Name: Emily Keene Hometown: Rowlett, TX Chapter: Eta Kappa–Texas Woman's University Academic Year: Graduate Student Major: Doctor of Dental Medicine Scholarship Received: Mable Kane Stryker Scholarship What does it mean to you to be part of a sisterhood that extends beyond your collegiate years? As a more recent graduate, I have entered a chapter in my life that truly necessitates having a village. Fortunately, I have a built-in village through my Tri Sigma sisters. Being part of this sisterhood also reminds me that I have a responsibility to be a good villager in return. It has been such a joy to support my sisters as they reach exciting milestones in their own lives, whether it's standing beside them as a bridesmaid, celebrating master's and doctoral degree graduations, cheering on new careers and businesses, welcoming babies, or attending housewarming celebrations. At the same time, life has brought unexpected moments of grief. I have learned how meaningful it is to support sisters through the loss of spouses, family members, or fellow sisters. Sometimes that support looks like showing up in-person, sending a thoughtful note, or simply buying someone a cup of coffee. Tri Sigma has shown me that sisterhood extends far beyond college. It means celebrating life's greatest joys while also walking beside one another through the hardest seasons. How has your membership in Tri Sigma challenged you to grow as an individual or a leader? Tri Sigma has challenged me to grow as a leader in ways I continue to appreciate every day. The leadership experiences I gained as a collegiate member have given me a tremendous advantage in the leadership positions I have held throughout dental school. Tri Sigma taught me how to navigate difficult conversations with empathy, encourage engagement within organizations, and lead with both grace and accountability. I also learned that effective leadership is rooted in genuine care for others and pride in the community you serve. Those lessons have carried over dental school, where collaboration, communication, and compassion are essential. Whether through organizing events, mentoring classmates, or working as part of healthcare teams, I often find myself relying on the foundational leadership skills Tri Sigma helped me build. How does receiving this scholarship support your ability to focus on your academic goals and Sigma leadership? Dental school is both academically demanding and financially challenging. This support has relieved some of the stress that comes with pursuing a professional degree and has allowed me to focus more fully on my education. Instead of constantly worrying about educational expenses, I have been able to dedicate more of my time and energy to studying, developing my clinical skills, and becoming the best future dentist I can be. This scholarship is more than financial assistance—it is an investment in my future and in the patients I will one day serve. Knowing that Tri Sigma believes in my goals has been incredibly encouraging and motivates me to continue working hard. I am deeply grateful for the generosity that has made this opportunity possible and for the confidence it has given me to pursue my degree. If you could share one message with the donor(s) who made this scholarship possible, what would it be? Thank you for everything you do to support our sisters and our educational journeys. Every scholarship awarded has a meaningful impact on a sister's life, and I am incredibly grateful to be one of the recipients of your generosity. Your support eases financial burdens and allows students like me to devote more time and energy to pursuing our goals and making the most of our educational opportunities. Beyond the financial assistance, your kindness serves as a reminder of the lifelong commitment Tri Sigma members have to lifting one another up. Your example has inspired me to think about the ways I can give back in the future, and I hope that one day I am in a position to support future generations of Sigma sisters just as you have supported me. Thank you for believing in us, investing in our futures, and demonstrating the true meaning of lifelong sisterhood. What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your academic and/or personal journey? I am proud of myself for moving to another country to pursue my dream of becoming a dentist and successfully reaching the halfway point of dental school. Leaving behind my family, friends, and familiar surroundings to begin this journey in Puerto Rico required resilience, adaptability, and confidence. Although the transition came with challenges, it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Looking back, I realize that Tri Sigma prepared me for this opportunity in ways I never could have imagined. The leadership, communication, problem solving, and relationship-building skills I developed throughout my collegiate years have helped me navigate unfamiliar situations and become a successful student and leader within my dental school community. Every milestone I reach reminds me how much I have grown personally and professionally, and I am excited to continue building on that foundation as I complete my education. How do you hope to pay it forward to the Tri Sigma Foundation or your community in the future? I hope to support the Tri Sigma Foundation by consistently donating a portion of my salary throughout my career. My dream is to one day establish a scholarship in my own name so I can help future sisters pursue their educational goals with less financial stress. The generosity I have experienced has shown me how life-changing scholarship support can be, and I hope to provide that same opportunity for others. Beyond supporting Tri Sigma financially, I also plan to give back through my profession by providing dental care to underserved communities with limited access to oral healthcare. I want my career to reflect the values of service, compassion, and lifelong learning that Tri Sigma instilled in me. Whether through financial contributions, volunteer service, or mentoring future students, I hope to continue strengthening both my community and my sisterhood for many years to come.

