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Past Executive Council Member and longtime Tri Sigma volunteer Allison Swick-Duttine, Psi–Marshall University, was recently honored with two industry awards at the Northeast Greek Leadership Association’s annual conference in Pittsburgh. National President Lauren Moran and eight of Allison’s students from State University of New York at Plattsburgh were there as she received the NGLA’s 2026 Compass Award and the Mardie Trask Sorensen Chapter Advisor of the Year award from Order of Omega. The Compass Award is NGLA’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and long-standing commitment to advancing fraternity and sorority life in the Northeast and beyond, according to the association. “Allison has been a respected leader and advocate for fraternity and sorority life throughout her career, most of which has been spent at SUNY Plattsburgh. She represents the very best of our community,” said NGLA Executive Director Tom Murphy. “Her leadership has influenced generations of students and professionals, and her commitment to creating meaningful fraternity and sorority experiences continues to make a lasting impact across our region.” Involvement in NGLA has been a constant throughout Allison’s career. “My first encounter with the organization was when I served as a member of the conference graduate staff. In fact, it was the connections that I made at that time that led me to my first position at SUNY Plattsburgh,” she said. “I am so proud of the organization NGLA has become and look forward to bringing my students to the conference each year.” Allison—who serves as SUNY Plattsburgh’s Director of Student Leadership, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and Student Volunteerism—credits her collegiate Tri Sigma membership as inspiration in pursuing a career in higher education. “My experience as an undergraduate member at Marshall University was transformative. I don't think I would have been able to develop my skills in leadership and character development on a campus that large without it,” she said. “Being able to learn and grow from my sorority experience led me to want to share that experience with other students as a career.” That, she has certainly done. While fraternity/sorority advisor roles are known to have a high rate of turnover due to long hours and high stress, Allison has stayed the course for more than 28 years. “I feel fortunate to have been supported throughout my career by SUNY Plattsburgh and organizations I have volunteered with over the years such as NGLA and Tri Sigma, the Hazing Prevention Network and the Association of Fraternity & Sorority Advisors,” she said, “It is because of this support and the opportunity for growth that I have stayed in fraternity/sorority advising for the entirety of my career. That is something that is not nearly common enough.” Allison has previously been awarded the Dr. Robert H. Shaffer Award (2021), Shelley Sutherland Outstanding Volunteer Award (2012) and the Sue Kraft Fussell Distinguished Service Award (2007)—all from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. When she’s not working or volunteering for Tri Sigma and other industry organizations, Allison enjoys reading, thrifting and hiking in the Adirondacks. She also loves cooking and traveling with her husband and son, who is a college freshman. Allison Swick-Duttine (center) with colleague Will Cangialosi and National President Lauren Moran at NGLA’s 2026 annual conference in Pittsburgh. 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.   In conjunction with her honor, the NGLA Fund  is raising money in Allison’s name to support scholarships that help students attend the NGLA Annual Conference, ensuring access to leadership development and educational opportunities for future leaders. Order of Omega recognizes high-achieving fraternity and sorority members who exemplify leadership, service, and academic excellence. The organization currently has over 590 active chapters across the United States, Canada, and The Bahamas.

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.

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

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

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.”

Tri Sigma has received the Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention for the second year in a row. Presented by  Vector Solutions , the CPN Seal of Prevention represents the highest standard for online prevention education with a rigorous set of criteria to ensure measurable impact is made across the critical areas of sexual assault, alcohol and drug misuse, mental health, and diversity and inclusion. Tri Sigma is committed to promoting a safe environment and educating students and advisors on harm reduction through education, training, and tools to help students make responsible choices and to understand the consequences of their choices. “Since implementing  GreekLife.Edu , we have seen a 34% decrease of high-risk drinkers and 52% increase in members’ confidence in intervening to help another member,” said Tri Sigma’s Associate Director of Enablement Lorin Phillips. “Harm reduction is often less about policies and more about taking care of one another, creating a culture of care, and caring enough to confront another member if they demonstrate harmful behaviors.” In addition to recruiting and training highly skilled SAFE Team volunteers, Tri Sigma’s data-driven prevention plan includes the Prevention Institute, a biennial in-person program focused on helping students develop the skills needed to create their own local prevention plan, including chapter retreats to proactively prevent high-risk behaviors within their chapter. “This recognition from the Campus Prevention Network is a testament to the staff, volunteers, and chapter officers who work tirelessly to foster a safer and more inclusive collegiate experience for our members,” said Tri Sigma National President Joyce Newcom O’Daniel. “We appreciate Vector Solutions and the resources they provide to assist us in our harm prevention and inclusion efforts.” Criteria for the CPN Seal of Prevention is based on the   Principles of Effective Prevention Programs . More than 1,000 campuses and organizations are evaluated annually to determine eligibility. “Our team at Vector Solutions is proud to recognize the great value these leading institutions and organizations are providing to students and the commitment we share to making higher education communities safer and more inclusive.” A full list of the 2022 recipients of the Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention and more information on the award can be found   here .

