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Diary of a CDC: The Sweetest Chapter Memories

By Natalee Jamerson, Eta Tau-Christopher Newport

Applications for the 2022-2023 CDC team open November 16 and close January 2! Learn more here. To learn more about the program follow our blog series - Diary of a CDC! Each week one of our CDCs will share stories from the road, application tips and more. This week, CDC Natalee took some time to write in her diary.

Becoming a collegiate development consultant (CDC) had always been a dream of mine since I joined Delta Gamma in 2018. I was inspired by the direction and growth my own chapter experienced during our CDC visits, and I wanted to do the same for other chapters across the U.S. and Canada. I was so excited when I got the call asking if I wanted to accept the job – my dream of three years was finally coming true. As excitement was settling down and the weight of my luggage was increasing, I started getting nervous. In a few short days, my dream job was about to hit the road and I was suddenly becoming more and more aware of how I’d be traveling alone for the next 107 days.

I went to school out of state, over 600 miles away, so I was not new to traveling alone. The difference? I was always traveling to a location where I knew someone. With this job, I was traveling to chapters I had never visited before and definitely wouldn’t know a single person there. Looking back, it’s silly to think about how nervous I was. If there’s one constant theme, from each chapter I’ve visited, both in-person and virtually, it’s how each and every member treated me as a sister, their sister. I was not outcasted as a visitor to the chapter, rather welcomed with open arms and embraced as if I was an (insert chapter name) initiate.

The first time you’re picked up by collegians from the airport and they help you lug two large suitcases into their car – a bond is immediately created. I will never forget the care and consideration each chapter member has given me on my visits. Every memory I take from this job will be ones I pass down for the rest of my life. Each chapter leaves a different memory, but one constant theme is the same – sisterhood is forever in our bonds. Reflecting upon my visits, specific memories come to mind. The movie night I had with Eta Kappa-North Carolina State members will forever go down as number one. We all laid out on the couch giggling watching The Kissing Booth 3 and snacking on a bulk size Starburst bag. Who would’ve known there could be so much commentary for a movie?! Another sweet memory was at Eta Gamma-Texas A&M, riding around with chapter president, Mabry, for two hours at night and trying out Dutch Bros for the first time. If you’re curious, I was not a fan of their strawberry milkshake (eww). Working as a supporting consultant at Epsilon Kappa-Clemson, the memories were endless. Most special to me was their twin reveal. I had spent weeks planning the event, pairing members, getting donations for the chapter and ordering sweatshirts. Side note: to any chapter member that has placed a clothing order before – you have my sympathy. The pure joy each member had when their twin (or triplet) was revealed to them put the biggest smile on my face. This new chapter was getting to experience some of the sweetest parts of being in a sorority – getting their family line. What could be better?

All in all, this semester has been one for the books. So many memories have been formed between collegians, other CDCs, Executive Offices staff and volunteers that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It’s so silly thinking back on how nervous I was at the beginning of the job. To everyone that had an impact so far, thank you so much! I cannot wait to see what the spring will bring.

 

If you’re looking to expand your relationships within Delta Gamma and make some great memories, I highly recommend applying for this job. Applications close January 2! Learn more about the CDC job and apply here. 

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Diary of a CDC: Learning on the Road

By Mary Lynne Kanir, Theta Gamma-UNC Wilmington

With over 95 chapter visits completed our collegiate development consultant (CDC) team is busy supporting collegiate members both in-person and virtually! Did you know that being a CDC is full-time job open for recent DG graduates to apply? Applications for the 2022-2023 CDC team open November 15 and close January 2, stay tuned for more information.

To learn more about the program follow our blog series - Diary of a CDC! Each week one of our CDCs will share stories from the road, application tips and more. This week, second-year CDC, Mary Lynne took some time to write in her diary.

When I first thought about what it would be like to be a collegiate development consultant (CDC), I imagined knowing all the answers and never making a mistake. My top CliftonStrength is Achiever, which means I love to be busy and stay on-top of my work. While this is helpful in the role of CDC, the downside - or basement as CliftonStrengths describes it - means that I am constantly trying to prove myself to myself. When I learned this during training for my first year as a CDC, I truly thought nothing of how my basement of Achiever could or would impact my ability to be all-knowing and without fault in assisting collegians and completing tasks.

 I began my first year with the same mindset, only to send my first report to Executive Offices staff and members of Council without the actual report document attached. I immediately thought back to my CliftonStrength training and began to worry. I quickly texted my fellow CDCs and let my mind wander: Would I be in trouble for forgetting to attach the document? Am I the first CDC to do this? Does this mean that I'm not good at my job?

