Tri Sigma an Nu

TRI SIGMA AN NU

AL 2015 REPORT MESSAGE FROM OUR national president

Since our founding in 1898, Tri Sigma has been an organization whose beliefs serve as an important guide. In this, our 118th year of our Sisterhood, our tenets remain as relevant today as they were when we were founded. Simply, we are women who live by our core values of wisdom, hope, faith, power, and love.

I am pleased to present you with this annual report in the spirit of celebration of our accomplishments and transparency of the organization. In many respects, 2015 has been a year of great success and some challenges. We continued to share our commitment to our mission by promoting a perpetual bond of friendship, KAYE SCHENDEL Gamma Phi developing strong women of character and inspiring high standards of ethical NATIONAL PRESIDENT conduct. But 2015 was also a challenging one for all sororities and fraternities as there have been a number of high profile news reports and incidents that have put the sorority experience in the media spotlight. This scrutiny has some questioning the value of our organizations and there has been great external pressure on our fraternal communities. In order to survive and continue to thrive in this environment, Tri Sigma will need to remain steadfast to our values.

In 2015, we again saw growth in the number of collegiate members and reported 8,670 members in our collegiate chapters. Our collegiate membership boasted the highest GPA in recent history. We also installed the Alpha Gamma chapter at Fort Hays State University and the Theta Eta chapter at Old Dominion University. In addition, we recognized 4 new alumnae chapters. Our collegiate chapters are doing very well with 92% of our chapters reaching pillar status.

So grab a cup of coffee and find a place to sit down and read our annual report. I think you will agree that we are a remarkable organization with a proud history and accomplishments that we can be proud of. As we achieved new goals and put new challenges into place, it’s important to recognize that we could not have achieved such accomplishments without the help of a passionate group of committed volunteers, professional staff, and devoted members who are eager to become involved and engaged in our Sorority. Each year we continue to move ever forward to renew and deepen the meaning of this extraordinary heritage, contributing to the shared vision of providing exceptional experiences to empower our members to change the world.

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 day, we remain committed Each to our core values of WISDOM, POWER, FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.

3 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA CHAPTER operations AND COLLEGIATE MEMBERSHIP AVERAGE GPA TOTAL MEMBERSHIP 2015 TOTAL # OF CHAPTERS 2015 AVERAGE CHAPTER SIZE 2015 2015 8,670 109 79 3.12

2014 2014 2014 2014 8,167 108 73 3.1

2013 2013 106 + 1 2013 2013 100th anniversaries 3.1 7,317 colony at 69 celebrated in 2015: GVSU Lambda 2012 2012 2012 2012 Mu 6,540 110 58 3.0 Nu

ACCREDITATION

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Pillar 1 9 (8%) 10 (9%) 35 (34%) 22 (21%) 34 (32%) 36 (34%) 44 (42%) Pillar 2 58 (56%) 61 (59%) 16 (16%) 31 (30%) 23 (22%) 24 (23%) 5 (5%) Pillar 3 & 4 37 (36%) 33 (32%) 51 (50%) 52 (49%) 49 (46%) 46 (43%) 55 (53%)

*Does not include chapters on Non-restrictive probation, recently closed chapters or new colonies.

It is our goal that each Sigma Sigma Sigma collegiate chapter establishes the foundation for a quality lifetime experience for its members. Chapter Accreditation outlines the minimum standards for chapter achievement and operations. It is expected that every collegiate chapter attain at least pillar 2, in order to be accredited.

Pillar 1 - Not Accredited Pillar 2 - Accredited Pillar 3 - Accredited and eligible to receive National Awards Pillar 4 - Accredited and eligible to receive top National Awards and Honors

Chapters are evaluated annually in December of every year to monitor growth, determine progress, and offer recognition through the national awards program to those top achieving chapters. In 2015 we saw an increased number of chapters achieve accreditation and an increased number of chapters achieving our highest standards in pillars 3 and 4.

