TRIDENT OF
TRI DELTA
Tri Delta Foundation changing lives through Trilogy Celebrating 20 years with St. Jude
SUMMER 2019 www.tridelta.org
Tri Delta Stars in Entertainment
Run
Walk
Shop Look fashionable in these new Tees from Tri Delta Shop. St. Jude Walk/Run shirts are available for purchase in August.
SHOPDDD.COM
She won the Oscar... Period. End of Sentence.
THE CHANGEMAKER Claire Sliney, Pennsylvania, turned her passion for social change into Oscar Gold. Read more on page 26.
Summer 2019 volume 128, number 3 The cover photo of actress Zakiya Young was photographed in Anaheim, California, by Michael Johnson.
ON THE COVER From Broadway to the Oscars
Meet five talented Tri Deltas rocking the entertainment industry.
LEADDDING in SoCal
Tri Delta takes its premier leadership development conference on the road to Southern California.
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The Trident Summer 2019
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Tri Delta Living
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Live Learn Lead
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Life After College
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For a Lifetime
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With Purpose
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Tri Delta Book Club
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In Memoriam
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Historically Speaking
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Practical life advice for our newest alumnae.
DEPARTMENTS Letter from the CEO
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Tri Delta Today
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Read the latest news and updates on Tri Delta Today.
Kind Alike to All
Celebrating a 20-year partnership with St. Jude that has raised $68 million.
Celebrating the passionate service of Tri Delta's volunteers.
The Trident of Delta Delta Delta, the official publication of Tri Delta Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1891. Its mission is to reflect the lifetime membership experience while sharing the stories of our brave, bold and kind sisters. It also aims to provide a connection to Tri Delta for members of all ages, to bring the shared values of Tri Delta to life and to showcase Tri Delta as a premier women’s organization.
HOW TO RECEIVE THE TRIDENT Collegiate members receive The Trident through payment of Fraternity dues to their chapters. Individual copies are mailed to each undergraduate member’s permanent address, and four copies are sent to each collegiate chapter president.
Summer 2019 Volume 128 Number 3 EDITORIAL CEO Editor-In-Chief Karen Hughes White, Georgia Managing Editor Mindy Tucker, Southern Methodist Content Manager Amanda Milford, Texas/Arlington Director of Public Relations Jason Paul Gomez Content Specialist Lindsay Mackey, Auburn Archivist Beth Applebaum, Texas Christian
Alumnae members receive The Trident print edition through payment of annual dues, through an alumnae chapter or online ($33) at tridelta.org/foralifetime. Alumnae members can receive a complimentary subscription by making a one-time $300 Life Loyal donation to the Tri Delta Foundation. Learn more at tridelta.org/foundation. All members can view The Trident online at tridelta.org/trident.
A NOTE TO PARENTS Your daughter’s copy of The Trident is being sent to your address while she is in college. We hope you enjoy reading it too. If your daughter is not in college, or is no longer living at home, please send us her new address.
HOW TO CHANGE AN ADDRESS Log onto www.tridelta.org, go to My Tri Delta and edit your personal information. You may also call (817) 633-8001 or send mail to Delta Delta Delta, 14951 North Dallas Parkway, Ste. 500, Dallas, Texas 75254.
HOW TO CONTACT THE TRIDENT The Trident, 14951 North Dallas Parkway, Ste. 500, Dallas, Texas 75254 Email: trident@trideltaeo.org Phone: (817) 633-8001 Fax: (817) 652-0212
DESIGN Art Director Liz Tindall, Texas Design Specialists Tori Riesselman, Creighton Lori Massey The Trident of Delta Delta Delta (USPS 640380) is published October, March, June and August of each year and is $10 by Delta Delta Delta, 14951 North Dallas Parkway, Ste. 500, Dallas, Texas 75254. Copyright ©2019 by Delta Delta Delta. All rights reserved. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas, Texas, and additional mailing offices. MAILING POLICY: The Fraternity respects the privacy of its members. Mailing lists are shared only with vendors of Executive Boardapproved Fraternity programs. These vendors sign an agreement prohibiting the sale of the mailing list. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Delta Delta Delta at above address or by email to info@trideltaeo.org.
This publication was printed using soy ink.
www.tridelta.org
HOW TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITORIAL TEAM We welcome your comments, both positive and negative, about The Trident. Send letters to the editorial team via email or mail. Please include your name, school and initiation year. The Trident reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
HOW TO GET PUBLISHED All Tri Deltas are encouraged to submit news and stories to The Trident. Tell us about your accomplishments, events and experiences, and please include photographs. Send stories and photos online through My Tri Delta or via email or mail. If submitting photos online or by email, please submit as high-resolution.
DEADLINES Fall: July 1
Winter/Spring: December 1
Summer: March 1
These deadlines are estimates provided for your convenience. One to three issues may appear before a submission is published because of the production schedule of The Trident.
National Panhellenic Conference Summer 2019 The Trident
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From the CEO
Dear Tri Delta Sisters,
One of the great privileges I have as Tri Delta’s CEO is to preview The Trident magazine before it’s published. As I read this issue (which is now also available online at www.tridelta. org/trident), several themes emerged. It didn’t take me long to realize that these themes align closely with Tri Delta’s virtues… Funny how that works! The theme of kindness is reflected in the stories about the Crescent Fund, on p. 20; the latest Trilogy milestone and life-changing grant, on p. 15; and of course, the celebration of our 20-year partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and $68 million raised in support of their lifesaving mission, on p. 12. Then there’s the humility and patience required of our talented Tri Delta Stars in Entertainment, featured on the cover and on p. 26. They are Oscar winners, filmmakers, actresses, producers and more! Learn more about their powerful projects and amazing journeys that began – and continue – with the steadfast love and support of their Tri Delta sisters! This summer, Tri Delta is making it easier than ever before to share the bonds of friendship and Delta Love via our firstever app – CONNECTDDD! Available now in the Apple App Store (download the Graduway Community app and then enter CONNECT DDD) and Google Play, CONNECTDDD will enable you to: • • • • • •
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Search for sisters Find or become a mentor Make career connections Discover sisters with shared interests Find events in your city And much more!
The Trident Summer 2019
CONNECTDDD harnesses the power of Facebook and LinkedIn on a networking platform that’s designed exclusively for Tri Deltas! Best of all, it’s being offered free to all Tri Delta members through Dec. 31, 2019. Read more on p. 6, and “Get CONNECTDDD” today! Speaking of networking, don’t miss the story on LEADDD 2019, on p. 22. With sunny SoCal as the backdrop and dynamic keynotes from our very own, award-winning journalist Leeza Gibbons, South Carolina, and television host/breast cancer survivor Giuliana Rancic, LEADDD 2019 energized and empowered Tri Deltas from across North America. Stay tuned for opportunities to get LEADDD On-Demand this fall! And lastly, you may recall reading about our dear sister, Mildred Bland “Milly” Miller, Maryland, in previous issues of The Trident. Milly passed away peacefully on June 25, 2019… Just two weeks shy of her 102nd birthday! In her eulogy, we were reminded of Milly’s mantra: “Better your best!” I couldn’t help but think that it’s exactly what we do as Tri Deltas, as we strive to become the very best versions of ourselves. Which circles right back to our virtues… Funny how that works! Loyally and with steadfast love,
Karen Hughes White, Georgia CEO
Tri Talk Kindness wins the day (and night!) At their annual conference on May 10, the Fraternity Communications Association recognized Tri Delta’s marketing and communications efforts with four awards! Most notably, Tri Delta was awarded the William C. Levere Award for Total Communication for the #OurKindofKind campaign. The judges were impressed by the comprehensive nature of the effort that included a nod to our founding, and incorporated digital media, merchandise, video, fundraising, a powerful speech from Fraternity President Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan and much more. We believe all of our members share a part in this award as everyone has played a part in showing the world “Our Kind of Kind.” Tri Delta also won category specific awards for writing in The Trident and for video production in concert with member-owned production company Women Rising. (Read more about Women Rising Founder and CEO Sara Hirsh Bordo, Texas Christian, on page 26). Other notable recognitions...The Trident was the runner-up for the Fred F. Yoder Award for Overall Excellence, and our very own Amanda Milford, Content Manager, received the Marilyn Simpson Ford Distinguished Service Award!
In Memory of Holly McMillian Thompson With heavy hearts, Tri Delta mourns the loss of our devoted colleague, friend and Panhellenic sister, Holly McMillian Thompson. Holly passed away on Wednesday, March 13, following a brave and bold battle with cancer. Our former Sr. Director of Information Technology, Holly served Tri Delta in a variety of positions for nearly eight years. A member of Alpha Chi Omega, Holly was an inspiration to many Tri Deltas, Executive Office staffers, family and friends. “Holly was a light of life to everyone that knew her,” says Ashley Watson, Texas/Arlington. “She was thoughtful and intentional. She would always evaluate all options before giving her opinion. She geeked out on data, which is why she was so good at her job.” Ashley continues, “Holly's laugh was contagious and she could brighten your day with her smile. She was a very private person, who kept her work and her personal life as separate as possible. If you were lucky enough to be let into her personal space you knew you were special. A proud member of Alpha Chi Omega, she loved all of her Panhellenic sisters as if they were her own.” “I only had Holly in my life for five years but working for her is something that will be a positive impact on my life forever,” says Courtney Angwin, Texas/Arlington. “I loved learning from her – I loved how intentional she was when she spoke – I loved how she always advocated for her team and appreciated the time and work we gave to Tri Delta…Holly made this world a better place and will continue to make this world a better place through the people she impacted.”
www.tridelta.org
LET’S TALK TRI DELTA
Introducing Tri Delta's official podcast: Let's Talk Tri Delta. Be on the lookout for information on how to subscribe, coming soon!
The Mental Health crisis Dear Trident Editor: I was so grateful to see and read the article on the Mental Health Crisis in the Winter/Spring Trident 2019 issue. This hit my daughter hard this year. I’m a mother of a college student. It was nice to see a list of the mental health resources in the article. I also wanted to share a few additional resources I found as a result of my daughter struggling with anxiety issues. We all know the timing of this is imperative for our child to seek help. If professional physiatrists and counselors have waiting lists when you need them you can check with your health insurance to see what type of mental health coverage is available. Under some plans the visits are free of charge. Local churches often have trained counselors available. Some free, some charge a fee. As well as, online counselors free of charge for college students. You can Google it and find one that suits your child’s situation and personality. Your child can even FaceTime with an online counselor if they cannot get off campus for an appointment sometimes this works well for those who struggle with social anxiety or are too depressed to go to an appointment. Even text a counselor if talking face to face is too hard. You can Google all of those options. Yes, adjusting to all the “first year” changes was difficult; and our daughter started exhibiting some mild anxieties, but she accomplished her freshman year. It was the beginning of her sophomore year when all of those changes were overwhelming and her boyfriend of two years broke up with her over the phone. Her heart was broken and she felt alone, unlovable and didn’t understand. She didn’t want to eat or get out of bed. This is when I knew as a parent I had to step in. I held her, reminded her she was loved; and let her cry as long and as often as she needed to. Reminding her this was not her fault and his loss! Having Tri Delta sisters who had experienced a heartbreak and fought anxiety and depression really helped cultivate a friendship with my daughter that helped her get thru one of the toughest times of her life! I also found a counselor at our church who was able to talk with my daughter until a break when she could come home and meet with the counselor in person. I truly believe all these resources saved my daughter and put her on a healing path. Thanks again for the article to help educate on this important issue! As a mom just reading it helped me not to feel isolated; and gave me hope for educating others.
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Tri Delta Today
GET Introducing Tri Delta’s new app… CONNECTDDD! Harnessing the power of Facebook and LinkedIn, CONNECTDDD provides exclusive networking opportunities for Tri Delta members across the world!
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Search for sisters Find or become a mentor Make career connections Explore job and internship opportunities Discover sisters with shared interests Find events in your city And more!
Getting CONNECTDDD is easy!
“CONNECTDDD creates a community where Tri Delta members can connect with and empower one another to become the very best versions of themselves.” FRATERNITY PRESIDENT
Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine
Simply download the app from the App Store (download Graduway Community and then enter CONNECT DDD) or Google Play, or visit our mobile-friendly website, www.connectddd.org. Log in, create your profile, set your preferences and start connecting!
Great news! CONNECTDDD is being made available to all Tri Delta members – free of charge – through December 31, 2019. After that it will be available exclusively for dues-paying collegiate and alumnae members. Annual alumnae dues ($33) can be paid online at www.tridelta.org/foralifetime, or through your local alumnae chapter. Find your local chapter at www.tridelta.org/join-a-chapter.
Happy connecting!
TRI DELTA JOINS TULANE UNIVERSITY We are thrilled to announce that the Tulane Panhellenic Council has invited Tri Delta to establish a new chapter in 2019-2020! Tri Delta will become the ninth National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organization on campus, joining Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Chi Omega, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Phi Mu, Pi Beta Phi and Sigma Delta Tau. Tri Delta will recruit founding members in fall 2019 and will participate in Tulane Tri Delta
formal recruitment in spring 2020. Tri Delta’s Epsilon Chi Chapter will be installed in spring 2020, following the Initiation of these founding members. Tri Delta is currently looking for alumnae to serve as volunteers for our new chapter. If you're interested in supporting Tri Delta at Tulane, email us at volunteer@trideltaeo.org. Follow Tulane Tri Delta on social media for the latest establishment updates.
@TulaneTriDelta
TIMELINE SPRING/SUMMER 2019 Recruit volunteers and advisory team
FALL 2019 Recruit founding members New Member Education Train new members for formal recruitment Support Tulane fall activities
SPRING 2020 Formal recruitment Select chapter leadership Initiation & Chapter Installation
@TulaneTriDelta Summer 2019 The Trident
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Tri Delta Today
Advocacy in Action Tri Delta members take to Capitol Hill to advocate for the fraternity/sorority experience
Tri Delta is proud to have Past Fraternity President Phyllis Durbin Grissom, Southern Methodist, serve as President-Elect of the FSPAC. Representing Tri Delta on Capitol Hill this year were collegiate members: Morgan Bedford, Pepperdine; Jordan Devorak, Kansas State; Megan Krynen, Mississippi; Gina Rotunno, South Florida; and Emily Varady, Arkansas. Joining them were Tri Delta alumnae who serve as volunteers or Executive Office staff members: NPC Delegate and Past President of the FSPAC Sarah Coons Lindsay, Miami/Ohio; Executive Board Director Lenora Oeters, Cincinnati; Delta Xi House Corporation volunteer Teresa McKinney, Missouri; Vice President of Development and Philanthropy Beth Burkes, Wake Forest; and Content Manager Amanda Milford, Texas/Arlington. During the Capitol Hill visits, students and alumni attended more than 450 meetings with members of Congress to advocate for legislation to protect students’ freedom of association rights and to eradicate hazing on college campuses. This year, there were two important issues discussed with lawmakers: tougher penalties for hazing and protection for single-sex organizations.
On April 10, Tri Delta members joined 250 Greek undergraduates and alumni in Washington, D.C., to advocate on Capitol Hill on behalf of the fraternity and sorority experience. he Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) is a collaborative effort between the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) and the Fraternity/Sorority Political Action Committee (FSPAC) which advocates for federal public policies that allow fraternities and sororities to continue providing leadership training, community engagement and academic support needed to transform today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.
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First were anti-hazing efforts. Research shows that hazing prevention is best accomplished through comprehensive measures, including proactive education, as well as transparency and accountability for organizations that allow hazing to occur. Two anti-hazing bills, the REACH Act and the End ALL Hazing Act, require greater transparency from institutions of higher education and student organizations in publicly reporting incidents of hazing. Another major focus on the Hill this year was protecting students' ability to join single-sex organizations. Some universities—most notably Harvard University—have tried to restrict students’ freedom of association rights. After our visits in April, the Collegiate Freedom of Association Act was introduced. It preserves students’ ability to choose the organization that they want to be a part of, protects their right to join a single-sex organization and provides equal treatment for all student organizations. The goal is to have the CFAA included in the Higher Education Act reauthorization. The meetings also served as an opportunity for participants to
“The Capitol Hill visits completely blew me away, and standing up for issues I truly believe in showed me that I can make a difference if I am passionate enough!” The meetings also served as an opportunity for participants to share the value of the fraternity and sorority experience with elected officials. Tri Deltas shared stories of their own personal growth through their membership and the numerous opportunities Tri Delta provides them for professional development and leadership—including this chance to advocate as part of the FGRC. A highlight of the visits for the Tri Delta delegation was the opportunity to meet with Tri Delta alumna Rep. Kathy Castor, Emory, who serves as the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 14th congressional district.
Reflecting on her experience, Megan shared, “My experience with the FGRC Capitol Hill visits was amazing! It furthered my
professional development and gave me new experiences in a field that I have interest in pursuing in the future. I was able to meet with 10 different offices on the Hill and lead a meeting about a topic I am very passionate about, my single-sex organization experience.” “The Capitol Hill visits completely blew me away, and standing up for issues I truly believe in showed me that I can make a difference if I am passionate enough!” said Jordan. “I met other fantastic Tri Deltas who pushed me out of my comfort zone and stood by my side even though we had just met. This trip truly showed me how strong our sisterhood is, no matter what chapter we come from.”
Photo, above: Jordan Devorak (left) and Lenora Oeters (right) are pictured with Representative Steve Watkins from Kansas.
Tri Delta Today
Tri Delta Welcomes Epsilon Phi Chapter On Saturday, April 27, Tri Delta initiated 146 founding members of Epsilon Phi Chapter at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. These women have the unique opportunity to follow in our Founders’ footsteps as brave, bold and kind "founding members" as they lay the foundation for Tri Delta at Temple. The women of Epsilon Phi Chapter are dynamic leaders: they serve on executive boards for other student organizations, they passionately support the north Philadelphia community, and—as founding members of their chapter—they are committed to creating a welcoming space on Temple’s campus that allows women to feel included and supported. The weekend was full of celebration, with three separate Initiation ceremonies and an Installation Brunch, attended by Executive Board members, volunteers, university officials, Tri Delta staff and guests. In addition to the collegiate members, Epsilon Phi also welcomed an honor initiate into Tri Delta sisterhood: Ryan Stewart Taylor, Temple. At the Installation Brunch, Fraternity President Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine, told the founding members: “It is a special 10
The Trident Summer 2019
moment for me to be with you today as your Fraternity President. Just a few years ago I sat where you did, as a founding member of the Gamma Rho Chapter at Pepperdine University. While I only spent a short time as a collegiate member, my founding experience led me to be the woman I am today. And I wish the same for each of you!” “Every single one of you is unique, loving, brave, bold and kind, and that is what makes Temple Tri Delta special,” Collegiate Chapter President Bridie Anne MacCrory told her sisters, as she officially accepted the chapter’s charter. “From our philanthropy tabling to our many sisterhood events, our amazing PR and the support of our Panhellenic sisters, we’ve made our mark on Temple University in such a short period of time. I have no doubt that we will continue to make a positive impact on Tri Delta, Temple and the Philadelphia community.” Photos: Hannah Yoon
During the Installation, Foundation Board Chair Tori Campbell, Wyoming, presented the Kathleen Davis Nye Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship awarded by the Tri Delta Foundation to one new member of the chapter. The scholarship is made possible through an endowment established in honor of past Fraternity President and Panhellenic leader Kathleen Davis Nye, Iowa. The scholarship was presented to Epsilon Phi member Kaitlin Wiercioch, a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in special education and elementary education. The celebration also included a special Golden Circle Ceremony for Jacqualyn Jeanette James, Bucknell, who celebrated more than 50 years of membership in Tri Delta—a perfect example of lifetime membership for our newest members. Jacqualyn had the following words to offer the newest members of Tri Delta: “When I was your age I could have never imagined this… I’m very proud to be here. I know you can’t imagine what’s going to happen to you in your life, but just remember this day you were chosen, and you’ll get here someday, too!” Looking to the future of Epsilon Phi Chapter, Chapter Development Consultant Lexi Leggs, Millikin, told the women: “We look to you
Tri Delta Today Pictured, opposite page: Jordan Harris, Kelly Karwowski and Gesica Chacha, all Temple. Pictured above: Fraternity President Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine, shares a laugh with Tri Delta's Epsilon Phi Chapter. Pictured left and below: Founding members of Epsilon Phi Chapter attended the chapter's Installation Brunch at the Wyndham Philadelphia.
to build upon the foundation you’ve laid today…A lot of you joined Tri Delta hoping to be a part of something different. What you may not have realized is the responsibility to make Tri Delta something different lies within each of you. From this moment on, you will set the goals, you will fulfill the legacy, you will create the bonds of sisterhood and you will maintain a culture of welcoming hearts and open minds. It all begins with you.” Congratulations to Tri Delta’s newest sisters of Epsilon Phi Chapter! www.tridelta.org
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Kind Alike to All BY CONTENT SPECIALIST LINDSAY MACKEY, AUBURN On June 28-30, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital hosted the 2019 St. Jude - Tri Delta Celebration in Memphis, Tennessee. This year marked a special 20-year milestone of our partnership with St. Jude. For decades leading up to 1999, Tri Deltas across North America had been tirelessly committed to ending childhood cancer, beginning with our alumnae in Southern California in 1947.
