters from alumnae chapters as they talk about staying connected after graduation!
Seniors can refer to the email sent on May 14 for Zoom links or email Director of Lifetime Engagement Aimee Boland at aboland@trisigma.org.

RSVP to our Facebook event here!

Join us in celebrating the class of 2020!

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 are stellar examples of a values-focused commitment to Tri Sigma and their communities. 

Alumnae Chapter and Individual Awards 

Alumnae Chapter of the Year – Phoenix 

The 2019 Alumnae Chapter of the Year is the Phoenix 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. This chapter excels at incorporating events in different areas of the city and cater to differentce age groups to make attendance convenient and experiences relevant to life stages and has an excellent recruitment plan for bringing in new alumnae, alumnae who are in the area but not participating in chapter activities, and potential alumnae initiates. 

Steadfast Alumna Citation – Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi, Southeastern Missouri State University and Phoenix  

The Steadfast Alumna Citation Award recipient for 2019 is past National Vice President Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi, Southeast Missouri State University and Phoenix 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, “The many chapter and national volunteer positions in which she has served, and the meetings, trainings, and Conventions she has attended are testament to her complete enthusiasm to Tri Sigma. Her Sigma dedication is a lifetime commitment and she can often be heard saying ‘Ever Forward!’ She lives the vision and values and mission every day to set an example for others and to be an outstanding role model for younger sisters.”

Emily Gates Alumna Achievement – Veronica Atkins, Eta Omicron, Sam Houston State University 

The Emily Gates Alumna Achievement  Award  recipient for 2019 is Veronica Atkins, Eta Omicron, Sam Houston State University. 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 has been working  in  either  schools or nonprofits since she graduated, while constantly volunteering her time  with  Tri Sigma and  advocating for her community.  She  is  the epitome of a loyal, steadfast sister, who is the first to show up and the last to leave. She reminds  sisters  why  they took their vow and is the true vision of what a Sigma embodies. She is reliable, kind, independent, and so smart. She follows her heart and is constantly connecting her life,  friends,  and family back to  Sigma.” 

Excellence in Community Service – Phoenix 

Excellence in Member Recruitment – Chicago North Shore 

Excellence in Overall Programming – Phoenix 

Outstanding Single Program – Greater Los Angeles 

Sisterhood Award: Not in a College Town – Chicago North Shore 

Outstanding Alumna 

• Jennifer Belmar– McKenzie, Beta Xi and Greater St. Louis 
• Mary Webster, Beta Kappa and Phoenix 

Emerging Alumna 

• Amanda Schandler Armstrong, Iota Alpha and Indianapolis Suburban  
• Katelyn Causey, Epsilon Epsilon, Stockton University  
• Lauren Cunkelman, Alpha Delta, Drexel University and Philadelphia Area
• Olivia Del Viscio, Eta Theta, Gustavus Adolphus College 

Collegiate Chapter and Individual Awards 

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

The 2019 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 Accreditation. The chapter must be at a Pillar 4 level of achievement and must demonstrate commitment to continued excellence and improvement in all areas of Chapter Accreditation. This chapter excels at philanthropy and raised over $51,000 through this year’s efforts and was recognized on their campus as the recipient of the Greek Excellence Award.

Mabel Lee Walton Leadership – Bryley  Hoodenpyle  Banks, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University  

The Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award recipient for 2019 is Bryley  Hoodenpyle  Banks, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University. 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. 

Banks says, “Through this experience, I gained valuable  leadership qualities, learned the value of hard work, helped others grow into their potential, gained confidence, and finally came to love the person I am.  The last four years of my sorority experience are a testament to the value of power’s ability to change lives and empower sisters to carry out all that Tri Sigma stands for.”

Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior – Miranda  Himel, Alpha Mu, University of  Louisiana  at Lafayette 

The Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award recipient for 2019 is Miranda  Himel, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana  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. 

Himel shared, “I chose to apply for president in my last year of college because I felt there were still things I needed to accomplish in my time in this chapter. I wanted to give back to this sorority, grow in leadership, and inspire the members of my chapter. After graduation, I intend to join the alumnae chapter in Lafayette and remain an active member, contributing to the Sorority and the Tri Sigma Foundation.” 

