Sigma Eta Chapter History
Sigma Eta Chapter was chartered March 24, 1990 at Trenholm State Technical College by 18 nurses. Sigma Eta became the Southeast Region 20th chapter and the fourth Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated® chapter in the state of Alabama.
Partnering with National, Sigma Eta Chapter monetary contribution to the “Africare Malawi Project” aided the purchase of water wells for the southern African Nation of Malawi. These wells improved the village water supplies and sanitation where unsafe water was the leading cause of fatal illness.
In 1992, Sigma Eta Chapter began giving scholarships to student and graduate nurses in degree programs. Since then, Sigma Eta has given over $24,000 in scholarships on the local level and over $10,000 on the regional and national levels.
Sigma Eta Chapter commitment to expanding the sorority’s motto “Service to Humanity” is evidenced through the successful completion of our many projects and endeavors. Since our chartering, we have developed and implemented programs that promoted health and were aimed at disease prevention and wellness for our community and our members. We participate in health fairs providing blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and sickle cell screenings. We provide breast cancer education to both females and males. During the Thanksgivings /Christmas holidays, members collect and donate food to families in need. We’ve assisted the American Red Cross with blood drives. At local nursing homes, we have adopted residents, sponsored social activities and provided toiletries articles to the residents. During Christmas, we have donated toys to the “Toys for Tots” programs and to needy families. Sigma Eta contributed to National’s “School kits to Africa” program. Members filled, packaged, and shipped 100 shoe boxes of school supplies to National which was later sent to Africa.
To fulfill projects, Sigma Eta members network with organizations such as 1) The Department of Human resources in providing assistance for clothing and food for needy families. 2) Our participation in the American Lung Association Flu Shot Program helped immunized over 700 against the flu. 3) The Kidney Foundation Walk-a-Thon by providing blood pressure screenings. 4) Baptist Health, the Alabama State Nurse Association, the Girl Scouts, and Community Care Network. We have also been mentors to Troy State University nursing students.
Members from Sigma Eta Chapter have been and are active both at the regional and national levels serving on committees and as elected officers. Sigma Eta has won numerous awards for our volunteerism. In 1999, we received a trophy and a certificate from the JC Penny Golden Rule Award On the National level, we have won two “Star” award and four “banner” award for our programs and project activities.program. On the National level, we have won two “Star” award and four “banner” award for our programs and project activities.