Tri Sigma Foundation

The Tri Sigma Foundation is pleased to announce Shelly Bateman, an initiate of the Beta Epsilon Chapter at Western Illinois University, has been named Executive Director. She will lead the Foundation’s mission of funding an exceptional Tri Sigma member experience through leadership development and programming, scholarships to offset the rising cost of higher education, grants for cutting-edge children’s therapy, and partnership with the March of Dimes.  

Shelly brings with her more than 20 years of fundraising and non-profit management experience. She most recently served as the Associate Executive Director of the Illinois Association of School Boards. Prior to that, she served for nearly 10 years at March of Dimes within public policy and governmental affairs.  

“In addition to extensive non-profit experience and strong fundraising and community relations acumen, Shelly brings with her strategic leadership and a passion for Tri Sigma,” said JeanMarie Komyathy, chair of the Foundation’s board of directors. “I am thrilled to welcome her to the Foundation, and I am confident the organization will thrive under her leadership.”  

Over the next three years, Bateman’s leadership will be crucial as the Tri Sigma Foundation’s strategic focus will focus on providing opportunities for members to financially support an exceptional member experience through increased fundraising and relationship development efforts. Additionally, the Tri Sigma Foundation will prioritize growing the human and financial resources needed to strengthening Tri Sigma now and in the future.

“I am honored to have been selected as the Executive Director and use my skills and experience to lead an organization that provides amazing resources to support and empower the initiatives of Sigma Sigma Sigma,” Bateman said. “Tri Sigma has been a meaningful part of my life for many years, and I am deeply committed to our continued growth, innovation and ever-forward progress.”  

Shelly has served Tri Sigma as a volunteer in various capacities, including the Tri Sigma Foundation Board of Directors. Her previous volunteer roles as Recruitment and Essential Sigma Advisor, Dunham Women of Character Education Advocate, and March of Dimes Committee Chair have uniquely positioned her to better understand the impact of Tri Sigma’s mission.  

Born and raised in the Chicagoland-area, she currently resides in Springfield, Illinois, with her husband, Tony, their two children Mariah and Jameson, and bonus daughter Zoe. Shelly holds a master’s degree in business administration from Louisiana State University-Shreveport and a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Illinois University.  She begins her new role on October 17.
 

WOODSTOCK, VA—It is with tremendous sorrow we report the passing of past Executive Council Member Marilynn Schmitt Kinsella, Alpha Xi–University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She entered Omega Chapter on February 28, 2022, at the age of 92.

Initiated in the spring of 1947 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Marilynn later earned a graduate degree from the University of Iowa. She served Tri Sigma as National Music Director from 1953-54, National Vice President from 1954–62 and Toastmistress at the 25^th Convention in 1959. She was a charter member of the Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter and was active in the Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter at the time of her passing.

Marilynn had two children, including Karrie Kinsella Benjamin, Gamma Alpha–University of Illinois, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and two siblings, including Martha Schmitt Berg, Sigma­­–Western State College.

“Marilynn, fondly known as ‘Schmitty,’ was a beloved Sigma who inspired so many sisters through her nearly 75-year commitment to Tri Sigma. Her warmth, smile, and friendly spirit brightened a room. We are saddened by her loss and extend our condolences to her friends and family. Schmitty will be missed, and her legacy will live on within her daughter and fellow Tri Sigma sister, Karrie Benjamin,” said National President Natalie Moore Averette, Gamma Beta–East Carolina University.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Saints Lutheran Church’s Good Samaritan Fund, or the Tri Sigma Foundation in her memory. Sympathy cards may be mailed to Tri Sigma National Headquarters at 225 North Muhlenberg Street, Woodstock, VA 22664, to be sent to the family.

“Schmitty, who insisted all Sigmas use her nickname from her Alpha Xi days, was happiest and the most fulfilled in her times with family. From my very first memories, Sigma has been an immersive part of our family. We saw firsthand how sisters were there through thick and thin to support us,” said daughter Karrie. “Mom lived that same dedication and devotion, often while wearing purple. I already miss my mom and Tri Sigma sister greatly.”

Bonnie Rainey, Foundation Chair and Jennifer Avenel at 2018 Board of Directors annual meeting in Las Vegas.

As her term on the Foundation Board of Directors ends, we would like to recognize and thank Jennifer for her commitment and devotion to the Foundation throughout her years of service.

Jennifer Avenel has been a sister of Tri Sigma since 1992 when she was initiated into the Delta Pi chapter at Winthrop University in South Carolina, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work.  She has remained devoted to serving Tri Sigma and took the challenge to serve as chair of the Foundation Board in 2014.  As a leader for the Foundation, she most notably collaborated and helped lead us to form the partnership with the March of Dimes.

Get to know more about Jennifer and her journey as a Sigma sister. 

Q: What inspired you to become the Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors?

Jennifer: Honestly, my sisters’ belief in my ability to do the job. I knew that I was being interviewed for an officer position, but had no idea that I was being considered for chair until it was offered to me. I always want to serve Tri Sigma where I’m needed most, and the women on that nominating committee believed in me, so I accepted their challenge.

Q: What was the most rewarding part of serving on the board?

Jennifer: I think every woman who wants to serve others wants to because of their passion but also because of a desire to be part of something bigger than they are. The most rewarding part for me was all of the women that I had the opportunity to meet at the collegiate and alumnae level. The opportunities that I was given to mentor at Presidents Academy and the Dunham Woman of Character Institute taught me so much and I made lifelong connections. The other part that was very rewarding was the partnership between the Foundation board and the Tri Sigma Executive Council and Executive Director. Those two entities must work together in order to move Tri Sigma forward and we made some great strides. Most notably was our partnership with the March of Dimes.

Q: What was has been your most memorable experience as a Tri Sigma sister so far?

Jennifer: That is a very difficult question. I am fortunate that I have so many memorable experiences over the last 25+ years. From the strong bond that remains with my Delta Pi sisters, to the gift of my relationship with Emily Lewis Lee, Alpha Upsilon and Omega, which continues to move me. Then the opportunity that I had to be on stage with past National President Kaye Schendel giving the State of the Sisterhood address leading to the March of Dimes launch at our last convention.  Being part of the installation team at Auburn.  And everything in between!

Q: What kind of legacy do you want to leave with Tri Sigma?

Jennifer:  I want my legacy to be one of service. I will give of my time and talents where they are needed, and I will continue to remind Tri Sigma women of our lifelong commitment. Through my service on the Foundation Board, one topic that I became very passionate about is helping women to understand everyone can be a philanthropist. It’s not just about the financial support to the Tri Sigma Foundation but it’s also about the support that they can give to our sisterhood or to organizations in the communities in which they live. That is philanthropy too!  I will continue to carry that passion for philanthropy with me.