Over 70 collegiate chapters have piloted the Give app during the 2012-2013 academic year, including the women of Rhodes College who hosted their "Bids for Kids" auction on March 3rd. With the help of Give, the women of Delta Psi raised over $2,300 at their event.

If you are interested in learning more about Give and how your collegiate or alumnae chapter could incorporate this fundraising tool into your upcoming events, contact Stacy Gillard, Director of Special Projects.

Thanks to the following members & alumnae chapter members who truly embody the passion of St. Jude & continue to make a difference in supporting the kids at St. Jude?

New York City Alumnae Chapter

The top fundraising alumnae chapter for 2011-2012 is New York City Alumnae who raised more than $33,000 through their annual Stars and Crescent Evening & participation in the 2012 Give thanks. Walk.  This past year, more than 260 Tri Deltas, young professionals, friends, and family gathered at the Bowery Hotel to commemorate Tri Delta/St. Jude month, with a variety of sponsors pitching in to make the night a success.

St. Jude Ambassador Award
Lisa Diskin, Toldeo

The St. Jude Ambassador Award recognizes the Tri Delta alumnae member that goes above and beyond in her support for the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in terms of volunteering at non-Tri Delta St. Jude events, assistance with chapter fundraising events, exceptional personal fundraising.

Give Thanks. Walk. Alumnae Volunteer Award
Alexis Sink, Cincinnati

Alexis was very instrumental as a board member & volunteer for the 2012 Cincinnati Give thanks. Walk.

She served as a member of the event/logistics sub-committee. She attended nearly every committee meeting, always bringing new ideas and contacts for recruitment/sponsorship efforts. On the day of the event she helped set up, pick up food/coffee donations, worked registration and helped tear down. Her St. Jude Rep said "I could always count on her to be my "go to" person in the event that I needed a trustworthy committee member to run an errand, represent St. Jude, prep a sponsor, etc. She is very professional and a wonderful advocate for St. Jude." 

Louisiana State University, Delta Omega
Gold GROUP: 150+ MEMBERS

Katie was determined not to let her illness get in the way of her life. Even after she started chemotherapy at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, Cal., she still managed to attend school every day and achieved her first 4.0 GPA. Though the chemo caused her to lose her hair, she wore different wigs every day depending on her mood or how she wanted to look. When two-hour drives to the hospital for radiation became part of her daily routine, Katie kept a positive outlook.

As part of her treatment, Katie had a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) surgically placed into her arm. The medical staff covered the line with a standard cotton webbed cover, but it just didn't feel right to Katie. "The cover made me look and feel like I was sick, and it was a constant reminder that I was a patient," she says. Katie, a self-proclaimed free spirit, longed for a way to regain her sense of style. This desire led Katie to fashion a more attractive cover for her PICC line. Her newfound form of self-expression helped keep her spirits up while battling her serious illness.

Now in remission and a sophomore studying art at Chapman University, Katie has formed the PICColina Foundation as a way to share her creations with other children undergoing chemotherapy. The PICColina Foundation recognizes the need for pediatric cancer patients to have creative expression while undergoing intense medical treatments by designing and providing them with attractive arm covers to protect PICC lines. Katie is dedicated to ensuring that her designs are made available to pediatric oncology patients in addition to donating funds raised to various cancer charities.

This year, Katie is representing the PICColina Foundation in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man & Woman of the Year fundraising campaign. Throughout the 10-week campaign, which takes place in communities across the country, participants vie for title of Man or Woman of the year. This title is awarded to those in each community who raise the most funds during that time. The top local fundraisers in the country also receive national titles. Starting March 7, Katie will be accepting donations for her campaign. She is also accepting items to be auctioned off at the final campaign event.

You can learn more about the PICColina Foundation on their website and follow Katie's campaign on Facebook.

Ann Bowie Smith, Spring Hill
BLUE GROUP: Under 90 members

Ann is an individual who embraced her position and considered it an opportunity, rather than a job. She planned both the "Score- A- Cure" and "Cajun for a Cure" events for her chapter, raising more than $26,000!  Congrats to Ann & Spring Hill Chapter.

Megan Ververis, Rhodes
SILVER GROUP: 91-150 members

Megan not only embraced the mission of St. Jude and motivated her entire chapter, she also helped increased her chapter's fundraising total from $43,000 to $56,000. She helped to organize volunteer events at the Target House in Memphis, TN and hosted patient speakers at chapter meetings each semester.  She was sure to include St. Jude in everything the chapter was doing. Congrats to Megan & Rhodes Chapter.

Becca Tripp, Arkansas
GOLD GROUP: 150+ members

Becca made St. Jude a top priority from the moment she was slated into her position. With the help of her assistant, she recruited more than 27 sponsors for the annual "Dad's Day Golf Tournament, 18 Holes of Hope." She organized a trip for 175 women visit  St. Jude in Memphis, TN, the first time chapter members had visited the hospital in more than 5 years.  During her term in office, her chapter has raised more than $160,000.

Read the official Delta Delta Delta press release here.

DANIELLE Dobrusin

A senior at the University of Arizona, Danielle will be graduating in May with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and gender and women's studies. Throughout her collegiate career, she has dedicated herself to public service through her role as senator for the Associated Students of the University of Arizona and through her internship with the office of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Danielle is also a current fellow for Young People For, a national fellowship that serves to empower young progressive leaders. Over the past year, she has had the privilege of serving as vice president/chapter development for Phi Beta Chapter of Delta Delta Delta. "Tri Delta has truly defined my collegiate years and has helped to shape me as both a woman and a leader," says Danielle. "I am honored to have the opportunity to utilize my passion for politics as a means of advocating for my Tri Delta sisters."

STAMANA iVaNOV

Stamana Ivanov is a political science major at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. During her time there, she has had the privilege of serving as vice president/administration of Mu Chapter, and she currently sits on the Panhellenic Judicial Board. "This trip will serve as the perfect opportunity for me to gain valuable political lobbying experience and be able to give back to the Greek community, which has given me so much," says Stamana. "I already know that the experience of working alongside fellow Greek women and men on Capitol Hill to benefit Greek life is one I will cherish forever." 

Liesle jensen

Liesle is from Boise, Idaho, and has a passion for the Idaho outdoors, including rafting, hiking and backpacking. A senior at the University of Idaho, Liesle is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations. While she dedicates most of her time to academics and her Tri Delta chapter, she also enjoys volunteering and advocating for the League of Women's Voters. Her involvement with the League along with her campus leadership positions has motivated her interests in politics and has allowed her to become an active voice in politics in her state. "I look forward to this experience and feel honored to represent the Greek system as well as my chapter," says Liesle.

VICTORIA TRAN

Victoria Tran, a senior at the University of Oklahoma, is an active member of Theta Gamma Chapter of Tri Delta in Norman, Okla. Throughout her years as a member, Victoria previously held positions as chapter correspondence, Fat Talk Free coordinator and peer leader facilitator, vice president/public Relations and academic development chairman. On campus, she is a member and serves as an officer for the president's student ambassador society known as the University of Oklahoma's Crimson Club. She is also a member of the Political Science Club and College Republicans.

Victoria is majoring in political science and international area studies with a minor in French. She takes great interest in politics, especially in international affairs. During her years at the University of Oklahoma, Victoria has lived in various types of housing including her sorority house and has served as a member of Tri Delta standards. From her personal experiences of living in her sorority house and seeing the process and benefits of Greek housing, she is determined to endorse better, safer and more affordable housing at Capitol Hill. Victoria is very honored and excited to be one of the four collegiate members chosen to represent Tri Delta in Washington, D.C., in April.

A total of 125 Delta Delta Delta teams, along with their family and friends, participated in the event by walking, volunteering at the walk or raising money virtually. With all of their efforts combined, members raised more than $125,000.  

"I am so proud of our members for reaching our goal of raising $125,000 for St. Jude in the Give thanks. Walk in honor of Tri Delta's upcoming 125th anniversary," said Fraternity President, Phyllis Grissom, Southern Methodist. "Our collegiate and alumnae members are all passionate about this cause, and it's amazing to see how much money we can raise when we all unite on one day for one event. I'm excited to see this tradition continue in the upcoming years."