Name: Ella McClenny Hometown: Culpeper, VA Chapter: Theta Mu–Randolph-Macon College Academic Year: Senior Major: Sociology and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Scholarship Received: Northern Virginia Alumnae Scholarship What does it mean to you to be part of a sisterhood that extends beyond your collegiate years? My time in Tri Sigma has taught me that sisterhood is forever, not just the brief time spent in college. I joined Tri Sigma after transferring to Randolph-Macon College my junior year. Despite my relatively short time as a member, I have made lifelong friends that will continue to be a part of my life for many years to come. My sisters have meant the world to me and have inspired me every day to embody our core values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love. These women have been my roommates, my closest confidants, and will one day be my bridesmaids. Although I am graduating, I know that I will always call Tri Sigma home. As an alumna, I hope to continue supporting my chapter and others by staying connected and active in the sorority community. I am so grateful for all of the women in Tri Sigma who have made me the confident and compassionate leader I am today. How has your membership in Tri Sigma challenged you to grow as an individual or a leader? My time in Tri Sigma gave me so many opportunities for personal and professional growth. I served as Honor Council Chair and Alumnae Relations Manager throughout my time in the chapter. Although I was not originally elected to the Honor Council, my sisters saw my potential and believed in me every step of the way. My time as Honor Council Chair challenged me to learn time management, set healthy boundaries, and use empathetic leadership. I was inspired to reflect on my own actions and how I represented my chapter. This encouraged me to become the best person I could be to best support the women in my chapter. These skills have directly supported my goal of pursuing a career in advocacy. As a leader of my chapter, I have endeavored to leave a legacy of compassion and mindfulness. The support I've received has been invaluable in the lifelong process of learning and personal growth. How does receiving this scholarship support your ability to focus on your academic goals and Sigma leadership? Receiving the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter Scholarship had a profound impact on my education. As the daughter of divorced parents, I primarily reside with my mother. Due to financial difficulties, my mother was unable to directly contribute to my college tuition. I began my college career at Germanna Community College where I earned my associate's degree while working part-time at a local restaurant to reduce the financial stress. Upon transferring to Randolph-Macon College to complete my bachelor's degree, I was again faced with serious financial concerns. The generous donors of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter Scholarship eased my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my education and leadership. This financial relief provided greater opportunities to strengthen my bonds with my sisters and allowed me to serve as the Honor Council Chair. I am endlessly grateful for the wonderful opportunities I have been given because of this scholarship. If you could share one message with the donor(s) who made this scholarship possible, what would it be? I resolve to use this generosity to make a positive impact on my community. The privilege of attending college is not one that I take for granted. I am incredibly grateful for the many opportunities I have been given and the people who have made them possible. My time as an undergraduate student has inspired me to pursue a career in advocacy and serve marginalized and underprivileged groups in my community. I am passionate about creating positive changes on both individual and systemic levels, and this scholarship has enabled me to pursue this dream. I am eternally grateful to have received so much support. As Tri Sigma women know, to receive much, we must give much—therefore, I will give my all to my community as I embrace this next chapter of my life. What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your academic and/or personal journey? I am most proud of my acceptance into the Zeta of Virginia Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest academic honor society. This academic honor is emblematic of my efforts in academic excellence and exemplary conduct. I have always loved the process of learning and taken my studies incredibly seriously. I have also used my time in Tri Sigma to strengthen my leadership abilities; however, power must always be tempered with the values of wisdom and love. Throughout my time as an undergraduate student, I have considered my values and how they shape the woman I want to become. Kindness, integrity, and perseverance are among the values I hold most dear. I have accepted my invitation to Phi Beta Kappa with the utmost gratitude, and I will represent the ideals of this membership to the best of my ability. How do you hope to pay it forward to the Tri Sigma Foundation or your community in the future? I hope to join an alumnae chapter in the Richmond area and support my local community. I also hope to make a positive impact by volunteering with local nonprofit groups and donating to causes that I believe in. Supporting women and their children is a cause that is close to my heart, and supporting local organizations such as safe houses and women’s shelters is incredibly important to me. I hope to always embody the values of Tri Sigma and honor the many people who have supported me along my journey. My time in Tri Sigma gave me more than I could have imagined, and I am so incredibly grateful for my sisters and their steadfast support. Without them, I would not be the person I am today.

