Wear Your Badge with Pride

       We, as members of a women’s fraternity, have symbols of our membership. These symbols and their meanings are special and known only to us, those who have the privilege of wearing them, yet we wear them as demonstrated pride of our commitment to Delta Gamma. It is more than a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of our love, devotion and pride.
Maureen Sweeney Syring, former Fraternity President, once said, “Our badge is our outward symbol of our inner commitment.” It is important to remember why we wear our badge and when we wear our badge. To wear our badge, you should be aligned with the meanings and purpose of Delta Gamma. The purpose of wearing our badge is to show our understanding, love and commitment for the organization and those things for which Delta Gamma stands. 
Consider this: you are always wearing your letters, but you should wear your badge to show your additional pride and love for the Fraternity and our mission and values.
When to wear your badge:
• Any time you are feeling your best, looking your best
• On chapter badge day to show pride in membership and the strength of the beliefs and commitment to Delta Gamma
• At formal chapter
• At Initiation
• At the Pi Alpha ceremony
• Founders Day
• Delta Gamma alumnae meeting
• Panhellenic meeting or gathering
• Delta Gamma memorial service or funeral
When it’s not a great idea to wear your badge:
• You just rolled out of bed and are not necessarily looking your personal best
• If you are having a really, really bad day and are in a not-so-good mood
• You are at a bar; you are drinking
• Your behavior is not reflective of Delta Gamma standards or values


FAQs:
Q: “I thought I could only wear my badge if I was wearing formal chapter attire like a dress.”
A: There is no Fraternity policy for badge attire. Each chapter has different dress requirements for formal chapter in its bylaws and standing rules. Some state dresses; some state no strapless dresses; some state business attire; some state nothing. The badge may be worn at any time, however, as long as you look neat, polished and presentable and your behavior reflects the standards of the Fraternity. 

Q: “Is there a specific place I have to wear my badge?”
A: The badge may be worn anywhere, as specific in Fraternity policy. It may be worn as a pendant, on a bracelet or as a pin. If it is worn as a pin, it is over the heart. A helpful tip for placement: place your thumb on your throat, right above the sternum, spread out your palm, and place the badge where the base of the pinky finger meets the base of the fourth finger.

Q: “I never ordered a badge. Is it too late for me to get one?”
A: Any initiated member of Delta Gamma Fraternity may order a badge at any time from the Fraternity jeweler, J. Brandt. www.jbrandt.com

Q: “I cannot afford a badge.”
A: J. Brandt offers a sterling silver badge option for only $45. For the price of a few lattes, you can have your badge for a lifetime.

Q: “I am in poor standing and on probation with my chapter. I was told I cannot wear my badge.
A: Only members in good standing may wear the Delta Gamma badge. When a member is no longer on probation, she may again wear her badge with pride and as emblem of aligning with the standards of membership and the values and meanings of the Fraternity.

Q: My friend resigned her membership, but she still wants her badge. Is that okay?
A: If someone is no longer a member of the Fraternity, she may not wear the badge. A badge must be returned to Executive Offices if a member resigns or is expelled.  By owning or wearing a badge, a woman is demonstrating her beliefs and values are in line with those of the Fraternity and she agrees to uphold the meanings and secrets of Delta Gamma. If she no longer is a member, these no longer apply, and her badge must be surrendered.

Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke, is the Fraternity Director of Scholarship and Rituals. You can reach Staige at edurituals@deltgammma.org. 

Career Change Has DG Alum "Doing Good"

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”

– Martin Buber

If you’re a Delta Gamma, chances are you’re a well-rounded woman. The sorority has a wonderful international reputation, and so the women who choose it in college are probably ones who desire high-quality organizations. Then there is the Delta Gamma experience. While in a sorority in college, there are more than just classes. There are formal meetings, social gatherings, philanthropic events and rituals. After a Delta Gamma has graduated from college, she’s been groomed to be multifaceted and have many interests. This, combined with studies showing women have much less linear career paths than men, means that Delta Gammas are likely to have at least one career change in their lifetimes.

Take me for instance; I've recently changed careers. I am a Delta Gamma from Zeta Iota chapter at Chapman University in Orange County, California. I went from a career in marketing communications to teaching at the graduate and undergraduate levels. I worked full-time and went to school full-time at Pepperdine University for five years just because I love learning. Toward the end of completion of my doctorate degree, I got called in for a teaching interview at a local university and I was hired to teach on the spot. I had never thought of myself as a teacher, but it turns out it’s what I had been training for all this time. Also, I believe I received an aptitude to teach because my mom and husband, two of the people closest to me, are both teachers. Perhaps I partially acquired the aptitude to be a teacher subliminally through them.

You might be wondering how things went in the classroom. Well, it was love from the very first time I taught. One of the things that all Delta Gammas are taught is to “Do Good.” Teaching is all about doing good. In fact, if you’re not there to do good as a teacher, you shouldn't be in the classroom.

One of my friends is a compensation director. She is analytical and plans things down to the last detail. She recently had a baby and was extremely worried about doing everything right. When she told this to her doctor, he told her not to worry so much about doing everything right because it’s just not possible. The way to good parenting, he said, is to parent from the heart. The same thing goes for teaching. As long as you teach from the heart, the rest comes naturally. Looking back, I also realize that since I went to school while working full-time, I was able to practice what I was learning in my job.