At Convention 2014, Tri Delta committed to its largest goal yet, raising $60 million in 10 years – the single largest pledge to the hospital by a St. Jude partner. In honor of this commitment, St. Jude named its on-campus, short-term housing facility Tri Delta Place. In 2018, we were thrilled to announce that we were halfway to our goal. We had already raised $30.3 million of our $60 million goal in just three and a half years. Over our 20-year partnership, Tri Deltas have raised $68 million for St. Jude's life-saving mission as they lead the charge in changing the way the world treats and defeats childhood cancer.
Then, Tri Delta began a conversation with St. Jude that led to one of our first goals of raising funds and awareness for the patients and families at the hospital. In 2002, one of our earliest goals was to raise $1 million in four years to endow the hospital’s teen room. In true Tri Delta fashion, we met that goal a year ahead of schedule. Then, in 2006, we dreamed bigger – $10 million in 10 years – to name the Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Care Floor in the Chili’s Care Center. Our collegiate and alumnae members were passionate about accomplishing this goal, completing this commitment in just four years. Following the completion of “10 in 10” we agreed to an even more ambitious commitment – 15 in 5. We set out to raise $15 million in five years to name the Specialty Clinic. By 2013, Tri Deltas were once again celebrating reaching our goal and doing it early as we raised $15 million in three and a half years. Once again ahead of schedule!
To kick off the 2019 St. Jude - Tri Delta Celebration, Fraternity President Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine, welcomed Tri Delta members to Memphis and spoke on the history of our partnership and how each of our members are making a difference. “We come from a history of brave, bold and kind women whose dedication to ending childhood cancer continues to inspire us today,” said Kimberlee. “Thank you for the work you have done, the efforts you will put in during this weekend and for the passion you will take back to your chapters and sisters to carry on this partnership for the next 20 years and beyond.” Kimberlee then welcomed Rick Shadyac, President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, to share a few words.
Tri Delta successfully completes its $10 million commitment in just four years – and commits to raising $15 million in 5 years to name the Specialty Clinic.
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2005 Tri Delta raises $1 million to endow the hospital’s teen room.
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Tri Delta celebrates another successful fundraising accomplishment, raising $15 million in 3.5 years.
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Tri Delta commits to raising $10 million in 10 years to name the Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Care Floor.
Tri Delta establishes national partnership with St. Jude. Illustrations: Matt Johnstone/Friend & Johnson
“You all should be incredibly proud. You have set the benchmark in philanthropy and service for all other sororities and fraternities,” said Rick. “Because of the good that you do, more kids are going to survive. They will reach more milestones and achieve more dreams. You all are giving them hope.”
and Auburn University all received the Chapter of the Year Award based on their chapter size. The University of Missouri and Oklahoma State University chapters took home the Outstanding Side Event Award. Followed by the University of Vermont receiving Most Improved Chapter and Clemson University receiving Most Spirited Chapter.
Following Friday's celebration kick off, collegiate and alumnae members were given the opportunity to tour the hospital and see Tri Delta Place. Friday evening consisted of an awards ceremony recognizing two outstanding St. Jude Representatives. The first award was given to Chris Boysen for his 24-year tenure at ALSAC, leading the incubation of new platforms and initiatives that connect supporters with the mission of St. Jude. This includes the solidification of the St. Jude - Tri Delta partnership. Chris was a part of the original group that brought our two organizations together! The second award was given to Adrienne Miller for her passion for working with Tri Delta chapters. She currently supports our chapters at Alabama and Emory, and has previously worked with Auburn, Brenau, Georgia and Samford. Adrienne went above and beyond in assisting the University of Alabama’s philanthropy committee and parent committee with bringing back their Miracles on the Capstone event in 2018. Many of our collegiate and alumnae members received awards for their philanthropic efforts for St. Jude throughout 2018-2019. The University of Tulsa, University of Idaho, Kansas State University
Colgate University was proud to receive the award for the most Outstanding Sincerely Yours Event, and Miami University was thrilled to receive the Heart for St. Jude Award. Congratulations to all of our collegiate chapter award winners! Two of our members received the Philanthropy Chair of the Year Award for their passionate service and guidance toward their chapters for all of their philanthropy events. Congratulations to Keeley Sherman, Creighton, and Caroline Cox, Pittsburgh. Three of our alumnae chapters were recognized for their fundraising efforts. Congratulations to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota Alumnae Chapter, the Cincinnati, Ohio Alumnae Chapter and the Atlanta, Georgia Alumnae Chapter! Shortly after the awards ceremony, former Tri Delta Executive Director Cari Cook, Texas/Arlington, was recognized as St. Jude’s Alumna of the Year and received special recognition on the Friends of Tri Delta Place Wall. Our 20-year partnership is due
Tri Delta and St. Jude celebrate 20 years of finding cures and saving children, with $68 million raised to date.
2018
2014 Tri Delta commits to raising $60 million in 10 years – the single largest pledge made by a St. Jude partner. In honor of this commitment, St. Jude named its on-campus, shortterm housing facility Tri Delta Place.
Tri Delta announces it has reached the halfway mark of its $60 million fundraising commitment, raising $30.3 million in three and a half years.
2019
in large part to Cari’s vision and dedication to serving the patients and families of St. Jude. “I remember when we first started talking at Executive Office about Tri Delta’s work with children’s cancer and thinking about how we could harness our collective power to make a bigger impact,” said Cari. “When you believe in something so strongly, you can truly make it happen. Our members have proven that over and over again with each commitment.” On Saturday morning, our members joined together to celebrate our Ritual as we welcomed two new members to our sisterhood as honor initiates.
Development and Philanthropy Beth Burkes, Wake Forest. On Saturday afternoon, members got down to business, attending case studies and Tri Delta Talks that included discussions around philanthropy events, online campaigns, Sincerely Yours, philanthropy round during recruitment and member engagement. Following workshops, members departed the hotel for dinner at Central BBQ and took a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum. On the last day of the St. Jude - Tri Delta Celebration, members attended a pancake breakfast, heard a special story from a patient’s family and wrapped up the weekend feeling empowered and ready to continue this fight against childhood cancer.
Christy Garrett Prewitt, Tennessee, serves as the Sr. Director for Partnerships for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For the past 18 years, Christy has devoted her professional life to the nonprofit industry and has been with ALSAC/ St. Jude since 2011. Christy was sponsored by Tri Delta CEO Karen Hughes White, Georgia.
“Each of you plays a role in fulfilling St. Jude’s mission,” said Kimberlee. “It is remarkable that we have raised $68 million in 20 years. As we look to the next 20 years, there is no limit to what St. Jude and Tri Delta can accomplish together.”
Laila Skjerpe Renaud, Southern California, is a certified public accountant and the mother of a St. Jude patient. Beginning in 2010, her family began serving as ambassadors to St. Jude and the Make A Wish Foundation. Laila was sponsored by Tri Delta's Vice President of
Our members left Memphis seeing firsthand how our passionate service is impacting the patients and families of St. Jude. Together, we will continue to help children live, scientists learn and St. Jude lead in its mission of finding cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Top right: Members of Tri Delta participated in a '90s themed fun night to celebrate the beginning of the Tri Delta and St. Jude partnership in 1999; Throughout our 20-year partnership, Tri Deltas have passionately raised $68 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Past Fraternity President Gwenn Wynn, Auburn, presented Cari Cook, Texas/Arlington, with the Alumna of the Year Award during Friday evening’s awards ceremony.
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Kind Alike to All
Trilogy: Changing Lives designed to meet the needs of many members… Perhaps some we he site was Phoenix, Arizona. The date was July may never even know. 2, 2016. The occasion was Tri Delta’s 57th biennial Convention. And the challenge was on… Raise “The mental health crisis on college campuses is very real,” says $1 million dollars in three years in support of Fraternity President Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine. “Young Trilogy – a board-directed endowment to meet the adults between the ages of 18-25 have the highest rates of mental most urgent needs of Tri Delta and its members. illness in the U.S., and near ly 25 percent of all college With a running start via a lead students are dealing with gift from Lou Brown Jewell, Stetson, and 100 percent a diagnosed mental illness. Board participation, the TrilThat’s why our partnership with the Human Power Projogy major gift initiative was ect and the Tri Delta Founofficially underway. dation and the launch of our new mental health initiaEven better, Trilogy – created in 2012 – had reached tive Behind Happy Faces is so its first funding milestone in very important.” 2016, exceeding the $500,000 mark enabling its first lifeWith support from Trilogy, changing grant to Sarah the Tri Delta Foundation and Shore, Rhodes. The award its generous donors, Behind helped Sarah – a 4.0 student Happy Faces – piloted in 20 – finish her undergraduate collegiate chapters in Spring work on schedule, despite a of 2018 – will be offered to all devasting financial setback 141 Tri Delta chapters in the for her family. Sarah went Anna-Kay Thomas, Dartmouth, shares her personal story and the importance 2019-20 academic year. on to complete a medical of mental health education and support in Behind Happy Faces. mission trip to Africa in the Created by mental health summer of 2016 and is currently attending pharmacy school at the advocate Ross Szabo, founder of the Human Power Project, University of Tennessee Medical School. Behind Happy Faces, is a unique and engaging mental health curriculum that uses educational videos and peer-led discussions to change the conversation around mental health and mental A second Trilogy grant was made in 2017 to a brave, young breast illness. The program is designed to help members: cancer survivor Martha Parker, Toronto. Diagnosed at the age of • Understand mental health 27, Martha was struggling to pay her bills as she fought through • Talk to a sister in need countless rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. A Trilogy grant • Recognize warning signs helped Martha meet her expenses, while focusing on her health • Learn coping skills and healing. • Gain access to helpful resources As Tri Deltas everywhere began to understand Trilogy’s transformaBehind Happy Faces will also provide on-demand webinars for alumtional impact on the lives of our members, more and more women nae advisors and training for Tri Delta’s House Directors who are answered the call for support. More than $875,000 had been pledged often times on the front lines of the mental health crisis as it relates by Convention 2018 in Dallas, Texas, putting the $1 million goal to to Tri Delta. expand Trilogy well within reach by the July 2019 deadline. Says Sandra Williams Krieger, Mississippi, former Chair of the FounEnter Ginger Hicks Smith, Emory. Following the completion of her dation Board of Trustees and alumna advisor to Theta Pi/UCLA, three-year pledge to support the creation of the Ginger Hicks Smith says, “Our women today are faced with more issues than ever before. Museum and Archives, Ginger made a generous pledge to Trilogy, There’s always a concern for money, and a concern for grades. It’s a allowing Tri Delta to reach the $1 million goal a full six months tremendous amount of stress when you try to put all of these things ahead of schedule! together.” Says Ginger, “It is my honor and privilege to support our sisterhood “Behind Happy Faces is the right program at the right time for in such a meaningful way. Tri Delta has always had the power to Tri Delta, says CEO Karen Hughes White, Georgia. “Mental health change lives. Trilogy takes this one step further and fulfills that programming was the number one request of our collegiate chapbeautiful part of our Purpose that calls us to assist our members in ters in our most recent survey. I’m thrilled – and incredibly proud every possible way.” – that we are able to meet such an urgent need in Tri Delta with Be hind Happy Faces.” Ginger’s gift paved the way for a third, life-changing Trilogy Read more at www.tridelta.org/news/behind-happy-faces. grant. This one would be very different in nature and would be
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Kind Alike to All
Opening the Door for Others...
Kimberlee Sullivan is leaving a legacy through the Heritage Society
Kimberlee, Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine
Members who designate the Tri Delta Foundation in their wills or estate plans are recognized as members of our prestigious Heritage Society. Kimberlee joined Tri Delta as a founding member of Rho Gamma Chapter at Pepperdine — a decision that she says changed her life forever. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in sports medicine from Pepperdine University in 1998 and received a doctorate in physical therapy from Creighton University in 2002. Today, Kimberlee is board certified in women’s health physical therapy and owns a physical therapy clinic in Austin, Texas. In addition to serving Tri Delta as Fraternity President, Kimberlee also became a member of Tri Delta’s Heritage Society after making a planned gift to the Foundation. Here, she shares more about why she chose to give back and the legacy she wants to leave for Tri Delta. 1. Why is giving to the Foundation important? I believe in Tri Delta, our Purpose and our members. If you believe in something you want to ensure its success. This is an important lesson that my grandmother and mother passed down to me and one that I am teaching my fiveyear-old daughter, Allison. I want her to know that if you believe in something you make a commitment to be a part of its future during good and difficult times. . What encouraged you to become a Foundation donor? I would not be the woman I am today without Tri Delta.
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Accepting membership as a junior at Pepperdine changed my life forever. Never could I imagine the growth and development it would provide me to become a wife, mother, physical therapist, entrepreneur and Fraternity President. That opportunity would never be there without the support provided by members who have come before me. I want the opportunity for other women to become the best versions of themselves. This is why I give to the Foundation. 3. What drew you specifically to planned giving and becoming a member of the Heritage Society? Everyone has a legacy to leave, something to give to others. Becoming a member of the Heritage Society by including Tri Delta in my will not only leaves a piece of my legacy to Tri Delta but will open the door to others to experience the beauty of our Fraternity 4. What legacy would you like to leave for future generations of Tri Deltas? I would like to leave a Tri Delta that is truly kind a like to all and one filled with endless possibilities of growth both individually and collectively. I would like to see Tri Delta as a commitment for a lifetime and not one for just four years. 5. Why would you encourage other Tri Deltas to consider planned giving? As a member of Tri Delta we all took an oath “to endeavor to make her strong, to spread her influence abroad, to always love and cherish her members and assist them in every possible way.” Taking that oath was a promise, one that we all have the responsibility to live up to and keep. Including Tri Delta in my will as a percentage beneficiary was an easy way to do this while still taking care of my family. For information on giving to Tri Delta through your will or estate plan as part of the Heritage Society, please contact Tawnya Braeutigam at 817.471.1908 or tbraeutigam@trideltaeo.org.
Photo: Scogin Mayo
Tri Delta's Heritage Society More than 150 generous members have remembered Tri Delta in their wills or estate plans. They are recognized as members of our prestigious Heritage Society, sustaining our sisterhood for generations to come. Join us in celebrating these loyal and steadfast sisters. Elizabeth Gowans Ahrens, Michigan State June Rickard Aldridge, William & Mary Mary Estelle Kanning Amberg, Minnesota Gail Anderson, Iowa State Marilyn Muldoon Arendt, New Mexico Gael Salter Baggett, Louisiana State Dorothy Coseboom Baker, Maryland Evalyn Torppa Baker, Idaho Roxanne Barnes, Southwestern Judith Barth, Cornell Erika Loen Beatty, Minnesota Maureen Laffey Bills, Cornell Bethany Blakey, Pittsburgh Mary Gray Bolin, Louisiana State Lynne Cellio Brown, Transylvania Beth Burkes, Wake Forest Harryette Campbell, Missouri Tori Campbell, Wyoming Jeanne Carlson, Oregon Barbara Schutt Castano, Texas/Arlington Camille Clark, Michigan State Marilyn Kotter Clauder, Nevada Gayle Knight Colman, Auburn Joan Meland Dana, Minnesota LuAnn Riegl Daniel, Villanova Kelly Hyde Delattre, Florida State Athina Eslick Dever, Butler Nancy Devine, Minnesota Isabelle Harner Donahey, Ohio State Angela Hackett Driver, California/Berkeley Diana Druley, Texas/El Paso Vivian Wilkinson Dunnaway, Arkansas Susan Pert Earley, Cincinnati Carolyn Mullenax Edwards, Tulsa Molly Maloney Evangelisti, Nevada Roberta Messic Faigle, Syracuse Jan Griffin Farrington, Mississippi Georgianna Schuyler Fernandes, Cornell Adelaide Gonzalez Few, Randolph-Macon Angela Ficht, Cal State/Long Beach Leslie Eisen Fort, Colorado State Ellen Quarterman Friedman, Pacific Jan Purdy Futhey, Ohio Wesleyan Jean Hunt Gaines, California/Los Angeles Polly McWherter Gast, Ohio State Mary Bayless Greenlee, Denison Nancy McDonald Griggs, Florida State
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Emily Bourne Grigsby, Vanderbilt Barbara Bock Guerra, Florida Tricia Halamandaris, California/Berkeley Susanna Currie Harper, Texas Carol Knoche Helmus, Millikin Debbie Wahl Hembree, Georgia Pam Herring Hicks, Franklin Barbara Snyder Nelson Hinds, Texas Tamara Marinkovic Hines, Southern Methodist Cora Peters Horger, Cal State/Long Beach Paula White Huffman, Pennsylvania State Andi Hughes, Vanderbilt Nicole Hughes, Washington State Chrys Grafrath Hyde, Coe Rebecca Jackson, Stephen F. Austin Jeanne Jamell, Arkansas Deborah Johnson, Nevada Darlene Dahl Jones, Washington Jennifer Ritter Kelly, Cornell Joyce Gottschalk Koehler, Cincinnati Tasha Kostantacos, Arizona State Sandra Williams Young Krieger, Mississippi Marian Hummel Kurz, Miami/Ohio SueBeth Crockett Lain, Texas Tech Dawnell Dean Lamb, Washington Neilanne Parker Lange, Louisiana State Mary Ann Shriner Lillie, Iowa State Mary White Lott, Oklahoma State Kelly Clarkson Loy, Oklahoma State Amie Young Lundquist, Maine Sue Malmberg, Simpson Mary Lynn Manning, Kansas State Deborah Daley Martin, Iowa Kathy Salisbury Massie, Minnesota Rhone Moore McCall, Southern Methodist Ann Marie McGee, Idaho Michele Stephens McGeeney, Texas Tech Kathryn Miller McKee, Kansas State Linda Wolf McLinden, Pittsburgh Mary Haley McWhorter, Tennessee Anne Parsons Michael, Minnesota Milly Bland Miller, Maryland Meredith Nye Moran, Kentucky Yvonne Gardner Newhouse, Ohio State Ginny Nicklas, Michigan Sherry Shrout Norton, West Virginia Linda Glascock O'Bryant, Missouri Joan Kalmanek Overbeek, Illinois Mary Kay Linzell Palmer, Ohio State Karen Metzger Parry, Colorado Peggy Marshall Payne, Miami/Ohio Debbie Lawton Pickens, Florida State Judith McCutcheon Pownall, Toronto Penny Purviance, Mount Union Kathy Ragan, Wyoming Becky Haas Ramsey, Syracuse Cathleen Snider Raymer, Texas Christian Janice Kent Reish, Oregon
Eve Woods Riley, Southern Methodist Jane Chaffee Ripp, Wisconsin Jean Wiggin Roach, Texas Christian Patricia Arthur Rouse, Colorado State Susan Abrahamson Routh, North Carolina Brooke Pearson Sanders, Arkansas J Kim Scholes, Tennessee Jeri Sedlar, Michigan State Kelly Shacklett, California/Los Angeles Michelle Popp Shimberg, Florida Laura Simic, Oregon Ginger Hicks Smith, Emory Lynn Zoll Smith, Michigan State Robyn Rever Smith, Mississippi State Jean Smith Snodgrass, Southern Methodist Sandie Wood Spain, Mississippi Jane DeWald Spikes, Texas Tech Kathy Hamilton Steinwedell, William & Mary Jackie Thurber Stenger, Puget Sound Jo-Anne Stenger, Florida Laura Stenovec, Denver Judy Hutchison Stevenson, Florida Mary Martha Gibson Stinnett, Southern Methodist Christine Wilson Strom, Ohio State Margaret Sulkowski, Pennsylvania State Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine Ann Michele Shaffer Sweeney, Richmond Shirley Shull Tart, Texas Nancy Teich, DePauw Joyce McEwen Therkildsen, Iowa State Donna Burger Thoelecke, Colorado State Barbara Derr Thomas, Texas A&M Janet Tomlinson, Beloit Laura Shapiro Torrey, Florida Brenda Hester Towe, Oklahoma State Joyce Krogen Ursin, Wisconsin Linda Vedane, Simpson Dr. Nancy Guinn Vitola, Texas Charlene Rulifson Voge, Pennsylvania State Nancie Clouser Waldron, Miami/Ohio Barbara Walters, Stetson Elizabeth Ware, Idaho Sally Watkins Ware, Louisiana/Lafayette Ann Clark Webb, Georgia Rebecca Wynn Weiler, Rhodes Elizabeth Hankins Wendorff, Baker Karen Hughes White, Georgia Dr. Linda Garrett Whitson, Duke Karen Williams, Virginia Tech Martha Toler Williams, Texas Kathy Kruger Wilson, Ball State Mary Ann Heyser Wright, William & Mary Lois Cone Wtulich, Syracuse Karla Yale, Northwestern
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GIVING THE GIFT OF LIFE By Director of Public Relations Jason Paul Gomez
Allie Reimold, Purdue, never expected that a small act of kindness would be so life-changing for herself and others. A selfless decision on her part began a journey where she has been able to show the world that kindness can have a ripple effect on lives – even saving them. Allie had always held an interest in health, diet and nutrition, and entered her undergraduate time at Purdue with the thought she would become a dietician. “I looked for ways to align my interests to what I would become involved in and passionate about.”