PILLAR 4 CHAPTERS

Gamma Xi, Zeta Kappa, Zeta Upsilon, Beta Pi, Epsilon Rho, Beta Delta, Delta Pi, Eta Omicron, Gamma Pi, and Nu achieved Pillar 4 status. Only 8% of Tri Sigma’s chapters were non-accredited in 2015. This is our lowest percentage ever!

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 In 2015, the SAFE Team (Sigma Alcohol Abuse Prevention: In 2016, we will be focusing on how to increase the percentage Facilitation and Education Team) begin making in-person of students willing to ask the national organization a question visits to chapters to facilitate a day-long program titled and their preparedness to be a non-drinker. Additionally, “Sisterhood and Safety”. The goal is for each collegiate 2016 will be the first year we host the Prevention Institute chapter to receive a visit triennially to focus on prevention for advisors, Risk Managers and Honor Council chairmen. education (addressing high-risk behaviors). The program The Institute will focus on Partnerships in the Prevention. The and learning outcomes were developed in response to the Partnership between officers and Honor Council locally to fall 2013 Alcohol Use Assessment the National Organization uphold high standards of conduct, the partnerships between conducted with undergraduate members and advisors. This risk managers and the SAFE Team to be proactive and assess assessment will be conducted again fall 2016 to determine risks during event planning, the collaboration between Honor the impacts of the SAFE Team and the Alcohol Abuse Council and their National specialist to develop goals which Prevention Strategic plan. The 2016 assessment will be change behavior. These partnerships are focused on the expanded to include other high risk behaviors beyond alcohol four cornerstones of the SAFE Team philosophy - education, use. The results of this assessment and individual program collaboration, prevention, and safety. evaluations will frame new initiatives and programming outcomes for the 2016-2019 triennium.

5 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA EXTENSION AND growth

NEW COLLEGIATE CHAPTERS UPCOMING COLONIZATIONS INSTALLED IN 2015 Auburn University (Theta Iota), Auburn, AL Alpha Gamma* - Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS University of Massachusetts (Gamma Iota*), Theta Eta - Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA Amherst, MA, * Recolonized Oakland (Theta Theta) installed January 16th UVA (Delta Chi*) recolonized February 16th * Recolonized

NEW ALUMNAE CHAPTERS CHARTERED IN 2015 Southern West Virginia - West Virginia Central Connecticut - Connecticut Northshore Louisiana - Louisiana Tri-State Evansville - Indiana

6 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 ALUMNAE membership AND NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS

2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Total Membership 91,789 89,650 89,848 85,025 83,528 Total # of Chapters 95 96 98 101 95 Average Chapter Size 23 23.7 25.8 23 25

National Volunteers 755* 554* 627 529 638 CAB 547 487 521 430 466 NO/Resource 108 104 106 99 102

* this number includes total people, as opposed to previous years reporting on total positions filled. Note: Housing Corporation and Committee members are not included in the National volunteer total.

ALUMNAE HIGHLIGHTS As a follow up to the assessment project that began in 2014, Executive Council approved a new approach to alumnae engagement. The new approach emphasis is creating opportunities for alumnae to reconnect through Tri Sigma. Alumnae Services spent much of 2015 piloting new ways of connecting alumnae by highlighting an alumna’s connection with her collegiate chapter, targeting alumnae groups to share information, and redesigning ways to recognize membership anniversaries. Moving in to the new triennium, a volunteer team will be in place to specifically design and develop new ways to engage our members that align with the new approach.

1 The Golden Violet Celebration Weekend was hosted October 9-11, 2015 at the Mabel Lee Walton House for 17 women celebrating more than 50 years of membership. The weekend included tours of the Mabel Lee Walton House and new National Headquarters, as well as a time for Golden Violets to share memories from 3 their Tri Sigma experience. We’re looking forward to the next weekend being held October 2018.

