Organize, Pack, Review, Repeat

By Tori Tinman, Eta Mu-Lake Forest

Organize, pack, review, repeat. Visiting a new chapter each week is no easy task but it is an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world. The day starts out with an early morning trip to the airport and after a quick trip (hopefully) through bag check and security, there’s a visit to the nearest airport coffee shop. Extra time at the airport or time on a flight is used to catch up on reports or learn more about the chapter I’m headed to. Then the most exciting and my favorite part arrives: the destination. When I arrive, I’m prepared to meet new sisters, learn new things and aid each chapter in reaching their full potential while having fun along the way.

I’ve had so many fun experiences with the chapters I’ve visited … there’s too many to count. From long nights during recruitment to visiting the site where Delta Gamma was founded or hiking in Yosemite National Park, nothing compares to the bonds I made with women at each of the chapters I visited. To me, a CDC embodies a number of roles: a guide, a confidant, a champion, but most importantly, a friend. Some of my favorite memories include late nights in the chapter house talking and laughing with collegians and witnessing the bonds of sisterhood transcend beyond chapter of initiation. Knowing I could be my authentic self with women I had just met was the most comforting feeling. If I have learned anything about Delta Gamma in this past year, it is that our values truly can be seen across North America. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime and I have Delta Gamma to thank. 

Along with the fun and friendships I made, I was able to witness a number of chapters achieve their goals. Some of the most rewarding moments included watching chapters successfully bring new members into their sisterhood. I was able to help a number of chapters prepare for recruitment this year, and nothing was more satisfying than seeing their excitement on Bid Day, ready to welcome new sisters home into Delta Gamma. It was amazing to see how dedicated these chapters are to bringing the most amazing women into our sisterhood.

At the end of each visit it is always hard to say goodbye, but I know I’m heading towards a new and exciting hello. The life of a CDC may be full of uncertainty, schedule changes and delayed flights, but if I know one thing, it is that I will leave every chapter with a friend always. 

ITB, CDC Tori

Snagging a Table for One?

By Maria Anderson, Pi-Montana (initiate)

Holy Moly. 

Over this past year as a traveling CDC, I’ve been on 87 flights, through 34 airports … running through O’Hare to make a connection 37 times, exactly. I’ve spent 8 days 4 hours and 23 minutes in the air, flying over 70,000 miles, and have been delayed for a total of 1 day 5 hours and 5 minutes … but I think that might be a lowball. (Thanks, to the app Mileways for all the data!)

Growing up, something my dad constantly reminded me was to only worry about things you have control over. I always appreciated the sentiment, but it was a lot easier said than done. It is so easy to get wrapped up in life’s little inconveniences and to let them ruin your day. However, my experience as a CDC gave me a whole lot of opportunities to practice my dad’s wise advice. 

I never could control the weather in Iowa, the spread-out layout of Washington Dulles Airport, or the fact that I only flew through Denver on Sundays when Chick-Fil-A was closed. I could not control my many missed connections, flight delays and hours spent in airports. With so much out of my control, I learned to focus on and cherish the things I could control—my time, my attitude and my appetite. 

With flight delays came extra free time. I used to dread waiting around, being bored and just wanted to go-go-go! Throughout the year, I learned that I didn’t have to spend delays twiddling my thumbs and refreshing Facebook for the sixteenth time. Delays = more time to explore or just to take a moment to myself. My favorite way to spend this bonus time became scoping out the restaurant scene and treating myself to the best looking food at the coolest sounding restaurant. Oftentimes, I was drawn to a place where I could watch sports and make new friends.

Eating alone can be scary and uncomfy. Before being a CDC, you couldn’t catch me at a restaurant by myself. The first time I sat alone, I was anxious and felt embarrassed to be all by myself. It took time for me to get comfortable starting up conversations with strangers. Now, I enjoy finding a single seat at a bar, and chatting with the servers and other travelers. I developed a new level of independence and confidence, and I can ALMOST explain what exactly a CDC is to a middle-aged traveling businessman in two sentences.

 

Going into my CDC experience, I didn’t consider the ability to eat alone as something I would take away from this year. Even now, as I write this, it seems like such a minuscule thing. Nevertheless, where I began my year feeling lonely and awkward eating alone, I now feel fiercely independent snagging a table for one.