CAB of the Year – Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Commitment to Excellence – Chi, Pittsburg State University  

Creative Educational Program – Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency – Nu, University of Central Missouri  

Excellence in Community Service – Beta Xi, Southeast Missouri State University  

Excellence in Membership Selection – Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Panhellenic Excellence – Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University  

Member Development and Educational Programming – Nu, University of Central Missouri 

Ritual and Values – Nu, University of Central Missouri  

Outstanding Member 

• Ariel Bernhard, Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University 
• Natalie Brooks, Gamma Xi, Barton College  
• Madison Deacon, Beta Alpha, Northern Illinois University 
• Ashlyn Doucet, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette  
• Ashley Rustad, Zeta Eta, Winona State University  

Outstanding Senior 

• Allison Dunkle, Gamma Xi, Barton College 
• Drayhven Flowers, Nu, University of Central Missouri 
• Ashlynn Keyser, Alpha, Longwood University  
• Allison Shelton-Tahdooahnippah, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University 
• Jessica Weber, Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin – Stout 

Outstanding Advisor 

• Katelyn Causey, Epsilon Epsilon, Stockton University 
• Jordyn Hickerson, Zeta Chi, Coastal Carolina University  
• Jennifer Strangis Lundquist, Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin – Stout 
• Miranda Richmond, Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University  

Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year – Mel Dickey, Delta Gamma and Manager for Culture of Care, Greek Life Office, Division of Student Affairs at Case Western Reserve University 

Pillar 4 Achievement 

• Alpha, Longwood University 
• Alpha Chi, Murray State University 
• Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University  
• Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 
• Alpha Pi, Clarion University 
• Delta Pi, Winthrop University 
• Epsilon Epsilon, Stockton University  
• Gamma Xi, Barton College 
• Nu, University of Central Missouri

Join us virtually to honor our Founders and celebrate the future of Tri Sigma.

The Sorority and Foundation have partnered to provide you a meaningful virtual Founders Day experience, including our first Tri Sigma Giving Day. While we adapt to our reality during this pandemic, let’s come together and find joy through sisterhood.

Tri Sigma looks forward to sharing with you this year’s Founders Day program “Moments That Matter,” announcing national award winners, and inviting you to make a difference.

You will be able to watch on Facebook LIVE and engage with Tri Sigma leadership, staff, and Sigma sisters. Tune in via our Facebook page or trisigma.org/FD20 where we will provide links to watch.

Tri Sigma sisters,

As we venture through these days of considerable uncertainty, be sure to know that the health, safety, and well-being of our sisters during this pandemic is our top priority. These are unprecedented times, and thankfully we have our sisterhood to navigate these difficulties together. Wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love have never been more important to give us strength and guide us through these troublesome times!

While your health is of utmost importance, your experiences still matter. Sadly, current events are impeding day-to-day life. Sorority activities are being impacted, thereby putting a damper on your overall Tri Sigma experience. Since the start of the new year, excitement has been building for Founders Day celebrations, chapter milestone anniversaries, graduation parties, upcoming sisterhood events, and commencement ceremonies. In an instant, circumstances have quickly and drastically changed. College campuses are desolate, many are shifting to online instruction, and events are being postponed or canceled. Ironically now, while belonging to a social sorority which values establishing perpetual bonds of friendship, we are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing for the sake of good health and minimizing the spread of the new coronavirus.

Staff and volunteers are working diligently to figure out how to make the best of circumstances that are beyond our control. Since the majority of Tri Sigma’s staff are remote employees, necessary adjustments due to the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 have been minimal, and the national headquarters staff can all be reached in the usual manner. Attention to our members has not been interrupted, and staff has been in continual contact with our collegiate and alumnae chapters regarding informational and procedural updates. Much of what has been provided may be found—and will continue to be documented—on the website at trisigma.org/covid19.

We understand that there are many questions about the status of upcoming events. We are receiving updates from campus and chapter leaders, and we are making decisions about how to proceed with chapter operations, celebrations, and national programming events, which all contribute to our shared Tri Sigma experiences. More information will be communicated in the coming days. Though we have no control over the devastating effects this virus is having in the world, we can still do everything in our power to create meaningful experiences for our sisters—to make our moments count and show how much we care for one another. 

