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How Does Alpha Gam Grow?
Our Founders intended our sisterhood to grow significantly beyond our Alpha Chapter, established in 1904 at Syracuse University. We continue to honor them with an intentional growth strategy envisioned by International Council and put into action by dedicated IHQ staff.
Alpha Gam re-installed the Gamma Nu Chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) last fall, but it didn’t happen overnight. Establishing a new chapter or re-establishing follows a series of steps and significant coordination.
First, a Panhellenic community decides to invite a group to establish a chapter, and the decision is confirmed by a vote from a delegate of each chapter in that community. Interested organizations submit an application detailing their history, alumnae in the area, the new chapter support timeline, alignment with the organizational and institutional priorities and more.
Selected organizations visit campus and present detailed plans to support a new chapter and share how the Panhellenic community and institution would benefit. Next, the Selection Committee on that campus votes to move forward with one organization.
Relationships and Gamma Nu’s Return to UTK
After the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Panhellenic community selected Alpha Gam, IHQ staff conducted a marketing visit to meet student leaders, build relationships in the Panhellenic community, gather names and generate interest in the new chapter and host an alumnae event.
Relationship building with campus partners is critical to the success of Alpha Gamma Delta’s growth. "This being our first extension in nearly 60 years, it was crucial to ensure the successful addition of a new organization to our Panhellenic community,” said Jennifer Pierce Thomas, Associate Director, Office of Sorority & Fraternity Life at UTK. “Alpha Gamma Delta exceeded all expectations with their professionalism, enthusiasm and collaborative spirit throughout the process. Their staff exemplified what it means to be true partners, making this milestone achievement even more meaningful.”
Depending on the timing of the establishment, the new group might participate in the first round of Primary Recruitment.
“At UTK this was virtual, and we shared a video,” said Emma Bonney, Gamma Beta–Florida State University, who serves as
Membership Growth Specialist-Extension. “Potential new members (PNMs) weren’t able to vote on Alpha Gamma Delta and there were no invitations, it was just a way to market the chapter and hopefully attract interest from those who did not find a place in Primary Recruitment.”
The Leadership Consultant team and other staff members arrived on campus shortly after Primary Recruitment to host a series of informational events. “We did an Open House event, Philanthropy night event where we packed more than 2,000 meals for Blessings in a Backpack, and a Sisterhood event with bouquet making. We also communicated with many PNMs via social media, tabled on campus every day and spoke at student organization meetings,” Emma said.
Interviews and Invitations
In September, the final week involved membership interviews, or Connections Events. Every interested candidate sat down 1:1 with a staff or International Council member, much like a structured round of recruitment. Then, Alpha Gam held an invitation-only Preference Event. “Following Preference Night, we offered bids and welcomed 115 new members into the newly re-established Gamma Nu Chapter,” Emma said. “We celebrated Bid Day in all our red, buff and green with music, dancing, photo ops and food. The entire Panhellenic community, as well as Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life staff and alumnae celebrated with us.”
Connections and Community Building
After Bid Day, Gamma Nu hosted its first overnight sisterhood retreat, participated in Homecoming and began planning its first signature philanthropic event, “Let’s Taco 'Bout Fighting Hunger.” Collegians dove into committee roles and efforts, then elected an Officer Board as they continue to work diligently towards growing the chapter and promoting Alpha Gamma Delta.
In November 2024, shortly after its installation, the chapter received the Panhellenic 2024 Chapter of Purpose Award. This award is based on the chapter’s high retention, commitment to philanthropic focus and a smooth transition to campus life.
