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PAGE 1 SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA 1 GOLDEN Inside this Issue Dear Golden Violet Sisters: I thought I would share a story with you all today. I am writing this in the midst of a terrible ice and snow storm in Wisconsin. Schools are cancelled, trees are down, power is out – it is just a mess here! My husband, David, commutes to work in Minneapolis and that is some 170 miles from our home, so he stays in the Twin Cities during the week and that leaves me home alone most weeknights. Most of the time I am totally fine being home alone, but today was very different. As I was going down our driveway last evening I noticed that it was very slippery. Our driveway is about ¼ of a mile long and all downhill. I decided that about halfway down I would park my vehicle and walk the rest of the way. When I put the vehicle in park, it just kept going! Terrifying, to be sure! I was finally able to stop it by plowing into a snow bank and I then commenced to spreading about 200 pounds of salt. The good news is that I finally got the vehicle in the garage. The bad news is that when I awoke today there was a giant tree that fell over the driveway. So no way was I getting out or was anyone getting in! I panicked. But strangely, calm came over me. I started to think about solutions to the problem. I knew we had a chain saw; I had watched David use it many times and I started to believe in myself that I could saw this tree into small pieces and remove them. I am happy to report that I did just that and quite remarkably, was only a ½ hour late to work. Not bad! I am sharing this with you because I see a connection to Tri Sigma here. I started to think of the leadership positions I held while in college and since graduation. Tri Sigma taught me to believe in myself and believe that anything is possible. I am quite certain that although my sisters were not physically there with me while I was learning to chain saw a tree into pieces, they were with me in spirit. The question I ask all of you is what have you accomplished because of your Tri Sigma experience? What have you learned as a result of being a Tri Sigma? I would love to hear your stories. If you are willing to share them, please email them to me at [email protected] or send them to my home address at: W5404 Innsbruck Road, West Salem, WI 54669. I promise I will read every one and hope to share some with you in the next edition of Golden Glimpses. Did you hear that we have a brand new chapter? On February 25, the women of the Lindenwood University Colony were welcomed into our sisterhood. Lindenwood is located in St. Louis. From the reports that I received the weekend was grand! We are also growing and will be re-colonizing at Grand Valley State University and Missouri State University in the fall of 2013 and at the University of Southern Indiana in fall 2014. You all should feel very proud to know that Tri Sigma is doing quite well and our legacy continues. Spring Golden Glimpses 2012 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 How Can Golden Violets Help The Foundation? The Foundation’s RPM Fund at work… Past National President Receives Golden Violet Past National Convention Chairman Receives Golden Violet Reflections from 91-Year-Old Golden Violet Connie Sejnost Geldbach , ΒΞ Barbara A. Houpt, ΒΑ Judy Hullman Kearns, ΑΕ Ann Heath Mullally, AΞ Patricia Patchin Tippin, Χ Cynthia Kladis Xenick, ΒΣ Not Like The Old Days Golden Violet Celebration Eligible Golden Violets 2012 New Golden Violets and Omega Golden Violets… Recipes Inside This Issue

Golden Glimpses - April 2012

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S I G M A S I G M A S I G M A

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GOLDEN

Inside this Issue

Dear Golden Violet Sisters:

I thought I would share a story with you all today. I am writing this in the midst of a terrible ice and snow storm in Wisconsin. Schools are cancelled, trees are down, power is out – it is just a mess here! My husband, David, commutes to work in Minneapolis and that is some 170 miles from our home, so he stays in the Twin Cities during the week and that leaves me home alone most weeknights. Most of the time I am totally fine being home alone, but today was very different.

As I was going down our driveway last evening I noticed that it was very slippery. Our driveway is about ¼ of a mile long and all downhill. I decided that about halfway down I would park my vehicle and walk the rest of the way. When I put the vehicle in park, it just kept going! Terrifying, to be sure! I was finally able to stop it by plowing into a snow bank and I then commenced to spreading about 200 pounds of salt. The good news is that I finally got the vehicle in the garage. The bad news is that when I awoke today there was a giant tree that fell over the driveway. So no way was I getting out or was anyone getting in! I panicked. But strangely, calm came over me. I started to think about solutions to the problem. I knew we had a chain saw; I had watched David use it many times and I started to believe in myself that I could saw this tree into small pieces and remove them. I am happy to report that I did just that and quite remarkably, was only a ½ hour

late to work. Not bad!

I am sharing this with you because I see a connection to Tri Sigma here. I started to think of the leadership positions I held while in college and since graduation. Tri Sigma taught me to believe in myself and believe that anything is possible. I am quite certain that although my sisters were not physically there with me while I was learning to chain saw a tree into pieces, they were with me in spirit. The question I ask all of you is what have you accomplished because of your Tri Sigma experience? What have you learned as a result of being a Tri Sigma? I would love to hear your stories. If you are willing to share them, please email them to me at [email protected] or send them to my home address at: W5404 Innsbruck Road, West Salem, WI 54669. I promise I will read every one and hope to share some with you in the next edition of Golden Glimpses. Did you hear that we have a brand new chapter? On February 25, the women of the Lindenwood University Colony were welcomed into our sisterhood. Lindenwood is located in St. Louis. From the reports that I received the weekend was grand! We are also growing and will be re-colonizing at Grand Valley State University and Missouri State University in the fall of 2013 and at the University of Southern Indiana in fall 2014. You all should feel very proud to know that Tri Sigma is doing quite well and our legacy continues.

Spring Golden Glimpses 2012

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How Can Golden Violets Help The Foundation?

The Foundation’s RPM Fund at work…

Past National PresidentReceives Golden Violet

Past National Convention Chairman Receives Golden Violet

Reflections from 91-Year-Old Golden Violet

Connie Sejnost Geldbach , ΒΞ

Barbara A. Houpt, ΒΑ

Judy Hullman Kearns, ΑΕ

Ann Heath Mullally, AΞ

Patricia Patchin Tippin, Χ

Cynthia Kladis Xenick, ΒΣ

Not Like The Old Days

Golden Violet Celebration

Eligible Golden Violets 2012

New Golden Violets and Omega Golden Violets…

Recipes

Inside This Issue

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I had the opportunity in February to attend the Association of Fraternal Values and Leadership conference in St. Louis. Attending with me was Natalie Averette, NPC Alternate Delegate; Chris Smithhisler, Director of Programs; and Cori Wallace, Director of Marketing and Communications. The conference is aimed primarily at undergraduates and this year attracted a record number of 2,800 participants! We had over 50 Sigmas in attendance and it was a delight to meet them all at the affiliation luncheon. The conference consists of a variety of educational sessions and keynote speakers. I am pleased to report that Chris coordinated and presented a two part session on our Character Counts! Initiative. All-in-all it was a marvelous weekend and a lot of learning took place.