Our hearts and thoughts go out to all of our sisters, family, and friends. We are so thankful for healthcare workers, community leaders, government officials, and many others who are doing their part to negate the impact of this catastrophic situation. During this time, we encourage you to reach out to your Tri Sigma sisters to remain connected and offer friendship, support, encouragement, and kindness. We are in this together.

With Sigma love,

Natalie Moore Averette, Gamma Beta

National President

Bry Vance, now a Zeta Theta alumna from Idaho State University, took a chance on applying to attend the Labyrinth Leadership Experience as a collegian in 2016.

“I thought there was no way they would pick me out of everyone else but I was shocked to find an email telling me I had been selected,” Bry said. “Truth be told, I had actually forgotten I applied!”

Bry was halfway through her term as chapter president when she left to attend the Labyrinth. The experiences she had helped her develop leadership skills to support her work as a chapter leader, and also helped her show her chapter how members can benefit from national programming.

“I was able to see the efforts of our Foundation first-hand and understand the importance of giving back,” Bry said. “It was a once-a-lifetime opportunity that changed my life.”

For the Tri Sigma who yearns to learn and live the mission, vision and values of the sorority, the Labyrinth Leadership Experience provides a transformational, engaging and inter-generational experience for members to grow in their appreciation of the lifelong commitment associated with membership. A total of 20 alumnae and collegians are selected to attend the experience.

“I met incredible women who had all different backgrounds and stories,” Bry said of her experience attending the Labyrinth in 2016. “We shared some deep, personal moments together discussing hard topics and being vulnerable. While we did have a lot of fun, I grew so much as a person over that week from sharing those moments and learning how to make a more conscious effort to exemplify our values.”

The activities through the days build on Tri Sigma’s values, culminating in a trip to Tri Sigma’s Heart Home, the Mabel Lee Walton House. Bry knew after the closing of the program that the Labyrinth Leadership Experience would be a milestone in her own Sigma story.

“I went [to the Labyrinth] not knowing anyone else and came back with 20 other women who would become another support system during my collegiate years and even still in my life as an alumna,” she said. “It has been almost four years since I have attended, which is crazy, and I still think about my experience every day.”

Through her attendance at the Labyrinth, Bry also developed life skills she attributes to helping her be successful in her career. The experience has also kept her connected to Tri Sigma as an alumna and chapter advisor.

Her advice for those considering applying for the Labyrinth?

“Be yourself, be vulnerable and honest,” Bry said. “The more open you are, the more you will gain from the experience. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude!”

She also recommends to keep applying if you aren’t selected the first time.

“Some of the women I was with had applied more than once and they all said they were grateful they hadn’t been selected the first time.”

The Labyrinth Leadership Experience will take place June 3-7 in Washington, D.C. and Woodstock, Virginia. Applications are due by Feb. 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Taylor Stephens and Aubry Linn pose in front of the cook-off sign

Months of preparation paid off for the Alpha Mu chapter when it came time to prepare for the chapter’s seventh annual Chili Cook-Off. The chapter, located at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, raised over $30,000 to support both the Tri Sigma Foundation and a local nonprofit with an event the chapter has continued to grow each year.

Thirty-two teams made up of friends, family, fraternities, and members of the ULL community competed to cook up the best chili in all of south Louisiana. The chilis are judged by renowned members of the community, including university officials and popular locals. The cook-off had entertainment in the form of live music from The Good Dudes, a silent auction, sweets and drinks for sale, face painting, a March of Dimes Bubble Zone, and a booth where people can learn more about Tri Sigma’s philanthropic mission.

“Our Chili Cook-Off is also spiced up even more by a performance from the cheerleaders of D.R.E.A.M.S. of Acadiana, our local philanthropy,” Chapter President Margaret Shepherd said. “D.R.E.A.M.S. of Acadiana is a local nonprofit that was started by an Alpha Mu alumna Donielle Watkins and provides resources and extracurriculars for individuals with special needs and their families.”

The grand fundraising total for Chili Cook-Off 2019 was $31,323. The chapter distributed the funds among the various funds of the Tri Sigma Foundation, including scholarship funding, March of Dimes, and unrestricted dollars. The chapter also donated to the D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation of Acadiana, the chapter’s local philanthropy.

