Barbara M. Hardin, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State, is a professional powerhouse and the San Antonio alumnae chapter couldn’t be prouder! Her passion for psychology grew from her collegiate experiences as a Delta Gamma. She is nationally renowned and professionally admired for her commitment to training, teaching and counseling – everyone from students to pre-doctoral interns to postdoctoral fellows. Her peers showed their inestimable respect by electing her to serve as the president of Texas University and College Counseling Center Directors. Barbara, pictured above, was truly surprised to receive her Shield Award presented by her admiring sisters at the San Antonio alumnae chapter’s Founders Day celebration last spring.
The Shield Award - The Shield Award recognizes alumnae who have achieved unique and noteworthy distinctions through leadership and verifiable accomplishments in their chosen fields of professional expertise. You can find Shield Award instructions here.
A message from the Delta Gamma Foundation Executive Director, Roxanne LaMuth.
Compassion is the strongest link of our sisterhood. We are a circle of united women that embrace one another with encouragement, reinforcement and sisterly love. We are sisters for life, supporting each other through all life stages and in times of need.
Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to more than 17,000 Delta Gamma sisters who live in the state of Texas, knowing that nearly every Delta Gamma in Texas and many other Delta Gammas throughout the country are connected to someone who has been affected by Hurricane Harvey. We applaud our Region 6 leadership team who continues to maintain a strong network of communication offering assistance and support. We are also grateful to other sisters and first responders who have stepped up to help storm victims with courage and generosity.
Thousands of homes have been flooded throughout Houston and surrounding areas. As the recovery efforts continue and our family of sisters return to their homes, we are reminded that many are facing power loss, devastating mold, mud, electrical hazards, toxins and much more in the receding water that surrounds them.
The Delta Gamma Foundation is closely following the effects of Harvey, the anticipated path of Irma and the potential risk of other natural disasters throughout this season. We recognize that it may take days/weeks/months for some sisters to assess the damage and determine their needs.
The Delta Gamma Foundation Anchor Grant Fund provides assistance to members in crisis and was created to help Delta Gammas all over the world who may need our support. Our Anchor Grant Natural Disaster application was developed to respond to sisters who have experienced a natural disaster event and need temporary, short-term, financial assistance. Whether the need results from the devastation of Harvey or from another life-changing event, the Delta Gamma Foundation embraces the opportunity to help our sisters.
We encourage our sisters to reach out to us. Applications can be found on the Foundation website under the applications tab or by clicking the link at the bottom of the page. Questions may be directed to Kate Morales, Foundation Program Specialist, at DGFoundation@deltagamma.org or by calling 1-800-644-5414.
Sisters around the country have been asking how they can help their sisters in need. We have created a special Anchor Grant donation page (link below) to direct gifts to this fund which assists sisters who need support, including Harvey victims. These grants offer Delta Gammas the greatest gift of all: the knowledge that their sisters care and are always there to help in times of need. We are sisters for life working together in spirit and support. Isn’t that what Delta Gamma is all about?
Marge Sweatt Gorsline, Gamma Epsilon-Kent State, has proudly led and served Delta Gamma – and we are all richer for her vision, commitment and success! Marge is well-known as a member of the Board of Advisers, having served the Fraternity as the Treasurer and President. And many know of her leadership in establishing our Fraternity Housing Corporation. But she is perhaps most remarkable for having led the Fraternity’s Futuring Task Force - which truly set Delta Gamma on the path to the phenomenal success we benefit from every day.
Marge has received the Cable Award and the Loyalty Award prior to the Anchor Award. And, as you can see by her smile in the photo, Marge (right), was thrilled to receive the surprise recognition at the Cleveland West Shore alumnae chapter’s Founders Day celebration last spring.
The Anchor Award recognizes alumnae who have received the Cable Award and whose Fraternity service and achievements extend beyond the local level with a demonstrable, unique and lasting impact on every member of the Fraternity. Anchor Award winners are a mainstay, providing Delta Gamma a lifetime of reliable support from which all members benefit. You can find Anchor Award instructions here.