To sum it all up, my dad once again proves that dads are the wisest men around and there’s not a single bad travel day that a delicious burger and a ballgame can’t fix. 

ITB, CDC Maria

Individual Alumnae Awards are presented to Delta Gamma’s most accomplished, innovative and dedicated alumnae. Alumnae Award winners add to our Fraternity’s rich history of women who make our membership shine. View all of the past winners.

The Individual Alumnae Awards process is highly selective. The Awards Committee welcomes nominations that reflect the diversity of Delta Gamma women and their many avenues of exceptional achievement and dedication.

Qualifications and Submission Instructions:

Each year Alumnae Awards are presented in six categories, listed below. Visit the DG library to read more about each of these awards.

• Cable Award – presented to alumnae who demonstrate unusual loyalty and devotion with Delta Gamma service far beyond normal alumnae participation for at least 10 years. Learn how to submit a Cable Award nomination.
• Loyalty Award – presented to alumnae who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to Delta Gamma service for at least 10 years after having received the Cable Award. Learn how to submit a Loyalty Award nomination.
• Oxford Award – presented to alumnae who exemplify the Delta Gamma philosophy of service to their community through volunteer and philanthropic activities. This award does not require Delta Gamma service.Learn how to submit an Oxford Award nomination.
• Shield Award – presented to alumnae who achieve unique and noteworthy distinctions through leadership and verifiable accomplishments in their chosen field of professional expertise. This award does not require a history of Delta Gamma volunteer roles. Learn how to submit a Shield Award nomination.
• Anchor Award – presented to alumnae who are a mainstay of the Fraternity, demonstrate a lifetime of devotion and provide reliable support from which all members benefit. Learn how to submit an Anchor Award nomination.
• Order of the Delta Gamma Rose Award – This is the highest award presented by the Fraternity and honors alumnae members who have made distinguished contributions to the nation and/or the world. This award nomination may be submitted at any time during the year in Anchorbase. Learn how to submit a Rose Award nomination.

A complete nomination includes detailed information about the background of the candidate, a clear description of the nature of her achievements and confidential letters of recommendation from colleagues and Delta Gammas on behalf of the candidate.

Timing:

Nominations for the 2020 awards are open from September 1, 2019, to October 15, 2019. Alumnae officers and members of Leadership can complete the nomination forms in Anchorbase, in the Awards Tasks section. If you are not an officer, you can still get started today by identifying alumnae you wish to nominate and reaching out to sisters for letters of support.

The awards committee, comprised of alumnae with diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives, will review the materials submitted and select members whose achievements most closely fit the criteria for each award and who are deemed most deserving of recognition. Nominations are held in strict confidence.

The names of those selected are recommended to the Fraternity Council for approval. Nominators will be informed of the award decisions in early 2020, so there is time to prepare for award recognition at 2020 Founders Day celebrations!

Next Steps:

Contact your local alumnae group president or Cabinet member to submit a sister’s name (or the alumnae group where they live). Nominations may be submitted through an alumnae group or by any member of Delta Gamma Cabinet through the official online application in Anchorbase, Delta Gamma’s online officer portal. Members of Council, Nominating Committee and the Director of Awards are not eligible for individual alumnae awards during their active terms. 

Visit our Chapter Locator if you need the contact information for a local alumnae chapter or alumnae association, and contact Director: Awards awards@deltagamma.org with any questions.

The opportunity to honor alumnae would not be possible without the assistance of the greater membership. Please let us know when you encounter an alumna who has made a remarkable contribution to society or her profession, and nominate her for an Individual Alumnae Award!

How Being a Traveling CDC Gave Me 21 Role Models

By Anna Weeks, Pi-Montana (initiate), Beta Upsilon-Oregon State (affiliate)

I firmly believe there are people that are brought into your life that change your entire outlook on the world. My year as a CDC introduced me to some of the best people I have ever met. These powerful women are my cheerleaders, my confidants and, in less than a year, became my best friends.

Being a consultant is a rewarding and wild experience, however it is also one of the most challenging. Coming straight from college, I left everything I knew behind to live a life on the road. Whether they realize it or not, the 2018-2019 consultants are some of my biggest role models. Some of my most favorite memories from this year are our shared breaks or even just knowing they were across the airport from me after looking up their location on Find Friends. 

