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With the help of a matching RPM Grant from the Tri Sigma Foundation, the Alpha Mu Chapter brought 'a little something extra' to young patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital In the heart of Louisiana, a place of hope and healing now boasts an enchanting addition that is already bringing smiles and joy to the faces of the youngest patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s & Children’s Hospital in Lafayette. The recently updated Child Life Playroom is the latest testament to the impact of the Robbie Page Memorial Fund. A partnership between the Our Lady of Lourdes Foundation and the Alpha Mu Chapter at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, plus a matching grant through the Tri Sigma Foundation made the playroom possible. A dedication ceremony for the 300-square-foot space was held in April. The playroom provides a special place for pediatric and PICU patients to participate in therapeutic play, a small oasis of fun and normalcy amidst an often-stressful medical setting. “There is such a healing modality to providing children the opportunity to do things they would be doing at home that they are unable to do while they are in the hospital,” said Laurel Blanchard, Certified Child Life Specialist. “Being able to have this space allows that.” With its vibrant colors and an abundance of toys and games, this space has become a beacon of happiness for the hospital's tiniest patients. It's not just about fun and games; it's a vital component of the healing process. Research shows child life therapy significantly improves the well-being of pediatric patients. According to a study published in Medical News Today, child life interventions reduce anxiety levels in hospitalized children by more than 70 percent. The Alpha Mu Chapter raised funds through their annual chili cook-off, one of the largest annual philanthropic events hosted by a Tri Sigma collegiate chapter. "Our annual chili cook-off has been enjoyed by our community for officially a decade. Our members always enjoy seeing how much our sponsors, teams, and attendees enjoy this event," said Alpha Mu Philanthropy Chair Ashley Graffeo. "Our members take so much pride in knowing our hard work supports causes greater than ourselves." The Tri Sigma Foundation awards grants to local therapeutic play programs nominated by individual members, as well as collegiate and alumnae chapters. Play therapy helps children cope with difficult emotions and experiences. It can also help children feel more comfortable during medical procedures, like getting a shot or having blood drawn. By teaching them relaxation techniques and distracting them with play, they can feel less pain and fear. Since the establishment of the Robbie Page Memorial Fund in 1954, Tri Sigmas have contributed more than $2 million in grants to support our philanthropic initiative Sigma Serves Children. Each year, the Foundation awards local grants to programs nominated by individual Tri Sigmas or alumnae/collegiate chapters. Grants up to $5,000 may be awarded to hospitals and clinics for items such tablets, virtual reality headsets, sensory boxes, books, and interactive play tables. To learn more, visit trisigma.org/foundation/sigma-serves-children The Triangle FALL 2024 Submit Stories & Photos Links to other stories in this issue or links to departments? Past Issues Fall 2023 I From the Foundation Louisiana Lagniappe by Tri Sigma

News & Events Latest News Apr 19 NATIONAL UPDATES Tri Sigma Partners with OurHouse to Streamline Chapter Communications Tri Sigma has partnered with OurHouse, a chapter management and group communication app for fraternity and sorority chapters. Designed to... Apr 5 AWARDS & RECOGNITION Tri Sigma Announces 2023 National Award Winners Tri Sigma is proud to recognize exceptional members and chapters during the 2023 calendar year as a part of its annual awards program.... Mar 22 OMEGA CHAPTER Tri Sigma Saddened to Announce Passing of Two Past Board Members It is with tremendous sorrow we report the passing of past Walton House Board Chair Inez Norwood Fridley, Gamma Beta–East Carolina... Nov 16, 2023 EXTENSION Tri Sigma to Reestablish at Coastal Carolina