The answer to all the above is a loud and resounding NO! First off, the Executive Offices staff, Council and my supervisor could not be any more understanding, kind or supportive. A member of Council emailed me soon after and sweetly reminded me that I had not attached the report document but that she hoped I was doing well and enjoying my first few visits. I immediately started to laugh at myself with how stressed I had been and replied-all with a light-hearted “oops” and the document attached. Second, I came to the realization that the only person putting pressure on me to be perfect and to never make a mistake was myself. Yes, this job does require a lot of knowledge and attention to detail, however, I am human. We are human. Humans make mistakes! One of the most important lessons this job has taught me is that mistakes are not fatal and provide a chance for us to learn things we did not know previously. I catch myself in meetings with collegians saying, “let’s look it up together” or “I honestly am not sure, but let’s email (insert name) to find out!”, therefore throwing my previous assumption of how a CDC functions out the window. 

 Long story-short, being a CDC is about constant growth and development. If we never make mistakes, we will never learn, and therefore we will never grow. I am still able to laugh about sending my first report, and even had the opportunity to meet the member of Council who sent me the kind email and tell her how much that meant to me and allowed me to grow. As life goes on and my role continues, I remind myself that the true job of a CDC is to teach and guide; however, I cannot do those things if I am not also learning and growing. 

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Diary of a CDC: Reset, Rest and Relax!

By Caroline Morgan, Delta Kappa-South Florida

With over 95 chapter visits completed our collegiate development consultant (CDC) team is busy supporting collegiate members both in-person and virtually! Did you know that being a CDC is full-time job open for recent DG graduates to apply? Applications for the 2022-2023 CDC team open November 15 and close January 2, stay tuned for more information.

To learn more about the program follow our blog series - Diary of a CDC! Each week one of our CDCs will share stories from the road, application tips and more. This week, second-year CDC, Caroline took some time to write in her diary.

Looking back on this fall semester so far, I have had so many wonderful experiences and met so many incredible people. It’s weird to think that I only have three visits left before we’re back in Ohio for in-gathering with the team. The most exciting part of being a collegiate development consultant, in my opinion, is all the new experiences that I wouldn’t have in any other way! I’m someone who loves self-reflection, so I’ve been thinking a lot about these past few months and the places I’ve been. One thing I reflected on recently is how often I’m asked questions about my job. Whether it’s a friend asking me about what happens if I get sick or a chapter member wondering where I’ve been this year or even a stranger, I’m talking to asking what I do for a living that allows me to travel so much (all questions I’ve gotten). By far, though, the most common question I am asked is, “do you ever get to go home?” In short, yes, I do! But there’s a lot more to that answer that most people don’t realize at first.

 As CDC’s we don’t follow a traditional work schedule. Meetings don’t always fall between 9-5 and we have commitments or travel on weekends too. To balance this, we have ten days off each semester in addition to our time at home around the holidays. These days off are often referred to as breaks and most breaks are two to three days long. Most CDCs have a break each month of travel and they vary based on how long and how frequent you want them. And believe me, ten days feels like a lot more than it seems when you consider all that you can do with them! I want to share how I’ve spent my break days this semester to give you an idea of what they are used for and to show you that yes, I do get to go home.

My first break of the semester was spent with other CDCs! I met up with Anel, Mary Lynne and Haleigh in San Diego, California for two days and we had such a good time. Meeting up with other CDCs is a common way to spend breaks, especially since we all become pretty close friends on the team. The four of us spent our time eating good food, relaxing at the beach, visiting the zoo and seeing a baseball game. I even took a surfing lesson!

 Later that month, I spent my next break taking a quick trip to Denver, Colorado to see my favorite band play at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This was a quick solo trip for me, which is also common for CDCs! I was able to see the concert, visit Rocky Mountain National Park, have breakfast with a fellow staff member and meet up with a former CDC and CDC Deirdre who was visiting a chapter in Denver. One of my favorite things to come from this job is the number of people (most of whom are sisters) that I know all over the country. Visiting Denver alone and knowing I had people who cared about me nearby was so comforting and made the trip so much better.

Earlier this month, I spent a break visiting a friend I hadn’t seen in two years because of the pandemic. I flew up to Pennsylvania to spend a weekend with her and it was so wonderful to relax and enjoy fall weather, go apple picking and explore a new city.

 My most recent break was a solo trip too. I spent a few days driving around New England and saw a concert, explored Boston, ate incredible seafood, met up with some friends and visited Acadia National Park. I even made a few new friends at the concert I went to, one of whom is a Delta Gamma! It reminded me how many DGs there are out there and that I’m never too far from a sister.

