During Convention this summer, we installed a new Council. Carolyn Schnure Hill, Alpha Lambda-Drake, is now the Council Trustee: Membership for the Fraternity. Carolyn has previously served the Fraternity on Regional 5 Team as Regional Director, Regional Collegiate Recruitment Specialist and Regional Collegiate Specialist. Get to know Carolyn Schnure Hill!

What is your favorite anchor item you own?

My father was a naval officer during WWII and the Korean war. I have his Navy anchor pins from his dress uniform and they are my treasures.  

What are some of your hobbies/do you like to do for fun?

I love to run and bike, and I teach spin classes at the YMCA where I've been an instructor for over 30 years. I also enjoy baking pies, painting Santas on gourds and listening to music.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who litter drive me nuts.

If you could travel anywhere in the world...?

I'd like to go to Australia and New Zealand to hike and see the country. I haven't been in that part of the world.

What is one item on your "bucket list"?

I'd like to run a marathon in Europe, maybe the original marathon in Greece.  

When you are having a bad day, how do you lift your spirits?

I go for a run, walk or workout to clear my head. It always works.

What is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to you?

Meeting my husband in college and the wonderful family we have.  

What do you miss most about your childhood?

Summer vacations spent at my grandparents’ cabin on the Delaware River in New Jersey. We would canoe, swim, hike, fish, play games and read books on the river porch all day long. My cousins were often there too, so it gave a wonderful connection to family. 

In 2018, Jill Roshto, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State, received the Shield Award as recognition for her leadership and for being an integral force within the Baton Rogue community. Jill's influence has benefited the full spectrum of industries in her sphere: from small business owner to corporate management, development and fundraising to non-profit executive. She currently serves as president/chief executive officer (CEO) of the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation, after serving as the CEO of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. Jill's colleagues admire her easy rapport; making those who work with her feel at ease and important are part of the steps she takes to establish lasting and deep relationships in her community.

Lindsay Guerin, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State, who led Jill's nomination, said, "Jill is endowed with relentless courage and an unceasing desire to champion the underdog. Her guidance and example has impacted the lives of many that have come into her life in various ways, undoubtedly igniting a desire for leadership that we as a community will benefit from. She believes in giving back to that from which she has received. Not only has Jill personally touched so many in the Baton Rouge community and the State of Louisiana, but she has also helped Gamma Zeta chapter at LSU."

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.

During Convention this summer, we installed a new Council. Kate Stanton, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma, is Council Trustee: Programming. Kate is serving her second term in this role, get to know her below!

Can you tell us about your family?

My loving parents gave me many gifts. One of those gifts is a sister who married a wonderful man from Australia. Together they gave me a niece, adopted from China, who is my heart and favorite 4th grader. From cousins who are sibling-like to aunts and uncles who hold my heart to my “chosen family” members, always ready for a trip or celebration, my family is a present that keeps on giving!

Why did you join DG?

Easy question. The Delta Gammas made me laugh. To this day, I remember standing in the Alpha Iota chapter house library looking across the room at all the young women laughing. I felt comfortable. I felt I could be me and the me I wanted to be. Today, those young women laughing in the Library remain, in good times and in bad, my nearest and dearest.

What about your undergraduate university made you choose to go to school there?

As corny as it sounds, I simply knew the moment I stepped on campus, I would be a Sooner. The first time I visited campus was a beautiful fall, November day, in Norman, Oklahoma. Students were rollerblading and eating bagels - it was the 90s! There was an energy on campus, a family connection, and I wanted to be part of it. Mother always told me, “Listen to yourself, Kate.” I did and the rest was history. 23 years later, as a proud University of Oklahoma alumna and administrator, I am beyond grateful for Mother’s advice. 

How has DG developed you as a professional?

There would never be enough time to adequately answer this question, thus I’ll give you three words: Relationships. Structure. Perspective. Living with 90+ women in a chapter house taught me getting along with people, and celebrating differences, are critical to being an effective team member. Author Mary Lucas says, “Find the like,” in those around you. Concentrating on what challenges you with a colleague will get you nowhere. As a collegiate officer to volunteering today, I am reminded of the need to respect the structure of an organization by working within, across and through the teams with an attitude of gratitude. My Delta Gamma experience proves my Dad’s lesson of “Everyone has a story.” Before sharing your perspective, learn her outlook first. Without question, I am the professional I am today because of the development I continue to receive in our mutual club of friendship. 

Favorite Quote?

Osho says “Life should not only be lived; it should be celebrated.” Do it every day. Don’t ever miss a wedding, a birthday, a forever moment, or a chance to celebrate those around you. Be the first flight in and the last flight out. You won’t regret it.

During Convention this summer, we installed a new Council. Sheri Ann Senne, Alpha Theta-North Dakota, is now the Council Trustee: Alumnae for the Fraternity. Sheri has previously served the Fraternity in numerous ways, most recently as the Fraternity Director: Programming. Get to know Sheri Ann Senne!

