DG Anchors

Sisters, Daughters and DGs

2012-02-01T09:13:00.000-05:00

New member Kelly Kundinger and her mom
Lari Bowman Kundinger, Beta Sigma-Maryland.

This past fall, Alpha Psi-Mississippi pledged 123 new members. That in itself is newsworthy. But, what's really extraordinary is that they pledged 35 legacies.

This year's recruitment was extra special for Cassie Bryant, Alpha Psi-Mississippi, not only because she was serving her chapter as president but also because her younger sister Becca was going through recruitment.

"On Bid Day, I was extremely excited to welcome my sister as a Delta Gamma new member," said Cassie. "I am looking forward to initiating my sister and sharing the lifelong bonds of sisterhood in Delta Gamma."

Sisters Anne Lauren and Elissa Roybal
with sisters Becca and Cassie Bryant.

Younger sister Becca Bryant told us, "Although I promised myself to be open minded while going through recruitment, my previous visits to Ole Miss during high school allowed me to meet many Delta Gammas since my sister was very involved with the sorority. My impressions of the young ladies I met and their involvement to be the best in the activities in which they participated made a lasting impression on me. I was thrilled when recruitment week finally arrived, and I was met with such genuine warmth from so many Delta Gammas. I have to admit... when your sister is president of the sorority, there is added pressure to pledge her sorority; however, when it came down to choosing a group where I felt I would fit in the best, it was easy - Delta Gamma!"

Elissa Roybal, followed in her sister Anne Lauren's footsteps. "I chose DG because I felt at home there. While going through recruitment and meeting the girls, I saw the image of exactly the kind of person I strive to be. My sister is my biggest role model, and at DG I feel like every girl I meet has the same morals and attitude she has."

Older sister Carly, mom Sheri and
new member Mary Van Haynes.

New member Mary Van Haynes joined her mother and sister when she pledged. Mary Van explains, "Dee Gee has always been a part of my life because of my mother and older sister, Carley. I have always wanted to share the DG sisterhood with them, and hopefully I will be able to share it with my younger sister. DG feels like home, because at home we are DG."

Mary Van's mother Sheri Haynes, Delta Lambda-Mississippi State, who served as president of her collegiate chapter, said, "It means a lot to share all that Delta Gamma is with my oldest two daughters. Two down. One to go!"

Older sister Carly Haynes, Alpha Psi-Mississippi, said, "When Mary Van was born she wasn't given the option of which family to join. This was her opportunity to choose me as her sister."

Granddaughters, daughters, sisters or the same step-relations of Delta Gamma members are considered Delta Gamma legacies. To learn more about the tradition of Delta Gamma legacies, visit the Delta Gamma Web site here.

My Two Cents...

2012-01-23T10:23:00.000-05:00

Periodically, DG Anchors will ask some of our esteemed members these ponderous questions. Today's responses come from current Fraternity President Elizabeth (Beth) Bell Searcy, Epsilon Gamma-Virginia.

Q: What is your all time favorite Dee Gee memory?
A: There are too many. Running into my best friend's arms when accepting my bid? Saying the Oath of Friendship around the marker at the site of the Lewis School? Being installed as Fraternity President? Having sisters from across the country be my champion at my mother's funeral? Presenting the charter to a newly-minted Delta Gamma chapter? Applauding a young leader who found her voice and stood up to behavior contrary to our values? Singing Dream Girl to my newborn baby daughter, full of the hope that the Fraternity will impact her life as it has mine. I cannot choose, and I am thankful.

Q: Which Delta Gamma convention was your favorite and why?
A: Palm Dessert, both 1992 and 2008. The 1992 Convention was the only one (so far) I have attended as a visitor, and it was so relaxing and fun. Plus, the earthquake was just unforgettable. At the 2008 Convention, I was installed as President, an honor that was, and is, overwhelming.

Q: If you have one piece of advice for a new member of Delta Gamma, what would that be?
A: Do Good. If you focus on what you have to give, what you get will be remarkable. Serve, and you will be served immeasurably in return. Lead, and you will be led to grow and develop to your personal best. Live our values, and you will enjoy the pride and richness of a virtuous reputation. Open your heart to hope, and you will be bathed in the beauty of a glorious sisterhood.

Q: What have you learned from being on Council?
A: That it's absolutely true that people may not remember what you did, but they remember how you made them feel. That we can impact women in significant ways if we don't care who gets the credit and we don't keep score. That doing what's best for the Fraternity is always, always the right path to take. That spending time with members and listening well is more valuable than a dozen conference calls.

Q: What is your hope for the future of Delta Gamma?
A: My hope for Delta Gamma is that we find the right balance of holding on to our heritage while embracing the opportunities of the future. The college landscape is very different than it was in 1873, but our mission is still exceedingly relevant to women today. Blending the two is essential to offering a relevant, meaningful membership experience to today's college students and alumnae by focusing on how to reach a broader demographic of women, how to offer a less structured but still impactful membership experience, and how to encourage women to lead authentic lives, have healthy relationships, and take action in a global community rooted in our core values. It will mean superimposing a timeless, treasured frame over a modern, changing picture. We can do it; we are doing it.

I Recall...

2012-01-04T15:23:00.000-05:00

Periodically, DG Anchors will ask some of our esteemed members these ponderous questions. Today's responses come from long-time ANCHORA editor and current archives committee member Frances Lewis Stevenson, Zeta-Albion, who now resides in Florida.

Q: What is your all-time favorite Dee Gee memory?
A: Shortly after I was initiated, I was home for the weekend and ran out of gas. I coasted to a stop, and another car pulled up to offer help. Out jumped a person I had admired very much in high school, and she, too, was wearing a Delta Gamma pin. My immediate problem was solved, and I had found a new lifelong friend.

Q: Which Delta Gamma convention is a favorite and why? A: I am neither brave enough nor foolish enough to compare the qualities of 26 conventions in a period of 58 years! The first few were at some of North America's notable resort hotels--how can one forget the hotel dining rooms, open choices on the menu, and a permanent orchestra which could respond to any request and knew every college song ever written. However, in 1948 my first convention also included the overwhelming sadness of the editor's death in a plane crash en route and a flu virus which not only circulated speedily but would result in a day of absenteeism for each victim. I attended most conventions as a staff member, usually with some special duty which could prove to be a knotty and tangled problem or involved a lot of "special duty" time. For example, at Portland (1966) I was to do an historical pageant for which we had shipped around 50 costumes. I spent a good part of that convention in my room at an ironing board readying the clothing to be worn and bagging accessories for each one. One comment on that convention: It must have been memorable, for we noticed that those who attended were through the years more generous than others in their gifts to the Foundation and that 1966 attendees were also most likely to agree to holding province offices or chairmanships.

Q: If you have one piece of advice for a new member of Delta Gamma, what would that be? A: Never forget that Delta Gamma is a lifetime membership. There will be new friends wherever you go--my best friends today are people I didn't know before we moved here, Delta Gammas from all parts of the country. Wherever you go, find an alumnae group--and don't give up after one visit. Become part of whatever is happening.

Q: What have you learned from being a Delta Gamma leader A: I have had a special advantage being so many years on the Executive Offices staff--knowing each generation as young women come and go, understanding that change is inevitable but not all bad.

Q: What is your hope for the future of Delta Gamma? A: My hope and trust is that we will continue to add people like you who will accept responsibility for things they are really good at--as you are doing. My immediate hope is that a Delta Gamma will appear on the scene who will be a top notch executive director.

__________________________________________

The Frances Lewis Stevenson Archives at Executive Offices are aptly named after our beloved Fran. As a member of the EO staff for nearly 40 years and a loyal volunteer ever since, Fran is known for her remarkable ability to remember the most miniscule details. She can often recall in which ANCHORA issue a historical fact appears. She would be thrilled if you would make plans to visit the archives in Columbus, Ohio, to learn about DG's treasured past and view some treasured artifacts.

Providing Hope through Art

2011-12-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

For Jasmine LaCoursiere, it's more than just a cup, it represents creative expression, hope and "the power of a wish made together."

Jasmine LaCoursiere, Chi-Cornell, is a busy collegian and founder of Wishing Cup. After the 2010 Haitian earthquake, while still in high school, Jasmine was inspired to take action; she founded a non-profit organization to create a “living work of hope." Wishing Cup involves high school and college students across America, focused on bringing donations, hands-on help and goods to orphanages in Haiti, Brazil and struggling regions throughout the world. In turn, children in these regions have the opportunity to create works of art, typically ceramic cups from donated supplies, which are then distributed to donors as keepsakes.