These are the type of women who figure out your travel schedule and time it out perfectly for letters to be delivered to you while you’re on the road. These are the type of women who surprise you with a celebration when you get a job post-CDC life. These are the type of women who take the time to learn all the names of your friends and family from back home. And even though they don’t know them personally, they ask about how they are doing anyway. These are the type of women who would drop anything to call and be a listening ear no matter how small the problem may be. These are the type of women who make a major impact on everyone around them yet are still the most humble individuals I have ever met.   

Delta Gamma has been a major part of my life the last five years; the women in this organization never cease to amaze me. Being a CDC allowed me to meet DGs from across the U.S. and I have never been prouder to be a part of this organization. 

After my year as a traveling consultant, I accepted a job as a tv news reporter in Medford, Oregon. I arrived home from my travels and within one week, I packed all of my belongings and moved 4.5 hours south of my hometown. My day-to-day schedule differs a lot from my itinerary on the road. However, many of the skills I learned as a CDC have carried over into my new position, such as making quick deadlines, interacting with all different types of people and constantly thinking on your feet.

My year as a CDC flew by. Our team is now spread across the country. Yet somehow? We remain as close as we’ve ever been.

ITB, CDC Anna

What I Wish I Knew at the Beginning

By Mallory Powers, Epsilon Mu-William and Mary

Last September, after a month of traveling and making various recruitment visits around the country, I hopped off a plane at LAX with a dream and my cardigan, ready to officially begin my resident consultant journey. Okay, okay. It wasn’t at LAX (it was PDX) and I didn’t have a cardigan with me (the temperature was still hovering in the 70s), but Miley Cyrus’ sentiments still rang true as I prepared to relocate to a foreign-to-me city and serve as a new chapter’s consultant support for the academic year.

My time as the solo resident consultant in Portland, Oregon, with Eta Omega-Portland State chapter shaped me in ways I didn’t anticipate and taught me lessons I couldn’t predict. To say that my CDC year was a formative one would be an understatement and, in an attempt to make sense of it, I’ve compiled a list of things I wish I would’ve known when I started my first CDC year.

10. If you’re lonely, listening to podcasts can make it feel as though you’re in conversation with people. It’s not a replacement for the real thing though, so pick up your phone and call a friend.

9. Learning to cook for one will be an adjustment. It’ll include frequent trips to the “Meals for One” freezer aisle in Safeway, but you’ll get the hang of it eventually (kind of).

8. Patience and positivity are both within your reach. You’ve never been known as the most patient or positive person in any of your friend groups, but this year will teach you the importance of both. Airports will become your classroom as you learn to pause, breathe and process without a rushed sense of urgency, and working with collegians every day will prove to you the value of thoughtful optimism. Work hard to make these traits part of your impact everywhere you go.

7. Not once will you regret packing your rain jacket in your purse when you head out for the day. No, it’s not currently raining and no, the forecast doesn’t call for rain, but you live in Portland, Oregon. Let’s be smart about this.

6. Remember to cherish the time you spend with collegians and advisers. Unsurprisingly, you’ll learn a great deal from the people, both younger and older, surrounding you during your year out west. You only have a year with some of the most welcoming, thoughtful and impressive people … so make it count.

5. Practice your small talk skills with everyone you meet. Interactions with Lyft drivers, baristas and cashiers are all opportunities to sharpen your conversational skills. You’ll eventually be able to answer questions like “What do you do?” and “Is Portland home?” and “What even is a sorority?” without rambling.

4. Living alone gets easier with practice. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with loneliness, but you’ll soon realize the beauty of setting your own schedule, working at your own pace and having that king-sized bed all to yourself. Remember that you can’t be bad at something you’ve never done before.

3. Never underestimate the importance of a well-curated playlist. You’ll spend a considerable amount of time walking through the city, sitting on airplanes and writing reports—all of these activities are made more enjoyable with a good soundtrack.