Allie Reimold, Purdue.
After joining Tri Delta her freshman year and being moved by our organization’s commitment to treat and defeat childhood cancer, Allie found herself involved for the next three years with PUDM – Purdue University Dance Marathon. She became the Tri Delta chapter representative for PUDM, and served on committees, eventually becoming the director of fundraising for the fraternity/sorority community. It was through her involvement with PUDM that Allie was first introduced to Be The Match (BTM). A global leader in bone marrow transplantation, Be The Match is a community of donors, volunteers,
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“I looked for ways to align my interests to what I would become involved in and passionate about.”
David Whitson would never have imagined it, either. A professional airline pilot in Plano, Texas, David thought of himself as a normal guy with good health who never got sick. “A little secret, pilots don’t like going to the doctor. Everything has to be reported at every visit, and it could be the end of your career if something is wrong,” he said. What initially began as a headache and side pains in August of 2016, eventually led to a devastating result for David and his family. He was diagnosed with leukemia, with a very bad genetic mutation. He would need a peripheral blood stem cell transplant. He began aggressive chemotherapy and the search began for a donor. Be The Match began to go through the donor registry and ran his blood to generate potential matches. What happened next changed David's — and Allie's — lives forever. Allie was in her first year of graduate school at the University of North Carolina Wilmington when she got the call from Be The Match.
Allie is pictured with David Whitson, whose life she helped save.
health care professionals and researchers who deliver cures by helping patients get the life-saving marrow or cord blood transplant they need. “It was very serendipitous how I became connected to BTM,” Allie said. “At Dance Marathon, you’re on your feet for 18 hours. During a break from dancing, I was able to visit with them to learn about what they do. I registered on the spot. It was just a few cheek swabs, very simple. I knew the statistics were very low to actually be a match for someone. I never imagined what would eventually happen.”
www.tridelta.org Photo, left: Virginia Gates
Following a few doctor visits for additional blood work and testing, it was determined that Allie was a perfect match for David. She began the donation process in Houston around the holidays in 2016. For five days, she received additional injections to encourage her stem cell growth. On the day of her actual donation, she spent nearly eight hours with both arms connected to machines. This process removed the stem cells from her blood, then replaced the blood back in her body. “It really wasn’t a huge commitment from me,” Allie said humbly. “I sat in a room with my mom and binged Netflix for a day.” She continued, “It was a simple way to have a huge impact on someone's life.” David was then able to receive Allie’s stem cells. Though it only took an hour for her blood to go into his arm, he spent 13 days in the hospital following the transplant. Within the first seven days, his body began to produce her blood, but the biggest milestone was at the 100-day mark following the
transplant. All of David's blood cells had come back as Allie's donor cells. Be The Match coordinates the process of recipients meeting their donors one year after the procedure, to ensure the procedures go well and that recipients are active and healthy. After a year, Allie was contacted to ensure that she would be ok with communication and she was able to reach out to David. She wasn’t much into sports while at Purdue, but the Boilermakers were in the Sweet Sixteen the next year. Allie went to a restaurant with a friend when she got the email response from David. The subject line read “YOU SAVED MY LIFE.” She left the restaurant crying to email him back and was able to speak to him soon after. They were able to share their stories and realized they were both from Texas. They had the ability to now connect on many levels. Allie was able to get to know a complete stranger, brought into her life through a small act of kindness. Soon after, they were able to meet in person for the first time through a BTM event. David spoke, then Allie was brought up on stage for their first in-person meeting and embrace. He whispered in her ear, “You saved my life.” “Allie is an amazing ambassador for others to give the gift of life,” David said. “I hope she’s an inspiration to young people who may not know how easy this really is. I’m living a normal life again, and this kind stranger allowed me to see my kids grow up. And I’m flying again, and I’ve put Allie on my buddy pass list!” Allie completed her master’s degree and will be pursuing her Ph.D. at UNC Chapel Hill in health behaviors. She continues to be an advocate for BTM and frequently hosts registration events. She has even been matched again! “It’s still a little overwhelming,” Allie said. “Going into my field, health and medicine are so important to me. It’s my way of encouraging young women to get involved to help others.”
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Kindness Abounds through the Crescent Fund For 10 years Amy Wilburn, Puget Sound, watched her son, Ben, struggle with an undiagnosed digestive condition. Her heart broke as she watched Ben endure the pain of chronic, severe constipation, and the embarrassment associated with it. Amy needed help, and Tri Delta Foundation – and kind sisters – were there to deliver. After frequent and frightening hospitalizations, including one instance that was lifethreatening, and a potential surgery, Amy sought out the care of a specialist who could help provide answers for Ben. But there was one major obstacle: Amy and her family lived in Seattle and this doctor was located in Boston.
with long-distance medical care,” says Amy. “More importantly, the Foundation took away the possibility of a high-risk surgery, and gave my son his confidence back. We will always be loyal to Tri Delta, and enormously grateful for this gift.” When a sister needs us, Tri Delta is there. Not only as individual friends and sisters, but also through programs offered through the Tri Delta Foundation. Tri Delta’s Crescent Fund program is one way Tri Deltas can share Delta Love with sisters in need: the fund provides emergency financial assistance to collegiate and alumnae members facing unforeseen financial crises. The Crescent Fund is supported solely by our loyal and generous donors, on whose steadfast support Tri Deltas rally to meet our members’ needs.
So Amy reach out to her sisters, and the Tri Delta Foundation, for help and much-needAmy and her children, Ben at left ed Delta Love. That help came in the form and Kathryn. of a Crescent Fund grant that changed If you know of a sister in need, encourage her Amy and her son’s lives forever. With their travel costs covered, to submit a Crescent Fund application online at tridelta.org/ they were able to see the doctor in Boston. There, they finally foundation. Know that all applicant names and information are received the answers they had been searching for: a diagnosis kept strictly confidential, aside from the brave sisters who agree and a new life-changing medication that meant no unnecesto share their inspiring stories to encourage others to reach out sary surgery. for support. “The Tri Delta Foundation made it possible for us to pay for the travel expenses and the out-of-pocket expenses associated
Showing Kindness to Children in Need Tri Delta collegiate and alumnae chapters support local and regional children’s hospitals and pediatric cancer initiatives across North America, providing unprecedented financial assistance and awareness. One such chapter is the San Jose Alumnae Chapter who donated children’s books to Stanford Children’s Health earlier this year. Chapter members personally delivered the books to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford and took an inspiring tour of the impressive newly built wing. Pictured are Ruth Dubuque Price, North Dakota; Cindy Fuhr Decker, Bucknell; Heather Cox Thomas, Southern California; Ashton Rice, Assistant Director of Community Relations at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford; and Jane Harlan Ward, Texas Christian. 20 The Trident Summer 2019
If you would like to make a gift that will help sisters in need, please visit tridelta.org/foundation.
Tri Delta Life Loyal hen asked for one word to describe her, Sophie Radutzky laughs and offers, “Loud…Loud in volume yes, but also loud in terms of passion, and loud in terms of not being afraid to say and pursue what I want.” A recent graduate from Northwestern University, Sophie studied theater with concentrations in acting, writing, comedy and art history. Joining Tri Delta gave Sophie what she describes as an “unconditionally loving and supportive group of women,” and she credits her sisters with empowering her with the confidence to be the fullest, best version of herself. “Having a group of women that inspires and empowers me to be the best, most whole, and unapologetic version of myself has been a privilege and a gift,” she says. It’s also the reason she decided to become a Life Loyal Tri Delta. “Tri Delta has impacted my life in such a profound and tangible way that continuing to be a part of fostering that for future generations of women feels like the least I can do to give back and express my gratitude.”
With a donation of $300, Life Loyal donors help support the Tri Delta Foundation’s commitment to providing opportunities for our members to become the best versions of themselves by funding initiatives to Live, Learn and Lead. Life Loyal Tri Deltas receive a subscription to The Trident, an exemption from national alumnae dues and exclusive Life Loyal updates.
Loud
Sophie Radutzky, Northwestern Recent Graduate
To learn more about becoming a Life Loyal Tri Delta, call (817) 633-8001 or go to www.tridelta.org/foundation.
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LEADDD So CAL
Tri Delta takes its premier leadership development conference on the road. Created BY women FOR women, LEADDD was launched in Dallas in 2018. In 2019, Tri Delta took the show on the road to sunny Anaheim, California. The day — April 13 — was filled with two inspiring keynotes and a host of leadership development workshops, as Tri Delta members and guests were empowered to lead and serve in their careers, communities and families. LEADDD 2019 officially kicked off with a welcome from Tri Delta alumna and mayor of Yorba Linda, California, Tara Campbell, Southern California. Elected mayor last year, Tara made history by becoming not only California’s youngest female mayor, but the youngest female mayor in U.S. history for a city of this size. She is also currently the youngest female mayor in the U.S.! “Tri Delta supported me and gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else and surrounded me with women who supported and encouraged me,” said Tara. “So many women have come before us to fight for our constitutional right to be an integral and equal partner in the future of our country so that we could be whatever we wanted to be. So I hope we’ll make them proud, achieve our dreams, and get motivated by this conference to go out and do just that.”
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Less Unicorn, More You! Leeza Gibbons, South Carolina, set the stage for LEADDD with her opening keynote “Less Unicorn, More You!” where she discussed the importance of optimism, connections and—above all—kindness. Leaving attendees with the image of the giant sequoia tree, Leeza encouraged them to build support systems.
"The speakers and panels at LEADDD really emphasized how invested Tri Delta is in cultivating the next brave, bold and kind group of professional women." -Shannon Fonseca, Cal State/Northridge
“The sequoia’s roots reach out under the soil, and they connect with the other trees. She holds hands, she wraps arms with the other trees. They become each other’s strength, they become each other’s support system. And, my Tri Delta sisters, it is exactly that way for each of us…You connect, you empower. That’s exactly who we are, and that’s what you’re going to be celebrating all day today throughout this LEADDD Conference.”
Chasing the American Dream At lunch, E! Entertainment’s Giuliana Rancic, an Italian-American immigrant, delivered the second keynote, sharing her unique perspective on “Chasing the American Dream.” Giuliana told the story of how she came to the United States from Italy as a young child and learned English by watching the evening news. These news programs inspired her to pursue a career in entertainment journalism—eventually becoming one of the top female entertainment journalists in the world. Her husband, entrepreneur and television host Bill Rancic, surprised the audience by joining her on stage to talk about the importance of partnering and supporting a strong, successful woman. Following the keynote, Bill and Giuliana participated in a Q&A moderated by LEADDD’s emcee Heidi Guest, California/Davis, senior director of on-air media and leadership development for
Photo, opposite page: Leeza Gibbons and Tara Campbell. Photo, right: Giuliana Rancic.
www.tridelta.org Photos: Michael Johnson
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philosophy, where they shared the importance of not only doing what you love, but doing what you’re good at and how they balance work and family commitments.
Workshops for All Ages and Stages In addition to the dynamic keynotes, LEADDD was packed full of empowering workshops, with topics ranging from Women & Business, Women & Leadership, Women & Transition, Women & Wellness, Women & Finance and Women & Entrepreneurship. The workshop speakers created a great energy for the conference as they shared valuable information for all ages and stages of life. Southern California was also the perfect backdrop for a Women in Entertainment panel featuring Risa Thomas, Cal State/Northridge, Cameron Ramsay, Colorado State, Karolyn Pearson, Colorado State, and moderated by Vicky Carlson. Risa, Cameron and Karolyn all have vast experience in various areas of the entertainment industry: Risa is an associate director and script supervisor; Cameron works for Marvel Studios in marketing and franchise management; and Karolyn is a producer for CBS This Morning. The panel shared advice on getting your foot in the door in the industry and the importance of building your network. Other workshops included a Women & Entrepreneurship panel featuring Fraternity President Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine, and Foundation Board Chair Tori Campbell, Wyoming, who shared the challenges and successes of starting their own businesses. During the Women & Finance panel, Emily Musser, Millikin, and Nan Hillis, Florida State, shared advice on planning for your financial future.
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When Arlena Jackson is not busy serving as the house director of Tri Delta’s USC Theta Xi Chapter, this former NASA, IBM and Salesforce global communications executive is a trusted career coach to college women across the globe. In 2017, Arlena founded Elevation Ally (@elevationally, elevationally.com), a career consulting agency that since has helped launched college women careers at companies from Deloitte to Google. Tri Delta’s own have been able to leverage Arlena’s tried and true strategies to success, and we were grateful to have Arlena’s highenergy presence and talents on display at LEADDD 2019. She facilitated a workshop on how to “rise, shine and instantly break through to your next level,” providing attendees with creative strategies in overcoming challenges and adversities to achieve their dreams. She encouraged the audience to look at the future they want to create, and to make a plan for the steps they need to take to get there. To quote Arlena: “As we think about 2020, and envision our next level, remember this: everything you plant, will bloom. Therefore, we must plant wisely.” In her session “‘B’ is for Boundaries – Knowing Your Worth and Staying True to You,” Angela Schmitt, California/Santa Barbara, discussed the importance of setting and maintaining personal boundaries, as it relates to our self-worth. “A strong sense of selfworth is not prideful, not entitled, not selfish,” Angela said. “You are allowed to have self-worth. It’s not something to be earned, and
Photos above, from left: Southern California Sleighbell volunteers; Women in Entertainment panel participants; LEADDDD attendees enjoying sunny Southern California; Workshop presenter Arlena Jackson (right).
it’s not related to titles or achievements. Your self-worth does not come from someone or something else. It’s not external…You are worthy.” Attendee Crystal Skelton Goodiel, Wyoming, said she received multiple takeaways for both herself and her team from AmyK Hutchens’ session, “The Power of Profitable Conversations.” In the session, AmyK shared her thoughts on the true definition of a team. Crystal, who is leading a brand new team in her professional position, says, “I now have the tools she offered me to move forward with a great team dynamic.” She adds that she also benefited from Cheryl Jensen’s, Southern Methodist, session “The Inverse Relationship between Success and Likeability for Women,” which uncovered the gender bias often found in the workplace. Attending LEADDD came at the perfect time in Crystal’s career as she recently transitioned into a new role, and she approached her employer about sponsoring her attendance. After showing her supervisor the LEADDD agenda and the caliber of speakers and workshops, they agreed. “I knew it was an opportunity for me to grow individually and from a professional standpoint with a new team that I had just brought on board,” says Crystal. Collegiate member Shannon Fonseca, Cal State/Northridge, shared, “As a collegiate member, I feel like LEADDD is an amazing extension of the material I have learned at CLC. The speakers and panels at LEADDD really emphasized how invested Tri Delta is in culti-
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vating the next brave, bold and kind group of professional women. I appreciate our commitment to our members, both collegiate and alumnae and look forward to more events like LEADDD in the future!”
Networking for a Cause Following the conference, Tri Delta co-hosted a “Networking for a Cause” reception with the Tri Delta Sleighbell Committee, raising $4,000 for childhood cancer research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The event also honored Tri Delta Southern California alumnae and their longstanding partnership with CHLA, which dates back to 1947. The reception also allowed attendees to continue to network and connect with women from across the country. Attendees left LEADDD energized and inspired. Savyna Roufeh, Arizona, said, “LEADDD was everything I wanted! I was thrilled to be surrounded by Tri Delta sisters from across the country and I love seeing powerful women who are brilliant, strong, philanthropic and are exactly what Tri Delta represents.” “LEADDD has made me motivated to find my passion again and to share with others what I learned at this amazing conference,” said Irma Negrete, Cal State/Northridge. “Stayed tuned for more LEADDD opportunities,” says Tri Delta CEO Karen Hughes White, Georgia. “From events in new cities to LEADDD On-Demand, we're excited to offer new ways for our alumnae to enjoy lifetime membership.”
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By Content Manager Amanda Milford, Texas/Arlington, and Content Specialist Lindsay Mackey, Auburn
The women on the following pages include a Broadway actress, Oscar winners, filmmakers, a music podcast producer and an animation recruiter. They come from all corners of the entertainment industry, all with different backgrounds. But they have one thing in common: Tri Delta has taught them how to be bold—bold in their pursuit of their chosen career and bold in the projects they undertake. These Tri Deltas are sharing their stories and art with the world, and inspiring and empowering women everywhere. 26
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Photo: Michael Johnson Photographer
Zakiya Young
The
herself in the world of Hollywood actors who have a theater background, something she described as being in “theater boot camp.”
Zakiya Young, Pittsburgh, picured on the previous page, always loved to perform. Growing up, she took dance classes, was a cheerleader, performed in school musicals and sang in the church choir. She came by her abilities naturally: her mom acted and her dad sang and she grew up in an artistic household.
The more she worked with and learned from actors who had done TV and film, the more Zakiya wanted to explore that world. Feeling like she had accomplished all she could in New York City, she decided to relocate to Los Angeles, where she continued to act in stage productions while pursuing TV roles.
Dreamer
Even with a performance background, Zakiya didn’t initially plan to pursue acting. She went to the University of Pittsburgh to study medicine. But after two semesters, she realized she wasn’t passionate about her chosen field. She didn’t experience the same spark she felt when she was in front of a crowd, performing with the school’s dance team. “I thought, maybe I should be an actress,” Zakiya says. “Maybe I should just try it.” She switched her major to communications and began searching for opportunities to hone her acting skills. After performing in the University of Pittsburgh’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” she attended an open call audition for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, which was casting the touring production of “Casper the Musical,” starring famed Broadway actress Chita Rivera. Zakiya landed the role of Bettina’s mom in the production, and through the connections she made in the show, she was able to relocate to New York City to pursue theater. But a future in the industry wasn’t always a given. Zakiya took a two-year break from the business to make sure it was something she still wanted to pursue. Sure enough, she still felt the call of the stage, leading her to an open audition for Broadway’s “The Little Mermaid”—a show that would set the trajectory of her career. She was cast as part of the ensemble in the original cast of the musical for the show’s entire two-year run. “It changed everything,” she says. With “The Little Mermaid” added to her resume, Zakiya began to audition for leading roles. A defining moment came in 2010, when she was cast as Lois Lane in the Dallas Theater Center’s “It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman!” Zakiya was the first black actress to play the role of Lois Lane in any Superman-related project. “It was really exciting to have a Lois Lane that was black—it was a big deal,” she says. While in Dallas, Zakiya began a tradition of visiting the local Tri Delta chapter of whatever city she was performing in. She toured both the Theta Kappa chapter house at Southern Methodist University and Tri Delta’s Executive Office, then headquartered in Arlington. Casting offices began calling her in for plays, and she ended up booking her first Broadway play, “Stick Fly,” produced by Alicia Keys and starring Tracie Thoms, Dule Hill and Mekhi Phifer. Zakiya found
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Then, she landed a role she had been wanting to play: Tendikayi in the play “Familiar,” written by Danai Gurira, who starred in “Black Panther” and “The Walking Dead.” “Familiar”—which ran January through March 2019 at The Globe Theater in San Diego—shares the American immigrant experience through the lens of a couple from Zimbabwe and their daughter, Tendikayi, who is engaged to be married and insists on a traditional African wedding ceremony. Zakiya had originally auditioned for “Familiar” in New York City, but didn’t get the part. “It wasn’t until I played the role that I realized I wasn’t ready to play it then,” says Zakiya. “It happened at the right time.” For Zakiya, the appeal of “Familiar” is the positive portrayal of strong, intelligent women. “I loved that the women are all strong women,” she says. “You don’t usually get to see strong women where they’re not a caricature or mocked.” The cast of the play is also predominately women, something Zakiya says you don’t see very often in theater. The play and the role, which Zakiya says is still in her bones, proved to be an inspiration. “It inspired me to start writing—to write the roles I want to play and to give that to other actresses so we’re not stuck doing the same types of plays we’ve always done.” In looking to the future, Zakiya is still focused on pursuing television and film, but is also excited about the prospect of being behind the camera as well—to create more stories that aren’t yet being told. “I would love to see more stories about women—all different types of women. There are so many types of women with different experiences, and there’s room for everybody. My passion is getting my voice out there and making a space so other people’s voices can be heard as well.”