Referring to the Haitian earthquake, Jasmine explains, "The tragedy changed my own life inspiring me to focus my dedication to helping children in need by launching a mission to carry with me throughout my journey known as 'Wishing Cup'. Art played an instrumental role in my personal growth; and, throughout my college years and graduate studies, I hope to discover therapeutic ways to heal children suffering from life-struggles, and bring awareness to the human development needs and policy reform needs to aid orphans, homeless children, children living in foster care and teens at-risk."

Visit the organization's Web site for details and opportunities: http://www.wishingcup.org/.

Jasmine LaCoursiere

With 200,000 members strong, Delta Gamma Fraternity has so many people we can highlight. We are using this blog to share news and stories from some of our shiniest anchors. For consideration, please email blog@deltagamma.org.

Getting into the Spirit

2011-12-12T08:33:00.000-05:00

They make some cute elves, don't they? Delta Gamma collegians from Zeta Psi chapter at Salisbury University recently got into the holiday spirit. The chapter gathered to make get-well cards for injured soldiers receiving care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

With 200,000 members strong, Delta Gamma Fraternity has a few people we can highlight and stories to tell. Do you have a story to share? Write to us at blog@deltagamma.org. Are you a DG blogger? If so, tell us about your blog so we can follow you!

Zeta Psi chapter was installed in March 1996 and is located in Salisbury, Maryland.

The Purdue Class Ring

2011-11-28T09:40:00.003-05:00

Many of our members demonstrate great loyalty to Delta Gamma and continued allegiance to their alma maters. Purdue graduate Helen Gordon is one of those members.

Several years ago, at the Atlanta Delta Gamma alumnae chapter’s Christmas brunch, the group was looking for a way to recognize one of their outstanding members, Helen Young Gordon, Beta Iota-Purdue. Since Helen was moving to Washington, DC, the chapter wanted to do something special for her. Mary Alice Braudwell Phinney, Beta Theta-Duke, knew of the perfect gesture and presented Helen with an antique Purdue class ring.

The ring was originally given to Mary Alice by her mother Mary Jenkins Braudwell. As a teen, Mary Alice had worn the ring on a chain around her neck. The ring, engraved with Mary Jenkins’ name and 1921, the year she graduated from Purdue, is made of 18-carat gold. It features an unusual garnet stone, carved with the letters P, U, R, D, U and E. On the side, it displays the Purdue seal, and the words science and *technology.

Mary Jenkins was born in 1898 and grew up on an Indiana farm. Upon high school graduation, she taught in a one-room school and then enrolled at Purdue, where she majored in home economics concentrating on the chemistry of foods. She always told of how her world expanded when she first studied chemistry. Mary Jenkins became a life-long member of the Purdue Alumni Association and contributed to the old student union building fund. Her name appears on a plaque, to this day, along with the names of three sisters and a brother, who were also Purdue graduates.

Helen’s family tree reads like a Purdue alumni roster. Her husband John is a Purdue graduate and 1965 DG Anchor Man. Helen’s sister, two uncles, two aunts, three cousins and their spouses all are Purdue graduates. Prestigious Purdue University awards have been presented to several of Helen’s relatives over the years.

“Going to a Purdue event is like going home,” says Helen. “There are so many wonderful memories from my student days there. Since chairing the successful Delta Gamma Ethics and Values Lectureship campaign at Purdue in 2001, I have made even more friends at all levels of the University administration as well as being reacquainted with my fellow Beta Iota sisters. I look forward annually to meeting the current outstanding Beta Iota collegians. I have attended the **Purdue Lectureships since their inception.”

Helen attends the Boiler Ball each year and sits with several Beta Iota alumnae. A life member of the Purdue President’s Council as well as the Purdue Alumni Association (PAA), Helen participates in several Purdue activities annually. When the Boilermakers football team went to the Rose Bowl in 2000, Helen and John were there to cheer them on. When the band was a part of the Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2010, Helen and John were there to show support. Additionally, they regularly attend dinners and receptions when Purdue folks come to Washington DC.

When Mary Alice met Helen in the 1990s, she told her about her mother. Over the years, wondering what to do with the class ring was a puzzle to Mary Alice. No member of Mary Alice’s family had attended Purdue in recent generations. Learning about Helen’s love for Purdue, Mary Alice thought that the ring would be a treasured possession in Helen’s home. Mary Alice was correct. Helen wears this beautiful 1921 antique class ring with pride whenever she goes to Purdue. The class ring will always provide a special bond between DGs Helen and Mary Alice.

*It is fitting that the word “technology” bestows the special ring, as Helen continues to greatly contribute to Delta Gamma’s technological efforts such as e-Ops and local Web sites.
**Purdue Lectureship speakers have included Erik Alexander, Herman Boone, Joan Brock, Steve Ford, Bill Rancic, Robin Roberts and Amy Tan. (Pictured is speaker Robin Roberts (center) with Helen Gordon, two people to her left.) For more about Delta Gamma lectureships, visit: http://www.deltagamma.org/media/resources/foundation/history_lectureships.pdf.

Thankfulness

2011-11-22T14:52:00.003-05:00

On our Fraternity Facebook page (over 30,000 fans and growing!) this week, we posed the question, “For what are you thankful?” And, wow, we were flooded with responses. The overwhelming sentiment was simply, “sisterhood.” We stopped to read each one, and it made our day to hear what members shared.

We think Misty Byrd Foster, Delta Pi-Southern Mississippi, says it well, “I am thankful for all the wonderful friendships I made throughout school. Delta Gamma gave me the opportunity to make lifelong friends.”
Isn’t that the truth?
We love to hear members thankful for their sisterhood and we want to keep it going. During this holiday season, we challenge you to make it a priority to connect or possibly re-connect with a pledge sister, adviser who inspired you or a DG relative. Catch up, talk about Delta Gamma or make a commitment to get together. Or even easier, make a difference in someone else’s day by telling them what they mean to you.
And to prove Delta Gamma sisterhood really is for a lifetime, Marty Wynne, Beta Eta-Texas, shares, “I am thankful for DG sisters who, although they have never met you and don't know you, will do a kindness for you for no other reason than you are a DG sister.”
And for THAT we are thankful. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Note: If you wish to contribute a blog story idea, write to blog@deltagamma.org. We look forward to hearing from you. The photo above is our Facebook featured photo and features joyful collegians from Eta Delta chapter at the University of North Florida on Bid Day.

The DG Anchors blog is back

2011-11-16T12:37:00.000-05:00

Coming soon... new blog posts highlighting some of
our most interesting members and their stories.
Check back soon and spread the word that the DG Anchors blog is back.

Fun Finds from Convention Parts 7 and 8

2010-07-02T23:14:00.000-04:00

Fun Finds from Convention Parts 5 and 6

2010-07-02T23:13:00.001-04:00

Fun Finds from Convention Parts 3 and 4

2010-07-02T23:10:00.000-04:00

Fun Finds from Convention Part 2

2010-07-02T23:07:00.000-04:00

Fun Finds from Convention Part 1

2010-07-02T23:01:00.001-04:00

From tattoos to bronze, pink and blue toenails,

check out some of the fun and fabulous finds spotted at Convention!

Convention Survey Online Now

2010-06-22T15:52:00.000-04:00

The 2010 Convention survey is now online. Please go to www.deltagamma.org and fill it out.

Thank you for your input!

ITB, Hannah

Ragged Return

2010-06-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

I am in complete agreement with Staige... I am going into withdrawals, but FULL of HOPE after returning home to Texas. While the feeling of exhaustion followed me to work today... I'm surviving because of the DG Cloud 9 I'm on! Let me tell you about the rest of the week!

The next night I had to be in two places at once!!! I assisted our NPC delegates with flag practice for the Panhellenic luncheon. Being an assistant Panhellenic adviser at my campus, this has a special place in my heart. I got to talk with some of the chapter president's and new CDC's which was also really fun.

