1. education
2. alumni and reunions

The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Summer 2007
letter from
Grand Archon
Sneak Peek! Convention '07
in Orlando
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Phi Sig-nificant News
Forward Thinking: Planning
for Phi Sig's Future
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Foundation's Impact at the
Transplant Games
Contact the Sphinx Staff
Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site
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Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters
Share Your Ideas/
Comments with HQ
Visit Foundation's Web Site
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Contact Foundation
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Donate Today!
The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Summer 2007
Editor-in-Chief
letter from
Grand Archon
Lisa Cellini Romero
Sneak Peek! Convention '07
in Orlando
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(Epsilon Zeta – Bloomsburg University)
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Art Director
Heather Knuth
Forward Thinking: Planning
for Phi Sig's Future
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(Pi – Syracuse University)
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Contributors
Phi Sig-nificant News
Foundation's Impact at the
Transplant Games
Claire Gregory (Delta Zeta – Stevens Institute of Technology)
Editorial Board
Heather Kelley (Beta Psi – University of Florida)
Alicia Scott (Beta Psi – University of Florida)
Michelle Snyder Ardern (Delta Iota – Central Michigan University)
Erin Sweeney (Beta Delta – Ohio University)
Contact the Sphinx Staff
Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site
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Supreme Council | 2004-2007
Grand Archon | Sandy Grossman (Gamma Nu – Rutgers University)
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Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters
Share Your Ideas/
Comments with HQ
Grand Vice Archon | Caryn Jacquish (Epsilon Theta – Montclair State University)
Director of Finance | Melanie Boone (Beta Rho – Drexel University)
Visit Foundation's Web Site
Director of Collegians | Cindy Burquist DeNormandie (Zeta Tau – Loyola University)
Director of Alumnae | Amy Keach (Gamma Nu, Rutgers University)
Director of Extension | Alicia Scott (Beta Psi – University of Florida)
Director of Housing | Erin Sweeney (Belta Delta – Ohio University)
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Contact Foundation
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Donate Today!
The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Director of Programming | Nicolé Hollar (Gamma Nu – Rutgers University)
NPC Delegate | Josette George Kaufman (Beta Psi – University of Florida)
Foundation President | Kim Hildred (Gamma Epsilon – Waynesburg College)
Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Founded at Hunter College, New York, November 26, 1913.
Our Mission
To inspire the personal development of each sister and perpetuate the advancement
of womanhood.
Our Vision
Phi Sigma Sigma is a dynamic sisterhood of powerful women fostering
uncompromising principles, igniting positive change and embracing individuality.
Phi Sigma Sigma
8178 Lark Brown Road, Suite 202
Elkridge, MD 21075
Phone: 410-799-1224
E-mail: PhiSigHQ@PhiSigmaSigma.org
Web site: PhiSigmaSigma.org
Member: College Fraternity Editors Association
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Member: National Panhellenic Editors Conference
The Sphinx
Volume 84 • Number 2
© 2007 Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Summer 2007
letter from
Grand Archon
Sneak Peek! Convention '07
in Orlando
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Welcome to our first-ever electronic version of The Sphinx!
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Phi Sig-nificant News
Forward Thinking: Planning
for Phi Sig's Future
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Foundation's Impact at the
Transplant Games
This issue is an example of one of our new areas of focus – using technology to share
news and information of greatest interest to you and tens of thousands of Phi Sigma
Sigma sisters worldwide. We hope you enjoy it.
In the upcoming months, you will see more results from our latest technology
investment – an iMIS database. This database will drive an expanded offering at
PhiSigmaSigma.org which will include a fully functioning “for sisters only” private
Contact the Sphinx Staff
Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site
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Web site. We are so pleased to see our technology wish list become a reality.
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The spring semester is winding down, and so the big news right now is Convention
2007, held July 26-29 at Disney World in Orlando. Our Headquarters staff and
Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters
Share Your Ideas/
Comments with HQ
Visit Foundation's Web Site
convention committee are busy planning the final details for an incredible three-day
event that is sure to be one of our finest ever. We didn’t just aim high this year – we
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Contact Foundation
aimed higher! We hope that you will join us for a wonderful celebration of sisterhood.
