Getting Ready to Take Madison, WI By Storm!

The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is gearing up to head to Madison, WI this summer from July 30-Aug 1 to volunteer at the 2010 Transplant Games.

What are the Games? They are Olympic style events for transplant recipients run by the National Kidney Foundation to celebrate life and bring awareness to the need for organ donation. Phi Sig attends the Games to cheer on the athletes and volunteer at various competitions.

It is a life changing event and something that everyone who participates cherishes. We are working on putting all the details together for our sisters to attend so make sure you sign up as a fan on the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Facebook page (www.facebook.com/phisigmasigmafoundation), keep checking back to the Foundation website (www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org) and this bookmark this blog for updates and new information. Also check out the Games website (www.transplantgames.org) for more info on what the Games are all about.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Melissa Spishak (foundation@phisigmasigma.org), Transplant Games Coordinator, and register on the Phi Sigma Sigma web page under "Events" (not on the Transplant Games site as we will register as a group).

Hope to see you in Madison!

Welcome to our new officers and directors!

The Foundation is proud to announce new corporate officers and directors whose terms are effectively immediately. New officers and directors are elected to two year terms. Click here to learn more...

Philanthropic Recruitment - Keys for Success

It's that time again... in college campuses all over, students have moved in, classes have started and our chapters are preparing for fall recruitment! The Foundation wishes you all the best during this hectic time and to make your lives a little easier, we've developed some "Keys for Success" when planning your philanthropic recruitment event.

First and foremost: The key to a successful philanthropic recruitment event is in the planning. Log in to Phi Sigma Sigma to read our tips.

The Most Important Tip

Relax, smile and have fun!!!

Foundation Scholarship Winners Answer an Important Question...

"What does Phi Sigma Sigma Mean to You?"

Congratulations to the Scholarship Winners and Educational Grant Recipients

The Foundation board of directors would like to congratulate this year's selection of scholarship and educational grant winners. Foundation is deeply devoted to furthering the ideals of the Fraternity, making an impact with the National Kidney Foundation and helping chapters achieve their philanthropic goals. But, our favorite job each year is having the opportunity to support our sisters' educational needs through the gifts of scholarships and educational grants.

Congratulations to you all!

Named Scholarships
May be established by an individual or a chapter. Often, these scholarships are created in memory of a sister or loved one. Chapters may also choose to establish a scholarship to benefit a deserving chapter sister. This year’s winners are:

Allison Beth Schmidt Memorial Scholarship

Allison Beth Schmidt served as archon of Delta Eta Chapter at the University of Delaware in 1991-92. The alumnae and collegians of Delta Eta endowed a Foundation scholarship in Allison's memory to ensure her legacy would carry on. This is awarded to a sister pursuing her educational goals based on service to sorority, campus and community.

Jean Ulkloss, Zeta Theta Chapter

Bertha Bodian Memorial Scholarship

Established by Carol Schwartz in loving memory of her mother, Bertha S. Bodian, who strongly believed in academics and in Phi Sigma Sigma. This scholarship is awarded to a sister who has shown exemplary service and leadership in Phi Sigma Sigma and on her campus. In addition, this woman must exhibit high academic achievement.
Lindsay Anderson, Gamma Psi Chapter

Beta Alpha Nicole Schiffman Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Beta Alpha (University of Maryland) House Corporation and sisters wishing to honor the memory of collegian Nicole Schiffman, this scholarship is presented to a Beta Alpha member who demonstrates commitment to the Fraternity and its core values above and beyond the norm based on service to sorority, community, campus and Greek life.
Hailey Simon, Beta Alpha Chapter

Erin Michelle Say Memorial Scholarship

The sisters of Delta Chi established this Foundation scholarship in memory of their sister, Erin Michelle Say, who was a communications major at Shippensburg University. The scholarship is awarded to a sister pursuing her educational goals based on academic excellence, as well as service to sorority, campus and community.
Nicole DeFonde, Zeta Xi Chapter

