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This spring we had a wonderful group of sisters graduate. We are so proud of them and all they have accomplished within phi sig and their collegiate careers. We are happy to feature a few of them here!  Riki Lundquist Future Plans >>> I plan to move to Minneapolis and find a cute, little apartment that I can decorate the way I want it, while working for a PR/Strategic Communications company. Phi Sig Impact >>> Phi Sig has impacted me through the relationships I’ve made, the professionalism I’ve obtained, and made every day of college more comfortable in knowing that I’m in a community surrounded by sisters who care about me. Advice to Younger sister >>> 1. Be the diversity this sorority needs. You learn more about yourself in the face of diversity than familiarity and what’s comfortable. 2. Don’t be afraid to be the minority opinion. You may be tapping into something that could change our organization for the better. 3. Put yourself first. You can only show love to others once you’ve learned to love yourself.
 Laura Brixius Future Plans >>> I will be taking a Gap year before applying to Physician's Assistant (PA) school. Phi Sig Impact >>> Phi Sig has truly turned my college experience around. I transferred in as a junior after a horrible experience at a different school. Phi Sig made me instantly involved in a community on campus, kept me active, and gave me friendships that will last a lifetime. Advice to Younger Sister >>> Remember that Phi Sig is a place to have fun and be yourself. I would use your involvement and relationships in Phi Sig to get further involved around campus. Spend college working to better your future whether that is through phi sig, your major, your relationships and even your relationship with yourself. Now is a time to make mistakes, to learn from them, and to grow with them.  Baylie Sherrick Future Plans >>> I plan to teach either in an elementary or special education classroom in the northern Twin Cities! Phi Sig Impact >>> Phi Sig has impacted me in SO many ways. From professional dress attire, to how to hold yourself with class, Phi Sig has prepared me for the real world! Advice to Younger Sister >>> Always be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Run for positions, become an educated member, and leave a legacy that sisters will remember you by. Aiming high will never lead you down a wrong path... LITP  Britta Jorve Future Plans >>> Currently planning to move back to the Twin Cities. Phi Sig Impact >>> I have gained a lot of confidence and leadership skills through Phi Sig. Advice to Younger Sisters >>> My advice to younger sisters would be to get outside of your comfort zone. It's so easy to get into a routine and stick to it but don't be afraid to try new things, apply for positions that are a bit scary, and try to hang out with new people any chance you get. You never know when you're going to find your new best friend or the job that inspires your future career!  Hannah Garrett Future Plans >>> I will be attending the 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Minnesota after graduation to become a licensed Physical Therapist. Phi Sig Impact >>> Phi Sig has impacted me immensely by becoming not only a major networking tool for my future career in PT, but also through making friendships that I know will last a lifetime. I never found "my people" in high school...I did here, at UMD, through Phi Sig! Advice to Younger Sisters >>> My biggest advice for younger sisters is that "Done is Good". Sometimes, we put so much pressure on ourselves as young women to be "perfect" and successful at all times. Sometimes, you just can't do it all. Sometimes, you have to cut yourself some slack. Reminding yourself that "Done is Good" will seriously help you in the long run.  Heidi Johnson Future plans >>> I’m planning on moving to Nashville to work at a marketing agency! Phi Sig Impact >>> Phi Sig has given me friends who have made Duluth feel like home for the past four years. The women apart of this organization have always pushed me to strive a little harder and challenge myself beyond what I thought I was capable of taking on. Advice to Younger Sisters >>> In your college years, pursue what you’re genuinely passionate about. Not what you think you should be doing, but what your interests are deep down. Create the club you’ve been dreaming of, apply to the internship you don’t entirely feel qualified for, and just go for it! Don’t ever disregard older sisters even if you’ve never spoken with or met them. You never know what doors can open when learning more and talking with another Phi Sig.  Erin Jirik Future Plans >>> My future plans include me working in Sales in Nashville!! Phi Sig Impact >>> Phi Sig had impacted me in every aspect of my life! I have met my best friends and learned so much. Phi Sig has helped me become the confident woman I am today! Advice to Younger Sisters >>> My advice for my younger sisters is to make sure you never take anything to seriously! You have your whole life to be serious so live it up while you can! Iota Zeta is extremely proud of all of you and we know that you'll go on to do amazing things. Once a phi sigma sigma, always a phi sigma sigma!