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Donate Today!
See our story on Convention 2007, and visit our Web site at PhiSigmaSigma.org for
updates.
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We’re also making excellent progress in our ongoing efforts to take Phi Sigma
Sigma’s operations, services and image to the next level. In fact, there’s so much
going on that you’ll have to check out the news in this issue’s Phi Sig-nificant! section
– a series of quick-read, high-impact stories that’ll make you say “wow.” (I know I
did. It’s amazing how much we’ve accomplished since last fall.)
Be sure to explore Foundation’s photo essay of our experience at the Transplant
Games. It will inspire you and make you proud to be a Phi Sigma Sigma.
Finally, a question for you: What more can we do to help make your Phi Sigma Sigma
experience even more meaningful and rewarding? We’re committed to growing our
organization through extraordinary vision, goal-setting and service. Please write us at
Comments@PhiSigmaSigma.org. We always welcome your ideas and suggestions.
Wishing you a wonderful spring, and looking forward to seeing you at Disney World
this July. Diokete Hupsala!
In our bond,
Sandy Grossman, Grand Archon
GA@PhiSigmaSigma.org
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Summer 2007
letter from
Grand Archon
Sneak Peek! Convention '07
in Orlando
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Forward Thinking: Planning
for Phi Sig's Future
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Phi Sigma Sigma is headed to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” – and you’re invited!
It’s Convention time this July 26
When
July 26 – July 29, 2007
Where
Orlando, Fla. – The Hilton
near Downtown Disney
to plan one of the best ever at the fourstar Hilton hotel, a premier vacation
destination near Downtown Disney.
Talk about a world-class event for
world-class women!
Foundation's Impact at the
Transplant Games
Convention at a Glance
through July 29 at Disney World, and
the Fraternity is pulling out all the stops
Phi Sig-nificant News
PhiSigmaSigma.org – click
How to
Registeron “PHI SIGS ONLY,” log
in and then click “eEvents”
Info
PhiSigHQ@PhiSigmaSigma.
org or 410-799-1224
Something for everyone
So what’s planned? Something for everyone: a little business, a little pleasure.
Contact the Sphinx Staff
Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site
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effectiveness, image and more. Click here for related story.
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Share Your Ideas/
Comments with HQ
Visit Foundation's Web Site
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Contact Foundation
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Donate Today!
On the business side, delegates will be discussing and voting on important issues
impacting our Fraternity’s ongoing efforts to upgrade operations, leadership
Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters
The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
When the work ends, the fun begins – with plenty of opportunities to meet and greet
sisters, celebrate our rituals and sisterhood, and reaffirm everything we love about
Phi Sigma Sigma.
The Ultimate Vacation
Destination
Coming soon…
Here’s a sneak peek of what you can
expect at Phi Sig’s big biennial blowout:
Double your Phi Sig fun…
Bring the family, enjoy some
R&R!
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Sphinx banquet and awards
ceremony. Join us for a glittering
evening of festivity and fun celebrating
Planning to enjoy a little R&R or
a family vacation while at
sisterhood and service.
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Foundation banquet and auction.
Convention? Prepare to be
Help fund our Fraternity’s many
impressed – and pampered!
philanthropic efforts by bidding for
The Hilton at Walt Disney World,
where Phi Sigma Sigma’s 2007
Convention will be held, is a fourstar resort offering exceptional
accommodations, outstanding
food and easy access to
fabulous Phi Sig memorabilia, jewelry,
clothing and more.
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Supreme Council elections. Click
here to read more about our Supreme
Council candidates.
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Chapter initiations. Join your sisters
Downtown Disney – home of the
in welcoming our newest collegiate and
Disney Marketplace, Pleasure
alumnae chapters to the pyramid,
Island and Disney’s West Side.
including Iota Theta (Barry University,
Fla.), Iota Iota (Grand Valley State
Amenities include:
University, Mich.), Iota Kappa
(University of Colorado at Colorado
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Two swimming pools
Springs, Colo.), Iota Lambda
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A state-of-the-art health club
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Golf at five Disney World
championship courses
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Gourmet cuisine at seven
Colo.), Iota Mu (University of New
Haven, Conn.), the Las Vegas Alumnae
restaurants and lounges
Chapter and the Miami Alumnae
Close proximity to the Disney
Chapter.