Tri Delta alumna Tricia DeCamp, Drury, said, "I got involved with the walk because a sorority sister's daughter, Natalie, a precious 8-year-old, has a brain tumor and is a patient at St. Jude. It was amazing to see all the support from Drury members and others that I didn't even know. We even had members create teams in other cities in support of Natalie."

Out of all the Tri Delta participants, the top fundraising team was "Team Natalie" in Kansas City. They raised more than $13,700.

All money raised by Tri Delta will go towards supporting its $15 million in 5 years campaign for St. Jude. Tri Delta has raised more than $8.9 million for the campaign since the $15 million goal was announced in July 2010.

The St. Jude Give thanks. Walk serves as a grass-roots kickoff to the St. Jude Thanks and Giving fundraising and awareness campaign. The St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign is an unprecedented union of celebrities, media, retail and corporate partners that asks consumers to "Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not."

Thanks and Giving was created in 2004 by Marlo Thomas and her siblings Terre and Tony Thomas, children of hospital founder Danny Thomas. Funds raised by the campaign support the lifesaving work of St. Jude — to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

1. Sexual innuendos
2. Alcohol and/or drug references
3. Manipulation of Delta Delta Delta insignia

• Licensing ensures high quality, good service and a positive image.
• Without protection of our trademarks we run the risk of losing control and ownership of our marks. 
• Licensed products portray the best image to all of Tri Delta's publics. 
• The licensing program protects the history and heritage of Tri Delta's trademark. 
• You may be the only Tri Delta someone ever sees or meets.
  

The event also included a silent auction and letter-writing table. For the "pancake" part of Poker and Pancakes, the chapter set up an all-you-can-eat pancake booth. The event was a huge success, raising more than $10,000.

Even though Britney no longer serves her chapter as philanthropy chair (she graduates in May), she remains directly involved with St. Jude. "I knew after I went to visit St. Jude in Memphis, that I had found my calling. I wanted to be philanthropy chair for the rest of my life — not even kidding!" she says. "I knew that wasn't an option, unfortunately, so I decided to look into getting involved with St. Jude outside of Tri Delta. I have been interning in the Tampa office since August 2011, and I love it!"

"I loved that it was an active fundraiser which I could share with my clients and Facebook page to do something healthy while supporting a great cause," Nicole says. She promoted the event on her personal Facebook page as well as her NMT Fitness Facebook page. She also added the donation link to her website www.nmtfitness.com, I promoted the event in her club whenever she taught classes. Nicole even wrote an article on it for Examnier.com both before and after the event.

The cause also hit close to home — Nicole's father fought prostate cancer and a few others close to her have also battled cancer. "So many are affected by this disease," says Nicole. "I feel that everyone must know at least 1-2 people fighting the disease. I can't imagine a child having to deal with it, or how helpless the parents must feel."

In the end, Nicole's fundraising efforts paid off — she raised $470 for St. Jude. "I think it's a great way to continue a tradition, and donate time or money. It was awesome to see other sororities there in their letters of all ages coming together for such a great cause."

Crop for a Cure is the brainchild of Lisa Diskin, Toledo, one of the founding members of the alumnae chapter. Knowing that officially forming an alumnae chapter would require an annual service project of some kind, Lisa wanted to create something fun and interactive — something that appealed to most people. Shortly after starting the chapter, she was invited to participate in a scrapbooking crop. The pieces fell together, and the idea was born.

The concept of the crop is simple: avid scrap-bookers pay an entrance fee for an all-day event where they can come, sit and craft for hours. There's food, donated door prizes and some other special treats mixed in. It's a great way for crafters to share ideas, supplies and support a worthy cause. As Lisa describes, "It's a scrapbooking crop inside of a fundraiser inside of a big, old party."

The first year, there were 26 women who gathered in the gym of a local Catholic school. This year, there were 144 in that same gym. One big draw of this year's crop were the three main raffle items: a Coach bag, a getaway night at the Gaylord National in Washington, D.C. which also included a Vera Bradley bag, dinner and a water taxi to Alexandria, Va., and a basket filled with $500 worth of scrapbooking supplies. The day also featured a silent auction with nearly 80 items donated.

However, regardless of whether they won one of the big prizes, each scrapbooker took home a goody bag and an acrylic tumbler with the event logo on it.

Thanks to great community participation, ("People are calling us to ask to donate," Lisa says) the chapter is able to provide the high-quality give-a-ways that attract people to the event. At the same time, the community support helps off-set the cost of hosting the crop and more money goes to what's most important: St. Jude. And this year, the total raised was $11,700.

Each member sold five tickets at $10 each to other Greek students, parents, family members, alumnae and USC faculty and staff. The ticket included a koozie at the door and a barbecue meal. The chapter invited a local St. Jude family to attend and speak about their time at the hospital. Activities included a silent auction, a craft table, a tailgate beanbag game and, of course, watching the college football game.  Over $25,000 was raised from the Alpha Lambda Game Day event.

"St. Jude is an amazing organization that strives to give back to children suffering from catastrophic childhood diseases," says Callie Butterworth, Alpha Lambda Chapter's philanthropy chair. "Without the support of loyal people and foundations, St. Jude might not be able to keep its doors open. It is so important for Tri Delta to understand that our sorority is more than a social organization. We have declared our newest goal of $15 million in 5 years and are well on our way but cannot make this goal unless every chapter across the United States and Canada continues to help and fundraise. Any amount of money goes a long way within the hospital itself."

To learn more about how to host a Game Day event on your campus, contact stjude@trideltaeo.org.

As young women begin their college careers there are many obstacles to face. This transition from high school student to collegian can be daunting. One of the many benefits to joining Tri Delta is the family away from home. There you have an instant connection, people to call when you have a bad day, friends to go get late night study food with and sisters to sit with you through a bad break up. In addition to these things, there is also another unique relationship that can be made: with the chapter's housemother. When you have a question about what to do when you have a fever, to show off your new shoe purchase or to talk about boy problems, she will be there. When I think of my experience in Delta Epsilon I think of my relationships with my sisters, but I also think about how comforting and wonderful it was to have Phyllis there for me.

When I first came to Millikin University, I was desperately seeking connections.  Although I got along with the girls on my floor, I was looking for something else; a family away from home and a house away from my home. Nothing could be more poetic then when I finally got my bid to Tri Delta in January of 2008, and the members said to me, "welcome home!" Phyllis our house mom was integral component of how Delta Epsilon soon became my home.

Phyllis is pivotal to the successful operation of our chapter. With her kind heart, open ears, the patience of a loving mother and her humor, she truly lives out Tri Delta's Purpose in "assisting its members in every possible way." When she wasn't chatting with Delta Epsilon's members about her latest shoe purchase or checking on sick members, she was buying us snacks for the kitchen or getting ready to stand by the door in recruitment. Without her, our chapter would not be where it is today.

Three years ago, after so many years of commitment and love, Delta Epsilon wanted to find a way to show its gratitude.  Unanimously, we as a chapter decided to provide her and our house cook Delrene, with Delta Delta Delta's letters. The chapter held a special candle ceremony where we blew out the candles for Phyllis and Delrene and presented them with their very own, well deserved lavalieres. It was a small token of our gratitude for all their unselfish friendship, love and support.

• The daily operating cost for St. Jude is approximately $1.6 million, which is primarily covered by public contributions.
  
  
• In 2010, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm.
  
  
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the nation's top children's cancer hospital, according to the 2010-11 Best Children's Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report.
  
  
• St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay.

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the 100 best companies to work for. This is the first year St. Jude has been included in the publication's annual list.

Check out the additional facts and figures from St. Jude, and if you are ever in the Memphis area or plan to make a trip to St. Jude, be sure to schedule a tour at the hospital. It will leave a lasting imprint on your heart forever, and you will have the opportunity to see first-hand how Tri Delta is leaving a legacy at St. Jude.

Make a donation today to St. Jude on behalf of Tri Delta and help kids, lead a healthy and vibrant life!

Since 1999 Tri Delta's partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has provided financial support to fulfill Danny Thomas' wish that "No child should die in the dawn of life."The Sincerely Yours letter-writing campaign is a program that encourages each Tri Delta chapter member to send 50 letters to family, friends and neighbors asking them to donate money to support St. Jude in their efforts.

