KINGSTON, R.I. -– April 4, 2014 – The 7th annual “Greek Life Alumni Award of Distinction” was presented recently to Amintha Cinotti, a 1979 graduate of the University of Rhode Island and member of Sigma Kappa sorority.
The Newport resident was honored at halftime of a men’s basketball game as part of Greek Life Day at Rhody Basketball. Alumni and students were able to connect and reconnect as well as celebrate the achievements of the Greek community. Fraternities and sororities have enjoyed a dynamic relationship with URI Athletics since the event was founded in 2008.
Cinotti was recognized for a lifetime of dedicated service to her chapter and the Greek community. “I felt surprised and honored to have received this award,” she says. “It was so meaningful to be with my family and Sigma Kappa sisters there.”
A few years after graduating from URI, Cinotti worked for the national Sigma Kappa Sorority as collegiate province officer and then collegiate district director. As director, Cinotti oversaw 31 Sigma Kappa chapters in the area. She also helped with leadership training and support for the Sigma Kappa sisters at local and national chapters.
Cinotti has been an instrumental volunteer leader for the Sigma Kappa housing corporation, serving as president on the housing board with four other Sigma Kappa alumnae. As president, she manages Sigma Kappa’s property by assuring the physical maintenance of the house is kept up to date. The board most recently had a new kitchen installed in the URI chapter house and the patio renovated. She is also a dedicated member of Inter-fraternity Alumni Council, serving as vice president. Most recently, she’s been assisting with alumni recruitment to get alumni more involved and is currently organizing a leadership development committee. Her work has benefited the entire Greek community.
Past recipients of the award are:
Bill and Marian Bowers, Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, 2008
Doug Bennet, Chi Phi Fraternity, 2009
Dr. John Boulmetis, Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, 2010
Henry G. Caniglia, Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, 2011
Joan Lawson, Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, 2012
Chuck Harrington, Sigma Chi Fraternity, 2013
This release was written by Sabrina Brotons, the public relations Intern for URI Greek Life
Pictured above
Left to right: Mary Jo Gonzales, URI dean of students, Thomas R. Dougan, vice president for Student Affairs, Alexander Rossi, Interfraternity Council Alumni Relations chair; Miki Therien, previous Sigma Kappa chapter president; Marissa Barrett, current Sigma Kappa chapter president; Judy Martin, house director of Sigma Kappa; Amintha Cinotti, 2014 award recipient; Mia Wilkowski, Panhellenic president; Rob Marshall, Interfraternity Council president; Steve Simo, director of Greek Affairs and Megan Fox, Panhellenic advisor. (Photo courtesy of Adam Schemm, URI Athletics).