Behind every strong chapter, meaningful member experience and successful Tri Delta program is a volunteer who has generously given their time, talent and heart in service to our sisterhood.
During our 62nd Biennial Convention, held June 26-29 in Denver, Tri Delta proudly recognized a remarkable group of volunteers whose dedication has made a lasting impact on our members, our chapters and the organization. The Volunteer Service Awards celebrate those who consistently go above and beyond, offering leadership, guidance and support that help women live, learn and lead throughout their Tri Delta journey.
The following recipients were honored for their exceptional volunteer service during the 2025 calendar year. Through their commitment, generosity and Delta Love, they embody the very best of Tri Delta.
Ernestine Block Grigsby Award
This Ernestine Block Grigsby Award is presented by Tri Delta’s Executive Board each biennium to an alumna member who, through her loyalty and dedication to Tri Delta, has given outstanding service to her local alumnae chapter.
Dione DuBois Colón, Arizona State, Albuquerque Alumnae Chapter
Dione’s nominator shared, “Dione is a transformational leader whose lifelong commitment to Tri Delta has made a lasting impact at every level of the organization. From her early collegiate involvement to her extensive service as a consultant, advisor and volunteer, Dione has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation and heart. Most notably, as president of the Albuquerque Alumnae Chapter, she revitalized a struggling chapter, nearly doubling membership while fostering a deeply connected, inclusive and engaged sisterhood. Her ability to communicate effectively, create meaningful programming and build relationships across generations has strengthened both her local chapter and the broader Tri Delta community.”
Accepting Tri Delta’s highest alumnae honor, Dione reflected on her decades of service with the same humility that has defined her leadership. “Tri Delta has given me far more than I could ever give back,” she said, adding that throughout every role, her goal has been simple: “In every role I’ve had, I’ve tried to make women feel like they belong.”
First Runner-Up: Peggy Young Rishe, Illinois—Charlotte Alumnae Chapter
Second Runner-Up: Sandra Standefer, Texas—Dallas Alumnae Chapter
Collegiate Volunteers
Cindy Fox Minor, Arkansas | Alumna Advisor, Arkansas
Cindy’s nominator wrote, “Truth, self-sacrifice and friendship are core to how Cindy leads her volunteer team and supports the chapter. She is honest and frank in difficult situations while still offering support and compassion. She provides support when needed and tough love when needed—a delicate balance that all AAs know well. And all the while, her Tri Delta friendships with those around her were evident.”
Emma Beaird, Baylor | Membership Experience Advisor, Baylor
Emma’s nominator highlighted her commitment to supporting and empowering chapter members, sharing, “Emma’s first priority has always been ensuring our women feel equipped. Our women feel undeniable confidence in approaching her with personal wins, membership concerns and everything in between. Having an advisor you can rely on for this has truly been such a gift you never knew you could be lucky enough to have—but also have no idea what you would do without. Every day, she challenges our women and her peers to develop this within themselves as ambassadors for the Tri Delta brand, with the mindset that we are capable of achieving our greatest desires if firmly rooted in the values of truth, self-sacrifice, and friendship.”
Alumnae Volunteers
Kim Mikol Strong, Central Florida | Alumnae Chapter President, Orlando/Winter Park
Three years ago, during a transition period for her alumnae chapter, Kim was asked to serve and ultimately stepped into the role of alumnae chapter president. At a time when membership and engagement were declining, she focused on rebuilding the chapter by reconnecting inactive members, welcoming new and relocated sisters and creating intentional opportunities for connection. Alongside her team, Kimberlee strengthened communication, revitalized traditions and restored a sense of pride and sisterhood within the chapter. Today, she is especially proud of the strong board of directors that has been established and the renewed sense of community among members—most recently demonstrated by 26 sisters, both young and seasoned, gathering at the chapter’s Galentine’s event to celebrate the bond of sisterhood.
Shawna Herlein Lyons, Arkansas | Alumnae Chapter Membership Chair, Northwest Arkansas
Shawna’s nominator shared, “Shawna works in education and understands the value of the Delta Iota member experience and leadership development. She cares deeply about strengthening the collegiate-alumnae relationship through collaboration, mentorship and coordination among all alumnae chapters in Arkansas. Shawna is constantly generating new ideas to engage young alumnae and potential new members. She was instrumental in the creation and execution of an event for the Northeast Arkansas Alumnae Chapter that brought together collegiate members, alumnae and potential new members. She also partnered with the Delta Iota lifetime membership chair to plan and execute a new event for Active seniors and young alumnae last fall. Shawna’s commitment to her hometown and surrounding area, combined with her love for Tri Delta, inspired her to help the alumnae chapter establish a new tradition this past December for alumnae, collegiate members and potential new members.”
Housing Volunteers
Aruna Inalsingh, Cornell | House Corporation President, Cornell
Aruna’s nominator shared, “Aruna wants to do the best for Alpha Beta. She listens to her residents and creates a plan to improve the overall living experience. She is committed to working alongside every party, from advisors to Tri Delta Housing. Aruna asks questions and elevates concerns in a very timely manner. I value her perspective and input as I work to coach their house director.”
