.png)
- Phi Sigma Sigma
- Mar 27
- 6 min read
2024 Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Archon of the Year Finalists
The Jeanine Jacobs Goldberg Archon of the Year Award is presented to the collegiate chapter archon deemed by the grand archon to be the most outstanding based on her contributions to the chapter and her relationship with the Fraternity. She shall have successfully completed one full term as archon.
The following sisters have been named as the 2024 finalists:
Ella Borgacci, Beta Eta Chapter at The Pennsylvania State University
Julianna Cardello, Epsilon Omicron Chapter at St. John’s University
Abby Francess, Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University
Brianna Kovach, Theta Eta Chapter at Rider University
Jenna Phillips, Iota Alpha Chapter at Saginaw Valley State University
Ella Borgacci, Beta Eta Chapter at The Pennsylvania State University
When Ella became the archon of the Beta Eta Chapter at The Pennsylvania State University, she was given an incredible foundation to work with, but she was ready to push the chapter even further. Prior to her term as archon, she served on the executive board as secretary. She recognized the challenges the executive board faced during her term as secretary and made a point to outline ways to ensure her board avoided those same challenges. Ella was faced with many roadblocks and hurdles during her time as archon which required her to work with volunteers and Headquarters staff to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of sisters in need while also making sure all members of the chapter were okay. Ella navigated the challenges with poise and professionalism while her dedication for Phi Sigma Sigma never wavered.
Ella was always looking for ways that the chapter could do more and take things to the
next level. She is organized, creative and inspiring as a leader. Ella was quick to get her
executive board focused on their goals, and together they came up with a plan to meet
them. It was important to her to make sure that all events were planned and executed
with great detail and met the high standards of chapter members, community members
and other stakeholders. Her efforts to improve chapter programming led to the chapter having great attendance and they were even recognized by Penn State Panhellenic for having the highest attendance at Panhellenic events in spring 2024. Ella made sure all members of the chapter felt included and heard, and always tried to be as transparent as possible with the chapter. Within the executive board, Ella helped to foster an environment where officers treated each other with respect and because of that attitude, they were able to collaborate very efficiently. At the end of her term,
Ella served as a Convention intern and will certainly continue to give back to Phi Sigma
Sigma as an alumna.
Julianna Cardello, Epsilon Omicron Chapter at St. John’s University
From the beginning of her term, Julianna felt very strongly about making significant improvement for the chapter on all levels. She had clear goals, and together with her executive board, planned how they would achieve them. As a result of Julianna’s leadership, the culture of the chapter completely shifted. She made every chapter member feel welcome, safe and included. Sisterhood became a priority in a way it had not been in years prior. She pushed for chapter programming that was meaningful, fun and exciting. She ensured the budget was used in a strategic manner to provide chapter members with the best possible experience. Julianna was also incredibly thoughtful when it came to event planning. She wanted every chapter member to feel included in every event, whether that meant ensuring dietary needs were met, accommodating physical needs or supporting a member’s mental health needs. She utilized her executive board, advisors and Headquarters staff to assist with all decision making and would delegate tasks when necessary.
Julianna led in a way that inspired and motivated chapter members and her executive board in particular. Her organization and attention to detail trickled down to all of the executive board members and they created an incredibly strong leadership team. As Julianna prepared for graduation in December, she was already inquiring about ways
to give back to Phi Sigma Sigma as an alumna. Julianna worked hard to improve her
chapter’s experience, created positive change for her chapter and is dedicated to Phi
Sigma Sigma.
Abby Francess, Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University
Abby was elected as the archon of the Iota Nu Chapter at Sacred Heart University after serving for three semesters as the bursar. She came into the role with goals to improve the chapter’s programming efforts and ensure members’ dues were being fully utilized. She also wanted to help her fellow officers be the best they could be. She accomplished her goals by taking the time to get to know the strengths of her officers and helped them find the best ways to utilize those strengths. During her term as archon, Abby helped the philanthropy chair plan Princess for a Day, which raised over $10K for a brand-new scholarship in memory of their late sister, Jackie Brown. She was also a crucial part of fall recruitment where they welcomed 75 new members.
Abby was also a great advocate for Sacred Heart’s fraternity/sorority community, as a whole. She frequently joined with leaders from other chapters on campus to lobby for issues that were important to all of them. She kept a close relationship with campus staff and encouraged members to be active parts of their university community. Abby faced some challenges during her term, but she did so with poise and grace. She was an
incredible leader and truly exemplifies what it means to be a Phi Sigma Sigma.
Brianna Kovach, Theta Eta Chapter at Rider University
Brianna started her leadership journey in Phi Sigma Sigma’s Emerging Leader Program and served as an intern for the next two Emerging Leader sessions. Following her
participation in the program, she was elected as the chapter’s member-at-large and then archon. In both roles, she excelled and maintained a focus on the chapter's best interest. Brianna went above and beyond to ensure the chapter’s success. She guided the chapter in making significant improvements in their morale, connectedness and in recruitment alongside their strong executive board. Whether it was organizing impactful events, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment, or handling challenges with grace, she approached every task with positivity, passion and a solutions-driven mindset. She is never one to shy away from responsibility and continually demonstrates what it means to be a strong, capable leader.
The chapter is growing rapidly, taking their largest classes in many years during her term. Brianna has constantly pushed to bring the members of the chapter together through new and innovative sisterhood events using their on-campus house to facilitate connection. She is a great partner to the Fraternity and her chapter’s advisory board. Brianna has an extreme love and dedication to not only her chapter and campus Panhellenic but to the Phi Sigma Sigma. She is an advocate and voice for the chapter in any campus space. Through her dedication, she has strengthened the chapter’s presence on campus and in the community, making a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.
Jenna Phillips, Iota Alpha Chapter at Saginaw Valley State University
Jenna was first appointed as archon of the Iota Alpha Chapter at Saginaw Valley State University when executive board positions were shifting during the summer of 2022. It was during that time that the chapter was in a state of flux: there was not a sense of term commitment, sisterhood was at a low, and the chapter leaders did not know how to pick up the pieces in order to move forward. During her first semester as archon, in fall 2022, Jenna started paving the way to reframe the chapter’s perception of what it meant to have a sense of belonging. Jenna envisioned a chapter that embodied Phi Sigma Sigma’s virtues and set out to increase chapter involvement in service projects, develop stronger connections and desire for development through leadership positions.
Jenna was re-elected as archon for 2023 and continued to be a leader with great
ambitions. It was during this second term that she amplified her ideas by securing a local partner school, Sherwood Elementary, and solidifying their local philanthropy, the
Mustard Seed Shelter, which provides support for women without housing to find
success in looking for employment, mental health services, childcare and many support
groups.
Jenna's most important achievement as chapter archon was fostering a culture of inclusivity, academic excellence and community involvement within the chapter. During her third term as archon in 2024, she spearheaded a weekly program pairing executive board members with sisters that enhanced retention rates and strengthened sisterhood bonds. Under her leadership, the chapter achieved its highest cumulative GPA in years, demonstrating her commitment to the academic success of her sisters. The chapter doubled their volunteer hours and donations to their philanthropic partners to support Phi Sigma Sigma's vision. Her ability to motivate and uplift her sisters was evident in the chapter’s increased engagement and morale during her term. Beyond her impressive leadership within the chapter, Jenna has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Phi Sigma Sigma’s values in her broader community. Her dedication to education and mentorship, both within the chapter and in her academic pursuits, exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner and Phi Sigma Sigma sister.