Tri Sigma Foundation

Sigma Sigma Sigma is excited to welcome Katelyn Whitty, Caitlyn Westfall, and Kailea Marshall to staff. Katelyn will be serving in the newly created role of Director of Growth Initiatives, Caitlyn joins us as the Assistant Director of Education and Leadership, and Kailea will be serving as the New Chapter Coordinator.

Katelyn Whitty, a member of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, brings experience from an extensive background in higher education and sorority operations. Katelyn holds a Master’s Degree in College Student Personnel Administration, and previously served five years as Alpha Chi Omega’s Senior Director. She most recently served as the Associate Director for Student Involvement at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.

“We are excited to have Katelyn join our team to complement, augment, and enhance Tri Sigma’s efforts in extension and recruitment throughout the organization,” says Marcia Cutter, Tri Sigma’s Executive Director. “She has a proven track record in developing and implementing recruitment strategies and engaging members, chapters, and stakeholders.”

As Director of Growth Initiatives, Katelyn will be responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive strategic and tactical plan for growth in the areas of extension, new chapter development, and membership recruitment. She will directly supervise all professional staff and national volunteers working with extension and recruitment, and will collaborate with others to seek out, recruit, hire, appoint, train, and motivate qualified individuals to advance and enhance the Sorority’s extension and recruitment efforts. Katelyn will be joining the Tri Sigma staff on May 29, 2018, and will report to the Executive Director.

Caitlyn Westfall, a charter member of the Theta Gamma Chapter at McKendree University, currently volunteers for Tri Sigma as Theta Gamma’s Honor Council Advisor. Caitlyn graduated from Western Illinois University with a Master of Science in College Student Personnel, and has served the Saint Louis University fraternity and sorority community as the Program Coordinator for the past two years.

Caitlyn will report to Melissa Kolb, Director of Education and Training, beginning today. Melissa shares, “We are thrilled to have Caitlyn’s talents on our team and are certain that her personal and professional experiences will enable Tri Sigma to continue to provide quality programming that empowers members to live our mission. She enthusiastically braves new opportunities, and this drive will benefit Tri Sigma as we seek innovative ways to educate and inspire leaders.”

Kailea Marshall is joining us from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health and was a member of the Zeta Gamma Chapter. She has been serving Tri Sigma for the past two years as a consultant within the New Chapter Department where she has been a vital member of the support team. While at Southeastern Oklahoma State, Kailea served as Panhellenic Vice President and Zeta Gamma’s Chapter President and Membership Recruitment Director. 

As the New Chapter Coordinator, Kailea will partnering with the Associate Director of New Chapter Development as the lead for recruitment and retention for Theta Eta and Alpha Omicron. She will join the Tri Sigma staff beginning June 4th, and will report directly to Misty Fingar, Director of New Chapter Development.

Misty shares, “I am excited to add Kailea to the New Chapter Department as a permanent staff member. Kailea has been integral in the support we offer new chapters with special attention to recruitment and retention. Her positive, can-do attitude and excitement for membership in Tri Sigma is a welcomed addition as we continue to grow Tri Sigma’s sisterhood with new chapters!” 

Please join us in welcoming Katelyn Whitty, Caitlyn Westfall, and Kailea Marshall to the Tri Sigma team! They can be reached at kwhitty@trisigma.org, cwestfall@trisigma.org, and kmarshall@trisigma.org.

We continue our commitment to diversity and inclusion with the announcement that we are partnering with two subject matter experts in this field, Timothy J. Fair and Ada K. Wilson.

Timothy J. Fair has a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University, and is currently working at Auburn University as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. Ada K. Wilson has a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and also works for Auburn University in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity as an Assistant Vice President for Access and Inclusive Excellence.

Mr. Fair and Ms. Wilson will be working with Tri Sigma to develop a comprehensive cultural competency training module and training materials for undergraduate students, alumnae, volunteer leaders, and staff. Mr. Fair and Ms. Wilson will also help us measure the overall impact of these training efforts, and both will help create and lead our new national diversity and inclusion committee.