When that finished, I rushed up to the Resolutions committee meeting. The ladies were already finihing up their drafts of their Resolution which meant that my job was ready to start. One by one they copied their Resolution onto my USB drive so I could format them and get it all printed. That wound up being a late night after Constitution's Chairman, Carole Haney, and I fought with the Hotel printer!!! I finally just went downstairs and used the one in the lobby! They turned out beautifully! I spent the next day trying to not bend the crisp folders they were placed in... if we ever meet, you will learn that grace is NOT in my name ;)

The rest of the time was spent attending the sessions and chatting with sisters. Again, I cannot express the feeling you get when you're surrounded by hundreds of people and they're ALL sisters!

After the awards ceremony, sisters gathered all over to spend time catching up and socializing! It was so much fun to be able to reconnect with one another... even if it was past my bed time ;)

Packing up proved to be a challenge after all my purchases at the Anchor Marketplace, and I was certain I'd be over the airline weight limit... but weighing in at 50.5 pounds, the man who checked my bag let me through!!!! I still don't know how I got that lucky!

Only approximately 730 more days until we meet again in Indiannapolis!!! I can't wait! Start saving now and join us!

ITB,
Megan Petter
Gamma Nu - University of North Texas
Dallas North Cities Alumnae Chapter/Denton Alumnae Association
Denver is my 2nd Convention!!!

P.S. I have the daily Foundation Garden of Giving totals, and I will upload them tonight!

Anchor items RESOURCES

2010-06-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

I got home last night, and am already in withdrawal. It was rejuvenating and energizing and fabulous to see everyone, meet new friends, and at last put faces to names of women I had waited to meet for ages. I am filled with warm and fuzzies, as well as memories of lots of laughter and hilarious moments.

Throughout Convention, we spotted lots of anchor clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry and even tattoos. Make sure you check back for a vast compilation of terrific designs and ingenious creations that were seen (and photographed for posterity and this blog). Take a look at just how crazy we all are for ANCHORS!

A few resources for those of you to get some of the anchor goods:

**Great embroidered anchor line at www.talbots.com

**Fantastically soft and darling jammies at Dillards - or online at www.dillards.com - look up mix-and-match separates (pink and orange)

** Anchors galore, including the great anchor sweaters: www.llbean.com

** Anchor tote made of recycled sails: www.seabags.com

** Jessica Simpson anchor print luggage (yes, I said luggage!): available online at various stores or if you are lucky, at TJ Maxx and/or Marshalls.

ITB,

Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke
Portland Suburban alumnae chapter

Outstanding Alumnae Chapter and Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Awards.

2010-06-20T11:13:00.000-04:00

Hannah here back from my comfort break. Wow what a night for all my DG sisters!!
The anticipation built all night as we all waited for the culminating event - the presentation of the Outstanding Alumnae Chapter and the Outstanding Collegiate Chapter awards. The night had already toasted many Delta Gamma mountain climbers. By the end of the evening we will have celebrated 83 Collegiate chapters winning 106 collegiate awards and recognized 92 alumnae chapters winning 110 alumnae awards, presenting a total of 216 awards overall.

There are three divisions for the outstanding alumnae chapter award, which recognize chapters that excel overall in meeting fraternity standards.

This year’s Division I (chapters with up to 49 local dues paid members) runner up for Outstanding Alumnae Chapter has a long history of setting high goals for itself. Not only did it achieve an amazing blend of outreach, programming, service and membership development, it added an entire programming function that revolved around the care of one of their own members ‐ a former chapter officer ‐ who was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer at the beginning of the biennium. The Northern Colorado alumnae chapter accepted their award in memory of their beloved sister, Kathie Zier.

The Division I winner, Chicago (city), is a chapter that the awards committee and their regional alumnae specialist agree is “an exemplary chapter that should be used as a model for other urban chapters with a diverse membership where events are not held in members’ homes.” While they live in a large urban area, their core group of local dues paying “city” members is small. But it doesn’t matter. This chapter demonstrates a high level of sophistication. It contributes an impressive 37 advisers and house corporation members (which is practically every local dues‐paying member) to nearby collegiate chapters, and its very first sailing for sight fund raiser brought in more than $7,000.

This year’s Division II runner up, Washington DC, not only boasts solid leadership, an array of compelling programs and many special interest groups, it may very well be Delta Gamma’s most technically savvy alumnae group. With an impressive communications program that utilizes live twitter feeds, a facebook page, a google group, electronic newsletters and e‐mail blasts.

The Division II winner sets both chapter and officer level goals, and is rewarded with a healthy, growing, dynamic chapter. Their engaging programming appeals to their broad range of membership, which ranges from 24‐80 years old. They never forget the importance of personal outreach either. Each new member receives a special gift at her first meeting, and then receives a follow‐up e‐mail or phone call.
There are many service opportunities and ways for every member to find her niche.
Congratulations to our Division II winner: Northern Virginia!

The division III (chapters with 106 or more local dues‐paying members)
runner up Denver (our convention host city) does everything well. From outreach, to enjoying a century of programming, to writing the book on foundation service and fund raising, this chapter balances its rich heritage with new and exciting events for its members. They even have a poker special interest group!

Every region has that ‘dream chapter’ that self motivates and governs, meets all regional
expectations, has excellent communication and whose members love the experience they have. That is a most fitting description of our Division III winner. They are indeed dream girls! The winner of outstanding chapter for division iii is: Portland Suburban!

Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award recognizes chapter excellence across all
areas of the Fraternity. To be eligible, a chapter must have won the Patricia Peterson Danielson award both years of the biennium and must, of course, be in good standing. The winners are chosen by council. There are three divisions for this award, based on the size of the campus panhellenic system.

Division I is for chapters on campuses with 1 to 6 panhellenic groups.
The runner up in Division I is continually assessing its strengths and weaknesses and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. They offer a truly rich chapter experience to their members. The runner up for the Oustanding Chapter Award
Division I, is Region 8’s own Epsilon Zeta‐Loyola Marymount.
The winner of the outstanding collegiate chapter award in Division I has excelled from the moment they were installed as a Chapter. It’s no wonder that they received the Banta award at the 2008 convention. Tonight they are recognized again. Congratulations to our Division 1 winner: Theta Beta‐Case!

Division II is for chapters on campuses with 7 to 10 panhellenic groups.
The runner up in Division II,Alpha Nu-USC recruits well, programs well and operates extremely well – especially given their large membership.

So many women on campus want to be a member of this chapter.
From academics to leadership to sports to just having a great time together, there is no stopping the pride of the 230 members of our Division II outstanding chapter: Delta Lambda‐Mississippi state.

Division III is for chapters on campuses with 11 or more panhellenic groups.
The runners up – and yes that’s plural because there was a tie for the runners‐up of outstanding collegiate chapter award in Division III ‐ both strive to perfect internal operations, honor their respective long‐time histories, all while making their mark on campus. Our first recipient used its strong leadership to create a more united sisterhood, and their chapter president was recognized as most outstanding on campus. Congratulations Beta‐Washington.

Debbie: our second recipient for runner‐up for outstanding chapter in division iii boasts broad campus leadership in many key positions, 20% of its members in honor societies, and they held their 121st founders day this year. Congratulations: kappa‐nebraska!

Debbie: the winner of the outstanding chapter award in division iii is described by their regional

Team and atc by these words: “respected. Mature. Leadership through any adversity. A true desire to do the best at everything, which shows in all they touch.”
I am proud to present the outstanding chapter award, division iii, to eta gamma‐texas a&m.
Visual: eta gamma‐texas a&m

We have celebrated you‐‐‐the delta gamma women who shine brilliantly and make our fraternity the very best. Congratulations to everyone and start planning now for Indianapolis in 2012!!!

George Banta Award

2010-06-20T11:06:00.000-04:00

George Banta here tonight at the DG Convention Final Banquet helping out my good friend Hannah while she is taking a comfort break. I am excited to be here to tell you about the presentation of the award named in my honor.

While Delta Gamma was founded in Mississippi by three outstanding women, I, George Banta am credited with the Fraternity’s expansion to the North. With an emphasis on growth and development the award honors new chapters with a strong beginning.

Recognizing collegiate chapters that have been established for between two and five years, the Banta Award honors a young chapter that is exceptional in most areas of chapter life. Winners demonstrate recruitment excellence, solid member education, organized and effective retreats, respect for risk management policies, leadership within the panhellenic community, a healthy honor board system that promotes accountability and recognition, strong alumnae relations and a genuine rapport with their advisers. Eta Pi‐Depaul, the recipient this years George Banta Award, is a chapter that made its mark on campus immediately, raising the bar for excellence. With a desire to do their best all the time, they remind us all that extraordinary results can be achieved when you are united in purpose and spirit. You go girls!!