Marketplace, Pleasure Island
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(Metropolitan State College of Denver,
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Memorial ceremony. Together, we’ll
and Disney’s West Side.
remember sisters we’ve loved and lost
Complimentary transportation
in recent years.
to Disney’s theme parks.
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Sister receptions. Mingle with
friends and new faces from around the
That’s not all. As a Phi Sigma
world.
Sigma Convention guest, you're
eligible to purchase advanced
We’ll pack the long weekend full of
Disney theme park tickets
great, motivational Phi Sig activities
customized to your schedule for
and events – but of course you’ll have
maximum fun and savings! For
time to enjoy the magic of Disney
more information, log onto this
World as well! (See The Ultimate
Web site: www.
Vacation Destination story at left.)
disneyconventionear.com/phi
Watch your e-mail and check Phi Sigma
Sigma’s Web site for more Convention details in the weeks to come.
See you in July!
Fun Phi Fact: Sisters voted at
LTS 2005 to delay this
Convention to an oddnumbered year, 2007, so the
2013 Convention will coincide
with our Centennial celebration!
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Summer 2007
Licensing our ‘brand’ – and preserving our Fraternity’s image
letter from
Grand Archon
Phi Sig has recently partnered with a North American marketing company to preserve
the integrity of our Fraternity’s “brand.”
Sneak Peek! Convention '07
in Orlando
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Our new agreement with Affinity Marketing Consultants, Inc., requires vendors using
any “trademarked” Phi Sigma Sigma symbols – such as our Greek letters, crest and
Forward Thinking: Planning
for Phi Sig's Future
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rose – to pay a fee for the privilege.
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Over time, this could bring extra income to the Fraternity. More importantly,
Phi Sig-nificant News
Foundation's Impact at the
Transplant Games
however, the partnership assures that Phi Sig products on the market reflect our
positive image and core values.
Look for a detailed article to follow in this fall’s printed edition of The Sphinx.
Contact the Sphinx Staff
Meanwhile, to find the most current list of licensed Phi Sigma Sigma vendors and
products (or to request quotes), log onto GreekLicensing.com and select “Phi Sigma
Sigma” in the drop-down box at left.
Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site
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Leadership conferences: Training tomorrow’s leaders today
Building on the success of our first-ever Leadership Conferences in 2006, this year’s
“LCs,” as they’re nicknamed, offered even better, more meaningful learning and
networking experiences for collegians and alumnae volunteers.
How do we know? Because
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Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters
Share Your Ideas/
Comments with HQ
Visit Foundation's Web Site
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Contact Foundation
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Donate Today!
The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
preliminary online surveys say
so – loud and clear.
More than a thousand sisters throughout North America attended LCs from Feb. 2
through April 1 in five U.S. cities: Baltimore; Newark, NJ; Bakersfield, Calif.; Albany,
NY; and Chicago.
Collegians participated in our ACHIEVE I and ACHIEVE II leadership programs, raised
funds for Foundation at auctions nationwide and networked with Fraternity personnel
on a one-on-one basis. They also shared best practices with other chapter leaders in
their new communities. (See related story below.)
Meet iMIS, our new database and the future of Phi Sig
Have you “met” iMIS yet? If not, you will soon.
iMIS is our new database, and it ushers in an exciting, high-tech era for Phi Sig.
Collegians have already begun interacting with the new system online – paying
membership fees with the click of a few buttons, updating personal information and
reading up on Fraternity policies.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Among iMIS’s many benefits, now and in the
near future:
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Better customer service through improved data management. The days
when Fraternity personnel needed to spend vast amounts of time collecting and
collating information on finances, chapter operations, alumnae whereabouts, etc.,
are behind us. iMIS does the clerical work for them. Staff can now devote more of
their time to what matters most – strengthening the sisterhood through even
better service to collegians and alumnae.