Name: Isabel Kusiolek Hometown: Huntley, IL Chapter: Epsilon Omicron–Illinois State University Academic Year: Junior Major: Legal Studies – Language Integration and Spanish Scholarship Received: Margaret Freeman Everett Scholarship What does it mean to you to be part of a sisterhood that extends beyond your collegiate years? It is so encouraging to know that I have a band of sisters looking out for me as I step into the world after graduation. I am eager to support my sisters professionally and personally through the connections we have built. How has your membership in Tri Sigma challenged you to grow as an individual or a leader? Tri Sigma has provided me with opportunities to take on leadership roles. In high school, I was a shy and quiet student. In college, I have had the opportunity to build my confidence and trust in myself as a leader. I have learned so many life lessons and made so many friendships. How does receiving this scholarship support your ability to focus on your academic goals and Sigma leadership? Receiving a scholarship from the Tri Sigma Foundation allows me to focus on my academic goals by alleviating financial pressure. This school year, I worked as an unpaid intern while taking classes as a full-time student. I am also heavily involved in extracurriculars with multiple leadership opportunities. Being able to focus on my academics without worrying about finances has alleviated much of the stress and pressure that would prevent me from succeeding otherwise. If you could share one message with the donor(s) who made this scholarship possible, what would it be? Thank you so much! I am so grateful for the opportunity to further my education and thrive in my classes and extracurriculars such as honor societies and pre-professional clubs. This scholarship allows me to take advantage of these opportunities and expand my knowledge throughout college. What accomplishments are you most proud of so far in your academic and/or personal journey? I am most proud of the club I started, Lambda Epsilon Chi (also called LEX). LEX is a national honor society for national paralegal and legal studies. I informed faculty that I would like to start a chapter for a legal honor society, and they told me about LEX. Since then, I have worked with my professors to re-establish a LEX chapter at Illinois State University and create a club for students to work toward community service, academic, and scholarly initiatives. How do you hope to pay it forward to the Tri Sigma Foundation or your community in the future? In the future, I hope to donate back to the Tri Sigma Foundation to give my sisters the same opportunity that I have been given.

Hope Adams Gamma Mu—Southeastern Louisiana University 2025-26 Louisa Replogle Scholarship recipient Director of Chapter Growth When I first joined, I was looking for a community. I didn’t realize I was finding the foundation for the rest of my life. Receiving a scholarship from the Tri Sigma Foundation changed my collegiate experience. Instead of the constant weight of financial stress, I was given the gift of focus. It allowed me to pour my energy into what mattered most: my pre-medicine academics and my leadership within our sisterhood. This scholarship was a message from my sisters that they believed in my potential, and it pushed me to show up even more fully for my chapter. My growth reached a turning point when I attended The Academy. It helped me broaden my perspective in so many different areas. Connecting with sisters from diverse chapters in our region taught me that leadership is never one-size-fits-all. I learned how to lead my chapter with empathy and how to build bridges among people with different personalities and backgrounds. These are skills that will be vital to my future career. Leadership is more than just being in charge—it’s about advocacy, connection, and serving others. Tri Sigma consistently provides that training ground for me. I am so grateful to the donors who support the Tri Sigma Foundation. Because of your investment, I am not just a better student or a better sister; I am a more confident future healthcare provider. Thank you for believing in our sisters and me. I hope to continue giving back to future Tri Sigmas, as you did for so many amazing women.

