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Tri Sigma is proud to recognize exceptional members and chapters each year. Chapter award categories highlight the connection between excellent operations and sisterhood while individual award categories recognize outstanding leadership within Tri Sigma and the local community. Congratulations to the following 2018 award recipients:   COLLEGIATE CHAPTER AWARDS Collegiate Chapter of the Year Alpha Iota- Northeastern State University C.A.B. of the Year Alpha Pi, Clarion University Commitment to Excellence Beta Tau, University of Detroit Mercy Creative Educational Program Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Excellence in Community Service Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University Excellence in Membership Selection Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University Member Development and Educational Programming Nu–University of Central Missouri Ritual and Values Programming Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University Panhellenic Excellence Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency Nu–University of Central Missouri Pillar 4 Achievement Nu, University of Central Missouri Alpha Chi, Murray State University Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Alpha Pi, Clarion University Beta Delta, Shephard University Beta Pi, University of Wisconsin–Stout Delta Pi, Winthrop University Gamma Beta, East Carolina University Zeta Alpha, Bryant University     INDIVIDUAL COLLEGIATE AWARDS Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award Zaria Tahjarae Smith, Zeta Eta Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Kathryn Alexandria Branham, Gamma Psi Outstanding Members Mallory McConathy, Alpha Zeta Sabel Meadows, Psi Klaudia Holly Sirk, Theta Zeta Mara Tazartus, Epsilon Chi Jessi Weber, Beta Pi Outstanding Seniors Rebecca Cash, Alpha Psi Olivia Davis, Zeta Psi Katrina Goldsmith, Beta Pi Sabel Meadows, Psi Kelsey Sack, Alpha Pi Outstanding Collegiate Volunteers Brenda Christie, Alpha Iota Susan Flowers, Theta Zeta Lauren Green, Alpha Mu Dr. Kristina Kraas Schuler, Nu Outstanding Advisor Erin Waltemate, Beta Alpha Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year Katherine Brady, Emporia State University   ALUMNAE CHAPTER AWARDS Alumnae Chapter of the Year Chicago North Shore Excellence in Community Service Phoenix Excellence in Member Recruitment Greater Los Angeles Excellence in Overall Programming Denver Outstanding Single Program Phoenix Sisterhood Award Greater St. Louis     INDIVIDUAL ALUMNAE AWARDS Steadfast Alumna Citation Janet (Jan) Stroker Horner, Beta Xi, Greater St. Louis Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Maryellen Drasler Baxter, Beta Kappa, Phoenix Outstanding Alumna of the Region Michelle Hektor, Beta Delta and Denver

Following an extensive search, Jenna Martin Pendry has been named Executive Director.  She joins Tri Sigma with a wealth of experience in association management and higher education. Jenna has more than 15 years of fraternity/sorority experience at Sigma Kappa where she began her post-college career as a traveling consultant. She advanced within the organization to become a Collegiate Services Manager and then Director of Collegiate Services. She most recently served as the Sr. Director of Membership Strategy where she was responsible for creating and implementing strategies to address the recruitment, retention, and engagement of members through all phases of membership. She also partnered with multiple teams in collegiate services, alumnae services, educational programming, and growth to implement the strategic plan, and was responsible for facilitating and directing communication across those teams to ensure key strategic initiatives were met. Jenna has been involved with several professional associations and facilitated a variety of programs for many organizations during her tenure in fraternity/sorority life. Jenna graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Science Education. She achieved a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at Florida Atlantic University. “I am beyond excited to begin my tenure with Tri Sigma as their next executive director. It is a tremendous honor to be selected, and I look forward to the many accomplishments we will achieve,” Martin Pendry shares. “This is a new year and a new decade and we’re off to a fantastic start with welcoming Tri Sigma’s new Executive Director,” Tri Sigma National President Natalie Moore Averette shares. “Jenna brings exceptional talent and professional experience that will benefit the sorority. I’m delighted Jenna is joining our team and am looking forward to engaging with her on new perspectives and ideas for ensuring a prosperous future for Tri Sigma.” Jenna replaces Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma–Ball State University, who retired in August 2019 after nearly 13 years.

The Tri Sigma Foundation is pleased to announce Shelly Brajkovich Bateman, Beta Epsilon–Western Illinois University, has been named its 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.

Past National President Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi–University of Wisconsin-River Falls, received the 2017 Jack L. Anson Award during the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors’s Annual Meeting in Atlanta, on Dec. 2. This award is presented annually to an individual not employed by a college or university who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the fraternal movement beyond his/her respective organization. Kaye was recognized for impacting thousands of students through service learning, both as a campus professional and Director of Global Initiatives for Delta Upsilon Fraternity.  AFA is the community of professional practice for those committed to enhancing the fraternity/sorority experience, and the leading voice in creating a fraternity/sorority profession of ever-increasing skill, value, and inclusion.