“Alpha Mu cannot wait to see all the amazing things that the Foundation will do with our funds,” Margaret said.

Marlee Davis revealed to the chapter the amount raised during the annual Chili Cook-Off using a cookie cake.

The chapter’s Foundation co-chairs work hard all year long to prepare for the Chili Cook-Off. Margaret provided the following advice for other chapters that might want to start their own Chili Cook-Off fundraiser:

1. Set a fundraising requirement for each individual member. We set a ticket sale requirement and minimum dollar amount that each chapter member must raise, whether it be through sponsorships, extra ticket sales, silent auction item donations, or getting a team.
2. Ask your loved ones to support our cause! Our chapter utilizes CrowdChange as well as sends letters to a designated number of friends and family members to notify them about our upcoming event and ask for their support.
3. Strategize, set new goals, and don’t give up. We attribute a lot of our fundraising success to being able to revamp and level-up our event each year. One day, we hope that our Chili Cook-Off is an event that everyone in Lafayette wants to participate in and attend.

February is the Month of the Scholar! Did you know that any Tri Sigma member who achieves a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters or three consecutive quarters as an undergraduate can receive a Scholarship Ring from the National Organization? The Scholarship Ring Order Form is on Chapter Portal and the Education Director can complete it to honor any members achieving this goal!

Some chapters create ways to recognize sisters who are studying and working towards scholastic goals. Consider implementing some of these ideas:

• Once a month, provide “smart cookie” cookies to sisters who have submitted As for projects and tests, attended all of their study hours, etc. You could also hand out a cute card with a Smartie candy attached to recognize “Sigma Smarties.”
• Have sisters put their name in the “Skip Jar” (a Skippy peanut butter jar) every week they don’t skip a class. At the end of the semester, draw a name to win a prize!
• Draw a name from sisters who track all of their study hours for the month on OmegaOne and let them select a free shirt from the extras your chapter has.
• Consider honoring sisters who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher each year at a scholarship banquet and award them pearl dangles for their badge to recognize their accomplishments. You could also provide something on a smaller scale like a pizza party!
• Highlight sisters who are achieving academic success on your chapter’s social media accounts.

This is also a great time for newly-elected Education Directors to consider how they will promote academic achievement in the chapter. Consider providing study tips and tricks throughout the semester. Here’s a link to an NPC Pinterest board that highlights different academic apps students can use to help them be successful in school.

Are you involved in your campus’ government? Are you active with current legislative issues and trends on your campus?

Apply now to advocate on behalf of the fraternity/sorority community in Washington, D.C

The Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) is looking for outstanding campus and chapter leaders to travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for legislation that is important to the success of fraternity and sorority organizations across the country. This opportunity provides students with the unique opportunity to experience the nation’s capital in a new way through direct interaction in the legislative process.

The FGRC visits will take place in Washington, D.C., on Monday, March 30 – Wednesday, April 1, 2020. During the visits, students will advocate to protect the fraternity and sorority experience and students’ rights to freely associate with a single-sex organization, as well as anti-hazing legislation. Students should not apply if they do not feel comfortable advocating on these legislative issues that are priorities for the FGRC.

The tentative schedule of events for the 2020 FGRC visits is as follows:

• Sunday, March 29/Monday, March 30: Students arrive Sunday night/Monday morning.
• Monday, March 30: Student participants will attend training in the afternoon.
• Tuesday, March 31: Training for student participants in the morning/joint training for students and alumni in the afternoon.
• Wednesday, April 1: Students and alumni participate in the annual lobbying day on Capitol Hill and the Fraternity and Sorority Political Action Committee dinner that evening.
• Thursday, April 2: Students travel back to campus.

If selected, students will be expected to participate in prep work leading up to the training sessions and visits, which will include participating in a webinar to learn more about the FGRC’s legislative priorities. It is important that students are aware they will miss at least 3-4 days of school that week and should be prepared to plan accordingly with their professors during that time.

To apply, please fill out the application by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, Nov. 22. You will be notified in January if you are selected. Tri Sigma covers the cost of the member(s) selected.

If you have any questions about the legislative agenda, the application process or the 2020 FGRC visits, please email FGRC@arnoldporter.com.