Helen Berkowitz Memorial Scholarship

Established by Rachel and Valerie Berkowitz in memory of their mother, Helen Berkowitz. This scholarship was created to ensure Helen's memory and love for education, the Fraternity, and her beloved Nu Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania where she served as chapter advisor for many years, would live on. It is awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement and contribution to sorority and community activities.
Alana McGinty, Epsilon Alpha Chapter

Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Scholarship

When Past Grand Archon Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg retired from Supreme Council in 1985, Phi Sigma Sigma established this scholarship in honor of her outstanding service and never-ending dedication to the Fraternity. This scholarship is awarded to a sister who is pursuing a post-graduate degree, with preference to those pursuing a law degree, and who exhibits high academic achievement and unselfish dedicated service to Phi Sigma Sigma.
Aryel Koval, Xi Chapter and Jeannine Olmo, Zeta Zeta Chapter

Katie Vashon Memorial Scholarship

Established by the Zeta Zeta Chapter Quinnipiac University in loving memory of their sister Katie Vashon, this scholarship is awarded to a sister of the Zeta Zeta Chapter. Katie exemplified what it truly means to be a sister. She was a dedicated member of the chapter who worked hard to give back to the community. Katie also excelled in academics. Because Katie had great balance between dedication to the chapter, campus, and community, the recipient must show exemplary service in these areas.
Jennifer Sandler, Zeta Zeta Chapter

Mamie Klein Memorial Scholarship

Established in honor of the late Mamie Shulkin Klein, past Executive Secretary and Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation President. Through her dedication and active participation in the Fraternity, Mamie Klein exemplified the true Phi Sigma Sigma - a sister who gives of herself, to her chapter, and to the sorority. Collegians and graduates attending school full-time are eligible and the scholarship is awarded primarily on the basis of contribution to the sorority.
Emely Zelaya, Epsilon Omega Chapter

Markowitz Book Award
The Markowitz Book Award was originally established by Past Grand Archon Clarisse Harrison Markowitz in memory of her husband, Arthur Markowitz. In 1994, the award became the Arthur and Clarisse Markowitz Book Award to honor both Clarisse and Arthur Markowitz. All sisters of Phi Sigma Sigma attending, or who will be attending, an accredited law school in the fall are eligible for this scholarship, which is awarded largely on the basis of contribution to sorority and community.
Alicia Yass, Kappa Chapter

Michelle Stacey Friedman Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of a Michelle, a founding sister of the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Montclair State (NJ), who had an unyielding love for her sorority, sisters and Greek life. The Michelle Stacey Friedman Scholarship was funded by her friends, sisters and family, and is presented to the sister who has shown exemplary service and leadership in Phi Sigma Sigma, on her campus, and in the community.
Jessica Minacapelli, Gamma Psi Chapter

Neddie Iniquez Memorial Scholarship
To honor their sister Nereyda, the sisters of the Theta Upsilon Chapter at the University of La Verne have raised funds to establish this memorial scholarship.
Jennifer Holt, Gamma Psi Chapter

Past Grand Archons' Scholarship
Established upon Past Grand Archon's Judith Howard Distler's retirement from Supreme Council, this scholarship is awarded to juniors, seniors and post-graduate degree candidates and is based on continuing leadership and devotion to Phi Sigma Sigma. Recipients are recognized for exemplifying the ideals associated with our Past Grand Archons.
Kimberly Kiggins, Epsilon Rho Chapter

Sunshine State Scholarship
Funded by the South Florida Alumnae Chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma, the scholarship supports a Phi Sigma Sigma attending school in the state of Florida. This is the first Foundation scholarship endowed by an alumnae chapter.
Brianna Ortiz, Iota Theta Chapter

Veachey R. Bloom Book Award
Established by Past Grand Archon Veachey R. Bloom, this award is presented to a Phi Sigma Sigma pursuing a degree in business or a related field with preference given to Human Resources majors. The award is based on service to the community and campus, service to sorority and Greek life.
Kelly Hall, Theta Psi Chapter