 And lastly, yes, I did get to go home! I spent a couple days at home in Jacksonville, Florida in September to see my family and friends, repack with some warmer clothing and see a concert. Can you tell I like to see concerts on my breaks? Going home was probably the most refreshing break – I got to sleep in my own bed, eat at my favorite restaurants and see my family.

 I think I can speak for all CDCs past and present when I say that this job is truly an unforgettable experience that changes you in so many positive ways. It’s also not always rainbows and sunshine and being on the road full-time can be tough. Break days are a chance for us to reset and rest so we can be our best selves for the chapters we visit. Every CDC is different, and we often spend our breaks in different ways. For me, spending time alone exploring a new place, seeing my favorite bands in concert and visiting friends is what I need to recharge and be my best self. 

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For Immediate Release: 

Contact: Caitlin Soltesz, Content Marketing and Social Media Specialist, media@deltagamma.org

Delta Gamma Fraternity Saddened by the Loss of Collegian Sierra Frazier

Columbus, Ohio [October 21, 2021]— It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Sierra Frazier, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

An undergraduate student at Louisiana State University, Sierra, 20, joined Delta Gamma in 2019 and was pursuing a career in physical therapy in order to help and heal others. Sierra’s Gamma Zeta sisters described her as a dedicated and radiant spirit who will be greatly missed.

In the chapter’s Facebook post, they shared, “Sierra passionately embodied all that it means to be a Delta Gamma woman. Her optimism, sincerity and humor inspired many laughs and countless smiles. Sierra was the kind of sister who always made a point to check in and ask how we were doing.”

Fraternity President Wilma Johnson Wilbanks, Alpha Psi-Mississippi, shared, “We are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of our beloved sister, Sierra. She left a lasting impact on our sisterhood, her family and friends with her compassionate nature and continued kindness. On behalf of our Fraternity Council and our entire membership, we are sending our love, deepest sympathy and continued support to the members of Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State, Sierra’s loved ones and the entire Louisiana State University family.”

Services for Sierra will be held on Wednesday, October 27 at Second Evening Star Baptist Church, 150 Cooper Road, Alexandria, LA 71303. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with services immediately following at 11 a.m. View the press release here. 

 About Delta Gamma: Delta Gamma Fraternity was founded in 1873 at the Lewis School in Oxford, Mississippi. The Fraternity’s primary purpose is to foster high ideals of friendship, promote educational and cultural interests, create a true sense of social responsibility and develop the best qualities of character. Delta Gamma has more than 260,000 initiated members, 151 collegiate chapters and more than 190 alumnae groups. Delta Gamma Fraternity Executive Offices is in Columbus, Ohio.

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Gamma Upsilon-Wichita State Does Good

By Emma Mathews, Epsilon-Ohio State 

In light of World Sight Day on October 14, Delta Gamma honors our philanthropy, Service for Sight, as well as our sisters that dedicate their time supporting it. The women of the Gamma Upsilon-Wichita State spend their time volunteering at a local organization called Envision, which has locations in Wichita, Kansas and Dallas, Texas. Envision is a non-profit that works with the blind and visually impaired. According to Envision’s website, their mission is “to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration and opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research.”

Paeten Howard, the vp: communications for Gamma Upsilon-Wichita State, said the chapter does a majority of their Service for Sight with Envision. She describes the chapter to be very hands on and expresses their gratitude to be able to have such a close relationship with an incredible local organization. After spending so much time at Envision, they even initiated an employee from the organization because they became so acquainted and felt as though she embodies everything that it means to be a Delta Gamma.

Members of the chapter attend a weekly Envision youth art club that encourages young and visually impaired students to express themselves through art. Additionally, many women from the chapter have previously volunteered at Envision Pride. Paeten describes Pride as an event that works with blind and visually impaired adults who also have intellectual disabilities. At the event, they make music, play with hair and fun styles, participate in games and so much more.

The list goes on of the service that these amazing women have dedicated themselves to. Past Envision events Gamma Upsilon has attended includes an event at the local zoo in Wichita and a back-to-school bash that Envision hosted at a community park. Most recently, Envision held their yearly gala which Delta Gamma women helping set-up, assist during the event and aid in cleanup. Coming up soon, the Gamma Upsilon chapter has a large Fall Festival event planned with the Envision youth which will be held at a local pumpkin patch.

On top of their time spent at Envision, Gamma Upsilon does much more to support our philanthropy. They host a Pancake Feed Fundraiser every fall to raise money for Envision and the Delta Gamma Foundation. In addition, they host their synchronized swimming competition, Anchor Splash®, in the spring which allows other Greek houses on the Wichita State campus to team together and raise money for Service for Sight. Prior to the pandemic, the Gamma Upsilon women also volunteered at Via Christi Villages, a local independent and assisted living community. Although it has been difficult to visit Via Christi Villages in recent times, the women have still found ways to volunteer their time such as making Valentines Day or fall themed wreaths for the community.

