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  • Tri Sigma Earns Six Fraternity Communications Association Awards

    Tri Sigma’s Marketing & Communications Team earned top honors at the 2026 Fraternity Communications Association Annual Conference in May. Joining fraternity and sorority professionals from across the nation, team members participated in three days of idea-sharing, professional development, and roundtable discussions on emerging marketing trends. The event concluded with the FCA’s Recognition Banquet, where Tri Sigma earned six FCA awards for 2025 work—tying with two other sororities for the most awards received. “Regardless of the awards we receive, I am incredibly proud of the work our Marketing & Communications Team produces," said Jennifer Freeman Thompson, Sr. Director of Marketing & Communication. "It demonstrates our commitment to creating meaningful engagement with members, alumnae, donors, and supporters through innovative storytelling, strategic engagement, and impactful visual communications." The following awards recognize excellence for work completed in 2025: MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS  Merchandise Promotion - 1st Place 2025 Holiday Gift Guide Now in its third year, Tri Sigma’s Holiday Gift Guide paired persuasive storytelling with brand-forward design to increase seasonal sales and encourage members to view merchandise as a meaningful expression of pride and belonging. The comprehensive guide and subsequent promotional campaign increased traffic to the Purple & Pearls Boutique by 114% and drove a 70% increase in sales over 2024. This award honors the outstanding promotion of licensed merchandise or a shopping opportunity and was judged on use of persuasive copy and engaging design to appeal to a target audience, strategic planning as shown through outlined goals and objectives, and success as demonstrated through outcomes, metrics, and analytics. This project was led and designed by Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Hannah Laux with support from Engagement Coordinator Madilyn Miller, Epsilon Gamma–Grand Valley State University. Website Improvement – 2nd Place TriSigmaFoundation.org Launched in August 2025, Tri Sigma Foundation’s new website offers a more modern look, a streamlined menu, longer scrolling pages, and improved access to content. This research-led revamp aimed to create an informed, inspired, and impactful user experience that complimented trisigma.org while also standing on its own. Entries were judged on improved user experience, presentation of content, and overall design. The project was led by Jennifer Freeman Thompson with support from Hannah Laux, Ellen Herbig, Beta Beta–Missouri State University, and Robert Irish of Industrial Rabbit. MAGAZINE EXCELLENCE AWARDS  Story Packaging (2–4 Pages) – 2nd Place "2025 Triangle Foundation Campaign Launch" Highlighting the Tri Sigma Foundation's historic $10 million comprehensive campaign, the article appeared in the 2025 issue of The Triangle and served as both a campaign update and a case for continued support. This award honors the outstanding combination of writing and design and was judged on creative use of typography, color, photography, illustration, infographics, and/or other visual elements to enhance the reader experience. It was developed by Ellen Herbig and Jennifer Freeman Thompson. CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS Magazine Design (Single Page) – 1st Place “Which Founder Are You?” Developed to engage both print and online readers of the 2025 issue of The Triangle, this illustrated quiz encouraged members to find which Founder they most resemble. secured top honors for its engaging design. The concept and interactive content was developed by Engagement Coordinator Madilyn Miller and designed by freelancer Katrina Chandler. Logo Design – 3rd Place 2028 National Convention Logo Each triennium, Executive Council is presented with logo options to debut in the convention location reveal video at the close of the preceding event. This logo, designed by freelancer Olivia Shelley, reimagines Tri Sigma’s colors within a desert landscape to highlight the location of our upcoming 2028 Convention in Phoenix. Promotional Item – 3rd Place 2025 National Convention Bag & Scarf Chosen by the Convention Hoopla Committee and designed by Jennifer Freeman Thompson, this Convention attendee gift juxtaposed an understated but oversized tote bag with a boldly patterned scarf. The scarf’s pattern was on trend, blending coquette-style bow detailing with illustrated violets and our Greek letters. FCA received 774 entries from 53 member organizations in categories spanning a variety of areas designed to highlight the unique work of the fraternity/sorority industry. A complete list of winners and categories is available here. In addition to the team's creative success, Jennifer Freeman Thompson was reelected to serve on FCA’s Board of Directors for the 2026–27 term.

  • Tri Sigma Wins Six Interfraternal FCA Awards

    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.

