Congratulations to this year's scholarship and educational grant winners!

Tonight, at the Foundation banquet, we announced the 2007-2008 Scholarship and Educational Grant winners. We had many, many amazing applicants this year who were all very deserving of support.

This year we were able to award:

• 6 Educational Grants
• 12 Scholarships
• 3 Chapter Educational Funds (Xi, Beta Rho, Delta Iota)

These awards totaled nearly $30,000 in educational assistance for our sisters. Of course, we can't award these amazing scholarships and grants without the help of our generous Foundation donors. Thank you to those sisters who support the Foundation and our scholarship funds!

This year's winners are:

Named Scholarships:

• Arthur and Clarisse Markowitz Book Award - Nicole Concordia, Zeta Delta (Bentley University)
  
• Erin Michelle Say Memorial Scholarship - Monica Koncicki, Zeta Pi (The College of New Jersey)
  
• Mamie Klein Memorial Scholarship - Megan Morrison, Delta Psi (University of West Florida)
  
• Sunshine State Scholarship - Kellie Alexander, Iota Theta (Barry University)
  
• Beta Alpha Scholarship - Allison Moucheron, Theta Tau (Lebanon Valley University)
• Helen Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship - Sucharita Boddu, Delta Zeta (Stevens Institute of Technology)
  
• Danielle Nguyen Memorial Scholarship - Tiffany Sponaugle, Theta Omega (Niagara University)
  
• Past Grand Archon Scholarship - Mary Schurgot, Delta Zeta (Stevens Institute of Technology)
  
• Allison Beth Schmidt Memorial Scholarship - Jessica Wojciechowski, Delta Iota (Central Michigan University)
  
• Bertha Bodian Memoral Scholarship - Jessica Foldhazy, Delta Zeta (Stevens Institute of Technology)
  
• Michelle Stacey Friedman Memorial Scholarship - Shelly Marier, Delta Epsilon (University of Windsor)
  
• Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Scholarship - Miriam Nemeth, Kappa (George Washington University)

Educational Grants:

• Naomi Brioche, Iota Theta (Barry University)
  
• Lydia Duddles, Theta Psi (Alma College)
  
• Ashlee Jabbour, Iota Theta (Barry University)
  
• Stephanie Hollis, Theta Gamma (Gannon University)
  
• Kaitlyn Ray, Xi (Temple University)

Chapter Educational Funds:

• Delta Iota Chapter Educational Fund - Kelly Carpenter, Delta Iota (Central Michigan University)
  
• Xi Chapter Educational Fund - Elizabeth Toner, Xi (Temple University)
  
• Beta Rho Chapter Educational Fund - Kathleen Ludgate, Beta Rho (Drexel University)

Diokete Hupsala

This is Veachey R. Bloom enjoying the 2007 National Convention of Phi Sigma Sigma. The spirit and the excitement that is exuded by the National Personnel sets the tone for the entire assembly. The undergraduates seem to be "right with it" and the spirit of camaraderie and enjoyment permeates the meetings and the fun time.

To see how Phi Sigma Sigma has developed since the early days when I was privileged to be a leader is an inspiration and a confirmation that the foundation we worked so hard to build and preserve was worth it.

The variety of women here, their talents, their vision, their humor and their hard work confirm my belief that to be a Phi Sig is one of the greatest experiences in my life.

Diokete Hupsala!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Hi All,

This is Lynn Coffey, advisor to the Iota Zeta chapter. The Phi Sigs are hot hot hot down here in Orlando. This moment at 10:45pm I am sitting by Amy Keach, personal jewelry designer to the stars, who is making several gorgeous bracelets for the upcoming foundation dinner raffle. My particular favorite is the bracelet with the Phi Sigma Sigma flip flop. You really got to see this piece of art.

The mood is jovial with lots of old friends reconnecting and new friendships forming. Today was a day of getting the word out about the nominating committee and the work of the Organizational Structure Task Force. After the informational sessions we walked the walk for Foundation. It was a good showing. And for the first time ever, we had the evening off to take in the Disney sites! And about $50 bucks later, I scored three visors for my kids! Ah yes the magic of Disney.

Day One in Orlando!

Chris Senseney, guest Foundation blogger, on the first day of Convention 2007 in Orlando, Florida.

Sisters from all over the US and Canada have been arriving today at the beautiful Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort. Registration for this exciting event involved a visit to multiple tables in a sunshiny lobby next to the pool. Everyone received beautiful Phi Sigma Sigma tote bags filled with their convention materials and schedules, and name tags included brightly colored ribbons which designated which community each sister is from.

The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation tables at registration were covered with beautiful gifts which will be auctioned and raffled off during the Foundation dinner on Friday night. Gathering special attention at that table were the lighted Phi Sigma Sigma crest crystal and the blue and gold "Sphinx" piggy bank.

Everyone was also encouraged to visit the Phi Sigma Sigma vendor area, which featured a number of our licensed vendors offering such items as jewelry, sportswear and composites. In addition, several of our alumnae chapters were present, selling shirts and collectible pins.