Chloe Winsor Beta Mu—University of Central Oklahoma 2025-26 Mary Crumpton Brown Scholarship recipient Vice President of New Member Education Being a member of Tri Sigma has shaped my life in ways I never expected when I first joined. I came in looking for a place to belong, but what I found was a sisterhood that has supported me through some of the most important and challenging moments of my college experience. Tri Sigma has become more than just an organization to me—it has become my home away from home. One of the biggest ways Tri Sigma has impacted me is by helping me grow into a more confident and capable person. Before joining, I often doubted myself and hesitated to step into leadership roles. Through my sisters’ encouragement, I’ve learned to trust my voice, take initiative, and push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of. Whether it’s participating in events, working with others, or simply showing up and being present, I’ve gained a sense of confidence that has carried over into every part of my life. Tri Sigma has also taught me the value of genuine connection and support. There have been times when college felt overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure how I would handle everything on my plate. During those moments, my sisters were there to lift me up, remind me of my worth, and help me keep going. Knowing that I am surrounded by women who truly care about me has made all the difference in my college experience. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been the financial support I’ve received through the Tri Sigma Foundation. Being awarded a scholarship has taken a huge weight off my shoulders. College can be stressful, especially when you are trying to balance academics, involvement, and financial responsibilities. This support has allowed me to stay active in my chapter and fully participate in opportunities that have shaped who I am today, without constantly worrying about how I would afford it. Receiving this scholarship also reminded me that I am seen and believed in. It motivated me to work harder, stay involved, and continue striving toward my goals. It’s not just about the financial help—it’s about knowing that an organization I care so deeply about is investing in my future. Overall, Tri Sigma has helped me grow into a stronger, more confident, and more compassionate person. It has given me friendships that feel like family, opportunities that have pushed me to grow, and support that has made my college journey possible. I am incredibly grateful for everything Tri Sigma has given me, and I will carry these experiences and lessons with me for the rest of my life.

Throughout January, more than 900 Tri Sigmas attended the Regional Academy to build valuable leadership skills and learn about current issues relevant to collegiate women. Chapter leaders established a network of peer and volunteer support that will empower them to create meaningful change in their chapter and live out the mission, vision, and values of Tri Sigma.     Thanks to the generosity of our donors, The Foundation was able to support the Regional Academy through our annual grant to the sorority. Here’s how some of the attendees were impacted by the program: Tri Sigma has empowered me to take on leadership roles that I may not have ever had the courage to take. With many trainings, resources, and conversations available, it’s helped me to realize that this is something I’m capable of doing. It’s also helped me be more confident in my academic and professional goals, as well as tackle challenges academically and socially. Mia Cain , Chapter President   Epsilon Chi—Northeastern University Your donations bring our chapter leaders the resources to grow not only as leaders, but as women. With these skills, we are able to create everlasting change within our chapter. Isabella Cole , Vice President of New Member Education   Beta Tau—University of Detroit Mercy   Thank you for supporting leadership opportunities for women. When I was first elected as the Vice President of New Member Education, I was worried about finding my way and getting everything done, but The Academy helped me feel more confident to create a plan and execute it. I am excited to bring all of the conversational and conflict strategies we learned back to my campus. Finley Jones , Vice President of New Member Education Epsilon Psi—Rochester Institute of Technology   Thank you for supporting leadership opportunities for women. When I was first elected, I worried about not being confident enough in my role, but The Academy taught me so much. I will take what I learned back to my chapter, and I also gained valuable insight from connecting with other Honor Council Chairs. Lillian Lefcourt , Honor Council Chair   Zeta Upsilon—Fitchburg State University The support donors provide helps me and other collegiate women keep going. Sometimes things can get tough throughout the school year, and it helps knowing that there are people who want us to do our best and continue the legacy of Tri Sigma. Kaitlin McFarland , Vice President of New Member Education Epsilon Kappa—University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh   Thank you so much for this in-person opportunity. As an advisor working with new officers, it is always a big transition; you work with one group and then another year after year. I was finding that virtual was not effective, and women were struggling. This was an amazing day for sisters to learn, break out of their comfort zone, and hear about the struggles and accomplishments of other chapters. Funding this day gave our leaders more tools to accomplish their goals. Thank you! Annamarie Shutey Mellett, Alpha Pi Membership Advisor & Beta Upsilon Operations Advisor   I am thankful for this program because I feel more confident as a leader on my chapter's Officer Board. I also enjoyed getting to meet women from other Tri Sigma chapters in the region. Making friendships beyond my own chapter was exciting. I left the program feeling inspired, determined, and ready for the year ahead in my position as Director of Panhellenic Relations. Ashley Quintero , Director of Panhellenic Relations   Alpha Mu—University of Louisiana at Lafayette This experience has helped my Officer Board so much. We had an amazing opportunity to learn from great speakers and other leaders. This experience has also presented us with an amazing opportunity to bond that I didn’t get in my previous term. I feel so grateful that I had the chance to attend The Academy with these ladies next to me. Hailey Rinck , Chapter President   Eta Pi—Metropolitan State University of Denver   Your support has allowed me to meet other sisters and learn so much information I can use for the rest of my life. I'm grateful for the knowledge I gained and can't wait to apply it to the chapter! Francesca Ryan , Director of Panhellenic Relations   Beta Alpha—Northern Illinois University You are truly helping newer members like myself who are leaders for the first time to feel like they have the abilities and skills to lead effectively and meaningfully. Salem Yarwood , Vice President of Operations   Alpha Beta—Kent State University     The Foundation is grateful to the many donors who give to the Ever True Fund. Your support impacts all collegians and alumnae and allows us the flexibility to provide critical support for priority programs like The Academy through the annual sorority grant.    Click here to view photos from the 2026 Regional Academy.

