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SISTERHOOD SWEET AS A GEORGIA PEACH - Convention Recap
International Convention 2024
The iconic Atlanta Marriott Marquis buzzed with excitement as nearly 700 women representing 144 chapters gathered for Alpha Gamma Delta’s 52nd International Convention, held June 27-29. From the earliest alumnae arriving for a day-long Academy for Chapter Advisors to those who just made it in time for the Feast of Roses, attendees were awestruck by the grandeur of the hotel’s Atrium level, beautifully adorned in red, buff and green.
Convention officially began with the traditional procession. Opening Ritual included a selected reading focused on connection, a theme that would continue throughout Convention. Following the singing of both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems by Convention Soloist Libba Walker Fyke, International President Lee Woodham Langub called the General Session to order.
After introductions and a presentation of the four soon-to-be alumnae initiates, quorum was declared, and minutes from the 2022 Convention were approved. With the Convention Program and Convention Rules of Order adopted, the spotlight shifted to keynote speaker Lindsay Boccardo, whose inspiring message—presented by the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation—encouraged high achievers to harness the strength of sisterhood to tackle challenges and break the cycle of overcommitment.
Meet the Alumnae Initiates
Amy Doster Svendsen, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nominated by her sister-mother Jennifer Smentek Mores; Initiating into the Beta Xi Chapter at Purdue University where she originally pledged in the late 1980s.
Vesta Blanton Dunlap of Hixson, Tennessee
Nominated by her sister-mother, Megan Calder Huggins; Initiating into the Nu Beta Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Casey Gann Hobbs of La Fayette, Georgia
Nominated by her sister-mother, Megan Calder Huggins; Initiating into the Nu Beta Chapter at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Ashley Digiovanni of New York, New York
Nominated by Gamma Alpha–University of Georgia, the initiating chapter of both her mother, Lee Woodham Langub, and sister, Lizzie Digiovanni.
Members packed enough food to feed 2,500 food insecure children.
It wouldn’t have been an Alpha Gam event without time spent contributing to the world’s work. The Fraternity and Foundation partnered with the local chapter of ® Blessings in a Backpack to provide attendees an opportunity to help fight hunger. Together, members packed enough food to feed 2,500 food insecure children throughout three counties in Georgia. This effort was made possible by generous Foundation donors.
Alpha Gam debuted a new philanthropy video for collegiate chapters to use during their university’s Philanthropy Round or as needed during recruitment. The event concluded with an insightful Q&A with Distinguished Citizen Leanne Caret, Epsilon Chi–Kansas State University, hosted by IHQ CEO Katie Abernathy.
Attendees were then encouraged to attend two of eight educational sessions covering a variety of topics.
An evening on the town followed, and Foundation Jewel and Corinthian Society members made their way to the Georgia Aquarium to celebrate their philanthropic impact alongside majestic belugas and other mischievous sea creatures
Friday
Friday morning came early for the Ritual Committee as they set up for the day’s events. Leadership Consultants and members selected by the International President gathered to rehearse for the day’s ritual events. Soon the hotel atrium was bustling with members dressed in their white badge attire as they made their way to the ballroom for the Initiation of four alumnae members and a Memorial Service to honor those who entered Chapter Grand during the biennium.
The Honors of Epsilon Pi Brunch followed. Afterward, 251 members received an Honor of Epsilon Pi in the Arc Series and 13 members received an Honor in the Crescent Series.
As twilight fell on the second day, the focus turned to celebrating collegiate and alumnae chapter achievement. Members of all generations walked the red carpet in cocktail attire just outside the ballroom before enjoying a buffet-style dinner.
International Council members announced nearly 200 awards in a variety of categories, each representing countless hours of dedication and commitment. Sounds of applause, cheers and carefully curated walk-up songs filled the air with each award announcement.
Alpha Gam’s highest individual alumnae honor, the Distinguished Citizens Award, was presented to two alumnae who truly live out our Purpose while making a significant impact within their professions. The Rose Bowl—Alpha Gam’s top academic achievement— was next, followed by the Alumnae Annulet which honors the alumnae chapter or club that best provides a comprehensive alumnae experience.
The Honors of Epsilon Pi were established to recognize the remarkable efforts and contributions of alumnae volunteers who give faithful and outstanding service to the Fraternity.
As the most anticipated moment of the night neared, International President Lee Woodham Langub returned to the stage to announce The Circle of Excellence, the precursor for consideration to receive the Collegiate Annulet. Chapters achieving at least 90 percent of overall Good Standing points during at least one year of each biennium are eligible to receive this prestigious honor. The criterion includes attaining benchmarks of excellence in all critical areas, including academics, recruitment, retention, operations, philanthropy, leadership, service, sisterhood and finance.