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This spring our chapter was extremely lucky to have some incredible seniors graduate. Whether it be through a leadership position, their personality and love, throughout their time in Phi Sigma Sigma, each of these women has made their mark on the chapter in their own way. We are eternally grateful to have gotten the opportunity to get to know each of them. Here are some highlights from a few below: Katie Burke Future Plans --> Katie's future plans include moving to the cities and finding a job in social media or public relations. She hopes to continue to write, take photos and find different ways to be creative on a daily basis. Phi Sig Impact --> Through Phi Sig, Katie has discovered her passion for others, as well as how to be leader. To Younger Sisters --> Katie would like to tell other sisters: "Take risks. You'll never find what you love if you never experience it for your self". Megan Traxler Future Plans --> Megan will be attending the University of Minnesota pharmacy school to become a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD). Her dream job is to be a pharmacist at a hospital that rounds with a doctor to prescribe medications for inpatients. Phi Sig Impact --> Phi Sigma Sigma has given Megan opportunities to grow as a woman. Megan worded it well by stating: "I continuously strive to be a woman that our creed talks about; 'of substance, character, and influence'". She went on to thank Phi Sig for the leadership opportunities that she has gotten. As she moves on to Pharmacy school, and then a future job, Megan knows that she will take on these roles with ease and poise. To Younger Sisters --> When asked about her advice to younger sisters, Megan responded: "My advice for the younger Phi Sigs is to go out of your comfort zone. Get involved outside of Phi Sig and don't just stick to your close PSS friends. Makes friends in your major, in your other clubs, and at your job. Show the other students of UMD just how amazing you are and make them rethink what it means to be in a sorority. I constantly remind my friends about PSS and what I do in it, so it makes them take notice of all the good. One person may not change the stigma of Greek life, but it's a start. I would also say, academics are so extremely important. Budget your time for school work and class, so you have ACTUAL time to do the fun stuff :) My beautiful sisters, don't forget just how special and unique you are, don't let anyone dull that sparkle." Jenna Hoof Future Plans --> Jenna will be working a full time job at Fairview Hospital in Edina as a patient coordinator in the Orthodontics Department. She plans to live with her parents for six months to save money and then move into an apartment in Uptown with her current roommate. Additionally, she plans to pursue her masters in Business Administration within the next 3 years. Phi Sig Impact --> When asked about the impact that Phi Sig has had on her life, Jenna responded: "Even though I wasn't able to stay as involved after working with my internships, it truly made a huge impact on me my freshman and sophomore year and is the reason for a lot of the friends I have today. I've interviewed for a lot of positions and one of them the interviewer actually went to UMD and was a Phi Sig as well, and I think she pulled some behind-the-scene strings to get me a job offer. You never know when your experiences will bring!" To Younger Sisters --> Jen stated it well: "Whether you are closing up your freshman year or starting your senior year, it is all going to be over before you know it". She wants younger sisters to know: "When I was younger, a senior once told our class that, "you're never going to remember the nights in, so you might as well go out" which is the truest thing I have ever heard. So go out and get half apps with your friend, ask for that cute guys number, chose yourself and your happiness over a night in the library; college is fleeting, so make the most of it." Courtney Companion Future Plans --> Courtney will be moving to Cincinnati in June to start her full time job in Consumer Production Sales with Hormel Foods. Phi Sig Impact --> Courtney responded to how Phi Sig has impacted her life by stating: "Phi Sig has impacted my life in too many ways to count. Some of the most influential things I have taken from my years as an active sister are the opportunities through leadership and learning that my voice matters. These opportunities helped me build my confidence and prepare me for the working world". To Younger Sisters --> "Get it done, ladies. And get it done well! We Aim High in all that we do, so take your school work, career goals, and relationships seriously and give them your all! With that said, life can get pretty crazy, so don't forget to take time for yourself! YOU GOT THIS!" We are so proud of you all and Iota Zeta won't be the same without you! Once a Phi Sigma Sigma, Always a Phi Sigma Sigma! LITP