As we transition from winter to spring, I urge you to dream and believe in yourself and the power of Tri Sigma. Perhaps Eleanor Roosevelt said it best when she said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Sigma Love,

Kaye Schendel, ΓΦNational President Dear Golden Violet:

Much has been going on in the alumnae department since the fall Golden Glimpses was sent out. We now have 95 alumnae chapters; Central Massachusetts was chartered November 6, 2011. Amanda Sabia, ΕΧ, and Regional Support Team member, was able to attend and present the charter with a packed house of over 20 new chapter sisters! The interest groups working hard to charter in 2012 are Charleston, SC and Louisville, KY.

Tri Sigma has partnered with Publishing Concepts, Inc. (PCI) to update our membership database and publish an Alumnae Directory. PCI will work to get in touch with as many alumnae as they can through various methods, including emails, phone and postcard reminders. The directory will begin publication June 2012. The updated information will be used to keep alumnae informed of new National program and initiatives. So far we’ve had a great turn out with over 124,000 alumnae responding to PCI’s communication.

The third annual Chapter Advisory Board and Volunteer Summit will be held May 11-13 in Chicago. The Summit is held in conjunction with the Dunham Women of Character Institute and provides an invaluable opportunity for alumnae and collegians to connect. This year’s program includes educational tracks for National Officers, seasoned and newly appointed advisors. The curriculum includes how to use Tri Sigma’s online resources, working effectively among the generations, team dysfunctions and a National

Strategic Plan overview.

Chapter Services has been working tirelessly to release the latest and greatest online Recruitment Toolkit. No recruitment process is a success without resources, and we’re thrilled to feature the Recruitment Toolkit with more than 190 ideas that will allow collegiate members to access materials whenever, and where ever they want them. This interactive online toolkit gives chapter members the ability to grab a to-do list, rate, comment and use resources, and share with chapter advisory board members.

Lastly, promoting the Golden Violet program has been a priority at the start of this year. We will be posting a blog in our National Website about the benefits of the program and how important it is to help celebrate Tri Sigma’s legacy. We’ve also asked alumnae and collegiate chapters to nominate eligible Golden Violets.

Thank you!

Aimee Jensen Boland, ΗΙ Director of Alumnae and Volunteer Services

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Dear Wonderful Golden Violets:

It is with great pleasure that I am writing you about our first Golden Violet Event that is planned for all Golden Violets. I am excited about our plans for a Golden Violet Legacy Celebration at National Headquarters in Woodstock, Virginia. By this time, I hope you have each received a post card with the information about this celebration on October 5-7, 2012 and you have reserved your spot by calling Jessica Jett Lafollette at 1-540-459-4212 or email [email protected].

This will be an opportunity for those who have never been to the Mabel Lee Walton House to see firsthand our National Headquarters. It also will be a wonderful time for those who have been there to experience a quality time of re-acquainting with sisters and the sharing of memories. We hope that you will be able to join in the fun.

We also are featuring our newest Golden Violets in this spring 2012 issue. We have so many outstanding Golden Violet sisters who have made the Sigma Sigma Sigma 50 year commitment and have found their Sigma Sisterhood to be rich and fulfilled. We see when we read their stories, that these women have truly lived Tri Sigma’s “Women of Character” in their own lives.

We are asking for your help in nominating your fellow Sigma Sisters who are eligible to become Golden Violets. Please refer to the list of 40 eligible Golden Violets in this

publication and nominate any of your fellow Sigma Sisters who are eligible for their Golden Violet. It is only through your interest and support that we are able to nominate all of those who are eligible.

We would like you to notice that the countdown to our next National Convention has started. Our 43rd National Convention will be June 21-24, 2013 in Orlando, Florida. We hope you will save that date on your calendars.

Best wishes to you all this spring, 2012, as Golden Violets we are active in our participation with Tri Sigma to Move Ever Forward.

Sigma Love,

Carolyn Wallisch, ΙGolden Violet Coordinator

How Can Golden Violets Help The Foundation?

By Marie Beck, ΒΥ, Golden Violet and Foundation Chairman

Whenever I see another Golden Violet in my travels or in my alumnae chapter (Sarasota/Manatee Counties, Florida) and she discovers that I’m the chairman of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation, she often asks, “How can I help? I love the work you all are

doing for our organization.”

Golden Violets can make a significant impact on the Foundation’s work. You all know we fund leadership programs, offer scholarships and support play therapy/child life programs. But that’s just the tip of our iceberg…what we REALLY do is make a difference in the lives of women and children.

• Once an undergraduate attends one of Tri Sigma’s outstanding leadership programs, her horizons expand… she becomes confident, caring, community-focused, ready to make an impact on her community.

• If a woman receives one of our scholarships, she knows her Sisters are behind her, helping her along her educational pathway.

• When a child is touched by a play therapist, this special treatment that Tri Sigma has promoted since the early 1950s helps a child heal and cope with serious illness and fear.

How can you help???

PUT US IN YOUR WILL. Here’s a gift that costs nothing in your lifetime, doesn’t affect your assets, current cash flow or financial planning. A bequest to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation is a wonderful way to make an impact.

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REMEMBER US AT FOUNDERS DAY. At the beginning of April, you’ll receive a letter from the Foundation, asking you to send a Founders Day contribution to the Foundation – $1 for every year since your initiation. If you were initiated in 1950, that would be $52. Some of us can do more – perhaps $2 for each year, or even $5.

ENCOURAGE YOUR FRIENDS TO CONTRIBUTE. Many of our Sisters don’t know about the Foundation’s work. They don’t realize that only Tri Sigma members (plus many collegians’ parents) support the Foundation. If Tri Sigmas don’t stand up and “give much,” who will? Tell your friends, your alumnae and collegiate chapter Sisters, about our work.

HONOR YOUR FRIENDS. Making a gift to the Foundation in honor or in memory of a friend is a wonderful way to remember their achievements. The Foundation office sends a card to your friend or her family as a notification of your gift. When I was elected Foundation Chairman, several of my friends made gifts to the Foundation in my honor, and I was thrilled to receive the cards.

ENCOURAGE FOUNDATION SUPPORT IN YOUR ALUMNAE CHAPTER. Sometimes a chapter has a milestone or the treasury is booming. Sometimes a chapter holds a simple “make it, bake it or fake it”

event or silent auction fundraiser. Why not ask that the proceeds be sent to the Foundation? Such unexpected gifts put smiles on the faces of all your Foundation Directors.

ASK ONE OF US TO COME TO SPEAK TO YOUR CHAPTER. Foundation Board members live throughout the U.S., and we’re delighted to be able to come to your alumnae chapter and tell you about the excitement at our National Organization and the Foundation. Invite us to be with you.

Do any of you have other ideas about how you can help the Foundation? If so, e-mail me at [email protected] and I’ll share these in future newsletters. Hope to hear from you!

Marie Beck, Foundation Chairman

The Foundation’s RPM Fund at work…

By Mimi Brandt Hiner, ΒΞ

Mimi is a Tri Sigma’s past National President, and she also was chairman of the Foundation Board. She says it’s written from her personal perspective of being a volunteer, Foundation donor, and Tri Sigma member. Mimi’s story below illustrates the work of the Foundation’s RPM Fund – your Foundation dollars at work.