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Great networking opportunities. Alumnae and collegians will soon be able to
keep in touch with the Fraternity 24/7 – looking up sisters they’ve lost touch with,
catching up on their chapters’ news, sharing job opportunities in chat rooms… The
list goes on and on.
Look for an iMIS update in the fall edition of The Sphinx. Questions in the meantime?
Write to iMIS@PhiSigmaSigma.org.
The easy, ‘free’ way to
Donation sensation:
Not just up – way, way up!
donate to Foundation…
Overheard at this year’s Leadership Conferences:
Want to help raise “free”
Donations to Foundation have doubled since
funds for Foundation
2003. Doubled!
whenever you go online?
Two reasons why: 1) even better outreach to
Use GoodSearch.com as
alumnae and collegians, educating them on the
your default search engine.
many ways to give, and 2) top-notch, inspiring
It donates half its revenue,
communications and marketing campaigns that
about a penny per search,
underscore the impact that sisters’ donations
to charities you designate.
have on real people’s lives. (The National Kidney
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Simply enter “Phi Sigma
Sigma Foundation” as the
charity you want to
support, then use the site
Foundation’s Transplant Games are a perfect
example. See our photo essay here.)
To learn more, call 410-799-1224, ext. 16. To
as you would any search
donate, log onto this secure site:
engine.
PhiSigmaSigmaFoundation.org/
donate-form.htm (major credit cards accepted).
Other sororities, such as Pi
Beta Phi and Alpha Xi
Delta, have raised
hundreds and even
thousands of dollars this
way. So please join Phi
Sig’s GoodSearch
campaign, and we’ll keep
you posted on the results!
‘Regions’ or ‘communities’? Redefining
Phi Sig’s geography
Remember when we described chapters as being
in certain “regions”? (If not, don’t worry. The
terminology for Phi Sig’s geography has changed
a bit over the years.)
Now, as part of the Fraternity’s proposed
reorganization to streamline operations for even greater effectiveness and long-term
success, the former “regions” have been redrawn and renamed “communities.”
However, this change won’t be final until voted on during Convention.
The new “community” model – which organizes Phi Sig collegiate chapters by
location, chapter size and campus situation – was piloted across North America this
past year with excellent results.
Chapter leaders said they appreciated being grouped with local chapters similar to
theirs – something that wasn’t always possible under the “region” model, which was
strictly geographically based. Also, the nine communities in North America –
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overseen by new “community archons” – include not just collegians, but alumnae as
well, creating an even stronger, more dynamic sisterhood in those areas.
For more information, log onto PhiSigmaSigma.org and click on “New Community
Alignment and New Community Archons Announced” at left of the home page.
For a related story on the Fraternity’s proposed reorganization, click here: “Forward
Thinking.”
Welcome to the pyramid! New chapters, new sisters
Have you heard? Phi Sig recently added seven new chapters to the pyramid – five
collegiate and two alumnae.
Collegiate chapters were installed throughout the year, and alumnae chapters will be
installed at this summer’s Convention. Look for details in an upcoming issue of The
Sphinx.
Collegiate chapters include:
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Iota Theta – Barry University (Fla.), October 2006
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Iota Iota – Grand Valley State University (Mich.), April 2007
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Iota Kappa – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Colo.), April 2007
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Iota Lambda – Metropolitan State College of Denver (Colo.), April 2007, and
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Iota Mu – University of New Haven (Conn.), April 2007.
New alumnae chapters and clubs include:
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Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter
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Miami Alumnae Chapter
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Manhattan Alumnae Club, and
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Chicago Alumnae Club.
For more information about the collegiate chapters, contact Director of Extension Dr.
Alicia Scott at DE@PhiSigmaSigma.org. For more information about alumnae
chapters and clubs, contact Director of Alumnae Amy Keach at DA@PhiSigmaSigma.
org.
Special fund memorializes Beta Alpha sister
Sisters wishing to honor the
memory of collegian Nicole
Schiffman, a sister of the Beta
Alpha Chapter (University of
Maryland-College Park), can now Nicole Schiffman (at right) with childhood friend Carol Kestenbaum.
donate to a special fund.
