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Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Scholarships Now Available!
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is pleased to share the 2008 scholarship and grant application with our collegiate or alumnae sisters who continue to pursue their undergraduate or graduate education. Please visit http://www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org/apply-scholarship.htm to download an application. Applications must be postmarked by APRIL 10, 2008.
Founders' Day Message
November 26, 2007
Dear Sisters,
Nearly 100 years ago, ten women with extreme foresight came together in friendship and inclusiveness to create a new sorority – Phi Sigma Sigma. Each November, thousands of collegiate and alumnae sisters from across North America honor our Founders on and around the day of our founding – November 26.
Over the past several weeks, Phi Sigma Sigma has seen has seen an incredible surge of alumnae and collegians stepping forward to commemorate our Founders with generous support for our Founders’ Day Campaign.
Many are wondering, “Is it too late to join?” And the answer is, “NO”!
We hope you’ll seize this final opportunity to participate. More than 200 sisters have responded thus far, raising close to $20,000 in special support of the 2008 NKF Transplant Games.
During this season of giving, we know of no better step you could take in assisting patients across the country who are right now awaiting a lifesaving transplant. Please step forward TODAY your tax-deductible gift to help. Being included is as easy as following this link: https://www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org/donate/founders.php
Every dollar will help support the Foundation’s sponsorship of this vitally important biennial event. Many thanks for your care and concern. Our Founders were visionary leaders and we know that they would be proud that today’s sisters are demonstrating that same leadership by serving others.
Thank you for helping to perpetuate our founding sisters’ legacy of service and best wishes for a happy Founders’ Day.
The Board of Directors of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation
Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Year in Review
Foundation Annual Report
November 22, 2007
Our fiscal year ending June 2007 was another year of achievement. Through an array of expansive initiatives, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation advanced notably in fulfilling our mission – to generate funds for the Fraternity’s educational and philanthropic activities, encourage lifelong learning and engage in charitable endeavors.
Based on the Fraternity’s core values, three strategic goals guided our efforts:
1. Generate funds through meaningful connections with sisters, friends, and others.
2. Support leadership through service.
3. Promote the advancement of womanhood.
Generate Funds through Meaningful Connections with Sisters, Friends, and Others
Leadership Conferences
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation was again honored to join the Fraternity at the 2007 Leadership Conferences (LCs). We reconnected with alumnae sisters at receptions sponsored in Baltimore, Newark, Bakersfield, Albany and Chicago.
Those who attended the Foundation dinner heard from National Kidney Foundation speakers … watched touching moments from the Transplant Games … were introduced to educational grant and scholarship winners … cheered on generous collegiate chapter donors … and helped raise over $43,000 in gifts and pledges!
To learn more about our experience at the LCs, check out our blog! http://phisigmasigmafoundation.blogspot.com
Chapter Giving
Aim high! Each chapter donating $35.00 or more per sister is designated as a Chapter of Excellence. Fifty-nine chapters achieved this honor in 2007. An additional 17 alumnae chapters also made Foundation contributions.
Members of our Theta Upsilon chapter (University of La Verne) were honored for their contribution of $9,369, the largest of all collegiate chapters. The sisters of Epsilon Epsilon (California State University at Bakersfield) garnered the award for highest giving per sister, $237.
The life of Past Grand Archon and Foundation President, Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg, was honored during a special ceremony at the Nu house on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. A number of alumnae gave a moving tribute, recounting Jeanine’s impact on them and recognizing her legacy to Phi Sigma Sigma. Nu chapter’s collegiate sisters did a remarkable job hosting this event!
Support Leadership through Service
NKF Transplant Games
In June, the Foundation was honored to be part of the U.S. Transplant Games hosted by the National Kidney Foundation in Louisville, KY. The mission of the NKF U.S. Transplant Games is todemonstrate the success of transplantation, honor organ donors, and raise awareness to the need for more donors.
One tissue donor can improve the lives of more than 50 people. And while an impressive 750,000 tissue transplants are performed annually in the U.S., an average 18 people die daily due to the shortage of available organs.
