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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 was founded and built upon bonds of friendship and grew from those shared bonds, uniting and welcoming women into our sisterhood. Historically, there is evidence that membership access was exclusive, and not all women were considered for membership. Executive Council, and NHQ staff is committed to moving Tri Sigma forward with care and concern for all members. Through many difficult conversations, several opportunities have been identified to increase diversity and create more inclusive and equitable spaces where members can feel welcome, confident, and empowered to ignite change. In 2018, Tri Sigma established the Initiative for Inclusive Excellence to address matters of equity and inclusion. Work began, and outside consultants presented a report during the 2019 Convention. These recommendations were given thoughtful consideration and placed on the list of high-priority initiatives. To date, Tri Sigma has: Created a standing committee of volunteers for diversity, equity, and inclusion known as the Inclusive Excellence Committee. Formed a staff committee for diversity, equity, and inclusion known as the Inclusive Excellence staff group. Eliminated our legacy policy. Revised our standards of membership to no longer include an alumnae recommendation. Collected demographic information of members. Incorporated a diversity, equity, and inclusion committee within the collegiate chapter leadership structure. Hosted a series of listening sessions to hear directly from members of marginalized identities. Featured a series of anti-racism webinars with small group conversations. Published a 3-part series on Inclusive Excellence in Essential Sigma and recommended completion for all members. Adapted the 3-part series on Inclusive Excellence in Essential Sigma and required completion for all collegiate chapter leaders. Reviewed governing documents for problematic language, providing suggestions for updates. Compiled a master calendar of cultural celebrations and appropriate messaging for social media observances. “This list is not finite. We know there is more to do, and we are proud to continually work to achieve these initiatives, which will benefit all of our members,” said National President Natalie Natalie Moore Averette.

Six alumnae and four collegians have been selected to serve on Tri Sigma’s newest standing committee, Inclusive Excellence. This committee will review the sorority’s current policies, and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, engage with and gather input from members of the sorority’s constituency, research best practices, assist with identifying tools and developing educational materials for increased dialogue and civil discourse, and monitor progress towards implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The team will be led by Committee Coordinator Leslie Deeb, Beta Epison–Western Illinois University. “I believe fraternal organizations, such as Tri Sigma, are well past their due date to set diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into motion. The only way fraternal organizations can begin to re-imagine their representation in this world, and their purpose is by having authentic, raw conversations.,” said Leslie. “These conversations must happen regularly from member to member in individual chapters all the way to the leadership entities in national headquarters. Fraternal organizations must begin to acknowledge, welcome, and celebrate the unique, lived experiences of our individual members who have minoritized, marginalized intersectional identities. It is critical that fraternal organizations create, promote, and foster an environment that is inclusive and equitable so that diverse identities can thrive in our spaces.” Other members include Pritali Amrutkar, Epsilon Theta–Oglethorpe University; Giselle Chun, Epsilon Nu–University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Charlotte Coberley, Omicron–Eastern Michigan University; Miranda Himel, Alpha Mu–University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Lafayette Alumnae Chapter; Crystal Jones, Zeta Pi–Virginia Wesleyan University; Logan Levine, Alpha–Longwood University; Maria Price, Alpha Beta–Kent State University; Berylann Rivera, Eta Nu–Ramapo College of New Jersey; and Lily Rupert, Epsilon Chi–Northeastern University. The committee looks forward to taking on this important work. “All Tri Sigmas—including our Black, Indigenous, and other sisters of color, as well as our LGBTQIA+ sisters, members from lower income backgrounds, those with physical disabilities, and anyone who faces discrimination in their day-to-day life—deserve to have a place they can call home,” said Pritali.

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.

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.

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 continues its organization-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion with the announcement of two new partnerships. Timothy J. Fair has a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University, and is currently working at Auburn University as the Chief of Staff for the Office of Inclusion and Diversity. Ada K. Wilson has a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and also works for Auburn University in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity as an Assistant Vice President for Access and Inclusive Excellence. Mr. Fair and Ms. Wilson will be working with Tri Sigma to develop a comprehensive cultural competency training module and training materials for undergraduate students, alumnae, volunteer leaders, and staff. Mr. Fair and Ms. Wilson will also help us measure the overall impact of these training efforts, and both will help create and lead our new national diversity and inclusion committee. “We are grateful to have Tim and Ada, who are clearly experts in the field of diversity and inclusion, help guide us and provide a framework for creating awareness and education, and to help us cultivate the kind of actions and attitudes that align with the values, principles, and policies of Tri Sigma,” said Marcia Cutter, Executive Director.

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.