The
Storyteller
Sara Hirsh Bordo, Texas Christian, has always felt comfortable taking risks and challenging norms. That tenacity helped jumpstart her career in marketing and advertising in New York City right out of college. It’s that same drive that has led her to boldly share stories that amplify women’s voices.
Photo: Scogin Mayo
While working in advertising, Sara saw the power of storytelling in bringing brands to life. She eventually moved to Los Angeles and transitioned into the entertainment industry, serving as the Executive Director of Interactive Marketing at Paramount Pictures and Vice President of Digital Marketing at MGM Studios. She then went on to help found a start-up production and streaming platform for live entertainment events, including the Oscars’ red carpet and New York Fashion Week events. But Sara, who has always had a passion for mentoring other women, also saw the power in using storytelling to help others realize their own potential and purpose. “I believe that seeing what you can be opens your eyes and your potential to finding your own purpose and voice by being inspired through other people’s stories.” Sara found a way to combine her experience in the entertainment industry with her passion for helping women. In 2013, Sara established Women Rising, the first femalefounded, collaborative entertainment studio and creator network. Its mission is to create content and experiences to empower women and girls. “My heart has always been at this apex of entertainment and empowering women to find their own voice,” she says. Although her career had taken her to New York, Los Angeles and the Midwest, Sara knew she would eventually move back to Austin, Texas — she just wasn’t sure what exactly would bring her home. Then, she got the call to produce the first TEDxAustinWomen. It was exactly the right invitation at the right time.
Sara
Bordo www.tridelta.org
The event — which became the number one viewed TEDxWomen event in the world — featured Lizzie Velasquez, a motivational speaker and activist who was born with Marfan lipodystrophy syndrome, a rare congenital disease. Her condition resulted in bullying during her childhood and teenage years, which ultimately inspired her to speak out against bullying and to promote optimism and kindness. “Having the incom-
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"I believe that it is so important that this film is used to enact tangible change by giving people a look into just one of the issues facing women and girls today."
Claire Sliney
parable Lizzie Velasquez and building a stage for her is and will always be one of the greatest honors of my life,” says Sara. Lizzie’s story inspired Sara’s first documentary film: “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story.” The film, which premiered in 2015 was the first film Sara had directed and produced, and she says, “It was the right message at the right time.” “A Brave Heart” went on to win 11 out of 11 film festivals where it showed. Following “A Brave Heart” Sara went on to continue making films, including producing “Tightly Wound” which tells the story of a woman’s experience with chronic pelvic pain. Tri Delta Fraternity President Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan, Pepperdine, was also involved in the project. Another highlight for Sara was creating Tri Delta’s “Our Kind of Kind” video, which premiered at the 2018 Convention. “It was so in line with the purpose of my work,” she says. Sara says her Tri Delta experience, beginning with her undergraduate years at Texas Christian University, has always been one of genuine collaboration and support, something that always inspires her. “I am very moved by opportunities, stories and visions of women supporting other women — I think that, in part, was born for me in college.”
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Today, Sara is working on her next project, “We Go Higher: A Documentary of Hope from the 9/11 Kids,” with plans to complete the work in a few months. The film began as a journey of one teenage girl, Delaney, who lost her father and both of her uncles on September 11. When Delaney was asked to deliver a victim’s statement at Guantanamo Bay against the men accused of the attacks, she began her journey to meet the other 3,050 kids who had lost their parents. Eventually, Delaney’s journey ignited a global community of surviving loved ones of victims of terror attacks around the world. “What has been a true alchemy for the film and for us is watching Delaney find her place and her own voice in the community of 9/11 kids and watching it expand into this beautiful community of survivors around the world,” says Sara. As Sara reflects back on the projects she’s worked on and the stories she’s helped tell, she can see how each one has influenced and impacted her: “My favorite part about the stories I’ve told to date are the lessons they’ve taught me and the way I’ve grown through them,” she says. “I’ve been the one behind the curtain telling the stories of so many other women, but now I’m finding that people are asking me what my story is and how I got here. Maybe the time to tell my own story is arriving, and that’s very powerful.”
Photo: Eric Sucar/University of Pennsylvania Communications.
The
Changemaker
Attending the 91st Academy Awards as a nominee for documentary short subject is an experience that collegiate member Claire Sliney, Pennsylvania, says she’ll never forget. The morning of the nominations, Claire remembers sitting in her room in the Psi chapter house on FaceTime with the other members of her nonprofit, The Pad Project. With volunteers based all around the world, they were livestreaming the nominations. When Claire heard them announce “Period. End of Sentence.” she started screaming. That was the first time she heard it. The second time was on Feb. 24 at the Academy Awards, when “Period. End of Sentence.” won an Academy Award in the documentary short category. As a producer, Claire joined her fellow filmmakers, including director Rayka Zehtabchi and co-producer Melissa Berton, on stage to accept the Oscar. “Period. End of Sentence.” was a journey that began for Claire in high school. As a member of Girls Learn International, a club dedicated to gender equality, human rights and equal access to education, Claire attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. There, she learned about urgent human rights matters affecting women around the world and was inspired to make a difference. One issue that caught her attention was girls struggling to stay in school during their periods due to a lack of health education and sanitary products. “There we also heard about an Indian-made sanitary-pad-producing machine that could be a potential solution to this issue,” says Claire. “It was then that we decided to form our nonprofit, The Pad Project, and partner with the Indian NGO, Action India, and the village of Kathikhera to raise money to install one of these machines in the village.” To create awareness for the work they were doing and to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation, Claire and the rest of The Pad Project team decided to create a documentary “Period. End of Sentence.” which tells the story of women in rural India creating their own sanitary pads. By doing so, the women not only help improve feminine hygiene, but they also empower the women in their community to shed the taboos surrounding their periods. “I believe that it is so important that this film is used to enact tangible change by giving people a look into just one of the issues facing women and girls today,” says Claire. “I hope that people all around the world are watching it and are starting conversations about periods and women’s health at large. It is so important to start conversations to end discriminatory, cultural taboos, and I think that this film has the power to do that.”
www.tridelta.org
As a current student at the University of Pennsylvania, Claire is majoring in philosophy, politics, economics, along with gender, women’s and sexuality studies. She hopes to continue the work she began in high school through The Pad Project, helping improve and change the lives of women worldwide. Claire also says Tri Delta is one of the organizations she’s most proud to be a part of. “Joining Tri Delta forced me to step out of my comfort zone and meet entirely new people, but it also introduced me to such an empowered, loving network of women and I could not be more grateful to be a part of it.” As for her time in the spotlight following the Oscar win, Claire says, “This entire experience has been absolutely surreal. If you had asked me six years ago where I expected The Pad Project to be today, I never would have thought the answer would be winning an Oscar for our documentary, but I just feel so grateful that we have been able to use this incredible platform to start conversations and fight taboos!”
The
Recruiter
As a collegian Jana Day, Coe, never imagined that her career would lead her to one day holding an Oscar. But when “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” won Best Animated Feature at the 2019 Academy Awards, Jana, who works for Sony Pictures Animation, had the opportunity to hold the golden statue.
As the Executive Director of Recruiting, Jana recruits and hires all of the front-end artists for the studio’s animated pictures. But her career didn’t start in animation. In fact, feature animation, outside
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of Walt Disney, wasn’t a phenomenon when she started in the business. With a human resources background, Jana worked in recruiting for Warner Brothers Studios. Following the success of the “The Lion King,” which made its mark as the highest grossing film of 1994 and garnered two Academy Awards, studios discovered that there was money to be made in animated films and began establishing animation units. Warner Brothers decided to launch its own animation arm and was looking for people to run it. Jana jumped at the opportunity. “I was the youngest on the team at the time, and nobody else wanted to do it—they weren’t sure animation was going to last,” Jana says. After Warner Brothers, Jana was one of the initial hires at DreamWorks. She helped the company start from scratch with only a handful of artists and grow into the successful studio it is today. There, she recruited for films like “The Prince of Egypt,” “Shrek,” “The Road to El Dorado” and “Spirit.” After many years in the business, Jana had planned on retiring. Before she had the chance, a former colleague approached her about helping start up Sony Pictures Animation. “I thought it would be just for a couple of months,” says Jana. A couple of months turned into 16 years—and an Academy Award. At Sony, Jana’s main role is finding artists all over the world to bring on staff when the studio is ready to work on a new film. One of her favorite aspects of her job is getting to know the artists. She often attends film festivals where she’s constantly meeting new people, something she compares to recruitment: “You’re thrown into a situation where you’re talking to several people you’ve never met—the skills I learned in recruitment of being able to help someone else feel comfortable when talking to them and listening has been invaluable.” But the best part of her job, she says, is “getting to work with amazingly talented individuals who I normally would have never run across—that makes it the most fun.” When it came to recruiting for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” the film was a game-changer. The design and the way it looked on screen was unlike any feature animated film that’s been produced. As Jana explains, “We pushed every aspect of what had been done and took it even further.” It took an incredible amount of time—and staffing—to achieve the revolutionary look of the film. And it was up to Jana to find the artists who could make it happen. “It was a beast to staff,” she says. “We had over 800 artists on that one film. We started with one director and by the time we were done, we had five. Each had their own area of specialization.” Everyone’s hard work paid off, though, in the form of the coveted Academy Award. Jana had worked on films that had been nominated before, but this was the first one that had ever won. “It was amazing—that’s the only way to describe it,” says Jana. “We knew we had something special.”
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Thinking back to that decision to join Sony 16 years ago, Jana reflects, “You never know where something is going to take you. As a collegian, I would have never guessed this is where I would end up. It was never on my radar to hold an Oscar.” Her advice: “Dream big, but also don’t be afraid to take a chance if something looks like it could be the right opportunity.”
The
Legacy
Clara Rose Keen, Texas Christian, didn’t grow up with dreams of being in the music industry despite being the daughter of musician, singer-songwriter and entertainer Robert Earl Keen. After graduating from Texas Christian, she had planned to attend graduate school to pursue art history. But a stint shadowing Kate Richardson, a publicist at Richlynn Group in Nashville, Tennessee, inspired her to go into the music industry and changed the course of her career. Clara began working for her dad, Robert Earl Keen, in the fall of 2017, and knew she needed to get a better feel for the industry and their business. She packed her bags and returned to Tennessee. “When I got to Nashville, I was blown away,” says Clara. “I fell in love with the work, the fast-paced nature and the dedication of nearly every individual working in the industry.” Today, Clara is the Creative Director of Keen Productions located in Kerrville, Texas, where her main responsibility includes coming up with new and creative outreach projects outside of music production and performance. Most recently, this has included the production and launch of her and father’s new project, Americana Podcast. Americana Podcast is the platform where Robert Earl Keen interviews other musicians involved in the roots music scene, discussing their discography, influences and thoughts about what Americana music is and where it’s going. The podcast launched on Tuesday, April 30, and garnered more than 3,000 downloads in 24 hours. “My job has allowed me to meet a lot of really incredible and creative people as I am constantly on the lookout for new musicians that could be potential interviews for the podcast,” says Clara. “It’s those people and those experiences that push one to be on the cutting edge that really make my job incredible.” The idea for Americana Podcast originated at a coffee table in November 2017. Clara had just told her dad that as someone who laid the groundwork for Americana music becoming an identified genre in the ‘90s, he should be the one facilitating the discussion around it with other musicians.
Clara’s dedication to making the Americana Podcast successful is evident in her preparation for each episode. She begins with scheduling artists via their publicists or managers, and then schedules the space where they will record. Clara then begins reading anywhere from 10-25 interviews that the artist has done previously to get a feel of what should be discussed in each episode. She creates a playlist of that artist’s discography with three songs from every record they have ever made, allowing her and her father to get an idea of how their production has changed over time. Fast forward to a week before the interview and you can find Clara and her father creating 75 possible questions for the artist, enough to be able to maneuver through depending on how the interview progresses. After the interview is recorded, Clara carefully makes cuts to the interview based on what the audience wants to hear, adds in music and then sends the final cuts to their sound engineer. After Clara’s detail-oriented work and with the help of her team, the episode is then ready for publishing. With many different jobs and kinds of people, it can be intimidating to jump into an established industry, and Clara is no stranger to that. Everyone experiences days where they may feel they have nothing to contribute. But Clara quickly realized, thanks to her Tri Delta experience, that you have to be bold enough to know who you are. “As an individual, you have to be brave to establish that you’re working hard and are dedicated to not only what you do but who you are,” says Clara. “I would not have learned this if it weren’t for my experiences in Tri Delta, and I am really fortunate to have Tri Delta as a part of my identity.”
Clara Keen
www.tridelta.org Photo: Leah Thomason
Clara’s advice to others interested in a career in the music industry is to be all in. “This industry is very fast-paced and everyone is trying to get ahead. You don’t have to know what you want to do right away because there is always opportunity to figure out what part of the industry you want to be in, but you just need to recognize that you are a part of it.”
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Tri Delta Living
Lambda Memories by Content Specialist Lindsay Mackey, Auburn
Alumnae members from Lambda Chapter at Baker University reconnect and share their favorite memories of living in the chapter house. In November 2018, members of Lambda Chapter House Corporation at Baker University sent out a newsletter asking members to share their favorite memories of living in the chapter house. What originally started as a fundraising campaign to remodel the chef’s kitchen quickly turned into a way for collegiate and alumnae members to share their favorite “Lambda Memories.”
Photos, this page, from top: As a result of the Lambda Memories campaign, the chapter received several photos and four yearbooks from 1938-1941, including this group photo; Lambda Chapter alumnae were honored at Baker's 50th reunion awards luncheon; A photo provided by Lola Hendrickson Soulen, initiated in 1951. Opposite page: Carol Lyon Brune, Julie Young Law and Elizabeth Hankins Wendorff.
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Lambda Chapter House Corporation member Elizabeth Hankins Wendorff, Baker, expanded this campaign by posting on the Delta Delta Delta – Lambda Chapter Facebook page to encourage more members to share priceless memories of their collegiate years. So far, they have received 50 submissions, with more coming in, and the house corporation plans to compile the entire collection of memories, letters and photos into a keepsake book — just in time for Founders’ Day 2019. Much to the house corporation’s surprise, they received a letter from one of their oldest living members, Martha Moore Tipps, who turned 103 on Dec. 28 and who lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington. While Martha never lived at the chapter house, she was proud to express her loyalty to Lambda Chapter after all these years.
Elizabeth immediately knew the chapter should do something special for Martha. She quickly put a call to action on the chapter Facebook page asking members to send Martha a birthday card during the month of December. After seeing this post, Lindsey Van Buskirk Cegelis contacted her pledge sister Judy Brawner Lindsley who also lives on Bainbridge Island and told her she should pay Martha a visit. Upon meeting Martha, Judy realized she had met Martha many times previously without knowing she was a Tri Delta. Martha used to shop in Judy’s family’s dress shop on the island. “When I was asked to pay Martha a visit, I was so happy to do that,” said Judy. “She is about 5 feet tall standing on phone books, spunky, totally with it, fun, still plays the piano and full of life. I have truly made a fabulous new friend!” Martha explained with such excitement to Judy how moved she was to receive many, many cards from Tri Deltas all over. Martha wrote down her Lambda Memories for Judy, and the chapter plans to include them in the keepsake book. Since Elizabeth started posting about the Lambda Memories campaign, alumnae have been drawn to the page to learn more about what’s happening in the chapter, and collegians have been able to read about how it used to be living in the chapter house. She described why this campaign and serving on the house corporation has meant so much to her: “Working on this campaign as co-chair of marketing with Marie Clark Haake has been a fascinating walk down memory lane. Marie and I pledged Tri Delta in August 1973 and were initiated in March 1974. Our bonds of friendship have grown even stronger through the years. One of the most important reasons that we’ve chosen to serve on HC is our experience
of watching the Kappa Sigma fraternity house burn to the ground during pre-recruitment of our senior year. Five of our friends, including one of our houseboys, died in that fire. We understand the importance of a safe and secure environment for our Lambda Chapter collegians.” The Lambda Memories campaign has generated wonderful memories and new connections for many of the members, and Lambda Chapter House Corporation is excited to complete the renovations to the chef’s kitchen to provide the collegiate members an upgraded space to gather. The house corporation presented the remodeling plans to the collegiate chapter and more than 50 alumnae at a dinner on May 18. The official remodel began on May 20 in order to meet the changes in the state health department codes. Before demolition, the chapter house had two kitchens separated by a hallway: the chef’s kitchen was only used for food preparation and cooking while the second kitchen had the dishwasher, dish storage and a refrigerator for the women to store personal food items. Upon completion of the remodel on Aug. 12, all of the prep, cooking, dishwashing, sanitizing and storage will be done in the chef’s kitchen. Additionally, the flooring will be upgraded, and the 30-year-old gas stove will be replaced along with a new hood and exterior venting system. The remodel will also include all new, commercial-grade appliances, cabinets, countertops and backsplashes, transforming the kitchen into a modern, commercial facility.
Meet Leila Gomoll Leila Gomoll is a dedicated Tri Delta house director at the University of Washington where she has served in the historic Theta Alpha chapter house since 2011. Leila takes pride in working with the Theta Alpha House Corporation to ensure the house is safe and premier for the smart and talented women in the chapter. The University of Washington allows freshmen to move into the sorority house during their first quarter of college. Leila loves this concept as she believes it gives members the opportunity to bond and form friendships as a group from day one. “By living at the house, I am blessed to get to know each and every member from the time they walk through the doors until graduation day and beyond,” says Leila. “Watching young collegiate women blossom and come into their own is such a rewarding part of my job.” With her eight years of experience, Leila has worn many hats as house director. She secures and maintains the chapter house on a daily basis but also ensures it feels like home. She quickly learned the importance of being open, communicative and approachable for the chapter members and how one can be both a mentor and friend.
Live, Learn, Lead
CREATING CHANGE By Content Specialist Lindsay Mackey, Auburn
For Gamma Chi Chapter at the University of Denver, kindness means giving back in more ways than one. The chapter strives to be kind to themselves, their sisters, those in other chapters, those on campus and those in the greater Denver community. Their efforts were recognized at Tri Delta’s 2019 Collegiate Leadership Conference in February when the chapter received the “Kind Alike To All” Excellence in Community Service Award. Gamma Chi’s philanthropic events and the other events that they participate in correlate with our Founders’ vision of being “kind alike to all.” This past academic year, the chapter participated in JA for a Day and the Facing Difference Challenge. They also hosted Deltas and Dogs during the fall semester. JA for a Day is a program that the chapter participates in through Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, Inc. (JA). JA is an organization that goes into classrooms, starting in elementary school all the way through high school, to teach students about entrepreneurship, financial literacy 36
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Each semester, Gamma Chi also shares Tri Delta’s national philanthropic partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with the University of Denver students and community. During the fall semester, the chapter hosted Deltas and Dogs to benefit the patients and families at St. Jude. The chapter was able to coordinate with a local animal shelter and had adoptable dogs at the event.
“The different service our members participate in amplifies and creates more opportunities to be kind and create changes, big and small. ” and workplace readiness. Gamma Chi’s external philanthropy chair coordinates with a local Junior Achievement representative to pair the chapter with a nearby elementary school. The chapter members are then paired with a particular class and trained on how to lead a lesson depending on the age of the students. Ellen Gee, vice president of public relations for Gamma Chi Chapter, is thankful to have been able to volunteer for JA in a Day twice. She was paired with a kindergarten and first grade class, and introduced thoughts through concepts they could understand, such as family and neighborhood. The lessons also utilized games and were largely interactive. “Our chapter loves volunteering with Junior Achievement because we get to go into the local community and make a clear difference,” says Ellen. “While it's only a day with the students, they are learning things that will benefit them throughout their lives, and our members get an opportunity to have a part in that.” Another event the chapter loved participating in was The Facing Difference Challenge. This event is hosted by Students Rebuild which is a collaborative program of the Bezos Family Foundation that inspires global learning for K-12 students by calling on their thinking, creativity and compassion to connect, learn and take action on critical global issues. www.tridelta.org
Students Rebuild hosts a different challenge every year to benefit a cause that helps with an issue society is facing. The Facing Difference Challenge recap explains last year’s event: “We invited students to create selfportraits and use them as a springboard for exploring the ways differences keep us apart – and how they can be overcome. The art that poured in generated $600,000 for peace-building programs in Nigeria, Sri Lanka and the South Caucasus.” The chapter hosted a self-portrait drawing event and mailed them into Students Rebuild. For each portrait they received, the Bezos Family Foundation donated money to the cause. This event is a great bonding activity on top of participating in community service. With the Facing Difference Challenge, the chapter’s BodyImage3D coordinator also talked about body positivity and self-love as the chapter drew their selfportraits.