Finally, with all eligible chapters within each structure on stage, the top chapters were announced to step forward to receive The Annulet.
Structure A: Alpha Epsilon–Westminster College
Structure B: Gamma Zeta–University of Memphis
Structure C: Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas State University
Structure D: Psi–University of Alabama
The celebration concluded with hugs and photos, followed by a dance party with Park Band. View the complete award list here.
2024 Honors of Epsilon Pi Recipients
Members unable to attend Convention are recognized through a locally held Lighting of the Tapers Ceremony.
This year’s Circle of Excellence included:
• Structure A: Alpha Epsilon–Westminster College and Epsilon Mu–Fort Hays State University
• Structure B: Epsilon Epsilon–William Jewell College, Epsilon Kappa–Pittsburg State University, Gamma Xi–Murray State University, Gamma Zeta–University of Memphis and Zeta Gamma–Gannon University
• Structure C: Epsilon Zeta–Arkansas State University, Gamma Omega–University of Alabama at Birmingham, Gamma Sigma–Troy University and Zeta Pi–Saint Joseph’s University
• Structure D: Gamma Delta–Auburn University and Psi–University of Alabama for Alpha Gam’s largest chapter size
Saturday
The final day began with a call to order to reopen the floor for Fraternity business. On the docket was a resolution to modify our Opening Ritual Service by replacing The Lord’s Prayer with a moment of silence.
International President Lee Woodham Langub acknowledged the importance of the conversation.
“It is essential for us to recognize that difficult conversations are an inherent part of our responsibility as stewards of our Fraternity. While it may be tempting to shy away from contentious issues, I firmly believe that facing them head-on is crucial,” Lee said. “These conversations allow us to gain deeper insights, explore diverse perspectives and ultimately make more informed decisions about the practices that define us.”
Following an informative presentation regarding Robert’s Rules of Order from Fashika Willis-McClelland, our registered Parliamentarian, an official roll call was taken, and the Credentials Committee Report was adopted.
Fran George Arnsdorff, the Chair of the Resolutions Committee, presented the proposed resolution, its rationale, and the committee’s unanimous recommendation that it be adopted.
“Collegiate chapters attract a diverse population of members from a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. It is our duty as a Fraternity to cultivate an
environment in which members feel safe and celebrated,” Fran quoted from the resolution’s rationale. “To create an inclusive and diverse environment that supports and celebrates all sisters, we must take actions in all things, including Ritual, to ensure that safe space.”
International Vice President Catherine Matthews iterated International Council’s support of the resolution.
As the floor opened for discussion, members made their way to the microphones to present pros, cons or ask questions. Thoughtful discussion from both the pro and con viewpoints was respectfully presented by members of all generations.
“I was truly impressed by the mutual respect displayed by everyone during the business meeting,” said CEO Katie Jolley Abernathy. “The Ritual of Alpha Gamma Delta holds deep significance for all our members, and I greatly appreciate the willingness of our sisters to engage in honest and open dialogue on such an important topic.
The Alpha Gamma Delta Constitution and Standing Rules states that any changes to the Ritual must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of voting members in Good Standing and present at Convention. While more than half the body voted to pass the resolution, it did not receive a two-thirds majority vote. As the resolution did not pass, Opening Ritual should continue to be conducted with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
State of the Fraternity
One of the many important pieces of Convention business is the State of the Fraternity, a statistical recap of the past biennium. View the full report.
After additional Volunteer Service Team introductions, International Vice President and International President-Elect Andrea Pendleton presented an update on the strategic plan launched in 2022 and the work towards it’s four priorities: our collegiate members, alumnae, advisors and the sustainability of our organization.
“Sustainability is the foundation of the work of our strategic plan. Each one of these elements of sustainability is critical to keeping Alpha Gamma Delta strong and successful moving forward,” Andrea said. “I look forward to seeing us reach these goals in 2026.”
Next, the Inspire and Impact Luncheon, sponsored by the Foundation, celebrated those who have advanced the education, philanthropy and leadership opportunities made possible by Foundation donors. The sound of cheers and hand clappers filled the air as awards were given to collegiate chapters and alumnae groups.
“We are philanthropic—not only because it’s the right thing to do, but—because we are Alpha Gams. Many of our sisters not only live our Purpose every day, they go above and beyond. We are honored to recognize the following philanthropic individuals, chapters and clubs,” said former Foundation Trustee Adrienne Kerr Beckett.