Volunteer Leann McClain (Epsilon Chi Chapter, Indiana University Southeast) shared these thoughts, “All the people I met had an attitude of gratitude. These athletes were so nice and especially thankful to our Phi Sigma Sigma volunteers. We see the importance of donating to the Foundation, of course.... and to be there with these athletes – hear their stories, see their faces when they finish a race – makes the experience even more fulfilling.”
Make a Difference Day
Saturday, October 28th marked Make A Difference Day 2006. Countless sisters from across North America volunteered in their communities. Phi Sigma Sigma’s Iota Beta chapter at Quincy University held a magnificent "Princess for a Day" event serving 63 young girls and raising over $1,400 for the Foundation!
Founders’ Day
In November, the Foundation invited chapters to reach out to someone in need as a way to commemorate Founders’ Day and celebrate selflessness. Stories poured in recounting how chapters responded to this invitation.
Brittany (Delta Psi, University of West Florida) wrote … “Local alumnae and our chapter got together and made dinner at the Ronald McDonald House. We eased the burden a little for parents who have been there taking care of their sick children during the Thanksgiving holiday.”
Promote the Advancement of Womanhood
ACHIEVE
ACHIEVE is a values-based programming initiative designed to support members’ personal growth and development as leaders.
This year the Foundation proudly granted over $30,000 to fund the ACHIEVE program offered at each of the LCs.
ACHIEVE focuses on four key values of membership – learning, service, friendship and leadership. It is administered by student affairs professionals and other facilitators trained in student development theory and leadership theory.
ACHIEVE supports our belief that leadership is a process, that every member contributes to her chapter’s success, and that positive change is key to Phi Sigma Sigma’s future. This initiative imparts lifelong skills our sisters will be able to apply to virtually any life situation.
ACHIEVE complements many leadership activities already in place on college campuses.
Collegians attending the LCs and ACHIEVE are responding with overwhelming enthusiasm:
- “I’m not nearly as scared as I was to start as a new Archon [chapter president]. I am starting to become comfortable and aware of my leadership skills.”
- “Made me think about what I want to see in myself and others.”
- “Reminded me that encouragement is a key aspect of being a leader.”
- “I learned about myself and gained new ideas on ways to help my chapter.”
- “I loved this conference!!! I learned a lot of things that I can't wait to show the rest of my chapter. I hope I can go again.”
- “AWESOME … my executive members came back with tons of information and so excited about what they learned.”
Educational Grants and Scholarships
Generous alumnae, chapters, individual sisters, and friends enable the Foundation to defray tuition costs for outstanding collegiate and graduate members. These awards are vitally important as promising sisters pursue their educational goals. In 2006, the Foundation conferred 24 educational grants and scholarships totaling over $25,000.
Keeping You Informed
We’re working hard to share the achievements of collegians and alumnae so you can see firsthand the difference your giving makes! Access news you can use through …
- our newly-designed website,
- our fabulous blog, where you can post comments and share information,
- our alumnae newsletter, Legacy,
- our e-newsletter, The Chronicle,
- and, of course, in the pages of Phi Sigma Sigma’s historic magazine, The Sphinx.
Our donors’ impact cannot be measured. Others continue their service, as well. Members of Phi Sigma Sigma’s Board of Directors work countless hours “behind the scenes” to serve as effective stewards of our donors’ hard-earned contributions. Their dedication and talents, along with those of our volunteers and staff, keep Phi Sigma Sigma moving forward.
With your continued support, next year we will achieve even more. Diokete Hupsala.
Respectfully submitted,
Kim Hildred
Foundation President
Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Launches the Founders' Day Campaign
October 18, 2007
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation has launched an exciting new initiative to commemorate the founding of Phi Sigma Sigma and celebrate its sisterhood. Participants in the Founders' Day Campaign are asked to contribute $19.13 to the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation. Each year, the Foundation board will designate a project or program to benefit from the Founders' Day Campaign. For Founders' Day 2007, the campaign will benefit our support of and participation in the 2008 National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, Penn.
