Welcome to our new electronic version of “Alumnae Update”. This will be a quarterly communication for all Sigma alumnae, sent via e-mail. We promise to make it current, easy to read, with important news from our national organization, as well as items shared by individual alumnae on a local level.

Please feel free to forward this to any alumnae sisters who may not have received it, or, make copies for those who may not have e-mail. Thank you!

That phrase can now officially be applied to our national web site. A team of professionals, with the help of many Tri Sigma volunteers, hope to have a new and improved site up and running by late Fall 2008. Until then, the present site (www.sigmasigmasigma.org) offers many resources for all Sigmas, both collegiate and alumnae. The Alumnae Directory has been recently updated to help you contact Alumnae Chapter presidents, Alumnae Panhellenic representatives, and Key Alumnae. The Members Only section has a wealth of contact information about alumnae nationwide….but only if that information is submitted. Take a look at that section of our web site; if you have not updated your contact information recently, please do it now. Don’t be a “missing Sigma”!

Over the past 18 months, a strategic plan for the future of our national sisterhood has been developed. Details will be presented in the next issue of
The Triangle, and should be read by all Tri Sigmas. Changes in the national volunteer structure, goals for the immediate future, and plans to keep Tri Sigma strong and growing are part of this plan. To maintain the legacy of our Founders, who bravely made a change in their lives over 110 years ago, we must be aware of present situations in today’s society, and be willing to make changes to keep the Sigma legacy alive in the future.

In the spirit of moving “Ever Forward”, and expanding our national sisterhood, Tri Sigma has been invited to colonize this fall semester at the University of Missouri in Columbia, better known as Mizzou. This is an exciting challenge, with the possibility of having a large chapter on this well-known campus. A team of Sigma volunteers from every department has been hard at work for months, working hand in hand with the university and the representatives from the Greek organizations on the campus to make this a success.

Local alumnae have organized as well. Not only have women from the area volunteered to serve on the Colony Alumnae Advisory Board (AAB), but also have formed a brand-new alumnae group, the Mid-Missouri Alumnae chapter. Watch for updates on this exciting opportunity for our sorority.

Congratulations also go to alumnae in the Fayetteville, AR area who have petitioned to form the Northwest Arkansas Alumnae chapter.

Strong and successful collegiate chapters can only achieve their goals with the help of local alumnae. There is an ongoing need for AAB volunteers. Education about the positions, and support for these advisors, are available from willing national officers. Please consider filling out a Volunteer Service Application, found on our web site, and be a part of helping our future alumnae sisters have a successful collegiate experience.

The Denver, CO Alumnae chapter has won many awards over the years. One reason, says chapter president Carolyn White Wallisch,Iota, is that events are planned to take into consideration the varied ages and interests of its members. Times and locations of activities are varied, to accommodate as many members as possible. Communication is done through e-mail, but also a yearly mailing via USPS. Phone calls as reminders are still included. Mainly, there is a respect for the experience and counsel of the experienced alumnae, as well as for the youthful outlook and innovative ideas of younger women. They never lose sight of the bonds of sisterhood that they all share, no matter what collegiate chapter they were initiated into, or what year that took place. Those of you who are fortunate enough to belong to an alumnae chapter are hopefully following some of these ideas as well. Think about sharing some of your successes for the next “Alumnae Update”.

Chris Smithhisler, our new fulltime Director of Programming for Sigma. Chris was the Honor Alumna Initiate at the Nashville Convention last summer, and was instrumental in the development of the Essential Sigma program. She is currently working on a national Leadership Program that incorporates education and learning for not only our collegiate members but also our alumnae membership. She is open to your feedback and ideas, and can be reached at csmithhisler@trisigma.org.

Annual alumnae dues are $35.00, and are payable at any time. You may pay online at http://www.sigmasigmasigma.org/pages/sss_alumnae::dues, or mail them to our National Headquarters (225 North Muhlenberg St., Woodstock, VA 22664). Financial support from our alumnae is vital to keep the national organization strong, providing services for all Tri Sigmas, collegiate and alumnae.

It is hard to believe that I have served as your Alumnae Vice-President for a year already. I appreciate more than ever what Tri Sigma offers our collegiate sisters, and how important it is that we provide a fulfilling alumnae experience for all our Sigma alumnae, from new graduates to Golden Violets. Please know that your involvement as an alumna is very important. Supporting our organization financially, serving as a volunteer, being part of an alumnae chapter: these are the things that are important in keeping Sigma a part of your life. Together we can keep Sigma moving Ever Forward.

In our bonds,



Mandy Meehan Chocheles, Gamma Eta and New Orleans Alumnae