Students invited to apply to Sigma Phi Sigma, nominations are also encouraged

Mercy leadership is celebrated in many ways across campus, but students in Salve’s chapter of Sigma Phi Sigma, the national mercy honor society, offer the University an exemplary model. Students can apply or be nominated to join Sigma Phi Sigma for the upcoming academic year by Monday, July 1. Further details are below.

Established in 1951, Sigma Phi Sigma is known for its service to the Newport community and fidelity to Salve. This past year, members of Sigma Phi Sigma provided support to the Edward King House, God’s Community Garden, the Women’s Resource Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Sigma Phi Sigma also partners with the Office of University Advancement to set up Salve’s luminaria display each December.

“What makes Salve and Sigma Phi Sigma truly special is the power of community,” former Sigma president Isabelle Cole ’24 shared at the honor society’s annual senior pinning and cording ceremony. “As you continue your journey, remember that your unique gifts — your talents, your empathy, your leadership — are not just assets to be celebrated, but also responsibilities. Embrace the opportunities before you with courage and conviction, knowing that your contributions have the power to create positive change and leave a lasting impact on the world.”

During her time at Salve, Cole received the Living the Mission Award and Voyager Scholarship, as well as the Obama Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, which she utilized to spend a semester in Morocco. She returned to Morocco for the summer of 2023.

Isabelle Cole ’24 speaks at Sigma Phi Sigma’s annual senior pinning and cording ceremony in April. 

Many students who join Sigma Phi Sigma are seeking to enhance their engagement and service within the larger community, as well as give back to the campus in meaningful ways.

“I applied for Sigma Phi Sigma because I knew there was something missing from my college experience,” said Samantha Mansolf ’25, Sigma’s public relations coordinator. “I was already so heavily involved on campus and wanted to branch out and assist our community partners. Salve and Newport have given me so much to be grateful for over the past few years, and this organization allows me to express my gratitude through service.”

Jacob Stolberg ’26, Sigma’s vice president, joined the honor society because he wanted to meet like-minded peers who cared about their community. He also works in the Newport community as a mentor in Salve’s Pathways program. “Sigma Phi Sigma has been amazing for meeting fellow students who share my beliefs and engaging with community partners,” Stolberg said.

Sigma Phi Sigma celebrates scholarship and fidelity through a commitment to Salve’s Mercy Week, MLK Week, Earth Week, and Convocation. They hold monthly meetings and often bring in speakers and presenters that further connect students with the heritage and promise of the Sisters of Mercy, such as Angela Howard-McParland, justice resource manager for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.

Students at Sigma Phi Sigma’s annual senior pinning and cording ceremony in April. 

“Coming together with peers to build relationships and live out the mercy mission is something I find great fulfillment in,” said Renee Dube ’25, Sigma’s treasurer. “When people take the time to look beyond themselves and do a little good, it is truly beautiful. I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve as treasurer for my senior year and look forward to seeing all we accomplish.”

Students interested in applying to Sigma Phi Sigma are encouraged to complete the online application by Monday, July 1. Faculty and staff who wish to nominate a student should email sigma@salve.edu with the student’s full name, year of graduation and reasoning for recommendation. Sigma Phi Sigma requires that all members maintain a minimum GPA of 3.4.

Nominated students will be notified and invited to apply for membership. Please email any questions to sigma@salve.edu.