2 Four State Days events were held in: North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas and Colorado

7 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA

CHARACTER EDUCATION AND leadership

OFFICER ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS: 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Out of the 158 women in attendance at Locations 5 5 5 5 3 the DWCI: 79 women held one or more officer or Coaches 71 87 66 66 43 chair position coming to the Institute Interns 10 10 9 10 7 (50%) Total Participants 692* 673* 569* 543 473 25 women held officer positions (16%) * Includes CAB 54 women held chair positions (34%) 10 women hold 2 positions (6%) 7 women hold 2 or more positions (4%) DUNHAM WOMEN OF CHARACTER INSTITUTE • 54% of women who attended the Dunham Women of Character 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Institute went on to become officers Total Participants 158 128 113 122 125 or chairmen in 2016. • 94% of our chapters participated in CHARACTER COUNTS! Week. SERVICE IMMERSION TRIP The Service Immersion Trips were created as a part of the Character Essay Contest character initiative, our adopted volunteerism plan and a way • Theme: What You Permit, You to achieve our vision of empowering women to change the Promote world. The concepts of active global citizenship are crucial for • 22 Collegiate and 13 Alumnae empowering women to lead change in their communities and Essays submitted. across the globe. • Our winner for the Collegiate Essay Contest was Layla Siraj, Alpha Phi 15 particpants and 2 leads went to Jamaica Sorority, Harvard. 12 participants and 2 leads went to West Virginia • The winners of our Alumnae Essay Contest were: Sharon Devlin, Beta Lambda; Emmy Smith, Epsilon Pi; and Danica White, Pi. FOUNDATION GRANTS FOR PROGRAMMING EFFORTS: 2015 2014 2013 2012 Amount $137,980 $114,600 $92,700 $90,333 Received (20.4% (23.6% (2.62% increase in increase in increase in funding funding funding from 2014) from 2013) from 2012)

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER SUMMIT to follow their dreams made me realize that I love In 2015 we hosted a virtual, at your own pace, service and TriSigma. Whatever happens in my life, Volunteer Summit entitled Using Your Strengths. if I live by my values, it does not matter where I go, 225 alumnae members participated. I will be in the right place.” - Emily Ercolini, Eta Phi

“This is wonderful and such a great opportunity to “I left feeling empowered, with a renewed sense of explore who I am and what I can offer. I am feeling purpose. I am confident to take on challenges that so inspired. Thank you for providing this opportunity previously seemed daunting. I have a stronger to grow and learn more about myself. The aha connection to my inner voice.” - Tonia Smith, Alpha moments of “that’s why I do that” amaze me. I and Phoenix Alumnae Chapter could go on and on. I wanted you to know how much of an impact this is having on me.” “I feel like I hit the Tri Sigma jackpot this year! I am - Kathryn Carlson, Zeta Beta, very grateful to have been selected for both the Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator Jamaica service immersion trip AND the Labyrinth experience. I am so proud to be a part of an LABRYINTH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE organization that “gets it” when it comes to investing our resources towards the emphasis and promotion of the values which we were founded upon. I can say with great confidence that I am a 118 applications richer woman for both experiences!” - Linda Manley 20 members attended (12 alumnae, 8 collegians) Kuitu, Epsilon Rho and Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter 3 Faculty members 55+ hours spent living our values in action

“I was really nervous about my future and the direction my life was going in before coming to Labyrinth. I also felt like parts of who I am set me apart from other women, so I was nervous I would stand out or be singled out. However Labyrinth taught me that we not only share the same values, we all live them as women of character. Actions speak so much louder than words, and time and time again, everyone on the trip showed me so much love, support, and acceptance it was overwhelming. Hearing from women of all ages about how Tri Sigma inspired them

9 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA national HEADQUARTERS NEWS