Nicole, a 19-year-old journalism sophomore, was killed Feb. 18 when a gunman
opened fire on her and childhood friend Carol Kestenbaum in Arizona, fatally
wounding both women.
“Nicole valued her friendships and loved to have fun, yet knew how to balance it all
as a successful student, loving sister and an amazing daughter,” said one of her
chapter sisters, Jennifer Sims. “Nicole’s joy and warmth will be missed, but certainly
never forgotten.”
Donations in Nicole’s name can made online at PhiSigmaSigmaFoundation.org/
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donate-form.htm or be sent to:
Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation
8178 Lark Brown Road, Suite 202
Elkridge, MD 21075
Foundation’s online facelift
If you haven’t yet seen the
Foundation’s new Web site, it’s
definitely worth visiting.
A high-end design and userfriendly features make the site
even more enjoyable to explore.
Highlights include stories and
photos of sisters’ service projects worldwide, creative ideas on how different chapters
have raised funds for philanthropy, a running blog of the latest Foundation news, and
easy-to-access scholarship application forms and information.
Log onto PhiSigmaSigmaFoundation.org.
Bursar buzz: Phi Sig explores new online financial system
Headquarters recently announced possible plans to launch a new, online financemanagement system for collegiate chapters that virtually does away with timeconsuming, complicated monthly reports and significantly reduces accounting errors.
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The software from Automated Payment Highway (APH) underwent testing this year in
Community 6. If the Fraternity chooses to move forward with the purchase, chapters
in other communities could begin transitioning to the new financial system soon,
possibly this summer.
Bursars who tested APH reported greater success in tracking funds, collecting
membership fees, paying bills and generating reports. The system would even help
them file taxes.
For more information, call 410-799-1224, or e-mail either Director of Finance Melanie
Boone (DF@PhiSigmaSigma.org) or Chapter Finance Committee Chairman Sherri
Smith (SSmith@PhiSigmaSigma.org).
‘Wiki-fying’ Phi Sig’s guidebooks and resources
In keeping with the high-tech theme of this past year, Phi Sig recently launched a
first-ever “wiki” project to update Fraternity reference materials and resources stored
online.
A “wiki” is a shared Web workspace that permits various people to edit, write and
refine information within the same documents. Phi Sig’s wiki site is secure, and
access is by invitation only.
The resource library will ultimately be available to all sisters from the secure area of
our Web site.
Interested in contributing to the Phi Sig research wiki project? Learn more by
contacting Headquarters at PhiSigHQ@PhiSigmasSigma.org or calling 410-799-1224.
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Celebrating 80 years of sisterhood with Nu, Xi
Also: Remembering Past Grand Archon Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg
Sisters turned out in style for the 80th Anniversary Gala of two Phi Sig single-letter
chapters last fall.
Nu and Xi celebrated the milestone together Oct. 28 during a festive evening of
dinner and dancing in downtown Philadelphia. More than 125 guests attended.
The following day, alumnae and
collegians gathered at the Nu
chapter house to memorialize one
of its most distinguished sisters,
Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg, past
grand archon and Foundation’s
founding president. She passed
away suddenly last year.
A host of Fraternity leaders and close friends spoke warmly of Jeanine’s devotion to
Phi Sig, describing the impact that she had on their lives and, indeed, the lives of
every sister through her outstanding legacy of leadership and service.
Jeanine will be honored during Convention’s memorial ceremony.
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Remembering sisters we’ve loved and lost
A number of Phi Sigma Sigma sisters will be remembered during a
special memorial ceremony at this July’s Convention, including:
●
Ruth Victorhaus Rosen, a past grand archon and beloved sister
who was a proud and active member of Phi Sigma Sigma for
much of her life. A graduate of the Iota Chapter (University of
Pittsburgh), she served in multiple leadership roles before
becoming grand archon in the late 1960s.
●
Beverly Block Parkes served as grand vice archonundergraduates from 1969 to 1981. Bev, who was initiated into
the Beta Theta Chapter (University of Miami), had developed such
close relationships with sisters of all ages that she was often
called the “heart” of Phi Sigma Sigma.
