Tri Sigma Foundation

Tri Sigma’s future headquarters in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority has announced that the organization’s Executive Council has officially approved the relocation of its national headquarters to Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The decision came after an extensive review of a detailed, third-party feasibility study on the physical space needs of the administrative offices and archives. Several factors were considered, including the evolving needs of the organization and the cost of maintaining two properties—one of which was built in 1914.

“During the past few years, many organizations across all industries and sectors have reimagined the use of physical office spaces. With 75 percent of Tri Sigma’s full-time staff working remotely across 12 states, the operating needs of our organization have evolved,” said National President Joyce Newcom O’Daniel. “This move will allow us to dedicate a larger percentage of resources to serving the needs of our collegiate and alumnae members.”

The new headquarters will be located in the facility previously occupied by Tri Sigma’s Delta Delta Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is owned by Tri Sigma, has an ADA-compliant ground floor, and is close to a major airport. In addition to making travel to NHQ more accessible to staff, volunteers, and other visitors, its proximity to three major universities will also provide expanded opportunities for larger in-person meetings and events.

While Woodstock has been Tri Sigma’s longest-running base of operations, it was not the first. Prior to Sigma’s purchase of the Walton House in the 1960s, the national office had previously moved to wherever the current national president lived.

“Woodstock, Virginia, will forever have an important place in Tri Sigma’s history. As we honor our time here and those who played a role in that part of our history, we also look forward to our next chapter,” said O’Daniel. “This decision looks toward our future and keeping Tri Sigma moving ever forward.”

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Tri Sigma National Sorority is pleased to announce the chartering of its Birmingham Alumnae Chapter. Though officially approved by Executive Council this summer, an event was held October 22 at Huffman Baptist Church in Huffman, Alabama, to celebrate the official signing of the chapter’s charter.

National Vice President Veronica Atkins Seymour represented the national organization at the event.

“Tri Sigma is excited and committed to officially be part of the Birmingham and surrounding areas,” said Seymour. “Our Birmingham Alumnae Chapter members look forward to serving the community through our philanthropic service in the areas of children’s and maternal health initiatives and be an additional resource to our collegiate chapter at Auburn University and the Birmingham Alumnae Panhellenic Association.”

Stacy Rowan, who was initiated in the Alpha Xi Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, serves as Alumnae Chapter President. Other elected officers include Treasurer Carin Klein Pryor, Zeta Nu–University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Membership and Collegiate Relations Chair Kate Kramer, Programming and Social Media Chair Lily Lemond, and Foundation and Philanthropy Chair Brenda Hudgins DuVall—each initiated at Theta Iota Chapter at Auburn University; and Alumnae Panhellenic Representative Susette Clark-Walker, Alpha Sigma–University of Southern Mississippi.

Tri Sigma has nearly 140,000 lifetime members and 81 alumnae chapters across the United States. Local alumnae interested in joining can request upcoming meeting information at bhmtrisigma@gmail.com.

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.”