The point of this story is to tell you that if you’d like to change careers, have confidence in yourself. If you’ve been through college as a Delta Gamma, chances are you've done many different things already. You probably know much more than you think you know. If you’re thinking about a new career, what are some things you’ve done in your current career that can apply to the new one you desire? Some of the things that transferred for me were strong interpersonal and communication skills and patience. Skills like these are essential to do almost any job well. The rest comes with practice.

Women are often socialized at a young age to ask people if they’re doing things the right way and not to do things unless they’re perfect. Men, on the other hand, are taught to just do it, and they are allowed to fake it till they make it. You can’t learn unless you make mistakes. So, go out there and follow your dreams. You’re a DG! You can do it!

Dr. Margaret Moodian, Zeta Iota-Chapman, and her husband, Dr. Michael Moodian, live in Orange County, California with their rescue dog, Manny, and chinchilla, Marshall. You can reach Margaret at mminni100@hotmail.com or follow her on Twitter @mminni100.

From Childhood to Adulthood, Love Conquers All

“Long distance is hard. You have to trust that as you each change on your own, your relationship will also change along with you. It takes hope, good humor, and idealism. It takes a massive dose of courage to protect the relationship at all odds. It is hard, but worth it.
You'll both be stronger as a result.”
― Craig M. Mullaney, The Unforgiving Minute: A Soldier's Education

Playing nicely as kids

When I was a little girl, I had no idea that my brother’s friend would be the love of my life. When we were young; it was about playing and laughing and me being the pesky little sister. It is funny to look back and think of those days and to see where Alex and I are today. Today Alex is my best friend, my hero and my rock. Sometimes I wonder if we would be in love today if our families had not grown apart for nine years.

Curiosity and technology is what brought us back together. Our mothers have been friends since they were in seventh grade and it was their friendship that inspired me to reconnect all of us after too many years apart. When I got the idea to contact him, I was afraid he wouldn’t remember me. I had nothing to worry about. It was like no time had passed. From the moment he wrote, "I remember you," we wrote to each other every day. At first, I was only interested in reuniting our mothers; but, it was when I saw him in person for the first time in nine years that everything changed.

Lance Corporal Alex Sanford

Looking at him took me back to the beach, to his backyard and to the childhood we shared. We were taller, of course, but he was the same Alex. The biggest difference, he was on leave from Camp Lejeune. He is a Marine now. He proudly serves our nation and it’s one of the reasons that I love him so much. He asked me out on an official date during that week at home and we’ve been together ever since. It’s the most challenging, but rewarding relationship I’ve ever had. We are far apart and only see each other for a week or so every few months, but the distance does indeed make my heart grow fonder. His deployment is around the corner and he needs me now more than ever. I do worry every day about it and I am scared, but I could not imagine my future without him. I will do whatever it takes to get through the hard moments and be able to enjoy the happy ones. For Christmas, he surprised me with a deployment ring. It’s not an engagement ring, but rather a promise. A promise to come home to me, a promise to love me and it’s my promise to pray for him, wait for him and support him. What started as a play date, is now two adults, planning their future together, hand-in-hand. I’ve learned that everything really does happen for a reason and that it paid to play nice as a kid.

Stephanie Bergeron, Eta Beta-Hartford, is a sophomore majoring in business marketing. She is from Massachusetts and adores her dog, Penny. Her boyfriend Lance Corporal Alex Sanford is in the United States Marine Corp. He deploys in April. You can reach Stephanie at distanceistemporary@gmail.com.

Quotes for a DG

 @quotesforadg

Member behind popular Twitter account says it was a rough start

We’re all on Twitter and when Delta Gammas look at their feeds, I wanted them to find positive words about our Fraternity. I’ll be the first to admit that on my social media journey, I made some rookie mistakes.

My idea was to create a Twitter account that is based on quotes that would suit a DG sister. I came up with the handle @quotesforadg.

It started with tweets that said "Do Good" and "Delta Gamma is what I amma." I followed a few sisters to start my follower base. I never imagined that my account would grow to be so popular.

But; I made my first mistake just a couple weeks into the project. I didn’t think it was a big deal to start re-tweeting groups like "Total Sorority Move" and "Total Fraternity Move." I just wanted to gain followers and I know those accounts are popular. What I didn’t take into account was that some of the tweets weren’t in line with Delta Gamma values; I found that out first hand when I was contacted by DG Leaders.

It’s hard to take criticism about a project, especially when you think you are “Doing Good.” I listened to the women who contacted me and I started to understand why some of the things that I posted in the name of Delta Gamma were causing a stir, and not in a good way.

I was told by one leader: “I love that you are so willing to remain positive and be a positive voice for women who are members of DG. Just some requests from one Twitter fan to another:

 

1. Try not to talk negatively about other groups by saying DG is the best. Be Panhellenic and show some love to other groups.
2. Please watch your language.
3. No RT’ing TSM’s. I only saw two but those are not what we are about. They make jokes that don’t help our reputation
4. Use your platform for good things, goodwill and good news about what it means to be in Delta Gamma. I BELIEVE IN YOU!”

When I first read this, I was taken back a little bit. It didn’t even occur to me what I was tweeting. I went through those tweets and deleted them. Now, I refrain from quoting TSM (who doesn’t help Greek Life reputations), using inappropriate language and saying how Delta Gamma is the best.

What I do, is try to enforce Greek unity because we are all Greek together! Like one of my favorite quotes, “These letters don’t make me better than you; they make me better than I used to be.”

The emails and conversations from Delta Gamma leaders changed me for the better online.