Look for a related story in the upcoming printed edition of The
Sphinx.
Phi Sigs help rebuild New Orleans
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When Headquarters staff visited New Orleans for a conference of the
Association of Fraternity Advisors, they also spent time with Habitat
for Humanity, rebuilding homes in the 9th Ward that were devastated
by floods following Hurricane Katrina nearly two years ago. Shown
here: Executive Director Michelle Snyder Ardern and Membership
Managers Nicole Westerfer, Lisa Wallace and Catherine Udell.
Illinois State: A home of their own
Big news from the Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University: With the help of
the Phi Sigma Sigma National Housing Corporation, sisters have finalized the
purchase of a big home – one accommodating up to 40 women.
It’s a major accomplishment that comes at the perfect time, says Chapter Key
Advisor and EA Housing Corporation President Barb Gentry. The chapter, about 90
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members strong, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Though sisters have been living there for the past seven years, the landlord only
recently decided to sell them the property.
The chapter’s next major project? Interior decorating!
Founders’ Day: Veachey Bloom speaks from the heart
If you want to be sure there’s a standing ovation at any Phi Sigma Sigma event, just
ask past Grand Archon Veachey Rudolph Bloom to speak!
That’s what the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter did last Founders’ Day – and Veachey’s
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moving, inspirational message brought the house down.
She spoke on the relevancy of Phi Sig as we approach our centennial celebration in
2013. Specifically, she described how being a Phi Sig has been a joy and privilege her
entire life, and how each of us has a wonderful opportunity to give back to the
Fraternity that has given so much to us.
Veachey served as grand archon from 1956 to 1961. She also wrote the original Phi
Sigma Sigma ritual manual.
Check the upcoming printed issue of The Sphinx for an exclusive interview with
Veachey discussing the value of lifelong membership in Phi Sigma Sigma
Viva Las Vegas – and a successful
alumnae reunion!
Dozens of sisters from across North
America attended the Phi Sigma Sigma
reunion hosted by the Las Vegas
Alumnae Club (now chapter) in August
2006. Besides a meet-and-greet
reception, sisters bonded at a luncheon
and raised nearly $1,000 for Foundation.
Highlight of the weekend: when the club
presented Director of Alumnae Amy
Keach with its formal petition to become
a chapter.
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas News Bureau.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Help us reconnect!
Do you know a sister who loved her Phi Sigma Sigma experience –
but has lost touch over the years? Why not forward this publication
to her today?
Keep in touch!
To update your information, find a long-lost sister, get involved in
volunteer activities and more, visit PhiSigmaSigma.org/Alumnae or
call 410-799-1224.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Summer 2007
letter from
Grand Archon
Sneak Peek! Convention '07
in Orlando
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Phi Sig-nificant News
Forward Thinking: Planning
for Phi Sig's Future
●
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Foundation's Impact at the
Transplant Games
As Convention 2007 nears, so does a decision on one of the most important issues
affecting our Fraternity today:
How should we set up Phi Sigma Sigma’s leadership, voting rules and
geographic regions for maximum impact – not only to strengthen our
Contact the Sphinx Staff
sisterhood, but also to fulfill our Fraternity’s goals?
Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site
Thanks to the work of the Organizational Structure Task Force (OSTF) – a team of 12
sisters from throughout North America who’ve been working on this project since
●
●
June 2005 – we now have the answers, based on their well-researched
Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters
Share Your Ideas/
Comments with HQ
recommendations.
Visit Foundation's Web Site
It’ll be up to the voting delegates at
Convention this July to make the final
decisions. If approved, the changes will be
incorporated into our international
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●
Contact Foundation
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Donate Today!
The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
constitution.
Positive response
Kim Hildred, OSTF co-chairman and past
Who serves on the
Organizational Structure
Task Force?
grand archon, is hopeful delegates will
affirm the recommendations, paving the
way for an even stronger, better Fraternity.