University Tri Sigma National Headquarters has announced the organization will reestablish its Zeta Chi Chapter at Coastal Carolina University in... Sep 25, 2023 ALUMNAE CHAPTERS Upstate South Carolina Alumnae Chapter Celebrates Official Chartering Tri Sigma National Sorority is pleased to announce the chartering of its Upstate South Carolina Alumnae Chapter. Though officially... Sep 22, 2023 NATIONAL UPDATES Collegiate Leadership & Support Structure Changes Tri Sigma has announced a new collegiate chapter leadership structure designed to create a more streamlined and efficient system for... VIEW ALL NEWS NEWS CATEGORIES National Updates Awards & Recognition Omega Chapter Extension Alumnae Chapters Programs Foundation Executive Council Volunteers SOCIAL MEDIA TRIANGLE MAGAZINE Read the latest issue, share an idea, or submit a photo or chapter report here . OTHER PUBLICATIONS Annual Report The Sigma Scoop Golden Glimpses Local Founders Day Events Tri Sigma Founders Day is April 20! During the month of April, Sigmas from coast to coast are encouraged gather together each year celebrate the founding of our sisterhood. FIND AN EVENT SUBMIT AN EVENT Upcoming Events Tri Sigma Goes to Italy Fri, Jun 13 Rome, Florence, and Venice Jun 13, 2025, 12:00 AM – Jun 20, 2025, 12:00 AM Rome, Florence, and Venice, Italy Jun 13, 2025, 12:00 AM – Jun 20, 2025, 12:00 AM Rome, Florence, and Venice, Italy RSVP 2025 National Convention Thu, Jun 26 Union Station Hotel Jun 26, 2025, 12:00 AM – Jun 28, 2025, 11:50 PM Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA Jun 26, 2025, 12:00 AM – Jun 28, 2025, 11:50 PM Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA RSVP 2025 Founders Day of Giving Date and time is TBD Founders Day of Giving Dashboard Date and time is TBD Founders Day of Giving Dashboard Date and time is TBD Founders Day of Giving Dashboard Join us April 2025 to honor our Founders and

Congratulations to the following individuals for outstanding achievement during the 2022-23 academic year: Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award Jaiden Smith, Chi–Pittsburg State University Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior Award Eliza Simikian, Alpha Chi–Murray State University Outstanding Collegiate Member Award Elaina Bancroft, Theta Zeta–Case Western Reserve University Kambry Farris, Eta Kappa–Texas Women's University Chloe St. George, Theta Epsilon–Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas Maggie Inman, Epsilon Theta–Oglethorpe University Outstanding Senior Award Kate Caforio, Theta Zeta–Case Western Reserve University Alexandria Mizia, Alpha Alpha–Concord University Anna Claire Pousson, Alpha Mu–University of Louisiana at Lafayette Jessica Rinehart, Theta Mu–Randolph-Macon College Savanna Willis, Gamma Xi–Barton College Outstanding Advisor Award Catherine Duffin Albright, Chi–Pittsburg State University Emily Rae Murphy, Eta Kappa–Texas Women's University Kathy Rayburn Kopperud, Alpha Chi–Murray State University Lillian Grace Lingenfelter, Pi–Emporia State University Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year Amanda Metts, Barton College Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award Glennis Webb, Epsilon Pi–Presbyterian College Outstanding Alumnae Award Jessica Miller Alsip, Eta Kappa–Texas Woman's University Erica Louise Dutter, Alpha Beta–Kent State University Kara Eaton Rees, Beta Gamma–Ball State University Jill Carlson Schmidt, Epsilon Omicron–Illinois State University Emerging Alumnae Award Ashley Vanessa Acosta, Eta Kappa–Texas Woman's University Susan Raylene Bayless, Iota Alpha–Alumnae Initiate Haley Marie Foster, Alpha Beta–Kent State University Taylor Medlock Lanier, Gamma Xi–Barton College Renata J. Serpico, Epsilon Omicron–Illinois State University Steadfast Alumnae Award Sharon Johannsen Devlin, Beta Lambda–Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Congratulations to the following collegiate chapters for outstanding achievement during the 2022-23 academic year: Collegiate Chapter of the Year Alpha Chi–Murray State University C.A.B. of the Year Eta Kappa–Texas Women’s University Panhellenic Excellence Chi–Pittsburg State University Creative Programing - Integrity Chi–Pittsburg State