What did you want to be when you grew up when you were in Kindergarten?

I loved my Kindergarten teacher and wanted to be just like her. Even though I am not in the education field today, I have continued to be involved in teaching (training) throughout my career.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do there?

Bora Bora. I would rent an overwater bungalow where I would read, snorkel, enjoy the sun and just get away from it all. I would also explore and take in the culture of the French Polynesia islands.

What is one item on your “bucket list” you’ve yet to complete?

I would like to visit each of the continents. 2 down 5 more to go.

What do you miss most about your childhood?

The simplicity of it. When your biggest worry was what you and your friends were going to do after school that day. 

Carol Jean Nunnally, Gamma Pi-Roanoke's (center) award was presented at the Roanoke Valley Founders Day in March 2018. Several sisters traveled there to honor her, including members of Council, Cabinet, BOA and EO Staff. 

Carol Jean has been a consistent Fraternity volunteer for the better part of 3 decades, serving in roles that vary from alumnae president to various regional roles to positions on both Fraternity Council and Foundation Board of Trustees. She was honored with the Cable Award in 2006. She currently sits on the Board of Advisers and Foundation Advisory Board and is a Foundation Ambassador. Carol Jean serves locally as collumnae chair for the Roanoke Valley alumnae chapter. 

Kay Harvey, Delta Rho-Virginia Tech, who led Carol Jean's nomination, said, "Her stellar record speaks for itself - Carol Jean has been an involved and engaged Delta Gamma alumna for several decades! The areas of her service reach across the board for collegiate, alumnae, Fraternity and Foundation. Her expertise has helped in so many Delta Gamma areas and she has worked tirelessly to give her all in every area."

The Loyalty Award is presented to alumnae members who demonstrate outstanding service, extraordinary commitment and an appreciation for distinctive dedication to Delta Gamma at least 10 years after having received the Cable Award. You can find Loyalty Award instructions here.

During Convention this summer, we installed a new Council. Joanna Rosenow Shook, Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist is now the Council Trustee: Collegians for the Fraternity. Joanna has previously served the Fraternity in numerous ways, including most recently, as Regional Director for Region 3. Get to know Joanna Rosenow Shook!

What is your favorite anchor item you own?

My favorite Delta Gamma-related item is my badge; there is a tie for my favorite non-Delta Gamma anchor item: an anchor tile by Sid Dickens and a red white and blue anchor wreath from Pier One. The All Things Anchor Facebook page can be dangerous!

What did you want to be when you grew up when you were in Kindergarten?

I always wanted to be a veterinarian; I was talked out of that path (much later than Kindergarten) because people thought I would be too emotionally invested in the animals. To this day, I regret it... I matured enough to not be too emotional and I think I would have been a great help to a lot of animals. Now I just have a lot of animals and pay a fabulous vet practice a lot of money to care for them!

If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport…

Searching out the best hamburger in any town I visit.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and what would you do there?

A few years ago I visited the little village of Murren in Switzerland.  If I’m ever in Great Britain or Europe, I will make an effort to go there.  And I’d do something called the Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald. It’s an incredible 2K protected rope climb I did with my daughter. It’s exhilarating and I’d love to share it with other family and friends.

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My favorite movie is “Life is Beautiful,” but as wonderful as it is, it’s a little heavy. So I’d go with “The Sound of Music.” I think it’s an absolutely perfect movie.

What are your obsessions?

I’m completely obsessed with the band U2 and have seen them live dozens of times. While she was playing tennis professionally, I was also obsessed with Steffi Graf and would watch every match she played.  And hamburgers.

What is one unpopular opinion you have?

I find all seafood completely disgusting and refuse to eat it. I don’t mind at all if other people eat it around me, though!

When you are having a bad day, how do you lift your spirits?

Three words: Nothing Bundt Cakes.

What is your favorite family tradition? 

Fondue dinner on Christmas Eve. My family did it growing up and now that I live away from them, I host a big dinner for my immediate family and friends every year.

Mary Sterling Barlow, Beta Mu-Bowling Green's (left) award was presented at the St. Louis Founders Day in March 2018 by Shannon Winters Goodson, Gamma Beta-Tulsa (right), Region 5 Alumnae Specialist.

Mary has been a consistent Fraternity volunteer for several decades, serving in roles that vary from alumnae president to her current role as National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) 2^nd Alternate Delegate.

She also worked at Executive Offices, most notably as executive director of the Fraternity from 2007-2011. (While Mary’s contributions to the Fraternity were notable while she was on staff, it’s important to note that employment with Executive Offices does not contribute to years of service for the Cable Award.)