This February, all 250 chapter members participated in the one-and-a-half-hour journey from Ole Miss, in Oxford, Miss., to St. Jude, in Memphis, Tenn. Upon arrival at St. Jude, chapter members were divided into two groups. While one group toured the hospital the other worked on crafts for patients and visited the St. Jude gift store. The chapter convened in the Kay Kafe for a catered lunch where a panel of patients and their families met them and shared their personal experiences at St. Jude. Afterwards, the inspired chapter members held their Sincerely Yours letter-writing campaign.

University of Mississippi philanthropy chairman, Emily Lovejoy says, "I have never heard more rave reviews about a Tri Delta function! I have had girls coming to me begging for another visit and asking what more they can do to help. It has truly been a blessing to see how inspiring this trip has been to so many people."

The trip was successful in encouraging members to continue supporting this noble and worthy cause through the Sincerely Yours campaign as well as their other fundraising endeavors. Members were able to see the impact that Tri Delta is having through personal stories of life-saving work taking place at St. Jude. Hosting the two events together proved to be a winning combination for Chi Chapter.    

Emily encourages other chapters and members to visit St. Jude. "The experience was breathtaking. We were able to see firsthand what Tri Delta was a part of and who we were affecting. The experience changed everything we've thought about philanthropy for our chapter."

For more information about your chapter visiting St. Jude in Memphis or scheduling a tour, contact stjude@trideltaeo.org.

There are many ways for chapters and individuals to support St. Jude. Learn more about Sincerely Yours and Tri Delta's signature programs to raise money for St. Jude on the signature program page.

WHO This program is intended for house managers and house directors. (Note:  This program is not designed for house corporation volunteers.	WHY Blueprints not only provides guidance on day-to-day property management, running a successful dining service and working as a team, it also provides attendees a priceless opportunity for network and share ideas with peers. The result: an improvement to your property's bottom line.
WHAT Blueprints is intense training to equip house directors and managers with the skills to manage their properties with steady efficiency.  The training focuses on day-to-day property management and offers break-out sessions for house manager and house director specific topics.	HOW Registration is $400 per person and includes material, hotel and meals. Download the registration form to sign up today! Questions can be directed to housing@tridelta.org. Space is limited, so please hurry!
WHERE Delta Delta Delta Leadership Center in Arlington, Texas	WHEN Friday, July 23 - Sunday, July 25

Madison Morgan, Texas Christian, was faced with a tough decision when her uncle, a significant contributor to her college expenses, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Watch the video below to hear Madison's story and learn how the Collegiate Crescent Fund provided her the means to stay in school.

If you or a collegiate member you know are experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis, the Foundation is here to assist you. To learn more about the Collegiate Crescent Fund or to make a donation today, visit the Foundation Website.

Each September during National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Chili's® Grill & Bar kicks off a nationwide fundraiser for longtime charitable partner, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in an effort to raise $50 million in 10 years to support the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children. Throughout the Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign, guests at locations nationwide and in Puerto Rico can help support the lifesaving work of St. Jude through several in-restaurant, digital and interactive promotions. For additional information about the campaign, please visit www.createapepper.com.

Foursquare is a location-based mobile app where users can share and catalog their experiences by "checking in" at real locations. Foursquare users can unlock the new Tri Delta badge by following the Fraternity on foursquare and checking in at a collegiate chapter location three times. Users are offered incentives called Specials for checking in at a Tri Delta location, including discounts on merchandise from the Fraternity-owned store Delta Shop.

"Tri Delta is committed to leveraging social networking such as foursquare to facilitate communications for our collegiate and alumnae members," said Phyllis Grissom, Delta Delta Delta Fraternity President. "We hope members will use this app as a way to share their sisterhood with others."

Users can add "tips" to foursquare venues, which offer suggestions and information regarding the location. Delta Delta Delta added tips to all 138 collegiate chapter locations throughout the United States and Canada that includes information such as founding date and names of significant Tri Deltas that belong to the chapter. Collegiate members are encouraged to add their own tips and pictures to their chapters' foursquare site.

"Foursquare augments our social networking channels by providing our collegiate members with the opportunity to become familiar with each chapter. We hope that by using foursquare, our members will be able to learn more about their sisters all across North America from the sisters themselves," said Cari Cook, Executive Director.

To follow Tri Delta on foursquare, click here.

Katharine recalls, "I told Susan to give me something to sell, and I would sell it." That "something" was personal accessories which the duo created and sold to such customers as Barney's. But after a couple of years, they decided to shift their New York-based business to focus more on the home market, developing home accessories and raw materials such as fabrics. Their products include throw pillows, home storage pieces and other printed accessories. They recently designed a textile collection for the furniture line Hickory Chair and have launched a collection of fabrics for the interior design market.

The sisters' designs will also soon debut on the big screen. Their fabrics were incorporated in part of the set design for the movie "The Help," which was filmed Mississippi where Katharine attended school.

For the two Tri Delta sisters, Fraternity connections seem to permeate both Katharine and Susan's business and personal lives. Susan's Tri Delta big sister from the University of Alabama works as an interior designer, so Hable Construction created fabrics for her store. Not surprisingly, the pillows in one of the rooms at the University of Mississippi chapter house are a Hable creation. Most recently, the University of Georgia chapter house chose Hable fabrics for their curtains, without even knowing the sisters running the company were Tri Deltas.

Katharine says they were "tickled pink" when they the chapter house requested their curtains. She even wrote a note to be included with the order that told the chapter how excited she was that they were using Hable fabric in the house.

Another Tri Delta twist came a few years ago when the sisters created a collection of wool felt appliqué stockings for Christmas. St. Jude approached the company, completely unaware of the Tri Delta connection, and asked the sisters to produce a line of stockings using St. Jude patient art.

"We were touched that they would come to us," says Katharine. "And they didn't even know about our involvement with the philanthropy, which made it even more exiting when we started working together. They are just great to work with."

For Katharine, the constant Tri Delta connections prove how small the world really is. It also serves as a reminder of Tri Delta's permanence.

"Tri Delta follows you wherever you go. You have those connections forever."

For examples of Katharine and Susan's work, click through the slideshow below.

View Slideshow

Send dresses to:

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
c/o Collegiate Marketing
595 North Parkway
Memphis, TN 38105

Specifically, each organization was judged on how the mission and functions of the organizations were clearly stated, contributing to the university and the community at large, how the organization helps members gain transferable work and life skills, intentional connection of club events and projects to state mission, proper etiquette, appropriate attire and actively engaging in communication with employers, community agencies and fellow students. 

"We highlighted the fact that Tri Delta develops and grows a more womanly character throughout her college years," says Jennifer Joyce, Epsilon Alpha's collegiate alumnae relations chairman, "We focused on the education aspect of Tri Delta and highlighted Reflections, our partnership with Job Bound, The Trident and its focus on issues facing women, our high academic requirements and The Center for Living, Learning & Leading."

The chapter also focused on the leadership aspect, speaking about the various officer positions and how those roles cater to an individual's interests or majors. The chapter highlighted Convention, Regional Leadership Conference, Undergraduate Inter-Fraternity Institute, chapter retreats and Evergreen. On the philanthropy aspect, the women spoke about Tri Delta's fundraising efforts for St. Jude, the chapter's yearly participation in Relay for Life and volunteering for the Southwest Florida Children's Hospital at its annual Diamond Dinner.

While the chapter won a $500 prize which will be donated to St. Jude, the sisters also gained worthwhile networking and presentation practice.

Our first two Founders, Sarah Ida Shaw, Eleanor Dorcas Pond, and co-founders, Florence Isabelle Stewart and Isabel Morgan Breed, left us all a special heritage—their vision of a "society that shall be kind to all alike."

As Founders' Day approaches and we celebrate Tri Delta Foundation month in November, let us honor their vision by honoring their ideals of service, friendship, and sisterhood.

Your generous support of the Tri Delta Foundation honors the vision of our Founders and the strength of our Tri Delta bond. For the past year, we received 4,429 donations totaling $636,842. Thank you from:

• 40 scholarship recipients who received a total of $69,500
• 17 alumnae in crisis granted $99,150 through the Crescent Fund
• 15 financially challenged collegians who received $37,000 through the Collegiate Crescent Fund
• Thousands of Tri Deltas who benefited from Foundation-funded Fraternity leadership and educational programs ($54,200 granted)
• National Panhellenic Conference Foundation who was granted $18,880 in honor of past Fraternity President, Eve Woods Riley, as the newly installed Chairman of NPC
• And all who were inspired, energized and motivated at our Convention to raise $31,740 in donations

To recognize the beauty of our sisterhood with a special Foundation Month gift, please visit the Tri Delta Foundation secure online donation page.