Educational Grants
Funded primarily through interest earned by the Foundation, educational grants are awarded annually to collegiate and alumnae sisters based on three criteria: financial need, scholarship and service to Phi Sigma Sigma and the community This year’s recipients are:

Erin Brennan, Delta Zeta Chapter
Danielle Butterfield, Epsilon Delta Chapter
Meghan Campbell, Iota Nu Chapter
Ashlee Carter, Delta Delta Chapter
Caitlin Fabrocini, Epsilon Theta Chapter
Christine Frusciano, Iota Iota Chapter
Ashley Goldberg, Beta Alpha Chapter
Amber King, Epsilon Sigma Chapter
Jennifer Kronowitz, Zeta Xi Chapter
Julia Logsdail, Iota Eta Chapter
Nicole McManus, Delta Delta Chapter
Erin Murphy, Iota Theta Chapter
Sara Overhoff, Zeta Xi Chapter
Jessica Rawlings, Theta Delta Chapter
Alecia Salus, Theta Xi Chapter
Liza Smith, Epsilon Chi Chapter
Amber Snyder, Theta Alpha Chapter
Cathy Zech, Theta Upsilon Chapter

Chapter Educational Funds
Funds established by chapters for any educational purpose, with the primary focus on scholarships to deserving initiated members of the chapter, including alumnae pursuing post-graduate degrees. This year’s recipients are:

Beta Rho Chapter Educational Fund
Katie Ludgate, Beta Rho Chapter

Delta Iota Chapter Educational Fund
Karly Caudell, Delta Iota Chapter

Gamma Tau Chapter Educational Fund
Julie Johnson, Gamma Tau Chapter

Xi Chapter Educational Fund
Amy Smith, Xi Chapter

Phi Sigma Sigma? It's all about perpetuity...

As I was packing for Convention this year, I got to thinking about the way that Phi Sigma Sigma has been there for me throughout my life... when I needed to connect with people in college, Phi Sig was there. When I moved to a new city after grad school and needed to make friends, Phi Sig was there. In fact, as I look over my past, Phi Sig has been an important part of almost half my life. And now, as my perspective on life has changed - as I have a new little legacy to fill my days (and nights - let us not forget those) with joy, I'm really happy that Phi Sigma Sigma will continue to be there for me... because it will also be there for Chloe.

They say that the alumnae years are the giving years and maybe that's true, but in the warmth of my sisters' love, I realize that I'm getting quite a lot, too. We, on the Foundation board, hope that all of you take a moment this weekend - whether you are here or not - to reflect on the strength and wonder of this amazing sisterhood.

With love,
Heather Kelley
Foundation Secretary

P.S. from Chloe
I couldn't help but notice the large package of baby goodies in the Foundation auction this year. Lamaze toys. Lots of them. Mommy better plan accordingly or there will be fussing. Bid high, Mommy. Bid high.

This time next week...

... We'll be preparing for the Foundation dinner at Convention, 2009! The directors of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation are excited to be meeting with so many sisters next week in Norfolk, VA. We thank you in advance for your support of the Foundation's mission and vision and we look forward to sharing in the warmth of your sisterhood.

When you stop by the Foundation table next week, please take a moment to talk with us about the exciting work you have undertaken this year. We want to hear all about your successful Rock-a-Thons, your passionate philanthropic work and all of the things that make your chapter stand out.

We will be having a whole lot of fun with you during our time together in Norfolk... between the First Annual Euchre Tournament, the Foundation dinner and auction, and the delivery of all those Heart to Hearts, you will be seeing the Foundation directors quite a bit.

But in the meantime, pack those white dresses, double check your itinerary and get set for a fantastic few days! We'll see you soon!