Every sister makes a difference! If just 10% of our collegiate members participate, we will raise more than $7,000. If just 3% of our alumnae members participate, we will raise more than $17,000. Please help us reach our goal of raising $30,000.
We would like to reach all our Phi Sig sisters to spread the word about this special celebration of our Founders; however, we do not have email addresses for many of our sisters. This is where you can help spread the word! Please click the link below to send an e-mail message to Phi Sig sisters in your address book to let them know about our Founders' Day Campaign. It's a great opportunity to reconnect with your chapter sisters and - more importantly - make a difference for those in need.
Click here to send an e-mail message to your special Phi Sig friends!
Click here to donate to the Founders' Day Campaign!
Foundation Appoints Two New Directors, Elects Officers
September 8, 2007
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new directors, Stefanie Hutchison and Amy Keach, as well as the 2007-2009 Foundation officers.
Stefanie Hutchison (Gamma Xi, Widener University, 1991) has been a key Phi Sigma Sigma volunteer and has served the Fraternity and the Foundation in a number of areas, including chapter key advisor and Foundation Convention coordinator. She has also been a very active member of the Foundation special events committee, which she will now oversee as a director. In her professional life, Stefanie has a wide range of experience that will add further expertise to the Foundation board. She served as an admissions counselor at her alma mater, Widener University; worked in customer relations for AAMCO and a major hotel chain; and has a real estate license. Stefanie has planned philanthropic golf tournaments for the United Parcel Service and has served on a variety of committees at the Independence School, where her oldest son is enrolled. Stefanie and her husband have two sons and are currently planning their move to North Carolina later this month.
Amy Keach (Gamma Nu, Rutgers University New Brunswick, 1994) also comes to the Foundation with a wide variety of Phi Sigma Sigma experience that will further enhance the board's expertise. Since graduating from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Amy has held numerous volunteer roles. In addition to recently completing a term on Supreme Council as the director of alumnae, Amy has served the Fraternity as regional alumnae coordinator, division alumnae president, alumnae chapter archon, chapter key advisor and colony supervisor. Professionally, Amy is a certified project manager with a focus on interactive/online member relationship management. She currently works for a company that develops software products for the insurance industry. Amy volunteers as a member of the Rutgers Alumni Volunteer Information Network (RAVIN), Insurity Diversity Council and ChoicePoint Cares Committee. She also serves as a mentor at the Kinsella School. Amy lives with her husband in Connecticut.
In addition to the new director appointments, the Foundation board of directors is also pleased to present its officers for 2007-2009.
- President - Kim Hildred (Gamma Epsilon, Waynesburg College, 1978)
- Vice President - Candace Hogan (Gamma Nu, Rutgers University New Brunswick, 1986)
- Treasurer - Norma Castillo (Beta Theta, University of Miami, 1986)
- Secretary - Katie Herschede (Gamma Tau, Northern Kentucky University, 2004)
- Director of Marketing - Heather Kelley (Beta Psi, University of Florida, 1997)
- Director of Programming - Katie Herschede (Gamma Tau, Northern Kentucky University, 2004)
- Director of Special Events - Stefanie Hutchison (Gamma Xi, Widener University, 1991)
The Foundation looks forward to an exciting new year as we work toward our mission to generate funds for the educational and philanthropic activities of the Fraternity, encourage lifelong learning and engage in charitable endeavors.
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.
Spring 2007 Legacy Now Available Online
The Spring 2007 Legacy, the Foundation's bi-annual newsletter, is now available online. Click here to view it!
Earn Money for the Foundation Every Time You Search the Internet!
What if the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation earned money every time you searched the internet? Well, now we can!
GoodSearch.com is a new search engine that donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate (like the Foundation!). Just use it as you would any search engine, and its powered by Yahoo!, so you know you will get reliable results.
Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation as the charity you want to support. Just 500 of us searching 4 times a day will earn the Foundation about $7,300 a year! Be sure to spread the word!