During the spring, the chapter raised over $5,500 at their annual Delta House of Pancakes event. Members sold tickets for $10 for all-you-can-eat pancakes and also had a raffle that included Kendra Scott jewelry and a $100 gift card to Illegal Pete’s restaurant. The passionate service completed by Gamma Chi Chapter each year is another wonderful example of how our members never hesitate to give back and how they take pride in showing their campuses, communities and our world Our Kind of Kind. “Kindness is something that drew me to Tri Delta through the recruitment process. It shined through the way Tri Delta talked about St. Jude, and in the genuine conversations we had,” said Ellen. “The different service our members participate in amplifies and creates more opportunities to be kind and create changes, big and small.”
“This event is fun to do as it can often feel hard to make a difference as an individual, but by doing small things we can help create change,” said Ellen. This year Students Rebuild hosted the Ocean Challenge that ended on June 8. For each origami fish sent in, the Bezos Family Foundation donated $2 toward youthfocused ocean conservation and restoration efforts in coastal communities, helping to increase awareness, provide jobs and build community resilience. Summer 2019 The Trident
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Live, Learn, Lead
ROCKING HER ROLES Emilie Nicole Dhir, Florida, began her acting career at the age of 15 when she attended a cold casting for the lead role in an independent film, “Burning Kentucky.” “Burning Kentucky” takes you on the journey of a young woman, Aria, who is in search for the missing pieces of a mysterious event that killed her family. It was written and directed by Bethany Brooke Anderson who grew up in Lexington, and most of the film was shot in Kentucky.
“Landing the lead role was probably the most excited I had ever been,” said Emilie. “It was rewarding to see that all the hard work I put into my audition and acting over the years paid off. As soon as I got the email, I wanted to get on set and start filming!” Several hundred women auditioned, and Emilie landed the lead role of Aria. Fast forward four years and a lot of blood sweat and tears later, “Burning Kentucky” entered the 2019 international film festival circuit. So far the film has won Best Picture at the Mammoth Film Festival in California, Garden State Film Festival in New Jersey and the Chattanooga Film Festival in Tennessee. It also won Best Narrative Feature at the Garden State Film Festival. Emilie received significant favorable attention at the Mammoth Film Festival, including from the festival creator, Tanner Beard. As much as she wanted to attend the more recent Garden State Festival, she elected to stay in Gainesville and represent her Tri Delta sisters as a Captain in the Dance Marathon fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Photo, top: Emilie Dhir attends the 2019 Mammoth Film Festival. Bottom Left to right: Emilie in the role of Aria in “Burning Kentucky.”; A poster of “Burning Kentucky” from the 2019 Mammoth Film Festival Official Selection. 38
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She raised almost $3,000 by herself, and the event raised more than $3 million for the local children’s hospital. This is a charitable effort that has become very important to Emilie over the past two years. The majority of aspiring actors and actresses bypass college and go straight into the industry. Emilie understands the academic and social importance of a strong college education, and plans to finish her degree in advertising even as she nurtures her burgeoning acting career. This summer, you can find Emilie focusing on her academics and studying abroad in Florence, Italy.
CALIFORNIA
EPSILON RHO – UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO As a recently installed chapter in 2016, we are thrilled to congratulate Epsilon Rho Chapter at the University of San Francisco for winning Chapter of the Year in April!
BETA UPSILON – UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE Congratulations to Beta Upsilon Chapter at the University of California, Irvine for receiving the Excellence in Campus Engagement and the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Awards. In addition, senior member Brooke Bierling was named Member of the Year, Talia Hattub was named Outstanding Junior and Sarah Graves was named Outstanding Sophomore. Congratulations to the chapter and our members on these special awards!
COLORADO
THETA BETA – UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER Theta Beta Chapter at the University of Colorado Boulder won first place in Greek Week for the second year in a row. The chapter was assigned the movie “Cars” as the theme for the year was Disney. The week consisted of a series of events including a powderpuff football tournament where Theta Beta took home first place!
FLORIDA
ALPHA PSI – UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA Congratulations to Alpha Psi Chapter at the University of Florida for being named a Chapter of Excellence by the UF Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. This chapter goes above and beyond the guidelines and achievements of established operating standards for Greek organizations on campus. Alpha Psi continues to be a strong chapter with 265 members, including two transfer students and 78 new members.
ALPHA ETA – FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY Alpha Eta Chapter was thrilled to achieve higher than the all-female GPA with an overall GPA of 3.297. Academic Chair Olivia Augustine planned a special dinner for the 110 members that made the Dean’s List last fall. During the first weekend in March, Alpha Eta participated in Dance Marathon. The
chapter’s delegate, Claire Snell, successfully motivated the team to raise $32,501 for Children’s Miracle Network and the FSU College of Medicine’s Pediatric Outreach Programs. The chapter was proud of Sydney Hulme who individually raised $2,400 as a family relations captain for the organization.
ILLINOIS
DELTA PI – UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Delta Pi Chapter held its inaugural all-house sisterhood retreat on March 30 at Stone Creek Events Center in Urbana. The retreat gave chapter members an opportunity to collectively brainstorm ways to continue growing in their sisterhood and service and to reflect on what all the chapter has accomplished together in the past year. Over the year, Delta Pi has held several workshops addressing important topics such as diversity, inclusion and respect, and awareness of drugs, alcohol and sexual assault.
INDIANA
DELTA LAMBDA – BUTLER UNIVERSITY Delta Lambda Chapter has worked tirelessly to grow the chapter and expand its presence on campus. In January, the chapter celebrated a successful Bid Day as they welcomed home 54 new members. During the spring semester, the chapter shared its passion for serving others and joined forces with Delta Tau Delta to host a Breakfast for a Cause, which supported both St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Delta Lambda also hosted Sundaes for St. Jude raising more than $650, and participated in their annual Sincerely Yours letter writing campaign by sending more than 4,000 letters to family and friends. Congratulations, Lauren Koester and Jenna Nosek for being selected as 500 Festival Princesses. The 500 Festival Princess Program celebrates Indiana’s most civic-minded, academically driven young women. As ambassadors of the 500 festival, Lauren and Jenna participate in outreach programs, volunteer at 500 Festival events, attend Indianapolis Motor
Live, Learn, Lead
race ceremonies and the Victory Circle celebration for the Indianapolis 500. The chapter is honored to have Lauren and Jenna representing Delta Lambda Chapter in such a well-known and well-respected program.
GAMMA IOTA – PURDUE UNIVERSITY Gamma Iota Chapter at Purdue University had a successful semester increasing academics and fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The chapter achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.20. They had two engineering majors studying abroad in Europe for the semester, and had five women studying abroad in May in various countries.
Congratulations to the
collegiate members who have been selected to join Tri Delta’s 2019-2020 Leadership Development Committee (LDC)! Caroline Babin, Louisiana State, currently serves as collegiate chapter president (CCP). Prior to serving as CCP, she served as director of firstyear experience and as chair of step show and songfest. She is a senior biochemistry/pre-medicine student and the senior technical assistant at LSU's Radiation Safety Office. Outside of school and Tri Delta, she works as a quality care intern at the Baton Rouge Clinic and volunteers at GaitWay Therapeutic Horsemanship. Over school breaks, she serves on mission trips with her church, both near and far – from small towns in Louisiana to Klagetoh, Arizona, to Nicaragua and Haiti. When she is not studying, working or volunteering, she enjoys raising her chickens on her family farm, dancing and playing tennis. Maya Cutforth, Cornell, grew up in Denver, Colorado, and is a rising senior at Cornell University. She is double majoring in American Studies and Spanish, and plans to attend graduate school to work on issues of diversity in higher education. Within her chapter, she served as Panhellenic delegate and was inspired to get more involved with the Panhellenic Council. She served as vice president of citizenship, diversity and inclusion and currently serves as president of Panhellenic. She is also the philanthropy chair of the Cornell Democrats, a facilitator for the Intergroup Dialogue Project and a certified group fitness instructor. In her free time, she loves to run and bake.
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There have been many changes in recent years when it comes to the chapter’s philanthropic events. DHOP (formerly known as Flap Jack Attack) is now held at night and serves as a midnight snack. It was a blast for everyone who attended, and the event raised $8,677 for St. Jude. The chapter also started a new philanthropy competition called St. Jude Soldier. This event includes skip-a-meals and Pie a Tri for students to participate in, and the week ends with a dodgeball tournament. Using a representative from each participating fraternity, the chapter tallies up points all week and the member with the most points is named St. Jude Soldier.
MARYLAND
ALPHA PI – UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND The spring semester has been nothing but exciting for Alpha Pi Chapter. The chapter started the semester off strong, diving right in to formal recruitment alongside the rest of the Panhellenic community. More than 1,000 potential new members went through the process, and within a few weeks, 52 outstanding young women were welcomed on Bid Day as their Tri Delta journey began. Recruitment was a success, with current members forming new bonds with one another, and the new member class bringing in dynamic, strong, enthusiastic women. On March 26, Alpha Pi’s new members were initiated into our lifelong Tri Delta sisterhood. Last year, Alpha Pi Chapter raised an astonishing $72,577 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This academic year,
The Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) is a five-day leadership institute offered to fraternity and sorority members across North America and is hosted annually by the NorthAmerican Interfraternity Conference. UIFI offers participants the opportunity to explore, define and enhance their leadership skills, personal awareness and commitment to their organizations. Thanks to a generous grant from the Tri Delta Foundation, this year nine collegiate leaders have been selected to receive the Eve Woods Riley UIFI Scholarship, named for Eve Woods Riley, Southern Methodist, past Fraternity President and former chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference. This scholarship covers the UIFI registration fee for Tri Delta members, providing them with this unique opportunity for leadership development. Congratulations to the 2019 scholarship winners! Kate Gehlen, South Florida, Sadie Gruntmeir, Wyoming, Saige Walters, Southeast Missouri State, Jill Kleinkauf, Chapman, Marissa Hettel, Millikin, Emily Lum, Ottawa, Kathryn Fagan, Vermont, Shayna Feinstein, Ottawa, Grace Diamond, Vermont
the chapter set its goal to raise $80,000. In the fall, the members participated in their annual events, Delta Cookout and Sincerely Yours. Delta Cookout was a small, yet successful, event which consisted of a barbecue and music on Friday evening. Members wrote their letters for Sincerely Yours asking friends and family to donate and assist in the chapter’s efforts to reach its goal for the children of St. Jude. The chapter then kicked off the spring semester and their two philanthropy chairs had plenty of great ideas to keep the fundraising going. Delta House of Pancakes (DHOP), occurred at the beginning of March, and the chapter raised over $8,000 while flipping pancakes and dancing with their peers and other members of the community. A favorite event of the chapter, Bids For Kids – a silent auction held at their chapter house with catered food, live music and a number of various baskets to bid on – took place in early April. Family and friends attended this event, and with the help of generous donations the chapter raised more than $14,000.
MISSISSIPPI
BETA MU – MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY In February, Beta Mu Chapter hosted Sweets for St. Jude at the Tri Delta house.
They sold tickets to students and others in their community inviting them into their home to eat unlimited sweets while celebrating the patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This event brought in more than $8,000 to support the children at St. Jude. In March, the chapter hosted its 20th annual Swinging for St. Jude. This fundraiser is a softball competition between the sororities, fraternities and other organizations on campus. Money was raised through softball participation, concession sales, raffle prizes and “A Quest for a Million Pennies.” This penny drive allowed the chapter to leave a basket at every sorority and fraternity house for members to drop any change they had. It raised more than $300 toward the Swinging for St. Jude event. The chapter surpassed their goal of $40,000 and raised a record $58,224.
NORTH CAROLINA
EPSILON DELTA – ELON UNIVERSITY Epsilon Delta Chapter had a busy spring semester full of philanthropy events. The chapter held its annual “Dunkin’ Deltas” basketball tournament earlier in the spring — the event was a big success and a fan favorite for all of the members. In May, the women of Epsilon Delta raised $5,315 in 24 hours, completing their first “5k in a Day” fundraising push!
2019 Graduate Snapshot Jaelin Taylor graduated from California State University, Northridge with a major in cinema and television arts. Since graduating, Jaelin has taken time to find herself and figure out who she is outside of being a student. She plans to be active in her local alumnae chapter, apply to a few internships and look into jobs as a writer’s assistant. When asked what her favorite part of Beta Beta Chapter was, she said: “Having a part in planning events, attending CLC and overall being able to help my sisters make the most of their collegiate membership experience.”
Congratulations to Jenna Black, pictured left, and Madison Lutz, pictured right, for graduating from Baker University in May! Madison majored in elementary education and has accepted a job as a resource teacher for the upcoming school year. She will be teaching special education for kindergarten through fifth grade students. Jenna majored in mass media with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business. She is currently interning with FleishmanHillard in Kansas City, Missouri. In August, she will travel to Grantham, England, to serve as Harlaxton College’s media intern for the fall semester.
Thi Le graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a major in global business and a minor in arts and performance with a focus on theatre and dance. She is currently working at FellowshipOne while also performing in professional and semi-professional theatrical productions throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Thi spoke on her collegiate experience as a Tri Delta: “Knowing that I have an army of strong, independent and loyal women behind me as I dive into the “real world” is something not everyone gets to experience. It’s a special thing to be a Tri Delta woman, and I am forever grateful for Epsilon Theta Chapter.”
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OHIO DELTA UPSILON – OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY During the spring semester, Delta Upsilon Chapter organized a presentation by a representative of a domestic violence shelter in Delaware, Ohio, to bring awareness to the risk of sexual assault. The chapter discussed resources available for women who have been assaulted, ways to help a friend who may be in an unhealthy relationship, and stalking and stalkers. It was an important and educational discussion. The chapter also created a new philanthropy event for the spring semester called Delta Jam. The chapter invited the Ohio Wesleyan campus community to form teams and create their own original 4- to 8-minute dance to perform. The chapter also hosted several smaller events each day leading up to Delta Jam. It was a great way to get the entire campus involved in raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
PENNSYLVANIA PSI – UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA In the spring semester, Psi Chapter launched its very first online fundraising campaign: $5K In A Day to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The chapter used social media to inform its following about the amazing work St. Jude does, and how no patient ever receives a bill for their treatment. The chapter ended up beating its goal of $5,000, raising $7,800 in just 24 hours. Psi Chapter also participated in a philanthropy event in coordination with the Philadelphia Phillies. Chapter members sold tickets to one of the Phillies’ baseball games with 50% of the proceeds being donated to St. Jude. The chapter had a blast at the game hanging with sisters and watching member Reilly Wright in action as a Phillies’ ball girl!
TEXAS BETA XI – STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY Beta Xi Chapter hosted a community-wide blood drive and had tremendous success with St. Jude Soldier Week, raising more than $13,000 for the patients of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The week consisted of nine fraternities and sororities competing against each other to become the next St. Jude Soldier. The teams participated in events such as dodgeball, St. Jude Feud, social media competitions and tug-of-war. Ultimately, Chi Omega beat out the other competitors and won the title of St. Jude Soldier. Beta Xi has been hard at work raising money for St. Jude through two other fundraising events as well. The chapter raised $12,680 from their 2018 Sincerely Yours letter writing campaign and $10,110.30 from their 2018 Pancake Breakfast. From these three events, the chapter has raised a total of $36,021 to support the families at St. Jude!
WASHINGTON THETA NU – WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Theta Nu Chapter at Washington State University had an exciting semester fundraising and excelling in academics. The chapter hosted its annual Tri Hop on March 30. They all enjoyed working hard, staying up late and cooking pancakes for attendees especially because they were able to raise $7,802 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The chapter was thrilled to see an increase in the chapter’s grades as they all have been working hard to improve their academics and be the best students they can be. They have moved up to seven out of 14 sororities for overall GPA which is a huge improvement from the previous years. The chapter looks forward to continuing this trend and working hard to achieve their academic goals.
Philanthropy Excellence www.tridelta.org
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Life After College
Mentoring With Purpose by Past Fraternity President & Foundation Trustee Michelle Popp Shimberg, Florida
believe that each of us has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. As a mentor, you can have an incredible and lasting impact. And, one of the secrets about mentoring is that it is a gift for both the giver and the receiver, bringing joy and happiness to both the mentor and the mentee. I’m involved in several different organizations that rely on the influence of mentors to achieve positive outcomes. As a mentor, I have encouraged a struggling, homeless student and helped her to graduate from high school. With the help of a caring adult, I watched a young person open her eyes to a new and different way to approach a problem; and we celebrated together when she developed the necessary skills to overcome an obstacle. Mentors help present new opportunities or new perspectives and help open doors that previously were hidden or closed. When I pledged Tri Delta, I was looking for friendship, a place to call home at a big university, and a group of peers who would support me as I figured out who I was and what I wanted to become. I remember going through recruitment and feeling I had found the perfect place for me in Tri Delta. I remember meeting sisters and thinking I’d love to be like them – confident, intelligent and together. What I didn’t realize at the time was I had found a home filled with sisters who would help me – quiet, reserved and unsure – develop into a confident, adventurous young woman ready to take on the world! My Alpha Psi sisters were some of my first mentors and provided me with friends who encouraged me to follow my dreams. From my early days at Alpha Psi, I found women who were willing to help me figure out how to navigate college... what classes to take, what professors were interesting, what leadership and extracurricular activities would help me strengthen my resume. No matter what the question, I had lots of sisters who could help me find the answers. Their mentorship made my years at the University of Florida more productive and meaningful, not to mention much more fun. One of the mentors I met during my college years was an alumna volunteer who was our chapter’s collegiate district officer. Julie Drew helped and supported me as I served as a chapter officer. She identified skills I never would have seen in myself and encouraged me to try things I would not have attempted without her support. Her suggestion that I work for Tri Delta as a consultant after college helped me start my lifelong commitment to volunteering for Tri Delta. I am so grateful to Julie for being an encouraging role model and demonstrating for me what alumnae involvement in Tri Delta could add to my life.
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One of the most beneficial aspects of sorority membership is the generational friendship provided through both collegiate and alumnae membership. This was an added benefit to the friendships I was expecting when I pledged Tri Delta. Not only have I learned about jobs and community opportunities, but my mentors also helped me learn important life lessons about raising children, preparing to send kids to college, and how to grieve the loss of a parent. nd, while there are myriad stories about the impact a mentor has on a younger person, it is a relationship that brings many gifts to the mentor also. I’ve learned new skills from the young women I’ve mentored from how to use technology more effectively, to new ways to conduct financial transactions. The women I have mentored help me stay current with today’s fashion trends and pop-culture. My relationships with the women I mentor have helped me be a better parent and a more effective community leader. I continue to learn important lessons by listening to their perspectives and asking questions to understand their worldview. As a chapter advisor and Tri Delta volunteer, I have had the opportunity to work with and mentor many incredible young women. One of my greatest joys is watching them pursue their goals, develop and strengthen their skills, and become capable, confident young adults. I celebrate their achievements and enjoy helping them navigate the challenges that occur as they pursue their goals. One recent graduate had a goal to work for Tri Delta as a chapter development consultant. When she called to share the exciting news that she was offered the job, I was thrilled. During her travels, I loved visiting with Hannah when she was home for her breaks to hear about her experiences. Watching her mentor and influence thousands of Tri Deltas as a consultant, I can’t help but wonder who she may have influenced? I’m guessing she inspired another woman somewhere to follow in her footsteps. Tri Delta offers each of us a ready-made network of mentors willing to help us throughout our lifetimes. This community of caring sisters will be there for you to support and encourage your personal and professional development. Tri Delta mentors have had a significant impact in my life, and I hope to give back some of what I have received from the women who helped me. I hope all of our sisters have the chance to develop a mentor relationship within Tri Delta. It is a tremendous gift. Looking for mentorship opportunities? Download CONNECTDDD from the app store or visit www.connectddd.org. www.tridelta.org
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For a Lifetime
Work Smart
Tri Delta partners with AAUW to help close the gender pay gap
The Wichita Alumnae Chapter's AAUW Work Smart Workshop.
n partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Tri Delta is boldly leading the way in addressing the important issue of gender equity and barriers women face in the workplace. One issue of particular significance is the gender pay gap. "What we know is that women are still making 75-80% of the wages earned by our male counterparts in the same roles," said Tri Delta CEO Karen Hughes White, Georgia. "AAUW Work Smart empowers women with the skills and confidence they need to successfully negotiate their salaries and benefits." The two-hour workshop allows attendees to gain confidence in their negotiation style through facilitated discussion and role-play to learn: • How to identify and articulate their personal value 46
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• • •
How to develop an arsenal of persuasive responses and other negotiation strategies, including how to get a raise or promotion How to conduct objective market research to benchmark a target salary and benefits About the wage gap, including its long-term consequences
For the Chicago Loop Group, Work Smart was the ideal opportunity to provide professional development programming to area alumnae. The event was held on a weekday evening at the Evanston Arts Center and was facilitated by Allison Lackey Peschel, Millikin. Although the Chicago Loop Group hosted the event, several alumnae attended from area chapters, including the North Shore/Glenbrook Alumnae Chapter and the Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chapter, as well as area
alumnae who are not affiliated with a chapter. It was the perfect opportunity for Tri Delta alumnae to network and connect. Another bonus was the wide range of women who attended, all of whom benefitted from the workshop, no matter their career stage or experience. As women, it’s common to take time away from one’s career to raise children, or care for an ailing partner or parent. Stepping back into the workforce can be intimidating. According to Peri Osako, Arizona, a few alumnae who found themselves in similar positions benefitted from the workshop and from knowing they aren’t alone in their journey. As for Peri herself, she found the resume-building aspect of the workshop particularly useful. “Being able to quantify our own successes and transfer our volunteerism and leadership experience onto our resume was helpful. We all do so much in our alumnae chapters, but we don’t always think of it as being work-related even though we’re building great skills.”
chapter with more variety in terms of the programming it offers members. According to Peri, “Our group tends to
"I'm so proud that Tri Delta is committed to making this issue a priority so that our daughters (and sons!) can see the gender pay gap close."