Left to Right, Penny and Rachel Dachroeden VanDernoot, ΒΞ, Mimi

Brandt Hiner, ΒΞ, Sania Dixon, Jan Stroker Horner, ΒΞ, Angie

Wohldmann Bauman, Ν

In a popular book, author Hillary Clinton says, it takes a village to raise a child. In the case of the Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, it took a child to help a hospital of children.

About a year ago, the Community Resource Group of our school district put out a plea to members of my church for help for a fifth grader and her mom. The child, who had a rare illness, was receiving medical treatments three days a week at Cardinal Glennon Memorial Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. The little girl’s mother had to drop out of college because the child needed to go to the hospital so often.The request asked for someone over 18 to ride medical transportation and organize volunteers to help with the child. I volunteered, and as usually happen, the blessings have returned over and over.

First, we lined up volunteers, most from my church, but one an ADPi friend from college. While going with the child to Glennon, I saw evidence of the hospital’s committed Child Life Department where the child is always

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first. This extends from play therapy for young children through the teen years. The Child Life Specialists and nurses even go to summer camp on their own time to continue to fulfill the medical and therapeutic needs of the children. I was able to work with these play therapists.

Meanwhile, back at Tri Sigma, the Greater St. Louis Alumnae Chapter decided to apply for a small local grant (up to $2,500) from the Foundation’s Robbie Page Memorial Fund. We presented the idea to Glennon’s Child Life staff, and they were thrilled. They put together a fantastic request, which showed pictures, costs, suppliers, and use of the items. They requested from the Foundation a grant for items to help every age: from preschool climbers and sitters made from foam blocks to a computer and Wii for preteens and teens.

We were all delighted when the Foundation Board approved this grant last July. Although the check was given to Glennon to start using as soon as it could be, the chapter made an official presentation in October. The hospital shut down one of the playrooms for an hour so that alumnae could bring their preschoolers. It was delightful to watch Rachel Dachroeden VanDernoot’s, ΒΞ twins enjoy the purchases made from the grant. In fact, the 15-month-old twins must have known the equipment was from Tri Sigma as these were the first things the children chose on which to play.

Part of the toys purchased

Glennon is so thrilled with the grant from Tri Sigma that they had their marketing department take photographs and write a story.

And the child who was the catalyst? The doctors had her case sent to Rochester, MN, and Paris to see if they could do anything for her. After numerous tests, it was determined that she could be a candidate for transplant and was placed on the list. At the writing of this article, we are all anxiously waiting to hear the news about a transplant.

Thank you, Foundation, for approving the grant. Thank you, Sigma Sisters, for making the grant possible.

Whenever you wonder how far-reaching our Foundation is, consider this story…it’s repeated in countless hospitals and programs throughout the U.S.

Jan Horner, ΒΞ, presenting the check

Ann Buchler Williams, ΓΗ Past National President Receives Golden Violet

National President Kaye Schendel, ΓΦ and Past National President Ann

Williams, ΓΗ

Reflections of 50 years of Tri SigmaBy Past National President Ann Williams, ΓΗ

Remembering fifty years of Tri Sigma membership brought back wonderful memories. It began as a charter member of Gamma Eta Chapter at Loyola University New Orleans. My collegiate experiences were very short, as I graduated from college that same year. So, in all honesty, it was Tri Sigma alumnae, both at the local and the national level, who taught me my love and dedication to Sigma and the values, which are anchored by our ritual.

What made my later Sigma life special however were the outstanding women with whom I served as a National Officer and as a member of the Executive Council. We worked, we played, we argued, we had fun, and we became good friends as well as Sigma Sisters. My first national experiences were in the same year I was initiated. I attended the 1962 Biloxi Convention, where I met Sally

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Michie, Α and Ω and Mabel Lee Walton, Γ and Ω. Then a few months later, a group of Gamma Etas and I attended a Regional Leadership School and met members of collegiate chapters from several Deep South states. The national scope of Sigma was a lesson well learned.

What have I given to Tri Sigma? I have not given Tri Sigma nearly as much as she has given to me. I have served as a National Collegiate Chairman, the Education and Training Director, Publications Vice President, National President, Foundation Board Secretary, Foundation Board Chairman, and Walton House Chairman. My work for Tri Sigma has given me the opportunity to grow as a woman, as a person, and as a teacher. It enhanced my life with our tradition of sisterhood and the values of our ritual.

Names in Sigma history have become friends as well as sisters. In fact, I have more Sigma friends from across the country than I have friends at home in New Orleans. Spending a weekend at an installation with Mary Hastings Page, Α and Ω; enjoying a day with Mary Barbee, Ι, at the Sun King exhibit; guiding Helen Marie Snyder, ΑΞ and Ω, and her family around New Orleans when her son married a Louisiana girl; seeing Alaska with Jeanne Johnson, ΑΙ, Diana Sarber, ΒΜ, and Susie Kuhn, ΒΓ; traveling through New England with Jane Kinderman, ΑΟ and Ω; spending many weekends at Peggy Gamble’s, ΑΣ, with seven other special Sigma Sisters; and seeing the headwaters of the Mississippi

River with Kaye Schendel, ΓΦ, Laura Sweet, ΑΣ, Jan Gibis Zeipen, ΓΦ, and Gwen Maniscalco, ΓΗ were all outstanding shared memories of my Sigma life.

With over thirty years of service at the national level, I retired from the Walton House Board in 2005. After Hurricane Katrina, I was needed at home in New Orleans. Today, I am a retired teacher of at-risk students. I taught for almost forty years with many of those years also as an adjunct instructor at Loyola. My time is now spent as a volunteer educational docent at four historic sites in New Orleans. This is an extension of my Sigma experiences and is how a retired teacher stays sane.

Each Sigma chapter, whether alumnae or collegiate, is its own little Sigma world, but it contributes to the outstanding national organization. Doing your best, makes Tri Sigma the best! Steadfast….faithful unto death is the key!

Gwen Maniscalco, ΓΗ Past National Convention Chairman Receives Golden Violet

Gwen Ann Hardouin Maniscalco, ΓΗ

Reflections on 50 years of Sigma Sigma Sigma By Gwen Maniscalco, ΓΗ, Past National

Convention Chairman

Can it be 50 years already since I was initiated into Tri Sigma as a charter member of Gamma Eta Chapter at Loyola University in New Orleans! It was that summer that I attended my first Sigma Sigma Sigma Convention in Biloxi, Mississippi. What a pleasure to meet Mabel Lee Walton and other National Officers whose names I had just memorized a few months before. Meeting sisters from across the nation was an incredible experience. It was then that the thought of service to Sigma on a national level became my personal long-range goal.

After graduation, service to Sigma was accomplished as a member of the Alumnae Advisory Board for Gamma Eta Chapter. Then in 1965 it was off to New York City for the next Sigma Convention. Convention already had a very special draw for me. On the local level, I was a member of the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter, serving as secretary and president. Elementary teacher, wife, and mother of three daughters took center stage in my life at this time.