REDEDICATION OF MABEL LEE WALTON HOUSE TRI SIGMA BRAND REFRESH We held a rededication ceremony In 2015 we embarked on a journey to redefine at our Heart Home, the Mabel the Tri Sigma brand. We surveyed our members Lee Walton house, on May 2, and found a powerful message. 2015, in Woodstock, VA, to celebrate 50 years of serving as Sigma Sigma Sigma promises to be lifelong, the National Headquarters. Over loving sisters. We promote a creative, supportive 200 first time and returning members attended environment where our passion for one another the daylong celebration, which included a donor flourishes and inspires Sigmas to ignite change— breakfast hosted by our Foundation, a gravesite leaving a lasting impact. ceremony celebrating the life of Mabel Lee Walton, and the actual rededication event itself. Sigma Sigma Sigma is consistently progressive and innovative. Through relevant leadership National President Kaye Schendel, remarked development programming rooted in that “This house, this home — is a part of empowerment, we are dedicated women focused me and a part of all of us,” she shared. “It is on advancement and success. a place that holds both a history unique to all who have walked through its beautiful parlor Sigma Sigma Sigma is a dedicated, caring and a common history shared by every Tri Sigma.” sisterhood. With integrity, a sense of self-respect Moments later, town Mayor of Woodstock, and purpose, Sigmas demonstrate worthy Jeremy McCleary officially proclaimed Saturday, conduct—loyally upholding the ideals of our May 2, 2015, as Sigma Sigma Sigma Day in the Sorority. town of Woodstock, where he also extended a warm welcome and best wishes for a special Executive Council approved the new brand mid-2015 anniversary. and the organization is moving forward with launching the new Tri Sigma brand at Convention in June. Tri Sigmas not only celebrated this momentous occasion but also gave back to the community CONVENTION VOTING DELEGATE CHANGES and donated gift cards and food to Response Changes to those who will serve Inc., Shenandoah County’s only agency assisting as voting delegates were made those affected by sexual violence and child abuse. and will be effective for the After the ceremony, members of the Walton 2016 Convention. All out-going House Board and the Archives Committee gave National Officers will serve as scheduled tours of the updated Heart Home. voting delegates at Convention. With the old procedure, incoming National Officers for the next triennium would serve as voting delegates. This change has been made to

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2014 ensure our volunteer’s involvement and insight collegiate and alumnae representatives to review through the triennium will be reflected in their the current and historical nomenclature and duties as voting delegates and to recognize their symbolism used by our members. The intent efforts over the triennium. The volunteers for of the task force was to bring alignment to 2016-2019 triennum will take their positions the words and symbols we use in our everyday at the conclusion of Convention. “speak” and actions as well as local and National publications to our values and what we stand INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT for as Tri Sigmas. With the great assistance of In late April a new position statement was adopted the programming staff and volunteers, we by Executive Council on Inclusivity. Since its release, will be launching a four-part educational series education and informational resources have been in 2016 that covers four main points that made avialable to understand and better support Executive Council voted on and approved our transgender members and friends. or reaffirmed to be part of our official nomenclature and symbolism. NOMENCLATURE & SYMBOLISM During 2014-15, Executive Council charged a specially appointed task force comprised of

11 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA revenue AND EXPENSES

12%

INCOME 12% 35%

5% 3% 5%

EXPENSES

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 OUTREACH AND communication

POLICIES & STATEMENTS specifically as it relates to transgender In 2015 Tri Sigma continued outreach and individuals. This statement compliments communications on topics that were important our Non-Discrimination policy well. to our membership and community. STRATEGIC PLAN Hazing Policy – No major changes here. This In August of 2015, Executive Council was just simply cleaning up some language released the 2015-2019 Strategic Plan. that was inconsistent in the original policy. The new plan will build on the strengths of the organization, improve internal processes Visitation and Conduct in Collegiate Housing and decision-making, incorporate the lessons Facilities – Prohibits unauthorized visitors and/ of the last decade, and prepare Tri Sigma for or members from entering the house to ensure challenges (some predictable and others not) gracious group living and for the safety of all that lie ahead. Staff has been working on residents. tactics and action plans to acheive the goals of the strategic plan and continue the growth Controlled Substances Policy – Our new and viability of Tri Sigma. controlled substances policy is comprehensive and designed to stand up in the ever-changing world around us.