I’m organizing all the chapter and alumnae histories. I’m also making master lists of them to give to the CDCs to help them when visiting chapters so chapters can update them as needed. I’ve also helped with write ups of the exhibits and helped with the placement of the archives [in the display cases].
What do you hope to take away from this internship?
I really want to be involved in archives so I’m hoping to gain firsthand experience with an actual exhibit and pieces that go into an exhibit. But also, all the people that make this exhibit possible! I hope to network and create lasting relationships with the people from here.
Before you started your internship, what did you expect Executive Offices to be like? Were you right or wrong?
I expected [EO] to be more of a traditional office space and not as ‘homey’ as it is. Everyone is so close knit, and together and not spread apart. I will admit I was wrong, and I love that I was wrong!
What advice do you have for sisters who are interviewing for internships/jobs?
Be yourself! If you’re doing a phone or Skype interview, practice talking in the mirror before. If you smile and have good posture, even while talking on the phone, you will have a better performance.
What is your dream job?
Anything involving museum work or archives in the Smithsonian or based around the civil war. I would love to be on the curation team at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. I had an internship there last summer and fell in love with it!
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Name: Collin Reymann
Internship position: Accounts Payable Assistant
School & graduation year: Hillsdale College, 2019
Major: Economics
What’re your duties?
I direct and account for funds to be used for payments of the chapters residing in the New England, Midwest and Southwest regions.
What do you hope to take away from this internship?
I will learn from practical experience what goes into accounting and the general workings of an international, non-profit accounting firm.
What advice do you have for friends who are interviewing for internships/jobs?
Make it clear to your interviewer that you are ready to work hard, learn fast and help the team, and of course if you get the position, make sure to follow through on that. The work of an intern is very fluid, changing as needs arise, and the objective is always to help your fellow co-workers.
What is your dream job?
I would like to formulate policy and advise our politicians on how to make the government more fiscally responsible and the economy freer and thereby stronger. I believe that is the most effective way for me to help others.
What will you miss the most about working at EO?
It would have to be the people, everyone here is incredibly supportive and it has been an honor working with them.
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Name: Alanna Henderson, Alpha Rho-Ohio Wesleyan
Internship position: Member Services Intern
Graduation year: 2018
Major: Journalism
What’re your duties?
Currently I am working on a large scanning project. There are candidate’s lists that date back to the 1950s up to the early 2000s that need to be organized and electronically stored. I’ve also helped with editing and proofreading the ANCHORA and helping with any other tasks other departments need.
What do you hope to take away from this internship?
I have learned so much about Delta Gamma and what our motto really means this summer. I’ve witnessed firsthand what everyone means when they say Delta Gamma is for life and I hope to continue that bond and share it with my Alpha Rho sisters. I also hope to stay in touch with the wonderful sisters who’ve guided me through this internship!
Before you started your internship, what did you expect Executive Offices to be like? Were you right or wrong?
I always thought it was only Delta Gammas who worked in Executive Offices. After working here and meeting everyone, I was proven wrong! And I think it’s awesome that there’s other Panhellenic organizations represented in the office. I think it goes to show how strong the Greek community is beyond college campus’ and that we all share a passion of service, leadership and care.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to work at Delta Gamma! I have a variety of dream jobs and DG at the top of the list. But I would love to work in a big city and continue to meet new people. I’ve always thought writing for a magazine or working onset of a movie or TV production would be cool.
What will you miss the most about working at EO?
I know everyone has said it already – but I will truly miss the people! After working here, I appreciate what Executive Offices staff does even more. It’s fun to now know who I’m going to be emailing and submitting my e-Ops+ tasks to back on campus. I’m going to miss the conversations I’ve had with everyone – from sharing Delta Gamma stories, to learning about the different departments here, to the recent candle sales at Bath and Body Works. And I love at meetings, there will always be a little ice breaker – I think it’s cool that everyone is always learning something new about each other. Executive Offices truly lives up to the Culture of Care!
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Name: Natalie Weirtz, Alpha Omicron-Miami (Ohio)
Internship position: Foundation Accounting Intern
Graduation year: 2020
Major: Accounting Major
Previous DG experience: – Archives Intern (2016), also volunteered in Archives (2015)
What’re your duties?
