Joan Reagin McNeill-Murray
July 8, 1936 - January 18, 2010

On Monday, January 18, 2010, Sigma Kappa lost a loyal friend and sister in Joan Reagin McNeill- Murray, Alpha Theta. Joni, as she was affectionately known, joined the Alpha Theta Chapter at the University of Louisville in 1956. Joni was the Advisory Board Chair for Theta Phi Chapter for many years, before serving on the Sigma Kappa Foundation Board of Trustees from 1992-1998, including two terms as President (1994-1998) and one as Secretary (1992-1994). At the time of her passing, Joni held the position of Vice President for the Theta Phi Corporation Board.

"A true lady in every sense of the word," is how Barbara Williams Fenters, Gamma Gamma, describes Joni. "She had a heart as big as the world and loved Sigma Kappa, particularly her 'girls' at Alpha Theta and Theta Phi."

According to Madalyn Brand Teal, President of the Sigma Kappa Foundation, "Joni was a vibrant woman with a contagious love for Sigma Kappa. The influence she has had on me and other sisters is immeasurable."

Joni had a profound impact on the Sigma Kappa Foundation during and after her term in office. She raised countless dollars because of her charisma and passion for the sorority. In 2000, as a tribute to Joni's dedication, the Sigma Kappa Foundation Board of Trustees announced the formation of the Joan Reagin McNeill Society. The Society recognizes those contributors making an outright unrestricted gift of $25,000 or those members pledging $25,000, payable over a 10-year period at not less than $2,500 per year. Joni had this to say in response: "What have I done to deserve this honor when so many others have given far more time, energy and talent than I ever could?" On the contrary, Joni was instrumental in the planning, organization and implementation of the Foundation's Annual Giving program, and the 1874 Society, Circle of Friends gift club, and the Mary Low Carver Society were established during her tenure. The Board of Trustees, as well as many other Sigma Kappa women who had the pleasure of knowing Joni and her legacy, recognized all that she was able to achieve until her passing.

More than that, Joni inspired sisters and set an example for all to follow. She wrote a very poignant article during her term as Foundation President in which she stated, "Our Founders challenged the status quo and strived to empower themselves much like our collegians today. In creating our sisterhood, the Founders empowered successive generations of women, including you and me."

Laura Owsley, National President for Sigma Kappa Sorority, said it best, "Sigma Kappas across the country are saddened today because of this great loss. May we carry on her legacy of love, support, energy and enthusiasm for Sigma Kappa."