Founders Award

2010-06-20T11:03:00.000-04:00

Hey Hannah here still reporting from the DG Convention final banquet and boy am I excited. Two descendents of Anna Boyd Ellington are here tonight to help present the Founders Award. Franci Boyd Agajanian, Alpha Nu‐USC, and her
Delta Gamma daughter Amy, also from Alpha Nu chapter.
The Founders Award recognizes collegiate chapters for reaching levels of excellence with outstanding programming by fostering high ideals of friendship among college women; promoting their educational and cultural interests; creating in them a true sense of social responsibility; and developing in them the best qualities of character.

The Division I (chapters with up to 65 members) winner Gamma Pi-Roanoke successfully integrated its new member class into the chapter by organizing meaningful firesides with each class focused around a theme. They also mastered multi‐purpose programming. They organized a cup cake decorating sisterhood event and then presented the cupcakes to their advisers as a way to say thank you!

Zeta Gamma‐Richmond won for the Division II category (chapters with 66 to 95 members). They ask each member to write a letter to the new members, sharing what Delta Gamma means to them. What a terrific way to illustrate delta gamma’s purpose!

The Division III (chapters who have 96‐125 members) winning chapter Kappa-Nebraska goes the extra mile to ensure the success of their programming. During a health and wellness Anchors of Discovery event, the chapter utilized the expertise of a member who is a nutrition major to help lead a discussion on healthy eating.

Gamma Zeta‐Louisiana State will be bringing home the Division IV (chapters with 126 or more members) Founders Award for their overall success! They have been recognized with the Panhellenic Sisterhood Award, which is given to one NPC group each year and is selected by the other panhellenic chapters. In addition they ensure continual fraternity education by presenting a DG history fact and ritual fact at each chapter meeting.

Outstanding House Corporation Award

2010-06-20T11:02:00.000-04:00

The Outstanding House Corporation awards recognize those house corporations that excel in alumnae, collegiate, adviser and employee coordination; master operational logistics; and successfully blend continuity with visionary foresight.
This award is given in three categories to recognize groups with a chapter house and those without housing.
The winner of the “outstanding house corporation with a house‐house corporation managed” award is a house corporation that complies with all fraternity and governmental financial requirements, has a fully functional 5 year plan and as their regional housing specialists says is “outstanding, engaged an takes their role seriously, but has a lot of fun along the way.” Congratulations Region 7 and Beta House Corporation‐University of Washington.

Working proactively, this next winning house corporation has gone the extra mile. This is an outstanding house corporation—their regional housing specialist says she wishes she had more like them. They understand term limits, they always file reports on time and they are just an outstanding group of women to work with. For their excellent work Region 4, Theta Beta House Corporation‐Case Western Reserve University was awarded the Outstanding House Corporation with a House‐University Managed award.

Not every chapter has a house but they are still required to have a House Corporation. Outstanding House Corporation Award with a lodge, suite, room or no housing award went to a house corporation that has done a great job in renovating the chapter suite, improving it over the years. As their regional housing specialist says, this group always
Congratulations Region 4 and Gamma Omicron House Corporation‐Indiana State University as the Outstanding House Corporation with a lodge, suite, room or no housing.

Collumnae Awards

2010-06-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

The nights excitement continued with the presentation of the Collumnae Awards.
These awards recognize outstanding collaborative programming between
an alumnae chapter and one collegiate chapter. This award is given in two categories: nearby and at a distance.

The runner‐up for Collumnae at a Distance is a chapter that has, since 1990, faithfully supported a collegiate chapter that is 2 ½ hours away. No small feat. They provide scholarships, advisers and house corporation officers – all of whom make the trip to serve on site – for meetings, recruitment events and other activities. They also are helping to organize the collegiate chapter’s 40th anniversary celebration, and are trying to establish a new local alumnae group closer to the collegiate chapter to boost Delta Gamma involvement all around. The runner‐up for the collumnae ‐ at a distance award went to the Cincinnati alumnae for their support of Delta Omicron Chapter.

The winner in the At a Distance category supports the Epsilon Nu collegiate chapter as if it were in their own backyard – even though it is 2 ½ hours away. In addition to providing advisers, they provide recruitment support, exam survival packs, a networking event, they also have members who attend the chapter’s Founders day and provide the pins for senior bridging, which they present to the chapter in person at the ceremony. Region 2 Director Melissa Hansen is proud of the support Epsilon Nu Chapter receives from our winning alumnae chapter – Northern Virginia.

The Fraternity also recognizes alumnae for their efforts to support local collegiate chapters with the Nearby category of the Collumnae Award. The alumnae group that was recognized as runner up provides 19 advisers and house corporation officers to their chapter. The alumnae and collegiate chapter work together to plan joint activities, and the two groups enjoyed seven events together each year of the biennium, including several service for sight projects. The alumnae chapter is active and present in recruitment, the parents club and the collegiate chapter’s Anchor Splash. The runner‐up for collumnae‐nearby, with their support of Beta Chapter, went to the Seattle Area alumnae.

The winner in the nearby category supports its chapter with 15 advisers and house corporation officers, and work with their collegians to communicate that “Delta Gamma is for life!” Their unique version of an Aunt Hannah program begins at the collegiate chapter’s initiation, when each new member’s Aunt Hannah is present at the
moment she receives her Delta Gamma badge. Talk about mentoring!
The Alpha Kappa chapter is so appreciative of the support they receive from our winner the Topeka alumnae group.

Alumnae Membership Development Award

2010-06-20T10:59:00.000-04:00

The excitement continued as The Membership Development Award which recognizes alumnae chapters that use strategic and successful programming to increase membership, resulting in a larger percentage of local dues‐paying members.
The creativity and thought behind the programs of the chapters that applied for this award reflected so many groups’ focus on Delta Gamma’s values and founding principles. With a change in how we collect dues and a down economy, the task of increasing membership was challenging, but a number of chapters succeeded indeed!
The runner‐ up chapter not only had a significant increase in local dues‐paying members they also had a 207% increase in average attendance. This is a chapter that combined information age communications with personal outreach. In addition to technology, they also sent personal thank you letters to anyone paying per capita dues with a message to also pay local dues. The President of this chapter called members each week to invite them to events and promote the chapter. And, finally, the runner‐up had each officer personally host an event so that more members had a personal stake in the chapter’s success. For their tremendous success and creativity the runner‐up for the alumnae membership development award went to Northern Nevada.

Our winning chapter, also with a substantial increase of local dues‐paying members took a proactive and strategic approach to developing its membership. With 83% of its members initiated before 1970, the chapter knew it needed to reach out and attract younger alumnae without losing focus on its core membership. They conducted interviews and focus groups, and adapted its program offerings to include weekday, weekend and evening events. They partnered with the lions club to enhance its service for sight initiatives. They boosted their electronic communications. The result has been improvement overall with a record number of dues‐paying members and doubling their service hours. The winner of the alumnae membership development award is Greater Naples. Way to go women!!

Boersma Website Awards

2010-06-20T10:56:00.000-04:00

What blog would be complete without recognizing the winners of the Barbara Nussa Boersma Outstanding Web Site Award which was created to honor our very own technological wizard, Barb Boersma.

The award acknowledges the increasing and changing importance of electronic communications to the Delta Gamma experience by recognizing outstanding web sites that have been created by our alumnae and collegiate chapters. Web sites are often individuals first point of contact with Delta Gamma. At any time, day or night, from any part of the globe, a Delta Gamma can log onto the internet and connect to her sisters. Anyone who is not a Delta Gamma can learn about our Fraternity’s incredible reach and deeds. We are continually impressed by the way our alumnae are mastering the internet’s oceans. The majority of our alumnae groups have a presence on the World Wide Web and many have also taken it to the next level, sharing their accomplishments and reaching out to new members through social networking with sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Grosse Pointe alumnae received the alumnae runner award for their website which is fresh with a clean feel that makes it easy to navigate and read. Their site truly shows the history and personality of the chapter and makes the viewer want to be a part of all that

This year’s winning alumnae web site award went to Austin for their terrific job integrating the Delta Gamma brand with the chapter’s personality. The highly interactive and well‐designed site offers something for everyone – whether you want to register your DG legacy with executive offices, view the online scrapbook or click on a section of town to find out who your carpool captain is for the next alumnae meeting.