  • Tri Sigma Relaunches Tradewinds Career Development Program

    Tri Sigma is thrilled to announce enhanced strategic career development partnerships designed to empower women, accelerate career readiness, and foster financial literacy among its members. Through collaborations with Mentor Collective, Careerhouse, and The MJ Companies, Tri Sigma reaffirms its commitment to the lifelong betterment and support of its members. The cornerstone of this announcement is the highly anticipated relaunch of Tradewinds, a program aimed at supporting members in their professional journey. Made possible in part by the generous contributions of donors to the Tri Sigma Foundation, the program is now Tradewinds Career & Connections Network and features robust, industry-leading offerings. Launching this summer, the Tri Sigma Mentor Collective introduces an innovative mentorship platform focused on promoting human connection, resilience, and adaptability. The program pairs collegiate members with alumnae mentors based on shared experiences, interests, and career aspirations. Available to 100 percent of collegiate members, this initiative provides invaluable guidance throughout college while intentionally strengthening intergenerational bonds across the organization. Also joining the Tradewinds network is Career Launchpad, in partnership with Careerhouse. This platform equips women to confidently advance their careers through practical education tailored specifically for sorority women. Members gain access to vital resources on resume writing, networking, leadership, and career planning. Career Launchpad also uniquely educates members on the negotiation process and its specific impact on women in the workforce, while providing real-time networking, worksheets, live office hours, and comprehensive learning sessions. Both the Tri Sigma Mentor Collective and Career Launchpad Series are funded by the Tri Sigma Foundation. Additionally, Tri Sigma is leveraging its existing partnership with The MJ Companies to offer Financial Headstart, a 5-part podcast series designed to help members build confidence in their personal finances. Through focused lessons on budgeting, compensation and benefits, insurance, and retirement planning, the series provides an exceptional opportunity to enhance financial literacy and empower members to take active control of their financial futures. To learn more or participate in the Tri Sigma Mentor Collective, visit trisigma.org/mentor-collective. To learn more or enroll in the Career Launchpad Series, visit trisigma.org/career-launchpad-series. To listen to the Financial Headstart podcast, log into SigmaConnect at sigmaconnect.trisigma.org and access Essential Sigma from the menu. Once in Essential Sigma, search Certification: Financial Head Start in the Learning Catalog.

  • Chapter Resources Available for MOD's March for Babies Bubble Zones

    The Tri Sigma Foundation and March of Dimes have partnered to introduce the Tri Sigma Bubble Zone, an opportunity to support the fight for healthy moms and babies. Bubble Zones can bring Sigma sisters together to have fun during March of Dimes events like March for Babies while shedding light on how March of Dimes research impacts premature babies everywhere. Download the Bubble Zone Guide and watch the webinar below to learn: What is March for Babies and how can I volunteer at my local event What is Bubble Zone and why is it important What is surfactant and surfactant replacement therapy 5 tips for how to host a Bubble Zone Preview the new March of Dimes brand

  • Desiree Paulhamus Jackson Appointed Chair of the National Panhellenic Conference Foundation Board of Trustees

    Desiree Paulhamus Jackson, Alpha Omicron–University of Central Arkansas, has been elected President and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Panhellenic Conference Foundation. In this role, which began July 1, she will help guide the strategic vision and philanthropic impact of the NPCF on a national scale. The NPCF is the philanthropic partner of the National Panhellenic Conference, and its Board of Trustees plays a vital role in directing the Foundation's core initiatives. “The Board of Trustees sets the direction for how NPC Foundation funds are managed and awarded,” said NPC Foundation CEO Dani Weatherford. “This includes its ongoing financial support for Conference programming such as College Panhellenic Academy and its support of scholarships to help undergraduate and graduate sorority women better afford the cost of higher education and new initiatives that arise during the year.” Desiree brings a wealth of professional expertise and a deep commitment to the fraternal movement to this role. She currently serves as the Assistant Executive Director of the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, where she leads programming and engagement initiatives to support professional staff and volunteers dedicated to advancing fraternal foundations. An engaged and dedicated member of Tri Sigma and past staff member of the Tri Sigma Foundation, Desiree has served in various roles as a national volunteer for more than 15 years. In addition to the NPC Foundation, she serves as Past President for Leadership Saline County and is a standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She currently resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her husband and their two rescue dogs. Desiree will serve her 2-year term alongside Treasurer Alicia Adams, Alpha Gamma Delta, and Trustees Carole Jones, Alpha Omicron Pi; Leslie Morgan, Delta Zeta; and Patty O'Neill, Alpha Delta Pi. Mary Pat Rooney also serves as a trustee via her role as the NPC Board of Directors liaison to the NPC Foundation. Dani Weatherford, chief executive officer, continues in her role for the foundation. "I am honored to serve as president of the National Panhellenic Conference Foundation and continue supporting the important work of investing in women, leadership, and the future of the Panhellenic experience," said Desiree. "I look forward to working alongside my fellow trustees and our sorority community to strengthen the Foundation's impact in support of NPC's mission, priorities, and programming.” The NPCF supports initiatives that strengthen and enhance the sorority experience. Through stewardship of its endowments and donor support, the NPCF funds scholarships, leadership development opportunities, and educational programming that support women and advance NPC's mission.

