Remember that moment of recruitment, when you walked into a room full of girls you didn’t know but still felt at home? Try doing that in a hotel filled with over 180 girls from all over the country. Dunham Women of Character Institute was an amazing experience for myself as well as every sister I met. Immediately after exiting my plane I was lost in O’Hare airport but luckily I called up Emily Eure Ellis (yes, the National Vice President), who got to me where I wanted to me and talked to me as if we had known each other for years.

On the shuttle to the hotel myself, as well as other girls in lettered attire, sat next to each other and immediately struck up a conversation. These are my sisters, conversation was easy and it made everyone feel so much at ease. Just as easy as it was to strike up a conversation and feel a connection on the bus, my roommate and I hit it off immediately. After only being in Chicago for an hour I already felt at home and like I was with my family. On my last night I knew I had to wake up at 4am in order to catch the shuttle and make my flight, but my roommate and I stayed up until 1am talking because we had just felt that there was so much left to share about our time with Sigma. Obviously sleep is a priority, but this weekend getting to know as much as possible about my sisters was higher on the “To-Do” list. Throughout the weekend we all spent time together in workshops, mentoring programs, and learning leadership skills but the most important part to me was the bond created. Yes, there is no doubt my res

ume will be five times better after the speaker, and my etiquette will be better than before, but the bond of the Tri Sigma sisterhood was a life changing experience.

I have just finished up my junior year at Ramapo College of NJ, Eta Nu Chapter, and it was hitting me that I only have one more year left of my Sigma. The experience this weekend showed me that I have so much more than one year left. “Sigma is not a sprint – it’s a life time marathon.” Wherever I am in life I will be able to find girls who are Sigmas and immediately have a bond and a connection. After only approximately 36 hours with some of the girls I met, I felt as though I had known them my whole life and we were all disappointed to see each other head home. I never realized how easy it would be to connect with another Sigma that I had never met before but it is a magical thing that almost cannot be explained in words. Its something you just feel, know, and love – like Sigma Sigma Sigma.

- Cassie Faulborn, Eta Nu, Ramapo College of NJ Class of ‘13

Contact: Cori Wallace
Director, Marketing and Communications
214-529-9423
cwallace@trisigma.org

The Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award recipient for 2011 is Christina Miller, Epsilon Rho, University of Minnesota – Mankato. Those that nominated and endorsed Christina have this to say, “There isn’t a better word to describe Christina than genuine. She stays true to herself as a woman of character. She is constantly providing encouragement for others to do the same. She always has an ear to listen and a voice of reason for a sister in need. Christina goes through life with passion. Every organization, every friend, and every opportunity Christina encounters, she does so with her whole heart and soul. She is an admirable person for her leadership and character.” Christina serves as a CHARACTER COUNTS! advocate, and presented on the Tri Sigma Women of Character Initiative at the Association for Fraternal Leadership and Values Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri this past winter. A leader in numerous campus clubs and organizations, she is most noted for her commitment to developing organizations to meet specific goals, while encouraging the leadership skills of her peers.

The Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award recipient for 2011 is Amy Christine Tursi, Delta Psi, St. Joseph’s University. Amy has committed her professional and personal time to assisting students with developmental disabilities. Her tireless efforts with the Easter Seals, within charter schools and classroom projects have touched the lives of so many. Amy also organized and volunteered at “Bunny Day”, a chapter event hosted for underprivileged children. Her chapter sisters had this to say about her genteel manner, “Amy is a true friend to each in the chapter. To her, “sister” is not just a title or designation, it is one from the heart and that is what she gives not only to her own chapter sisters but even to us older sisters. Amy’s character and conduct are unquestionably above reproach.”