Then at the 1986 Convention in Indianapolis, it was announced that New Orleans would host the 1989 Convention. The New Orleans Alumnae Chapter was excited to have this event in our city. We met with Convention Chairman, Susie Kuhn, ΒΓ who discussed the responsibilities of the Convention Committee. I volunteered to help with decorations,

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but to my surprise and delight I was appointed Assistant Convention Chairman. And the rest is history!At Convention in 1989 I was appointed a National Officer. Being a National Officer was the fulfillment of a dream that a college student had had many years earlier. With umbrella in hand, I lead the jazz “Second Line” of the New Orleans Convention Committee Chairmen, followed by the waiters from the Fairmont Hotel carrying flaming baked Alaska Dessert into the ballroom for the Festival of Lights Banquet.

Convention in Dallas, Texas in 1992 was my first convention as Meeting Planner/Convention Chairman. Presenting the gavel to open convention to my Gamma Eta “pledge” sister, National President Ann Williams, was one of the memorable events of that convention. Fun was had on our visit to a Dude Ranch where we had dinner and danced the Cotton-Eyed Joe.

The 1995 Convention brought us to San Francisco, California and the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill in the middle of a heat wave. It was also the 50th anniversary of the signing of the United Nation Charter that took place at the Fairmont. President Bill Clinton and United Nations, Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali attended the gala on June 25th. The Fairmont was in high security with Secret Service everywhere because of this. We did share the stage with President Clinton and Boutros Boutros-Ghali, but we used it the following night. And thanks to my hotel contact we were able to

utilize the pipe and drape and plants that had been ordered by the United Nations.

It had been 100 years since our eight Founders established our sorority. To celebrate this momentous occasion the 1998 Centennial Convention was held in Tyson’s Corners, Virginia. The dedicated hard work of Executive Council, Centennial Committee, and Convention Committee brought many exciting new plans and activities to this convention. Who could forget the beautiful banners representing every chapter ever chartered hung around the ballroom, the Parade of Fashions from the past 100 years, and the archives room, just to name a few! Over 800 Sigmas attended the celebration, our largest convention ever. Then on the Post Convention Tour we visited our heart home, the Mabel Lee Walton House.

During the next triennium I served in the Membership Development Department as Collegiate Extension Chairman, participating in presentations and colonizations. In 2004 National President Laura Sweet, ΑΣ appointed me Convention Chairman/Meeting Planner. How exciting to be able to work on the national level again on my first love -Conventions! Over 750 Sigmas traveled to the 2007 Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, home of the Grand Ole Opry. Our own Sigma sister, Carrie Underwood, ΑΙ, spoke at the Festival of Lights Banquet and signed autographs for all.

Minneapolis, Minnesota was the site of the 2010 Convention where we were

encouraged to find our “True North”. Ann Bancroft, the keynote speaker, showed slides of her extraordinary journey across Antarctica and reminded us “No Horizon Is So Far”.Service to Sigma has been very fulfilling. To receive much you must give much!

I have helped orchestrate six conventions, one as assistant and five as Meeting Planner. It was my pleasure to serve with four National Presidents and many awesome sisters that served on Executive Council. Planning meetings and conventions have taken me from coast to coast, San Francisco to Orlando, and places in between. I have met, worked and played with many wonderful Sigmas from across the nation. Each Convention is truly a unique adventure. It doesn’t matter where it is held; the real meaning of Convention is the gathering of sisters that share the same bond of friendship and love. We indeed know what it means to be part of a national sisterhood.

Reflections from 91-Year-Old Golden Violet

Millie Dobbs Hicks, ΑΞ, University of

Wisconsin, Whitewater

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When Cindy Harms, ΑΕ, Foundation Development Officer was visiting the Milwaukee Alumnae chapter, she met a wonderful 91-year “young” alumna. Millie was initiated into Tri Sigma on February 12, 1939 at Whitewater State Teachers College in Whitewater, Wisconsin. She graduated in 1942 with a degree in Business Education. At Whitewater, she served as President of her chapter in 1941-42.Upon her graduation she taught High School business education in Jefferson, WI. She was married in 1943 to Don Gau. She has 2 children and was a homemaker for 10 years. She returned to teaching and taught at the Milwaukee Vocational School at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. There she set up the Associates Degree program for Word Processing. She served as Dean of the Business and Graphic Arts Department at Madison Area Technical College for many years. She supervised 169 teachers, on four campuses. Millie retired in 1986.

In 1982, Millie received from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, the “Distinguished Alumnae Service Award.” The same year, 1982, she received the Wisconsin Business Educators Association “Outstanding Business Educator Award”.

Millie has been active in the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter. She served on the Walton House Committee for Helen Marie Eggert Snyder, ΑΞ. She had known Helen personally as well as her daughter, Pam Snyder. Millie also served on the Committee of the Milwaukee Alumnae 50th Anniversary in 1995

In 1989-1990, Millie received the Sigma Sigma Sigma Outstanding Alumna of Region 5. She noticed that Ann Williams, ΓH, Tri Sigma National President, signed this award.

Millie’s husband for 60 years, Don Gau passed away in 2003. She then moved to a Senior Apartment. She began playing bridge five nights a week and met her bridge partner, Fred Hicks. She was married to him in 2004. Her late husband Fred passed away 6 years later on Dec. 12, 2010.

Millie has two children. She has a son Bob who lives in Ohio and a daughter Judy who lives in New York. She has six grandsons and one granddaughter. She has a great-granddaughter who lives in Delaware and a great-grandson who is attending college this semester in Florence, Italy.

Millie calls herself a bionic woman. She has had two hip replacements and two knee replacements. Now, she is able to move around very well. Many call her a “go-getter”. She celebrated her 90th birthday last March when over 180 friends and relatives attended. She was delighted and had a wonderful time celebrating.Millie has written a poem reflecting on what Tri Sigma means to her. It is very true today for all our Tri Sigma Sisters. Millie certainly leads us in the Golden Violet Legacy and Character Celebration for our Sigma Sisters.

Tri Sigma did for me what she has done for many:

She helped me to find myself and then to lose myself.

First she taught me rules to live by, proper conduct, and etiquette.

Then she taught me that there is more in this world than just me.

There are others who need care and caring,

And there are principles to work for and preserve.

The best of all is Sigma friendship forever.

I have moved to a strange city,Gone to an Alumnae Meeting,

And have been warmly accepted without hesitation.

I have left the Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter

Several times during the last 50 years

And have always returned to open arms.

Blest be the tie that binds,

Blest be true Sigma love!

Millie Dobbs Gau Hicks, Alpha Xi

Written on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary Of the Tri Sigma Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter

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Connie Sejnost Geldbach, ΒΞ

Connie Geldbach, Las Vegas, Nevada recently received her Golden Violet Award in November. Marilyn Beiter, ΒΞ sister, visited her, Marilyn and several other Sigma Sisters in the area surprised her by presenting her Golden Violet.

