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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.

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.

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

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 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.

Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority has announced that the organization’s Executive Council has officially approved the relocation of its national headquarters to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The decision came after an extensive review of a detailed, third-party feasibility study on the physical space needs of the administrative offices and archives. Several factors were considered, including the evolving needs of the organization and the cost of maintaining two properties—one of which was built in 1914. “During the past few years, many organizations across all industries and sectors have reimagined the use of physical office spaces. With 75 percent of Tri Sigma’s full-time staff working remotely across 12 states, the operating needs of our organization have evolved,” said National President Joyce Newcom O’Daniel. “This move will allow us to dedicate a larger percentage of resources to serving the needs of our collegiate and alumnae members.” The new headquarters will be located in the facility previously occupied by Tri Sigma’s Delta Delta Chapter at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is owned by Tri Sigma, has an ADA-compliant ground floor, and is close to a major airport. In addition to making travel to NHQ more accessible to staff, volunteers, and other visitors, its proximity to three major universities will also provide expanded opportunities for larger in-person meetings and events. While Woodstock has been Tri Sigma’s longest-running base of operations, it was not the first. Prior to Sigma’s purchase of the Walton House in the 1960s, the national office had previously moved to wherever the current national president lived. “Woodstock, Virginia, will forever have an important place in Tri Sigma’s history. As we honor our time here and those who played a role in that part of our history, we also look forward to our next chapter,” said O’Daniel. “This decision looks toward our future and keeping Tri Sigma moving ever forward.” For more information, visit our FAQ.

In partnership with an outside facilitator, Tri Sigma is excited to provide alumnae members with an exciting new professional development opportunity! “Set Sail into Service” is a cohort-style educational series designed to prepare alumnae for nonprofit leadership and/or board service. The cohort will meet virtually on the second Tuesday of each month from October 2023-May 2024. After completing the program and all assignments, participants will: Learn core governance and nonprofit board principles applicable to any organization and how those principles are practiced in Tri Sigma. Position themselves as a competitive candidate for a service leadership role in their community. Build peer relationships within Tri Sigma to support and advance their service leadership development aspirations. This programming is not a prerequisite for Tri Sigma Sorority or Foundation board service, but rather a primer for those considering serving any nonprofit board. UPDATE—Applications are now closed.

Photo: Tri Sigma Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Freeman Thompson (center) receives some help from Tri Sigmas Mallory Hite Borino (left), Director of Marketing and Communications at Delta Gamma Sorority, and Rachel Greene (right), Communications Director for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Each year, hundreds of communications and marketing professionals from fraternal organizations, professional membership groups, and honor societies gather for the Fraternity Communications Association’s annual conference. One highlight of the event is the awards banquet, where the industry’s best work created in the past year is honored. Tri Sigma is pleased to announce its Marketing and Communications Team has received the following 2022 FCA Awards: CRITIC’S CHOICE AWARDS Social Media Post – 2nd Place – Purple & Pearls Boutique RelaunchIntended 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 MailerThe 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 ReportThis 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 TriangleThis 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 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.