Women my age often think it’s OK to post whatever they feel and think that future employers can’t see it -- which is far from the truth. As another woman told me, “Your social media footprint will follow you like your shadow, you might not always see it, but it’s there.” Remember, you’re always wearing your letters!

Since that conversation in early July, I now have more than 2,100 followers. I am so blessed for having so many supporters and all of my followers inspire me every day and make me glad I became a Delta Gamma.

 

My main point of having this account was to connect sisters all over the world to each other over a common but strong thread: our love for Delta Gamma. Whether the tweets are about This Day in DG History, song lyrics, fast facts, or an overall Delta Gamma quote, I hope they instill the pride in each and everyone one of you for being a member of such a great organization.

 

As I said, Delta Gamma doesn’t make me better than those who aren’t; they make me better than the person I used to be.

Kaylin Marques, Eta Beta–Hartford, is double majoring in marketing and communications with a minor in finance. She plans to work as an event planner. You can contact Kaylin at kaylin.marques@gmail.com or follow her on Twitter @quotesforadg.
For a list of some of the most common mistakes made on Twitter, click here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-57555884/4-annoying-things-youre-probably-doing-on-twitter/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/heather-dugan/social-media-advice_b_2094374.html

It was an event that lasted 10 seconds

It was an event that lasted 10 seconds. In 10 seconds, I shattered my spine, tore every muscle in my back, bruised my legs so badly they were as dark as night and had doctors baffled. Why wasn’t I paralyzed? Why wasn’t I crying? How did I survive this fall from a cliff? I look back on the past year, the losses and bills piled up and I wondered, “What did I do to deserve this?” When the world finally stopped spinning around me, I started to have Hope. This story really starts when I was just a wide-eyed freshman looking to fit in. Delta Gamma took me in and took me on the journey of sisterhood:

When people think of a sorority girl, the stereotype is a beautiful woman with perfectly straight teeth, perfect hair and the perfect personality. Let’s be honest; that’s not me and that’s not women. We have bad hair days-I’m having one right now. We get lettuce stuck in our teeth; hmmm, maybe I should go brush. And we tell jokes that aren’t always funny. We run around our high school in a bunny costume, for no reason, wait, ok, maybe that was just me.

When I heard of the sororities at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, I thought it would be a great way to start over and reinvent myself into the cooler, hipper version of myself that I’d never really been able to pull off.

During recruitment, the glitz, glamor, and girls with perfect teeth talking to me made me feel special. I felt like I was finally someone worth noticing. Everything changed when I walked into the Delta Gamma room.

Kristen Iqal

Delta Gamma was different than any other room I went into. When the women were singing their door song about their “sidekick Hannah,” I was like, “I don’t know who this Hannah girl is but she must be pretty awesome for them to chant about her.” I sat down with a girl named Kirstin, who is now my big sister. I was intimidated; she is gorgeous and I felt awkward. But we started laughing, talking and cried during preference ceremony. I thought if these girls are all like her, I could get the hang of this sidekick Hannah deal.

Delta Gamma didn’t care what type of designer bag I carried, that I like cats way too much, and that I tell horrible jokes. Delta Gamma cared about the woman I am aspiring to be, the leadership skills I wish to gain from college, and best of all, how I could make Delta Gamma grow. I knew from the first day; I wanted Delta Gamma and nothing else.

Since the day I received my pink and blue bid, my life has been filled with so many inside jokes, late-night study sessions, and shoulders I’ve rested my head on during sisterhood movie nights. I didn’t lose myself by joining Delta Gamma. I grew into the woman I am today and my sisters have accepted me for me.

I never realized how important that would be. My sisterhood was put to the test on May 21, 2011, a terrifying day in my life. That is the day I broke my back in a cliff diving accident. The doctors still can’t believe I’m alive today. My sisters have been my strength though all of this.

Through all of the physical pain, mental struggle and emotional pressure, there is always a Delta Gamma to pick me up when my knees hit the ground. Doctors said it would be nearly a year before I could learn to walk again. My sisters, ever hopeful, wouldn’t take no for an answer and pushed me through my physical therapy. In just two months, I was out of my brace, off my walker and taking steps on my own.

These women are my guardian angels on speed dial. Just as I thought I was going to be ok, my father was in an accident of his own. He was broken from head to toe and in a coma. My father is awake now, but is paralyzed. While my father fought for his life in a coma, my grandfather lost his. I had to tell my father this when he woke up.

The combination of my injury, my father’s accident and my grandfather’s death left me with a lot of bills to pay. I work 65 hours a week at two jobs to help support my family, attend class and work through my own physical limitations. I want to scream when I get out of bed at the sharp pains that shoot through my back.

But through it all, Delta Gamma has been there. My sisters were the first to reach out, the first to help me heal and I know they’ll be there forever.

I’ve only had 20 years on this planet, but I feel like I’ve lived a lot. The best part of this life has been finding Delta Gamma.

Delta Gammas know the warmth and generosity of this Fraternity. I know I am not the only one who would not have made it through the hardship and pain if a golden anchor wasn’t proudly pinned on my chest. Delta Gamma is a rock for thousands of my sisters, and I am proud I have found my home.

Kristen Iqal, Zeta Xi-Alabama, Birmingham, is a senior majoring in healthcare management. She hopes to pursue a career in hospital and health administration. Her younger sister is also a member of the same chapter. You can reach Kristen at kmiqal@uab.edu.