Throughout the past few years, Tri Sigma has provided updates on the member needs and opportunities revealed in the 2021 Membership Assessment and its impact on our strategic plan. Based on those who participated, 38% of alumnae were still engaged because of lifelong learning and personal development opportunities received through Tri Sigma. Additionally, 53% felt programming outcomes met their needs, and 60% believed Tri Sigma helped prepare them to succeed after college. As such, Tri Sigma NHQ has merged its information technology and programming staff to create the Enablement Department. Led by Associate Executive Director of Enablement Lorin Phillips, Alpha Upsilon, the new department is responsible for creating, developing, delivering, and evolving programs that enhance productivity, streamline processes, and provide programming and development opportunities, training and onboarding, and more. An advisory team was also created to help inform this work. A Member-Development-Framework was created that aims to develop member affinity through fulfilling experiences. It will include the following for the 2023−24 academic year: Updated new member workbooks and the implementation and training of New Member Orientation Leaders. Downloadable member transcripts outlining completed educational offerings and study skills certification. These can be used to supplement a resume or describe competencies within the context of an employment interview. A chapter-led Member Success Series for collegiate chapters, as well as reimagined Virtual Leadership Symposiums offering joint collegiate/alumnae learning experiences like the recent offering featuring Dr. Mari Ann Callais which received rave reviews. Expanded health promotion programming that extends beyond traditional harm prevention and mental wellbeing. Additions include education surrounding building inclusive communities, prescription drug misuse, and CannabisEDU. Collegiate debrief guides to accompany required chapter-wide learning to provide an opportunity for relationship-building, member discussion and guided consideration on applying the content to personal, academic, and professional environments. An enhanced catalog of opportunities in Essential Sigma, including onboarding for new endeavors such as New Member Orientation, Alumnae and Collegiate Chapter Leader Training & Transition, and national volunteer and C.A.B. service. Regional in-person collegiate officer experiences will begin in 2025. The department hopes to expand offerings over the next three years to include additional certificate programs, expanded onboarding and training, and more virtual and in-person opportunities aimed at promoting leadership development and member success.   All Tri Sigma members already have access to a variety of engaging opportunities and learning modules in Essential Sigma. This resource-rich library caters to the educational needs of collegians, alumnae, and volunteers alike, empowering them to enhance their knowledge and skills. Learn more by logging into Sigma Connect » Essential Sigma.

Tri Sigma has announced a new collegiate chapter leadership structure designed to create a more streamlined and efficient system for chapters. This change hopes to alleviate many of the struggles chapters have faced, such as long committee meetings, unbalanced responsibilities, cluttered officer communication, and a lack of clarity of roles and reporting. Additionally, the new position titles are more in line with similar post-collegiate professional roles, and the revised structure more closely reflects those in corporate settings. Tri Sigma’s new collegiate leadership structure consists of an 8-person officer team, as well as 10 manager positions, three additional optional positions based on chapter needs, and the opportunity for as many chapter advisory positions as needed to support the chapter. Chapters with less than 20 members eligible to serve in these positions follow the Minimalistic Leadership Structure (MLS) that combines officer responsibilities resulting in a 4-person officer team. The new structure aims to provide: Transferable real-world experience for our members Further development of leaders who guide the direction of the chapter Increased effectiveness in addressing individual member and chapter needs Streamlined communication channels both locally and nationally We look forward to offering more specific leadership development opportunities, as well as additional training, resources, and targeted communications. The Chapter Advisory Board structure has been updated to better support chapter leaders and provide C.A.B.s with the autonomy to recruit advisors to serve on the board. The new roles will begin in January 2024.

Tri Sigma National Sorority is pleased to announce the chartering of its Upstate South Carolina Alumnae Chapter. Though officially approved by Executive Council this spring, an event was held Aug. 19 at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC, to celebrate the official presentation of the chapter’s charter. “Tri Sigma is thrilled to strengthen our alumnae presence in South Carolina,” said National President Joyce O’Daniel. “We look forward to the positive impact the Upstate South Carolina Alumnae Chapter members will make through philanthropic service in the local community.” Christi Jones-McNeill, Delta Pi–Winthrop University, serves as Alumnae Chapter President. Other elected officers include Treasurer Marsha’l Hines, Epsilon Theta–Oglethorpe University; Programming Officer Bailey Sherwood, Delta Theta–University of North Carolina at Pembroke; Public Relations Officer Cammie Wolfe, Zeta Chi–Coastal Carolina University; Membership Officer Megan Horton, Eta Beta–Newberry College; and Co-Philanthropy Officers Courtney Giles, Eta Beta–Newberry College, and Shelly Rowan, Epsilon Pi–Presbyterian College. Tri Sigma has nearly 140,000 lifetime members, and the Upstate South Carolina Alumnae Chapter marks Tri Sigma’s 95th alumnae chapter. Local alumnae interested in joining can request upcoming meeting information at upstatesctrisigma@gmail.com .