As a facilitator, Allison said her biggest takeaway from the workshop was learning that, at present, it will take 217 years for the gender pay gap to close. “I'm so proud that Tri Delta is committed to making this issue a priority so that our daughters (and sons!) can see the gender pay gap close,” she said. “We know our country is stronger, our resources more powerful, and our impact greater when we all work together toward this common goal. I loved how the program offered a proven process with tangible steps to know how to navigate these negotiation conversations.” In addition to personally benefitting individual attendees, the workshop also benefitted the overall Chicago Loop Group alumnae by providing the www.tridelta.org
be more social, but it was nice to have an event that was more professional, and it was nice to have other women attend from other chapters.” Several other alumnae chapters will also be hosting AAUW Work Smart workshops: St. Louis, Missouri; Mt. Diablo, California; MinneapolisSt. Paul, Minnesota; Houston, Texas; Tyler, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Toronto, Ontario. The Wichita Alumnae Chapter held its event on May 30 at the Downtown
Wichita Innovation Center. Work Smart was well-received by its members. “The new information presented to me at the workshop was very beneficial,” shared Amanda Vanausdall, Wichita State. “My largest takeaways were the tools to be well informed and prepared in all steps of job and salary negotiations. I feel confident that the next time I am in a situation to negotiate my salary and benefits I will be more than ready.” She adds, “The workshop was a great way to bring together a group of women, not only Tri Delta alumnae, but many high achieving women from the community. I think the message of empowering women through education is a great step to closing the gender pay gap. This is an issue that doesn’t just affect Tri Delta women, but all women.” For information on how to host an AAUW Work Smart workshop for your community or chapter, contact Director of Alumnae Experience Erika Beatty at ebeatty@trideltaeo.org. Summer 2019 The Trident
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For a Lifetime
Eugene, Oregon Alumnae Chapter Honors Longtime Volunteer Susan Douglas Oregon through the years by assisting with recruitment and Ritual, organizing Circle Degree ceremonies, and serving as an alumna advisor and local house corporation president.
Susan Sprague Douglas, Oregon, (pictured) has dedicated much of her life to serving Tri Delta for more than 40 years. As an alumna Sue "rendered willing service" to Theta Delta Chapter at the University of 48
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Sue has also had a major impact on the Eugene, Oregon Alumnae Chapter, serving as alumnae chapter president from February 2004 to April 2019 and alumnae reference chair from June 2012 to April 2019. The chapter wanted to do something special for her as she was retiring from her leadership positions and decided to host
a luncheon in her honor. Members gifted her with a beautiful pansy watercolor painting as a gratitude offering, in honor of her many ways and years of service. “Giving back to Tri Delta for what you gained from your collegiate experience is very important,” said Sue. “I have found that being a Tri Delta made me part of an extended family that expands wherever you go, and has allowed me to get to know or reconnect with unique individuals.” Thank you, Sue, for your lasting impact on Tri Delta and its members!
Tales from the Road CALIFORNIA
Dr. Debbie Moysychyn, Miami/Florida, received the Senior Level Healthcare Executive Award from the Regent for California – Southern. She was recognized for her contributions to healthcare management through influence and leadership in her local chapter of American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Healthcare Executives of Southern California (HCE). In addition, Debbie was elected to the 2019 HCE Board of Directors in January. A group of Tri Delta alumnae from the Mt. Diablo Alumnae Chapter’s book club, Bookworms, all gathered together to meet Mike Lella, son of Pina Lella. Pina is the subject of “Beneath a Scarlet Sky,” an incredible book the group read last June. “A wonderful day for us all!” said Cheryl Martin, California/Davis. Bookworms is one of the most popular interest groups at the Mt. Diablo Alumnae Chapter, and the group is excited to participate in special opportunities like this.
COLORADO
On Jan. 27, 2019, Boulder Area Alumnae and Theta Beta Chapter collegians joined together to celebrate 75 years of sisterhood with Mary Ann Blakemore Farrington, Coe. It was a special day to honor their good friend and sister in a celebration of sisterhood! Initiated into Delta Eta Chapter at Coe College in January 1943, Mary Ann, and her husband, Dr. John Farrington, shared many stories and lots of laughter! Their son, Steve Farrington, was able to share some special stories of his mom and her work with Tri Deltas in the Boulder Area. A special serenade from the Delta Darlings, Theta Beta Chapter, led by Anna Hansil, included “Tri Delta True,” one of Mary Ann's favorite songs. Theta Beta Collegiate Chapter President Ally Crowley and Vice President of Administration Shelbi Davenport provided exciting updates from Theta Beta Chapter. The members were grateful and honored to celebrate this Diamond Circle ceremony with
www.tridelta.org
Mary Ann and her family, and all of their Tri Delta sisters.
FLORIDA
On Jan. 26, more than 50 Tri Deltas from the greater Sarasota/Manatee, Florida, area were guests of the Tri Delta Foundation at a special sisterhood luncheon. Kathryn Angell Carr, Iowa State, sponsored the event at the Field Club, and attendees had a chance to learn more about the work of the Tri Delta Foundation in supporting our sisterhood. Foundation presenters included: former Trustee Chrys Grafrath Hyde, Coe; Tri Delta's Vice President of Development and Philanthropy Beth Burkes, Wake Forest; Past Fraternity President and current Foundation Board Trustee Michelle Popp Shimberg, Florida; and Tri Delta Foundation Vice Chair Stacey Dickenson Cox, Southern Methodist. Carrie Seidman, the first woman lead columnist for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, spoke to the Sarasota Area Alumnae Chapter at the chapter’s annual Pansy Lunch in March. The alumnae chapter was also thrilled to present Golden Circle and Diamond Circle ceremonies at the event. Seventy-five-year member Mary Jane Maloney, St. Lawrence, was honored with the Diamond Circle ceremony. The Golden Circle ceremony was presented to Sue Chandler Kennan, Florida State, and Retta Burling Meser, Wisconsin.
HAWAI’I
Members of the Hawai’i Alumnae Chapter on O’ahu traveled to the Big Island in April to celebrate sisterhood and lifetime membership. Sisters visited Kilauea Volcano and lava tubes, Akala Falls State Park and the black sand beaches. They honored two sisters who will be leaving Hawai’i for new career opportunities on the mainland and in Europe, and hosted a Golden Circle Ceremony for a sister celebrating 50 years of membership.
Kitty Reid, Gail Harrison Corvette and Helen Spelzhaus Siedell are pictured at the Charleston Symphony.
SISTERS AT THE SYMPHONY
There are more than 400 Tri Deltas in Charleston, South Carolina. Who would have guessed that when Tri Delta’s Vice President of Development and Philanthropy Beth Burkes, Wake Forest, traveled to Charleston to separately visit three of them that they were closely tied together—without realizing it. Gail Harrison Corvette, Indiana, is the vice president of the Charleston Symphony Chorus. Kitty Reid, Charleston, is president of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra League. And Helen Spelzhaus Siedell’s, Mississippi State, husband is president of the Charleston Symphony. After Beth connected them, the three were able to meet for the first time and share a special hug as sisters at the Charleston Symphony Mozart’s Requiem concert!
ILLINOIS
On Jan. 26-27, 2019, Beta Omicron Chapter from Illinois State University gathered
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Two Tri Deltas Receive Congratulations to Hannah Rayhill, Union, and Mary Kate Wolken, Creighton, for each receiving a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Award. The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, designed to build lasting connections between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
Hannah Rayhill, Union
Mary Kate Wolken, Creighton
alumnae and collegiate members from across the country to celebrate its 45th birthday. Saturday saw five original charter members dining together. On Sunday, four of the charter members visited the house and presented the chapter with an extensive book of the history of Beta Omicron Chapter. This gift, along with a crystal dolphin candle holder from the charter members and 1970s alumnae, were well received! Photos of the first house, recruitment and Initiation were included in the history, and the chapter went into storage and pulled out the first few composites to share with attendees. Old friendships were renewed, and new friendships formed. The alumnae and collegiate chapter members are busy planning for reunions and are looking forward to the 50th!
INDIANA HANNAH received an award to travel to Greece as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) and work as a cultural ambassador. She has been placed at the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation (HAEF) in Athens. Some of her responsibilities have included attending international conferences such as The Media Literacy Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, working in the university counseling office at the HAEF, and presenting on the American educational system to Greek public school students on behalf of the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Department. “In addition to my responsibilities as a Fulbright Scholar, I have been volunteering with The HOME Project – an organization that aids unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in Athens,” said Hannah. “Observing and aiding the students in gaining perspectives rooted in kindness, cultural relativity, understanding and empathy has aided me in developing my own perspectives." Hannah is thankful for the relationships, skills, strengths, experiences, perspectives and motivation to positively impact the world that she has gained through the program this year. Hannah hopes to continue working to facilitate peace and cross-cultural understanding at an international level. MARY KATE received an award to travel to the community of Galicia, Spain, as an ETA this fall. She will be teaching English in a variety of capacities at a high school on the northern coast of Spain. She is also working on developing a community service project to engage community members in her local area. Mary Kate is most excited to get to know her local community. She believes this experience will encompass many of the other things that she is looking forward to, such as the food, history and the culture. “I applied to this program the same time I applied to graduate school, in addition to completing my undergraduate history thesis and general coursework,” said Mary Kate. "Receiving this award is a testament to all the time and work I have put forth over the last few years, but it also speaks volumes to the large number of people who have challenged, supported and me to this 50 encouraged The Trident Summer 2019 point and beyond.”
In November, Beta Delta Chapter welcomed honor initiate, Carol Hill Sloan, biological sister of Christy Hill Lybass, Indiana State, as a highlight of the 50th anniversary of Beta Delta’s founding at Indiana State University. Circle Degree and the Silver Circle ceremony were also performed. The banquet featured speakers Indiana State University President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis and Tri Delta Alumnae Celebration Specialist Jenny Vinson Sherrill, Franklin. Members were invited to tour the university’s campus to see the changes and tailgate prior to the football game. A hospitality suite was established that offered the opportunity for small group gatherings, a Tri Delta Shop display, a book signing by Beta Delta sister Kim Owen Mazer and a keepsakes power point display. Arrangements for tours of local points of interest, Clabber Girl and Swope Gallery were also part of the itinerary.
LOUISIANA
On April 7, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana Alumnae Chapter welcomed the newest alumnae members from Delta Omega Chapter at Louisiana State
University. A brunch was held at the Tri Delta House on campus at LSU where they enjoyed a video of memories, baby photos and well wishes from sisters. After brunch, Tri Delta members gathered in the chapter room for the Circle Degree Ceremony. Welcome to lifetime membership in Tri Delta!
NEBRASKA
Katie Douville Harders, Betsy Anderson and Tori Nelson Sones, all alumnae members of Kappa Chapter at the University of Nebraska and current members of the Lincoln Alumnae Group took part in the University of Nebraska’s Young Alumni Academy. This program is a yearlong commitment where outstanding Nebraska alumnae are selected to attend monthly opportunities to learn more about the university’s exciting progress, tour premier campus facilities and network with university leaders. Most recently the academy toured the Nebraska Athletics Department, including the Athletic Performance Lab and the HuskerVision television studio.
NORTH CAROLINA
A group of Tri Delta sisters in Wilmington, North Carolina, got together for a “Galentine’s Gathering.” The group made special valentines for Tri Delta sisters from their pledge classes and for children at the local hospital. It was the first time that Tri Delta alumnae in Wilmington have gathered for many years, and they all enjoyed getting to know one another while spreading Delta Love for Valentine’s Day. Sue Gorman, Michigan State, was recently elected as the Chair of the ALS Association Board of Trustees. She is the first woman to have this position in the organization. Sue became involved in support of the work of the ALS Association following her fatherin-law’s 11-month battle with the disease. Sue has served on the ALS Association Board of Trustees since 2014.
TEXAS
Last fall, members of the NW Harris County Alumnae Chapter were honored to present Kathleen McGloin McGannon Homer, Texas, with her Diamond Circle pin and certificate. Kathleen was initiated at the University of Texas in 1943, and in August, several NW Harris County Tri Deltas visited Kathleen and awarded her the special Diamond Circle 75-year pin. They also gave her a certificate from Theta Zeta Chapter at the University of Texas. During the visit, Kathleen reminisced about what college life was like during those years and the group even sang a Tri Delta song together. It's not every day a Tri Delta gets to celebrate 75 years! The Houston Alumnae Chapter celebrated the fifth anniversary of the SALE in February at Bayou City Event Center in Houston, Texas. This year’s event benefitted a pediatric research initiative at The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital (MDACCH). The weekend started off with a bang at the Breakfast & Bubbly event celebrating the event’s generous corporate and high-level individual underwriters. Nan Kelley, a Tri Delta alumna, cancer survivor and host for the Great American Country tele-
www.tridelta.org
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
On June 1, the Eugene, Oregon Alumnae Chapter hosted a Diamond Circle ceremony for Marjory Allingham Ramey, Oregon. Marge was initiated into Theta Delta Chapter in 1944. As an alumna, Marge has been a member of the Eugene, Oregon Alumnae Chapter for more than 50 years. She served as alumna advisor to Theta Delta for three years, and now, at the age of 94, continues to advise the senior members of Theta Delta at each Circle Degree. Most recently, Marge encouraged the women that no matter where life after college may take them, they should form a connection with the local Tri Delta alumnae group in the area that they live. On a national level, Marge served as district president for three years, national membership director for four years, a chair for Tri Delta’s Convention for 10 years and an associate director for six years. When asked what her favorite part has been while serving Tri Delta for so many years, Marge said: “Meeting remarkable women with whom I could have a shared interest. I also love influencing our collegiate members in some simple ways as we encountered each other at Conventions or Leadership schools. I am most certainly basking happily in the lifetime membership and friendships!”
Summer 2019 The Trident
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A Look at References It’s that time of year again…Tri Delta members are busy writing references for potential new members. Executive Office understands that you may have questions when it comes to references, so we’ve put together the following information to assist you in this process.
������������������ Tri Delta has an online reference form, in addition to our downloadable PDF reference form. You can access both of these forms by logging in to My Tri Delta on tridelta.org. Once you have successfully logged in, you can find both the online and downloadable PDF reference forms under Resources > All Members. Or you can type in “reference form” using the search feature.
Are references required? Tri Delta does not require a reference letter for membership. Some chapters rely heavily on references, while others receive very few. The process will vary by chapter.
Who can write a reference? • Any alumna in good standing with the Fraternity • Any initiated collegiate member in good standing with the collegiate chapter and the Fraternity • An alumnae chapter reference chair • The collegiate chapter reference chair or director of member selection Please keep in mind that membership selection is ultimately the privilege and responsibility of each collegiate chapter. A reference form, letter of recommendation or potential new member’s legacy status does not guarantee an invitation into membership.
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The Trident Summer 2019
LIFETIME SISTERHOOD
Fourteen Tri Deltas who all live in the same retirement community in South Carolina got together for a luncheon and plan to continue meeting regularly! "We are all young at heart!" shared Margaret Payne, Duke.
vision network and the Grand Ole Opry, was the emcee of a moving presentation about the importance of raising funds for pediatric cancer research. Among the speakers at the breakfast were Dr. Richard Gorlick, a childhood cancer survivor and Division Head of MDACCH, and Tri Delta Woman of Achievement Dr. Zsila Sadighi, Texas A&M, also a childhood cancer survivor and doctor at MDACCH. The SALE 2019 will donate $285,000 to pediatric cancer research and $3,000 to Houston Area Panhellenic Scholarships. The grand total of donations to pediatric cancer research over the first five years of the SALE will be more than $1,000,000!
VIRGINIA
Alumnae from Alpha Mu Chapter at the College of William & Mary decided to deviate from the familiar college reunion format by staging a 70th birthday party get together in Nashville, Tennessee. These sisters of 48 years gathered from around the country on Oct. 22-26, 2018. Originally, this group of Tri Deltas would meet every five years at the College of William & Mary Class Reunions and over those years they added a few former roommates/suitemates who had pledged other sororities. The group became known as “the Tri Deltas and Outlaws.” Their itinerary included long walks to see interesting neighborhoods, the Parthe-
non, the Tennessee State Museum, the Country Western Hall of Fame and Museum and other Nashville landmarks. They enjoyed a night at the Grand Ole Opry and had wonderful lunches at popular local spots. Staying in a rented townhouse made the situation much like the College of William & Mary dorms and sorority houses of 43 years ago. And, yes, the years just melted away, the laughter was constant, and the joy of friendship was boundless. While catching up on each other’s lives over the years, these friends marveled at how little everyone had really changed. This friendship will continue with the vow to create another happy get together in another fun city, this time in less than 10 years.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Washington, D.C. Metro Alumnae Chapter, also serving Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland, hosted a Pansy Brunch on Saturday, April 27. The chapter celebrated Silver Circle for two members, Tracy Baumgardner, Syracuse, and Ginger Oliver, Arkansas. They also elected and installed new officers for the 2019-2021 term. On Sunday, two of their members were recognized as Women of Distinction by Northern Virginia Panhellenic Association, Arline Easley, Indiana, and Lucy Tschetter, Millsaps. Congratulations to all!
Photo, left: Members of the Sarasota Area Alumnae Chapter are pictured with Carrie Seidman (center), the first woman lead columnist for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Carrie spoke to the chapter at the annual Pansy Lunch. Photo, below: Sisters in the Rochester, New York Alumnae Chapter honored Carol Giordano McMillen, Michigan, (center) with the Diamond Circle Ceremony at Founders' Day dinner last fall.
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Maya McDonald, Ottawa Panhellenic Specialist aya McDonald completed her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2017 at the University of Ottawa. Today she works at Canada Post in commercial customer performance monitoring, but outside of work, she dedicates time to serving on boards for a local nonprofit, volunteering as an NPC Area Advisor, for her church and — of course — Tri Delta! Fellow volunteer Noel van Aartrijk, Virginia Tech, said: “Maya is one of the Tri Delta volunteers and sisters who makes me feel at my best and is honestly such a joy to work with…Maya has big vision, passion and purpose in her work, and she 'levels up' everyone around her to do the same.” 1. What made you want to volunteer with Tri Delta? It was always my intention to volunteer for Tri Delta. I’d like to think of this experience as I would our slating process. Tri Delta chose 22-year-old me for a role that Impostor Syndrome would have me believe I couldn't do. “The office seeks the member” still resonates with me today, as I enter my third term as Panhellenic specialist. Sometimes your sisters just know that you’ll do well before you give yourself the chance. 2. What has been your favorite experience as a volunteer? I've had the privilege of serving in various roles, so I have quite a few favorite experiences. The presentation of the refreshed non-discrimination policy at CLC 2018 is a highlight. Revising the policy was an emotionally challenging experience, which required care and compassion. Bearing witness to this subtle yet impactful change, alongside collegiate leaders, was monumental. 3. What skills has your volunteer role helped you develop? As a volunteer, my communication skills have improved the most. Countless emails, conference calls and presentations have made it possible for me to engage with anyone: students, professionals, executives... I've even facilitated programs on unfamiliar topics, with confidence. Five years ago, I'd have never thought about facilitating at Alpha Chi Omega's Leadership Academy, or the NGLA Annual Conference. These opportunities may not have been so attainable for me now had I not become a Tri Delta volunteer.