Annie: Anchored in Hope, Strength and Life

Annie with her brother Steve

DG Alumna Doesn’t Let Cancer Dampen her
Vibrant Spirit

I wanted to take the opportunity to share the amazing accomplishments of Epsilon Epsilon alumna Annie Goodman. Annie, a 2004 Tennessee Technological University graduate, was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer at the young age of 30. She currently lives in New York City and is a producer for “Your World with Neil Cavuto” at Fox News Channel.

Since her diagnosis in February 2012, she started a blog on Tumblr (http://anniegoodman.tumblr.com) to share her story and experience with others.

Here’s an except from her first blog entry: “The pathologist is in the room looking at the slides of the sample as soon as they’re ready. She then says they need to do more invasive biopsies because the first ones are suspicious. I again ask, “for what, malignancy?” She bluntly responds, “Yes.” This is when it starts to hit me what’s going on. I’m 30 years old and about to be diagnosed with breast cancer. They ask if I am there alone. I say yes and then call my brother to come up. I know I cannot be alone when I am given this diagnosis. More biopsies are done and I could see on the looks of their faces this is not at all how I thought things would go. I get dressed, cry a lot, and head into the radiologist’s office. That’s when it’s confirmed: I am 30 years old and have breast cancer. I made an appointment to meet with the surgeon first thing the next morning. I am warned I will need surgery and chemotherapy. Then I start making the calls and sending the emails. I try to remain calm. It’s not easy.”

Fellow Epsilon Epsilon alumnae Crystal Bishop Piper and Jackie Parnell Crouch set up a www.gofundme.com account titled “Do Good for Annie Goodman” dedicated to Annie which provided a way for her fellow Delta Gamma sisters to “Do Good” in her honor and provide financial support to her throughout her battle. “Do Good for Annie Goodman” (www.gofundme.com/gllb8) helped raise $4,570.00 that went directly to Annie to help pay for medical costs as well as purchase wigs and other necessities. Since February, Annie has received a bilateral mastectomy (she donated the tissue to research), completed chemotherapy and has now started radiation. She has been dedicated to raising awareness of Triple Negative Breast Cancer through her blog, and became involved with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. During the month of October, Annie was in the survivor spotlight on the “Stupid Cancer Show” blogcast (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stupidcancershow/2012/10/22/maura-tierney-pinkwashing-1) and has published two articles on foxnews.com: “In the fight of her life: Triple negative breast cancer at 30” (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/10/01/in-fight-her-life-triple-negative-breast-cancer-at-30/), and “A simple blood test: Genetic mutations and breast cancer” (http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/10/22/simple-blood-test-genetic-mutations-and-breast-cancer/).

The Pink Beauties

Annie is now cancer free and in remission. Feeling like a “work in progress,” she is looking forward to March when she can say she is one-year “cancer free,” but she says “the transition to real life as a ‘survivor’ is not easy.” In addition to battling an aggressive cancer, Annie was recently impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Her hometown of Massapequa, NY, was leveled. Thankfully, the NYC Cancer Center was spared of any damage so she only missed one week of radiation. Annie stayed in NYC during Hurricane Sandy to work, which included covering the hurricane and the presidential election. I cannot express in words how proud I am of Annie’s bravery and willingness to share her story with others. She has taken a horrible situation and found a way to “Do Good.” Annie is not only an inspiration; she is the embodiment of true Delta Gamma spirit: full of hope, full of strength, and full of life!

Crystal Bishop Piper, Epsilon Epsilon-Tennessee Tech, graduated in 2003. She recently got married and lives with her husband Jared in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Crystal works for the city of Franklin, Tennessee as a biologist. You can reach Crystal at: clbishop21@yahoo.com. For more information on triple negative breast cancer: http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/
 
 
Pictured top right: Annie and her brother Steve Goodman at the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation Benefit.
 
Pictured below: The “Pink Beauties” participate in the Susan G. Komen Nashville Race for the Cure in Honor of Annie. L-R: Jackie Parnell Crouch (Epsilon Epsilon), Samantha Brazelton, Bethann Kelley, Crystal Bishop Piper (Epsilon Epsilon), and Stephanie Vaughn Clark (Epsilon Epsilon).

Mrs. Steely

Mr. and Mrs. Steely

By Kimberly Cindle Rieger,
Alpha Iota-Oklahoma

Have you ever known someone you respect so much you’ve never used their first name? For me and countless other women from Alpha Iota-Oklahoma, that person is Kathryn Copple Steely. It feels strange, even now at 41 years old and serving as chapter adviser, using her full name. We always knew her first name was Kathryn, but we never used it. To us, she was always “Mrs. Steely.”

Mrs. Steely was a member of Alpha Iota-Oklahoma house corporation board during my collegiate years and in the year prior, spearheaded a massive bond campaign to fund a multi-million dollar renovation of the chapter house. Alumnae from that time have often said, “Mrs. Steely convinced every Delta Gamma she knew to purchase a bond.” Her leadership during the renovation and support of the chapter through difficult times in the mid 1990’s were instrumental to Alpha Iota’s future success. Mrs. Steely was vital not only to Alpha Iota’s operations, but also as a role model. Through her actions, Mrs. Steely showed us how to be gracious, how to fulfill a promise of lifelong service to the Fraternity – how to “Do Good.”  



Kathryn Copple Steely, AI-Oklahoma

I wish Mrs. Steely could see Alpha Iota now – a house still beautiful 24 years after the renovation, one of the largest chapters in the country, full of young women she would have been thoroughly enjoyed. Today’s collegians would love her as much as we did, and without a doubt, they would call her “Mrs. Steely.”