April 2007 Chronicle Now Available Online
The April 2007 Chronicle, the Foundation's e-newsletter, is now available online. Click here to view it!
Collegiate Chapter Foundation Donations Due March 10, 2007
Collegiate chapter Foundation donations are due by March 10 to Headquarters. If you need an extension, please contact your Membership Manager before the deadline.
Thank you to all of our chapters for your truly generous support of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation and a special thank you to those chapters who have already submitted their donation!
Aim High!
Scholarship Established in Memory of Our Beta Alpha Sister, Nicole Schiffman
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Board of Directors and volunteers are
deeply saddened by the tragic and untimely death of Nicole Schiffman,
our sister from the Beta Alpha chapter at the University of Maryland.
Click here to see the statement issued by the Phi Sigma Sigma
Fraternity about Nicole including how to donate to the Phi Sigma Sigma
Foundation fund Nicole's Beta Alpha sisters have established in her
memory.
Date and Location Announced for 2007 Convention!
This year, Convention will be held July 26-29 in Orlando, Florida at the Hilton Disney. Please mark your calendar and watch your email and the Phi Sigma Sigma website for package details and pricing!
Foundation Focus
January 2007
Kim Hildred, Foundation President
Happy 2007! A new year provides new opportunities for us to refocus our efforts in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. As the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation begins 2007, I want to update you regarding the progress we have made this fall which will serve as our springboard to tackle the challenges and opportunities of 2007. Our "Foundation Focus" follows below.
Foundation Focus:
Our blog is being updated multiple times each week to showcase the achievements of our chapters and our alumnae, including lots of pictures. We want to make you and/or your chapter one of our superstars! Please check out our blog often and tell us about your achievements serving others and raising funds for the Foundation to use to award scholarships and grants, develop women leaders, and help those with kidney disease and their families.
- The Foundation's oral historian, Phyllis Dreyfuss, completed two new oral histories. Phyllis interviewed Mendel (Mendy) Berenson, daughter of Past Grand Archon (GA) Denise Levy Tourover Ezekiel.Mendy had many vivid memories of the time when her mother served and how she felt about extending the benefits of fraternal membership to all women. Mendy graduated from George Washington University.
Phyllis also interviewed Past Grand Archon Ruth Cooper Breslauer Burg, who was GA from 1954 to 1956.Ruth was a lawyer and full time mother during the time she served as GA, and the sorority headquarters (files) were kept in her DC home! Ruth had many vivid memories of visiting campuses and even attending NPC meetings with Clarisse Markowitz, our first NPC Delegate and Past Grand Archon herself! Ruth did her undergraduate work at George Washington University, under a full scholarship; she also graduated number one in her law school class at the same school!
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Past Grand Archon Ruth Burg also visited the Headquarters in December. Check out our blog for details of the visit and to see Ruth and others who were at the Headquarters for this most special occasion.
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A celebration of the life and legacy of Past Grand Archon Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg was held at the University of Pennsylvania on October 29th. Check out our blog at www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org to see pictures and learn more about this remarkable event.
Our special events committee is making excellent progress planning for our participation in this year's Leadership Conferences (LCs). Invitations to an alumnae reception at each LC will soon be going out to many area alumnae who will also receive a personal contact in advance.
The Foundation directors will also be facilitating programming during the LCs as well as hosting breakout sessions which will cover everything you want to know about the Foundation and ideas for conducting successful service and fundraising events.
All programming resources have been updated with the premiere of our new Web site. Check out our Web site to find resources on: philanthropic recruitment; rock-a-thon, Make a Difference Day, and service at Founders' Day. These resources and other ideas will be discussed at the LCs.
The Foundation was pleased to approve a second funding grant for ACHIEVE, and is assisting in the updating of the program for this year's Leadership Conferences. Achieve is a values-based leadership development program for our collegiate sisters that focuses on service, leadership, learning, and sisterhood.
Please be sure to contact us if you have any questions, comments, suggestions on any of these activities, or if you are interested in volunteering. Want more information? Email us at foundation@phisigmasigma.org. We truly welcome your feedback.