Linda Henderson, Delta Psi–St. Joseph’s University, has been appointed as Chair of the College Panhellenics, one of the National Panhellenic Conference’s Standing Committees. These committees work in partnership with NPC staff to ensure both College and Alumnae Panhellenic Associations are supported in areas such as policy, recruitment and the judicial process.  “I am thrilled to have Linda Henderson leading our College Panhellenics Committee. She has proven herself as a capable leader when serving as an area advisor coordinator, area advisor and RFM Specialist. Linda is a team player who can help us elevate the role of area advisor by focusing on increased training and accountability measures for this important NPC position,” said Frances Mitchelson, Panhellenics Chairman. NPC’s Standing Committees work in partnership with the NPC staff to ensure both College and Alumnae Panhellenic Associations are supported in areas such as policy, recruitment and the judicial process. They also provide direct assistance, where applicable, in the creation of Panhellenic operational resources and training materials.  Linda has a long history as a both a volunteer Tri Sigma and the NPC. She has served as a Chapter Advisor, RFM Specialist, and is the author of the Collegiate Panhellenic Manual.

Past National President Laura Ward Sweet, Alpha Sigma–University of Southern Mississippi, will serve once again on the 2021-2023  National Panhellenic Conference ‘ s Board of Directors. Laura has served for many years through her service to Tri Sigma as second alternate delegate (‘91-’95) and Tri Sigma Executive Council National Panhellenic Conference Delegate (‘95-’04), NPC delegate (‘10-’19) which also held Executive Council ex-officio member 2016-2019. Her service on the NPC Board of Directors will allow for her to advocate for the greater Panhellenic community and ensure the future of sorority life. “When it comes to Laura’s dedication and championing of the sorority experience, Tri Sigma has much to be proud of,” said Tri Sigma’s Executive Director Jenna Martin Pendry. “We know that she will continue to do great things for the Panhellenic community through her second term on the Board of Directors.” In 2018, NPC adopted a new organizational and governance structure designed to make the Conference more nimble and responsible to the most pressing challenges facing students, campus partners, and the greater Panhellenic community.   The new board begins its term of service on July 1 with the start of NPC’s new fiscal year. “All of us look forward to working with the new chairman and directors as they begin their roles as stewards for the Conference and champions of how NPC and our member organizations advance the sorority experience together,” said Dani Weatherford, J.D., NPC CEO.   About NPC’s Governance Structure  The NPC structure and governance model includes a 7-member Board of Directors consisting of five members and a chair elected to service by the Council of Delegates and two appointed by their member organization (on a rotational basis). The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the affairs of the NPC. They establish corporate policy, set the strategic direction, and provide fiduciary oversight. and monitor organizational performance. The Council of Delegates consists of one representative from each of NPC’s 26 member organizations and has primary responsibility for Conference membership, Unanimous Agreements, and Panhellenic policies.

The Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Awards & Recognition Committee recently presented their 2021 individual awards. Past Executive Council Member Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi–Marshall University, received the Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award .  AFA shared: “Allison Swick-Duttine has spent her career providing support for fraternities and sororities on an inter/national and local level. She serves as the director of fraternity/sorority life and organization development at SUNY Plattsburgh, where she has focused her efforts on social justice, personal and professional development, and crafting a meaningful and safe experience. Her service to the fraternal movement is consistent and far-reaching. Allison has served as a board member for the Northeast Greek Leadership Association, the first chair of HazingPrevention.Org , and executive vice president of Sigma Sigma Sigma among others. Allison has previously been awarded the Shelley Sutherland Outstanding Volunteer Award (2012) and the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award (2007).” Allison has been a dedicated member and long-serving volunteer of Tri Sigma. She served on Executive Council as the Publications Vice President from 2007-2010 and National Vice President from 2010-2016.