Our collegiate web sites have many different audiences. Web sites communicate with existing members and advisers, attract potential new members, and introduce the chapter and Delta Gamma to parents and college administrators. While they may share in common with whom they are communicating, each chapter’s personality clearly shines through in how they choose to communicate their information. No two are alike. These winning sites stand out as leaders not only among the other DG collegiate sites, but also from the other sorority web sites on their local campuses.

This year’s collegiate web site runner‐up has done a terrific job of presenting a clean design with a clear message. Their site boasts Delta Gamma’s value proposition up front, and uses historical and contemporary photos, graphics, and even video to tell the DG story. Congratulations to Beta Zeta‐Denison, the runner up of the Barbara Boersma Outstanding Collegiate Website Award.

The winner of the Collegiate Boersma Website Award is Theta‐Indiana. This chapter not only has outstanding design and incorporation of the Delta Gamma brand, it achieves something that many corporate web sites struggle to do: it changes its content on a regular basis, which not only ensures that regular readers remain engaged, but it gives the site the added benefit of a higher search engine results score. In other words, it’s more likely to be the first result you see when you google, “Delta Gamma” and the name of this winning chapter’s school.

Check out all these award winning sites!

Austin Alumnae Chapter
http://austindg.org

Gross Pointe Michigan Alumnae Chapter - http://gpdgalumnae.com/gpdgalumnae.com

Theta – Indiana
http://www.indiana.edu/~deltag

Beta Zeta – Denison
http://greek.denison.edu/delta-gamma/DenisonDGs

Glitz, Glitter and Awards!

2010-06-20T10:47:00.000-04:00

Outstanding Alumnae Programming Award

This is Hannah coming to you live from downtown Denver. Wow what a night it was for Delta Gamma!

The excitement mounted as we sat at the final awards banquet for the winners of the first of the award categories to be announced.
The Outstanding Alumnae Programming award honors Chapters for outstanding programming that embodies the spirit of the Delta Gamma philosophy for one fiscal year of the biennium. There are three divisions for this award based on the size of the alumnae group. Chapters were evaluated on their overall programming theme and how well they incorporated the Delta Gamma philosophy into their activities, and the attendance at the events.
This year’s winner for Division I (Chapters with up to an avg of 49 local dues paid members) was Detroit North Suburban!
They knew that in a down economy rich programming was the key to growing their chapter and caring for their members. They utilized the theme “The Total Woman: Mind, Body and Spirit,” and linked their thoughtful activities back to the Delta Gamma philosophy.
They recognized that members are stretched by many commitments so they took care to offer multi‐purpose programming. For example, at one of their golden Anchor programs they worked with residents of an assisted living facility to create black and white fleece blankets for visually impaired babies of Ropard’s Low Vision Center.
Division II (chapters with 50‐105 local dues paid members).
The winning Chapter in Division II is Austin! This amazing group utilized a theme of “Back to the Basics,” and worked to ensure that all their events had some blend of community, foundation, membership development, networking and sisterhood. From selling Colorado’s own “Anchors Awake” and “Delta Gamma” blend coffee from the Unseen Bean (your group can too – go to www.theunseenbean.com) to benefit their local guide dog organization, to sharing Thanksgiving recipes and traditions with the collegians, to giving silver anchor holiday ornaments to area legacies each December, this chapter truly defines well‐rounded programming!

Division iii (106 or more local dues paid members). This chapter’s year‐long focus on “caring” – for friendships, community, fraternity history, children, service and sight –made a difference -high attendance at their meetings, a completely sold‐out founders day and two to five new members attending each month.
Many chapters try to include “something for everyone” through their programming, but this year’s winner truly achieves this goal. They do it through excellent leadership, communication and creativity, and using their local dg resources for speakers, presentations and fundraisers. The result is a personal, meaningful experience.
This year’s winner in division iii is portland suburban.

It's my (first) Convention and I'll cry if I want to.

2010-06-20T00:50:00.000-04:00

First time at Convention? It's not just for Collegiate or Alumnae delegates! We're joined by three fresh babies and their Delta Gamma moms! And by the beautiful glow of other expecting attendees, it looks like the number of Delta Gamma legacies will be growing soon! It's a boy? Our next Anchor man!

Paige Browning
CDC
Pi-University of Montana 2010

Kimberly Valvis
CDC
Delta Pi- University of Southern Mississippi/ Gamma Zeta- LSU

I thought I was Prepared

2010-06-19T20:11:00.000-04:00

I thought I was prepared for this - I had memorized everyone's name and face on Council, reviewed the entire Convention packet and re-read Theta chapter's history (more than once). It turns out, I wasn't prepared at all. Let me take you through the most amazing first day of Convention that I'm sure is the best ever.

First up, opening banquet. We were sitting by region so I was looking forward to seeing the other chapter presidents who really understand what my chapter is like! Little did I know, I was in for a big surprise! Megan, a Theta chapter sister, and I were the first to sit down at our table and were followed by some other women who had a very rich history with Delta Gamma (as I was about to find out). We had a lovely dinner and as usual I was making converstaion and new friends! Once they all learned I was Theta chapter president they reminded me of how special Theta chapter is (tears well up in my eyes for the first of many times this weekend). We finished dinner and had a fabulous time with the Drum Cafe and then went on our ways in hopes we would again see each other in the morning!

Well, the first session is called to order and again, tears well up in my eyes as Theta chapter is called for role. I was already feeling how big DG is and again how I shared something so special with all of these women. Then it was time to announce the Board of Advisors and I suddenly realized - I ate dinner with these women last night! As the names Maggie Hess Watkins (Alpha Xo- West Virginia), Betsey Inch Fouss (Alpha Xi - West Virginia) and Marge Sweatt Gorsline (Gamma Epsilon - Kent State), I had chills. These women, along with Barbara Cameron (Delta Rho - Virginia Tech) and Alice Ashmore were who I had dinner with last night! These women helped create the history and legacy of this Fraternity through their service as President of the Fraternity, Directors and Fraternity Executive Director. The tears came for a third time. I could not help to want to engage more with these women and hear their stories. I am definitely making time for that Friday!

As tears came for the fourth time during our rituals, I realized that Delta Gamma will always be with me and I hope I can someday give back as much as these women have to the Fraternity.

Sometimes the best things in life, you just can't prepare for.

Elizabeth Billman, Theta Chapter president
1st time Convention attendeee

Election Results

2010-06-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

The 2010-2012 Council of Delta Gamma is as follows:

Beth Bell Searcy - President
Deborah Byrd Etheridge - VP: Collegians
Mary Anne Ruman Lachenmaier - VP: Alumnae
Laurie Petrucce Roselle - VP: Fraternity Programming
Shaun Fisher Young - VP: Membership
Dell Shay Kingan - VP: Finance
Laurie Watson Kight - VP: Communications

Congratulations to these women who will serve our Fraternity for the next biennium!

ITB,
Hannah

Stories of Hope

2010-06-19T20:06:00.000-04:00

Maureen Syring delivered an inspiring talk on hope. Read on to see what attendees had to say after her wonderful talk.

Maureen Syring ROCKS! We are all #1 and HOPE is a choice that Delta Gamma offers every day.

Four years ago, as a senior in college, I suddenly lost my father. I was devastated, depressed, and confused. He passed on a Thursday, and all I knew that would comfort me was Sunday chapter meeting. Being with my sisters was like a warm embrace. They brought me hope. I knew I'd survive with Delta Gamma to carry me through. With Father's Day approaching, I normally dread that day. However, I could never imagine a better place to be but here in the arms of my Delta Gee. ~ ITB Anonymous blogger

Birthdays

2010-06-19T20:05:00.001-04:00

Stephanie Moreton, Beta Gamma, will celebrate her 21st birthday at Convention on June 19.

My voice counts!