Missippi State
South Carolina
Elon
Southern California

Out of hundreds of qualifiers, the CLASSY judges determined that our chapters' achievements were ones that stood out as some of the most inspiring and impactful. 

The Top 10 Finalists will be selected by a popular vote, so the more people we can reach with news of their success, the better off these chapters will be.

You can vote once in each category, which unfortunately means only one of these WONDERFUL chapters may win, as there are other nominees as well.  Head over to the StayClassy website, select your favorite philanthropy event and help one of these groups bring home this prestigious award.

Melissa Acheson, Drury

Michelle Jewell Adams, Boise State

Accursia Baldassano, Jacksonville

Susan Boswick Bellon, Indiana

Kirsten Bertsch, William & Mary  

Amy Allen Boyd, Oklahoma State

Kara C. Bragg, Tennessee

Noelle Briand, Cornell

Deborah Davis-Brutchen, Rose Hulman

Louise Rowe Brown, Michigan State

Catherine Carbone, Charleston

Cynthia Cearley, Coe

Karen McBride Clearly, Cornell

Katherine Cole-Miller, Centre

Jacque Coley, Wake Forest

Cheryl Wertzberger Cottrell, Tulsa

Kathleen Craig, Northwestern

Kristin Cravens Hutton, Oklahoma State

Maria Cribbs, Baylor

Kristina Derbin Green, Purdue

Dawn Perkins DeYoung, Michigan State

Jill Dulaney, Centre

Teresa Markel Doerr, North Dakota

Elizabeth Naegeli Eitutis, Colorado

Rickee Eddleman, Oklahoma

Terry Walter Gabreski USAF, Louisiana State

Kelly George, Maryland

Kristine Golian Shulman, Ohio State

Robyn Griffith, Nevada

Elizabeth Hall, Spring Hill

Janet Masako Johnson Haug, California/San Diego

Kathleen Rich Holtman, Toledo

Gillian Howell, Canada Delta

Megan Hylton, South Carolina

Kristen Jeffrey, Auburn

Carolyn Johnson, Carnegie Melon

Kathleen Johnson, Northern Arizona

Laurel Kappedal, North Dakota

Courtney Rouke Karres, Emory

Tammy Kuhn King, North Dakota

Jill Kuhn, Cal State/North Ridge

Amy Lent, Butler

Gelynn Middleton Majure, Texas/Arlington

Annie Boles Marshall, Witchita State

Airon Shuler Mothershed, Idaho

Stephanie Brewer Normand PhD, South Carolina

Aurora Schul, Alleghany

Katherine Kasarjian Murphy, Vermont

Lori Palmer, Oklahoma State

Justine Peters, St. Lawrence

Amanda Metzger Piscitelli, Southeast Missouri State

Janine Randazzo, Adelphi

Karyn Crawford Rich, Toledo

Mindy Johnson Shaw, Idaho

Lisa Bosies Sullivan, Syracuse

Nora Wingfield Tyson, Vanderbilt

Elizabeth Welch, Purdue

Erin West, Wichita State

Leigh Widdowson, Canada Delta

Sandra Bitney Witthauer, North Dakota

Virginia Sleap Wilkinson, Florida State

Stephanie Tracy, Southeast Missouri State

Patricia Heubner Wooden, Wyoming

Amanda Martin Zuber, Rose-Hulman

Brittany McGinley, Colorado State, served 10 months in the National Civilian Community Corps branch of AmeriCorps. As a member of a 10-12 person team, she traveled to different parts of the country in a 15-passenger van, taking on various service projects. She likens the experience to "living like a roaming gypsy" but says that was all part of the appeal.

"I liked the idea of traveling and seeing more of the country," she says. Ultimately, she chose service in AmeriCorps over service in the Peace Corps because "There was so much that could be done here in America."

One major project her team undertook was the rebuilding of the parts of the South affected by Hurricane Katrina. But the project that had the most impact on Brittany was organizing an environmental conference back East. She had the opportunity to help arrange speakers and meet big thinkers in the green movement, leading her to the realization of what career path she wanted to take.

"I decided I wanted to get into the environmental sustainability field," she says. "Without AmeriCorps, I never would have figured that out or have been exposed to all those things."

She believes her experience in AmeriCorps helped her not only learn new skill sets, but also taught her a lot about herself.

"You get so much more out of the experience than you put into it," she says. "AmeriCorps really helps you spread your wings."

Ashley Crockett Lohr, Franklin, has experience on the other side of the AmeriCorps operation. Though she has never directly been an AmeriCorps volunteer herself, she was an AmeriCorps VISTA supervisor while working for the nonprofit Girls Inc. According to Ashley, one benefit of AmeriCorps for nonprofits is capacity-building.

"We were a really small staff of less than 10," she says. "VISTA helped us build the capacity we needed to grow and serve more girls in a year."

VISTA volunteers are typically responsible for developing projects within organizations. For Girls Inc, the volunteers took on such projects as developing a speakers' bureau, sponsorship programs and building an online presence with social media. Ultimately, the purpose is for these projects to continue even after the volunteers' service term is completed.   

Ashley is a strong believer in the AmeriCorps program and the experience it provides college graduates. "VISTA is a great way to develop as a professional, get substantive experience in your field and give you a leg up over other graduates coming right out of school."

And when it comes to service and nonprofit work, Ashley says, "It's not something where you're doing the most glamorous work, and you may not make a ton of money, but at the end of the day when you come home, you know you've made a difference."

Photos: Top - Brittany McGinley, Colorado State. Bottom: Ashley Crockett Lohr, Franklin with VISTA volunteers.

After 18 visits, over 300 meetings and introductions to over 1,000 Tri Delta women, I am halfway through my time as a Tri Delta field consultant. Wam bam thank ya mam'. I'm almost a Gold Member on American Airlines. I can't wait for my special welcome over the intercom prior to them announcing where the lavatories are. I mean goodness. I'm usually seated next to them anyway.

Throughout these past five months, I have been writing to keep the people I love updated on my life away from all that I know. What a journey Tri Delta has taken me on. I can't begin to express and illustrate all of the life lessons I have taken away from this very unique experience, but here are a few.

On July 11, I began my first journey as a Tri Delta field consultant, and I met a woman named Jan on flight 2564 service to Dallas, Texas.

Every time you sit on a plane and you're the first to arrive to your aisle, you sit nervously waiting to see who your row mates will be. As the woman with three crying children passed me, I had a mental celebration — until she sat right behind me with her screaming children. Then, a woman named Jan appeared and sat right next to me. She was your typical tourist traveler. She had tennis shoes, ankle socks, knee shorts, her black fanny pack with travel sized items as well as that T-shirt with some heart-warming quote and butterflies all over.

I'd like to think I have the courage to ask other people to "quiet their little angels," but I don't. Jan does. She whipped her head around as if someone had just wet-willied her and said to the mother behind us, "Excuse me, but I can't do this for the entire trip. Please control your children" (or to something of that extent). Um, wow. Thank goodness for Jan and her boldness. I knew we were going to be great friends on our 30-minute flight to DFW.

We began talking about her vacation and my new job, and as we stepped off the plane she stated, "I don't know you that well, and I'm not that familiar with what you're doing, but enjoy it and God bless you and your many travels. And oh yeah, have fun."

In life, I think we meet people for a reason. They give us subtle and blatant reminders of our life's journey, whether we internalize that or not. Jan, a small town teacher from Wilburton, Okla., reminded me that life is a journey. And although we may plan what we want to do up to a certain point, there are always surprises and turns on the road.

Number Two: Promises are journeys

Ritual was the name of the game and the topic of speech for our guest speaker, Dr. Mari Ann Callais, during summer training.

Have you ever been to a public speaking event where the premiere speaker has some off-way of breaking the ice? It's always these uncomfortable things that get the audience looking around with a nervous smile like, "Is she freaking serious?" There's always a reason they do this.