The 2011 Alumnae Chapter of the Year is our Phoenix Alumnae Chapter. With 12 leadership opportunities, a continued focus on recruitment, a thriving alumna initiate program, and a wonderful diverse membership, Phoenix has defined themselves by the ways they continue to connect and contribute to the larger Tri Sigma sisterhood. They have a dues payment incentive program and continue to reward members who fulfill this obligation. A focus on ritual is also a cornerstone of this stellar group. “Ritual is very important to our chapter. We are the only alumnae chapter that has been allowed to purchase a set of our own ritual equipment because we have a consistent recruitment program in place. We conduct Arc Degree multiple times each year and Triangle Degree once a year.” An alumnae chapter with thriving programming, recruitment and development of members, and a steadfast commitment to supporting each other, the Phoenix Alumnae chapter of Tri Sigma is a fantastic example of lifelong membership!

The 2011 Collegiate Chapter of the Year has won this award two years in a row! The Alpha Chi Chapter - Murray State University is defined by a consistent attention to the larger priorities of Tri Sigma. The chapter culture is marked by a focus on values-based programming and purpose, as well as a larger goal to connect with the national organization and chapter sisters from other universities. “We have strived to realize that Tri Sigma is not just Alpha Chi and to create perpetual bonds of friendship with sisters nationwide.” When asked how they develop their members to expect excellence, they said, “In addition to awareness, we try to give our members a reason to do a particular thing other than checking off a standard. It can be defined as the “why”. We don’t just tell our girls to get on Sigma Connect and do their modules because it will help us reach as standard, but because we should always be trying to better ourselves as women and consequently better members, even if it’s learning how to change a tire or how to write a resume.”

For a complete list of all award winning individuals and chapters, please refer to the Tri Sigma website under Tri Sigma Today, News Room. Congratulations to all of our wonderful collegians and alumnae. ]]> http://trisigmablog.org/?feed=rss2&p=617 1 http://trisigmablog.org/?p=607 http://trisigmablog.org/?p=607#comments Wed, 02 May 2012 12:50:33 +0000 Cori Wallace http://trisigmablog.org/?p=607 "I was brought up to keep my promises, so I always took my Sigma vows seriously, and bought in to the idea that as a Tri Sigma, I was to be “Faithful unto Death”, not just until graduation." Click in to read the Tri Sigma story of Jackie King, Alpha Phi - Southwest Florida/Central Michigan alumnae chapters]]>  

We are so honored to have Jacqulyn King as our second alumnae blogger of the week! If you are familiar with our Facebook page, you know that Jacqulyn is one of our most caring, connected community members. She has built so many special relationships with Tri Sigmas far and wide, and if you are a Tri Sigma, she is probably one of your biggest fans. We’re honored to have her thoughts on how she has committed to supporting Tri Sigma for life.

Alpha Phi Sisters of the 1970's at Convention (J. King 2nd from rt.)

I was brought up to keep my promises, so I always took my Sigma vows seriously, and bought in to the idea that as a Tri Sigma, I was to be “Faithful unto Death”, not just until graduation. When I completed my Bachelors degree in 1975, I lived in a rural area of Michigan, without an Alumnae Chapter.

What followed was an on again, off again Sigma journey through graduate school, career, marriage, and family.  A change in employment finally landed me in Kent County, home to the Grand Rapids, Michigan Alumnae Chapter.  Soon after, I received an invitation to a chapter meeting.  I hesitated at first.  My husband had just returned to college as a full time student, we had two small children, and I had become the lone bread winner.  Had I not been a Life Time Member, I’m not sure that I would have affiliated with the chapter, and oh what I would have missed.  These are the most fabulous women, and over the past twenty something years, we have all gone through so much together.  Sure, it was hard to walk up to the door of that first meeting.

Jacqulyn (left) and two Tri Sigma sisters serving in a roadside cleanup!

The take home pay from my first job was less than $100.00 a week, yet I paid my National Alumnae dues, not because I had to, but because I wanted to.  This act was not unique to me.  My fellow Alpha Phi sisters were also paying their Alumnae dues.  Soon I began to see that it made more sense to pay for Lifetime membership rather than to continue with annual dues.  If all my financial decisions had been as wise as this, I would be a rich woman.  As a “Lifer” I had sealed the deal.  I would continue to remain connected to Tri Sigma in some way from that day forward. 