Courtney Cornelius  The ideals of Phi Sigma Sigma signify our contributions of helping others and working within our community. The Iota Zeta chapter of Duluth, Minnesota has the opportunity to participate in community wide involvement in helping the elementary aged children of our local schools. Phi Sigma Sigma’s ideals stand on “School and College Readiness”. As active members of this organization we strive to meet these actions set before us 105 years ago. With the ideals of “School and College Readiness,” co-philanthropy chairs, Maren Gustafson and Courtney Cornelius strive to meet new lengths in working with local children in Duluth and furthering our outreach of involvement. In the past several years, Iota Zeta chapter has put on a “Phi, Set, Spike” volleyball fundraiser to help our philanthropy. Due to lack of building space and funds, Maren and Courtney have made the decision to change the philanthropy and its focus to the children's education that they believe so strongly in. Furthermore, the co-chairs have created a website to help reach their goal of raising $4000 to help students in Duluth and all over the nation receive textbooks, school supplies, meals, clothes, and education that we are so fortunate to be receiving at the University of Minnesota Duluth. If you are interested in learning more about the fundraiser please check out our fundraising website at https://www.phisigduluth.org/supportingschools.html. We would greatly appreciate any help you are willing to offer to advance the education nationwide. With the change in Philanthropy from past years, the co-chairs are striving to create a philanthropy position that works with our community and the children within it for which our ideals stand. Therefore, Maren and Courtney plan to put on a fall festival partnering with the local elementary schools to promote a safe community carnival open to the public and all proceeds go back to the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation to advance education. This carnival will feature games, food, a silent auction, and a trick or treating event for the October themed date. More information about this event will come during the next several months. Phi Sigma Sigma’s philanthropy can not stand without its sisters and those we share our lives with. If you are at all interested in the events and would be willing to donate we could not thank you enough!
Amanda Wulf Excessive partying, materialistic values, and hazing are just a few of the multitude of stereotypes that come to mind when many people discuss Greek Life. From news media outlets, to modern day movies, the fire surrounding negative Greek Life stigmas is continuously being fueled, the flames growing higher and higher. While there are select incidents that support these negative notions, the vast majority of Greeks are putting in the extra mile to rise above stereotypes. Growing up we have always been told to read a few chapters of a book before judging it. Here are a few starting chapters of our own:#1 “Sorority Girls Are Airheaded” “My sorority has some of the most intelligent and passionate women I have ever met, who I am proud to call my sisters. We not only strive individually to achieve our goals, but together as sisters we push each other to aim high and do better every day. Our girls continue to be involved inside and outside of the classroom. Greeks from all campuses are making their mark each and every day. It can be easy to have a stereotype in your mind about 'sorority girls' based off what you see and hear online. (I even came in with a few before rush week!) However, it is important to keep in mind that stereotypes are just that, stereotypes.”
 #2 “We Pay For Our Friends”I am paying for my letters, for the continuation of our chapter’s traditions, our ability to be an active force in our community as well as our ability to celebrate our sisterhood through social activities such as banquets. I am also paying for a connected alumni network to provide me with more opportunities than any other organization I have been in. I am paying for the support system that got me through some of the hardest moments of my collegiate career as well as some of the best. I’m not paying for my friends but I’m paying to be in something greater than myself. These women have shaped my life for the better and no price can be put on the value of sisterhood.
 #3 "Greek Life Organizations are Notorious Partiers""Each member of Greek Life is unique in their own way by being involved and pursuing what they’re passionate about. It’s up to us to support our members of our organization who branch out and defy the stereotype of being notorious partiers, by diving into something and giving it their all. I can think of so many of my own sisters who give their all to things such as theatre, health and fitness clubs, figure skating, photography, art, education, graphic design, event planning and so much more."
 #4 “Sororities are Selective Based on Race and Economic Status"I often hear people discussing race and economic status stereotypes of sororities and how shallow they think we are when choosing our sisters. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We don’t care where someone grew up, what kind of car they drive, or what kind of clothes they wear. We don’t judge anyone based on the color of their skin or the nation of their origin. We welcome our sisters based on the values we all share and the friendships we build throughout our memberships. I am proud to be in a sorority of unique and diverse women that makes up and can't wait to continue to stand up to these stereotypes every chance we get." "The most common statement I hear regarding sororities is 'Sorority girls pay for their friends.' Well, if that is the case I can tell you I am not paying nearly enough!"