One of Connie’s favorite Sigma Memories was the summer retreat at one of her sister’s home. Her sister had a pool and all the sisters always had a great time. Connie was initiated in the summer of 1959 into Tri Sigma, Beta Xi Chapter at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She graduated in 1962.

As a collegiate member, Connie says she always enjoyed float building at homecoming time. She worked with one of the fraternities. She especially remembers the homecoming when John F. Kennedy was up for election. At that time she mentions the voting age was 21 and she wasn’t old enough yet but there was a lot of support for JFK on campus. JFK was all that was talked about while doing the float.While a member of the Beta Xi Chapter at Southeast Missouri State, she served as Vice President, which at that time involved the responsibility as pledge trainer.After graduation, Connie attended

the alumnae chapters in Kansas City, Colorado Springs, and Albuquerque, NM. Her husband was in the Air Force and she moved around quite a bit, which made it difficult to participate on a regular basis. She lived in Europe for 5 years and she had no affiliation during that period. She has no established alumnae group in Las Vegas but she has participated over the years in activities when someone has arranged them.

Connie has received her Circle Degree and Golden Violet. She has attended two National Conventions. She was awarded Teacher of the Year Award when she was teaching middle school for US Department of Defense, in Germany. As Director of Alternative Education in Clark County School District, Las Vegas – she received two recognitions from the Special Education Division for support of their programs.

She has been married to Arthur R. Geldbach for 52 years. Connie has two daughters. Gina Geldbach-Hall (graduated from UNLV and is a Delta Zeta). Gina recently retired from the Clark County Fire Department as one of the first women battalion chiefs. Christy Keeler (graduated from Redlands University, UNLV, and received a Ph.D. from Oregon State. She belonged to a local sorority at Redlands). Christy has worked as a professor of computer education at UNLV and as an educational consultant. Both girls live in Las Vegas. Each has two boys. The oldest ones, Joe and Dylan Hall are in college. Joe attends UNLV and Dylan at Northern Arizona University in

Flagstaff, AZ. The two younger boys, Spencer and Ryan Keeler, are in private school in 6th and 7th grades. Connie says that these boys are the joy of her and her husband’s lives.

Connie worked in education for 34 years. She was a speech therapist, a vocational counselor, high school reading teacher, middle school language arts, and middle school special education resource room teacher. She retired from Clark County School District in September of 1998. While in CCSD, she worked as a resource room teacher, a secondary special education consultant, a senior high school dean, an assistant special education administrator for special programs, assistant to the secondary superintendent, and ended her career as director of alternative education.

Connie has a BS of Science in Education from Southeast Missouri University, a Master of Arts in special education (1974) from the University of New Mexico, and an Education Specialist Degree in special education University Nevada, Las Vegas (1994). She also did graduate work at Texas A&M in 1968. She was one of the first women enrolled at A&M.

Connie shares she has had a very interesting life’s journey. She has been able to live and travel in many states and foreign countries. In 2005, she was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), which is a hardening of the lungs and a terminal disease. She was accepted into the pulmonary program at UCLA and spent 7 years traveling back and forth every month to see the doctors.

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In the summer of 2009 she was recommended for the lung transplant program. After extensive medical tests to insure she was healthy with the exception of her lungs, she was placed on the lung transplant list. As she was nearing the end of her breathing capabilities, she received a call for a lung transplant. On June 11, 2011, she received a left lung. She spent 17 days in the hospital and approximately eight weeks in Dana Point, California recuperating.

Celebrating, Connie now has successfully passed the 6-month mark. She has had a few setbacks but they have been minor. She started out on 58 pills daily and now is down to 36. She states that she is so grateful to her donor. He was a young man, 25, from the San Diego area. Because of him she has a new lease on life. A new lung has been the greatest gift she has ever received. She and her family are strong supporters of organ donations.Being very active in her church and a volunteer member of Assistance League of Las Vegas keeps Connie busy. She also enjoys bridge, reading, and cooking.

In traveling almost around the world, Connie says her best-remembered experiences were her trip to India and China. She enjoys cruising and has done a great deal with her family. The grandsons have gone with her and her husband to visit many foreign countries. On her 50th wedding anniversary, the whole family (10 in total) spent four days in London sightseeing and 12 days on a British Isles cruise. It was a trip to remember

forever. She had to fly with oxygen and utilize it in the hotel and on the ship, but she says it was worth it.

Barbara A. Houpt, ΒΑWritten by Barbara A. Houpt

My collegiate career started in 1960. I was a freshman at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. I had a substantial scholarship to the University of Miami at Coral Gables, FL to study marine sciences but it was not to be. Northern was a last minute choice. Arriving at NIU to register for classes, the person doing the initial sorting misunderstood my desire for a major in earth sciences and declared my major to be physics.

Because this was 1960 and the first wave of “war babies” was old enough for college, the university over-enrolled. Changing majors was not permitted. Remember this was before computers. It took me until my senior year to change majors.

Because I was in a college that I didn’t want to go to and pursuing a major I was only marginally interested in, I was floundering to say the least. Then I met Charlene Fornall Bessey

(BA) and was introduced to Sigma. Wow, college was doable. I got to freeze my legs off marching in a toga in the Homecoming parade as a pledge. I made purple butter cookies for a pledge party. (DON’T EVER MAKE PURPLE COOKIES. THEY ARE VISUALLY DISGUSITNG.)

I was initiated in January 1962 to the Beta Alpha Chapter at Northern Illinois University. When Spring Break came, I found that my pledge sister Mary Fran Judson McCabe and I were to be in Florida. We called up Mabel Lee Walton and invited her to dinner. We were delighted when she accepted. It was a great experience. In cleaning out a file last month, I found a note that Mabel Lee sent me afterward.

I was not able to finish the last semester of college as my husband found a job teaching junior high school students in Wilmette, IL. It was seven years before I could finish that last semester. The seven-year delay turned out to be a real positive as a new field had developed which encompassed all the disciplines I loved. I was in heaven. I had to take surveying and cartography! It was land use planning. I was able to pursue a Master’s degree in planning at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago after receiving my BS degree. Three years before I graduated from Northeastern, my former husband called me up one day to tell me about an ad for a job he had seen which he thought sounded like what I had always wanted to do. And he was absolutely right!

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Up to that time I had worked for the American College Testing program, a dental magazine, a Cap and Gown Company, and a correspondence school. (This was before the Internet when everything was by snail mail.) As the Director of Community Development for the Village of Deerfield, I was in charge of all the building, zoning, and planning for the Village. In the course of 28 years, I helped change a sleepy bedroom community with some heavy industrial developments into a first class village with some major office parks, improved transportation access, and desirable shopping opportunities. It was hard work, but it was FUN! I attained certified standing with the American Planning Association. I was inducted into Lambda Alpha, an international land economics fraternity. As a member of Lambda Alpha I served on several blue ribbon panels studying land use issues in other communities.