I didn’t know a soul, yet the sisters took me in, encouraged me, and soon I began to feel like I belonged.  This past year, I have also had the pleasure of working with the new Central Michigan Alumnae Chapter, a dream come true for many of our sisters living in the middle of the mitten.

Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter with Kaye Schendel - National President

Presently, I’m experiencing Déjà vu.  My husband and I recently purchased a home in Cape Coral, Florida, and have relocated there.  Once again, I’ll be new to an area not knowing a soul.  Fearing a severe case of homesickness, I put out a cry for help on the National facebook page.  Within hours I learned who to contact, and less than two weeks later, I received an e-mail inviting me to the January 5^th meeting of the Southwest Florida Alumnae Chapter.  I went and had a lovely time. So begins a new chapter in my Sigma story.

 

Brenda and Alpha Iota's at the 2007 Convention with chapter sister, Carrie Underwood

Brenda Christie is the perfect example of someone who has ensure that the legacy of Tri Sigma is secure for years to come. Paying your dues goes directly to the National Sorority and supports the chapters and headquarters initiatives related to the Tri Sigma experience for women of all ages.

Did you know that your dues helps to support our leadership programs, chapter support services for more than 200 alumnae and collegiate chapters, staff time and talent related to training, education, risk management and hazing prevention support, our archives and heritage, alumnae and volunteer cultivation and training, marketing and public relations, our efforts on more than 100 college campuses, as well as our extension efforts? By paying your alumnae dues you literally support the past, present, and future efforts of this incredible organization.

When asked what paying dues accomplishes, Aimee Boland, Director of Alumnae and Volunteer Services said, “People always think about it as the financial piece of Tri Sigma, but really it is just ensuring that the legacy of our sorority continues.”

Paying your alumnae dues is one simple way to show that you are still connected and committed to Tri Sigma. It is so easy to do.

We asked some incredible alumnae why they continue to offer time, talent, and treasure to Tri Sigma.

Brenda Christie, an alumna initiated at Alpha Iota – Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, had this to say about her commitment and lifelong Tri Sigma experience.

I joined Tri Sigma in college because I wanted good friends and things to do! The choice to join an alumnae chapter was an easy one for me because Tulsa Alumnae chapter was nearby. During college, Alpha Iota was invited to work with Tulsa in funding the Marie Santee Dunham scholarship. I learned a lot reading about Santee Dunham in “The Path to Farmville” and getting to know her in person was amazing! Santee joined my chapter on Founder’s Day and shared stories about why she was a member for life and reminded us all that alumnae life would be the longest time we would be Sigma sisters.

Brenda and Jeri Greene (Her little!)

Soon after graduation, I followed Santee’s advice and looked up my alumnae sisters! I joined the Tulsa Alumnae chapter and paid my annual dues for a few years then learned of the ability to pay lifetime dues. I was at TU Law at the time and had a little money left over from my student loans, so I decided this would be the best way to spend it! I figured that I might spend the rest of my life paying off law loans, but at least Sigma would be covered. 
While in college, we were taught, “we who receive much, must give much”, so I believe in giving back to Sigma on all levels. I currently serve as Alpha Iota Chapter Advisor, as Tulsa Alumnae VP and on the national level, as Risk Management Coordinator.

Brenda and Sinea at CAB & Volunteer Summit

Through all of my roles in Tri Sigma, I have daily interactions with Sigma sisters both near and far. Through Sigma, I’ve been all over the nation for conventions, educational programs, officer academies and chapter visits! I know that my dues go to help offset the costs of all those opportunities, so I make sure I pay my local chapter dues each year.
At the 2010 Convention, I sat for dinner with eight wonderful sisters from all across the nation! When the time came to install National Officers, those to be installed were asked to stand.