Winnie Wilson Warner, Alpha Beta–Kent State University, and her husband Jim received the prestigious Wilford A. Butler Award from the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values  during the recent 2025 AFLV Central Conference in Indianapolis.    The Wilford A. Butler Award recognizes an outstanding fraternity/sorority alumna who volunteers their time to support the acceleration of progress and is not the fraternity/sorority professional on campus.     Referred to in their nomination as “relentless supporters of the fraternal communities at University of Akron and Kent State University,” the couple has a long history of supporting their member organizations, both locally and nationally.  Winnie has served on Alpha Beta’s Chapter Advisory Board since 1992. She encourages collegiate women to become the "greatest version of yourself" and represent their sorority with honor and dignity. When Alpha Beta needed a campus home, Winnie spearheaded efforts to build a safe, new chapter house. Winnie is currently endowing a Foundation fund to create a legacy that will always benefit her beloved chapter sisters. Once endowed, the scholarship will be awarded annually to a member who represents our saying "to receive much, you must give much," and makes every effort to move Tri Sigma "above and beyond" into the future.  She currently serves as the C.A.B. Operations Advisor at Kent State and is a member the Foundation’s Batten Society for total lifetime giving, is an Ever Forward Member for completion of Lifetime Dues, and is active in the Northeast Ohio Alumnae Chapter. Her commitment and leadership have earned her several honors from Tri Sigma, the most recent of which in 2019 for 24 years of volunteer service.     The AFLV  , which awards the Wilford A. Butler Award to outstanding alumna volunteers each year, exists to accelerate progress in fraternity/sorority communities through change-enabling experiences.

National Vice President Kara Miller McCarty, Epsilon Delta–Gannon University, was recently honored with the Northeast Greek Leadership Association’s   Compass Award during the association’s annual conference in Baltimore. This  award is given to outstanding past NGLA volunteers who exemplify excellence in leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing the mission of the association. Kara is celebrated for her outstanding contributions to higher education and fraternity/sorority life. She previously served as the Director of Sorority and Fraternity Life at Cornell University before joining Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity as the Managing Director of Training and Development where she currently oversees  the fraternity’s educational strategy. Kara has served on Executive Council as a National Vice President since 2016. Prior to serving on Council, she served as a College Panhellenic Assistant, Collegiate Chapter Advisor, SAFE Team member, and Founders Day of Giving Ambassador. “ Kara has built such an impressive career. Her dedication to student development and leadership is evident—and Tri Sigma is all the better for it ,” said National President Joyce Newcom O’Daniel. “It has been an honor to serve alongside her on Executive Council.” In addition to volunteering for Sigma, she is a devoted advocate for advancing fraternity/sorority life. She previously served on the NGLA’s Board of Directors and as President of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. She has also been a dedicated member of Tri Sigma, serving in a variety of leadership roles throughout her experience.   The Northeast Greek Leadership Association  is dedicated to educating and empowering fraternity and sorority leaders across the Northeast. Through its annual conference and year-round programming, NGLA provides resources, leadership development, and networking opportunities that inspire values-based leadership and foster a thriving Greek community

Tri Sigma’s 2022–25 Executive Council was installed at its 46th National Convention, on June 25, at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. More than 400 collegiate and alumnae members were in attendance. The following Executive Council was elected to lead the 2022–25 triennium: National President Joyce Newcom O’Daniel, Alpha Chi–Murray State University National Treasurer Bonnie Rainey, Alpha Sigma–University of Southern Mississippi National Vice President Crystal Jones, Zeta Pi–Virginia Wesleyan University National Vice President Kara Miller McCarty, Epsilon Delta–Gannon University National Vice President Lauren Moran, Gamma Rho–Edinboro University of Pennsylvania National Vice President Veronica Atkins Seymour, Eta Omicron–Sam Houston State University Linda Manley-Kuitu, Epsilon Rho–Minnesota State University, MankatoEx-Officio, will continue to serve as an ex-officio member as NPC Delegate. “As Sigmas, we treasure our values of faith, hope, power, wisdom, and love. For the coming triennium, I suggest that we embellish those values by adding the word pride,” said O’Daniel in her Presidential Charge. “I promise to keep these values at the forefront of my service.” Learn more about these women here . Tri Sigma is thankful for the dedication and service of alumnae who volunteer to serve in such a great capacity.

Tri Sigma is proud to recognize exceptional members and chapters each year. Chapter award categories highlight the connection between excellent operations and sisterhood while individual award categories recognize outstanding leadership within Tri Sigma and the local community. Congratulations to the following 2019 award recipients:   COLLEGIATE CHAPTER AWARDS Collegiate Chapter of the Year Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette  C.A.B. 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 Excellence in Community Service Beta Xi, Southeast Missouri State University Excellence in Membership Selection Alpha Mu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette  Member Development and Educational Programming Nu–University of Central Missouri Ritual and Values Programming Nu, University of Central Missouri   Panhellenic Excellence Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University   Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency Nu, University of Central Missouri   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   INDIVIDUAL COLLEGIATE AWARDS Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award Bryley  Hoodenpyle  Banks, Alpha Iota–Northeastern State University Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Miranda  Himel, Alpha Mu–University of  Louisiana  at Lafayette  Outstanding Members 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 Seniors 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 Collegiate Volunteers 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    ALUMNAE AWARDS Alumnae Chapter of the Year Phoenix 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 Chicago North Shore  Steadfast Alumna Citation Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, Beta Xi, Southeastern Missouri State University and Phoenix   Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Veronica Atkins, Eta Omicron, Sam Houston State University  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

