Tri Sigma Foundation

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