Kathryn Copple Steely, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma, died on Dec. 31, 2012, after an extended struggle with dementia. She is survived by three children, including Ann Steely McGehee, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma. Kathryn was a Cable Award recipient and devoted volunteer.

Battling Bulimia – One Step at a Time

Collegiate Member Mollie Opens up about her Battle with an Eating Disorder

My name is Mollie and I am 21 years old. Since I was 14, I have been battling bulimia. Today, I can proudly say that I have been eating disorder free for six months. It sounds like a short time, but when you’ve been battling this demon as long as I have, six months is an eternity. It took me almost eight years to get to where I am today, but not without the love and support of my parents, friends and Delta Gamma sisters.

ED is the name many people use to call the evil, horrible, manipulative disease that takes over our lives, controlled my body, my thoughts and my health for almost eight years. Yet, no one knew. It was a secret disease that was slowly killing me. Each time I didn't ask for help and continued to suffer alone, my disorder won and got stronger.

It got worse when I left for college in New York. It was then that I knew that I had to ask for help, or I wouldn’t survive this disease. I spoke up and did the hardest thing I’ve ever done; I admitted there was a problem and got help to get better. But the story doesn’t end here.
I left New York and transferred to University of Denver in Colorado. I fell in love with the campus, the city and the people. As an only child, growing up with two busy, hard working parents in Los Angeles, I spent a lot of time alone. I hoped that by joining a sorority I would find more friends, but what I found in Delta Gamma was more than I could have imagined. Delta Gamma was the first time I felt like I had the true meaning of family. But again, I let the bulimia take away the good in my life. I pushed good people away and ultimately had to leave school before the end of my sophomore year.

I felt defeated, but this time it was different. I had more to fight for than just myself. I had a sisterhood that was stronger than an eating disorder. I had always been afraid to tell my story, but if I have learned anything during my battle, it is that the people who care about you will care no matter what battle scars you bare.

I returned to school that January and continue to be active in Delta Gamma. I bring with me a sense of belonging and love that I never knew could be for me. I want to share my story and help other sisters who struggle and are afraid to speak up. My experience in Delta Gamma is so much more than the cliché views of parties and formals.This is a group of women who stood by my side and helped me fight a disease that I thought might one day kill me. My sisters, though in Denver, kept in touch, always asking when I would be back and that they were proud of what I was doing.
Every day I take another step forward in my recovery. I look forward to no longer associating myself as the girl with an eating disorder, but as the girl who is an art history major, loves kittens, wants to move to Paris and is a Delta Gamma.
Mollie Braen is a junior member of Beta Chi-Denver. She is majoring in art history and after graduation hopes to move to Paris and continue to study art. You can reach her at mbraen@gmail.com.

The A.D.A.M Medical Encyclopedia defines bulimia: “Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control. The person then uses different methods - such as vomiting or abusing laxatives - to prevent weight gain.”
If you or someone you know is battling bulimia here are some resources to that could help:http://www.bulimiahelp.org/book/starting-recovery/10-tips-recovery
http://www.remudaranch.com/

Doing Good, After the Storm

One DG was an Anchor in the Storm Following Hurricane Sandy



Chelsea Davis in front of her team's ambulance.

I left Las Vegas on October 28 with nine of my colleagues from American Medical Response to assist with the disaster clean-up on the east coast after Hurricane Sandy. We arrived at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York, our home-away-from-home, which is actually nothing more than a tarmac; the perfect place for staging more than 300 ambulances. Over the next several weeks, I assisted in the evacuation of NYU and Bellevue hospitals, evacuated countless nursing homes and provided supplemental support for overloaded 911 systems. I found myself walking down the hallways in apartment buildings, alongside NYPD, knocking on doors to offer food, water, blankets and medical care to those who had been living without electricity and water. The smell of rotting food, urine, feces and trash was almost unbearable at times. My team and I drove the streets in awe of the destruction. Cars full of dirt and water, turned sideways and crushed by fallen trees, left many streets inaccessible. When piles of debris began appearing on the sidewalks, I tried to ignore the sullen looks of despair as people emptied their soggy possessions out of their homes and onto the streets for the garbage men.

Some nights I was able to return to Floyd Bennett Field where I would share the facilities brought in by FEMA - eight showers, 24 restrooms, and 14 15-man tents for more than 600 people. Most of us elected to sleep in our ambulances; already sitting in your seat made it easier to wake up at 2:00 a.m. to head out to a shelter!  Sometimes we would be away from Floyd Bennett for days at a time, so we made do with baby wipe “showers” and MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat); I can now officially advise everyone to stay away from the Spaghetti and Meatballs! Occasionally we would luck out and be tasked to a fire house, church, shelter, school or nursing home where we would be allowed to use their hot showers, laundry facilities and enjoy hot meals.

Through it all, I felt like all the work we did wasn’t quite enough; that the desire to “Do Good” and the ability to “Do Good” seem so far from the same. I am truly blessed that I've been called to a profession that allows me to lend my skills in time of need, and this experience has been life changing for me. I have learned many things that I would like to share with you: As bad as you think your life may be, there is always someone who is going through something worse. Appreciate all you have; you never know when you will have to move all you took for granted to the sidewalk for the garbage man to pick up. Above all, always remember that no matter how difficult things may seem, you always have the ability to “Do Good.” A hug, an email, a thank-you or words of encouragement are all you need to make a difference.