 #5 “Getting Initiated Is Like Joining A Cult” "The main aspect of joining a sorority is finding a sense of purpose, family and self. A cult is formed for one person to gain a sense of power over others and becoming a uniform population. In contrast, a sorority is formed to establish a sense of unity among a diverse group. In a sorority, individuals are supported for their various interests and beliefs leading to a strengthened sense of self rather than a more conformed individual."
 Now that you have read a few of our chapters, I sincerely hope that you think differently when dealing with Greeks in the future. I challenge you next time that you are discussing Greek Life to speak of the positives that this community brings. Let's stop fueling the fire and defy the odds.
This past fall semester Phi Sigma Sigma Iota Zeta Chapter had nine incredible women graduate, each of which who brought their own attributes and qualities to the sorority over the past few years. Here are the future plans and a few inspirational words from three of these women: Ali Lero Ali’s future plans include moving down to the cities and applying to grad school, her end goal being to get her master's degree in Social Work. When asked how Phi Sig has impacted her life, Ali responded by stating, "I have met so many amazing people through this organization and Greek life as a whole and I am forever grateful for that.” Ali advises younger Phi Sig members to take advantage of the opportunities offered through this organization, but remember that there is more to life than just the sorority.  Meghan Hurley Meghan is beginning her new job as a Strategy Coordinator at Hailey Sault located right here in Duluth, down by Canal Park. In the future, she looks forward to working with nonprofits and health care organizations. When discussing how Phi Sig has impacted her life, Meghan explained that she saw it as both “a huge motivator and also a comfort.” In addition to this, Meghan strongly impacted the Iota Zeta Chapter in 2016 when she held the position of Membership Recruitment Chair. Megan's advice to underclassmen is to broaden your limits by pushing them and not being afraid of them.  Jessica Wilkening Jessica is entering the workforce as an Event Coordinator. This being said, she has not officially landed her career yet, but hopes to work in either the Twin Cities or Duluth. The major way that Phi Sig impacted Jessica was by helping her further her career, as an Event Coordinator, by becoming co banquet chair. In addition to this, she described herself as gaining a new layer of self confidence from speaking in front of the chapter and at banquet. Jessica advises underclassmen to go to everything that one possibly can and most importantly, to “take each day-by-day”.  We have been incredibly grateful to have been impacted by these ladies over the past few years. From their leadership skills, to their immense love for the chapter each sister has went above and beyond to be the best that she can be. We wish them all the best of luck and can not wait to see the impact they make on this world.
LITP Week of the Sphinx is a week long celebration of our new members as they attend events that are part of their initiation process. These ritual events lead up to their big National Initiation on Saturday, when they officially become active members of Phi Sigma Sigma. Congrats Alpha Beta class!
 Big and littles had socials they attended, making connections with many girls! This years reveal theme was puzzle pieces that the bigs had decorated. Such a magical day with the new class adding to all the saph families!
 Our first NPC recruitment was a success! Shout out to our recruitment chair, Kelli Richard, as she worked very hard this recruitment season to celebrate this day. We welcomed home 22 wonderful women to Phi Sigma Sigma! It was a day full of glitter, new friendships, laughter, lots of pictures, and more glitter. Welcome home Alpha Beta class!
Our Parents Chair, Britany, and Alumni Chair, Maddie, came together to put an amazing event on. Families of our sisters came to see what Phi Sig was all about. There were different stations that other E-Council members help put on. They also hosted a game of jeopardy that parents could play that were questions involving Phi Sigma Sigma. What fun day to show our parents why we love Phi Sig and to invite our alum back to Duluth!
This past Saturday we hosted our 3rd annual Phi Set Spike! This was put on by our Philanthropy Chairmen, Laura and Emma, who worked really hard to put this together. This year we had eight teams which consisted of other sororities and fraternities on campus, coffee shop employees, and other friends. Our champions this year who got to sign the golden volleyball was Phi Kappa Psi. With donations still coming in from local shops, so far we have raised over $1,600! Can't wait until next year.
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Maggie Sem & Emily LevinOur blog is updated by our Public Relations Co-Chairs. Maggie and Emily are dedicated sisters and students. Read what they have to say about our recent events! Archives
April 2019
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