Teresa Keith McKinney, Missouri | House Corporation Coordinator
Teresa’s nominator wrote, “Teresa goes above and beyond in her service to Tri Delta through the Foundation. Not only does she help lead fundraising efforts, but she also sets an example through her own generosity. She supports local house corporations by facilitating difficult conversations that strengthen communication between housing volunteers and chapter advisors and officers. Teresa consistently renders willing service, saying yes whenever her leadership is needed. Most recently, she stepped forward to chair the housing improvement grant committee, a role she fulfills with quiet efficiency and dedication. Teresa does not volunteer for recognition, which makes her even more deserving of this award.”
Regional Volunteers
Jules Hesse Beuck, Millikin | Financial Specialist
Jules’ nominator said, “Jules embodies Tri Delta’s Purpose and values through the way she cares for members, not just the work itself. Her kindness is evident every day in how she supports the finance committee. She regularly checks in with committee members, ensures they feel confident in their roles and is always willing to walk through a challenge or teach something new—never making anyone feel less than. Her support empowers others to grow while fostering a culture of encouragement and respect.”
Dominique Mendoza, California/Irvine | Collegiate Chapter Coordinator
Dominique’s nominators said, “Dominique lives Tri Delta’s values in her daily life and in the way she leads as a collegiate chapter coordinator. She can always be trusted to represent Tri Delta in any fashion, as she naturally leads with kindness and care and exemplifies the importance of giving back and volunteering through all the exceptional volunteer work she does for Tri Delta.”
Committee Volunteers
Deborah Johnson, Nevada | Volunteer Stewardship Coordinator
Deborah’s nominators expressed, “Deborah is truly a dedicated Tri Delta who puts her responsibilities to Tri Delta above all else. Her commitment to Tri Delta’s values has spanned a lifetime. Her dedication to engaging members through every age and stage of sisterhood has been truly remarkable. Perhaps most importantly, she built lasting friendships and demonstrated genuine respect and loyalty to every sister she worked alongside. Her commitment to serving others and honoring the experiences of members truly reflects the very best of Tri Delta.”
Lisa Frenzel Remsikova, Texas | Panhellenic Coordinator
Lisa’s nominators shared, “Lisa is a living example of Tri Delta’s Purpose, values and commitment to kindness. She beautifully exemplifies Tri Delta’s foundational purposes of friendship and a strong character through her supportive approach as alumna initiate chair. Her commitment to walking the initiates through each step of the process demonstrates these core values by her actions, which serve as a shining example of what it is to be a trusted, accessible and reliable guide. With every interaction as a volunteer with the organization, she fosters an immediate sense of belonging and care.”
2026 Alumnae Chapter Awards
Alumnae chapter awards recognize chapters that exemplify excellence in chapter operations, membership engagement, financial stewardship, philanthropy and community service. These awards celebrate the dedication of alumnae volunteers who work throughout the year to create meaningful member experiences, strengthen chapter sustainability and advance the mission and values of Tri Delta.
Through a combination of honor roll designations and star awards, chapters are recognized for achieving key benchmarks that support organizational success and member engagement. The awards program encourages best practices, highlights outstanding accomplishments and honors chapters that demonstrate a commitment to continuous growth and excellence. The highest distinction, the Eleanor Dorcas Pond Award for Outstanding Alumnae Chapters, recognizes sustained achievement across multiple years and reflects the exceptional impact of alumnae chapters within the Fraternity.
Star System
Excellence in each of the honor roll categories (Finance, Membership, Operations, Philanthropy, Community Service) is worth one star award. Chapters can earn up to five star awards per year and are recognized for accomplishing three stars or more.
Eleanor Dorcas Pond Award
The Eleanor Dorcas Pond Award is presented at Convention and represents an alumnae chapter’s dedication and excellence throughout the biennium. Chapters must have combined star awards of eight or higher to receive this award. View the full list of Eleanor Dorcas Pond Award winners here.
A remarkable 10 alumnae chapters earned the Five-Star Award by achieving honor roll status in all five categories by June 1, 2026. These chapters are operating successfully while providing an elevated member experience to our alumnae.
The Four-Star Award went to the chapters that achieved honor roll status in four or more categories by June 1, 2026.
The Three-Star Award went to chapters that achieved honor roll status in three or more categories by June 1, 2026.
Click below to view the chapters that received honor roll status in each of the individual categories:
Financial Honor Roll
Operations Honor Roll
Membership Honor Roll
Philanthropy Honor Roll
Community Service Honor Roll
Local House Corporation (LHC) Awards
Tri Delta Housing consistently works to enhance our partnerships with and support for our local house corporations. Part of that support includes annually celebrating the achievements of our most outstanding LHCs, and we are excited to share these brand-new awards with you!
We recognized the LHCs that not only met the annual reporting requirements for operating a safe and welcoming, operationally strong, financially sound and competitive Tri Delta home on campus, but also those that went above and beyond, providing an elevated member experience for collegiate members and guests. Explore the full LHC Honor Roll.
*Those not pictured were not in attendance at Convention to accept their award in person.