2010-06-19T20:04:00.000-04:00

Saturday was the finale of a dream I cultivated five years ago. After being an ATC for a year and working with members of Cabinet, I knew I wanted to one day be a voting delegate. I knew that I was making a difference on a local level but I wanted to expand my circle of influence and do more. I worked diligently as an ATC for three years, guiding a collegiate chapter to greater heights. I then moved on to help revitalize alumnae groups needing a champion in their absence as an Alumnae Development Consultant. Always striving to Do Good and do more, I yearned to have the ability to help choose the direction my Fraternity would take in the future. When I received the call from Mary Anne, VP Alumnae, that I had been selected to be a voting delegate on Cabinet as a RAS I was ecstatic! I was going to be able to help more alumnae groups and have a voice that would influence the big picture and future of Delta Gamma. I am honored and humbled to hold this position and privilege. Delta Gamma is the Fraternity of my mother, aunt, and grandmother and I promise to protect it so that future generations can experience the love and passion that it has given me.

I am one voice, and my voice counts.

Allison Sayre Paugh
Gamma Iota-DePauw University
Columbus Alumnae Chapter
Regional Alumnae Specialist-Region 4
Denver is my 4th Convention

Hello To Sisters at Home

2010-06-19T19:55:00.000-04:00

There were several notes in the blog box to sisters here at Convention and at home.

From the Charlotte, NC Chapter: It's great running into all our current and previous ladies. Check out facebook for picture uploads. Off to Initiation! Love ITB, Alison Smith, Beta Zeta - Denison

Loving Convention in Denver, wish all my Epsilon Pi sisters could be here with me! Shout out to Mae, love you.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer from AZ of DG! Miss you girls!! ITB, Mary

Sisters! I'm having such an incredible time so far in Colorado! Your sisters from Canada are glad to visit and share all these memories with you! ~ the rockstar

Hi, Helen Gordon! We miss you! Love and ITB, Your DGs in France sisters (Danielle, Tricia and Christine)

Greetings from Delta Gamma Convention in Denver, Boston chapter! Enjoy the lobster bake at DG alumna Jo Bero's. Have a wonderful summer kickoff! ITB, Lynn Ray Boston Alumnae president

To a special sister at home

2010-06-18T20:40:00.000-04:00

Delta Gamma's current NPC Delegate, Barbara Bartlett Probst, asked to share a special message to her DG sister at home in Phoenix. Thanks to Barbara and many, many other DG's at Convention, everyone at home feels like they're in on the action!

Paige Browning
CDC
Pi-University of Montana 2010
Denver is my second Convention

10,000 Miles to Kindness

2010-06-18T19:22:00.000-04:00

10,000 Miles to Kindness

At today’s Leadership Luncheon tears flowed easily as we all related to the pain caused by cruel catty girl behavior which can rear its ugly head as early on as grade school. Molly Stroud, Eta Alpha, a 2009 graduate of Pepperdine University and co-founder of the King Campaign, challenged each of us to to act upon the values of social responsibility we profess as Delta Gammas. She, along with her non profit organization partner and a their two mothers set off on a 10,000 mile journey across the United States to document girl behavior and how kind words can make a difference to make the world a better place. In addition they launched an interactive program via their website www.kindcampaing.com where you and your daughters and friends can make a Kind Pledge, a Kind Apology and contribute your personal stories to the Kindmag and the Truth Wall.
Do you have the courage to lead with purpose? Make a pledge to be kind in what you do and say. Judging others, gossiping, being mean does not have to be an auto response. We as Delta Gammas should put our values into action and lead with purpose.

Sheila Ryan Carney
EN-James Madison University
Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter
Denver is my 5th Convention

Looks like a Legacy?

2010-06-18T15:51:00.001-04:00

Three alumnae delegates are mothers to 2010-2011 Collegiate Development Consultants. Can you guess which mom belongs to which legacy? If you think you know, match the CDC by number (back row 1-6, front row 7-9) and her mom with "left", "center", or "right".

Paige Browning
CDC
Pi-University of Montana 2010
Denver is my 2nd Convention

DG Convention= Kid in a Toy Store!

2010-06-18T13:29:00.000-04:00

I found the perfect quote from a convention attendee that perfectly sums up our last post!

"When I walked into convention I felt like a 6-year-old walking into FAO Schwartz. Overwhelmed with excitement. Did I love DG before? Yes. Do I love DG more now? Absolutely. -Jenna Nicoletti Williams, ATC at Zeta Iota-Chapman University

Kristen McClellan
Delta Lambda-Mississippi State
Denver is my 2nd Convention

Excitement Never Ends at Convention!

2010-06-18T12:04:00.000-04:00

Sitting in the hotel lobby you can still hear the screams of excitement as old friends see each other for the first time. With so many DGs at convention, even two days in there is still someone to catch up with! Whether it is someone you were initiated with, you’ve worked with through e-mail, or a convention buddy that you are only able to see every two years, the hotel lobby is the place for reuniting. Some of the reunions are a quick hug, while others end up on the floor after tackling one another with excitement-- yes, we witnessed one of these greetings! The hotel lobby is somewhat like the baggage claim at an airport; there are some tears, lots of hugs, and smiles on every face.

Keep checking back today as we keep you posted on the attendees’ mood & opinion on all things convention: from ‘Ah-ha!’ Convention moments, to how comfortable the bed is, and everything in-between!

Kristen McClellan & Sarah Jane Cella
Delta Lambda-Mississippi State & Zeta Zeta- Boston University
Denver is our 2nd Convention!

2010-06-18T09:38:00.000-04:00

Needed: Convention Pedometer

Sheila and I counted our paces last night from our room to the elevator. Since she is taller than I am, it took her 182 paces to my 210. We have determined that our room is located in Wyoming. This photo shows just one of the three hallways that we have to traverse to reach our final destination once we get off the elevator. We are lucky though we don’t have to change planes and this counts as gym time.

Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke
Portland Suburban alumnae chapter
Denver is my 9th Convention

2010-06-18T09:34:00.000-04:00

More Cow Bell

Lest we wonder further what the drum sticks in the vases in the center of our tables were for at last night’s opening banquet, we soon found out…the entertainment was Café Drum, an interactive performing/motivational speaker/aerobics instructor-esque (think “hunky Richard Simmons”) drum ensemble. We, the audience, smacked our drum sticks on cue to the beat in an escalating frenzy of rhythm, driving the attendees of the two other Conventions in the hotel insane, I am sure.

And then, he brought out the cow bell.

With Saturday Night Live’s classic skit forever etched upon my brain, I apparently showed my age when I said to two younger alumnae behind me, “More cow bell!” and they looked at me like I had three heads. The energy was certainly apparent when members were paraded on stage to dance to the rhythm, including our own Laura O’Brien, blogger extraordinaire. See incriminating photos.

Oh, Will Ferrell, where were you tonight?

Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke
Portland Suburban alumnae chapter
Denver is my 9th Convention

"I'm on a DG high!!!"

2010-06-18T01:49:00.000-04:00

What an AMAZING start to the week! The Opening Banquet program was fabulous (not to mention the scrumptious food… minus the mushrooms J) The Drum Café is the company that performed tonight with a very dynamic and inclusive presentation. Each attendee received two drumsticks and followed along with the beats the Café leader created. We also got the chance to make up our own!! I’ll tell ya, it was so awesome to watch our sisters of all ages, drumming and dancing to the beat! I feel like it broke down some nerve walls and really put us in sync! It was a great way to begin these next days of Delta Gamma business!

Following the program (and after waiting in a line for the restroom as we women always do… but at least we were all sisters), I was off to the Region 6 meeting. It was so fun to cheer for our hardworking team and to hear the same through the walls for the others! Delta Gamma is so blessed to have such dedicated women to run our regional business. I didn’t get to stay for long, though, because I was off to the Resolutions Committee meeting. I’m not serving on the committee; rather, I’m assisting in the scribing of the resolutions. It’s such an intriguing part of DG business! Tonight the committee chose courtesy resolutions to draft up by tomorrow evening (and when they’ll have the time for that, I’ll never know)! Courtesy Resolutions (as far as I can describe) are items adopted to the DG Convention agenda as official messages, such as thanking the hotel staff for their hospitality, or to Convention volunteers, etc. What an awesome way to provide recognition!

While changing into my jammies I realized, I’m on a DG high! It certainly is a rush to feel the love, HOPE, and support that surrounds everyone of us, and especially to feel everyone else’s here at Convention!

Until tomorrow,

Megan Petter

Gamma Nu-North Texas

Dallas North Cities Alumnae Chapter/ Denton Area Association

Denver is my 2^nd Convention!

