The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma

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The Sphinx Magazine | Phi Sigma Sigma

Summer 2007 letter from Grand Archon Sneak Peek! Convention '07 in Orlando





Phi Sig-nificant News

Forward Thinking: Planning for Phi Sig's Future





Foundation's Impact at the Transplant Games

Contact the Sphinx Staff Visit ΦΣΣ's Web site ●



Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters Share Your Ideas/ Comments with HQ

Visit Foundation's Web Site

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Contact Foundation



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



(Epsilon Zeta – Bloomsburg University)



Art Director Heather Knuth

Forward Thinking: Planning for Phi Sig's Future



(Pi – Syracuse University) ●

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 ●

Supreme Council | 2004-2007 Grand Archon | Sandy Grossman (Gamma Nu – Rutgers University)



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) file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/staff.html (1 of 3) [6/10/2009 2:57:27 PM]



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Donate Today!

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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: [email protected] Web site: PhiSigmaSigma.org

Member: College Fraternity Editors Association

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Member: National Panhellenic Editors Conference The Sphinx Volume 84 • Number 2 © 2007 Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

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Summer 2007 letter from Grand Archon Sneak Peek! Convention '07 in Orlando



Welcome to our first-ever electronic version of The Sphinx!



Phi Sig-nificant News

Forward Thinking: Planning for Phi Sig's Future





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 ●

Web site. We are so pleased to see our technology wish list become a reality. ●

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



Contact Foundation

aimed higher! We hope that you will join us for a wonderful celebration of sisterhood.



Donate Today!

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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]

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Summer 2007 letter from Grand Archon Sneak Peek! Convention '07 in Orlando





Forward Thinking: Planning for Phi Sig's Future





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 ●



effectiveness, image and more. Click here for related story. file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_1.html (1 of 3) [6/10/2009 3:01:02 PM]

Share Your Ideas/ Comments with HQ

Visit Foundation's Web Site ●

Contact Foundation



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!



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. ●

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. ●

Supreme Council elections. Click

here to read more about our Supreme Council candidates. ●

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



Two swimming pools

Springs, Colo.), Iota Lambda

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A state-of-the-art health club



Golf at five Disney World championship courses





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



(Metropolitan State College of Denver,



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.



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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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





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



rose – to pay a fee for the privilege. ●

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 ●



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 file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_2.html (1 of 16) [6/10/2009 2:59:30 PM]

Contact ΦΣΣ Headquarters Share Your Ideas/ Comments with HQ

Visit Foundation's Web Site ●

Contact Foundation



Donate Today!

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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: file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_2.html (2 of 16) [6/10/2009 2:59:30 PM]

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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.



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 [email protected].

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 – file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_2.html (4 of 16) [6/10/2009 2:59:30 PM]

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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:



Iota Theta – Barry University (Fla.), October 2006



Iota Iota – Grand Valley State University (Mich.), April 2007



Iota Kappa – University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Colo.), April 2007



Iota Lambda – Metropolitan State College of Denver (Colo.), April 2007, and



Iota Mu – University of New Haven (Conn.), April 2007.

New alumnae chapters and clubs include:



Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter

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Miami Alumnae Chapter



Manhattan Alumnae Club, and



Chicago Alumnae Club.

For more information about the collegiate chapters, contact Director of Extension Dr. Alicia Scott at [email protected]. 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/ file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_2.html (6 of 16) [6/10/2009 2:59:30 PM]

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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. file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_2.html (7 of 16) [6/10/2009 2:59:30 PM]

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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 ([email protected]) or Chapter Finance Committee Chairman Sherri Smith ([email protected]).

‘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 [email protected] 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 file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_2.html (13 of 16) [6/10/2009 2:59:30 PM]

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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 file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_2.html (14 of 16) [6/10/2009 2:59:30 PM]

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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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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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Summer 2007 letter from Grand Archon Sneak Peek! Convention '07 in Orlando





Phi Sig-nificant News

Forward Thinking: Planning for Phi Sig's Future





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 file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_3.html (1 of 4) [6/10/2009 2:58:55 PM]



Contact Foundation



Donate Today!

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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,”

● ●

● ● ● ● ●

Hildred said.

● ●

“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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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. ●

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 [email protected] or call 410-799-1224.

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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



Donate Today!

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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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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 file:///H|/Fraternity/Projects/Web/20080215%20Web%20copy/eSphinx/feature_4.html (5 of 15) [6/10/2009 2:58:41 PM]

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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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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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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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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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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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“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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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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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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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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