Tri Sigma Foundation

Generous, making a difference with their community, empowering others — are we describing a Sigma sister you know? Each Convention the Tri Sigma Foundation recognizes two Tri Sigma women that show exceptional generosity within their community. These women, the Philanthropist of the Triennium and the Emerging Philanthropist of the Triennium, will be recognized at the 2019 Convention during the Laurels banquet on June 29.

All nominations must be submitted by than March 31, 2019.

Philanthropist of the Triennium:

This award honors a Tri Sigma for exceptional generosity and civic responsibility demonstrated by significant financial contributions to charitable organizations within their community, including the Tri Sigma Foundation.

Emerging Philanthropist of the Triennium: 

his award recognizes a Tri Sigma who is 40 years of age or younger for exceptional generosity and civic responsibility demonstrated through financial contributions and volunteerism to charitable organizations within their community, including Tri Sigma.

2016 Foundation Award Recipients

2016 Philanthropist of the Triennium

Dixie Shelton, Alpha Alpha and Houston Alumnae Chapter, was awarded for her generosity, dedication to scholarship, and commitment to her community. Her devotion to her community includes the creation of two scholarships at a local university, board service and providing a monthly stipend for a pastors and widows pension, supporting Salvation Army contributions and donations, and Meals for Homeless Mission – just to name a few. In addition to being a member of the Tri Sigma Foundation Pillars of Sigma, Walton Club and Watkins Society, Dixie and her husband endowed a scholarship with the Foundation several years ago.

2016 Emerging Philanthropist of the Triennium

Michelle Tantillo, Epsilon Omicron and Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter, was awarded for her servant leadership and passion for causes greater than herself. Her generosity includes blood drives, food drives, gift collection at the holidays and fundraisers for multiple foundations. Also, she spends her “free time” in a variety of walks and events where she donates in memory of family members. Since the loss of her dear friend, she has become active in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, participating in and fundraising for overnight walks and advocacy in her community. Additionally, as a Batten Society member, she is a generous donor to the Tri Sigma Foundation.

March of Dimes President Stacey Stewart thanks Tri Sigma for our support.

In 2016, Tri Sigma partnered with March of Dimes to enhance the service and philanthropic opportunities for its members. Tri Sigmas all across the country have joined the fight against prematurity, and we are just getting started.

During the first year of our partnership, Sigmas engaged to support March of Dimes through philanthropy, service and awareness raising. While some chapters, both collegiate and alumnae, volunteered at their local March of Dimes office, others raised money by hosting a fundraiser on campus or within their community. Chapters raised funds benefitting both the March of Dimes and Tri Sigma Foundation. For every gift designated for March of Dimes, Tri Sigma helps fund the five innovative and collaborative March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centers.

As March of Dimes signature event, March for Babies allowed members to show their purple pride as they volunteered or walked in their local community. From setup to tear down, Sigmas rallied with hundreds of babies, mothers and families who have been impacted by premature birth.

Together, we raised $99,413 benefitting the March of Dimes mission. As we begin our second year, we hope to continue our efforts and give even more hours of service in support of this cause. Through our March of Dimes partnership, Sigma Serves Children.

Top 3 Collegiate Chapters with Highest Fundraising for March of Dimes*

• Alpha Chi
• Alpha Mu
• Theta Iota

Top 3 Alumnae Chapters with Highest Fundraising for March of Dimes*

• Twin Cities
• Pittsburgh
• Central Florida

(*Ranking is measured by dollars designated for March of Dimes and received by the Tri Sigma Foundation during the 2016-2017 fiscal year.)