2024-2025 Phi Sigma Sigma Award Winners

Phi Sigma Sigma's awards program recognizes individuals and chapters who most embody the virtues of Phi Sigma Sigma and continue to "Aim High" throughout their collegiate and alumnae experiences. We are thrilled to announce our 2024-2025 award winners! Please join us in congratulating these sisters on their amazing accomplishments and contributions to Phi Sigma Sigma! 

Beverly Parkes Collegian of the Year Award

The Beverly Parkes Collegian of the Year Award is the most prestigious collegiate award and is presented to a collegiate member who, in her activities and character, personifies the ideals of Phi Sigma Sigma. The candidate must be in good standing with her collegiate chapter and university, and give evidence of forwarding the three goals of Phi Sigma Sigma: advancement of womanhood, lifelong learning and philanthropic service. She shall have achieved a most exemplary record in the last year of her collegiate work, as a senior.

Winner: Virginia Walker, Pi Chapter at Syracuse University

Virginia Walker had a unique student experience at Syracuse University, beginning her college career in Fall 2021 in the university’s Discovery Program in Strasbourg, France. During her sophomore year, she was a mentor to several other Syracuse Discovery Program students. When she arrived on campus in the spring of her freshman year, she went through recruitment, joined Phi Sigma Sigma and was quickly elected to serve as the chapter’s house manager. Virginia assisted the Fraternity staff in making crucial decisions about how the design of the new Pi chapter house would be best utilized by the members of the chapter.

Virginia spent the fall of her junior year abroad in Seoul, South Korea as a State Department intern. She also interned for the State Department in Islamabad, Pakistan and as an Honors Intern for the FBI in Tampa and Albany, through graduation. Virginia was an undergraduate research assistant for the Heritage Preservation in Türkiye, where she partnered with Dr. Timur Hammond to examine the intersection of politics, culture, and historic preservation in Türkiye, supporting critical research on the evolving concept of national heritage.

In spring 2024, Virginia was selected by the National Panhellenic Conference to represent NPC on the 2024 Hill visits. As a senior, Virginia chose to repeat her role as House Manager and led the mid-semester move into the new Pi chapter house. As a senior and experienced leader, Virginia played a crucial role in the move and creating a positive environment in the new house.

Virginia is a graduate of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in policy studies and international relations and a minor in global security studies. She graduated from Syracuse in 3.5 years (with a 3.9 GPA) and was inducted into Sigma Iota Rho, the National Honor Society for international relations. At graduation, she was awarded a Distinction in International Relations. She was also awarded the Mary E. Lovely Award for Service in international relations from Syracuse University which is given annually to the graduating senior who has performed exceptional service for the international relations program. Following her graduation in December, she began pursuing a career with the Department of Justice.

Virginia is an exemplary sister and representation of Phi Sigma Sigma. As she begins her career she will continue to bring honor and distinction to the organization and will surely be a proud alumna and volunteer.

Finalists:

• Katy Brueckert, Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University 

• Charlotte Fry, Iota Phi Chapter at Lindenwood University 

• Brianna Kovach, Theta Eta Chapter at Rider University 

• Isabel Notaro, Epsilon Omicron at St. John’s University 

Collegiate Emerging Leader Award

The Collegiate Emerging Leader Award is presented to a collegian who has made significant contributions to her collegiate chapter in a non-leadership role, an executive board/executive council role (non-archon) or a Panhellenic/Interfraternal role. The recipient will demonstrate outstanding promise for continued leadership to her collegiate chapter and to Phi Sigma Sigma. Specific examples of her emerging leader qualities or actions must be provided. If an individual does not serve in a leadership role, demonstrated examples of leadership traits must be provided. A sister is only eligible to receive this award one time. Each chapter should nominate one woman to receive this award.

Winner: Alyssa Harper, Epsilon Kappa Chapter at Hofstra University

Alyssa Harper, a sophomore journalism major at Hofstra University and member of the Epsilon Kappa Chapter, has exemplified what it means to be an emerging leader in Phi Sigma Sigma. From the moment of her initiation, Alyssa stepped into a leadership role as the chapter’s diversity, equity and inclusion chairman. She transformed this position through her thoughtful vision, educational programming and genuine care for her sisters.

During her new member experience, Alyssa introduced a series of DEI presentations aligned with nationally recognized heritage and awareness months, sparking powerful conversations and encouraging reflection among members. She provided sisters with meaningful resources, including curated book lists, campus resources and university programming to support ongoing learning and action.

