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Category: Community News Community News
Published: 01 June 2017 01 June 2017

Beta Sigma Phi 1 RS Mary Lou Smith, right, presented Lorraine Anglin, left, as Founder's Day Dedicatee.Beta Sigma Phi 2 RSMembers of Chapter of the Year, Eta Lambda, from left, are Brenda Arellano, Monica Teran, Yvette Gonzales, Jocelyn Arellano, and Bertha Gavaldon. Not pictured are Valerie Morales, Kelsey Washington, and Kandice Barraza.

Beta Sigma Phi Celebrates 85 Years

On Thursday, April 27, Grant County members of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority gathered together at the Silver City Woman's Club to celebrate Founder's Day. Beta Sigma Phi is an International sorority, founded in 1931 by Walter W. Ross. The purpose of Beta Sigma Phi is to bring women of all walks of life together to establish bonds of friendship and sisterhood through learning, cultural growth and through service to others.

Beta Sigma Phi is made up of numerous chapters. Last year, Grant County had four chapters—Laureate Theta, Preceptor Tau, Xi Beta Phi, and Xi Beta Psi. With the help and guidance of Xi Beta Phi, Grant County gained a new chapter this year—Eta Lambda. The formation of a new chapter is really exciting for our community and for Beta Sigma Phi. About 15 years ago, Grant County had 9 chapters. Throughout the years many chapters lost momentum and eventually dissolved. The formation of a new chapter sparks hope that Beta Sigma Phi may continue to grow again in Grant County in the years to come.

This was an eventful year for Beta Sigma Phi, with much to be celebrated at Founder's Day. This year, Founder's Day was dedicated to Lorraine Anglin. A member of Laureate Theta, Lorraine received the honor of Dedicatee because of her notable fidelity to the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi, and for her involvement in the community and her continued service to others.

A Memorial Ritual took place in honor of Estella Alvarez. Estella was a member of Preceptor Tau. She passed away in April, and will be greatly missed by all.

Raquel De Los Santos, member of Xi Beta Psi, received the Ritual of Order of the Rose. Order of the Rose is an honor received by members who have upheld the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi and have actively participated in sorority for 15 years.

One woman from each chapter was given the honor of Woman of the Year. Cynthia Nanez was named Woman of the Year from Laureate Theta. Preceptor Tau honored Kathy Terry, and Xi Beta Psi honored Carmen Reese. Sally Valenzuela-Quevedo was honored by Xi Beta Phi, and Monica Teran was honored by Eta Lambda.

Pledge of the Year Awards are give to first-year pledge members of sorority who show promise and express an active desire to uphold the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi. Jennie Gavaldon received the honor of Pledge of the Year from Xi Beta Phi. Valerie Morales, Brenda Arellano, Yvette Gonzales, Kandice Barraza, Jocelyn Arellano, Bertha Gavaldon, Monica Teran, and Kelsey Washington, all members of Eta Lambda received the honor of Pledge of the Year. Chapter of the Year Award was also presented to Eta Lambda.

Every year, members of Beta Sigma Phi contribute to the Dorothy and Walter W. Ross Memorial Scholarship Fund. Two scholarships were awarded and presented at Founder's Day as well. Scholarships recipients were Mikayla Pena and Hallie Merrifield.