Katie Seuntjens, Gamma Iota-Depauw, who lead the application for Mary said, “I submitted Mary Barlow for a Cable Award because she really embodies what it means to be a Delta Gamma. She's served in so many capacities and in each position she serves with compassion, grace and sisterhood.”

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. 

Though Peter Pan might be frequently played by a woman on stage, at Disney parks, only one woman has ever dressed as the character. That woman happens to be a Delta Gamma, Joan Marett, Gamma Chi-Cal State, Long Beach. As a collegiate member in 1960, all the girls vied for the most elusive summer job at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which opened just five years earlier in 1955. Joan not only acquired one of those coveted positions, but she also paved the way by being the first ever Peter Pan character at Disneyland.

To apply for a summer job at Disneyland, prospective employees had one day. Unfortunately, Joan couldn’t make it to Application Day and had resigned herself to finding another summer job. To her surprise, she received a call shortly after about auditioning to be a character. A friend of hers had dropped her name as being the perfect candidate to portray Peter Pan. They were looking for someone petite and with short hair. After walking into the audition, she was offered the job on the spot, even though more auditions were scheduled later.

On her first day, she arrived at Disneyland, was fitted for her costume and sent out into the park with zero instructions. This is in stark contrast to the rumors you hear about the intensive training Disney characters go through today. She even wore her wedding ring on the job! Her first year portraying Peter Pan, Joan worked 48 hours a week and was paid $2 an hour, plus time and a half overtime pay.

Though Joan remembers working at Disney fondly, there were some drawbacks. As someone dressed as a “real” character, she had to deal with things the fur costume characters did not. (However, they had to deal with temperatures reaching 120° inside the suit.) Kids would often follow her around, parents would ask her to hold their “stinky and sticky” children, and many park guests weren’t always the nicest. Regardless of the downsides, Joan decided to return for a second summer as Peter Pan.

There were some changes during the second summer in 1961. The staff no longer received overtime and instead worked 6 days a week for 6.5 hours each at $2.10 an hour. Joan worked the late shift from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. She didn’t get to interact with as many kids as a result. During year two, she stayed with Captain Hook and Mike the Crocodile most of the time. After all, it was part of her job to make sure kids didn’t ride on the crocodile tail.

Since her summers in the ’60s working at Disneyland, Joan’s family has continued her Disney legacy by having multiple Disney employees. In 2010, to celebrate her 50^th wedding anniversary, her then son-in-law brought her and her husband to Disneyland to celebrate. He brought them to Walt Disney’s private apartment on site and introduced Joan to a special guest: the current Peter Pan at the park. Joan however, was a bit disappointed. She was hoping to swap stories, but the man would never break character!

Today, Joan resides in Arizona with her husband and continues to remain actively involved in Delta Gamma. She has served as an adviser for Beta Delta-Colorado College and is a Cable Award recipient for her dedication to the Fraternity. Her husband was also the first person to ever receive the Outstanding Faculty Award that the Delta Gamma Foundation presents every biennium during Convention. Though Joan did grow up, unlike the character she portrayed, she has been an outstanding representation of lifelong dedication to Delta Gamma since her collegiate years. 

Colorful capes? Maybe not, but you know they would look fabulous in them.

They are the ones leading the way in the Fraternity, the Foundation, in their communities or professions.

Leap tall buildings with a single bound? Not really, but you bet they could.

Think of who stands out as a mainstay in your alumnae group and your region. These heroines:

• Exemplify “Doing Good” through tireless philanthropic service, ready responses as collegiate advisers, strong leadership as professional role models and her quiet commitment to improving the world around them.
• Epitomize the Culture of Care that is the hallmark of Delta Gamma.

Super powers. Absolutely.

They rescue us, lift us up, help further our mission with super powers. They always save the day. These women are inspiring leaders…our outstanding alumnae!

Please consider nominating that remarkable Delta Gamma alumna in your life for one of the Fraternity’s Individual Alumnae Awards (IAAs).

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 mainstays, 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. While Delta Gamma alumnae participation is encouraged, it is not a major factor in determining worthiness for this award. 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. For nominees of the Shield Award, the character and attitudes of the individual are important considerations; including her interest in and cooperation with the Fraternity, but she need not have regularly participated in an alumnae group. 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 – find out what you need and the time you need to get it. 

 • Do consider all she has accomplished; it’s probably more than you even know! Brainstorm with those who know her. Include it all! 

 • Do ask! Do you have questions about some of the awards or any part of the process? Contact the Fraternity Director: Awards at awards@deltagamma.org.  

 • Do brag! Why are you so proud to call her your heroine and sister? Other awards/recognition? Dedicated and reliable? Inspiration to collegians and alumnae? Community treasure who is always helping? Professional leader? Do tell!

• Don’t wait until the last minute! Computers can be fickle and tricky at the worst moments. Plan ahead and allow for detours!  

- Emilee Lales, Eta Zeta-Chicago

Director: Awards