Back to School Season!

August and September means thousands of Phi Sigma Sigma collegians heading back to campus for another successful academic year! For many of our campuses, recruitment also starts in August and September.


Did you know that the Foundation has created a comprehensive "Philanthropic Recruitment Guide" to help our chapters plan an outstanding event? To obtain this guide, please email the Foundation at foundation@phisigmasigma.org and include your name, position and chapter letters.


Good luck as the school year starts and good luck with your recruitment efforts!

A GREAT Weekend for the Foundation!

Hello faithful blog readers! Kim Hildred, Foundation President, here.

Wow! We had an amazing convention in Orlando, Florida this summer! Not only did we get to have dinner with Minnie Mouse, but we elected new fraternity leadership, passed new organizational structure changes, heard about servant leadership from two outstanding alumnae (thank you Veachey Bloom and Claudia Abate!) and raised over $60,000 in donations and pledges for the Foundation! We were so fortunate to have one sister join the $1,913 Society and three sisters join the Centennial Club.

As you know, our Centennial birthday is fast approaching. To honor this milestone, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation established the Centennial Fund to underwrite specific educational events and activities related to our birthday. Centennial donors each commit to contribute $10,000 to this fund, payable by 2013. So far we have 24 sisters who have joined this forward thinking giving Club!

The $1,913 Society was established to support leadership programming like Achieve and other innovative values based programming opportunities.

One of the highlights of our Foundation dinner was awarding educational grants and scholarships to this year’s winners! Close to $30,000 was awarded to this year’s winners!

The Foundation is so fortunate to have wonderful donors and friends who deeply support our important work. Thank you to all of sisters, friends and NPC guests who joined us for the Foundation dinner. We are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at the 2008 Leadership Conferences. See you in Baltimore, Newark, Los Angeles, Chicago and Albany!

Another Amazing Convention!

Wow! What a weekend! The 2007 Convention did not disappoint the hundreds of collegiate and alumnae sisters that were able to attend this year's Convention! The weekend was jam packed with fun, sisterhood and yes, business.

The Foundation wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate our new Supreme Council! These women are talented and dedicated volunteers. We are so grateful for their leadership!

• Sandy Grossman, Grand Archon
• Pamela Downey, Grand Vice Archon
• Melanie Boone, Grand Vice Archon Finance
• Aggie Malter, Director
• Alicia Scott, Director
• Caryn Jacquish, Director
• Jennifer Lenhart-Rogish, Director

We are especially excited to have two of our Foundation directors elected to Supreme Council. Congratulations Aggie and Pam!

We also owe a huge thank you to those sisters who completed their terms on SC - Josette George, Nicci Hollar, Cindy DeNormandie, Amy Keach and Erin Sweeney.

The weekend was also a huge success for the Foundation! Look for a post from Foundation President, Kim Hildred, who will reveal just how great a weekend it was! We are so fortunate to have amazing donors and friends of the Foundation.

Thank you to all of our sisters who joined us in Disney or read about it with us through the blog. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon at the Leadership Conferences and in 2009 in Norfolk, Virginia!

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!

Check Out the New e-Sphinx!

Talk about being up to date in technology! Phi Sigma Sigma just launched our first electronic edition of the Sphinx! As you may know, the Sphinx was first published in 1922 and has been a main stay for our sisterhood and the definitive publication to get all of your Phi Sigma Sigma news.

The E-Sphinx is amazing and the Foundation encourages you to check it out! There are a number of articles related to the Foundation including a wonderful photo essay from the Transplant Games, information about GoodSearch.com and features the Foundation's new website!

A huge thanks to Lisa Romero, Sphinx Editor, and Heather Knuth, Graphic Designer, for your outstanding work on this amazing publication!

Check out the E-Sphinx at www.phisigmasigma.org/eSphinx!

Congratulations to Epsilon Delta at Chapman University!

Congratulations to our sisters at Chapman University who recently won a number of outstanding awards. Please join the Foundation in congratulating Epsilon Delta on the following distinctions:

• Sorority of the Year
• Spirit Award
• Most Improved Chapter
• Outstanding Sorority Scholarship (Phi Sigma Sigma is first in scholarship at Chapman)
• Alumnae Relations Award

Way to Aim High! Want to learn more about the Epsilon Delta chapter? If so, you can visit their website at http://www.chapmanphisig.com/.

So many of our chapters have been recognized for outstanding efforts on their campus. The Foundation is looking forward to an equally great Fall semester! Thank you to our collegians for your hard work for the 2006-2007 academic year!

A Sister In Need

As you know, the Foundation has been committed to helping those with kidney disease and kidney related illnesses for more than 30 years. A year ago this month, we took that mission to a new level of commitment through our sponsorship of the NKF Transplant Games. We heard from sisters all over the world about how the Foundation and our philanthropic work has affected them personally.

Just recently, we received this letter from a sister which is another reminder of the reach of kidney disease.

To the Sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma,

I joined Phi Sigma Sigma in the spring of my freshman year for many reasons, reasons I am certain I share with others: to become involved on campus, to join an amazing group of women, to find a family away from home.

I also was intrigued when I learned that we donated money to the National Kidney Foundation because this cause is very close to my heart. A while back my mom was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a progressive illness, at the time she was okay, and she was okay for years.

Years later this disease has decreased her kidney function so much that her health has been compromised. She was told by her doctor to look for a kidney donor. Our family was willing to help her, myself included, but we could not change our genetics and being that our blood types did not match we would have to look outside the family, perhaps even outside the people we knew and find a generous stranger to donate...

I am writing this in hopes that someone can help my mom, a sister I never met that is a sister nonetheless. My mom is O blood type, and if you are too, please consider helping my mom.

LITP

Laura
flygirllaura@yahoo.com

If you or someone you know can help Laura’s mom, please be in touch with Laura. Remember too, that there are millions of people out there with a story very similar to Laura's. To learn more about kidney disease, visit our Web site at http://www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org/gifts-of-hope.htm.