After lunch, members returned to the business meeting for a few final reports—including the report of the Courtesy Resolutions Committee.
Courtesy Resolutions Committee
While many reports are a formality, the Courtesy Resolutions committee’s often satirical take is always a crowd favorite. “We love incorporating fun puns and playful digs about the things that happen at Convention,” said Committee Chair Amy Kant Ridenour, Beta Epsilon—Carroll University of the often-satirical report. “It’s always a collaborative, creative process that keeps us laughing long into the night.
After the motion passed to approve the reports of the international officers and committee chairs, Lee addressed the Convention body for the final time as International President.
“What a journey it has been serving as International President the past six years. During my first convention address in 2018, I stated that my focus would be centered around two specific questions—will our actions create the best sorority experience possible and how are we inspiring women to impact the world?” said Lee. “Those words were spoken with a lot of hope, but not knowing what the next six years would bring. Looking back now, I can say that those two questions have remained guideposts".
After thanking each of her fellow Council members, Lee passed the gavel and announced the location of the 2026 Convention—Phoenix! As the Closing Ritual concluded, all eyes then turned to the future of the organization with the installation of the new International Council.
The installation and swearing in of each officer concluded with an address from the newly inducted 25th International President, Andrea Pendleton.
“Growing up in Atlanta, I had no idea my path to sisterhood would begin here at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis,” Andrea began, as she recounted seeing a sorority convention at the hotel during a high school leadership conference. “Little did I know that this event would spark my passion for leadership and guide me towards a lifechanging sisterhood.”
Andrea’s Great Aunt Nettye was at that convention and while she had long known her aunt was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, that was the first day they really talked about her experience as a sorority woman.
It was also the first time she imagined joining a sorority.
“Honestly, it was a brief thought. But that image—that ocean of pink and green still comes to mind every time I step foot in this hotel,” she said. “It is only surpassed today by this moment. Right here. Right now. Looking out at all of you in your red, buff and green…this is a moment I will never forget.”
Andrea went on to tell her story of becoming a sorority woman and her realization that she was the first black woman to pledge a Panhellenic chapter at Mercer. Though her initiation into Alpha Gamma Delta didn’t occur that year, she knew by her second bid day run that her destination was a place she could be her full, true, authentic self.
“I never set out to be the first to do something. I never sought the spotlight or craved recognition. And I never imagined I would stand before you today as your International President,” she said. “By being first, I also know that I will not be the last. We are all paving a path for other women and girls in our own ways.”
Her words set a powerful tone for the next chapter in Alpha Gamma Delta’s history, challenging every sister to embrace authenticity, lift others up, and never forget the transformative power of sisterhood.
The final evening of Convention brought with it one of Alpha Gamma Delta’s most cherished traditions: The Feast of Roses. After dinner, as soft candlelight bathed the room in a warm glow, Toastmistress Kelly Cornett introduced the head table and welcomed the guests of honor, our newest alumnae initiates.
The traditional toasts honoring our our Alma Maters. Founders, Alumnae, Collegians, Initiates and our Fraternity were given by Jamie Schenck, Debra Wilson Purdy, and International Vice Presidents Carol Richards Peske, Jolie Graves Webb and Klazina van den Berg.
Distinguished Citizens
This honor is presented to alumnae who have made outstanding contributions and impacts in their chosen field or in their communities. The achievements of nominees are unique and clearly rise above and beyond all levels of expectation. View the videos linked below to learn more about these inspiring women.
Packed to Perfection
Georgia was on the minds of attendees months before the fanfare began. In fact, according to an informal poll of 150 attendees from Alpha Gam’s online group ® Squirrel Talk, 32% of attendees began planning their Convention wardrobe 3-5 months before the event. Saturday’s red, buff and green dress code was centerstage with a roundup of OOTDs (that’s “outfit of the day” for the non-TikTok crowd). Those who were particularly fond of their ‘fit gave a quick overview and a twirl from the stage—a nod to a social media trend growing since #BamaRushTok gained popularity. We also learned Ashley Merritt Szmanda, Beta Epsilon—Caroll University, brought the most shoes (16 pairs!) and that IVP Kalina Haynes already has an outfit for 2026. “It only takes one time to pass up buying the perfect outfit and you'll never do it again,” Kalina said.
FUN FACT
Attendees represented 40 states and five Canadian provinces
SHORT The Squirrel
SHORT, the mascot of a children’s literacy program created by Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett, Gamma Sigma–Troy University, made a surprise visit to deliver crayons and educational coloring sheets to go inside each backpack.