I’m mainly working on one big project with pledges. It’s a multi-step process because we are working with an outside fundraiser coordinator, who is the one to go out and receive the pledges. When [Delta Gamma] receives those donations, we [compare] the information on what we have versus what they have [in their records]. I’ve been collecting this information and making excel sheets that keep track of it all. It’s a lot of excel sheets on payment projects, donor payment plans, how they are paying or if they have they not paid at all – it’s keeping track of all the totals but now, we will have a more exact number to give to the auditors when they come in the fall.
What do you hope to take away from this internship?
I hope to take away a real-life accounting experience. When you’re studying in school, it’s different reading about it versus doing it. [This internship has] made me realize accounting isn’t so black and white. There are a lot of pieces that need to be in place... It’s given me the ability to use what I’ve learned in class and I think going forward this experience will be helpful to have.
What advice do you have for sisters who are interviewing for internships/jobs?
Just being confident and personable is huge! My professors have always said recruiters are looking for someone who they want to work with. You could be perfect on paper, but if you aren’t connecting when in person, it’s not going to be a strong match. I would say just being organized and being impressive – it’s the little things like having your resume on nice cardstock instead of printing it out on computer paper five minutes before.
What is your dream job?
I would have to say my dream job would be going into tax accounting… or I would love to work with a Big four but I don’t want to do that if it’s not the right fit. I have so many different ideas that I don’t know which one to pick! Someday, I would like to move out of Ohio and move to the South if a job took me there. I’ve dreamt up some crazy dreams! I think it could be awesome to somehow work with Disney or a record studio, I love music and movies. It’d be cool to have my job take me places - the sky is the limit!
What will you miss the most about working at EO?
I will miss seeing my mom every day! Last summer, we were both upstairs and we always ran into each other. Now this summer, being downstairs, I’ll see her just in the morning, during lunch and after work. I still feel independent but it’s fun seeing her! I think it’s also fun to work with sisters and meet Delta Gammas who aren’t in the same chapter… It’s awesome to have this kind of support system in the Greek community… The community aspect in Executive Offices is special.
On the Big Screen – Wonder Woman is a warrior princess turned superhero who lassoes evil-doers, flashes a handy sword, and generally makes us all wish we had our own nifty golden bracelets. Closer to home, each of us knows and can celebrate real wonder women – those wonderful Delta Gamma alumnae worthy of nomination for our Fraternity Individual Alumnae Awards. These stellar sisters awe us every day as they “Do Good” for the Fraternity, with the Foundation, in their communities and as professionals.
While Wonder Woman feels destined to save the world, our alumnae are destined to make contributions by Doing Good in the name of Delta Gamma! You know her - she stands up proudly and says, “I Am a Sorority Woman.” She heads out for “Do Good” Week each September and then does it again 51 more weeks a year. She fosters our incredible Culture of Care. She exemplifies the Founders’ commitment to their little club of mutual helpfulness through her tireless philanthropic service, her ready response as a collegiate adviser, her strong leadership as a professional role model and her quiet commitment to improving the world around her in big ways and small.
Take some time to think about the real wonder woman in your life and then please consider nominating her for one of the Fraternity’s Individual Alumnae Awards. In addition to the descriptions below, you can find more specific criteria for each IAA on the News & Resources page on the Delta Gamma website. All IAA applications are located in e-Ops+, and complete nomination packets for all awards must be submitted by October 15.
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The Cable Award – The Cable Award recognizes alumnae who, through years of serving Delta Gamma, have evidenced unusual loyalty and devotion far beyond normal alumnae participation. You can find Cable Award instructions here.
The Loyalty Award – The Loyalty Award recognizes alumnae who have continued to serve the Fraternity for at least 10 years following recognition with the Fraternity’s Cable Award. She is a woman who exhibits extraordinary commitment and distinctive dedication to Delta Gamma. You can find Loyalty Award instructions here.
The Anchor Award – The Anchor Award recognizes alumnae who have received the Cable Award and whose Fraternity service and achievements extend beyond the local level with a demonstrable, unique and lasting impact on every member of the Fraternity. Anchor Award winners are a mainstay, providing Delta Gamma a lifetime of reliable support from which all members benefit. You can find Anchor Award instructions here.
