Search

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.

Tri Sigma’s 2022–25 Executive Council was installed at its 49th 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.

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 25th 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.”

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.

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.

Tri Sigma has announced the elimination of its longstanding legacy policy. Defined as a sister, mother, daughter, granddaughter, niece, stepdaughter, stepmother, or stepsister of an initiated member, legacies have historically received an automatic invitation to the second round of Primary Recruitment. Along with this change, chapters are no longer required to place legacies at the top of the bid list after the final round, nor are they required to receive approval from National Headquarters before releasing a legacy. Recognizing the importance of equitable consideration for all women seeking membership in Tri Sigma, Executive Council voted in favor of eliminating the current legacy policy. We are confident this change will allow for greater opportunities for membership and empower our collegiate members to have the autonomy to make their own membership selection decisions. Tri Sigma will continue to recognize and celebrate Tri Sigma legacies, but potential new members who are legacies will no longer receive preferential treatment during the recruitment process. Sororities were founded during a time in our country’s history when women’s rights were limited. Being allowed to attend colleges and universities provided exciting opportunities, and being a part of a sorority enabled women to build friendships and offer support to one another. Even though membership has been open to all women, historical data shows that has not always been the case. While we regretfully cannot change history, we can ensure the Tri Sigma of today is a welcoming place to all potential new members.

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.

Tri Sigma is excited to pilot a Member Advisory Panel over the next 12 months. The purpose of the MAP is to empower the voices of collegiate and alumnae members. MAP members will provide ongoing input, ideas, and feedback about the relevant issues, trends, and changes in society that impact the membership experience.  The work of this panel will provide additional information to Executive Council and staff, which will help shape and define the work of the national organization. Those selected to be on MAP can expect to: Gain a broad perspective on the national organization’s infrastructure, group dynamics, and leadership opportunities. Interact with Executive Council, Tri Sigma staff, members, and other stakeholders of Tri Sigma. Participate in open and honest dialogue through direct connection to Executive Council and other leaders. UPDATE—Applications are now closed.

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.

Tri Sigma is pleased to announce the organization has been selected to establish a chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma, fall 2017. The University of Central Oklahoma was founded on December 24, 1890, and is the second oldest public institution in Oklahoma. With more than 14,000 students, UCO offers 118 undergraduate areas of study and 83 graduate programs from its main campus in Edmond and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro area. Among its 200+ student clubs and organizations, Tri Sigma will be among five other National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus. Follow the new chapter’s journey by liking their Facebook page. Image Source: UCO

Tri Sigma is pleased to announce the organization has been selected to establish a chapter at the University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse this fall. Established in 1909, UW–LaCrosse is part of the University of Wisconsin System. With 9,600 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students, it is composed of four schools and colleges offering 102 undergraduate programs, 31 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs. Among its 200+ student clubs and organizations, Tri Sigma will be among two other National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus. Follow the new chapter’s journey by liking their Facebook page. Image Source: UW–LaCrosse