March is National Kidney Month

We received this wonderful email from our friends at the National Kidney Foundation. We hope you will take a few minutes this month to reflect on our sisterhood and our amazing philanthropic efforts with the National Kidney Foundation and Kidney Foundation of Canada! Happy Kidney Month!

Happy National Kidney Month! This March, the National Kidney Foundation urges Americans to get to know two humble, hardworking organs: the kidneys. To help raise awareness and appreciation for all the vital functions the kidneys perform, the National Kidney Foundation is encouraging Americans to learn more and take steps now to preserve kidney health. March 12th is World Kidney Day, the perfect time to get to know your kidneys and find out if you're at risk.

How does one celebrate World Kidney Day? Get a free screening, participate in a local event or visit our special Web page for more information. And when you take the Kidney Quiz in March you’ll be eligible to win a copy of the new book Resilience by NBA Champion, Olympic basketball gold medalist and kidney transplant recipient, Alonzo Mourning.

You can also send personalized World Kidney Day E-Cards to friends, family, doctors and nurses. Why wait until loved ones get sick to send a card wishing them well? Our customizable e-cards offer life-saving prevention messages as well as the opportunity to thank health care providers for doing their best all year round.

Great News from our Epsilon Xi (SUNY Oneonta)

Congratulations to our Epsilon Xi chapter at SUNY Oneonta for making headlines with their wonderful service endeavors. The chapter raised $17,000 through developing a Kidney Walk. Read more about their efforts here:

http://www.thedailystar.com/archivesearch/local_story_022040026.html

New Year's Message from Foundation President, Candace Hogan

I wanted to take the opportunity to wish each of you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009! I am proud to serve as the Foundation President and work with each of you to continue the legacy of service that runs through the core of Phi Sigma Sigma. Each New Year, I find myself increasing reflective. I wanted to share with you a quote from the installation speech I gave recently at Adelphi University, our Epsilon chapter. For me, these words represent the importance of the Foundation mission and remind me of why I choose to serve.

"Today, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is proud to be stewards of our Founders legacy of compassion. We encourage each of you to follow in the foot steps of those who have come before you, and walk beside those who are with you today, to become a woman of compassion. We encourage you to seek out opportunities to offer hope to those who feel hopeless, to seek justice for those whose voices cannot be heard, and to remain true to our organizational core values of leadership through service, lifelong learning and inclusiveness. We trust that today, you will begin your journey to become a woman of courage, compassion and conviction."

Best wishes to each of you and thank you for continuing to support the Foundation, our website and blog. I look forward to our continued success in 2009!

In the News: UMass at Dartmouth Chapter Makes the Paper!

Congratulations to our Theta Sigma chapter at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth who were recently featured in a South Coast Today article touting their philanthropic efforts. The sisters were noted for serving dinner to over 600 seniors and then dancing the night away with them. This was a wonderful collaborative effort with a fellow NPC sorority. To read more about their efforts, visit this site: http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081226/NEWS/812260327/-1/NEWS

Do you have good news that you want to share with us? If so, email us at foundation@phisigmasigma.org!

Nash's Donor Tour Part II

It’s Nash, here again with another update on my awesome “Donors Rock” tour. I continued my travels meeting sisters both in Philadelphia area and neighboring New Jersey as well….

November 19 – I ventured across the bridge to visit our fabulous women at Zeta Pi, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ). Over a delicious pasta dinner, we shared some Phi Sig history and lots of good stories. Thank you for cooking for me and welcoming me on my first ever visit to this campus. It was really fun!

November 20 - I was delighted to have coffee with two very special alumnae at Starbucks on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. It was wonderful catching up with Heather Kelley, a Beta Psi alumna and current Foundation Secretary and Diane Spatz, a Nu alumna, who is a Foundation Director Emeritus and the long standing CKA at Xi Chapter, Temple University.