Tri Sigma Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Freeman Thompson (center) receives some help from Tri Sigmas Mallory Hite Borino (left), Director of Marketing and Communications at Delta Gamma Sorority, and Rachel Greene (right), Communications Director for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Tri Sigma won six national marketing awards during the Fraternity Communications Association 's recent annual recognition banquet. Each year, hundreds of communications and marketing professionals from fraternal organizations, professional membership groups, and honor societies gather for FCA's annual conference. One highlight of the event is the awards banquet, where the industry’s best work is honored. Tri Sigma is pleased to announce its Marketing and Communications Team has received the following FCA Awards for work completed in 2022: CRITIC’S CHOICE AWARDS Social Media Post – 2nd Place – Purple & Pearls Boutique Relaunch Intended to promote the wide variety of new merchandise offered in the newly launched Purple & Pearls online boutique, this 6-part Instagram story allowed the audience to vote on their favorite new items. The day the post went live, the boutique saw a 250% increase in sales. Entries were judged on engagement rates, content and imagery, relevance to the intended audience, and outcome of social media engagement. The content was developed by Hannah Laux, Associate Director of Marketing and Communication. 2-Page Magazine Design – 2nd Place – “Road Trip to Farmville” “Roadtrip to Farmville,” which appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of The Triangle , was written to generate member excitement for the then-upcoming 125th anniversary celebration in Farmville, Virginia. The piece, designed by Sr. Director of Marketing and Communication Jennifer Freeman Thompson, spotlights “Significantly Sigma” sights to see while in Farmville and the surrounding areas, including Tri Sigma’s seven collegiate chapters in Virginia and National Headquarters. Entries were judged on overall attractiveness of the design, and relevance to the intended audience. COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS Alumnae Engagement Effort – 2nd Place – Foundation Holiday Mailer The 2022 annual holiday campaign used the recurring “Big Dreams” theme introduced at Convention to emphasize the importance of Tri Sigma leadership programming. Entries were judged on organization and attractiveness, usefulness and relevance to alumnae, and success of the effort. The content and strategy were developed by Foundation Director of Annual Giving Megan Elms Caldwell and was designed by Jennifer Freeman Thompson. Publication Improvement—Printed Materials – 2nd Place – 2022 Annual Report This award honors outstanding efforts to improve an existing printed material other than a magazine. Entries were judged on improvement of the copy and design, overall attractiveness of the updated version, and relevance to intended audience. The piece was written and designed by Jennifer Freeman Thompson with contributions from National President Joyce O’Daniel, Associate Executive Director of Enablement Lorin Philips, Accountant Linda May, Foundation Board Chair JeanMarie Komyathy, and Megan Elms Caldwell. MAGAZINE & WRITING AWARDS Story Packaging—Short – 2nd Place – “Road Trip to Farmville” In addition to being selected by other fraternity/sorority marketing teams for overall design in the Critic’s Choice category (noted above), the “Road Trip to Farmville” story was recognized for combining outstanding writing and design through creativity, presentation, and organization using additional graphics, sidebar, or visual elements. The content was developed by Archives Committee Member Wendy Kirkpatrick, Director of Lifetime Engagement Meagan Earls and Jennifer Freeman Thompson. Publication Improvement—Magazine – 2nd Place – The Triangle This award honors outstanding efforts to improve an existing magazine that has undergone significant change during 2022. Entries were judged on the improvement of design, improvement of copy, overall attractiveness of the updated version, and relevance to the intended audience. The Triangle was edited and designed by Jennifer Freeman Thompson with contributions from National President Joyce O’Daniel, Foundation Board Chair JeanMarie Komyathy, Megan Elms Caldwell, and Triangle volunteers Devyn Vinson and Jennifer Kuhn Call. Additional copy editing was provided by Executive Director Jenna Martin Pendry, Office Manager Margaret Fields, and Hannah Laux. Click here to view the entire issue. FCA received more than 600 submissions from its 50+ member organizations, and 28 organizations received awards for outstanding efforts in a variety of writing, design, and communication categories. A list of all winners and categories can be found here .