Alyssa also represented Phi Sigma Sigma at campus-wide DEI events- strengthening the chapter’s presence and partnerships within the Hofstra community. Her ability to lead with empathy and purpose and without seeking credit, has already made a lasting impact on chapter culture. In addition to her chapter role, Alyssa now serves as the vice president of programming and belonging on Hofstra’s National Panhellenic Council executive board, where she continues to advocate for inclusion and community building across all organizations. With a strong voice, innovative thinking and a deep commitment to educational equity, Alyssa is not only shaping her chapter today but is paving the way for a more inclusive future.

Finalists:

• Sabby Clemmons, Iota Upsilon Chapter at the University of New Hampshire

• Suz Figler, Gamma Iota Chapter at Worcester Polytechnic University

• Lily Lemauro, Zeta Theta Chapter at Fairleigh Dickinson University at Madison

• Victoria Szaro, Epsilon Theta Chapter at Montclair State University

New Member of the Year Award

The New Member of the Year Award is presented to a collegian who was a new member in the current academic year and made significant contributions to her chapter during her new member experience. This recipient will demonstrate a commitment to her chapter, fostering positive relationships, strong involvement in the Phi Program, chapter activities and the campus during her new member experience and an outstanding promise for future service to her collegiate chapter. Each chapter should nominate one woman to receive this award.

Winner: Madeline Ashton, Beta Eta Chapter at Pennsylvania State University

Madeline Ashton joined the Beta Eta Chapter in spring 2025 and made an immediate, lasting impression through her dedication, curiosity and commitment to the sisterhood. Throughout her Phi Program experience, Madeline was consistently engaged and deeply invested in learning about Phi Sigma Sigma’s values, history and impact. She went out of her way to build relationships with her fellow new members and made an effort to have meaningful conversations with initiated sisters to better understand the chapter’s traditions and culture. Her reliability, positivity and quiet leadership style helped set the tone for her entire new member class. Madeline demonstrated strong involvement in chapter events from day one and frequently offered support and encouragement to others, without seeking recognition. Madeline is a thoughtful and compassionate leader, committed to leading with empathy and understanding. She consistently looks to understand others and ensure multiple perspectives are represented and acknowledged. Madeline is impressive, mature and wise beyond her years.

She is attending Phi Sigma Sigma’s Emerging Leader Program, this summer, and has already shown a sincere interest in future leadership within the chapter. In addition to her sorority involvement, she is a student in the Schreyer Honors College and the Paterno Fellows Program, a member of Penn State’s Debate and Mock Trial teams and a volunteer with THON’s Dancer Relations committee. Madeline’s academic excellence, emotional intelligence and commitment to service reflect the highest ideals of Phi Sigma Sigma.

Winner: Catherine Daly, Gamma Iota Chapter at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

From the very start of her Phi Sigma Sigma journey, Catherine Daly has proven herself to be a passionate, driven and thoughtful new member who has made a meaningful impact on the Gamma Iota chapter. Even prior to her initiation, Catherine took initiative by applying for multiple leadership positions, ultimately being elected as the chapter's scholarship chairman, a role that had previously been overlooked. Catherine saw potential where others hadn’t, and she transformed this position into a cornerstone of academic support and sisterhood. She created new traditions and events that strengthened the chapter’s academic culture. Notably, she organized many study sessions including an end of year study session outside the chapter facility. Catherine also revitalized the “Nerd of the Term” initiative, increasing chapter-wide participation and enthusiasm for academic achievement. Most impressively, Catherine developed an entire academic database that matches sisters with similar majors, allowing for mentorship, class recommendations, and scheduling support. She hosted a major-focused networking night where sisters connected over shared academic interests and helped each other plan fall schedules, providing incredible value, especially to underclassmen.

Throughout her Phi Program and new member experience, Catherine consistently demonstrated commitment by collaborating with both executive board members and upperclassmen to ensure her initiatives were meaningful and inclusive. Her creativity, follow-through, and warm, approachable attitude have made her an essential member of the chapter in such a short time. Catherine’s dedication and natural leadership make her a clear example of someone with outstanding promise for future service.

Finalists:

• Riley Broughton, Gamma Zeta Chapter at the University of Rhode Island

• Madison Florzak, Epsilon Alpha Chapter at Illinois State University

• Alexis Noel, Beta Eta Chapter at the Pennsylvania State University

The 2024 Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Archon of the Year Winner was announced in April. View the announcement of the winner here.