Dear sisters,
Not All the Stars Are in Rio!
As we all focus on Rio – those Olympic competitors are fierce and inspirational and incredibly
committed – it’s a great time to celebrate our very own Delta Gamma alumnae who are worthy
of nomination for Fraternity Individual Alumnae Awards. We all admire these stellar sisters who
“Do Good” for the Fraternity, with the Foundation, in their communities or as professionals.
The Olympic Creed observes that, “[t]he most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to
win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle.
The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."
Many Delta Gamma alumnae are true “fighters” in making incredible contributions to the
Fraternity – and you probably know one! She stands up proudly and says, “I Am a Sorority
Woman.” She heads out for “Do Good” Week and then does it again 51 more weeks every 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 this Olympic season of gold, silver and bronze, please consider nominating that remarkable
Delta Gamma alumna in your life for one of the Fraternity’s IAAs. 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 the “Task” section of e-Ops+, and
complete nomination packets for all awards are due September 15.
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.
Helpful Dos and Don’ts:
- Do review the criteria for each award well in advance of preparing the application.
This will give you an opportunity to gather all of the information that you will need to
complete the application.
- Do consider ALL she has accomplished. She has probably accomplished 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 an overwhelming way.
Rachel McDougal Bishop, Gamma Epsilon-Kent State
Director: Awards
I saw the post on Facebook looking for stories of sisters being ‘helpers.’ I immediately thought of Deborah Gay, Epsilon Chi-South Carolina. Deborah's family home in Irmo, South Carolina, was destroyed by the floods in South Carolina in 2016. Her parents have nearly completed rebuilding their home and lives. Throughout that process, Deborah was humble and grateful for the support and gifts from friends and family around the country. Recently, Deborah has taken this experience and is paying forward the kindnesses showed to her family by collecting donations (monetary and supplies) to bring to the people of Louisiana as they deal with these most recent floods. 
The Baton Rouge alumnae chapter celebrated Dorothy “Dotty” West Farwell, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State, and her many Delta Gamma contributions by presenting her with the Loyalty Award in spring 2016. Dotty’s Delta Gamma commitment has been to every facet of the Fraternity and Foundation, and continues to this day. She has advised her local collegiate chapter, served on Cabinet, led as a Delta Gamma Foundation Director and served as a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees. She received the Cable Award in 1980, and having had two Foundation scholarships endowed in her honor, Dotty, pictured here in green, was absolutely delighted to receive the Loyalty Award.