Anywho, Mari Ann opens up with her guitar. She started to play as I look around, nervously giggling like a seventh-grader because I have no idea what this tune or song is. It was a Taylor Swift song. People, I don't listen to T. Swift. For those of you who do, I respect your love; however, I don't partake in it. Therefore, I do not know the lyrics.

Continuing, Mari Ann posed questions like, "When did we start accepting the minimum?" "When did we stop pushing the envelope?" "Are we afraid?" Ritual should be who we are, reflect who we desire to be every day and embody one day. It's our yesterday, today and forever, and we can choose to commit ourselves to it. Dr. Callais asked, "Are we choosing our Ritual every day like we promised?"

In Tri Delta, we share among us both lighthearted and heartbreaking stories. But, because of Tri Delta, they become beautiful, touching stories of growth in our perpetual bonds of friendship, womanly character and ideals. Ritual is the medium by which we share our stories of sisterhood. But Ritual doesn't automatically happen for you and me because we choose Tri Delta. It's an effort you must exude in daily living.

You become the best version of yourself in what you believe. That doesn't mean that what you believe is an easy, drawn-out path with answers. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Read our Ritual again sometime and sing that song you never know the lyrics to. I think you will be humbly satisfied you did.

Number Three: Know what molded you

Finally, it was time to come home. It was Homecoming Weekend at the University of Oklahoma which is one of the most exciting times — always. Of course this year was different. I was now the alumna...coming home.

And, you know what? I finally realized why it's called "Homecoming." It connotes the idea that this place I am returning to is in fact home, not just an institution. It's not just a place where I learned and obtained an education — it's a place where I grew a great amount. It's a home, a refuge and a battery charger.

A while back, I attended Northern California's Founders' Day where alumnae chapters and collegiate chapters alike gathered to celebrate 123 years of sisterhood. I had the pleasure of seeing Jackye Brown Clark who was the keynote speaker at the event. Looking around the room, there were women who had their certificates of membership signed by Jackye herself in 2011; however, there were also women whose certificates were signed in 1970 by Kathleen Davis Nye, former Fraternity President. All ages. All Tri Deltas. All different stories.

In her proclamation, Jackye stated, "This Founders' Day I encourage you to wear your badge and celebrate our sisterhood with Tri Delta...and reflect on how you will honor our Founders. Remember: YOU are Tri Delta."

That resonated with me. Events like Homecoming and Founders' Day give you the unique opportunity to go back. You go back to what created you, molded you, shaped you and made you what you are in the present. You have the ability to feel what has been shared among many generations — a history of growth and dedication because a simple dream was made a reality. As an alumna of both OU and Tri Delta, history has become more and more important to me. What has equally become a part of me is the idea that each of us has a defined role in writing the history that, one day, people will look back to.

So, no matter the organization, institution, group of people or religion, honor the opportunities of growth and development that each of these respective things, with their rich histories, has given you, and come home to each of them every now and then. Without them, where's home anyhow?

This has been one of the most enlightening, culturally shocking and unequivocally neatest adventures of my life. The chapters keep me young, the travel makes me laugh and my fellow FCs are my rock. I can't wait for next semester's journey — the final lap!

The corporate communications and public affairs major received two scholarships at the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) 2010 National Conference in Washington, D.C. this past October.

Sana was the recipient of the $5,000 2010 Marcia Silverman Minority Student Award, funded by Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide, as well as the $3,000 John D. Graham Scholarship, funded by Fleishman-Hilliard. Both awards honor high potential students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and a commitment to the public relations field.    

And Sana is certainly committed to her future career.  She's already completed multiple PR internships with companies such as Edelman, Robbins Brothers, the Dallas Morning News and the Marketing Arm.

However, she wasn't always so sure of her future career path.

Coming from an Indian family with a strong medical background — her grandmother has 10 children, eight of whom are in the medical field — Sana had initially intended on following in her family's footsteps.  However, after her freshman year in college, she found herself sitting in her advisor's office, going through the majors catalog.  That's when she came across "corporate communications and public affairs." After reading about the major and potential careers, Sana knew this was the path she would take.

"I decided I wanted to be a public relations major so that I could utilize my speaking and writing abilities," Sana says. "I'm a lot better at writing press releases than I would be at extracting cavities or performing open heart surgery."

She plans to pursue public relations in sports upon graduation, but even now she sets high goals for her career — she wants to eventually be a director or vice president of communications for a league or sporting entity, and Tri Delta has already played a role in helping her on her journey.

"Holding leadership positions in Tri Delta has helped me understand valuable leadership qualities for my career," she says.  "And Tri Delta has played a role in the evolution of my leadership abilities which will serve me well in the 'real world.'"  

Sana has served both as the philanthropy chair and the house manager for her chapter.  As the philanthropy chair, she was instrumental in starting Tri Delta Triple Play, a spring philanthropy event. She also says her leadership roles within Tri Delta have taught her to work with people, manage committees and efficiently work with a limited budget.

As for her recent accolades, Sana says winning the scholarships reminded her of why she chose to break the mold and step out of the medical bubble.

"These scholarships remind me that following my instincts was the best decision I have ever made," she says. "And they also provide me with motivation to continue working hard during my last two semesters at SMU, so that when I enter the workforce, I am as prepared as I can be."

Photo courtesy of the Southern Methodist Student Foundation and Andrew Conwell.

Tri Delta is looking for outstanding chapter and campus leaders to serve as advocates for the Greek agenda in Washington, D.C.  For the past several years, the North-American Interfraternity and National Panhellenic Conferences (NIC/NPC) have sent fraternity and sorority leaders to Washington, D.C. to participate in Capital Hill visits.  Student participation is perhaps the biggest factor in helping to gain recent support in Congress for legislation important to the success of Greek organizations.  Our goal is to help gain legislation that will help make Greek housing safer and more affordable through the Collegiate Housing & Infrastructure Act (CHIA).

Each year these visits allow Greek students and leaders of NIC and NPC to visit Washington, D.C. and lobby on behalf of issues affecting our collegiate members. Past participants have found this to be a great opportunity for networking and enhancing their knowledge of the legislative and political processes.

2010 Tri Delta student representative Abigail Lewis, Wyoming, states that "Representing Tri Delta and the Panhellenic community on Capitol Hill was a phenomenal experience. I was able to share my passion about Tri Delta with legislators who have the ability to make valuable changes for our Fraternity. Working together with new friends from around the country, I was able to implore our country's leaders to help ensure the health and safety of our members. I would encourage anyone interested in affecting change in their Greek community to apply!"

Brenda Madriz-Montes, California/San Diego, also a 2010 Tri Delta representative said, "When I applied last year, I wanted to go to the NIC/NPC Annual Congressional Visits because it seemed like a great opportunity to help my sisters nationwide, as well as other Greek affiliated students. My sisters gave me the courage to aim for extraordinary goals and succeed. It was this courage that I took to Washington D.C. with me in April 2010.

Lobbying for CHIA gave me a firsthand look at our Congress and steps it takes for them to even look at a bill. Lobbying for CHIA also gave me something else that is important -- it gave me pride. I am extremely proud to be a Delta Delta Delta, extremely proud of all Greek men and woman, and extremely proud of our alumni, who continue to work hard for us long after their collegiate years."

Ideal candidates include junior or senior chapter and campus leaders, students with previous political experience and students having experienced living in Greek housing.

The Trip

April 9-13, 2011

Saturday:  Arrive in Washington, D.C.
Sunday:  Training and leadership activities
Monday:  Training and leadership activities
Tuesday:  Visits with Members of Congress
Wednesday: Depart Washington, D.C.

Details

Students interested in applying for a place on the Tri Delta team should complete the application by 5:00 pm on December 10, 2010.

If selected, all students will be required to participate in prep work leading up to the Congressional visits.

Selected students will be notified during the first two weeks of January 2011.

A representative from Tri Delta will also work with selected students to coordinate travel.  The costs of travel, lodging and meals during the conference will be covered by Tri Delta.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Jessica Pung, Public Policy Specialist at Patton Boggs, LLP at jpung@pattonboggs.com or via phone at 202-457-6302.

When the Theta Delta chapter at the University of Oregon was reinstated in January of 2010, the question of where the women would reside was raised.  Tri Delta's National House Corporation (NHC) had the answer—they rented a house on the University of Oregon campus for the chapter to live in.