Drum Cafe Rocks DG Opening Banquet

2010-06-18T00:46:00.000-04:00

Entertainment at tonight's opening banquet was provided by Drum Cafe from South Africa http://www.drumcafe.com . I sure don't know many people that can have an entire room follow their lead without every speaking a word! These guys knew their DG info. We heard reference to For Hope. For Strength. For Life, Ana, Eva & Mary, alumnae, 137 years of Delta Gamma & several other DG related references. They were very entertaining and engaging. Senator Williams even broke her drum stick!

Attendees followed the banquet with regional gatherings and regional photos.

Random quote heard from a young attendee while walking from regional photos back to regional gathering "You know what is so weird? ALL of these women are Delta Gammas!"

Teena Tabor
Beta Pi-Willamette
Phoenix Alumnae Chapter
Denver is my 5th Convention

2010-06-18T00:28:00.000-04:00

Where I Belong!

From Bloomington, IN (IU) to New York City (for an internship) to Denver, this summer has been amazing! From the minute I arrived at the airport, I knew I was right back where I belonged- with all of my DG friends (new and old)! As a fashion lover, my obvious first stop was at the DG Marketplace where I found everything I wanted with anchors on it (a perfect compliment to the nautical stripes which are so in for fall!) I couldn't help but to buy DG croakies for all of my guy friends and brother who obviously love to wear anything DG! After taking necessary pictures of my sisters and I with the giant anchor and DG letters we headed out to explore Denver! What a FABULOUS City! Whether we were eating lunch or shopping, anytime we spotted an anchor we always flashed a beautiful smile and exchanged a friendly hello! Denver is about to find out just how FABULOUS Delta Gamma is!

Elizabeth Billman
President, Theta Chapter

Convention food is tasty??

2010-06-18T00:26:00.000-04:00

Do you really think that food for 800+ can be decent? Well, we are experiencing a nice surprise here in Denver! Most attendees asked have been pleased with the food offered so far.

The lunch today was for Council/Cabinet/Foundation/Staff/BOA. We had a nice salad with shrimp, roasted red pepper, potatoes of different varieties, olives, eggs and green beans. To quote Lori O'Neal, Alpha Omega-Arkansas "I wasn't sure those were potatoes, but when I put it in my mouth, the texture confirmed". Dessert was a pear stuffed with a creamy sauce served with whipped cream, berries a small slice of pound cake.

Dinner was a 3 course meal. We started with a mixed green salad, then continued to a grilled chicken with a mushroom sauce served with mashed potatoes & green beans. Dessert followed with a cheesecake dome served on a cookie and topped with whipped cream a strawberry flavored chocolate shavings.Phoenix Alumnae Chapter

Stay tuned for tomorrow's menu items!

Teena Tabor
Beta Pi-Willamette
Phoenix Alumnae Chapter
Denver is my 5th Convention

Out of the Box

2010-06-17T17:38:00.000-04:00

A tiny gift today was a huge hit for me. Across the table sat Kathy Slane, Delta Upsilon-IUPU, Ft. Wayne, Regional Housing Specialist for Region 4. It looked like she was handing out candy, but no ... it was even better! Kathy describes herself as a scrapbook-wanna-be, but I think she is selling herself short. She handed me a little box she made. It was made of one piece of paper - anchor paper, of course - and she made it with a die-cut machine. Are you kidding me? I have a new favorite toy to buy! I turned it upside down, took it apart, flattened it, and put it back together. Upon opening, inside was a little treat of a flower hope pony tail holder that all of us at the table immediately put on our name badge holder. The fun things you learn and get at Convention, surrounded by women who are all so passionate about Delta Gamma!

Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke
Portland Suburban alumnae chapter
Denver is my 9th Convention

Let the Whirlwind BEGIN!!! Where am I?!

2010-06-17T13:50:00.000-04:00

Remember that first time you walked into the Delta Gamma house, and you just knew your life would change for GOOD??? Now times that by 2000 and you'll understand what it's like to be here and see a DG everywhere you look! The stories they told you during recruitment are true. You really can connect with a total stranger through our sisterhood!!! I look around and wonder if Anna, Eva, and Mary knew what they had done for us so many years ago?

So day one is off and running with Council and Cabinet trainings. I received a call at 7:15 this morning, the caller apologized immensely for waking me up (though still feeling Texas time was really no big deal... that was late for my usual morning regimen)! It was FedEx/Kinkos calling to ask questions about the order Beth Searcy had placed. He was confused why there was so many duplicates! I told him to follow the instructions to the tee and that I would be there later to pick up her documents. Beth had sent over the General Session scripts among other things so that her Council would be in the know throughout the meetings.

I got ready and found the Concierge to point me in the right direction, two blocks down and one block over. As I walked I appreciated the break from the Texas heat being in the climate capital of the nation! I arrived only to find out that there are several Kinkos locations withing a mile from our hotel... too bad my order was at another one! Luckily enough it was only three more blocks in the opposite direction! I trekked on over to pick up the boxes! You should have seen me carrying these back to the hotel! Many passers-by just smiled... lemme tell ya... I got my workout today! I was happy to deliver them to Beth with plenty of time to spare!

Next I hit up the fabulous Anchor Market Place. I might not be able to eat until my next paycheck... though that will only ensure my shirts and merchandise will stay clean ;)! Hats off to the chapters with cute shirt designs and to the vendors that bring the extras to Convention to share with all of us! You wouldn't believe all that's here! EO brought vendors that have shirts, sweats, shorts GALORE, as well as any accessory, frames, and jewelry you can think of! J. Brandt is here for all of our official jewelry needs too! You can find it all at the online Anchor Market place on the DG website!

After the shopping excursion I ran some errands for Megan Lloyd with EO and Executive Director Mary Sterling Barlow that involved some bartering with the copy center man! All in a days work!! ;)

It's certainly been fun so far! Stay tuned as we take you along on this journey!

Megan Petter
Gamma Nu-North Texas
Dallas North Cities Alumnae Chapter/ Denton Area Association
Denver is my second convention!!

DG Gopher... I mean "Go for!"

2010-06-17T13:31:00.001-04:00

Good Afternoon Delta Gammas,

I am so honored to be joining the DG Technology Team in its first blogging effort! This is my second Convention; I attended Palm Desert in 2008 as a volunteer and swore I would never miss one again if I could help it. I really HOPE we will be able to give you a glimpse into what an amazing experience Convention is! So enjoy the blog this year and start a piggy bank now to join us in two years!

This year I have the special privilege of helping out in certain areas with Council, Panhellenic, and Convention Staff. This all came about because I am in the Graduate Program for Higher Education Administration seeking a focused degree in Student Affairs at the University of North Texas. I currently work in the Office of Greek Life at UNT, and when telling this to Fraternity President, Beth Searcy, we began discussing options of an intership to see Greek Life on a national level! I'll be working with NPC delegate Barb Probst on the Panhellenic Luncheon, with Stacie Hauserman and EO staff assisting with errands and conference needs, and the rest of the time helping Beth where I can!

My HOPE is to be able to share my experience with you as I serve in this capacity! It ought to be quite a whirlwind!

Megan Petter
Gamma Nu-North Texas
Dallas North Cities Alumnae/Denton Area Alumnae Association
Denver is my 2nd Convention!!!

Rocky Mountain Delta Gamma

2010-06-17T00:53:00.000-04:00

I wondered if there was some hidden meaning in the Alaska Airlines crossword puzzle clue ..."seventh Greek letter." As I flew into Denver late this afternoon, the majestic Rocky Mountains appeared as we descended, still capped with snow. I was so excited, I could hardly sit still. Another "sign" appeared above the escalator down to the train that goes to baggage claim..."Hope. Pass it on." Was it just me, or would all Delta Gammas see that sign and smile? Certainly someone knows that Delta Gammas are about to converge on the Mile High City!

As soon as I walked off my plane, my eyes eagerly scanned the moving crowd for anchors - necklaces, shirts, bags - I was hopeful to spot other members and exchange a smile, quick greeting, or even a hug from someone I knew. My anchor bag was certainly visible, for goodness sake - as well as my bright pink Delta Gamma bag tag!

Make sure to listen while on the train to baggage claim! A western jingle prelude plays when the doors are closing. As the train comes to its next stop, more cowboy music announces that the train has arrived. I was here! I exited the train and took the escalator up, seeing smiling DG volunteer Linda Chain, Eta-Akron, with her friendly Convention sign. She was just one of many eager volunteers assisting with directions and DG airport shuttle info.