University Creative Programing - Collaboration Alpha Mu–University of Louisiana at Lafayette Creative Programing - Wellbeing Gamma Xi–Barton College Excellence in Member Development Alpha Iota–Northeastern State University Excellence in New Member Development Nu–University of Central Missouri Excellence in Ritual and Values Chi–Pittsburg State University Excellence in Volunteerism Alpha Chi–Murray State University Excellence in Membership Recruitment Alpha Mu–University of Louisiana at Lafayette J.E.K. Standards of Efficiency Award Alpha Iota–Northeastern State University The following chapters were recognized for raising the most money for the Tri Sigma Foundation by fund designation: Alpha MuRobbie Page Memorial Fund – Matching Grants & EverTrue Fund Gamma PiRobbie Page Memorial Fund – Local Grants Alpha BetaMarch of Dimes & Scholarship Fund Congratulations to the following chapters for outstanding achievement in 2022-23: Alumnae Chapter of the Year & Excellence in Collegiate Support Indianapolis Suburban Excellence in Ritual & Values Dallas Creative Programming - Communication Western Wayne-Washtenaw Excellence in Member Development & Creative Programming - Civil Discource Phoenix Excellence in Member Recruitment, Excellence in Volunteerism, & Creative Programming - Social Excellence Chicago North Shore The Triangle FALL 2024 Submit Stories & Photos Links to other stories in this issue or links to departments? Past Issues Fall 2023 I Get the Scoop Member & Chapter Recognition by Tri Sigma

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.

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 0 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 is proud to recognize exceptional members and chapters during the 2023 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 2023 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 Collegiate Chapter of the Year: Alpha Chi–Murray State University Chapter Advisory Board of the Year: Alpha Chi–Murray State University Excellence in Academic Success: Chi–Pittsburg State University Excellence in Marketing & Social Media: Mu–Truman State University Chi–Pittsburg State University Beta Alpha–Northern Illinois University Excellence in Membership Recruitment: Nu–University of Central Missouri Excellence in Resiliency: Delta Zeta–Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Jane E. Kinderman Standards of Efficiency Award: Alpha Chi–Murray State University Laura Ward Sweet Panhellenic Excellence Award: Nu–University of Central Missouri INDIVIDUAL COLLEGIATE AWARDS Mabel Lee Walton Leadership Award: Halima Duarte, Epsilon Chi–Northeastern University Margaret Freeman Everett Outstanding Senior: Madeline Murdock, Chi–Pittsburg State University Outstanding Member: Rebecca Chernoff, Eta Xi–Ursinus College Alexis Epplin, Alpha Chi–Murray State University Outstanding Senior: Brenna Snively, Eta Xi–Ursinus College Caroline Reid, Alpha Chi–Murray State University Outstanding Advisor: Kathy Kopperud–Alpha Chi Advisor Sue Bracksieck–Alpha Iota Advisor Jena Harris–Alpha Rho Advisor Fraternity/Sorority Advisor of the Year: Alexis Swider, Elon University ALUMNAE CHAPTER AWARDS Alumnae Chapter of the Year: Indianapolis Suburban Excellence in Collegiate Support: Southern West Virginia Excellence in Creative Educational Programming–Collaboration: Chicago North Shore Excellence in Creative Educational Programming–Social Excellence: Kansas City Excellence in Creative Educational Programming–Wellbeing: Phoenix Excellence in Member Development: Phoenix Excellence in Member Recruitment: Chicago North Shore Excellence in Ritual & Values: Chicago North Shore Excellence in Volunteerism: Phoenix INDIVIDUAL ALUMNAE AWARDS Emerging Alumnae: Julia Melone, Eta Upsilon–Pennsylvania State University Dina Tolen, Eta Theta–Gustavus Adolphus College Shelby Kutev, Iota Alpha Outstanding Alumna: Lauren Cunkelman Ede, Alpha Delta Steadfast Alumna: Lori Prato Keating, Kappa Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award: Mary Webster, Beta Kappa Collegiate awards were presented live at the Prevention Institute, Jan. 7. Alumnae awards were presented during an online ceremony, April 2. For more information on awards criteria, members can log into Sigma Connect.