The Oxford Award – The Oxford Award recognizes alumnae who exemplify the Delta Gamma philosophy of community service through volunteer and philanthropic activities. Recipients bring a sense of pride to their alumnae groups through outstanding community efforts and involvement. You can find Oxford Award instructions here.
The Shield Award - The Shield Award recognizes alumnae who have achieved unique and noteworthy distinctions through leadership and verifiable accomplishments in their chosen fields of professional expertise. You can find Shield Award instructions here.
The Order of the Delta Gamma Rose - The Order of the Delta Gamma Rose is the highest award presented by the Fraternity, honoring alumnae who have made distinguished contributions to their nation and/or the world. Recipients are renowned in their chosen fields, and MUST have received (inter)national recognition because of their individual efforts and talents. You can find Rose Award instructions here.
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Helpful Dos and Don’ts:
Do review the criteria and instructions for each award well in advance of preparing the application. This will give you an opportunity to gather all the information, letters of support and documents that you will need to complete the application.
Do consider ALL she has accomplished. She has probably contributed even more than the efforts that inspired you to nominate her in the first place. Take a minute to think about it, discuss it with others who know and work with her, write down a few thoughts, then GO FOR IT!
Do ask! Do you have questions about some of the awards or any part of the process? Just ask your Regional Alumnae Specialist (RAS), Regional Collegiate Specialist (RCS) or contact the Fraternity Director: Awards at awards@deltagamma.org.
Do brag! Now is the time to tell us all of the wonderful things that make you so proud to call her “sister.” Has she won other awards or recognition? Did she single-handedly pull it off? Has she been there day in and day out, with huge impact and an even bigger smile? Tell us! Has she inspired or helped the collegians? Tell us! Is she a resolute, dependable and yet cheerful crew leader? Tell us!
Don’t wait until the last minute! As we all know, computers and websites are fickle things. Just when you need them to work, they don’t. Make sure you plan ahead!
Consider nominating an alumna you know for “Doing Good” in a wonderful way.
I have known and admired Nikki for many years and first met her when she worked at Executive Offices. Nikki has been a leader throughout her Delta Gamma life and is currently a member of the Phoenix alumnae chapter.
On October 6, 2014 at the age of 37, Nikki suffered a severe stroke affecting her right side which left her without speech and an essential need to learn to walk again. As a new mother to little Conor, clearly Nikki was fighting for her quality of life.
After a tough two and half years of physical therapy, funded in part by her Beta Mu sisters, Nikki has been able to gain back a major part of her independence.
While in therapy, Nikki was introduced to an apparatus called Bioness. When attached below her right knee, an electrical current stimulates her weak leg muscles helping her right leg move forward without dragging her foot.
At the suggestion of the Phoenix alumnae, Nikki applied for an Anchor Grant asking the Foundation if they would donate any amount toward this experimental device that was not covered by insurance. When I called Nikki and her mom and told her the Foundation would pay the full price of the Bioness, the phone went silent followed by heartfelt tears.
In February, the Foundation Board of Trustees held their winter meeting in Phoenix and hosted a reception to thank the local alumnae for all they do for the Foundation. There was not a dry eye in the room when Nikki walked through the front door pressing the button around her neck and moving her right foot forward walking toward me to say thank you.
I believe it is time for you to meet Nikki.
Thank YOU, Nikki. Your Delta Gamma sisters embrace you with love and support. Please give little Conor a hug for all of us!
Taylor Hartgraves (left) and Lindsay Long (right), both initiates of Eta Gamma-Texas A&M.
Recent graduates, Taylor Hartgraves, Eta Gamma-Texas A&M and Lindsay Long, Eta Gamma-Texas A&M, were determined to spend as much time together as possible their senior year. One day as the two women were together, Lindsay mentioned they should get off the couch and do something outside. Lindsay wanted to ride a bike, an arduous task for someone with a visual impairment. Lindsay was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 7, a disease that causes retinal degeneration. Taylor was not sure how they were going to make this happen, until Lindsay revealed her family owned a tandem bicycle. Lindsay would be able to sit on the back seat, while Taylor steered.