“We are grateful to have Tim and Ada, who are clearly experts in the field of diversity and inclusion, help guide us and provide a framework for creating awareness and education, and to help us cultivate the kind of actions and attitudes that align with the values, principles, and policies of Tri Sigma,” said Marcia Cutter, Executive Director.

Kaye Schendel, Past National President

Congratulations to Kaye Schendel, Past National President, on being selected as the recipient of the 2018 Alpha Chi Omega Vision Award. Click here to read the official letter from Alpha Chi Omega.

“Take Note – Our Volunteers Are the Best!”

Our volunteers are amongst the group of talented, dedicated women that give so much to the organization. Believe me when I say their service is noteworthy. We appreciate the time, energy, and efforts that our volunteers put forth in serving the organization, our members, and our communities.

Tri Sigma Volunteer Appreciation Week is a great time to stop and reflect on the tremendous impact that our volunteers have made on our organization.

On behalf of Executive Council, I want to thank our volunteers for their service and for empowering others to always live the mission and vision of our Founders!  

Natalie Moore Averette

National President

______________________________

Do you know a volunteer that is doing an exceptional job? Nominate them to be featured!

Sisters,

Have you ever been curious about how the sorority is actually run and how things operate at the national level? Are you a long-serving, seasoned volunteer still trying to fully understand how things function now, and wondering why we ever stopped using an operational structure? Now that staff has such a large role in sorority operations, is volunteer service still relevant? How do Executive Council, staff and volunteers all work together for the good of the organization in a governance organization?

Now twenty-two months into the triennium, Executive Council has been reflecting on the past seven years since implementing the new governance structure, which was passed at the 2010 Convention. 

Why did we adopt a governance model?

Shortly after the start of the new millennium, leaders of Tri Sigma realized the days of a fully volunteer-driven organization were numbered; the work of the Sorority was exceeding the woman-power available through our volunteers. Discussions began on how to position ourselves to hire paid staff to augment the administration of sorority operations and processes for supporting our chapters. When the consideration of moving to governance first came about, Laura Sweet, Past National President (2004-2010), recalls, “In the early years, Executive Council worried about the work load for volunteers. Each Council member was leading a department of 25 – 50 volunteers and depended on those volunteers to supervise collegiate chapters, maintain a high level of watch on risk management policies and adjudicate chapter infractions, publish The Triangle and the multitude of manuals, inspire alumnae chapters, triage chapter recruitment, and conduct national extension efforts – – All being done by a small staff and an army of volunteers with families, home town lives and employment!” So, in 2007, a committee was formed to investigate and make a recommendation on the governance model for Tri Sigma. Laura Sweet added, “I have to laugh because this was during the infancy of Facebook and before iPhones and instant communication. It is hard to imagine how we would have managed the communication streams that occur in our world today.” 

Seeing that the traditional operational structure was not sustainable, a governance structure seemed like the best option. There are many variations of governance, and the majority of the NPC member groups are utilizing some sort of governance or hybrid structure. The committee analyzed alternative structures of governance and organizational practices. Ultimately, John Carver’s Policy Governance model caught their eye and became the basis for restructuring our operations and Executive Council.

How does this structure impact Executive Council?

Governance allows Executive Council to be visionary and concentrate on strategic planning for the good of the organization. Executive Council now focuses on big picture and the long term vision and goals for Tri Sigma. They continuously evaluate, assess, and measure the progress and accomplishments of the organization – to lead Tri Sigma and ensure the work done by staff and volunteers continues to fulfill those goals.

Executive Council now indirectly oversees the work of staff members and volunteers, but only with regard to ensuring the daily operations of the sorority fit within the strategic vision. This structure also allows for a larger pool of members to ascend to serve on Executive Council. Traditionally, members of Executive Council had risen “through the ranks” of the various volunteer positions and came to Council with extensive knowledge of Tri Sigma’s operations, but sometimes with little other experience. Having removed departmental oversight from Executive Council’s core responsibilities, service by women who have professional experience, business knowledge, have served on other boards, and are good strategic and visionary thinkers are especially valued in carrying out the long term strategy of the sorority.