Members were appointed
based on their diverse
experiences serving the
Fraternity, as well as their
geographic locations:
“What we’re proposing not only represents
the very best leadership and management
practices within top Greek organizations,
but also takes us to the next level as we
approach our 100th anniversary in 2013,”
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Hildred said.
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“Every step of the way, we’ve worked to
●
ensure that sisters of every age understand
●
what we envision for our Fraternity’s
●
future,” she added. “We’ve solicited
Kim Hildred, co-chairman
Jennifer Lenhart-Rogish,
co-chairman
Joanne Barrick
Claire Gregory
Heather Kelley
Mary Schurgot
Chris Senseney
Sherri Smith
Sandy Grossman, ex-officio
member
Cindy DeNormandie,
Supreme Council liaison
Alicia Scott, Supreme
Council liaison
Michelle Snyder Ardern,
Headquarters liaison
feedback and answered questions, and the
response to our work has been
overwhelmingly positive. Alumnae and collegians realize our continuing success
depends on these kinds of changes.”
Quick overview of proposals
Here is a quick overview of the OSTF
recommendations, which promote the Fraternity’s
mission and vision statements (at left):
●
Shift Supreme Council to a smaller, strategic
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
leadership team of seven elected board
What is our mission?
To inspire the
personal development
of each sister and
perpetuate the
advancement of
womanhood.
members instead of eight.
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standing committees and project work groups,
which would be managed by Headquarters staff.
●
What is our vision?
Phi Sigma Sigma is a
dynamic sisterhood of
powerful women
fostering
uncompromising
principles, igniting
positive change and
embracing
individuality.
Eliminate Grand Council, and replace it with
Diversify the Fraternity’s voting delegation,
so that chapter key advisors could have a say in
Fraternity business, and all dues-paying collegians
and alumnae could elect Supreme Council.
●
Divide the Fraternity’s 12 geography-based
“regions” into nine new “communities” that
also take chapter size and campus situation into
consideration.
Earlier this year, at Phi Sigma Sigma’s five Leadership Conferences, task force
leaders described these recommendations in detail to hundreds of collegians and
alumnae – many of whom were kept well-informed through e-mail updates in the
past two years.
In addition, the task force has just posted a host of valuable, related resources on
the Phi Sigma Sigma Web site. (Click here: OSTF Recommendations.)
“We encourage everyone to learn more about the proposals, and to continue to offer
feedback on ways Phi Sigma Sigma can be most effective,” said OSTF Co-Chairman
Jennifer Lenhart-Rogish. “The better informed our sisterhood is, the more successful
we’ll be.”
●
For more information, contact the task force at
OrganizationalStructure@PhiSigmaSigma.org or call 410-799-1224.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Summer 2007
letter from
Grand Archon
Sneak Peek! Convention '07
in Orlando
●
●
Forward Thinking: Planning
for Phi Sig's Future
●
By now, you’ve heard of the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation’s amazing success as a
2006 Bronze Sponsor of the U.S. Transplant Games, hosted last June by the National
●
Kidney Foundation in Louisville, Ky.
Phi Sig-nificant News
Foundation's Impact at the
Transplant Games
We shared news of this high-profile sponsorship with our sisters worldwide in many
ways – including a special blog on Foundation’s Web page, Fraternity e-mail updates,
informational packages for collegians distributed during Leadership Conferences this
spring and the Foundation’s Legacy newsletter.
Contact the Sphinx Staff
Because of Foundation’s efforts, Phi Sigma
Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site
Sigma sisters were even featured in local
and national media.
In fact, there were so many memorable,
CATCH UP ON FOUNDATION!
Check out the Phi Sigma Sigma
Foundation’s new Web site
design as well as its interactive
blog, featuring inspiring stories
on collegians and alumnae
worldwide!
heart-tugging moments from the Games,
●
●
Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters
Share Your Ideas/
Comments with HQ
Visit Foundation's Web Site
we wanted to share the “best of the best”
photos here with you. Enjoy!
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●
Contact Foundation
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Donate Today!