Tri Sigma Alumnae - NSU Homecoming 2010

It was so inspiring to see my entire table stand as we were all installed! I was so proud to be with those women and to be chosen to serve.

I pay my alumnae dues because I know that there are more memories like this out there, just waiting to happen and I don’t want to miss them!
I joined Tri Sigma because I wanted some good friends in college but what I got was so much more!

Thanks, Brenda! You are such a wonderful example of someone who has found lifelong connections in Tri Sigma, and we are so glad you continue to “model the way” of friendship, conduct, and character to the women you mentor.

Our National President - Kaye Schendel

Dear Sigma Sisters,

Each year when we draw close to April 20th, I am reminded of our Founders and the legacy they have given us that is Sigma Sigma Sigma. These young women, Margaret Lee Batten, Louise Marie Davis, Martha Trent Featherston, Isabella Merrick, Sallie Jackson Michie, Lelia Scott, Elizabeth Watkins and Lucy Wright, were indeed very courageous and visionary when they began our sisterhood.

Our eight Founders taught us how to be women of character by building upon our values of faith, hope, wisdom, love, and power. And at our own initiation, we made the commitment to uphold these values that are so near and dear to all Tri Sigmas.
Tri Sigma is 114 years old! Isn’t that absolutely remarkable? I know for a fact that we all take immense pride in our history. How will you make our 115th year her best? How will you insure that the Tri Sigma legacy continue for another decade? Will you give of your time, your talents, and treasures?

So, as you celebrate and observe Founders Day this year, take a moment to reflect on the past, the present, and on the future. Reflect on the past and the strong foundation upon which we were built. Live our values today and make certain that we are upholding the standards of our sisterhood and the reasons that Sigma is so important to us. And finally, look to the future and think of the possibilities.

On behalf of the entire Executive Council I wish you a very happy Founders Day!
In our bonds,
Kaye Schendel
National President

One of our beautiful Facebook timeline covers!

We use Facebook a lot. Not all of our members are on Facebook, but our women are connecting using Facebook more than any other website. More than Twitter, even more than our primary website! And so your events, your story should be the primary story on our Timeline. Tri Sigma women have a wonderful story to tell. We’re so proud to share events along the way that matter to our members.

We know Facebook offers the fastest, most effective method of sharing information, allowing you to then share that information with friends and family, and we’re glad you have connected with us.

With more than 16,000 friends on Facebook, we’re launching Facebook Timeline today with some special features that we are hoping you’ll enjoy.

• We’ve posted five beautiful Timeline images designed with our values of wisdom, power, faith, hope and love. Feel free to take them and use them on your Timeline cover. They were designed for you!
• We’re posting events, dates, installations and archival images as a part of our Timeline starting this week. You’ll be able to learn about the Tri Sigma story as we complete our Timeline.
• I’m happy to be your Facebook friend and chat with you on FB chat if you have a question, or you can send Tri Sigma a Facebook  message. Just go up to the upper right hand corner and send us a note!

We’re so thrilled to have a daily conversation on Facebook. It’s something we are so proud of, because our women connect for a daily conversation about who we are and where we are going. I’m so glad we are going there together.

Ever Forward,

Tri Sigma welcomed you into a sisterhood that is built to last. How do we know? Because you built it. You have created a sisterhood that is meaningful and strong.

The voices of 8 founders offered an avenue for hundreds of thousands of women to discover the voice of an organization committed to friendship, character, and conduct. Your voice matters to us – it always has, and it always will.

This is the time of year where on more than 110 college and university campuses we see our undergraduate women reach out to you in the Tri Sigma Linked In group to look for jobs. They participate in the Circle Degree Ceremony, graduate, and move on to the next phase of lifetime membership. We begin to see fraternity and sorority awards arrive in trophy cases, and our collegiate chapters start to reap the rewards of a year (or in many cases, years) of hard work. Founders Day is approaching. Spring is right around the corner.