Megan Kelly, Gamma Upsilon-Wichita State, said, “her favorite part about volunteering at Envision’s art club is seeing the kids have fun, and making connections with them.” Paeten describes that each child she has met at art club “is so positive and excited to be there. All that they wish to do is make new friends, give big hugs and make art with the visitors.”

In coordination with World Sight Day and White Cane Awareness Day, the Delta Gamma Foundation is celebrating October 10-16 as the second annual World Sight Awareness Week. This week is meant to highlight our philanthropy, Service for Sight, raise awareness around sight preservation and share ways you can advocate for the blind and visually impaired community. Check out the information that was shared to the Foundation Facebook and Instagram accounts.

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The Do Good Sisterhood Shows Up for 8th Annual Do Good Week


Delta Gammas across the globe has once again showed we are a force for good! This year’s eighth annual Do Good Week rendered participants who showed their support for individuals and communities. Activities ranged from donating items to a charitable organization, collecting supplies for those affected by Hurricane Ida, spending the day at the local food bank and writing cards to loved ones. Check out these groups who came together to represent Delta Gamma during Do Good Week!



Alumnae from the South Orange County alumnae group volunteered at the Makapo Aquatics Project to help organize their storage shed.


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Alpha Eta-Whitman held a DG cornhole philanthropic event to raise funds for Service for Sight.


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The Fort Worth alumnae group did good this week as they volunteered at their local food bank, Tarrant Area Food Bank.


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Women at Epsilon Phi-Loyola gathered supplies and food for those affected by Hurricane Ida. 




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Our eighth annual Do Good Week is right around the corner from September 5-11! Delta Gammas and Friends of the Anchor everywhere prepare for how they can create a sense of societal engagement and do good in their community. Do Good Week encourages participants to motivate, empower and influence not only themselves and those closest to them but also their communities as well.

Even during these challenging times, we hope you will still find ways to do good everywhere. Now more than ever, it is encouraged to complete these acts of virtue while maintaining a safe social distance from others. If possible, accomplishing these good deeds individually or with family members is also recommended.



If you are excited to participate during Do Good Week but need some inspiration, look no further! Here are some ideas of ways to give back to your local community.

  • Donate food and pantry items to local food banks
  • Clean up trash in neighborhoods, local parks and outdoor spaces
  • Make gifts, such as a fleece tie blankets for children in hospitals
  • Volunteer to read books to those who are visually impaired
  • Raise money to purchase Braille books and other needed supplies at your local schools
  • Put together baskets of everyday necessities and treats for troops overseas
  • Organize a drive to raise awareness and supplies for local animal shelters
  • Collect brushes, razors, shampoo, conditioner and other helpful items to put in kits for those without homes 

Be sure to use #DGDoGoodWeek on your social media posts throughout the week to connect with fellow Delta Gammas and participants completing good deeds for others. To learn more and download Do Good Week graphics visit our library here.

   


   

      














Members from Gamma Sigma-Houston worked to support their local food bank last year during Do Good Week! Alumnae from the Brooklyn alumnae association went around local parks and picked up trash during Do Good Week 2020.

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For Immediate Release:                                                                                                                                                                         Contact: Liz Thompson

Director of Marketing and Communications

media@deltagamma.org

 

Delta Gamma Fraternity Mourns the Loss of Collegiate Member Megan Mooney

 

Columbus, Ohio [July 15, 2021]— It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Eta Delta-North Florida member, Megan Mooney, on Saturday, July 31, 2021.

An undergraduate student at the University of North Florida, majoring in Criminology and minoring in Psychology, Megan joined Delta Gamma in 2017. Megan was expected to graduate with her Bachelor of Arts degree in December 2021. Known for her selfless heart, giving personality, and love of the beach, Megan also possessed a wonderful athletic passion and talent.

 

Megan’s obituary reads, “She was a very humble girl, despite her darling looks and sweet personality. We will never forget her gorgeous smile that would light up any room she entered.”

 

Fraternity President Wilma Johnson Wilbanks, Alpha Psi-Mississippi, shared “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our incredibly special sister, Megan. Her Delta Gamma sisters, her family and friends, and all those who knew her will carry with them memories of Megan’s positive and infectious spirit. On behalf of our Fraternity Council and entire sisterhood, we are sending love and strength to the members of our Eta Delta-North Florida chapter, the University of North Florida family and Megan’s loved ones.”