Winnie Wilson Warner   Alpha Beta—Kent State University Winnie has always been a steadfast sister for Alpha Beta Chapter. Since 1992, Winnie has served as a chapter advisor, encouraging collegiate women and fostering engaged alumnae. Through her service and considerable efforts, Winnie has made significant impacts on her chapter—first with the construction of a new chapter house, and now with an endowed scholarship.   Winnie carried the dream of an Alpha Beta scholarship in her heart for decades. It began many years ago as an advisor when she watched the Alpha Beta Chapter President juggling two jobs to afford sorority dues, rent, and living expenses. Despite her struggle, the Chapter President poured everything she had into Tri Sigma, leading her chapter with grace and dedication while maintaining excellent grades. Then, tragedy struck when the member's mother passed away. “That is when I thought how wonderful it would be to set up a scholarship,” Winnie recalls.  The Chapter President had been an exceptional leader who remained active with the alumnae chapter long after graduation. But Winnie envisioned something beyond academic achievement alone—a scholarship for sisters “who put their heart and soul into Alpha Beta.”   Soon, chapter members began to approach Winnie with another vision: “Couldn’t we have a chapter house of our own?” For years, her answer remained the same: not until they could raise the money for it. Winnie spearheaded the effort to build a safe, new chapter house for Alpha Beta and shore up the finances to ensure the house would be maintained for the next generation of Tri Sigmas at Kent State. With this dream achieved, Winnie and her husband Jim set their sights on a scholarship. It was actually Jim who set things in motion. Winnie Wilson Warner (center right) with members of the Alpha Beta Chapter at the chapter's 100th anniversary celebration. “In early December 2021, I found myself searching for the perfect Christmas gift for my wife, Winnie. After considerable thought, I realized one thing she always wanted was to establish a scholarship for her beloved Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority at Kent State University. I contacted national headquarters and looked into the process. Endowing a named scholarship requires $25,000, so I provided the seed money to start the fund, making Winnie's scholarship official, and gave it to her as a Christmas gift. The gift was certainly well received,” Jim said. “Endowing the scholarship has taken 4 years and contributions from many fine people.  The fund is now fully in place, and the first scholarships were awarded last November at the Alpha Beta Chapter's 100th Anniversary Celebration,” shared Jim.  In accordance with Foundation policy, scholarships from the endowed fund are awarded beginning in the year after the fund is fully endowed. Wanting to make an immediate impact as well, Winnie and Jim made additional current-use contributions beyond the $25,000 endowment to fund scholarships right away. These separate gifts supported two members of the Alpha Beta Chapter during the anniversary celebration, with one award made possible through the generosity of one of Jim’s fraternity brothers. Jim and Winnie both hope this scholarship will not only make a lasting impact on Alpha Beta members but also encourage other Sigma spouses to give back to the sorority. The Winnie Warner Alpha Beta Scholarship Endowment joins the Tri Sigma Foundation’s 40+ endowed funds that provide enduring support to scholarships and leadership programs. The Foundation is grateful to Winnie, Jim, and the many donors who made this fund possible.    The Winnie Warner Alpha Beta Scholarship will provide scholarships to Tri Sigma undergraduate or graduate students with a special focus on Alpha Beta collegians and alumnae. Click here to learn more about this and other endowments.   IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Learn more about Winnie and Jim and the " relentless supporters of the fraternal communities at University of Akron and Kent State University" that led to them being honored with the the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values'  prestigious Wilford A. Butler Award last year. Read More .