We just welcomed the Theta Delta chapter at Lindenwood University with messages, warm greetings on Facebook, tweets, calls, cards and notes. The installation of our Alpha Delta chapter at Drexel University is right around the corner.  For our newest members, the days keep moving, life is often filled with the daily reminders of Tri Sigma as a part of our lives, and soon, we’ll be preparing for another summer.

But for most of our members, Tri Sigma might feel like more of a whisper. For most of the women in Tri Sigma, college is a memory filled with the women who comprised Tri Sigma at their college or university. Complicated friendships, lifelong supporters and advocates, bridesmaids, confidants and mentors. But when you graduate, or move on from your undergraduate experience, what then?

If you can’t wear a t-shirt, haven’t been on a college campus in a while, and you aren’t advising a collegiate chapter, how can you connect with Tri Sigma right now?

Most of the women who have been initiated into the bonds of Tri Sigma sisterhood are living rich and full lives as professionals,  mothers, wives and friends. Tri Sigma is a part of who they are, a part of a period where they grew and changed among trusted friends. That stretch of history, for most women, was difficult. Wonderfully fun and encouraging, but not without struggle.

If you are an alumna member, you may have prioritized family, friends, or your career as the primary elements in your life.  We want you to know that we’re still here. We want you to figure out a way to have Tri Sigma be a presence in your life.  And not because you believe Tri Sigma is in the past. Because you share a sisterhood that connects you with the future of something  wonderful. We miss you, deeply, if you haven’t connected with us in a while.

National Ritual Celebration Week, celebrated from March 4 – 10, 2012, is your “open door” to bring Tri Sigma back as a part of your personal identity. If you haven’t worn the badge in a while, reflected on the ritual promise you made for life, or told the story of why you joined, we would like to welcome you to share your sisterhood stories starting Sunday, March 4th. International Badge Day is on Monday, March 5th. You can RSVP on Facebook and tell people you will wear the Tri Sigma badge by clicking above.

Wear your beautiful badge. Wear purple. Pull out your Sigma keychain. Commit and pay your annual alumna dues.

Look for an alumnae chapter near you.

Like our Facebook page. Or better yet, change your profile or timeline photo to show your friends and family that you are still a Tri Sigma.

It’s easy to connect with us. Call National Headquarters and let us know where you live now. Ask about what happened to your chapter sisters. Call the mentor who gave you a leadership position. Drop a note in the mail to the friend who held your hand at ritual.

Join our Linked In group.

Follow the conversation on Twitter.

Check out the past issues of the The Triangle, then send us an email telling us what you thought. It’s so easy to do. Our email is triangle@trisigma.org.

We don’t mind if you’ve been away for a while. We know that you carry the love and support of Tri Sigma with you when you walk into the world, a reminder of wisdom, power, faith, hope and love. We’re so proud of you.

We commit to being there, because we know this is forever. Come back to Tri Sigma. No better time than today.

Founded as the Academy of Idaho in 1901, ISU is located along the Old Oregon Trail in Pocatello, Idaho. Situated snugly in a river valley, it was initially a technical/industrial school designed to be what we would call a community college or “people’s” school. ISU now boasts a state of the art performing arts center and campus research facilities in energy, nuclear research, health sciences, general engineering, business and technology, and serves as the gateway campus for major international research initiatives. With a little more than 14,000 students enrolled, ISU offers 285 degree programs and a very small student:faculty ratio of 17:1.

We’re thrilled to have a chapter on this cutting-edge campus. Their doll is heavily reflective of fashion in the early 1990′s, with high waisted jeans, a Tri Sigma t-shirt, a pearl bracelet, bob, and headband.

But Kayla was not prepared for what came next. As she walked down the long hallway, and rounded the corner ready to go, Kayla saw her mom and aunt, Caden’s parents and little brother waiting for her. At the end of the hall, Caden stood in a suit, and she she looked up, she saw Tri Sigma sisters and brothers of Tau Kappa Epsilon holding bunches of purple and white balloons. Then four banners unrolled from the balcony.