NHC worked tirelessly throughout the summer to prepare the residence for the fall move-in date. By the end of August, NHC designer David Williams and Director of Properties Erin Dunn, Texas/Arlington, had arranged each piece of furniture and put the final touches on accents and paint.

But it wasn't until the Theta Deltas arrived that the house officially became a home. Move-in weekend was a busy two days. The sisters first had to check in with the house director, Deb Chapman, or the collegiate house manager, Kaitlin Jones, to receive their room numbers and paperwork to fill out. Just like if they were moving into an apartment, the women had to take a damage inventory of their rooms and submit a list of repairs to be made. Once technicalities were taken care of, they unpacked and settled into their new living quarters, and the weekend was topped off with a fun root beer float party.

The following weekend, Theta Delta hosted an alumnae brunch, where local alumnae members toured the new home, met the collegians and offered support. The alumnae also brought old chapter collectables as gifts to be displayed in various rooms.

"We feel like this chapter will be successful because of the local alumnae support," said NHC Senior Director of Operations Jennifer Thomas, Texas/Arlington. "And we know the chapter is excited and eager to collaborate with the alumnae on events."

Alongside the alumnae gifts, there are several features which make the house uniquely Theta Delta. The "Theta Delta" study room offers a quiet place for the women to focus on their academics, and also displays old knickknacks from the chapter's early years, including the original charter and a Delta Delta Delta Class of '64 plaque. The study also houses a wooden crest gifted to the chapter by the Eugene Alumnae Chapter.

In the dining room, large iron letters spelling out "Delta Delta Delta" adorn the wall and were a gift from the chapter's alumna advisor. Even the property owners, Frichette Schaefer, LLC, showed their support by having an outdoor light in the shape of the Stars and Crescent badge made for the home. It hangs on the outside of the house above the porch, welcoming the sisters to their new home.

The house, however, is much more than just a place to live; it's a place for the Theta Delta members to build their Tri Delta family. 

"I could not be more excited about all of the opportunities this house will provide for the women of Theta Delta," said Erin. "It's not just about providing a healthy and safe environment that will perpetuate a positive collegiate experience, but it's also about providing a refuge where these women will build and enhance their bonds of sisterhood."

The new database-driven site is the culmination of months of research, design and development, and is intended to reflect the Tri Delta experience, to bring the Purpose and shared values of Tri Delta to life and to instill and sustain pride in the Fraternity.

In addition to a fresh, more modern look, the site also includes a brand new Deltas Only!

Because the new site connects to the Tri Delta data base called iMis, members will need to register and claim their accounts.  If you have previously had a Deltas Only user name and password, you will still need to register.  Your old user name and password will NOT work.  Download the instructions.

Since 1999, Tri Deltas across the country have dedicated themselves to giving hope to St. Jude families. In just four years, Tri Delta raised $10 million for the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor, a full six years ahead of schedule.  In July 2010, Tri Delta announced it would take on a new, more aggressive challenge - to raise $15 million in 5 years to name the Specialty Clinic located in the Patient Care Center at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Learn more about Tri Delta's "15 in 5" campaign and Maggie's personal story about St. Jude.

To date, we have raised $2 million to our $15 million goal - and we need your help!  Bring your voice and spirit of St. Jude to your chapters, in your communities and as a proud Tri Delta member.  We can all make a difference in supporting St. Jude's mission and reach that 15 in 5 goal!

How you can get involved

Donate today

For additional information about getting materials to host a St. Jude event, contact Brett Collins at brett.collins@stjude.org or (901)578-2183.

In the coming months, Tri Delta will be using LinkedIn to provide professional development opportunities, job and internship listings, volunteer openings and much more.

To get started, register for an account with LinkedIn and request permission to join the group. Once your membership is accepted, you can start a discussion on the main page, read announcements and join a subgroup. Access to the Delta Delta Delta LinkedIn group is free and only available to members of Tri Delta.

If you have any questions or would like to submit a job/internship listing for the page, please email web@trideltaeo.org.

We are proud to report as of March 1, 2012, Tri Delta has raised over $5.7 million towards our $15 million campaign goal - and last year alone, we raised over $3.5 million.

To date, we have raised $1.6 million for the 2011-2012 academic year - and we need your help.  Bring your voice and spirit of St. Jude to your chapters, in your communities and as a proud Tri Delta member.  We can all make a difference in supporting St. Jude's mission and reach that 15 in 5 goal!

Learn more about Tri Delta's involvement at St. Jude and  hear from one of our own members, Malise, Alabama, whose son is a St. Jude patient.

How you can get involved

Share the great work happening at St. Jude with others in your community and why it is such a great organization to support.  Share these great St. Jude facts.

Learn how you can get involved with some of the key signature events taking place today with Tri Delta & St. Jude.

Donate today and help Tri Delta fight childhood cancer and support our $15 million campaign.

For additional information about getting materials to host a St. Jude event, contact Brett Collins at brett.collins@stjude.org or (901)578-2183.

Shannon Kennedy, Ottawa, is the alumna advisor for her own chapter. She was nominated by both Jennifer Lau and Jordan Cendrowski. In their nominations, both Jennifer and Jordan praised Shannon for going above and beyond for their chapter. Jordan said about Shannon, "She is the woman you can call in the middle of the night to vent to, and she will undoubtedly be there. She is the one to laugh with over coffee, and she is the one who will remind you what it means to be wearing your letters at all times."

West

Dionne Schley, Idaho, is the alumna advisor for Gamma Lambda Chapter. She was nominated by Pallavi Johary, Gamma Lambda's collegiate chapter president. In her nomination, Pallavi cited Dionne's attendance at nearly all of Gamma Lambda's events without even being asked. Additionally, Dionne makes a point of checking in with every officer, always encouraging them to ask questions. Finally, Pallavi said of her advisor, "Gamma Lambda chapter would be nothing without Dionne, and we cannot express how happy we are to have her as a part of the chapter."

Southeast

Katie McCay, Tennesee, is the alumna advisor for her own chapter at University of Tennessee. She was nominated by Delta Sigma members Lizzy Holt and Elizabeth Colloredo. In her role as AA, Katie is not only an asset to the chapter, but has the opportunity to be a part of important Delta Sigma history. As the University of Tennessee prepares to build sorority houses for the first time ever, Katie has worked diligently with the house corporation and the chapter to make the construction process as transparent as possible, assisting with everything from helping to re-structure the chapter payment plan to selecting a house director. Elizabeth said about Katie, "She brings her positive attitude to every Tri Delta event and inspires us. She is loved by each member of the chapter and has made a difference in each and every one of our lives."

 Central

Sue Lucas, West Virginia, lives in Ann Arbor, Mich., and is the alumna advisor for Iota Chapter. She was nominated by Katherine Lind, Iota's VP/CD. Balancing a husband, two children and a hectic work life, Sue still finds time to serve as Iota's AA. As Katherine said in her nomination of Sue, "There have been countless nights that I have called Sue in tears, and she has woken up to help me and never once complained...After a rough standards, she never fails to give me some inspiration and assure me that the right choice may be harder, but will never be regretted."

South Central

Natalie Lackey, Kansas State, and Amber Bloome, are co-alumna advisors for Theta Iota Chapter. Through their leadership, Natalie and Amber have helped the chapter grow and thrive. They were nominated by Geneva Jahnke, , who says they "get it." They have grown through their service to the chapter and are excellent examples of self-sacrificing leadership. Their leadership sets an example to the chapter and helps show members that there is life in Tri Delta beyond collegiate membership.

Thank you to all of our wonderful advisors!

Listen to what some of our alumnae shared about their lifetime journey:

Life has taken me too many different locations--I have moved about 16 times--In each location I would find a Tri Delta alumnae group and instantly find a connection--even in England--how delightful--and comforting-- to find a DDD sister in the school parking lot!! In my job as a flight attendant, I often found sisters as passengers as well as fellow crew members--There IS a bond--have no doubt.