2. Take advantage of the technology (literally) at your fingertips. You don’t know it yet, but FaceTime calls with family, friends and fellow CDCs will provide you with comfort, laughter and familiarity just when you need it. You’ll never feel luckier to live in a world of FaceTime, texting and social media than when you’re living alone 3,000 miles away from home.

1. Delta Gamma will mean more to you than ever before. It’s true that you had no idea what you signed up for when you joined Delta Gamma as a wide-eyed college freshman, but you’ll finally get it this year. You’ll finally understand it all on a new level: the rituals, promises and opportunities that our Fraternity affords collegiate women. You will learn what it truly means to be someone’s champion and how to answer the question: “Why Delta Gamma?” again and again and again. You’ll see, firsthand, that this organization doesn’t stop developing women when college ends and that it’s nowhere near done developing you.

ITB, CDC Mallory

CDC Life: It's Not a Gap Year

By: Emily Skywark, Gamma Pi-Roanoke

When I said “yes” to my CDC year, I was excited, but had so many misconceptions about what this life would bring me. By intentionally stepping outside of public health and into a different field, I thought I was taking a break from career development. In committing to traveling constantly and living out of a suitcase, I thought I would find myself often lonely and missing home. Even the title, “Collegiate Development Consultant” itself inspired a misconception that I would only be developing collegians and chapters, not myself. Every day, everything I believed about my time as a CDC was turned on its head and I would not be who I am today if this year had happened any other way.

On what I thought was a “gap year” from my intended field before imminent graduate school, I grew even more sure of my path by developing skills to be a leader in my field and by seeing health in everything I did. I had time to reflect on who I was and who I wanted to be, both as a professional and as a person. By seeing so many different cities, states and campuses, I was given the rare opportunity to enter the graduate school search truly aware of all there was out there. I found that certain states and campus sizes felt like home, and I took my time thoughtfully applying to programs that I knew would feel like home too. In all the reflecting I did about myself and where I wanted to be, my applications were stronger than they ever could have been without this year. I am heading to a program next year that is the perfect fit, excited about my career in public health and armed with unique skills and experiences that will set me apart, all thanks to this time I took to learn about myself.

I found some of the deepest friendships I have ever had and true homes all over the country. Some of these friendships came from other CDCs who were living the same life as me. We lived together, traveled together, randomly bumped into each other on streets of cities and always answered the phone for each other to talk something out. Some of these friendships came from visits where you truly got to see a woman in her element. This was especially true on longer stays, like the time I spent at Theta Alpha chapter watching so many women thrive, struggle, shine and grow to become who they are today. I learned to redefine home and community, finding a new way to experience home everywhere I went. I had sisters to always come home to, favorite spots in every town and even a community at a gym in San Luis Obispo that I went to every day.

In this experience, I found that I grew more as a person than I ever could have dreamed of. I became confident in myself through constant self-assurance and learned to accept all of my strengths and weaknesses. Most dramatically to anyone who knew me before this year, I learned to go with the flow. Not only did this make me a better person, it helped me to rethink my life after this year. I am so excited for my next two years of grad school, but I no longer feel compelled to have 5, 10, 15 and 20 year plans. I learned that I am more flexible than I thought and know that my happiest memories have come from just saying yes to whatever comes my way. One of my favorite adventures this year happened on a break trip to Las Vegas/Zion National Park—because we just said yes and stayed positive every step of the way. I will always have pictures of Zion to look back on if I forget this lesson!

I know more about myself and who I want to be from this one year than I ever could have imagined knowing about myself in the next 10. I feel so grateful to Delta Gamma for this growth and will always continue to say yes and give back to the Fraternity that gave me so much. To this Fraternity and everyone who was along for this ride, thank you!

ITB, CDC Emily Skywark

When life gives you a suitcase … “Do Good.”

By: Laura Gavula, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma

When life gives you a suitcase … you make 50 lbs. of your belongings fit inside. I remember arriving at the airport after meticulously making lists, packing, weighing, re-packing and finally pulling my suitcases up to the check-in desk at the first of many airports I’d encounter this year.  

Uncertainty. Anticipation. Excitement. The emotions I felt during that first flight that began my CDC journey now feel like a lifetime ago.   