Inclusivity Statement – Executive Council Go to trisigma.org for more information. developed a statement on inclusivity,

13 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA OUR leadership As of December 31, 2015.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Extension Coordinator Walton House Board Members National President Brittany Leigh Parrott, ΕΦ Pamela Hall Hathaway, ΓΒ Kaye Schutte Schendel, ΓΦ Office Assistant Jeanne Johnson, ΑΙ National Treasurer Kim Guinn, ΑΥ Deborah Jeter Riggan, ΑΥ Bonnie Rainey, ΑΣ Office Manager National Vice President Margaret Fields, ΑΥ CHAPTER SERVICES Natalie Moore Averette, ΓΒ College Panhellenic Coordinators National Vice President Consultants Caitlin Dobson, ΑΞ Elizabeth Wakeman Hoffert, ΒΞ Stephanie Blair, DD Kelli Cowart Colletti, GM National Vice President Paige Brown, AI Rebecca Nanzer Calkins, ΕΟ Courtney Stone, ΑΨ Laura Groh, EE Wendy Kirkpatrick, Α National Vice President Julia Hilkey, ΑΧ Emily Eure Ellis, GB Allison Swick-Duttine,Ψ Abby Pendleton, A Aileen Toomey, DC Regional Coordinator – Accreditation NATIONAL Kayley Weinberg, HC Vicki Wellman Bird, N HEADQUARTERS STAFF Executive Director ADMINISTRATION Regional Specialists – Accreditation Archivist Lauren Clouse, Marcia Cutter, BΓ ΔΔ Accountant Elizabeth Johns, ΔΟ Ashely Fried, ZM Pam Tacconi, ΑΥ Assistant Archivist Lori Schaefer, ΒΠ Alumnae Membership Coordinator Amy Skinner, ΕΝ Toni Dinges, ΑΥ Assistant Extension Coordinator Assistant Colonization Coordinator Celinda Miranda-LaBella, ΖΕ Regional Recruitment Coordinatior Cydney Appolito, QE Dawn Kennedy Prusator, AI Assistant Director of Chapter Education Extension Team and Leadership Jamie Dresher, ZK Regional Specialists – Recruitment Melissa Looney Kolb, CW Sorority Mandy Herbeck McGuire, ΒΞ Ashley Walston Ethridge, GX Assistant Director of Chapter Services Lauren Leif, Π Katie Quirin, AO Region 1 Jenna Lyons, HB Jessica Eineichner, EK Rachel Fenske, ER Linda Manley-Kuitu, ER Joey Jackson, QΔ Assistant Director of Chapter Services Sarah King, HR Region 2 Financial Services Coordinators Jocelyn Harper, AB Erica Doane, N Cara Whitney Luyster, ΑΒ Jill Franklin, L Assistant Director of Chapter Services Sarah Dionne Decker, ΒΓ Amber Derryberry-Lesher, HP Region 3 Anne Strawbridge, ΔΠ Alexandra Simon, ΑΧ April Milkovic, ΕΟ Katherine Madison Finazzo, ΑΥ Katie Martin, GP Assistant Director of Chapter Services Gina Maurone Nabours, ΑΥ Region 4 Ellen Scheide, EP Regional Coordinator – Honor Council Danielle Kloap, EB Danielle Kloap, ΕΒ Assistant Executive Director Housing Coordinator Lorin Phillips, ΑΥ Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, ΑΠ Regional Specialists – Honor Council Assistant Vice President, Education Katelyn Causey, EE and Training Housing Assistants Amanda Kerns, EN Chris Smithhisler, ΙΑ Kirsten Nicholas, ΕΑ Lisa Anne Bussiculo, ZK Associate Director of New Chapters Cassidy Carpenter Nelson, ΑΟ Kimberly Katz, ΕΚ Morgan Kaplan, EO Meredith Nahm, EA Collegiate Membership Coordinator Meeting Planners Angela David, Regional Coordinator – Dianna Jett, ΑΥ ΑΧ Director of Alumnae and Volunteer Michelle Terry Keller, ΑΜ Membership Development/Sisterhood Services Laura Michelle Sweet, ΔΠ Aimee Jensen Boland, ΗΙ Ritual Coordinator Director of Chapter Services Su-Lin Hammond Banks, ΓΨ Regional Specialists – Membership Tiffany Fay Curtis, ΑΧ Development/Sisterhood Director of Marketing/Communications Risk Management Coordinator Holly Haase, AM Mallory Borino, HO Brenda Sue Christie-Lichtenegger, ΑΙ Alyssa Patel, ΔΔ Director of New Chapter Development Lori Pettyjohn, ΕΝ Misty Fingar, FM Sorority Walton House Board Chairman Sarah Lively Turner, ΑΑ Distribution Coordinator Inez N. Fridley, ΓΒ Theresa Taylor, ΑΥ