-Sandra Holman, Iowa State

I feel so blessed to have a fifty-four year relationship with Tri Delta Fraternity and the women who have been part of my life through the years. Upon graduating and marrying my husband and I move to Oklahoma City and I immediately joined the Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter. Then it was back to Texas where I joined the Richardson Alumnae Chapter where I became a part of an incredible vibrant, fun alumnae chapter.  This led me to leadership roles within Tri Delta and also the opportunity to become a District Chairman over 25 Alumnae Chapters in Texas. This opportunity led me to know Tri Delta's across the country, attend two Leadership Schools at Purdue University, attend two National Conventions (including the 1988 Celebration honoring the founding of Tri Delta). My family referred to this time away and with Tri Delta's as "Tri Delta Heaven". The women from my collegiate years at the Phi Eta Chapter have remained extremely close through the years. We have frequent reunions (the most recent was held in July in Ruidoso) and celebrated with each group our Golden Circle Ceremonies in Lubbock. Once again the alumnae who were our advisers were there to honor this special time. So to sum up the years, the Tri Delta friendships have been Silver, Gold, and Blue. Sarah Ida Shaw and our Founders must be smiling at us as we have fulfilled the friendships they must have envisioned 123 years ago. Tri Delta is not a four year experience. It is yours for a lifetime and can be found from coast to coast. 

-Linda Juba, Texas Tech

Tri Delta presents a lifelong connection to special women.  As an active Tri Delta alumna, my adulthood has been enriched through women from all walks of life, all ages, many diverse interests, and yet common bonds which time cannot diminish...we are all Tri Deltas, and part of a fraternity with purpose and foundation that reflect the essence of virtue and excellence.  As an alumna, the opportunity to continue to serve, to contribute, to grow, and to share wonderful friendships is ongoing.

-Gloria Rowell, Miami/Ohio

Upon graduating college I was not sure where my life would take me. All of my pledge sisters were going in different directions now that our collegiate experience was coming to an end. I had no idea the impact that Tri Delta would have in my life once I found myself settled with a job in the DFW area. The Richardson North Dallas Alumnae Chapter was there for me with their arms wide opened. Here was a group of Tri Deltas that I did not know, each of them came various parts of the country, and none of them were my age. It did not take me long to realize that this did not matter. They showed me that when I made the decision to join Tri Delta that there would be sisters to support me no matter what stage of life I was in or where I decided to plant my roots.
 
My friendships within the chapter grew very strong very fast. I found that the connection I was having with my new found sisters was even stronger than the relationships I had with some of the women I pledged with. My collegiate experience is something that will always be very special to me but looking forward I am so excited about the journey I still have and the memories I still get to make with other Tri Deltas that I meet along the way. My relationship with Tri Delta has only been for 12 years thus far, but my journey is truly just beginning. My arms will also be wide open for each new Tri Delta I meant along the way!

-Ashley Coleman, Stephen F. Austin

1. Grace Kelly was a Tri Delta. She even wore her badge when she married Prince Rainier Grimaldi III of Monaco.
   
   
   FALSE. We would love for this to be true, really we would. Unfortunately, it's not. Grace did not attend college, choosing instead to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. This means she never had the opportunity to be a sister or get herself a Stars & Crescent badge to wear in her wedding. We're not really sure how this one got started, but hopefully we can put it to rest.
   
   
2. When Neil Armstrong placed the flag on the moon, he attached his wife's Tri Delta badge.
   
   FALSE. Aside from the fact that Mr. Armstrong did not actually place any badges on the moon (including his from Phi Delta Theta), his wife is actually a member of Alpha Chi Omega. Capt. Alan Bean's wife is a Tri Delta (Sue Ragsdale Bean, Texas), but he did not place a badge on the flag either. Additionally, the flag on the moon is actually made of plastic, which would make pinning a badge to it incredibly difficult.
   
   
3. Katie Couric , Deborah Norville, and Hoda Kotb are all proud Tri Delta sisters.
   
   
   TRUE. It would appear that Delta Delta Delta has a monopoly on producing anchors for the most-watched morning news show in America. Katie (Beta Sigma), Deborah (Alpha Rho), and Hoda (Beta Nu), are all proud sisters, in addition to being current or former anchors for Today. Additionally, they have all been named as Women of Achievement in 2002, 2006, and 2008, respectively.

What are some Tri Delta myths you've heard? Let us know here, and we'll confirm or deny them throughout 2012.

View Slideshow

You can read Brittain's full story in spring edition of The Trident. 

Mothers and daughters often share a unique bond, and when this bond is shared by mother—daughter Tri Deltas, it can be even more extraordinary. While there have been many mother—daughter Tri Deltas over the years, perhaps one of the most exceptional is Bessie Leach Priddy, Adrian and her daughter Frances Priddy McDonald, Missouri.

Bessie Leach Priddy was a remarkable woman who, though widowed at a young age managed to raise three children, serve the Fraternity, and earn master's and doctorate degrees in history at the same time. Bessie was a charter member of the Gamma chapter at Adrian, and in 1893 was sent to the first Tri Delta Convention to serve as her chapter's voting delegate. She later served as National Historian from 1902-1931, and was so knowledgeable that she was often consulted about Tri Delta's history.

She, along with R. Louise Fitch and Amy Parmelee, formed what has been called the Great Triumvirate and their extraordinary efforts were significant to Tri Delta's growth and development. Bessie edited the first and second Tri Delta history books.

Although she was offered the position of Fraternity National President several times, she felt that her work as Historian and her academic commitments were too time consuming to allow her to devote enough time to the presidency. She finally accepted the post in 1931, while she was Dean of Women at Missouri. She only served one term as president due to failing health, and died in 1935 one year after her retirement.

At 10 weeks old, Frances Priddy McDonald attended her first Tri Delta Convention with her mother. To keep her occupied during a banquet, her mother gave her a spoon to play with. Tri Delta engraved the spoon with Fanny's name and sent a note saying that they hoped to see her in another 18 years.

Frances joined Tri Delta at Missouri and went on to serve in many other roles for the organization. When she was elected President in 1946, she was the first Tri Delta daughter to be National President and to date she is the only daughter of a Past President to serve as President. After her term as President, she was appointed editor of the Trident, a post she held for over 26 years.

Like her mother, Fanny had tremendous knowledge of Tri Delta history, traditions and policies. After her death in Arkansas in 1979, then Associate Director Jeanne Carson Gable, Miami—Ohio, wrote: "Fanny's dedication and pride [in Tri Delta] were never in doubt or hard to see. Can ours, then, in tribute to her and on behalf of Tri Delta, dare be any less?"

The tradition of honoring graduating senior members of a collegiate chapter is nearly as old as the fraternity itself. One of the earliest mentions of the custom goes back to 1908 when the December 1908 Triton suggested a "pansy luncheon" for spring. The article goes on to say, "Practically every chapter gives a farewell of some kind for the seniors. What more appropriate than pansies for thoughts of them?"

Theta Xi chapter at the University of Southern California hosted the first Pansy Breakfast in 1927, and the following year started the tradition of a creating large ring covered with thousands of live pansies for all of the engaged graduating seniors in the university to step through as their names and the names of their future spouses were announced. This unique Pansy Breakfast tradition gained national attention in 1945, when Life Magazine attended the celebration and published a photo essay on the event in its July 23 edition. The Life article chronicled the tremendous amount of work involved in hosting the event: from gathering thousands of fresh pansies from all over Los Angeles, to keeping the flowers fresh in water filled buckets, sinks and even bathtubs, to the dinner party where Tri Delta members would tie thousands of pansies to toothpicks for assembly onto the giant ring, and finally the organization of the breakfast usually held in the garden of the Tri Delta house. Along with the pansy ring ceremony, the breakfast would highlight senior accomplishments and awards. There would often be a fashion show featuring wedding gowns and trousseau items.

The idea then began to spread to other chapters and became so popular that a 1952Trident featured an article on "How to Give a Pansy Breakfast," highlighting many chapters at Beloit, DePauw, Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon and Tennessee and their celebrations.

The tradition continues today, with an emphasis on the accomplishments of the chapter's graduating seniors, including academic awards, new jobs and post-graduate education plans in addition to the traditional engagement announcements. Some chapters will change the name of the event to a Pansy Brunch or Pansy Dessert depending on the specific event plans. Because this is a time to recognize the transition from collegian to alumnae member, many alumnae chapters will the occasion to celebrate the Circle Degree for the seniors and welcome them to alumnae membership.

