A Legacy of Leadership
- Tri Sigma Foundation
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Paula Marie Gillis
Beta Tau—University of Detroit Mercy
Paula Gillis earned her Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and graduated with honors in 2003. She was an exceptional student who excelled in a challenging discipline rarely comprised of women. Through her collegiate years, Paula held numerous chapter offices and chair positions, including Chapter President. She was instrumental in revitalizing the chapter, personally recruiting many members, and creating tremendous personal bonds with generations of women. During her short life, Paula touched so many hearts truly embodied what Tri Sigma members should strive to be.
In 2023, Paula’s chapter sisters and family began fundraising for the Paula M. Gillis Memorial Endowment to honor their beloved sister and continue her legacy of empowering others. The Paula M. Gillis Memorial Endowment will fund annual scholarships to support Tri Sigma women with a special focus on Beta Tau members and women in STEM.
“It's hard to put how amazing Paula was into words. She excelled at everything, including being an amazing daughter, sister, and friend. Losing her has truly been hard, but we have all grown closer together helping to fund this scholarship in her memory. The opportunity to spend time together, whether through planning events or just catching up, has truly meant the world to her Beta Tau sisters, friends, and family. Paula truly valued her education, and we cannot think of a better way to honor her than to give that gift to others,” said Paula's chapter sister Sue Fronath Bergstrom.
The Paula M. Gillis Memorial Endowment Fund will provide merit-based scholarships to Tri Sigma undergraduate or graduate students with a focus on Beta Tau members or women pursuing STEM degrees. Click here to learn more about this endowment and others.