Fraternity Updates

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The 2021 IRD theme, Connected for Life, encourages sisters to reflect on how connections made through sisterhood support us throughout life.

International Reunion Day is typically celebrated the third Saturday in April, but ® click here to locate details for the event nearest you. Whether a virtual or in-person event, we hope you participate!

DEI Update

As part of the Fraternity’s ongoing efforts to provide learning and growth for all members surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion, the Fraternity partnered with Alpha Delta Pi to host the virtual discussion "When Intent Doesn't Equal Impact" with Dr. Stacey Pearson-Wharton. The session explored navigating difficult conversations with our sisters and being an ally in today’s world. A ® recording of the session will be available online until March 25.

For added learning, we recommend Episode 10: College 101 of Dr. Stacey's podcast, Being the Dot, where she interviews three Black students from predominantly white colleges.

“The presence of women of color in our Panhellenic community is not recent; however, the acknowledgment and valuing of women of color in our community has just begun and is far too late,” Simone said.

DEI Committee Member Simone Brooks, Lambda Delta–Rutgers University, presented “A Seat at the Table: It’s Not Black and White Anymore” at the National Panhellenic Conference's Collegiate Leadership Meeting in January. Simone provided perspective on the inter-sectional experience of being a woman of color in Panhellenic. As a collegiate member, Simone co-founded the Coalition for Women of Color at her university and now serves on its board of directors.

The Foundation's third annual Day of Giving will take place March 24. Serve as an Ambassador for the day by posting on social media or calling your closest sisters! Get a sneak peak at challenges and matches or create one of your own that benefits your philanthropic passion. Visit alphagamgives.org for more information.

Marguerite Shepard Initiative

Inspired by and named for one of our 11 Founders, the Marguerite Shepard Initiative promotes the academic recognition and accomplishments of Alpha Gam's collegiate members and chapters.

Recognition for chapters is celebrated with induction into the Diamond, Pearl and Gold Academic Honor Societies.

Collegiate Chapter Results for Spring 2020:

• 66 Chapters entered the Diamond Academic Honor Society

• 4 Chapters entered the Gold Academic Honor Society

• 28 Chapters entered the Pearl Academic Honor Society

• 22 chapters reported ranking #1 in grades on campus and 25 ranked in the top third

Collegiate members with a minimum GPA of 3.14 are inducted into the Red, Buff or Green Academic Honor Societies and are celebrated at the chapter's annual recognition event.

Congratulations to all recipients and thank you for your hard work— especially during such a difficult time in your college career. To see which chapters earned these honors, check out the newly revamped Collegiate Reports on page 24.

The information above was collected from 109 of 122 chapters. Four chapters are at institutions that did not report GPAs due to COVID-19.

Legacy Policy Change

After much discussion and thoughtful consideration, International Council has voted to eliminate Alpha Gamma Delta’s legacy policy during all recruitment processes, effective June 1. While we recognize the special significance of sharing Alpha Gam membership with a close family member, policies guaranteeing preferential treatment to legacies prohibit equal consideration of all potential new members.

Alpha Gam will continue to recognize the legacy status of the daughter, step-daughter, sister, step-sister, granddaughter or step-granddaughter of any member in Good Standing; however, chapters will no longer be required to extend legacies an automatic invitation following the first round of Primary Recruitment nor consider legacy status when determining the final bid list order.

This change allows collegiate chapters to make their own membership selection and gives each potential new member an equal opportunity to receive an invitation for membership. It is consistent with the goal to eliminate barriers to membership and is in line with several other NPC organizations.

Visit the FAQ page for more information.

Alpha Gam Book Club

Now is a great time to connect with alumnae and discuss important themes, such as family, friendship, values and challenges.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler is the Alpha Gam Book Club selection for March and April's book is The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez.

Discussions are led and moderated by volunteers and take place online. Join the Facebook Group at bit.ly/AGD-Book-Club

Alumnae Dues Giveaway Winner

Our last Alumnae Dues giveaway was so popular we’re doing it again! Enter to win one of three Heritage Badges by paying $50 for your annual Alumnae Dues by April 9. Enter to win, make your dues payment or learn more about how Alumnae Dues directly benefit the Fraternity experience at ® alphagammadelta.org/alumnae-dues.

Congratulations to Gwynne Saionz, Alpha Pi–Wayne State University, on winning the first Heritage Badge giveaway. Thanks to all who have paid alumnae dues this fiscal year!

Due to laws surrounding contests, the Alumnae Dues Heritage Badge Giveaway is only open to legal residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are at least 21-years-old.

Record-breaking Academy for Collegiate Officers Goes Virtual

More than 1,600 collegiate officers attended Virtual Academy for Collegiate Officers in January. All Executive Council officers were invited to participate, and registered members received a "swag pack" to get them excited and prepared. Sessions ranged from officer-specific breakouts to further insight on matters related to confidence, mental wellness and diversity, equity and inclusion.