November 20 – Dodgeball, anyone? How fun it was to watch the sisters of Zeta Gamma chapter at West Chester University compete among themselves in their first annual Phi Sig Olympics. The chapter divided themselves into teams complete with names, t-shirts, and cheers while having a blast playing dodgeball, answering trivia questions, and other fun activities. Following the game, it was so nice to tour their house and chat with the sisters about how the university has changed since I was their CKA in the 1990s. Thank you for hosting me and allowing me to share your entertaining games!

November 23 – I was thrilled to have lunch with Beta Alpha alumna Bonnie Diamond Aaron, who served the Foundation as a former Philanthropy and Fundraising Chairman. Since it’s been years since we’ve seen each other, it was wonderful to touch base, get up to date, and share family photos with each other.

November 23 - I traveled to New Jersey again, this time to attend a meeting with the sisters of Theta Eta chapter at Rider University. We had a blast remembering our Phi Sig history. After the meeting, I toured the house which is very impressive. Thank you to the women at Theta Eta for allowing me to visit where I had such a good time!

November 24 – I was honored to have lunch with Past Grand Archon and Phi Sig icon, Veachey Rudolph Bloom. If you think I tell good stories, then you haven’t had the pleasure of hearing Veachey speak. I could listen to Veachey talk all day and all night about her Phi Sig experiences…she’s a Phi Sig treasure!

November 24 – For my final visit, I was honored to attend a very lovely ritual meeting at Gamma Xi chapter at Widener University. Following the meeting, we had a question and answer session, and then I toured the Manor, their beautiful home. Thanks to all my Gamma Xi sisters for a terrific evening!

It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks, but an extremely exhilarating experience. Our chapters continue to aim high and I know our Founders would be so proud of them. Thanks to everyone for hosting me with such warmth and enthusiasm.

One thing is for sure, our DONORS ROCK!! Look out, Nash may be dropping by to see you soon!

Foundation Executive Director Nancy Hay, a.k.a. “Nash”, Is On the Road in Philly

Nash has hit the road and has been a blogging maniac! See below for her latest stories and news!

Greetings from Nash. I’m currently in Philadelphia where it has been my great pleasure to meet and visit with so many wonderful Phi Sig collegians and alumnae.

November 14 - I began my “Donors Rock” tour with a trip to Stevenson College in Owings Mills, MD to attend Zeta Chi Chapter’s Basket Bingo. I was honored to meet the sisters and their advisors, families and friends at this fantastic fundraiser. This event was not only fun, but it raised thousands of dollars for the Foundation. Congratulations to the chapter on a job well done and thank you for all your support.

November 16 - I was delighted to attend the Founders’ Day luncheon hosted by the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter. Check out all the details here.

November 17 – After having met all the local chapter reps at the Philly Founders’ Day celebration, I set out to visit each chapter on their own campus. My first stop was Beta Rho chapter, my alma mater Drexel University.

I was quite impressed with the growth of the university which has so many new buildings that I hardly recognized it. It was so nice to meet the chapter, tour their house, and chat with the sisters about how the university has changed since I was in school. Thank you Beta Rhos for hosting me and allowing me to share some of my most cherished memories!

November 18 - I traveled to Xi Chapter at Temple University, where I was thrilled to meet some of the sisters at the dining hall for lunch. While eating, we had a blast playing Phi Sig Jeopardy, and the sisters who answered the questions correctly were rewarded with prizes. After lunch, I toured the house which is very impressive. Thank you to the women at Xi for taking time out of your busy schedules to show me such a good time!

November 19 - I was so pleased to meet with Xi alumna Sue Bleznak Weisberg, an old friend and former Convention Chairman for the Fraternity. It was delightful to catch up with this Foundation donor and special sister!

Stay tuned for more of Nash’s travels!

Wonderful Founders' Day Event

The Foundation received this wonderful report from Melanie Toner, Archon of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter. Congratulations for a wonderful event!