The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Foundation Directors Nancy “Nash” Hay and Pam Downey take a moment to laugh together while preparing Phi Sig’s Expo booth for thousands
of visitors the next day.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Foundation President Kim Hildred and Director Heather Kelley pose at our Expo booth. Later, hundreds of athletes, their families and friends
stopped by to learn more about our Fraternity’s mission and long-standing support of the National Kidney Foundation, the host of the Games.
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Collegiate reporter Allison Brunner (Delta Theta, Oakland University) interviews Foundation President Kim Hildred about Phi Sigma
Sigma’s unprecedented sponsorship of the Games. Allison competed with other collegians to earn the coveted reporter position for this special
event, and wrote multiple stories that were featured in various Fraternity publications.
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Foundation Director Pam Downey pins a Phi Sig supporter at Expo. Our buttons could be seen everywhere – not just at the Games, but
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throughout downtown Louisville!
Jamie of Epsilon Chi (Indiana University Southeast) shares Phi Sig’s philanthropic mission with a Games athlete.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Foundation leaders at the Games: President Kim Hildred and Directors Liz Rodriguez, Heather Kelley, Nancy Hay and Pam Downey.
The women of Phi Sigma Sigma and actor Larry Hagman – TV’s famous “J.R.” from the popular Dallas series! We were fortunate to have
former journalist (now Sphinx editor) Lisa Romero arrange to have the photo taken quickly – since dozens of people were waiting at the Expo
to meet this international celebrity and transplant recipient.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
DID YOU KNOW…?
The Phi Sigma Sigma
Foundation is
exploring ways to
participate in the 2008
U.S. Transplant
Games, scheduled July
11-16, 2008, in
Pittsburgh, PA. We’ll
keep you posted – and
look for updates in the
months to come on
Foundation’s cool new
blog.
Larry Hagman and Aubrey Birden (Iota Epsilon, Indiana University – Kokomo), who had a kidney transplant when she was just 6 years
old.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Blogging in the “Foundation suite”: Sphinx Editor Lisa Romero helps the sisters of Iota Epsilon (Indiana University – Kokomo) prepare
their blog entries over breakfast.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Phi Sig Proud! No one at the swimming competition could possibly miss our sisters, wearing their letters and cheering on the athletes! Phi
Sigs also timed the swimmers, displayed lap cards and presented medals.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
“David” from North Carolina, one of youngest athletes in the swimming
competition and a kidney-transplant recipient, stole the hearts of every Phi Sig – and even became a mini-celebrity of sorts among them! His
story was a featured profile on the Foundation’s Transplant Games blog. Phi Sig Tracy Koch presents a well-deserved bronze medal to David!
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Collegiate and alumnae volunteers met at Tracy Koch’s parents’ home to enjoy a little R&R and sisterhood. Here, “Nash” shares her trademark
jokes and amusing anecdotes with collegians!
Thousands of people attended the colorful, inspirational and extraordinarily moving opening ceremony.
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“J.R.” proudly shows his transplantation scars at the Games’
opening ceremony and invites athletes and audience members to
show theirs as well!
Carrying in the Transplant Games torch.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Remembrance quilts: Memorials to loved ones lost, whose organs were donated so that others could live.
Three Gamma Tau sisters (Northern Kentucky University) put their heads together at the sidelines of the ping-pong tournament to write
one of many blog entries that were featured on the Web. These sisters were among the dozens of collegians who traveled to Louisville to
volunteer at the Games.
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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma
Epsilon Chi (Indiana University Southeast)
Gamma Tau (Northern Kentucky University)
Iota Epsilon (Indiana University – Kokomo)
Theta (University of Illinois) – along with Theta Psi alumna
Robyn Paige, center
WHAT ARE THE U.S. TRANSPLANT GAMES?
The U.S. Transplant Games – a four-day athletic event hosted by the Phi Sigma
Sigma Foundation’s primary philanthropy, the National Kidney Foundation – calls
attention to the success of organ and tissue transplantation. The Games are open to
anyone who has received a livesaving solid organ transplant of the heart, liver,
kidney, lung or pancreas – and thousands of people attend. The event also celebrates
the lives of transplant recipients, donors and their families.
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●
For details on the proposed organizational structure changes, visit www.
phisigmasigma.org/news/structure.
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