Best wishes for a fabulous 2007!
Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Scholarships Now Available!
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is pleased to share the 2007 scholarship and grant application with our collegiate or alumnae sisters who continue to pursue their undergraduate or graduate education. Please visit http://www.phisigmasigmafoundation.org/apply-scholarship.htm to download an application. Applications must be postmarked by APRIL 10, 2007.
Leadership Conferences 2007 -- Calling All Collegians!
The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is pleased to join the Fraternity at the 2007 Leadership Conferences where we will again host the Saturday night dinner. Last year, thanks to the generosity of our collegiate and alumnae sisters, the Foundation was able to raise over $30,000 to help fund quality leadership programming, scholarships and grants and support for the National Kidney Foundation and Kidney Foundation of Canada.
We invite you and your chapter to join the Foundation Board of Directors and fellow collegian and alumnae sisters celebrate the efforts of our donors and learn about how your gifts are put to work. Here's how!
Donate An Item From Your Chapter For The Foundation Auction
This year, we invite your chapter to help us make the Foundation dinner and auction even more successful by donating a chapter gift to be auctioned to the highest bidder. Great ideas from previous auctions include:
- Items used during ritual (i.e., candlesticks, vase, bible cover, gavel, ritual table cloth, etc.)
- A basket representing your home state or region (California Dreamin', New York Big Apple, Fun in the Sun)
- Unique Phi Sigma Sigma items that your chapter makes (banner for recruitment, scrapbook cover, etc.)
Would you like more information or ideas about what to donate for the Foundation auction? If so, email us at foundation@phisigmasigma.org. With your help, the Foundation auction will continue to be a highlight of the conference! We look forward to all our sisters joining us in the bidding process too!
Participate in the Foundation Raffle
In addition to participating in the auction by both donating and bidding on items, sisters may also buy chances to win fabulous merchandise in the Foundation Raffle. Raffle tickets will be available Friday night and all day Saturday.
Give Heart to Hearts
One of the most treasured traditions from our international conclaves is "Heart to Hearts." This year, we are bringing this wonderful tradition to the Leadership Conferences! The recipient of a Heart receives a card from you and includes your personal message. She also receives a double heart appliqué to wear on her nametag. This is a perfect opportunity to say "thank you" to chapter sisters and community volunteers.
Join the Rosebud Society
Rosebud Society membership provides a unique opportunity for collegians to begin their lifetime of giving through three easy and affordable donations to the Foundation.
Membership is obtained through three gifts over three years ($20, $25, and $30 respectively) totaling $75. When the first payment is received, the sister receives a lapel pin to signify membership into the Rosebud Society. Once her third payment is made, the sister receives her first lifetime rose giving level pin. We invite all Leadership Conference attendees to join the Rosebud Society. When you generously donate $20 at the conference, you will receive your rosebud pin on the spot and will be able to proudly display your support for the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation.
Sisters Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Past Grand Archon Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg
 On October 29, the Foundation hosted an event at the Nu house on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania to honor the life and legacy of Past Grand Archon Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg.
Sandy Grossman (Grand Archon), Kim Hildred (Past Grand Archon and Foundation President), Louise Kier Ziretta (Past Grand Archon), Veachey Bloom (Past Grand Archon), Arlene Fickler (past Foundation President), Joan Eilbott (Jeanine's chapter sister at Nu), Sylvana Trabout (past Supreme Council officer), and Nancy Pfeffer (past Grand Council officer) each gave a moving tribute to Jeanine, the impact she had on them as individuals and her legacy to Phi Sigma Sigma.
It was especially appropriate that this memorial was held at the University of Pennsylvania which is Jeanine's alma mater. After she graduated from our Nu chapter, Jeanine went on to Harvard Law school where she graduated top in her class. Jeanine had a tremendous impact not only in ensuring the future and perpetuity of Phi Sigma Sigma during the 1970's, but also as a woman pioneer in the legal profession.
Do you have a wonderful memory that you'd like to share about Jeanine? Email us at foundation@phisigmasigma.org to share!
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