The opening session featured the community archons and members of the membership team decked out in Mickey Mouse ears. After they made introductions, a trivia quiz tested our knowledge of Phi Sigma Sigma, and those who answered questions correctly each received a set of Mickey ears!

The first set of workshops followed, giving everyone a chance to hear from the Nominating Committee and the Organizational Structure Task Force about the many issues that will be coming up in plenary sessions over the next few days.

When the workshops were over, it was time for the Foundation Walk, where sisters in letters walked through "Downtown Disney." When they returned, it was time for a BBQ dinner in the pool area, accompanied by tropical steel drum music. A special guest appearance was made by none other than Minnie Mouse, who happily posed for pictures with many of our sisters.

The Talent of our Grand Archons

Greeting from the Foundation suite at Convention 2007!

This is Heather Kelley (Beta Psi), Foundation Director of Marketing... but tonight, I am Director of Crafting! I am helping the Grand Archons create gorgeous pin boxes - decorated by our celeb GAs - for auction Friday night at the Foundation dinner.

You would all be so impressed by the creativity of our fabulous Grand Archons and I'm sure these pin boxes will be highly sought after items during our auction.

My other favorite moments of the day include the Organizational Structure Task Force updates and taking part in the Foundation walk. I've loved being a part of the OSTF and the entire task force looks forward to formally presenting our report during plenary on Friday.

I also had a great time talking with some of our collegians during the Foundation walk - what a great excuse to chat while checking out the sites around our hotel... we're walking distance from Downtown Disney - a great hot spot.

Our first day of convention 2007 has been terrific and I can't wait until tomorrow!

LIOB,
HJK

Countdown to Convention...5 days!

In just five short days, hundreds of Phi Sigma Sigma sisters will gather for Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Want to know what is going on but can't join us this year? No problem! The Foundation will post messages and pictures on the blog every day during Convention. Check back often as we will update the blog frequently!

Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Welcomes Nash!

Greetings from Nancy Hay (Nash) at HQ in Elkridge, MD. I arrived this morning to begin training for my new position as Executive Director of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation.

Kim Hildred, Foundation President, Katie Herschede, Foundation Director, and Michele Dominiak, friend of the Foundation, were here to greet me and introduce me to the area.

In addition to learning about the job, we prepared and packed materials for our upcoming Convention, "Celebrating the Magic of Sisterhood," in Orlando from July 26 to 29. We are going to have a great time at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort.

I am really looking forward to seeing all of you there and working with you during the year.

See you soon,

Nash

Foundation Names New Executive Director!

The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation board of directors is pleased to announce its new Executive Director Nancy "Nash" Hay (Beta Rho, Drexel University). Nash is well known to sisters everywhere for her passion for and long-standing dedication to Phi Sigma Sigma.

Nash has served in numerous Fraternity and Foundation volunteer roles for more than 17 years. She is a past Foundation president, vice president, director of fundraising and secretary. Until recently, she was the Foundation's director of programming, working with both collegiate and alumnae leaders at Leadership Conferences nationwide and at last year's Transplant Games. During her initial tenure on the board of directors (which included her presidency), several of Foundation's most successful programs were launched, including rock-a-thon, rose giving level recognition pins for lifetime Foundation donations, and the inaugural Foundation Dinner, now a standard at conclaves.

Though her work with the Foundation is extensive, Nash has also served the Fraternity well. She has been chapter key advisor to Beta Alpha (University of Maryland), Gamma Xi (Widener University) and Zeta Gamma (West Chester University). In addition, she was a chapter consultant and the Phi Sigma Sigma recruitment and member orientation chairman. In recognition of her outstanding service, Nash has received the Pyramid Award, the Grand Council Dangle, the Chapter Consultant Dangle and the Collegian of the Year Award.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the sorority that I love so much in this professional capacity. I can't wait to reach out to my sisters to share my passion for the Foundation's mission and hear their comments, suggestions or questions on ways we can strengthen and grow," said Nash.

Nash brings a wealth of professional experience to the Foundation. She holds an MBA in manpower management from Drexel University, where she also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and sociology, graduating magna cum laude.

Among her other skills, Nash is experienced in human resources, budget development and management, project oversight, customer service and new business development. Nash most recently worked as a program manager for MGQ & Associates, a cable firm in Tampa, Fla. Prior to joining MGQ, she was the director of federal programs for MCS of Tampa, a technology solutions firm.

"Nash's extensive management experience and her passionate pursuit of excellence, paired with her devotion to our sisterhood, will enable the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation to reach new heights of achievement under her leadership," said Foundation President Kim Hildred.

Please join us in congratulating Nash in her new role as executive director of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. Effective July 16, Nash may be reached via e-mail at nhay@phisigmasigma.org or via phone at 410.799.1224 Ext. 16.

Foundation's Blog -- Your Convention Headquarters!

In just a few short weeks, hundreds of sisters from all over North America will attend Phi Sigma Sigma's Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Not able to make it, but want to feel like you are there (minus the 100+ degree temperatures)?!? No problem! The Foundation will be blogging from Convention and posting pictures daily. If you can't make it this year, catch the spirit of Convention here!

Stay tuned for more details!