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 and 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 Scholarship to honor their beloved sister and continue her legacy of empowering others. The Paula M. Gillis Memorial Scholarship 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 Fronrath Bergstrom.    The Paula M. Gillis Memorial Scholarship 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.

Pamela Minoski Runac Gamma Zeta–Slippery Rock University I was always a quiet young girl, more comfortable in the background than at the center of things. That changed during my sophomore year at Slippery Rock University, when I joined Tri Sigma. It was in Sigma that I truly found my voice. Sometimes I stop and ask myself, "What would I have done without my sisters and the experiences we shared?" The leadership positions I took on and the lifelong friendships I built gave me the confidence and strength to navigate so many parts of life, motherhood, my career, and the challenges and lessons along the way.  To think there were only two spots open that year in a chapter of 65 members, I still feel so grateful that one of those spots was mine.  Recently, I volunteered as a scholarship reader for the Foundation. Reading letters from young Sigmas and learning about their journeys and struggles brought me right back to my own college days. It reminded me of just how impactful Tri Sigma was in helping me discover who I was and the power of my own voice. That experience inspired me to take my giving one step further. Endowing a scholarship felt like the best way to give back and ensure future Tri Sigmas have the same opportunities I did: to be lifted up, to find their confidence, and to know that their sisters and this sisterhood will always believe in them. I hope my gift reminds every young Sigma that they have a voice that matters and that they have sisters cheering them on every step of the way. If I could give every sister one piece of advice, it would be this: embrace the moments that push you forward, lean on your sisters, and never underestimate the power of finding your voice. That’s why I give, and why I will always give back to Sigma. The Minoski-Runac Family Scholarship will support need-based undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a major or minor in special education. The scholarship awards will encourage and prepare the next generation of educators dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments and meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities. Click here to learn more about this endowment and others.

Julie Lammel Alpha Sigma–University of Southern Mississippi Julie Lammel (right) at Convention 2025 with Kathy Rayburn Kopperud (center right), Past National President Joyce Newcom O'Daniel (center left), and Donna Grogan Herndon (left). When Julie joined the Heritage Society years ago, she imagined her planned gift as a legacy for the future—something that would strengthen Tri Sigma long after her own membership journey was complete. But as she stayed engaged, Julie began to see a growing need; chapters were working hard to thrive amidst slowing recruitment numbers, limited chapter resources, and growing mental health concerns among collegiate women.   Julie recognized something familiar in their challenges. She remembered what it felt like to keep a chapter going during difficult seasons, the weight of responsibility, the desire to do right by her sisters, and the hope that the chapter she loved would be there for the next generation. Those memories stirred something more profound: a wish to help today’s women navigate those same pressures with strength, skill, and support.   So, Julie made a powerful decision. She transformed her planned gift into an immediate investment, establishing the Julie Lammel Leadership Endowment, a fund created to uplift under-resourced chapters and help them grow stronger, more confident, and more connected.     Her endowment provides practical support for collegians who need financial assistance to participate in leadership development and educational opportunities. In simple terms, it helps ensure that a member’s potential to lead is never limited by her chapter’s budget or her own financial circumstances. Whether it’s officer training, development programs, or educational experiences that build confidence and capability, Julie’s gift opens doors that might have otherwise remained closed.   The heart of this fund is bigger than local grants. It’s about sustaining our Tri Sigma sisterhood, ensuring that chapters can weather hard times, build strong foundations, and continue shaping generations of women who learn, lead, and thrive together.    Julie often says her hope is simple: that every chapter, no matter its size or resources, has the chance to flourish. Through this endowment, she is lighting that path forward, showing today’s sisters that they are seen, supported, and never alone, and ensuring that tomorrow’s sisters will inherit a sisterhood strengthened by her generosity.    Her gift started as a legacy for the future. Today, it’s transforming the present. And for countless Sigmas, that impact will be felt for generations.    The Julie Lammel Leadership Endowment will provide grants to under-resourced chapters to support educational opportunities and leadership training development. Click here to learn more about this endowment and others.