It became apparent that a law degree would be extremely helpful. Everything involved in my job was integrated into the legal system. I only applied to one law school, which was a very unusual thing to do, but there was only one law school, which had a program that would allow me to work full-time while going to school. It was a fantastic experience and served me well. I testified at trials as an expert witness and to work with the outside counsel, which represented the Village.

I was a member of the Tri Sigma Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chapter for a number of years. I

was able to attend the Convention in Kansas City sometime in the 1970’s. It was really great. I met some nice gals from the Dallas area in particular. It was a wonderful experience. I also attended a regional meeting in the Minneapolis area around that time. Over the course of the years I have had chanced meetings with a number of Sigmas across the country.

I married the love of my life in 1985. Richard would meet me after my evening law school classes and carry my books home for me. We were able to honeymoon in England while attending the American Bar Association convention. It was the largest group of Americans to land in England since the yanks landed in World War II. We traveled with groups from the University of Illinois, the Illinois Bar Association, as well as on our own.

Over the years I have been involved with my church’s camp, which I attended as a child. Several years ago I spent a month at camp making bread, rolls, cake, and cookies for 200 girls. I then spent the afternoons helping on the waterfront.

When I had decided on retirement date, I went on-line to find a Tri Sigma alumnae chapter. I had to forgo many Tri Sigma activities I wanted to pursue while working as my job required quite a lot of night meeting work so I wanted to make sure I could be a Sigma in retirement. As it turned out I hit the jackpot! Not only was there a very active Sigma community in the Daytona Beach area, but also its president was a gal I met through

the Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae chapter way back when. I even found a picture of one of those alumnae meetings with her in it.

I am presently the President of the Tillandsia Garden Club of Daytona Beach, FL. I am also serving on the Daytona Beach Area Panhellenic as the Scholarship Chairman.

My son, Gary Ruffino, is currently living in Steamboat Springs, CO and is married to Lisa. They are the proud parents of two dogs, Lolly and Charlie.

My door is always open, so drop in when you are down this way.

Judy Hullman Kearns, ΑΕWritten by Judy Kearns

Left to right back row: Jean Wiechmann, ΑΕ, Shirley Alsager, Ιfront row: Judy Kearns, ΑΕ, Judy

Brown, ΑΕ

Golden Violets of Omaha-Council Bluffs Alumnae Chapter

I was initiated into Alpha Epsilon Chapter at Northwest Missouri State University on January 4, 1962. I graduated in January 1964. My favorite Sigma memory happened during Homecoming preparations. I

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was chairperson for the Homecoming skit. We were doing a takeoff of “Annie Get Your Gun.” I had borrowed a magnificent Indian feathered headdress from Dr. Foster, Dean of Administration, to use in the skit. After dress rehearsal, I hung the headdress on the back of the bathroom door and left my dorm room to go to work on the float. When I returned, there were police cars, dogs and policemen in front of my dorm. It seems that there had been a “panty raid.” I was allowed to go to my room on the first floor and, of course, my underwear was gone. I panicked because Dean Foster had warned me to take very good care of his valuable headdress. I opened the bathroom door praying that the headdress would be hanging where I left it. Thank heaven it was undisturbed! My sweet Sigma sisters surprised me later with a shower to replace my lost underwear.

My favorite Sigma story happened after graduation, I married Allen Kearns, Lieutenant, USAF. We moved to Covington, VA in 1968 where I met Anne. She and I became great friends. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that she was also a Sigma. In 1976, we moved to Fairfield, CT where I met Jane who became a dear friend. You guessed it; she also was a Sigma. It seems my favorite friends are Sigmas. We moved to Omaha, NE in 1979. For the first time, I was living close to an alumnae chapter. The Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter welcomed me, and I immediately felt very comfortable as a part of the group. I have held various offices and served on many committees.

My latest favorite Sigma story involves the recent connection of the “Swinging, Sizzling Sigmas of the Sixties” of Alpha Epsilon. The Internet has made possible a reuniting of sisters. The group started out with just a few, but now we have over 50 names on the email list. Many also use Facebook to keep in touch. The first reunion was in Dallas. Next, we met in Maryville, MO and marveled at the changes at NWMSU. We gathered in Kansas City, and then we Omaha Sigmas hosted a reunion a couple of years ago. Now we look forward to our 2012 get together in September in Ames, IA.

Allen and I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Our son and family live in NY; a daughter and family live in Kansas City, MO and a daughter and family live in Omaha. I worked for the Millard Public Schools, Omaha, Nebraska. My husband and I volunteered in many activities involving our children when they were in school. We are both retired and love it! We have always been involved in the life of our church. We also volunteer for Omaha Performing Arts as ushers at the Orpheum and Holland Center. We also work for the Metro Entertainment and Convention Authority as ushers at the Century Link Center and Civic Auditorium. We enjoy traveling and have taken several fabulous trips. We love to golf; so many excursions have included a round or two of golf.

I received my Golden Violet on Tuesday, January 10th. It was a lovely ceremony. We now have five Golden Violets in our chapter and four of us

were there together. As everybody says, “Where have the years gone?” I certainly do not feel like it has been 50 years since my initiation.

Ann Heath MullallyWritten by Ann Mullaly, ΑΞ

When I was initiated in 1961 to the Alpha Xi Chapter of Whitewater College, Whitewater, WI, I thought how could anyone reach the age to receive their Golden Violet? The years have gone quickly with many fond memories of my college years and the friendships that I have maintained for all these years.

I was initiated in 1961 along with 15 other Tri Sigma sisters. My freshman college roommate and I pledged the same sorority and went to the invitational party dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Jungle Rot, (your favorite disease). I graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. During my time as a collegiate at Whitewater, I served as a Dorm Counselor, Hawkette, Panhellenic Representative, and President of Alpha Xi my senior year. My fondest memories of my years at Whitewater include all of the friendships I made and maintain.

I married my high school sweetheart, Lee Mullally in August of 1964. We

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lived in Elkhorn where I taught first grade, while he finished school at Whitewater. We moved to Milwaukee where I taught in Sussex and then to East Lansing, Michigan, teaching in a Campus School while my husband earned a PhD. We spent six years in Kent, Ohio where I taught school to first and fourth graders while earning a Masters Degree at the University of Akron. While in Kent, I served as a sponsor to the Tri Sigma Chapter on campus.

In 1978, we moved to Gainesville, Florida when Lee accepted a position at the University of Florida. I worked in the Alachua County School System in Gainesville, FL as a teacher, Curriculum Resource Teacher and then as a Principal. I had the opportunity to open a brand new school in 1999 from which I retired in 2006. My educational career spanned 40 years. While working, I served on the United Way Board, Friends of Five, and the March of Dimes and worked with the University of Florida in initiating the SITE program. This is a program that took students with degrees in fields other than education and provided a yearlong internship and course work to receive a Master’s Degree in Education.

During my time in Florida, I was active in the Florida Association of Elementary School Principals, serving as President and District Director. I was also President of Phi Delta Kappa and an active member on the board of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. I was awarded the Florida Commissioners of Education Leadership Award in

1996 and was Florida’s National Distinguished Principal in 2003.