Seeing old, dear friends is a biennial highlight and I am thrilled to be here!

ITB,
Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke

Portland Suburban alumnae chapter
Denver is my 9th Convention

2010-06-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

When you are Convention, be sure to check out attendees' name cards and ribbons. I'm sitting in the lobby blogging with Barbara Cameron, Delta Rho - Virginia Tech, and asked to share a picture of her nametag.

* Light blue ribbons are for Loyalty Award recipients

* Dark blue ribbons are for Cable Award recipients

* Barbara also has several pins: cable and loyalty awards, PAC, alumnae excellence, Foundation giving

So if you see a sister with ribbons and pins, be sure to ask to hear her stories. I know I enjoyed hearing from Barbara.

Laura O'Brien
Epsilon Mu-William and Mary
Denver is my 4th Convention

2010-06-16T20:33:00.000-04:00

Before you head upstairs, don't foget to check out the regional poster boards. Leave messages to meet up with a sister, a thank you note, or look for a note from your region team. Every delegate attending has a note on their associated board.

Hannah

2010-06-16T20:29:00.000-04:00

You can check-in for the Convention downstairs. The Foundation Garden of Giving is located across from the registration area. Ernie Holiday, Foundation Accountant, took a break from the Foundation Garden of Giving to pose with Beth Welmaker, Epsilon Chi and Region 1 Director. Check out their anchor shorts!

Laura O'Brien
Epsilon Mu-William and Mary
Denver is my 4th Convention

2010-06-16T20:15:00.000-04:00

Cabinet and delegates have started to arrive. Be on the lookout for anchors at the airport, you are bound to spot a sister!

When you come up the escalator look for the Delta Gamma signs. We were greeted today by lovely volunteers from Beta Delta-Colorado, Nu-Idaho, and Kappa-Nebraska.

After collecting your luggage, enjoy your bus ride to the hotel. You never know who you'll get the chance to sit next to. Perhaps you will run into a long time friend from your chapter of initiation, meet someone new who becomes a lifelong friend, or have the chance to sit next to a great resource like I did. I lucked out sitting next to Linda Link, Gamma Kappa, Foundation BOT. In our short 30 minute bus ride, she shared fun Foundation programming ideas for me to take back to the collegiate chapter I advise. Take a look at some of the fun things we can do for our philanthropy:

1) organize a beeping Easter egg hunt,

2) host children to trick or treat at the sorority house,

3) pair up with a visually impaired athlete to run the Boston Marathon.

Thanks, Linda!

So much fun and Convention hasn't even officially started!

Laura O'Brien
Epsilon Mu-William and Mary
Denver is my 4th Convention

Anticipation!

2010-06-15T15:50:00.000-04:00

The song "Anticipation" keeps running through my head. I am filled with excitement and anxiousness as I count down the days to my departure on Thursday. I am excited to be going to my fifth Convention. I am excited to see all my friends who I only get to see every two years. I am excited at the prospect of making new friends. All that said though I am anxious too. In order to treat myself to a few days away I need to be sure I have dotted all my 'i's" and crossed all my "t's". My business doesn't stop while I am away so I need to make sure all my files are up to date and that my partner is prepared to handle anything in my absence. I need to get all the laundry done (not just so my kids aren't running naked in the streets but so that I am not without just the right piece for my favorite outfit - not sure which of those two is more important). I need to run to the grocery store (so the naked children aren't starving in my absence). I need to make a master schedule for my husband so he knows where to go when while I am not around to help - with three kids we usually rely on zone defense to get it done but he will be running solo with two of the kids simultaneously in soccer tournaments at opposite ends of town so the least I can do is give him a master plan. All that and I haven't started packing yet! Oh how I love the anticipation - even for my 3 am wake up call on Thursday to get up in time for my flight. I'll be ready - will you? See you in Denver!!

Sheila Ryan Carney
EN- James Madison University
Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter
Denver is my 5th Convention

I think I need Anchors Anonymous!

2010-06-15T11:25:00.000-04:00

Hi, my name is Teena & I am an addict. I discovered this when packing for Convention. How many anchor items does it take to make one an addict? Is there such a thing as too many anchors? What do you think the TSA will say when they see all these anchors coming through the x-ray?

Anyway, this morning, I start digging through my closet to decide what to wear to Denver this week. I had no idea that I had accumulated all of this! This doesn't count the anchor shirt I was wearing (thanks Connie & Jan), Hannah dolls, anchor tervis tumblers, anchor change purse, note cards, plates, etc. Anyone care to guess how many anchor items are in this pile? The first person to guess the correct number will receive an anchor gift (earrings count as 1 & a set of pjs count as 1)!

Teena Tabor
Beta Pi-Willamette
Phoenix Alumnae Chapter
Denver is my 5th Convention

We have a winner!!! Here's what all is in this pile of addiction:
8 necklaces
5 pins
1 pr earrings
5 Convention charms
1 DG badge
2 rings
4 bracelets
2 boxes
1 belly ring
1 make up bag
1 jewelry case
1 pr shoe bags
2 flip flops
2 pr PJs
1 pr pants
11 shirts
1 jacket

For a grand total of 49 items. Allison Paugh will receive a little anchor something. I will bring it to Denver Allison! Great job everyone.

2010-06-11T13:54:00.000-04:00

Packing for Convention!

Whether Denver is your first Convention or your 14th, it is always helpful to have a packing list. Perhaps you are a last-minute type and need a shopping list for this last weekend prior to the big event!

Here are a few thoughts to help keep you on course:

Nautical wear and gear! Which nautical gear to bring? Which to leave home? Deck and boat shoes are probably best left at home on the dock, but anything with anchors, sailboats, a nautical sailor theme... these are all fair game. You will see everything from anchor print shoes, sweaters, fun tees, and even skirts and printed pants. Be on the lookout for anchor jewelry of all types and vintages and purses and belts, too.
Your first day may be in what you wear on the plane. Comfort and casual (jeans are really not seen at Convention) are typically safe bets the first day, and the opening dinner promises to have a bit of a Western flare. Got a fun cowgirl hat? Pin an anchor to it, and you are all set! Create a nautical fabric bandana for your hat!
Daytime sessions/lunches: casual professional is a safe bet here. You are representing your chapter and your region. A cute suit jacket is always safe - collegians and alumnae alike. Avoid booty shorts, frayed or too-tight attire and make sure that your hemlines are not revealing, especially if you bend over (if Grandma would need smelling salts, that is a good cue as to what not to wear!). Think professional, but comfortable. You don't need a suit, but something that is polished is always safe.
Brrrrr! The hotel rooms tend to be absolutely freezing. A sweater or wrap is easily stowed in your Convention tote. A cute jacket solves the problem, but layering is always a good idea.
Bag/Purse: You will receive a Convention tote bag at registration. Often times, a purse becomes a burden, or you end up putting it in your tote. You may decide you do not need to bring a purse. A small bag for the evening banquets is a good addition to your suitcase, however.
Casual clothes for hotel after-hours: your college sweatshirt, loungewear, nautical jammies... you will see it all.
On the town/in the hotel: Don't forget you are still representing the Fraternity even if you don't have your letters on. Word spreads fast that there is a sorority in town. :-)
Banquets: The Foundation banquet attire tends not to be as fancy as the final banquet. A nice dress is perfect. Save the glamour and glitz for the final banquet, where you will see elegant pant suits, cocktail dresses and even long gowns. Remember: a wrap will help keep you warm. It will be very cold in the banquet room!
Don't forget your badge! And a big smile!

ITB,

Hannah

2010-06-09T13:46:00.000-04:00

Ahoy! Delta Gamma Sisters!

We are so pleased to launch the official blog of Delta Gamma Fraternity. There could not be a better occasion with which to start our blogging than Delta Gamma's 64th Biennial Convention! In just one week, Delta Gammas from all across North America will gather in Denver for official Fraternity business, lots of laughter, recognition and sisterhood.

You will receive up-to-the moment happenings, announcements, photos, polls and assorted "fun stuff." We will be blogging live from the hotel registration table, General Sessions, banquets and after-hours to share the latest in news, nautical fashion, award winners and more.

Come aboard! Follow Delta Gamma through Convention and beyond!

ITB,

Hannah