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2015 ALUMNAE AND CHARACTER EDUCATION AND SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA VOLUNTEER SERVICES LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION STAFF Volunteer Recruitment Coordinators Assessment Coordinator Executive Director Kathryn Ashton Carlson, ΖΒ Brenda Osterman Ray, ΑΨ Meghan Ward-Bopp Paden Amber L. Cochran, ΑΟ Programs Coordinator Director of Philanthropic Programs Monica Wojdyla Cusick, ΕΛ Emmy Smith, ΕΠ Nancy Benedict Kim Kokko Davids, Ο Major Gift Officer Lori Travis Schaefer, ΒΠ Program Team Michelle Pollard Hektor, BD Rachelle Stawinski, AF Kelsi Wilcox Boyles, ΑΠ Stewardship and Gift Officer Theresa (TC) Crogan Krajnak, EK Cynthia Heimann Harms, ΑΕ Alumnae Chapter Coordinators Jessica Dowches-Wheeler, AU Financial Secretary Linda Manley-Kuitu, ΕΡ Desiree Paulhamus, ΑΟ Darlene Chadwick Thibodeau, BΦ Kara Eaton Rees, ΒΓ Jessica Parker, AF Jill Iosue Zager, ΑΝ Katie Lauer Wadington, ΕΞ SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA Talia Sturgeon Young, ΑΝ FOUNDATION BOARD Awards Coordinator Chairman Golden Violet Coordinator Suzan Rome Bosarge, ΓΜ Jennifer E. Holtsclaw Avenel, ΔΠ Marilyn McGraw Beiter, ΒΞ Character Education Coordinator Vice Chairman Special Alumnae Events Assistant Michelle Tantillo, ΕΟ Marie Schrag Beck, ΒΥ Jacqulyn Paris King, ΑΦ Character Education Lead Advocates Secretary Senior Transition Assistant Kristen Gay Wissbaum, ΕΦ Ann DeCecco Rutkowski, ΕΔ Michelle Pollard Hektor, ΒΔ Christa Hoen, BT Treasurer Renee Kries, IA JeanMarie Komyathy, ΓΚ MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS PANHELLENIC Members at Large Merchandise Assistant National Panhellenic Maryellen Drasler Baxter, ΒΚ Ginger Niemann Harper, Χ Conference Delegate Linda J. Clayton, Ο Laura Ward Sweet, ΑΣ Stephanie Everett, ΕΘ Webmaster First Alternate Delegate Sam Mills Farrell, ΕΘ Joy Horkey, ΖΕ Joyce Newcom O’Daniel, ΑΧ Angela Gose Feldman, ΒΓ Second Alternate Delegate Janet Rogers Gonzales, IA Assistant Webmasters Linda Henderson, ΔΨ Michelle Pollard Hektor, ΒΔ Laura Caruso, ΔΟ Third Alternate Delegate Brenna Spillane Magliulo, ΓΞ Wendy Marie Howard, ΕΤ Kelly Jo Karnes, Π Lisa Koeller, ΓΑ Teagan Russell, HC Governmental Relations Coordinator Melinda “Mindi” Holland Major, ΒΓ Reatha Cole Cox, ΑΖ Laura Manthey, ΓΛ Social Media Assistant Tracy Maurer Sary, ΓΒ Amanda Cross, AO

The Triangle Alumnae Editor Michelle Maskaly, EN The Triangle Collegiate Editor Katherine Bevan, HC The Triangle Features Editor Amanda Elizabeth Marchegiani, ΒΞ The Triangle Copy Writer Katie Lauer Wadington, ΕΞ

15 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA Sigma Sigma Sigma National Headquarters

225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664 email: [email protected] www.sigmasigmasigma.org