Triangle Guest Blog

By Brian Tenclinger, Triangle Executive Director

I must admit, this is the first time that I am submitting anything on a Blog. And, quite frankly, I can’t think of a better opportunity to do so than the Blog for Phi Sigma Rho Sorority.

If we haven’t met, my name is Brian Tenclinger and I serve as the Executive Director of Triangle Fraternity. In my short tenure working with Triangle I have met many Phi Rho’s along the way, many of whom were instrumental in helping our staff advance the Fraternity’s marching orders shared by our National President in 2007: We Choose to Grow! Without the help of some very special Phi Rho’s, Triangle Fraternity would not have a presence at the University of California at Irvine and the University of California at San Diego. For approximately 50 years, Triangle had 1 chapter in the state of California. Today, and many thanks to Phi Sigma Rho’s who helped us in our early days, we have a stronger presence in California (UCI, UCSD, Cal Berkeley, and Cal Poly Pomona).

Not only have collegiate organizations been helpful with Triangle Fraternity in the past year, but a group of alumnae have rolled up their sleeves to help Triangles along the way. We have also been very fortunate to have Nicole Bylsma (UCI-Pi) serve as a facilitator at the Triangle Fraternity Herbert F. Scobie Leadership Academy. Nicole did a fantastic job in her role as a facilitator. Most recently, I have been working with Lindsay Gelorme (National VP of Communications) and Nicolette Yovanof (National VP of Programming) to collaborate and begin the planning for our combined 2011 National Convention. The location of our 2011 National Convention will be announced this July at our respective national gatherings – the Phi Rho’s in Pittsburgh and the Triangles in Denver.

I have also enjoyed watching a new group of Phi Sigma Rho collegians gain campus recognition at Virginia Commonwealth University. My best friend happens to supervise the Greek Advisors at VCU and called me the night that a local engineering sorority voted to adopt and be recognized by Phi Sigma Rho, thus paving the way for a new presence at one of Virginia’s fastest growing engineering programs. Triangle Fraternity will be joining the Phi Rho’s at VCU in the fall of 2011 – we have a lot to look forward to!

The partnership between Phi Sigma Rho and Triangle has never been stronger. Our two organizations have never been healthier. This past academic year, Triangle initiated our 25,000th member into the bonds of the Fraternity. We expanded at several new institutions and have planted our flag for future expansions at VCU, Oregon State, and the University of Washington.

As we go our separate ways for our respective conventions this summer, know that the men of Triangle Fraternity will be sending our warmest wishes to the delegation gathered in Pittsburgh to celebrate the silver anniversary of Phi Sigma Rho. On behalf of the members of Triangle Fraternity, Happy 25th Anniversary to the women of Phi Sigma Rho. I look forward to many, many more years working together to bring a healthy and enjoyable fraternal experience to collegians studying the academic disciplines of engineering, architecture, and the sciences.

Going for Gold - Looking at the Next 25 Years!

As we kick off summer, it's been very exciting to get closer to our 25th anniversary celebration. We're going to be doing a lot of reflection of the last 25 years, but we also want to hear what everyone wants to see out of PSR in the next 25 years! Even if you can't come to convention, we want to hear your ideas for what kinds of accomplishments you'd like to see PSR go after in the next 25 years. So here's your chance - we'll be collecting comments here on the blog and sharing them at Convention 2009. Take a few minutes to post an idea! We want to hear from everyone! What should PSR do to go for gold in the next 25 years?

Girls Inc Letter Writing

Wow, Convention is now less that 1 month away and I can't wait. I've been working with Girls Inc for the last few months to coordinate more activity between Phi Rho and their affiliate centers. I wish Girls Inc. had been around when I was growing up because it sounds like a truly amazing organization for young women! They have members from elementary school through high school and focus on teaching girls to be Strong, Smart and Bold. - Sound familiar? I think alot of our past and current Phi Rhos (think Abby and Rashmi) have these same qualities. I'm excited for the opportunity to write letters and encourage these young girls to follow their hearts and march to the beat of a different drum. Our letter writing campaign at Convention is only the beginning of (hopefully) a long and fulfilling partnership between Phi Rho and Girls Inc.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at Convention and PRL,

Heidi Nelson
Girls Inc. Coordinator

*For additional information on the letter writing campaign, please see the website: http://www.phisigmarho.org/programs.htm*

Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University!

We have a new addition to the Phi Rho family: a group of women at Virginia Commonwealth University mark our newest members! National Council approved their colony status in April. There are 14 candidates and induction is planned for fall 2009. Their colony educators is Marilyn Herczeg (Pitt-Zeta). Some of the colony members are attending the convention this summer, so you can meet them in person if you are attending! This a very exciting time for the colony members and our sorority as we grow to become the best Phi Sigma Rho we can be! Please join us in welcoming the newest members of our Phi Rho family!!

PSR National Alumnae Awards - Nominate a Sister Today!

Phi Sigma Rho is full of exceptional women who touch lives in many ways. In 2009 we will honor those Alumnae who have exemplified sisterhood in nine areas. This is an opportunity to honor sisters for their contributions to not only Phi Sigma Rho but to our society—our communities, our schools, our families, and our sisters. The winners will be chosen by the Alumnae Awards Committee and the awards will be presented at an Awards Luncheon at National Convention in Pittsburgh, PA on July 18^th, 2009.

Each award is represented by a symbol of Phi Sigma Rho. The nine areas in which we will recognize sisters are:

• Sisterhood Award—Service to Phi Sigma Rho

Recipient exemplifies what sisterhood means by volunteering her time with Phi Sigma Rho and/or promoting the Sorority positively in her community and with other sisters.

• Friendship Award—Best Friend

Recipient exhibits friendship by being the best friend a Phi Rho can have.

• Scholarship Award—Academic leadership

Recipient is a leader in academia.

• Encouragement Award—Mentorship

Recipient shows her encouragement by participating in mentoring other women, whether affiliated with Phi Sigma Rho or not.

• First Corner Award—Service to Community, Inner Strength

Recipient volunteers a significant time and energy to her community, exemplifying inner strength by giving back.

• Second Corner Award—Super Mom, Endurance

Recipient shows endurance as a super mom.

• Third Corner Award—Technical Excellence, Ingenuity

Recipient has exhibited technical achievement either in industry or academia, or in self-employment.

• Fourth Corner Award—Success in Business, Ambition

Recipient is a leader in her field in industry or has experienced significant accomplishment in business. Recipient can be a business contributor at any stage of her career.

• Orchid Award—Woman of the Year

Recipient has exemplified what it means to be a Phi Rho, in all areas. She shows by example that friendship, scholarship, and sisterhood are the ritual she follows for life. She may have significantly contributed in any one of the above areas.

The nomination form can be filled out by any Phi Rho sister. The nominee must be an Alumna or Honorary member but need not be present at National Convention to accept the award, though there will be a presentation of awards at an Awards Luncheon and attendance is encouraged. Nominations can be e-mailed as an attachment or as a text document to vpofalumnaeaffars@phisigmarho.org. Nominations will be accepted through June 19, 2009.

Many Phi Rhos are lifelong friends. This is a terrific opportunity to honor a friend or mentor who has exemplified what Phi Sigma Rho is all about—friendship, scholarship, encouragement, and sisterhood.