They rode together about six miles during their first ride. It seemed so easy! They thought, “Why not participate in a bike race?” After some research, they came across the Rosedale Ride. It took place in Austin, TX, just far enough away from College Station to make for a nice weekend getaway. The ride also gave back to a local school for children with multiple disabilities. Both women have been actively involved with Best Buddies – an organization that centers on developing meaningful relationships with people living with disabilities – and were excited about the personal connections to the cause.
“Delta Gamma has given me the confidence to embrace my visual impairment.” – Lindsay Long
Leading up to the race, the woman trained a few times a week. They slowly started increasing their mileage to prepare for the 23-mile race. The training gave Lindsay and Taylor an excuse to get together multiple times a week. Both woman had internships and enjoyed sharing this experience their last semester of college. When Lindsay and Taylor informed Eta Gamma of their training at a chapter retreat, many of the members teared up and were moved by the story. They decided after seeing the reaction of the chapter to make a video to share as an inspiration to others. The video chronicled their training, but also their friendship.
Lindsay had become used to being an inspiration to Eta Gamma. As the only member in her chapter with a visual impairment, the chapter supported her in any way possible. Members knew to always introduce themselves when they walked up to Lindsay, knowing she may not recognize their voice. Their first year, Taylor and Lindsay had a class together. Taylor would help Lindsay find where she and another Delta Gamma were sitting. During her time as a collegian, Lindsay was fortunate to act as an example to the chapter and teach them how to correctly approach people with disabilities.
“I’m a lot of work! I can’t have a fake friend.” – Lindsay Long
On April 1,2017, Lindsay and Taylor participated in the Rosedale Ride. They were one of six tandem bikes. The route was more laborious than any they had ridden around College Station with many hills and inclines. Even so, they managed to complete the race without stopping or walking the bike. Though riding among many seasoned riders, the woman held their own.
Since then, Taylor and Lindsay have graduated from Texas A&M University and are preparing for the next phases in their lives. Fortunately, they will only be living about 20 minutes from each other. Lindsay will be attending the University of Houston-Clear Lake studying marriage and family therapy. Taylor will be close by in Galveston attending occupational therapy school at the University of Texas Medical Branch. They have already determined a Buc-ee’s is the halfway point between them and plan to meet up often.
Click here to watch the video Taylor and Lindsay created.
As many of our Delta Gamma collegiate members are preparing for graduation, their involvement with Delta Gamma is transitioning to that of an alumna. While they may not live in a chapter house with dozens of sisters anymore, they are still part of a network of 240,000 members. This network opens many doors and opportunities for all our alumnae to continue their Delta Gamma story. Most DGs already know what is great about being a Delta Gamma collegian, but below are the 5 best things about being a DG alumna.
1.Per Capita dues are only $27 a year. Alumnae dues are much cheaper from when you were a collegian. Those $27 a year help support the Fraternity by funding the publication of the ANCHORA, extension and recruitment efforts, Fraternity programming, preservation of the Delta Gamma archives, support for collegiate and alumnae members, convention and other large scale Delta Gamma events. Pay your alumnae dues here: bit.ly/DeltaGammaDues.
2. You can win a trip to Convention! All members who pay their dues during both years of the biennium (2017 and 2018) are eligible for a chance to win a trip to convention. Want to be sure you are eligible? Pay your dues before 6/30 of this year! What is better than a free trip to meet tons of Delta Gamma sisters? (Our 2018 Convention is in Phoenix, AZ.)
3. No matter where your next adventure takes you, there will always be a sister nearby. We have over 200 alumnae groups, including some in Canada and Great Britain. Locate your nearest group to attend events, meet other Delta Gammas or take on a leadership role as an alumnae officer! To find an alumnae group near you, visit our chapter locator: bit.ly/DGChapterLocator.
4. Make a direct impact by advising the next generation. Advising collegiate chapters can be such a rewarding experience. Advisers have the unique opportunity to pass on their knowledge and experiences to our next leaders, while also learning how to be an effective leader and role model for college-aged women. Interested in being an adviser? Apply here: bit.ly/DGVolunteerApp.