Upon retiring, I have been volunteering with the Guardian and Litem Program as an advocate for children in the courts and as a mentor to children in the Take Stock in Children Program. I also volunteer weekly at our church as a receptionist.

My husband and I have had the opportunity to travel to all of the 50 states, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Southern Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Iceland, Ireland, England, Germany, Finland, Norway, Austria, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, Scotland, Luxembourg, Canada and Mexico. We have taken many cruises on Holland America to Alaska, The Panama Canal, Hawaii, and the Caribbean Islands.

We are blessed with a wonderful son and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren that we love very much. We are lucky to have them living in Florida and only four hours away.

For the past six years, many Tri Sigmas that graduated from Whitewater have met yearly to get together in Wisconsin to relive our college days, catch up and best of all stay connected. Sigma Sigma Sigma is truly a Sisterhood.

Patricia Patchin Tippin, Χ

Pat Patchin Tippin, Χ, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg Kansas was initiated into Tri Sigma in February 19, 1961. She served as president of her pledge class and later became Vice President of Chi Chapter in 1962. She graduated on 1962 with a BS in Elementary Education. Five years later she received her MS degree in Elementary Education in 1967.

While at Chi Chapter her favorite memory was her pledge sneak to Kansas University. At that time period girls had to have an adult sponsor. She says, guess who that was? Her Mother. She had a lot of fun dancing with the college guys. She also enjoyed traveling with her Chi sisters in Kansas and Missouri.

Patricia was married on August 8, 1964 to Doug Tippin, a graduate of Pittsburg State University, a member of Sigma Tau Gamma, and an educator. She has been married 48 great years.

Patricia and her husband live in Manhattan, Kansas. During Patricia’s career, she was an Elementary School teacher at Eugene Field Elementary School in Manhattan, Kansas. She

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received the Kansas Master Teacher Award in 1982, and Teacher of the Month Award at Eugene Field Elementary School. She worked at Kansas State University in Manhattan Kansas for 4 years as an elementary student teacher’s supervisor. She also traveled to Indian Reservations in New Mexico and Arizona. She shares her experiences and artifacts with civic groups around Manhattan, Kansas.

Patricia served as Tri Sigma Alumnae President in Manhattan, Kansas. Her Alumnae Chapter made many contributions to the Chi Chapter at Pittsburg, Kansas. She served as Panhellenic Representative, and Alumnae Triangle Correspondent. She served on the Kansas State Advisory Committee and served as a Chapter Advisor, Chapter House Corporation, and Committee for House Construction.

Being active in her community is important to Patricia. She has been PEO President and attended the PEO Convention in Vancouver, Canada. She was Convention Chairman, Chaplain, and Program Chairman for her PEO chapter in Manhattan Kansas. She belongs to the DAR and is chairman of special projects as well as the Review Club Historian.

She received the Girl Scout “Woman of Distinction Award” in 1994 and the Outstanding Chapter Advisor Award from Kansas State University in 1996. She belongs to three Bridge groups, PEO, Review Club, and Order of Eastern Star.

She presently has a jewelry business called “Pretties by Pat”. She and her husband have traveled to Europe twice and collect many items from Europe that she shares with the community. In 1988 she attended the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary, Canada. She has also visited numerous museums across the United States and Europe.

Cynthia Kladis Xenick, ΒΣ

Cynthia Kladis Xenick, ΒΣ, University of Tampa, Florida with granddaughter, Natalia Xenick, Age 8

Cynthia Kladis Xenick was initiated in 1961 to the Beta Sigma Chapter at the University of Tampa. Cynthia graduated in 1963 with an Elementary Education Degree. While at the University of Tampa, she served as Chapter President, Panhellenic Representative, and served on the staff of University of Tampa 1962-63 Yearbook. She enjoyed helping design the Homecoming Float and Lawn Display. She received the Outstanding Collegiate Award for her chapter in 1962-63.

Her favorite Sigma memory was going to the National Convention in Biloxi, MS in 1962 when she was the Beta Sigma Chapter President. She

participated in the initiation of a new sister, which was very inspiring. She also has fond memories of going to Clearwater Beach with all of her Sigma sisters. They all stayed at a sister’s beach house and enjoyed a wonderful, fun weekend together!

Cynthia has served as President of the Tampa Bay Area Alumnae Chapter. She also has served as Panhellenic Representative. She has chaired many events and has remained close friends over the years with all her Sigma Sisters.

Cynthia received the St. Paul’s Medal of Honor from the Greek Orthodox Church Archdiocese for outstanding service to The Greek Orthodox Church. She also served as King High School PTSA and received the President’s Award. She received the Easter Seals’ Presidential Award. She also received the Silver Bowl and her local church’s Ladies Auxiliary President’s Pin. While being a Girl Scout leader, she received the Outstanding Leader Girl Scout Award.Cynthia married her husband George on December 29, 1963 in Tampa, FL. She has three children, Mike, Angelique and Dean. She has six grandchildren: Artemis (10), Natalia (8), Elizabeth (8), George (5), Katherine (4), and Phillip (3).

In 1994, Cynthia was hired by The Child Abuse Council, Inc. as the new director of a program called “Kids on the Block”. It is a National Educational Puppet Program, which focuses on important children’s safety issues. Since the Child Abuse Council dealt with Child Abuse

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Prevention, it was just what was needed to educate the children in the local elementary schools both public and private on what children can do to be safe from all types of child abuse. She presented the puppet shows to the third graders in approximately 100 schools in Hillsborough County. Three years later, the Violence and Bullying Programs were added. These programs targeted the fourth graders in her school system. These programs remain as very active and vital programs today even though she retired in 2005. Her assistant continues this important child safety program.

Educating children has always been Cynthia’s passion. She began her career as an elementary school teacher. She then was a stay at home Mom, Girl Scout Leader, and the Kids on the Block Director. Presently, she teaches at The St. John Greek Orthodox Day School in Tampa as a Religious Studies Teacher for all grades, pre-K 3 to 8th grade.

In Cynthia’s Sunday School Department, she served as a teacher and then the Director. She also was the Youth Director and Greek Dance instructor. She has been President of our Parish Council and of the Woman’s Auxiliary. Cynthia’s activities have been involvement with PTA, PTSA, and Easter Seals Guild. She has been President of the Child Abuse Council Inc., Children’s Cancer Center, Temple Terrace Woman’s Club, Girl Scout Leader, and Greek Festival Chairman. In addition she has been a

volunteer at The H.B. Plant Museum as a Docent, and has worked in the Museum Store and Greeter for 15 years.

Traveling with her family has been Cynthia’s pleasure. She has traveled to many places in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii and to the following foreign countries, Canada, England, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, Hong Kong, China, South America and the Panama Canal.

Cynthia says, “Sigma Alumnae Sisters have been my family here in Tampa. While I was at The University of Tampa and I was so far away from my home in Canton, Ohio, the Sigma mothers of my sisters treated me like one of their own children. We all remain close today, Sisters Forever!”