On-Boarding for Success By Volunteer Engagement Manager Rachel Lamey, Creighton
So, you have been placed in a new volunteer role for Tri Delta – now what? This spring, Tri Delta launched an official on-boarding process for volunteers across the enterprise. This new process is designed to ensure a smooth transition for new volunteers, a top-notch growth and development plan for welcoming volunteers into the everyday operations of Tri Delta and a well-trained Tri Delta volunteer force. Efforts officially began on this project in fall 2017 with research on volunteer support and retention best practices, guided by work completed by Board-appointed task forces. A look at the nonprofit industry confirmed that a well-functioning, high-retention volunteer program includes an established and robust on-boarding process.
What does Tri Delta’s volunteer on-boarding process look like? The on-boarding process is broken up into three distinct phases (we are Tri Deltas, after all!), which take place following volunteer recruitment and placement.
Phase 1: Initial On-Boarding
In this first phase, volunteers are welcomed into Tri Delta’s volunteer force with information and resources that ensure they understand the bigger picture of Tri Delta’s enterprise and the crucial role volunteers play in our premier membership experience. A variety of learning platforms are utilized in this phase, including:
www.tridelta.org Photo: Opposite page, Michael Cooper
• A self-guided virtual e-learning webinar, lasting 10-15 minutes and introducing volunteers to the basic elements of the Tri Delta volunteer experience. • The Volunteer Welcome Guide, which outlines key features of Tri Delta’s enterprise and guides volunteers to the resources they’ll need to reference during their term of service. • Tri Delta’s Fraternity Volunteer Policies, to outline clear expectations during their service.
Phase 2: Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC)
Most Tri Delta volunteers’ term of service begins on July 1. To celebrate the beginning of the term, Tri Delta hosts the Volunteer Leadership Conference (VLC) a training conference for many of our volunteers. This year’s event took place in Dallas, Texas, on July 12-14. At the conference volunteers focused on relationshipbuilding with volunteer peers and regional team members. We believe connecting with fellow volunteers contributes to a successful volunteer experience. This phase includes: • Role-specific training: At VLC, volunteers received over five hours of training relevant to their current role. • Goal-setting: As part of the educational experience at VLC, volunteers set goals for the upcoming term. These three goals (enterprise-wide, role-specific and personal/professional development) will serve as a roadmap for volunteers to ensure they feel fulfilled and successful throughout their service to Tri Delta. Volunteers who do not attend VLC, or who join the volunteer force after the beginning of the new term, will receive separate training from their volunteer lead, the individual responsible for each volunteer’s on-boarding, support and development.
“Tri Delta is fortunate to have brave, bold and kind volunteers who are dedicated to helping our members live, learn and lead. The Fraternity is committed to delivering a comprehensive on-boarding process for all volunteers. This process provides volunteers the opportunity to enhance personal and professional skill sets while also supporting and growing our sisterhood.” Megan Shaw James, Millsaps, Executive Board Director
Phase 3: Regional Training
This final phase of on-boarding provides volunteers time to work more closely with their volunteer lead and regional volunteers. These volunteers meet and discuss role-specific questions and provide clarification of volunteer responsibilities. The volunteer lead also shares specific insight with incoming volunteers regarding the operations of their regional team: communication expectations, frequency and timing of meetings and more. Finally, the volunteers review goals to ensure the volunteer lead can continue to check in and provide support. Following implementation of the volunteer on-boarding process, volunteers will operate in their new role for the two-year term, with continuous communication, support and training. We believe starting from a strong foundation with an effective on-boarding process for our volunteers creates better results for our members and a rewarding experience for those women who raise their hand to serve. We are so grateful to the many Tri Deltas who offer their time and talent to enhance the lives of our members from their collegiate experience and throughout the many seasons of lifetime membership. Interested in volunteering for Tri Delta? Email volunteer@ trideltaeo.org. Summer 2019 The Trident 55
Tri Delta Book Club
Literacy & Kindness Shine at Rainy Day Books Vivien Jennings, Rhodes, has been operating Rainy Day Books, Kansas City’s community bookseller, since 1975. Books have been a big part of Vivien’s life since she was a child growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her family was poor, but reading opened up a whole new world. A regular at the school library, spending time with books helped Vivien make good grades and, eventually, get a full scholarship to Rhodes College in Memphis. “I was always so thankful for books and realized books could make a difference in people’s lives in so many ways,” she says. Graduating from Rhodes College with a degree in international relations, Vivien eventually married, started a family and moved to Kansas City, Kansas. When her son and daughter were ready to go to school, Vivien decided she wanted to start a business that would allow her to give back to the community. Combining her passion for literacy with her desire to give back, Vivien opened Rainy Day Books. Today the store is not only the oldest independent bookstore in the Kansas City area, it’s one of the leading independent booksellers in the United States. A staple of Rainy Day Books are the store’s “Author Events,” which have attracted many famous authors and celebrities to the Kansas City area over the years. Vivien holds these events as a conversation with the author that allows the audience to feel like they’ve gotten to know them personally, outside of the media. “People have an hour of personal experience with an author, and they love it,” she says. Rainy Day Books’ author events have included everyone from Stephen King and Dan Brown to former President Jimmy Carter and former President George W. Bush. Vivien and her partner of 25 years, Roger, are passionate about supporting local charitable organizations, and Rainy Day Books allows the perfect vehicle for doing so. “I’m able to do so much for the community because of the business. We’re not wealthy in money, but we’re wealthy in resources, and we can give back all the time with the resources we have.”
56 The Trident Summer 2019 www.tridelta.org
One example is Vivien helping to provide an author as the keynote for Saint South Luke’s Hospital's annual Books & Boutiques fundraising luncheon. She also donates books that go to children in need. “I’m trying to do the same thing that’s been done for me. When you give a child a book, you give them a world, and they can do so much with that. They can take themselves anywhere.” Vivien also loves giving reading recommendations and curating reading lists for area book clubs. Every year, she helps the Tri Delta Kansas City Alumnae Chapter Book Club decide on the titles they will read. It’s something she enjoys doing because she’s able to share her love of books and get people excited about reading. One book that recently had a profound impact on Vivien is “Radical Kindness” by Angela C. Santomero. “It really reminded me of how important kindness is. It reminds you to first be kind to yourself; if you take care of yourself, then you’re going to be kind to your family, your children and it goes out into the community and out into the world. If everyone would be a little kinder to other people, it would be an amazing world.” For Vivien the concept of kindness connects back to her Tri Delta experience at Rhodes College. At Rhodes, Vivien found a supportive sisterhood that taught her collaboration and kindness and made a difference in her life. “We encouraged each other,” she says. “We shared problems, we talked to each other if we had challenges, and we could get advice from sisters or chapter leaders. That support system was huge for me.” And Vivien’s commitment to sharing kindness shines through in her work every day. Vivien says, “When I go out in the community, without fail someone will say thank you so much for what you do for the community. It’s such a huge feeling of, ‘It matters.’ Even when we get tired, it always lifts us back up and says what you’ve done all this time really matters to individuals and the community.”
to middle grade school children, Glo was inspired to write a book herself. Her son, Laird, and dog, Max, were the prototypes for the lead characters, and because of her love of mysteries, she chose that genre for this book. The second book in this series is titled “The Case of the Stolen Necklace.” Glo also cowrote the book “Commercials: A Handbook for Performers,” and she has had numerous articles published in magazines.
Folded Wisdom: Notes from Dad on Life, Love, and Growing Up By Joanna Guest, Arizona “Folded Wisdom” is an inspirational testament to the depth of a father’s love for his children, and an intimate look into beautiful, raw, human communication. Within the pages of this book, Joanna Guest, Arizona, shares the insightful notes her father drew for her and her brother Theo every day for nearly 15 years. For her entire childhood, Joanna’s father, Bob, had a ritual: wake up at dawn, walk the dog, and sit down at the kitchen table with a blank pad of paper and plenty of colored markers to craft notes for his two children. Over the years, word games and puzzles for five-year-olds morphed into thoughtful guidance and reflections for his teenagers approaching adulthood. Now, with more than 3,500 of her father’s colorful notes in hand, Joanna has decided that the lessons tucked inside are worth sharing. “Folded Wisdom” highlights the collection of Bob’s notes, telling a story filled with universal values that encourages meaningful self-reflection – about how we all face successes and failures; express happiness and sadness; and communicate frustration, praise and love to one another. Heartfelt and full of possibility for the future, a father’s folded notes and drawings are timeless reminders of love.
Max & Joey Buddy Detectives: The Case of the Hit and Run Driver By Glo Jenkins Brown, Southern Methodist This is the first book in a fantasy mystery series about a boy, Joey Taylor, and his lovable rescue dog, Max. They are buddy detectives who work together solving crimes. In this book they witness a hit-and-run accident. With the help of Officer Burt, the fantasy stunt of the bizarre Miss Bubbles, and Max's magic, the two amateur detectives experience rollicking adventures as they seek to capture the hit-and-run driver and see that justice is done. Glo Jenkins Brown, Southern Methodist, graduated with an English and education degree. She has been a successful performer for film, radio and TV for many years and is also an entertaining speaker for organizations around the U.S. While reading books
www.tridelta.org
Acing Admissions: The Indian Student’s Comprehensive Guide to U.S. College Applications By Kavita Shah Mehta, Wake Forest and Kimberly Wright Dixit, Ph.D. Confused by the complicated U.S. college admissions process? “Acing Admissions” can help students and their families answer important questions about education in the U.S.: • What are the types of colleges and courses offered in the U.S.? • How do I choose a school or board in India? • Why are essays and recommendation letters important? • How much does it cost? Is it possible to get "The Case of the Hit and financial aid? Run Driv���������� • Is it better to submit my application before in Glo Jenkins Brown's Max and Joey Buddy Detectives Dec. 31? series. The second book in the series is titled "The Case of the Stolen Necklace." Glo's son, Laird, and dog, Max, are the inspiration for the main characters.
“Acing Admissions” is the result of years of experience helping families navigate the admissions process. Authors Kavita Mehta and Kimberly Wright Dixit have identified the key questions, stumbling blocks and knowledge gaps that Indian families face as they consider undergraduate education in the U.S. Kavita Mehta, Wake Forest, and Kimberly Wright Dixit, Ph.D., are co-founders of The Red Pen, an independent education consulting company that helps applicants plan their education at the school, university or postgraduate levels. The company also assists high schools to develop student-focused, scalable university counselling infrastructure. Kavita and Kimberly grew up in the U.S. and met in Mumbai. After helping several friends and families with their essays and applications, they were struck by the way differences in global education systems and cultural expectations led to knowledge gaps, misconceptions and confusion among Indian students. They established The Red Pen in 2011 to provide
Summer 2019 The Trident 57
Tri Delta Book Club holistic guidance and empower applicants to make informed choices about studying abroad.
favorite foods! You'll learn how to change WHEN to eat, so you don't have to change WHAT you eat. Are you ready to take control of your health, and finally step off of the diet roller coaster? All you have to do is learn how to “Delay, Don't Deny!”
The Other Side of Easter By Beth Gully, Kentucky Children will love reading and sharing this whimsical upside-down book with friends as they celebrate Easter and springtime. Blending both stories of the Easter holiday makes this book a parent favorite when the traditions of the holiday flip over to become the sacred story of the resurrection of Jesus. Fun and awe-inspiring ambigram images are actually two pictures in one. Imagine a picture of an Easter basket turned upside down. Can you see an empty tomb? Or watch a bunny face flip over to transform into the ascension of Christ? Beth Gully, Kentucky, is one of 100 ambigram designers in the world. She is the author of two children’s books, “The Other Side of Christmas,” and now, “The Other Side of Easter.” Combined, both books have won 13 awards, including six international awards for the artwork. Beth’s first ambigram happened by accident when it fell on the floor and she could see another word. Twenty-seven years later she is loving her new career as an author. Go ahead, flip this magazine upside down and watch her cover become “The Other Side of Easter!”
Delay, Don’t Deny: Living an Intermittent Fasting Lifestyle By Gin Stephens, Wake Forest
Tired of counting calories, eliminating foods from your diet or obsessing about food all day? If so, an intermittent fasting lifestyle might be for you! In this book, you will learn the science behind intermittent fasting, and also understand how to adjust the various intermittent fasting plans to work for your unique lifestyle. The best part about intermittent fasting is that it doesn't require you to give up your
58 The Trident Summer 2019 www.tridelta.org
Beth Gully is one of 100 ambigram designers in the world. If y������ magazine upside down, you can watch her cover image transform into "The Other Side of Easter!"
Gin Stephens, Wake Forest, openly describes her experience with intermittent fasting. In 2014, she topped the scale at about 210 pounds, and two years later in the summer of 2016 she had lost 80+ pounds. To this day she is effortlessly maintaining her loss and feeling the best she has ever felt in her life. Gin also created a follow up to her Amazon #1 best-seller, “Delay, Don’t Deny,” called “Feast Without Fear: Food and the Delay, Don’t Deny Lifestyle.”
I Think I Can By Karen S. Robbins, Washington Do you know a child who is learning to read? “I Think I Can” is a beginner’s shared reading book to be read with a buddy. So, grab your mom, dad, grandparent or friend. Let your reading buddy be aardvark and you can be mouse. The dialogue between aardvark and mouse contains only kindergarten or first grade words, making it a unique first reading book. Sentences are short with lots of repetition for reinforcement and to build reading confidence. Children will have fun reading together with aardvark and mouse. Karen S. Robbins, Washington, has devoted her life to children as an elementary teacher, Romper Room TV Teacher, “Miss Karen,” award-winning author, publisher, book/toy designer and inventor with a U.S. patent. Karen is a right-brain creative whose passion is creating books and toys for children. She has written 13 books and sold over 300,000 copies around the word.
In Memoriam ADELPHI
Condelli, Anne Vandewater '38 d. 06/16 Hall, Barbara Barrows '39 d. 11/08
ARIZONA STATE
Yates, Kathleen Wood '66 d. 11/18
ARKANSAS
Galway, Sydney '15 d. 12/18 Crane, Dorothy Scurlock '40 d. 01/16 Overton, Judith Blankenship '60 d. 12/18 Phillips, Rebecca Daugherty '60 d. 12/18 Thomas, Phyllis Smithwick '58 d. 09/18 Trahain, Leah Bogart '41 d. 11/18
AUBURN
Law, Joyce Wilder '54 d. 03/16
BELOIT Cover Girl: Milly Miller was photographed in her Washington, D.C., home for the 2017 Fall Trident.
Meador, Gloria Baisch '43 d. 06/18 Roman, Mary Leonard '43 d. 09/18 Sanger, Julia Benson '47 d. 07/18
BOSTON
Milly Miller, Maryland Tri Deltas mourn the loss of a special sister – Milly Bland Miller, Maryland – who passed away on June 25, 2019. Just three weeks shy of her 102nd birthday, Milly was the epitome of Tri Delta lifetime membership. Initiated in 1937 into Alpha Pi Chapter, Milly lived a life full of love and laugher, staying close to her Tri Delta sister, Hope, through their 80+ year friendship. Milly graduated from the University of Maryland in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics/home science. Milly married Woody Miller in October 1941, and the two were happily married for 50 years before Woody passed away in 1991. Milly and Woody were dedicated community leaders and generous philanthropists, as supporters of Sibley Memorial Hospital, George Washington University, Wesley Theological Seminary, the University of Maryland and Tri Delta. A charter female member of the Washington Metropolitan Board of Trade in 1956,
Milly was an accomplished professional and active volunteer. She was active in the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Women’s Club of Chevy Chase, Maryland, the American Association of University Women, the Altrusa Club of Washington, D.C., Ki-Wives International and United Methodist Women. Milly is survived by her nephew William A. Bland; her niece Dawn Burns (Arnold) Potosky; nephews Thomas (Sandy) Marshall, John (Adrienne) Marshall; niece Braunda Miller (Arthur) Butt; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, and godchildren. Tri Delta was honored to feature Milly on the fall 2017 cover of The Trident and share her inspiring story of a lifetime of living, learning and laughing. Said Tri Delta CEO Karen Hughes White, Georgia, “Milly's positivity was contagious!” She will be missed by all those whose lives she touched with her humor, words of wisdom and genuine kindness.