Kayla.

Will.

You.

Marry.

Me?

The rest is history. Of COURSE Kayla said yes, and this couple experienced a proposal surrounded with people who love them and are proud to be a part of their story. We would love to hear your story too!

If you have a love story, one that involves your special someone, or even the moment when you knew you were loved by a parent or friend, post it in the comments below!

We were talking about where he was stationed, his five deployments, and what he experienced when he saw the mountains of Afghanistan for the first time. What was most interesting to me about the conversation were the questions we had for one another.

Sgt. Parreno and his men. Courtesy: Sgt. Rudy Parreno

It struck me that while I have connections with people in the military, I’ve never really asked anyone in service about their experience. It was such an honor to have his time. It is really precious.

He had a lot of the questions about being in a sorority that you might get from someone who is not a member. I’m sure I had some questions that are very similar to the questions he gets from people not in the military.

Carrie Underwood - Alpha Iota w/troops Courtesy: CMT Blog

Sgt. Parreno believed that if there was a collection of people who understood how to help others, it would be women in sororities. What a compliment, right?! He had some idea of what sorority women are like, why you and I joined, and wanted to know how we were structured. Explaining chapters and our diverse membership to him was fascinating! It was nice to be able to say that we have women in the military, women currently living on base, women who have supported friends, sisters, brothers, husbands and family members since the founding of Tri Sigma in 1898.

I was sitting in my cozy office in St. Louis. Tonight, Sgt. Rudy Parreno and his men will experience temperatures that may dip to -4 degrees.

These soldiers have a special and powerful commitment to bravery. What does bravery look like? I see bravery in our women every day, so I know – bravery looks like someone who gives without expectation of anything. Being a good sister? A good friend? That’s a kind of bravery. Stepping out into the unknown, facing down unseen enemies? The sacrifice of a family or a man or woman in uniform? That’s intensely brave.

If you are a freshman in college, you are the same age as some of his men. Some of them have never been to a country outside of the United States, and they are currently experiencing their first Afghanistan winter. The depth of that service and sacrifice hit me like a ton of bricks. We have Tri Sigma women currently living lives of bravery as soldiers, or bravely supporting a soldier currently deployed. That kind of sacrifice deserves our support. I immediately called Aimee Jensen Boland, our Dir. of Alumnae and Volunteer Services to see if we could help. We would LOVE for alumnae and collegiate chapters to step up. Here’s how.

Sgt. Kristina Kelehar (lt.) - Zeta Epsilon

We have built a relationship with this group of soldiers in Afghanistan, and we will start to match you or your chapter with service people in need. Want to gather a group of sisters to adopt a group of soldiers or a specific soldier? We’re going to help you.

• It’s simple. Just email me at cwallace@trisigma.org, and I’ll send you a Powerpoint with next steps. You can review it in a chapter meeting, or among  a group of sisters, and decide how you think you can help. We hope to match all 20 of the first group of soldiers to Sigma chapters.
• Do you know a soldier who you think would enjoy notes and supplies from home? Please email me and I’ll put them on our list as well. They will be matched with a chapter or Tri Sigma who wants to step up to support a service person.
• If you know a Tri Sigma currently deployed, (and we know there are women currently serving) – please let me know as well. We will place them as our top priority.

You may wonder what these servicemen in might need. Well, according to Sgt. Parreno, his men need space heaters, hand warmers, notes, cards, and other supplies that I’ll be happy to share with you. It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Make your card making/Valentine’s Day shopping count.

We ask a lot of commitment in Tri Sigma. The lifetime membership of Tri Sigma is your gift to women you will never meet. Now, we have the opportunity to demonstrate that women in sororities respect and honor our brave service men and women. You may not ever meet the person you select, but we believe the gift of Tri Sigma service and care will really impact some special people.

So don’t delay. Thanks.