Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation Announces Inaugural Recipients of the Theta Centennial Scholarship

Left: Kailey Gara; Right: Sophia Liakas

The Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is thrilled to announce the inaugural recipients of the Theta Centennial Scholarship as part of 2024-2025 scholarship program: Kailey Gara and Sophia Liakas. The Theta Centennial Scholarship was established in celebration of the Theta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Centennial celebration in 2023.

“We are honored to present the Theta Centennial Scholarship to not just one, but two deserving recipients in its first year as an awarded scholarship! This would not have been possible without the immense generosity of our donors,” said Foundation President Vanessa Freeman Zerhusen. “Kailey and Sophia’s dedication to their studies, their involvement in the Theta chapter, and their contributions to the community make them an exemplary recipient of this award. We hope this scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burden as they finish their senior year, allowing them to focus on their future and preparing for life after graduation.”

The Theta Centennial Scholarship is presented to collegiate members of Theta Chapter who are current juniors as defined by the University of Illinois and demonstrate service to the sorority, to fraternity/sorority life or to the campus; and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. Preference will be given to collegians who have served or are serving on the chapter executive board.

“Receiving the Phi Sigma Sigma Theta Centennial Scholarship means the world to my family and me,” said Kailey Gara, Theta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It alleviates the financial stress that comes with paying for college. I'm so grateful for this scholarship and I can't wait to see what opportunities present themselves due to receiving this scholarship!”

Kailey joined Phi Sigma Sigma in fall 2022 and currently serves as the chapter archon. Kailey is a political science major, Deputy Tournament Director for the Illinois Trial Team, public relations intern for Her Campus and a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.

"Winning the Theta Centennial Scholarship is an incredible honor that reaffirms my commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service within our sisterhood,” said Sophia Liakas, Theta Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “It reflects not just my individual achievements, but the support and inspiration I’ve received from my sisters. This scholarship motivates me to continue pursuing my goals with passion and to give back to the community that has shaped me into the leader I am today.”

Sophia joined Phi Sigma Sigma in fall 2021 and currently serves as the chapter bursar. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in finance and is a finance intern at Clarios, active member in the Women in Finance Academy and a member of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation is able to give thousands of dollars’ worth of scholarship and grant money to collegians and alumnae each year. In support of our Founders' mission "the advancement of womanhood," these funds enable sisters to achieve excellence, impact their communities and change the world.

To contribute to the Theta Centennial Scholarship Fund and help support the academic success of future Theta Chapter sisters, please make a donation online at https://phisigmasigma.givingfuel.com/theta-centennial.

For more information about the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation’s scholarship programs visit: https://www.onephisigmasigma.org/foundation-scholarship.