Tri Sigma National Headquarters has announced the organization will reestablish its Zeta Chi Chapter at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, in fall 2024. Tri Sigma’s Zeta Chi Chapter was originally founded at CCU in 1997 and closed in 2021, citing low morale and membership numbers. With sorority registration numbers and enrollment improving since the closure, campus leadership feels 2024 is the ideal time to successfully reestablish. “We are thrilled to bring Tri Sigma back to Coastal Carolina. Our return to Teal Nation will be focused on providing an outstanding member experience, a commitment to serving others, and abundant individual opportunities for lifelong personal and leadership growth,” said National President Joyce O’Daniel. Coastal Carolina University is a public liberal arts institution with an enrollment of more than 10,000. Among its 145 student clubs and organizations, Tri Sigma will be among six other National Panhellenic Conference sororities on campus, including Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Chi Omega, Gamma Phi Beta, Sigma Kappa, and Phi Sigma Sigma. The University offers 100+ undergraduate fields of study as well as doctoral and masters programs across six academic colleges. Questions regarding this reestablishment may be sent to Sr. Director of Membership Engagement Daina Knoblock at dknoblock@trisigma.org . Tri Sigma alumnae members interested in volunteering to assist with the reestablishment or serve on the Zeta Chi’s Chapter Advisory Board, are encouraged to apply here . Image Source: Coastal Carolina University

It is with tremendous sorrow we report the passing of past Walton House Board Chair Inez Norwood Fridley, Gamma Beta–East Carolina University, and past Tri Sigma Foundation Board member Francis Wilhelm Redmon, Alpha Nu–Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Both passed into Omega Chapter on March 11, 2024. Inez received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1966 and a master’s degree from East Carolina University where she was initiated in 1973. A longtime resident of Greenville, North Carolina, she was extremely active in her community, having served on both the town council and as Mayor Pro Tem. She served Tri Sigma on the Walton House Board of Directors for nearly 20 years, held various Convention committee roles through the years, and was a past President of the Gamma Beta House Corporation. She was the recipient of the Founders Award, Outstanding National Officer Service Award, and had recently been presented with a Golden Violet, of which she was so very proud. “Inez Fridley was a modern Renaissance woman. She loved her family, her neighbors, Greenville, and East Carolina University. She delighted in all forms of art, history and nature,” said longtime friend and Past Executive Council President Laura Ward Sweet. “Inez made us all better.” Inez is survived by her two sisters and three special nieces, one of whom was named after her. Online condolences can be made here . Frances—or Fran as she was known to her Tri Sigma sisters—graduated from the University of Illinois in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Speech Education. She had previously attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she was initiated in 1956 and later served as Chapter President. She began a career in fashion and modeling and later pursued her dream of singing, dancing, and acting. After moving to Alexandria, Virginia, she remained active in the arts through involvement with several groups, including the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, Alexandria Singers, and the Little Theatre of Alexandria. In 1998, she was appointed to the Virginia Commission for the Arts by the then governor. Fran was a member of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter and previously served on the Tri Sigma Foundation Board of Directors and as a national sorority volunteer. She is a past recipient of the Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award, an Alumna Recognition Award, and the Golden Violet. “Fran will be missed by the many sisters she impacted. Whether through the Foundation Board, the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter, or the many other places where she gave of her time and her talents, we will feel this loss deeply,” said Foundation Board Chair JeanMarie Komyathy Mattingly. “She loved Tri Sigma and was a wonderful member for many years!” She is survived by her husband, son, and two granddaughters. Online condolences can be made here . Sympathy cards may be mailed for both women to Tri Sigma National Headquarters at 207 North Muhlenberg Street, Woodstock, VA 22664, to be sent to the family.

Tri Sigma has partnered with OurHouse , a chapter management and group communication app for fraternity and sorority chapters. Designed to serve as a central hub for chapter operations, it will empower Tri Sigma chapters to run more efficiently.  Members will have access to a real-time chapter event calendar and newsfeed, polling features, a document portal, excuse submissions, service and study hour submissions, and more. The OurHouse app also offers study time tracking, emergency check-ins, photo sharing for social media and recruitment, group and direct messaging, and member-to-member in-app calling and texting.   For housed chapters with meal service, the app will accommodate late plate requests and allow diners to anonymously provide meal feedback to the chef. All chapters can keep track of food allergies or dietary needs for their events.  Other offerings like push notifications, member rosters, activity point tracking, document storage, and a polling feature will help chapter leaders, NHQ and the Foundation streamline communications.   Both collegiate and alumnae chapters will also have updated websites provided through OurHouse. Websites and other services will be provided by NHQ free of additional charges for chapters. OurHouse is a Los Angeles-based technology provider founded by a team of former executive council officers from Sigma Nu Fraternity at UCLA. The OurHouse app is available in the Apple and Google Play stores and serves as a central hub for more than 200,000 daily users, including members of Alpha Phi, Sigma Kappa, Theta Phi Alpha, and more.