Chelsea Davis, Eta Iota-Neveda, Reno, grew up in Reno, Nevada, and graduated college in 2007. She attended paramedic school and graduated in 2009 and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where she lives now. On average she responds to more than 1,400 911 calls a year.You can reach Chelsea at chelseacode3@gmail.com.

Happy Holidays from Delta Gamma

A Picture is Worth at Least a Thousand Words

The members of a sorority at Penn State University are learning that firsthand after a photo of members stereotyping Mexican immigrants went viral and put the chapter and national office in a public relations crisis. It’s caught the attention of The TODAY Show, Anderson Cooper and countless TV and newspaper outlets. What the women of this chapter likely thought was a carefree and funny moment, has no one laughing now. 

The women have expressed “deep remorse” according to the university and it’s likely they never meant to hurt anyone. The students admitted the photo didn’t reflect the values of their organization, but this photo is all some people may ever know about the group.

Delta Gamma’s heart goes out to the women of the national organization. This could have happened to any of us.

When we saw the photo making its way around the Internet, Delta Gamma Fraternity Council and EO staff stopped. There were a few ways we could handle this situation. We could ignore it; after all it wasn’t a Delta Gamma chapter that did it. We could address it closer to Halloween and use it as a proactive reminder to our women. Or, we could use this moment to teach our women about how a “fun” photo could damage or embarrass others.

A good rule of thumb: If you would be uncomfortable reading your statement or posting your photo on the front page of The Washington Post or the New York Times, you shouldn’t take the picture or write the post. Your words and photos make their way to millions via the Internet.

Delta Gamma has intelligent, charismatic, funny and wonderful women as part of its rich heritage and sisterhood. We love Delta Gamma and we want to protect it and our members. The Fraternity is only as strong as each member. Our decisions impact our sisters. Our thoughts and opinions are important. We want you to have fun, but not at the expense of others. Are we projecting our thoughts in a constructive way, a way that can bring about change for the good?

We are going to make mistakes. No one is expecting you to be perfect. Delta Gamma wants to give you the foundation you need, in order to make good choices on your own. We want you to understand that the actions could have global implications and that each time you chose to interact on social media, your words, actions and photos will be seen by millions. Are you posting quality content? Do your photos reflect who you are and what Delta Gamma stands for? Are you using words and phrases that reflect upon your character?

Delta Gamma challenges you to “Do Good.” It’s not an empty motto. It’s something we expect of every member right down to the bio you use on Twitter, the photo you take on Instagram, the blog you post on WordPress and status you write on Facebook. If you are a Delta Gamma; act like a Delta Gamma. Carry yourself with poise, charm, intelligence and class. Don’t swear and curse, don’t put down others and don’t retweet comments that are degrading to anyone. 

What you do one moment, just for laughs, could have immense repercussions down the road, for you and the Fraternity. Think before you post and act. “Do Good!”

For more information on how one university and even the United Nations are embracing cultural diversity and education visit these sites: http://www.ohio.edu/orgs/stars/Home.html
http://www.un.org/en/letsfightracism/

Saving a School

Penny Hensley and her students.

One Delta Gamma’s Crusade to Keep the Door Open to a School She Adores

When I returned to my classroom after Thanksgiving break, I was met with the news that the school I love would close at the end of the year due to budget constraints.

I teach second grade at the Horizon Charter School’s Accelerated Learning Academy in Sacramento, California. The closing of a school would be bad enough, but the closing of THIS school is a catastrophe for some of my students.

Our curriculum is an accelerated, project-based program that allows students to be fully immersed in the subject matter. Despite being a second grade teacher, I do not teach much second grade material. These children are on a 3rd, 4th, and even 5th grade level. These students have been in traditional schools where they got in trouble because they were bored and not challenged. These children will go on to do great things. I refuse to let them go back to not being challenged in school. I will do whatever is needed to continue teaching these children; even if it means holding class in my home.

Since the news that our classrooms would close, I have rallied other teachers and parents. We are in constant contact with another charter school that is willing to take us under their wing until the end of this school year. We will know by tomorrow if this plan is approved. We are hopeful that we will remain open. We are devising a fundraising plan to pay for the remainder of the lease on our building.

I am meeting nightly with parents to keep our class together, with teachers to come up with our plan, with the parent group to finalize details of the move and praying that we will be able to remain open.

This has been total devastation to all involved but we have come together to save our school. When I became a Delta Gamma, I took on our motto “Do Good.” This is a time when I must “Do Good” to save this school for these children.

I urge you to be thankful for the stable education that you and your children have received and “Do Good” to keep supporting it.


Penny Lain Hensley, Gamma Alpha-Tennessee, currently lives in the Sacramento, California area and is active with the alumnae group there. Penny works as a second grade teacher and believes passionately in education. You can reach her at pennylain.hensley@gmail.com.

For more information on Penny’s crusade to save her school: www.news10.net/news/article/218678/2/Horizon-School-in-Lincoln-set-to-close

Do Good for Life

“Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it’s not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.”
– Barack Obama

You can “Do Good.” You can change the world.

Christmas break is just around the corner and nerves are high as finals approach. Chapters all have newly installed CMT. New opportunities are right within grasp. This should be a new and exciting time for everyone, especially new officers. This next semester holds opportunities for great things to happen. New jobs, new relationships, new beginnings lay ahead. Don’t be afraid to take risks this semester. Stand up for your beliefs. Be courageous. And continue to “Do Good.” Hold one another accountable and don’t be afraid of failure.

There is a difference between true failure and a lack of success. Being unsuccessful is something a person can’t control. Failure is something a person can control, because failure is giving up on the learning process. It’s refusing to take something from the situation and using it to be better in the future. Anyone can be unsuccessful, but only people who choose to, can fail.

