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 stellar examples of a values-focused commitment to Tri Sigma and their communities. 

Alumnae Chapter and Individual Awards 

Alumnae Chapter of the Year – Chicago North Shore 

The 2020 Alumnae Chapter of the Year is the Chicago North Shore 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. The chapter writes, “This year our chapter has continued to grow and adapt during these times in our programming, membership, sisterhood, and community service. By adding new recruitment strategies, we grew our chapter by 50% this year and have found new ways to continue to support our community and offer programs virtually.  In addition, we have been able to engage with more sisters locally, across the nation and in other chapters.” 

Steadfast Alumna Citation – Brenda Christie, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University, and Tulsa Alumnae Chapter 

The Steadfast Alumna Citation recipient for 2020 is Brenda Christie, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University, and Tulsa 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, “Brenda once said that her philosophy is, ‘The world is a much bigger place than you think it is and you should make it a bigger place.’ She not only does her part but encourages and inspires others to do theirs.”

Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award – Rebekah Giaraffa, Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University, and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter  

The Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award recipient for 2020 is Rebekah Giaraffa, Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University, and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter. 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 helped to form a leadership team for the Dirt Divas, a woman’s mountain bike organization designed to create community in a male dominated sport. Rebekah serves the community through Colorado Mountain Bike Association by providing trail service and works with Golden Giddy-up to build and maintain recreational trails along the front range.” 

Creative Educational Programming: Civil discourse – Western Wayne Washtenaw 

Excellence in Collegiate Support – Indianapolis Suburban   

Excellence in Member Development – Western Wayne Washtenaw   

Excellence in Membership Recruitment – Western Wayne Washtenaw  

Excellence in Ritual and Values – Denver Area  

Excellence in Volunteerism – Phoenix  

Emerging Alumna Award – Sierra Lykins, Eta Kappa, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas Alumnae  

Outstanding Alumna Award  

• Laura Manthey, Gamma Lambda, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Denver Area   
• Patricia Mroczek, Alpha Phi, Central Michigan University, Central Michigan Alumnae  

Collegiate Chapter and Individual Awards 

Collegiate Chapter of the Year – Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

The 2020 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 operations. The chapter writes, “Our emphasis on maintaining our relationships combined with the creation of memorable, safe sisterhood events are the basis for Alpha Mu’s successes this year. We recognized and met the needs of our members, and, because of that, Alpha Mu can look back on a year filled with not only hardship and frustration, but with resiliency, strength, and excellence.”  

Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award – Xena Vandusartz, Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin – Stout 

The Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award recipient for 2020 is Xena Vandusartz, Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin – Stout. 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. 

Xena says, “The idea of wisdom is commonly correlated with knowledge and good judgement. For me it has been the ability to learn for others experiences and understand the sagacity of looking at situations from all viewpoints and doing what is best for all than for the few.” 

Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award – Margaret Shepherd, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

The Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award recipient for 2020 is Margaret Shepherd, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at 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. 

Margaret says, “Love has really proven to serve as the glue of our sisterhood throughout the pandemic, and I can only hope that my love for Tri Sigma and my sisters has shone through my leadership in Alpha Mu.”

Chapter Advisory Board of the Year – Delta Pi, Winthrop University  

Creative Educational Programming: Wellbeing – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University   

Creative Educational Programming: Civil discourse – Delta Pi, Winthrop University   

Excellence in Member Development – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Excellence in Membership Recruitment – Delta Pi, Winthrop University  

Excellence in New Member Development – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Excellence in Ritual and Values – Delta Pi, Winthrop University  

Excellence in Volunteerism – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency Award – Epsilon Chi, Northeastern University  

Panhellenic Excellence Award – Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette  

Fraternity and Sorority Advisor of the Year – Amie Jackson, Kappa Kappa Gamma nominated by Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University   

Outstanding Advisor Award  

• Susan Flowers, Kappa, Miami University, serving Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University   
• Brooke Erving, initiated and serving Delta Pi, Winthrop University   
• Ivonne Ramirez-DeBlois, Phi Mu Fraternity, serving Gamma Iota, University of Massachusetts Amherst  

Outstanding Member Award  

• Alison Bloom, Epsilon Rho, Minnesota State University Mankato  
• Ally Bordelon, Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette  
• Danielle Altringer, Delta Pi, Winthrop University  
• Alexis Lewis, Gamma Xi, Barton College  

Outstanding Senior Award  

• Jacquelyn Gorby, Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University  
• Kelsi Churchill, Alpha Phi, Central Michigan University  
• Sarah Myroup, Alpha, Longwood University   
• Brooke Ryals, Gamma Xi, Barton College