5. Throughout life’s ups and downs, Delta Gamma remains constant.Our sisters are the first ones there to celebrate our successes, and the first ones there to pick us up after we fall. The bond amongst Delta Gamma members is so strong due to our shared values and motto, “Do Good.” No matter if you meet in college or later in life, your Delta Gamma sisters will always be there.
Graduation does not mean you must leave behind all your collegiate experiences. DG allows our members to stay connected long after their tassels turn. Wherever life (or your job) takes you, there will always be sisters waiting to support you. After all, Delta Gamma is for hope, for strength, for life.
Did you know that five chapters chartered in the first decade of Delta Gamma’s founding are still open today? The chapters are Lambda-Minnesota, Omega-Wisconsin, Sigma-Northwestern, Zeta-Albion and Eta-Akron, our oldest chapter today.
An excerpt from The Shield shares more about their history:
Delta Gamma’s chapter roll of the first decade, 1873-1883, likely reflects American education for women at that time. Of the 15 chapters founded during this decade, only five remain today. All five schools were comparable in size at that time and in fact, Albion had more students than the University of Wisconsin.
The Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862 allowed many states to receive federal land to build colleges. Among them were these five schools that flourish today, each of which has the distinction of having a single letter Delta Gamma chapter on its campus:
The University of Minnesota (Lambda): established by the Territorial Act of 1851, opened its doors in 1868 and was coeducational from its beginning.
The University of Wisconsin (Omega): is identified by the Encyclopedia Britannica as one of the state universities that was awakened to new life by the Morrill Act.
Northwestern University (Sigma): had recently absorbed Evanston Female College to become coeducational.
Albion College (Zeta) and the University of Akron (Eta) (then Buchtel College) were church-related schools. Buchtel was chiefly supported by its location in a busy commercial center and by parents wanting their children to enter a Universalist institution. Albion was destined to thrive by its advantageous location on a main railroad line.
The various chapters used the power of the handwritten letter to keep their bonds with one another strong. Members wrote long, revealing letters expressing their innermost thoughts and aspirations to their new sisters at other schools. When the members of the Akron chapter wanted to invite the wife of President Garfield to become a member, for example, they asked their Mississippi sisters for approval, considering differences in political allegiances. The President was assassinated before her invitation, which was endorsed by the southerners, could be arranged.
We are fortunate for the preservation of our history and these chapters continued involvement in our story. You can find more Delta Gamma history here.
There was no way Spencer Stone could have prepared to become an American hero after stopping a terrorist attack on a train ride to Paris.
On March 21, 2017, 165 collegians and community members gathered to hear Spencer’s inspiring story at the Delta Gamma Foundation Lectureship in Values and Ethics hosted by Eta-Akron. His journey began on a vacation to Europe with two childhood friends when they decided to visit Paris. Shortly after the train ride began, Spencer was startled by a gunshot and the sound of breaking glass. Turning around, he saw an employee sprinting down the aisle followed by a man with an assault rifle. With little time to think, Spencer ran down the aisle at the gunman. “That was the longest sprint of my life” reflected Stone as he thought back to that decision that he needed to somehow stop the terrorist. The man attempted to shoot him, but there was a malfunction with the gun. It never went off. He tackled the gunman, but was stabbed in the neck and eyebrow by a boxcutter the man was holding. Eventually, with the help of his friends, the gunman was subdued.
Like our other Lecturers, Spencer inspired the audience. Maddie Watkins, Eta-Akron noted that having Spencer Stone as a Lectureship speaker, “was a great experience. He was very humbling and is truly a hero. He reacted in a way not many people would and it was a selfless act. I was honored to have the chance to listen to him speak and meet him.”
Spencer left us with this advice: “Make sure you have a plan. It’s not something that has to completely rule your mind, but it’s definitely something you need to think about.” This holds true in our everyday lives. In any situation, you should be thinking about the possibilities of what could happen and how you would react if something were to go wrong. Would you fight for what was right? Or would you let things happen around you even if you could stop it? Spencer urged us, “If you feel like you have the ability and have the power to overcome, don’t be a bystander.”