The past year spent traveling has taught me so much more than I imagined it would. Exploring the mountains in Montana, navigating the streets of New York City, hiking in California up to the Hollywood sign, soaking up the sun in Florida, seeing Niagara Falls in Canada, and everywhere in between. Each place I’ve visited has taught me something different about myself and the world around me. I’ve learned that having a plan is great, but sometimes the unplanned things are the most memorable. I’ve learned that kindness truly is a universal language, and a single smile can make everything better. I’ve learned that I’m so much stronger than I ever thought I could be, and I owe it all to those who support me. 

The people I’ve encountered and the places I’ve experienced have deepened my love and appreciation for Delta Gamma. They’ve shown me that women from all over North America can truly be united in the bonds of sisterhood we share. Although my suitcases are put away now and my time as a CDC has come to an end, my Delta Gamma journey won’t end here. 

Confidence. Fulfillment. Independence. The emotions I feel after this journey will remain with me for a lifetime, as will the memories and friendships I’ve made along the way. When life gives you a suitcase … go out and “Do Good.”

ITB, CDC Laura Gavula

Another season of travel has come to an end for our Collegiate Development Consultants, but we know that the end of a CDC journey is just the beginning of the lifelong journey as a Delta Gamma alumna. We asked our 2018-2019 consultants about the impact alumnae had on their collegiate years, their CDC experience and their future as engaged alumnae members. See what they had to say:

“The connections I made with my collegiate advisers has extended beyond my time as a collegian and they remain my support system no matter where I am in the country. Living life constantly on the road, I do not know what I would do without the mentors I have gained through Delta Gamma. These role models have made me want to be that mentor figure for the next generation. My time with DG did not stop with graduation, but rather my advisers were my inspiration to continue giving back to this sisterhood.” – Anna Weeks, Beta Upsilon-Oregon State

Individual alumnae serve as champions for collegians as mentors, advisers and role models. After graduation, these bonds continue as alumnae groups are some of the first to welcome young alumnae, wherever they are in the world.

"The alumnae I met during my college experience were my role models, and the women who encouraged me to pursue the opportunity to be a CDC. Thanks to their support, I have spent a year traveling the country and meeting Delta Gammas from all walks of life. One of the most incredible parts of my job is experiencing the hope and joy that Delta Gamma brings us all, although it presents itself in different ways. I look forward to the rest of my lifetime membership with Delta Gamma because of the incredible women it brings me." – Quinn Martz, Beta Gamma-Utah

Alumnae plant the seeds of leadership that inspire collegians to be engaged after graduation. When collegians connect with an alumna, including alumnae like CDCs and volunteers, they see a picture of membership and engagement beyond the campus level.

“I would not be where I am today without the support of the advisers and alumnae I worked with as a collegian and am still friends with today! They supported me throughout my leadership journey and continue to be role models for me today. It’s because of them that I will continue to serve Delta Gamma for years to come!” – Alyssa Ciango, Delta Beta-Kentucky

"Delta Gamma provided me with such extensive leadership training, professional experience, and personal development throughout my collegiate experience that I felt moved to give back to the Fraternity that has given me so much!”- Mallory Powers, Epsilon Mu-William & Mary

The Delta Gamma alumnae network is vast, reaching generations of Delta Gammas around North America and beyond. This network is exciting to discover when you’re travelling or moving to a new city. 

“I have a new appreciation for the alumnae-side of the DG experience because I have met so many incredible alumnae across the country who continue to be role models and mentors for me. Our commitment to lifelong service to Delta Gamma is more important than I ever imagined, and I’m so thankful I’ve been able to serve DG as a CDC.” – Jordan Rawlinson, Delta Kappa-South Florida

This year's CDCs were greatly encouraged and influenced by alumnae sisters. While traveling, they relied on sisters who served as mentors to them throughout their collegiate experience and beyond. 

Delta Gamma’s alumnae are vital to the future of our Fraternity and inspire sisters to pursue their goals, be leaders and give back. These CDCs are just a handful of the members who shared how alumnae have positively impacted their experience.

Your involvement and alumnae per capita dues directly impact our young leaders and allow the continuation of our CDC program. Supporting this program is one way you can strengthen our legacy today. Click here to pay your $29 per capita dues and click here to find a volunteer opportunity near you. Thank you, alumnae, for strengthening our legacy!