Founders’ Day 2008 was a huge success for the Philadelphia alumnae chapter. With seven chapters in attendance, we hosted almost 400 women to celebrate our founders’ vision and strength. Special Events Chair, Mary Elizabeth Gantz, planned a fabulous event at Harrah's in Chester. For this Founders' Day, we debuted a new format, complete with a panel of successful alumnae, a Phi Sig marketplace featuring every chapter, and a new collegian award.

Our panel featured Foundation Executive Director Nancy “Nash” Hay (Beta Rho), Gina D’Amato-Kaufman (Gamma Xi), Jess Pomraning (Gamma Gamma) and was moderated by Foundation Secretary Heather Kelley (Beta Psi). Collegians were asked to provide us with questions of anything that might be on their mind. Among other things, they asked about networking opportunities, career strategy, and whether or not our panelists watch the TV show, Greek.

The day kicked off with the Phi Sig Marketplace – an hour long opportunity devoted to networking. Each chapter was provided with a table to display information about their events and to sell t-shirts or other fundraising items. Next, Mary Elizabeth welcomed everyone and the women from Zeta Omicron performed the SPHINX ceremony.

This year, we presented two awards, one of which was brand new. Each year, we honor an alumnae sister who excels in sorority and community service with the Helen Berkowitz award. Past recipients include Kim Hildred (Gamma Epsilon), Nancy Hay (Beta Rho), Diane Spatz (Nu) and many others. This year’s honored recipient was Jess Pomraning (Gamma Gamma). We also started a new tradition this year. We felt it was important to also honor outstanding collegians in our region and so we debuted a new award, the Outstanding Philadelphia Area Collegian Sister Award. We received outstanding nominations and Mary Elizabeth read each one aloud. We are so proud to have awarded this year’s plaque to Laura Ferro (Nu).

And of course, we also made sure to remember to uphold our founders’ ideals. Our community service project was a toiletry drive which benefited Family House in West Philadelphia. In addition, we raised $689 for the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation between raffle tickets and pin sales. Unique Impressions will also graciously donate a portion of their proceeds to the Foundation. Finally, we debuted a new T-shirt as a chapter fundraiser and sold 31 shirts!

Founders' Day Campaign

First, the quiz...

Which Phi Sig Founder:

...graduated from high school at age 11?
...became a textile designer and an interior designer?
...worked as a hospital volunteer and was bilingual?
...was the first founder to pass away?
...aspired to be a dancer/actress?
...wrote most of the Fraternity's ritual?

Whether or not you remember all their names and achievements, I know you remember our Founders' collective vision...the advancement of womanhood. You embrace it every time you act with sisterhood in mind. Nothing can separate us!

So now, the question...

Will you continue the tradition you began last Founders' Day by joining our second annual Founders' Day Campaign? This important effort is raising gifts of $19.13 or more to directly benefit the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation's ACHIEVE leadership initiative and educational grants. The contribution you made last year helped raise nearly $20,000 - an amount that far exceeded our highest expectations!

Our Zeta Tau Chapter Archon, Julie, tells what ACHIEVE meant for her this past year:

"This series of workshops definitely helped me focus on techniques to develop and implement chapter objectives. We worked on an action plan for our standards board to monitor chapter morale and oversee activities. We also established a "24-hour rule," meaning if there is disagreement or tension, sisters allow themselves 24 hours to think through their thoughts and ideas rather than instantly reacting..."

This Loyola University Chicago senior has helped double her chapter size in two years, with 90 sisters and tons of positive response from members, Headquarters and their host campus. And, Julie is just one of our collegiate chapter leaders who benefited from the program. Some 750 collegiate sisters participated in ACHIEVE last year alone. Wow!

Joining the 2008 Founders' Day Campaign by November 26th will put a tax-deductible gift to work immediately to fund the ACHIEVE leadership module and educational grants for deserving sisters. We need YOU if we hope to reach this year's goal to increase donors and dollars by 10%. It's easy to do right now... (1) find the answers to our Founders' Day quiz and (2) tell us your answer to our Founders' Day question!