NOT LIKE THE OLD DAYS

When we Golden Violets went off to college, it was an unusual occurrence. Many of us were the first in our families to attend. Many of us had to leave old high school friends behind – those for whom a college education was not an option.Fast forward 50+ years: education after high school is practically a requirement for a successful career. More women than men attend. There

are two-year schools, community colleges, technical schools, on-line degrees, state schools, private schools…a never-ending list.

But the cost of these options is tremendous. How to pay for the high cost of higher education is a leading issue for American families.

The Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation offers scholarships to Tri Sigma undergraduate and graduate students.

At the same time, the Foundation needs your help so that we can offer MORE scholarships. Consider a special contribution to our Scholarship Fund (write this in the memo portion of your check). Your tax deductible gift can be sent to Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation 225 N. Muhlenberg St., Woodstock, VA 22664.

Golden Violet CelebrationWalton HouseOctober 5-7, 2012

All Golden Violets are invited to attend a Legacy Celebration at Walton House in Woodstock Virginia on October 5 through October 7, 2012.This will be the first time Golden Violets will gather at the National Headquarters, at the Historical Walton House. It will be an opportunity

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for Golden Violets to convene and celebrate with each other their steadfast membership as Tri Sigmas. The setting of the Walton House is most appropriate for this event.

Many Golden Violets have never had the opportunity to visit National Headquarters and the beautiful countryside in the Shenandoah Valley surrounding Woodstock, VA.

The Golden Violets will be allowed to stay at Walton House for the wonderful rate of $20.00. Accommodations may also be made at local motels. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served each morning at Walton House. A dinner celebration will be held at a nearby restaurant where Golden Violets will be able to share stories and memories together.

Golden Violets are encouraged to bring any memorable items that they may want to share or even donate to Walton House. Several stimulating sessions are planned regarding Tri Sigma History, Tri Sigma Today updates, and current programming.

There will also be some time for some sightseeing to Mabel Lee Walton’s grave, the New Market Battle Field, and the Woodstock Museum or other areas of interest. Of course, a tour of the Mabel Lee Walton House will be on the agenda.

We need to know how many will be able to attend. RSVP by June 1, 2012. Financial commitment will need to be made by August 1, 2012 so that final plans may be made.

Hurry and make your reservations by e-mailing National Headquarters to [email protected] or call National Headquarters at 540-459-4212.

Carolyn Wallisch, I, Golden Violets Coordinator says, “We hope to see all you wonderful Golden Violets for a lovely time together.”

Eligible Golden Violets 2012

The following ladies are eligible however, have not been nominated for a Golden Violet. Please review the list and if you would like to nominate one or more deserving ladies, please complete a nomination form. Forms can be found online under Sigma Connect or contact Jessica Jett Lafollette, National Headquarters Alumnae Membership Coordinator at 540-459-4212 or e-mail [email protected].

Marilyn Loutzenhiser Boyer, Λ Molly Ciora Resch, Λ Barbara Gleason Fletcher, Ο Madeline McGraw Worzniak, Ο Marjorie Thomas Skalski, O Frances D’Alessandro, Ρ Barbara Woods Mack, Σ Janet Alvis Wilhte-Smith, Χ Vera Macklin Scott, ΧCarol, Lipp Strauss, ΑΓ Gloria McFarland Battin, ΑΓB.J. Masingil Mork, ΑΖ Betty Young Rocke, ΑΘCharlotte Thompson Suhler, ΑΝBarbara Hayes Needham, ΑΝ Karen Spongberg Stevens, ΑΞNancy Rebecca Frantz, ΑΠ Janice Hamal Mosesso, ΑΦ Jean Allen Morse, ΑΦ

Sharon Poore Story, ΑΧJoan Barshes Evans, ΒΓRoberta Hunter Jackson, ΒΓAnne Collins King, ΒΛSharol Hesselink Stessman, ΒΛElizabeth Halama Hedrington, ΒΠKathleen Duebner Lyndahl, ΒΠNancy Wainer Berger, ΒΦCarol Smith Gohari, ΒΧBarbara Whyel Carson, ΓΓCharlene Weaver Baur, ΓΔDonna Pontius McIntyre, ΓΔElla Love Sprung, ΓΔ Marilyn Kremer Whitman, ΓΔ Martha Curtis Chaloner, ΓΔElizabeth Downes Van Loo, ΓΗJudith Baldwin Voigt, H

New Golden Violets and Omega Golden Violets

New Golden Violets since the fall 2011 Golden Glimpses

Marilyn Bratton Kaes, ΙSharon Hines Rockwell, ΙFrankie Ritter Wainwright, ΚJudith Jones Wells, ΝMarilyn Pugh Heisterman, ΠJudith Hullman Kearns, ΑΕRoberta Lacy Montross, ΑΝMarilyn Potts Carson, ΑΝSara Iobst McMillen, ΑΡBarbara Sorlie Houpt, ΒΑSandra Peyton Thayer, ΒΓCynthia Kladis Xenick, ΒΣGail Radcliffe Brown, ΒΥ Rose Ann Harris Leavesley, ΒΥ Dorothy Anspach Wewe, ΒΦAnn Buchler Williams, ΓΗCatherine Jaboe Theriot, ΓΗGwen Hardouin Maniscalco, ΓΗ

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Omega Golden Violets since fall 2011 Golden Glimpses

Carol Dixon Field, Σ (Awarded Posthumously)Mary Mertz Stauffer, Χ Ruth Wilson Rohde, Χ Esther Carolyn Gee, ΑΒJane Wolford Hartling, ΑΔVirginia Stringer Retrum, ΑΝLucy Harwood Mills, ΑΟ Virginia Vanderburg Jones, ΑΞ Patty Palmer Horlacher, ΒΒMarie Hujar Kochan, ΒΖ

Recipes for springtime

Asparagus with BaconA little bacon and vinegar flavor this fresh cooked asparagus.

Ingredients:- 4 slices bacon, diced- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red or sweet onion- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed, sliced in 2- to 3-inch lengths- 1 scant teaspoon Dijon mustard- 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar- salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:Cook bacon until crisp; remove to paper towels to drain.

If desired, remove some of the grease from the pan, leaving a tablespoon or two. Add onion and asparagus to the grease left in the pan and saute over medium-low heat until asparagus is just tender. Put in a bowl and toss with the mustard and vinegar. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Serves 4.

Strawberry Coffee Cake Cook Time: 35 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour- 1/2 cup sugar- 2 teaspoons baking powder- 1/2 teaspoon salt- 1/2 cup milk- 1 egg- 2 tablespoons melted butter- 1 1/2 cups strawberries, sliced .

Crumb Topping:- 1/2 cup flour- 1/2 cup sugar- 1/4 cup butter

Preparation:Sift together the 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, egg, and melted butter; beat 2 minutes. Spoon batter onto a greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan. Top with sliced strawberries. Combine

1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add chopped pecans or walnuts. Sprinkle crumb topping over the strawberries. Bake at 375° for 30 to 35 minutes. Serves 8.

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