  • Tri Sigma Equips Members to Combat the College Mental Health Crisis Through National First Aid Certification Program

    Tri Sigma is proud to announce the successful launch and continued expansion of its Mental Health First Aid Certification Program. Recognizing the urgent mental health needs of young adults, Tri Sigma has proactively implemented this nationally recognized early-intervention program to equip members with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Today’s college students are navigating a complex landscape of emotional, academic, and social challenges. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 36% of young adults between 18 and 25 are struggling with mental illness—the highest rate among all adults—yet they remain the least likely to seek treatment. By embedding Mental Health First Aiders directly within its chapters, Tri Sigma is effectively bridging the critical gap between students in distress and the professional resources capable of providing long-term help. "Data from surveys completed by Tri Sigma members and the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence show that our members have a better understanding of mental health than generations before them, but a gap still exists on how to intervene or support those experiencing challenges,” said volunteer Prevention Specialist for Tri Sigma and Licensed Professional Counselor Lauren Cunkelman, Alpha Delta–Drexel University. "Becoming a Mental Health First Aider is the first step in closing that gap and empowering our members to step in and support others." To ensure every collegiate chapter has a strong, sustainable support system, Tri Sigma launched an initiative to fully fund the certification for one collegiate member and one advisor per chapter. During the program's inaugural year, 160 collegiate members, chapter advisors, and alumnae successfully earned their certification, creating stronger networks of care on college campuses and in communities nationwide. The implementation of this program was made possible by generous donors of the Tri Sigma Foundation. This funding allowed the sorority to invest in the specialized training of three certified MHFA facilitators who, in turn, certified the additional participants. Participants learned how to identify early warning signs of mental health or substance use challenges, listen non-judgmentally, provide immediate reassurance, and confidently refer individuals to professional support. The response from the 160 newly certified members has been overwhelmingly positive, with survey respondents noting the coursework provided them with the direct tools needed to save lives. By continuing to expand this certification program, Tri Sigma is prioritizing the holistic wellbeing of its sisterhood, empowering young women to lead with empathy, and proving that healthy communities begin with members who know how to truly support one another. Tri Sigma has subsidized the certification fee to make it accessible to all alumnae for $50. This allows post-graduate members to utilize the training for professional development, earn potential Continuing Education Unit credits, and foster cultures of mental wellness in their own workplaces and communities. Members can log into sigmaconnect.trisigma.org to learn more, view upcoming training dates, or register for a training session.

  • Tri Sigma Announces 2025 National Award Winners

    Tri Sigma is proud to recognize exceptional members and chapters during the 2025 calendar year as a part of its annual awards program. The annual awards program celebrates the accomplishments of collegiate chapters, alumnae chapters and individual members during the past calendar 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. The following 2025 award recipients have created a legacy of excellence, hard work, and are stellar examples of a values-focused commitment to Tri Sigma and their communities.  COLLEGIATE CHAPTER AWARDS Excellence in Alumnae Engagement Nu–University of Central Missouri Excellence in Marketing and Social Media Social Media Campaign: Alpha Chi–Murray State University PR Week: Gamma Xi–Barton College Creative Use of TikTok: Zeta Theta–Idaho State University Excellence in Member Engagement and Inclusivity Alpha Chi–Murray State University Excellence in New Member Engagement Chi–Pittsburg State University Excellence in New Member Onboarding Alpha Chi–Murray State University Excellence in Membership Recruitment Nu–University of Central Missouri Excellence in Ritual and Values Eta Tau–Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Community Collaborator Award Zeta Theta–Idaho State University Theta Alpha–High Point University Community Impact Award Beta Epsilon–Western Illinois University Resiliency Award Beta Beta–Missouri State University Theta Alpha–High Point University Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency Award Nu–University of Central Missouri Laura Ward Sweet Panhellenic Excellence Award Nu–University of Central Missouri INDIVIDUAL COLLEGIATE AWARDS Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award Morgen Rhodes, Beta Tau–University of Detroit Mercy Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Erin Clark, Eta Tau–Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Outstanding Advisor Taylor Hester, Eta Tau C.A.B. Chair Andrea Richards, Mu C.A.B. Chair Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year Alyssa Mohr, Eastern Michigan University ALUMNAE CHAPTER AWARDS  Alumnae Chapter of the Year Chicago North Shore Empowered to Innovate Pittsburgh Excellence in Collegiate Support Phoenix Excellence in Character Development Long Beach Excellence in Member Development & Educational Programming Phoenix Excellence in Mentorship Indianapolis Suburban Excellence in Ritual & Values Denver Excellence in Social Media Lafayette Excellence in Volunteerism Chicago North Shore INDIVIDUAL ALUMNAE AWARDS Emerging Alumna Rebecca Jones, Zeta Chi and Coastal Area Alumnae Chapter Outstanding Alumna Haley Foster, Alpha Beta and Metropolitan Washington Alumnae Chapter Emma Hanby, Alpha Beta and Northeast Ohio Alumnae Chapter Steadfast Alumna Cindy Harms, Alpha Epsilon and Long Beach Alumnae Chapter Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award Amanda Armstrong, Iota Alpha and Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter Collegiate awards were presented live at the Regional Academies hosted throughout January and February. Alumnae awards were presented locally throughout March and April. For more information on awards criteria, members can log into Sigma Connect.

  • Allison Swick-Duttine Receives NGLA Compass Award and Chapter Advisor of the Year Award from Order of Omega

    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 Seeks Applicants for Member Advisory Panel Pilot

    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 to Join UW-La Crosse Campus

    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 to Join University of Central Oklahoma Campus

    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 Mourns Passing of Former National Vice President

    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.”

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