If you learn from your mistakes that is a success!

Success is something everyone strives for and it feels good. But being unsuccessful is what makes a person learn the most about themselves. Remember that life doesn’t have a set of rules. There’s no formula to make you whole. You might hurt to heal, and you will risk to love. But you will find yourself if you truly search.
So no matter what your plans are for finishing finals, Christmas break, or even next semester, remember that as long as you are learning it’s not a failure. Leave here in the knowledge you are a part of this family, this sisterhood, this movement. You are a part of a community that has always had the same goal: to “Do Good.”
Make mistakes, take risks, live life, and most importantly love the learning. Don’t forget the lessons you learned during your time with Delta Gamma. Take the lessons and the successes you have had here and remember them wherever you go, no matter where your successes, or lack thereof, take you.

Delta Gammas part of the movement to “Do Good,” and learn from their mistakes.

The Gift of Hope

Parents Club Gives Members the Gift of Quality Time and DG History

Parents are our foundation. They shape our lives in many ways. The parents of Eta Kappa-North Carolina State women started something new this year to continue to serve as examples of hope to their daughters during this holiday season.

Chapter president Maria Dimopoulos, Eta Kappa-North Carolina State, and her mother Kathy wanted a fun way for members to connect with the history of Delta Gamma and bond with their parents.



Ornaments made by the Eta Kappa Parents Club

The parents club made ornaments and sponsored a holiday gift exchange. Gifts, gift cards, jewelry, gift baskets and monetary donations valued at $5 were wrapped and brought to the chapter house. Members chose a gift, sat in a circle and listened to the history of Delta Gamma. At certain points in the story, the reader would say “left” or “right,” indicating the direction the member was to pass her gift. At the end of the story, most of the women had a different box than they originally chose. Not only did they receive a nice gift, they had the opportunity to spend time with their parents and reflect on the history of Delta Gamma.


Kathy Dimopoulos is the mother of the Eta Kappa-NC State chapter president Maria Dimopoulos. Kathy lives in Wilmington, North Carolina and works as an accountant. You can reach Kathy at dimopouloskathy@aol.com.

If you want to do this project in your chapter, here is a link to their Pinterest Board with all the information: http://pinterest.com/pin/7036943139401170/.

If you’d like inspiration for starting a parents club in your chapter, here is the Facebook fan page for the Eta Kappa Parents Club:
https://www.facebook.com/deltagammaparentsclubatncsu?ref=ts&fref=ts.


We want to hear from you. Write to dgblog@deltagamma.org with your story.

In the Midst Very Far Away

My name is Rachel Kodner, Tau-Iowa; I am a 2010 graduate. I came to Israel in August 2012 as an Israel Teaching Fellow, a program heavily funded by the government and through Masa grants. I live in Petach Tikva, which is about ten kilometers from Tel Aviv. I came to Israel because I wanted to move abroad, I always liked being at Jewish summer camp, and quite frankly, the program agreed to reimburse my flight ticket.

Israel is a small country. To travel from top to bottom by car or bus it takes about eight hours, and four hours across at the widest parts. When I first moved here and getting lost was becoming a daily ritual, I'd ask for directions. What happened next occurred many times over, in different Israeli cities and neighborhoods. When I asked for directions, the friendly local would tell me I was very far from my destination. They'd even looked scared for my well-being to make such a journey. They'd wish me good luck ("mazel tov!") with a fun wave or laugh, still with eyes full of pity. When I'd get to my destination, the trip was always about a 10-15 minute walk - 20 minutes tops. Not quite the epic journey the Israelis prepared me for. I've discovered Israeli perspective differs from mine, a Chicagoan.

When bombs go off (like the one in the Tel Aviv bus yesterday morning) ten kilometers away, the Israeli teachers I work with barely flinch. They call their daughters and sons who live in the area, read the news on their iPhones, but finish their coffee and return to the classroom. When missiles land twelve kilometers away (like in Rishon L'zion or Tel Aviv), my roommates get calls from their Israeli boyfriends, but the boyfriends carry on to work, class, life. To them, it is very far away. An epic distance away. To me, it's a bus exploding in Chicago's Loop while I'm just north of Wrigley Field.

About 20 minutes after the news of the bus explosion broke, a teacher not native to Israel asked me if I was scared. I said, "yes," and she told me the chaos that surrounds Israel was part of her life now, and she isn't worried about dying, nor should I. To change the subject, I asked her to tell me about her first couple years in Israel. It took her a minute, but after she launched into a monologue about the Lebanon War in 1980, she revealed how frightened she was. Bingo! We nodded at each other, and she didn't tell me how to think again.

I can't blame Israelis for going on with their everyday lives. The buses continue to run; stores are open; school is in session. My coworkers will continue to tell me things are fine  - that driving a car is more dangerous statistically than living in Israel  -  and that it's a part of life. But I'm scared. My roommate Grace just got off the phone with her parents and is beginning to pack. She's moving back to Texas indefinitely. I don't know what's going to happen, and I don't know if I'll come home just yet, but I know that every single acknowledgement of the situation via Facebook, Tweets, texts and calls makes me feel better. I hope to update next with good news, but we'll see. What's even good news? Before last week, good news meant a last-minute trip to Greece or Hebrew class getting out early. It's all about perspective.

Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your perspective. Your DG sisters are sending hope.  