So, if Executive Council sets the vision and direction through the strategic plan and through policy, is staff responsible for executing and achieving the goals and objectives?

Yes! But the staff cannot accomplish this alone, and there continues to be a great need for dedicated volunteers who will partner with staff. Members of staff direct the operations, but it’s the commitment of our volunteers and their love for Tri Sigma that makes the difference in the daily business of running the sorority. We realize there have been some bumps in the road and in many ways Executive Council and National Headquarters are still figuring out the right combination of staff and volunteers, and the best organizational method for serving the membership.

During a Council meeting last year, we were assessing our level of success in implementing the practices of the governance model and the challenges or growing pains we were still experiencing. Marcia Cutter, Executive Director, shared a very good point – we have only been operating under this new model for less than a decade. Compare that to over 100 years of operating under an operational driven model! Moving from an operational model to a governance model has required a paradigm shift that has not been without challenges and wrong turns. In some instances we have had to revert back to a prior process. We acknowledge that during the transition of workload between volunteers and staff, some of the historical knowledge was lost. We have had to add or eliminate positions to better fill the administrative needs. We have had to revisit how our volunteers have opportunity for growth under this new structure and how we are cultivating members to serve on Executive Council in the future. We have even asked the question, “Are we still a volunteer-driven organization?” Today, we continue to repeatedly ask questions about how our volunteers and staff can partner under a governance model to carry out the strategic plan set forth by Executive Council.

Throughout the triennium thus far, Executive Council has set aside time to study industry best practices, read about alternative governance models, and consider various theories of application. Most recently, Executive Council and staff directors read the book “Race For Relevance”, authored by Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers, and discussed ways we might incorporate some of the philosophies from the book into the administration of Tri Sigma.

Collectively, we as Council members have over 175 years of experience volunteering for Tri Sigma. We have served under both the operational model and the governance model and realize it is not by the nonchalant flip of a switch that we effortlessly and flawlessly execute under a new governance model. Rather, it takes practice, trial-and-error, mistakes, patience, perseverance – and most importantly – flexibility in adjusting how we apply the model to best serve the needs of Tri Sigma. We all want what is best for Tri Sigma and to assure Her successful existence long after we have served.

Empowered,

Executive Council

P.S. We encourage you to send questions or comments to us at cwc@trisigma.org.

Members of Alpha Chi received an award for raising the most money for Murray State University’s Up ‘til Dawn event.

Alpha Chi members at Murray State University have been raising money during this academic year for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The chapter received an award for most money raised by a sorority from the Up ‘til Dawn organization on campus.

“Our fundraising made a huge contribution to the overall total for Murray State’s Up ’til Dawn organization, which was over $40,500,” member Stephanie Race said.

Four Alpha Chi members–Stephanie, Chandler Dunn, Megan Homme, and Kaylee Uthoff–served as members of the executive board that put on the Up ‘til Dawn event. During the event, Tri Sigma members stayed up all night participating in games and activities, and their favorite was the Silent Disco!

Gamma Mu members raises over $1,000 making strawberry beignets at a local Strawberry Festival each spring

The South is known for delicious and unique cuisine. In an effort to re-create that, the Gamma Mu Chapter at Southeastern Louisiana University incorporates beignets in one of its spring fundraisers. Each year Ponchatoula, which is on the outskirts of Hammond, Louisiana, hosts a Strawberry Festival. Games, rides, music, and entertainment are offered, but the most anticipated are the ample ways strawberries are served as dishes.

Gamma Mu makes strawberry beignets from scratch! They use Café Du Monde beignet mix, along with flour and water, to formulate the dough. From there, members stretch, knead, roll, and cut the dough. After allowing time for the dough to rise, they drop each beignet into the fryer until a golden-brown coat appears. Then members pass the beignets for the toppings: a strawberry glaze and powdered sugar.