 

We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. To learn more about Megan and the services being held to celebrate her life, please visit here.

 

About Delta Gamma: Delta Gamma Fraternity was founded in 1873 at the Lewis School in Oxford, Mississippi. The Fraternity’s primary purpose is to foster high ideals of friendship, promote educational and cultural interests, create a true sense of social responsibility and develop the best qualities of character. Delta Gamma has more than 260,000 initiated members, 151 collegiate chapters and nearly 200 alumnae groups. Delta Gamma Executive Offices is in Columbus, Ohio.

View a PDF of the press release here. 

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Contact: Liz Thompson

Director of Marketing and Communications

media@deltagamma.org

 

Delta Gamma Fraternity Plans Return to Harvard University in Spring 2022

 Columbus, Ohio [July 15, 2021]— Delta Gamma Fraternity is pleased to announce its return to Harvard University in spring 2022. Fraternity leaders and staff have been diligently monitoring the campus climate to find the right time to reestablish its Zeta Phi-Cambridge Area chapter following closure in 2018. With the successful repeal of the Harvard’s sanctions against single sex organizations and the support of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), we are confident in planning a campus return to offer women at Harvard a sense of community, ongoing personal development, avenues of service and unique leadership opportunities.

 Fraternity President Wilma Johnson Wilbanks, Alpha Psi-Mississippi, shared “After receiving the news that the Harvard sanctions had ceased and single sex organizations like ours would be welcomed on campus, we are confident that Delta Gamma once again will offer a supportive space in which women of different backgrounds and perspectives can come together to empower one another and enjoy strengthened support at Harvard and during all subsequent stages of life. We look forward to re-starting and celebrating the fraternal experience on this campus in partnership with our dedicated alumnae and the other NPC organizations which have decided to join us next spring.”

 The chapter was first established in 1994 and has 784 initiated members. In its history, the chapter has raised over $15,000 for the Delta Gamma Foundation. The Fraternity looks forward to welcoming back this collegiate chapter and the seeing the force for good we know our members will continue to be.

 

About Delta Gamma: Delta Gamma Fraternity was founded in 1873 at the Lewis School in Oxford, Mississippi. The Fraternity’s primary purpose is to foster high ideals of friendship, promote educational and cultural interests, create a true sense of social responsibility and develop the best qualities of character. Delta Gamma has more than 260,000 initiated members, 151 collegiate chapters and nearly 200 alumnae groups. Delta Gamma  Executive Offices is in Columbus, Ohio.

View a PDF of the press release here. 

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For Immediate Release:                                        
Contact: Jennifer Magro Algarotti, PhD
Director of Strategic Communications
(614) 487-5507 | jennifera@deltagamma.org


Delta Gamma Foundation Elects
Two Trustees for 2021-2024 Term

Columbus, Ohio [July 14, 2021]- Delta Gamma Foundation elects new Trustee and re-elects returning Trustee to serve on the 2021-2022 Board of Trustees during the Foundation Annual Meeting, held in a virtual format, on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

Jennifer “Jenn” Stuart Ragusa, Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside, has been elected by the Foundation voting members to serve as a Trustee for the 2021-2024 term. Lynne C. Thieme, Beta Xi-Michigan State, was re-elected to serve a second term as Trustee for 2021-2024.

Ruth Grant Alsbrooks, Beta Psi-Alabama, Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman, shares this sentiment about the newest Trustee: “The Board of Trustees is thrilled that Jenn will be joining us. Her extensive experience and knowledge of nonprofit leadership will help position our Foundation for the future. Having previously worked with Jenn in Fraternity Leadership, I look forward to seeing the good we do with her aboard.”

Ragusa and Thieme were elected and took their Oath of Office on Saturday evening, June 26, 2021.  During that same time, Thieme was elected to serve as Secretary and Ragusa will serve as member-at-large, both through 2024. Joan Newman will continue to serve as Treasurer through 2023.

The Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees consists of six elected members and three members who serve concurrently in the roles of Delta Gamma Fraternity President, Fraternity Treasurer and Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming. 

                                                                                                                                            

About the Delta Gamma Foundation: Incorporated in 1951, the Delta Gamma Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed as a complement to the Delta Gamma Fraternity, creating a vehicle for members to promote the educational interests and social responsibility referenced in Article II of the Fraternity Constitution. The Delta Gamma Foundation fosters lifetime enrichment for members, promotes Service for Sight and partners with the Fraternity to ensure the future of our sisterhood through three areas of support: Individual Member Support, Training and Programming, and Delta Gamma’s philanthropy, Service for Sight.

View a PDF of the press release here.

 

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