Stingray Photobomb Starring Three DGs

Photobombing. It may be a new term to some of us. For those of us who are still learning some of today's evolving vernacular, we'll share here.

The online Urban Dictionary tells us that the term photobomb is a verb and means "to drop in a photo unexpectedly...to hop in a picture right before it is taken."

The results can be humourous and some images gain quick notority. With instant communication tools as the mode of transportation, interesting photos can become world travelers over night.

We recently heard from one of our members who informed us that she and her friends are a part of one of those viral photos. Kendall Harlan, Gamma Tau-Texas Christian writes, "I thought you might like seeing three rather newly-famous faces and learning that we are DGs!"

The photo, which was taken five years ago in the Cayman Islands, now has a name. It is aptly titled the "Stingray Photobomb" and the women featured (from left) are Sarah Bourland, Natalie Zaysoff and Kendall Harlan, all initiates from Gamma Tau chapter at Texas Christian University.

Harlan tells us, "When we were sophomores at TCU, we took this photo on a sorority sister cruise. It has now been recently featured on famous websites such as People Magazine, Huffington Post, CelebrityGossip, Yahoo and many more! It was also on Good Morning America and we were also contacted by the Ellen Show!"

The trio (or foursome) have been told they will soon be featured on ESPN Presents. The group has gained international popularity. They had people dressing up as them for Halloween and their photo was featured in Austrailian and Chinese newspapers.

"It has been such a fun ride as this photo has gained instant recognition."

Take a minute to Google the term "Stingray Photobomb." Chances are, your search results will yield multiple copies of the hilarious photo series. And, chances are... you'll smile when you look at the pictures.

Kendall wanted to share her story with her DG sisters. She says, "Who knew that three DGs from Texas would be in such an instantly viral photo."

Take a look at the "before" and "after" photos below. The talented photographer captured one terrific image worthy of framing. In the next moment, he captured the suprising, now-famous Stingray Photobomb which would travel the world.

before

after

Thanks for getting in touch with us, Kendall. We'd love to hear from others. If you have a story that you would like to share on our blog, please be in touch. Email blog@deltagamma.org with your story.

Wear Your Badge with Pride

We, as members of a women’s fraternity, have symbols of our membership. These symbols and their meanings are special and known only to us, those who have the privilege of wearing them, yet we wear them as demonstrated pride of our commitment to Delta Gamma. It is more than a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of our love, devotion and pride.

Former Fraternity President Maureen Sweeney Syring, Nu-Idaho, once said, “Our badge is our outward symbol of our inner commitment.” It is important to remember why we wear our badge and when we wear our badge. To wear our badge, you should be aligned with the meanings and purpose of Delta Gamma. The purpose of wearing our badge is to show our understanding, love and commitment for the organization and those things for which Delta Gamma stands.

Consider this: you are always wearing your letters, but you should wear your badge to show your additional pride and love for the Fraternity and our mission and values.

When to wear your badge:

• Any time you are feeling your best, looking your best
• On chapter badge day to show pride in membership and the strength of the beliefs and commitment to Delta Gamma
• At formal chapter
• At Initiation
• At the Pi Alpha ceremony
• Founders Day
• Delta Gamma alumnae meeting
• Panhellenic meeting or gathering
• Delta Gamma memorial service or funeral

When it’s not a great idea to wear your badge:

• When you just rolled out of bed and are not necessarily looking your personal best.
• If you are having a really bad day and are in a not-so-good mood.
• If your behavior is not reflective of Delta Gamma standards or values.

FAQs:

Q: “I thought I could only wear my badge if I was wearing formal chapter attire like a dress.”

A: There is no Fraternity policy for badge attire. Each chapter has different dress requirements for formal chapter in its bylaws and standing rules. Some state dresses; some state no strapless dresses; some state business attire; some state nothing. The badge may be worn at any time; however, as long as you look neat, polished and presentable and your behavior reflects the standards of the Fraternity.

Q: “Is there a specific place I have to wear my badge?”

A: The badge may be worn anywhere, as specific in Fraternity policy. It may be worn as a pendant, on a bracelet or as a pin. If it is worn as a pin, it is over the heart. A helpful tip for placement: place your thumb on your throat, right above the sternum, spread out your palm, and place the badge where the base of the pinky finger meets the base of the fourth finger.

Q: “I never ordered a badge. Is it too late for me to get one?”

A: Any initiated member of Delta Gamma Fraternity may order a badge at any time from the Fraternity jeweler, J. Brandt. www.jbrandt.com. New members order their badges with the help of their chapter's vice president: member education.

Q: “I cannot afford a badge.”

A: J. Brandt offers a sterling silver badge option for $45. For the price of a few lattes, you can have your badge for a lifetime.

Q: “I am in poor standing and on probation with my chapter. I was told I cannot wear my badge.

A: Only members in good standing may wear the Delta Gamma badge. When a member is no longer on probation, she may again wear her badge with pride and as emblem of aligning with the standards of membership and the values and meanings of the Fraternity.

Q: My friend resigned her membership, but she still wants her badge. Is that okay?

A: If someone is no longer a member of the Fraternity, she may not wear the badge. A badge must be returned to Executive Offices if a member resigns or is expelled.  By owning or wearing a badge, a woman is demonstrating her beliefs and values are in line with those of the Fraternity and she agrees to uphold the meanings and secrets of Delta Gamma. If she no longer is a member, these no longer apply, and her badge must be surrendered.

Thank you to Director: Scholarship & Rituals Staige Davis Hodges, Beta Theta-Duke, for this submission.