“The overall process of making the beignets is exciting and rewarding,” member Phoebe Castro said. “Seeing what was once just mix transform into a delicious sweet treat is remarkable.”

The chapter sells three beignets for $3, and they have raised over $1,000 each weekend over the past few years.

“This weekend is always anticipated in the Spring semester,” Phoebe said. “It is a weekend filled with making memories with one another while enjoying decadent dishes, music, and entertainment.”

The Delta Zeta Chapter at Bloomsburg University helped bring an anti-hazing speaker to their campus earlier this semester.

Lianne Kowiak travels and speaks to students about her son Harrison, who died after a hazing event his sophomore year in college. Lianne shared his story and the impact his passing had on her family with fraternities and sororities at Bloomsburg University, who each had over 95 percent of their members in attendance.

“It was touching and such an impactful speech,” Delta Zeta member Annie Pitts said. “She provided us with hazing prevention websites, books, and resources in case of a hazing experience.”

Tri Sigma also worked with each organization to raise a total of $1,000 for a scholarship Lianne established in her son’s name. The chapter members said they appreciated the fraternities’ and sororities’ participation in the speaking event and their support in raising this money for the scholarship fund.

“It was a great way to show our chapter supports anti-hazing efforts, and that the Greek community stands behind us,” Annie said.

Read more about the event from a local news station here.

Eta Phi member Marisa Lefton displays the Sigma Duck after it was awarded to her. The Eta Phi chapter uses the duck to recognize members in their chapter.

Each week, the Eta Phi chapter at Pratt Institute recognizes a deserving sister by passing around a giant rubber duck. The Sigma Duck is awarded weekly to a sister by the sister who previously was given it.

“Each time the duck is given to another sister, they leave their mark by signing; these signatures serve as a visual representation of our love and appreciation for each other,” member Josette Marcario said. “It’s also fun to see past signatures from sisters who’ve graduated.”

A sister can be awarded the Sigma Duck for any reason—whether it be because someone is recognizing a sister’s hard work for the chapter or because they made their day better. The chapter chose to use the duck because of a former local tradition. Eta Phi was a local sorority prior to becoming a chapter of Tri Sigma, and that local group used the duck as a mascot for several reasons: ducks flock together and share leadership and responsibility.

“Having this symbol present in our chapter makes us feel connected to all of our sisters at Pratt Institute, past and present,” Josette said. “The names of the women of our chapter on this symbol of our local history bind us all together.”

The Delta Pi Chapter at Winthrop University recently held its third annual event titled, “Sigma Breaks the Stigma,” which is a week-long effort towards raising awareness about mental health and suicide.

Three years ago, a sister of the Delta Pi chapter recognized a need on the campus that needed to be met in a big way–the ability to be heard and to fight against the stigma surrounding mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, as well as suicide. It became a priority for the chapter to assist this member in breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health and suicide on the campus.

The chapter tables each day in the center of campus then holds an educational event at the end of the week.

The schedule for the week includes:

Monday – Delta Pi focused on anxiety and stress by passing out light blue ribbons, which represent general anxiety disorder. The chapter also had materials such as stress balls, bath salts, and coloring pages for people to come by and create their own stress kit.

Tuesday – Members focused on suicide awareness and prevention by passing out yellow ribbons, which represent suicide awareness. Sisters also passed out “semi-colon” temporary tattoos in recognition of the semi-colon project, a national initiative. The semi-colon is used when an author could have ended a sentence but chose not to, and represents people being the author of their own lives.

Wednesday – The chapter focused on positive body image and eating disorders by passing out light purple ribbons, which represent eating disorders. Delta Pi also had two large mirrors that they invited people to write on with positive messages about themselves.

Thursday – Delta Pi focused on mental health awareness as a whole by passing out green ribbons, which represent mental health awareness. The chapter also had a large chalkboard which read “One day I will…” at the top and they invited people to come by and write goals for their lives, whether short term or long term.

Thursday night, the chapter hosted an educational event where a panel of students and a professional counselor spoke about their experiences with mental health and suicide.