Shelly Brajkovich Bateman Beta Epsilon–Western Illinois University Tri Sigma Foundation Executive Director Prematurity Awareness Month always stops me in my tracks. Because for me, it isn't just a cause—it's where my story began. I came into the world too soon, small, fragile, and fighting before I even took my first breath. Babies my size didn't often survive back then; there wasn't much need for preemie clothing when most never came home. I was measured not in pounds but by the size of a doll outfit (the only thing small enough to cover me), while my parents prayed for me to be one of the few who made it.     My survival story didn't end when I left the hospital. It became my career calling. For 10 defining years, I poured my heart into March of Dimes' mission, championing women's health, maternal care, and the tiniest lives fighting for their first breath. I wasn't just an employee advocating for change; I was living proof of the mission itself. That same conviction, born from the research and compassion that once saved me, now fuels my leadership at the Tri Sigma Foundation every single day.     I'll never forget sitting in the audience at Tri Sigma's 2016 National Convention when the Foundation announced its partnership with March of Dimes. As the words echoed across the room, tears filled my eyes. The organization that helped give me life had joined hands with the sisterhood that continues to shape it. It wasn't just a partnership—it was a full-circle moment that felt like destiny.     I know I'm not the only one with a story like this. Every day, women and families face moments of uncertainty and hope. So many of our sisters have their own stories of survival, love, and perseverance. This month, as we recognize Prematurity Awareness Month, I invite you to share yours. Together, our stories remind the world—and each other—just how powerful compassion can be.   Click here to share your story with us. Tri Sigma has been a constant thread through every chapter of my journey, shaping the leader, the professional, and the woman I've become. I carry our values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love in everything I do, and I am endlessly proud to call myself a Tri Sigma. This sisterhood taught me how to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and believe that together, we can change lives.   Now, as Executive Director of the Tri Sigma Foundation, that same passion fuels everything I do. Each day, I see how our work transforms lives—from research and child life programs that bring healing and hope to leadership initiatives that help women discover their confidence, purpose, and voice. Through our They Did. You Can. We Will. Campaign , we're ensuring these opportunities and resources reach even further. What a privilege it is to help shape a future where compassion, courage, and sisterhood truly change the world.     This Prematurity Awareness Month, I want you to know that the work we do at the Tri Sigma Foundation is more than powerful, it's personal. Every dollar you give fuels the breakthroughs that change lives, nurture leadership, and keep our sisterhood's legacy of service alive.     To every donor who stands with us, thank you for believing in this mission and for giving it life through your generosity. I give too, because I've seen what our gifts make possible. Because of you, "not supposed to make it," becomes a lifetime of possibilities. Together, we are living proof.

Joann Stohler Davis Beta Gamma–Ball State University When asked why she chose to make a planned gift to the Tri Sigma Foundation, Joann Davis's answer was simple and powerful:  “Because I can.”  For Joann, giving wasn’t just about honoring her own Tri Sigma experience, it was about investing in the future of Tri Sigma women. She sees the reality today’s students face—the rising costs of education, the growing competition for opportunities, and the barriers that can make it harder to fully embrace sisterhood. Her vision is clear: Sigma women deserve every chance to grow as leaders, scholars, and sisters ,  and she wants to ensure those opportunities endure. That’s why Joann has shared her intention to establish The Davis Fund for Leadership and Education, which she envisions as a permanent endowment dedicated to advancing the growth and potential of Tri Sigma members.   Joann knows the unique strength of a smaller community. “Tri Sigma being a smaller sorority helps us do the right thing,” she shared. “Our members aren’t joining for stereotypical reasons. Tri Sigma women join because they see the quality of character in our membership. They see the long-term value of investing in relationships, education, networking, and more. And when we give them resources, they use them and crave more opportunities.” Through her visionary planned gift, Joann ensures that generations of Tri Sigmas will have access to leadership development, education, and support that extends far beyond their college years.  Her generosity reflects the campaign’s promise:   They Did. You Can. We Will.   Joann could, and she did. Because of her, Sigma women will lead with courage, character, and confidence for years to come.  Click here to learn more about our comprehensive campaign.