Robinson, Leanne Chrisman '65 d. 11/18
BRENAU
Bryant, Anna '25 d. 05/05 Hightower, Ann Nelson '44 d. 10/18 Phipps, Alice Roberson '31 d. 03/16
BUTLER
Ryerson, Carol Sherman '39 d. 08/18
CALIFORNIA/LOS ANGELES
Kaelin, Lynne Shadford '83 d. 07/18 Weaver, Shirley Ellis '50 d. 11/18
CAL STATE/NORTHRIDGE
Freeman, Judi Johnson '67 d. 02/17
CHARLESTON
Hawkins, Candice Clowney '75 d. 06/18
CINCINNATI
Sharkey, Connie Griffith '41 d. 05/18
CLEMSON
Hoskins, Elizabeth '81 d. 10/18
COLBY
Fox, Gail Schaeff '55 d. 10/18 Gates, Mary Bauman '46 d. 07/18 Pineo, Susan Schaeff '60 d. 04/18
COLORADO STATE
Shryack, Mary Hull '45 d. 09/18
CORNELL
Baxter, Priscilla Coffin '37 d. 02/19 Palmer, Dorothy '52 d. 10/18 Spencer, Charlotte White '60 d. 09/18
DENISON
Bosley, Dorothy Markert '49 d. 07/18 Cole, Christina '63 d. 07/17 Cone, Barbara Blunk '47 d. 12/17
www.tridelta.org Photos: Kate Warren
Summer 2019 The Trident 59
In Memoriam
Shepherd, Martha Winston '17 d. 01/17 Stuart, Elizabeth '23 d. 01/16 White, Margaret '29 d. 01/13 Wilcox, Catharine James '21 d. 08/14
Ellerson, Lillian Sorenson '32 d. 01/03 Espe, Vola-Claire '36 d. 01/18 Faull, Laura McVicker '47 d. 01/97 Florence, Florence Kollmeyer '47 d. 06/14 Fox, Dorothy '29 d. 01/18 Glodowski, Ora Hoskins '39 d. 01/02 Greaves, Ralphine Strub '44 d. 07/16 Gunn, Jean Gray '42 d. 01/18 Haley, Beverly Gregorie '48 d. 11/10 Hollinghead, Lucille McMillan '34 d. 01/09 Hollingsworth, Beverly May '53 d. 03/14 Howell, Ruth Dunn '33 d. 02/03 Hulvey, Anne Wallace '43 d. 01/18 Hunt, Beverly Ford '44 d. 06/18 Kennedy, Mary Hawley '43 d. 01/10 Kinnee, Helen Hansen '31 d. 11/07 Kitchens, Barbara '47 d. 01/17 Lee, Marilyn Burford '42 d. 04/17 Lupo, Mary Yenor '49 d. 01/14 Machacek, Naedene Carlson '44 d. 03/15 Mackenzie, Christine '31 d. 10/11 McBirney, Marion Johnson '33 d. 02/04 McPhillamey, Dorothy '31 d. 01/18 Moore, Edwyna Broadbent '33 d. 01/03 Moore, Edna '35 d. 06/10 Mortimer, Elinor '48 d. 2/19 Mosher, Phyllis Andrew '48 d. 01/00 Neville, Margaret Sutton '44 d. 08/12 Nielsen, Mariam Ruckman '45 d. 05/11 Page, Eva Anderson '29 d. 01/99 Ramsey, Lucy Dillingham '40 d. 01/18 Richards, Marion Kittleson '44 d. 10/17 Robinson, Elizabeth Cleaver '40 d. 01/18 Rosen, Kathleen Woodworth '41 d. 01/09 Rutledge, Patricia '52 d. 07/14 Ruyle, Marian Heath '39 d. 11/12 Schmidt, Emma '31 d. 10/18 Sister, Agnes McKeirnan '31 d. 11/16 Smith, Jessie Keeney '34 d. 12/14 Smith, Ruth '44 d. 01/07 Snider, Esther Uhlman '49 d. 04/07 Thomas, Phyllis Swayne '44 d. 04/13 Thompson, Jacqueline '41 d. 01/11 Torney, Mildred Williams '29 d. 01/18 Waller, Margaret Groome '35 d. 10/07 Wallingford, Charlotte Saad '41 d. 04/10 Walstra, Virginia Peters '36 d. 03/16 Whitney, Helen Sims '42 d. 01/04 Williams, Janet Henderson '79 d. 02/09 Wilson, Marjorie '33 d. 04/08 Woodcock, Elizabeth Briggs '40 d. 05/12
IDAHO
ILLINOIS
Grimm, Robert Johnson '40 d. 10/17 Lowe, Seana '87 d. 09/17 Moncrief, Eleanor Eynon '43 d. 01/18 Peterson, Janet Gymer '46 d. 10/17 Ruby, Joan Griffiths '56 d. 01/18 Simpson, Shirley Anderson '43 d. 08/17 Spoon, Mahala Bates '45 d. 01/18 Strahm, Mary Graig '40 d. 09/13
DEPAUW
Gass, Margery Stoops '63 d. 01/18 Patten, Sylvia Thale '69 d. 09/18
DRURY
Frank, Sylvia Lumb '60 d. 07/17 Pickering, Jeanie '82 d. 12/17 Wirt, Beverly '84 d. 12/17
DUKE
Burow, Suzanne Porter '59 d. 12/17 Hitch, Evelyn Rogers '38 d. 08/17
EMORY
Addyman, Shelton Oliver '59 d. 11/16 Cotsakis, Nan Baird '60 d. 12/18
FLORIDA
Broderick, Kelly-Anne '09 d. 11/18 Gresham, Susan Wood '72 d. 07/18 Palmer, Bobra Pitman '62 d. 01/19
FLORIDA STATE
Fortune, Faith Dunnrankin '52 d. 01/10 Likowski, Kathryn Bixby '43 d. 05/12 Parker, Shirley Crawford '45 d. 01/19 Radebaugh, Joy Johnson '50 d. 01/15 Smith, Susan Dunn '61 d. 08/05
FRANKLIN
Rohleder, Patricia Montgomery '42 d. 12/18
GEORGIA
Major, Jacquelin Morrison '50 d. 11/18 Rosser, Martha French '41 d. 03/11 Williams, Lucretia Yon '52 d. 01/18
HOLLINS
Andrews, Gwendolyn Griffith '29 d. 01/18 Bailey, Patricia Espe '35 d. 01/10 Bergman, Harriet '29 d. 01/18 Briggs, Gladys McCauley '35 d. 01/18 Byrnes, Ellen '38 d. 01/14 Castoldi, Muriel Mulroney '41 d. 01/07 Christenson, Shirley Yenor '45 d. 09/18 Clark, Patricia '47 d. 01/14 Clark, Olive Bidne '39 d. 01/15 Crea, Roberta Cone '45 d. 01/08 Diltz, Elinor Mortimer '38 d. 10/15 Doan, Alberta Bjorkman '40 d. 04/18 Dunn, Paticia Smith '48 d. 01/18 Durham, Catherine Brunger '40 d. 10/18 Eidson, Eda Hillman '38 d. 08/12
60 The Trident Summer 2019 www.tridelta.org
Schultz, Helen Stevesson '44 d. 12/16 Watkins, Sandy Newell '61 d. 11/18 Whiteside, Lillian Haltom '53 d. 01/17
KANSAS
Berg, Marlyn Reed '50 d. 05/18 Chasteen, Molly '99 d. 01/18 Franson, Katharine Bradley '60 d. 12/18 Kern, Carolyn Kelpe '71 d. 11/13 Young, Jane Archibald '47 d. 12/16
KANSAS STATE
Denton, Sharon Fink '62 d. 09/18 Wassmer, Suzanne McGrath '45 d. 12/16
KENTUCKY
Bryan, Phoebe Estes '57 d. 11/18 Bugie, Elizabeth Rose '39 d. 01/17 Davis, Caroline Taylor '61 d. 10/18 King, Beverly Brown '57 d. 07/15 Kirwan, Patricia Harper '57 d. 10/18 Mullins, Patricia Moynahan '64 d. 01/19
KNOX
Horton, Marilyn Holloway '44 d. 05/18 Mason, Virginia Crawford '43 d. 07/18
LOUISIANA STATE
Butterworth, Adell Patch '47 d. 05/18
MAINE
Chipman, Sarah '54 d. 07/18 Rowe, Janice Boyce '49 d. 04/18
MARYLAND
Bartoo, Joyce '69 d. 07/15 Buschmann, Mary Lee Edwards '46 d. 11/18 Guild, Arla '40 d. 11/07
MIAMI/FLORIDA
Bennett, Cecile Renuart '58 d. 10/18 Blitstein, Charlotte Pittman '60 d. 12/18 Petrecca, Barbara Lauck '55 d. 10/18 Wilson, Edith Purpura '61 d. 08/18
MIAMI/OHIO
Graeser, Pamela Kemp '70 d. 08/18 Healion, Betty Henneke '51 d. 03/18
MICHIGAN
McCormick, Barbara Molyneaux '48 d. 11/18 VanRanst, Suzanne Genthe '45 d. 08/18
Freeman, Mary Mifflin '50 d. 12/17 Parro, Helen Devine '44 d. 11/17 Spyrison, Bonnie Scott '59 d. 12/17
MILLIKIN
INDIANA
Beiersdorf, Sally Sandborg '48 d. 11/18 Clarke, Kathryn Stewart '34 d. 07/17 Geiger, Mary Thomson '70 d. 09/18 Gilbertson, Jeanne Swoboda '46 d. 07/18 Hartin, Nancy Reimann '49 d. 08/18 Huff, Helen Leonard '38 d. 12/16
Gunsenhouser, Beverly Nelson '47 d. 12/18
IOWA
Laverty, Anne Stanley '85 d. 11/18 Updegraff, Joanne Sutton '53 d. 10/18 Watkins, Phyllis Shambaugh '43 d. 02/17
IOWA STATE
Moore, Joan Fitzpatrick '44 d. 03/18 Rinker, Bev Barnes '50 d. 05/18
Prust, Ruth McDonald '53 d. 02/19
MINNESOTA
MINNESOTA STATE/MANKATO Short, Janice '65 d. 01/19
MISSISSIPPI
Brown, Bettye Jourdan '48 d. 09/17
MISSOURI
Menown, Barbara Logue '44 d. 05/18
MONTANA
PENNSYLVANIA
Morris, Blair '99 d. 11/17 Schreiber, Margaret Sheridan '47 d. 10/09
PENNSYLVANIA STATE
Seeler, Elizabeth Pretlow '47 d. 11/18
PUGET SOUND
TEXAS TECH
Bryant, Cynthia Pieper '51 d. 10/18 Buckner, Hazel Wilson '53 d. 05/18 Lindeman, Jane Shuey '59 d. 09/17 Van Pelt, Darlyne Wood '54 d. 11/17
TOLEDO
Rowe, Joan Mooney '54 d. 08/18
Gilbert, Marthasue Bauer '44 d. 01/08 Paulin, Sally Ross '53 d. 08/16
Gilchrist, Barbara Rudolph '58 d. 01/18 Guiraud, Gwen Campbell '50 d. 01/19 Kline, Rebecca Ingley '62 d. 07/18
PURDUE
TORONTO
NEBRASKA
RANDOLPH-MACON
Cooper, Joan Shaw '48 d. 12/18 Fell, Kathleen Little '44 d. 06/17 Smith, Babs Nagel '55 d. 02/17 Wilcox, Lucinda Holderness '55 d. 07/16
TRANSYLVANIA
Sendon, Sharon Kopisch '65 d. 01/19
MOUNT UNION
Davidson, Lou Rowley '46 d. 05/18 Gruber, Janet '69 d. 09/18 Harm, Phyllis Cast '53 d. 10/18 Sedlacek, Patricia Hunting '42 d. 08/18
NEVADA
Bernard, Frances Kennedy '45 d. 05/18 Brown, Janice '54 d. 11/18 Lucey, Barbara Jones '48 d. 01/19
Ward, Jayna '01 d. 07/18
RHODES
Hollingsworth, Elizabeth Shaifer '54 d. 07/16 Turk, Dorothy Love '47 d. 05/18
SOUTH CAROLINA
Price, Mary Lamar '49 d. 01/18 Reighard, Fredel Thompson '68 d. 08/17
Alewine, Judith Thomas '66 d. 05/18 Asnip, Elizabeth Bull '53 d. 01/15 Edmunds, Mary Rembert '65 d. 08/05 Hawley, Jane Edens '55 d. 08/13
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
SOUTH FLORIDA
NORTH DAKOTA
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE
NORTH CAROLINA
Cannon, Blair '08 d. 11/18
Jones, Alice Powell '38 d. 03/11 Nielson, Dori Burns '58 d. 12/18
NORTHWESTERN
Keating, Mary McHenry '48 d. 01/17 Seward, Phyllis Clark '41 d. 04/18 Wren, Marylou Mason '49 d. 11/18
Borrell, Clyde Smith '69 d. 08/18 Stephens, Judith Nussbaum '57 d. 11/18
SOUTHERN METHODIST
Klein, Marilyn Nix '46 d. 03/03 McGinnis, Juliann Weida '60 d. 09/18
SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Tomlinson, Hazel Campbell '44 d. 11/18 Smith, Barbara Weekly '47 d. 12/17
TULSA
Ellis, Phyllis Gott '50 d. 12/18 Hume, Margaret Wilds '45 d. 04/18 Langeheim, Jean Harmon '44 d. 01/18
UTAH
Patton, Jane Dalton '42 d. 10/18
VANDERBILT
Johnson, Marie Morrison '57 d. 03/18
VERMONT
Barton, Doris Ostergren '45 d. 10/18
WASHINGTON STATE
Bates, Ida Doyle '30 d. 01/01 Buettner, Sue Holderness '61 d. 03/14
WASHINGTON/ST. LOUIS
Weeks, Elizabeth Rumer '40 d. 12/16
WHITMAN
Hall, Helen Hawks '35 d. 01/19
OHIO STATE
WILLIAM & MARY
Wulff, Betty Palcheff '63 d. 12/16
Dueitt, Stacy Derrick '76 d. 09/18 Hatch, Barbara Boardman '53 d. 09/18 McWhorter, Barbara Dix '61 d. 04/18
OHIO WESLEYAN
SOUTHWESTERN
Cheney, Patricia Fredrick '46 d. 01/17 Pridmore, Mary Louise Holt '49 d. 12/18 Wiley, Janet Beelen '52 d. 10/16
Beach, Jean Rockwell '48 d. 2/19 Stewart, Doris Weber '43 d. 12/18 Vertrees, Noel Snouffer '60 d. 08/18 Wilson, Nancy Wright '42 d. 12/18
OKLAHOMA
Green, Lizabeth '79 d. 12/18 Head, Charlotte Standley '53 d. 01/18 Newhouse, Emma McEvoy '55 d. 05/16 Savage, Nancy Puryear '50 d. 01/19 Zahn, Mary Catlett '43 d. 02/19
OREGON
Donkle, Janet '83 d. 01/12
OREGON STATE
Heath, Catherine Getty '50 d. 08/17 McSwain, Jean Gasperini '61 d. 06/17
PACIFIC
Clark, Janet Miller '70 d. 01/19
www.tridelta.org
Bulay, Judith Chadwick '66 d. 01/15
STETSON
Cocke, Lois Kramer '30 d. 12/99
SYRACUSE
Cutter, Dorothy Swan '52 d. 12/18 Jones, Jean Simonson '55 d. 01/18
TENNESSEE
McGee, Lana Wright '68 d. 07/17 Wilson, Jean Bullard '57 d. 12/18
TEXAS
Brantley, Cynthia '62 d. 09/18 Bull, Sue Archibald '32 d. 11/03 Preuss, Mona McDonald '30 d. 12/17 Robinson, Mary Hardy '41 d. 01/19 Sanford, Jean Dorris '54 d. 11/18 Schooler, Elizabeth Stewart '36 d. 02/10 Snyder, Gloria Hoffman '55 d. 12/18 Tupin, Betty Thompson '52 d. 08/18
Rennie, Eleanor Harvey '42 d. 01/16
WISCONSIN
WYOMING
Murray, Molly Leaver '47 d. 10/18
This list represents deceased members reported to Executive Office from January 1, 2019, through February 20, 2019. To report a deceased member, send name, date deceased, chapter, married name and name and address of closest living relative to The Trident at Executive Office. See contact information on page 3.
Summer 2019 The Trident 61
Historically Speaking
STARRING ROLES By Fraternity Archivist Beth Dees Applebaum, Texas Christian
Tri Delta is privileged to boast a number of talented sisters currently making their mark in the field of broadcasting and entertainment. Tri Delta is also proud of earlier members, whose talent and ingenuity in their industries helped open the doors to women who followed them. Bertha Lowe Pitot, Adelphi, appeared in drama club productions while at Adelphi University, including “Robin Hood and His Merry Men.” After leaving school, she was featured in several productions in New York, and for a time appeared with the Emanuel Reicher Players. She left acting to marry and raise a family. She and her husband left New York in the 1930s, moving first to Montgomery, Alabama, and then to New Orleans, where she lived until her death in 1944. Miriam Lucille Lilygren, Washington, was born in Seattle, Washington, where she took dance lessons as a child, as well as piano and violin lessons. Interested in drama from an early age, she participated in several school plays. When she enrolled in the University of Washington, she joined her sister in Tri Delta membership, and her talent earned her leading roles in collegiate productions, including Moliere’s “The Bourgeois Gentleman.” She caught the attention of a talent scout and was invited to Hollywood for a screen test. She was offered a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and appeared in her first film, “Young Dr. Kildare,” in 1938 as Jo Ann Sayers. She appeared with Shirley 62 The Trident Summer 2019 www.tridelta.org
Booth on Broadway in the title role of “My Sister Eileen” in 1940 and continued in the cast until her marriage in 1942. Her wartime work with the Naval Relief Service was highlighted in The Trident when she attended a planning conference while serving as chairman of the junior reception committee of the Society, which provided emergency funds for the families of servicemen. Miriam later returned to work in summer theater, as well as radio and television, and supported the arts at Princeton University. Marybelle Tomlinson Krebs, Franklin, felt the pull of the stage from a very young age but grew up in the shadow of a minister father who strongly disapproved of any form of dramatic entertainment. While her father thought she was attending college to become a teacher, she was secretly attending the Hamilton School for Dramatic Expression in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating, she taught drama for a while and later worked the vaudeville circuit under the stage name Marjorie Main. She met and married Dr. Stanley Krebs, a minister and psychologist, and gave up drama for several years to assist him. She later returned to the stage with
his blessing and appeared on Broadway. After her husband died in 1935, she began to appear in films, appearing in nearly 100 during her award-winning career. Agnes Law, Syracuse, began her career with CBS as a secretary in 1927. While at Syracuse, she earned her degree in music and with this background, she chose musical selections for programs and was even called upon to play the piano during rehearsals. Her remarkable memory for programming along with an ingenious card catalog system became the basis for a new research department that later evolved into an extensive reference library. During World War II, Agnes and her staff often worked around the clock, first serving the CBS New York staff during the day and at night researching for Edward R. Murrow and his London staff. William Marchant’s play, “The Desk Set,” which was later made into a movie with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracey, was loosely based on Agnes Law and her staff.clock, first serving the CBS New Peggy Varnadow Helmerich, Northwestern, is a Mississippi native who began her college days at Gulf Park College in Gulfport,
1. Miriam Lucille Lilygren, Washington 2. Bertha Lowe Pitot, Adelphi 3. Ruth Reeves Lyons, Cincinnati, 4.Peggy Varnadow Helmerich, Northwestern, 5. Marybelle Tomlinson Krebs, Franklin 6. Tippy Stringer Huntley Conrad, Maryland 7. Annamary Dickey Laue, Millikin 8. Barbara Boylan Dixon, Cal State/Long Beach 9. Peggy Varnadow Helmerich, Northwestern
Mississippi, but transferred to Northwestern where she appeared in numerous college drama productions, including the lead in “Years Ago,” before receiving her degree from Northwestern's School of Speech in 1948. A talent agent spotted Peggy, and she was cast in a television show in 1949. Shortly after that, Universal offered her a contract. She made nine films as Peggy Dow, including her role as Nurse Kelly in the 1950 film “Harvey,” starring James Stewart. She also co-starred with Arthur Kennedy in “Bright Victory” 1951. After being featured in several crime dramas, Peggy had starring roles in two 1951 family films, “Reunion in Reno” and “You Never Can Tell.” She retired after three years in the business to marry Walter Helmerich III, an oil driller from Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1951. They were married for 60 years and were the parents of five sons. Walter Helmerich died in 2012. Peggy has been an active supporter of libraries and other charitable activities. The Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author Award, given annually since 1985 to a distinguished author by the Tulsa Library Trust, is named in her honor. Both the drama school at the University of Oklahoma and the auditorium at Northwestern's Annie May Swift Hall are named for her. Barbara Boylan Dixon, Cal State/Long Beach, began dancing at the age of six. She met dance partner Bobby Burgess at a ballroom dancing school. She and Bobby first appeared on television dancing on “The Mickey Mouse Club,” and after winning first prize in a “Calcutta” dance contest made their first appearance on the popular “Lawrence Welk Show” in 1961. Barbara and Bobby made guest appearances on the show for the next six months and were then hired as regulars. Barbara left the show in 1967 after she married fellow Welk show cast member Greg Dixon. Ruth Reeves Lyons, Cincinnati, was born into a musical family and her musical talent was apparent at an early age. At 12, she wrote and produced her own musical. By the time
64 The Trident Summer 2019 www.tridelta.org
she entered the University of Cincinnati, she had written several more musicals, and played both piano and organ. She wrote the musical score for the university’s Fresh Painters shows in the 1920s. She entered the Cincinnati College of music to study piano. It was her musical talent that led her to her broadcasting career beginning as an accompanist at WSAI, and later music librarian and musician at WKBC for 13 years. She hosted several popular radio programs before creating the 50 Club on WLW radio in which 50 women were invited for a live program. The show was hugely successful, and Ruth also became program director for the station. The show was expanded and renamed the 50/50 Club. Ruth started something unique with her 50/50 Club which featured special guest artists and an ad lib approach. The show was a forerunner of the TV talk shows to come. Ruth used the show to share her life, her home and family, her travels, her many interests and forthright opinions with her audiences. Her show attracted celebrities, such as Carol Channing, Peter Nero, Lorne Greene, and many more to Cincinnati to be on the program. The show’s success continued until 1967 when, after the tragic death of her daughter, Ruth ended the program. Her concern for the health and well-being of children led her to create the Ruth Lyons Children’s Fund, which has continued to support the efforts of the Division of Child Life at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for nearly 75 years. Tippy Stringer Huntley Conrad, Maryland, began her early success as a weather reporter in Washington, D.C., in 1953 and quickly gained wide recognition. Senator Fairweather, a cartoon character she created, often appeared with her on her show. Tippy was active in the University Theater while she attended the University of Maryland, appearing in productions that included “Room Service” and “Macbeth.” Her talent attracted both film and theatrical agents, but Tippy was interested in broadcast media and began by hosting cooking and
homemaking shows on radio. She moved over to television at a time when very few women appeared in broadcast news. She also was one of the first entertainers to use wireless microphone technology. It was through her television work that in 1957 she met Chet Huntley, whose HuntleyBrinkley report was gaining popularity. They married in 1959. Tippy continued working in advertising and television but eventually gave up her career for a time. When Chet retired in 1968, the couple moved back to his home state of Montana. After her husband's death in 1974, Tippy began speaking on the difficulties faced by widows, appearing on talk shows and a lecture circuit. She made an unsuccessful bid for a congressional seat in Montana. She married actor William Conrad in 1980 and helped manage his career until his death in 1994. Her quick mind and lively intelligence helped her navigate the early days of television, helping to open doors to the next generation of female broadcasters. Annamary Dickey Laue, Millikin, showed extraordinary musical talent from the age of four. At 10 she played the lead in a junior high school operetta. Music was not her only talent; her precocious intellect enabled her to graduate from high school at 15. Annamary came from a gifted musical family that formed a family orchestra with their mother at the piano, their father, Annamary and her two sisters playing strings. Her two sisters, Rowena and Janet, also became Tri Deltas at Millikin. Annamary earned scholarships at the Juilliard School of Music and Columbia University in New York. Her singing career included appearances with the St. Louis Municipal Opera and five years with the Metropolitan Opera Company. She also appeared in the Wedgewood Room of the Waldorf-Astoria, and on Broadway in musicals including as Mrs. Anna in “The King and I” and as Marjorie in “Allegro.” Annamary moved to Tampa in 1969 and was a professor of voice at the University of South Florida for nearly 20 years.
HOUSING Did you know that Tri Delta provides homes away from home for nearly 3,500 women on 120 college campuses across North America? With gratitude for the hundreds of volunteers that make this happen day in and day out, Tri Delta Housing has introduced a host of new services and resources designed to empower our volunteers and ensure the success of our house corporations. Learn more at www.tridelta.org! Log into MyTriDelta and select Housing Services under the Resources tab.
Property Management
Financial Management
Communication
Improvement Projects
We’re here to help and hope to hear from you soon! Questions? Email us at housing@trideltaeo.org.