This long standing tradition of Pansy Breakfasts give our alumnae chapters the opportunity to show graduating seniors that the bonds of Tri Delta extend beyond college years and collegiate and alumnae chapters are able to nurture and strengthen the ties that bind them.

As the Ottawa Alumnae Chapter president, one of Aiza Belen's, Ottawa, major goals is to promote health and well-being among members.  Having recovered from depression earlier this year, Aiza cites Tri Delta as being an important resource in her recovery.

"As a young alumna meeting so many women who were at different stages in their lives, I noticed that many women were ambitious in tackling jobs, careers, families, love, hobbies and passions," Aiza says. "I got caught in the trap of juggling too much, and it was a sister of mine who introduced me to running as an important stress reliever."

So when fellow sister Caroline Welsh, Ottawa, came across Disney's Princess Half Marathon — a 13.1 mile (21.1 kilometer) run held every year in February at Walt Disney World — on Facebook, she decided to share it with her Ottawa chapter.

"I thought the Disney's Princess Marathon would be a great way to celebrate our resilience and to show the world that we are strong, we persevere and we are princesses at heart!" says Aiza.

With Caroline heading up the training regiment, the chapter is preparing to run in the 2012 marathon, whose date will be determined next year. So far, three sisters have confirmed their commitment to the run.

"As a sort of preliminary round to the 21.1 kilometer race, I made a stipulation that each lady interested in running the half marathon first run a 5 kilometer race then a 10 kilometer race to see how training and racing fit into her life," Caroline says.

As a kick start to winter training, Caroline has initiated the Tri Delta Winter Challenge where each participant will not only exercise a minimum of three times a week, but must also run at least once. Each member will report back to everyone with their activities, time and distance, and prizes will be given out at the end of the month to the top performers.

So far the women are on target with each of the participants already having completed at least a 5 or 10 kilometer race. Aside from running, the women also use activities such as swimming, yoga and Muay Thai to help whip themselves into top racing shape.

The chapter is also expanding their group and inviting collegiate members in the Ottawa area to participate in the marathon. They encourage any interested Tri Deltas to join them in this fun-filled, tiara-topped race.

You can find more information about the marathon on the Disney website or you can contact Aiza Belen via email.

Over the next several weeks these newest Tri Deltas at Creighton University will be collecting used formal dresses to donate and send to St. Jude. Each year, St. Jude hosts a "Teen Formal" for patients so they don't miss out on the exciting milestone of attending prom just because they are sick.

Instead of purchasing dresses, St. Jude depends on dress donations so that each child has a dress to choose from. The chapter is accepting all fashionable, gently-worn formal dresses from now until March 19. To protect the patients, dresses must be dry cleaned; the dry cleaning tag should be left on the dress.

For more information about the event and to contact stationary Field Consultant Alison Lackey regarding donating a dress, visit www.dddcreighton.com. Contact Alison also, if you would like to send congratulation messages for the new chapter's Installation.

Additional Links

Tri Delta's partnership with St. Jude

Click the link below to view the recorded 2010 webinar and get answers to your questions. 

Tri Delta has once again been recognized with for its groundbreaking body image program.

   
 
Tri Delta Wins Excellence in Educational Programming for Reflections at AFA Annual Meeting

At the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) Annual Meeting in Jacksonville, Fla. earlier this month, Tri Delta was the only fraternal organization recognized with the prestigious Excellence in Educational Programming Award for its pioneering body image program, Reflections.  The purpose of the Excellence in Educational Programming Award is to recognize new and innovative programs.  This is the ninth award given in just the past two years for efforts related to Reflections® and its popular body-activism campaign, Fat Talk Free Week®.  

As membership carries a deeper meaning for those who know the Rituals and understand the Founders' vision for Tri Delta, the badge is more than a symbol of membership, because it carries with it a reminder that personalities evolve with membership and that true friendship is built upon the qualities of truth and self-sacrifice.

New members in Tri Delta are taught very early that membership in the Fraternity and the wearing of a badge are both privileges and responsibilities. This realization is a very personal journey, and unique experiences shape each woman's Tri Delta membership.

Excerpt from The Trident, Fall 2004

Over the years badges become lost or misplaced and through the assistance of our official jeweler, Herff Jones, you are now able to re-order your badge online!

Visit HJ Greek to order your replacement badge today. All badge re-orders are now placed directly with Herff Jones.

**Please note, membership certificates are not included in the online ordering system. Log into Deltas Only to access the membership certificate order form.

That's what Carrie Riddle, Maryland, discovered when her dad, Eric Riddle, approached her last May and asked her to participate in the 2010 Marine Corps Marathon with him.  At first, Carrie was hesitant.

"The whole idea of a marathon was very intimidating to me, and the fact that I had never run more than three miles made it all the more daunting," Carrie says. "I was just about to tell my dad that I didn't think I could do it when he told me that we could run as St. Jude Heroes."

Carrie knew this was just the inspiration she needed. Thinking about the kids of St. Jude and knowing she could contribute to helping them was exactly what pushed her to commit to the challenge. Even beyond her involvement in Tri Delta, St. Jude is especially important to her.

"My cousin is a brain cancer survivor thanks to the miracle of St. Jude, so it has always been a cause close to my family's heart," she says.

Having her Tri Delta sisters there to support her made the marathon experience all the more inspiring. Of the 56 people who donated to St. Jude in Carrie's name, 30 were Tri Deltas or their families. And when race day arrived, a dozen of her Tri Delta sisters were there to cheer her on, despite the fact that the marathon had an 8 a.m. start time and took place an hour away from campus on Oct. 31 — the morning after Halloween celebrations.

"When I first saw [my Tri Delta sisters], I was so elated that I screamed at the top of my lungs, burst into tears and stopped to hug each of them," Carrie recalls. "It was a really powerful moment and definitely played a big part in my determination to finish."

The race itself was no walk in the park. Carrie and her dad arrived at 6 a.m. As the start time approached, more than 30,000 participants lined up according to expected finish time and waited for the cue to begin. Once the gun went off, Carrie and her dad, both with an expected finish time of 4:30, had a 10 minute walk before even getting to the start line.

"My nerves were really building at this point, but once we actually started running, I was much more at ease," Carrie says.

Physically, Carrie felt great throughout the race until mile 22 when she began running out of steam and suffering from pain in her feet and legs. However, the support of the crowd and knowing that she had her family and a dozen Tri Delta sisters waiting for her at the finish line gave her the push to keep running and finish strong.

Applicants should possess an academic emphasis in government or political science. Previous related internship experience is recommended but not required. Eligible applicants must be in their junior or senior year of their undergraduate education.

The internship will take place over four months, beginning in January 2011 and ending late April. Applicants must be able to secure academic credit for their internship.

Internship activities include contributing work to the firm's public policy clients as well as helping to coordinate and facilitate a large-scale client lobbying conference.

In order to apply, eligible applicants must send a resume, cover letter and writing sample to Jessica Pung via email at jpung@pattonboggs.com by November 5, 2010.

You were presenting to a crowd of thousands, your parents, your friends and your high school math teachers. The presentation was going along beautifully until you realize at a pivotal moment in the presentation that you are wearing nothing but your underwear.

This dream that would wake most people up in a panic is a reality for Dove Model for Real Beauty, Stacy Nadeau, Creighton. Stacy was one of six women who made headlines in 2005 when they appeared on a Time Square billboard in nothing but her underwear.

Since then, Stacy has shared her story and challenged men and women to "Embrace Real Beauty" in her keynote presentation by the same name.

Stacy is joining Tri Delta as this year's Fat Talk Free Week (October 18-22) spokesperson and is sharing her message with Tri Delta members across the country. Stacy will be presenting at numerous campuses throughout the week (schedule tbd) and providing guest blog and video posts on the Fat Talk Free Week Facebook page.

Learn more about Stacy's journey on her Website or contact CAMPUSPEAK for more information about booking her presentation.

You can also watch Stacy's intro to the Fat Talk Free Week video contest on the Fat Talk Free Week Facebook page and enter yourself for the chance to win a $1,000 gift card to Best Buy today!

In 2006 the organizers of the Madrid Fashion Week shocked the designer community by requiring that all models participating in the week have healthy body mass index. Madrid was the first of many fashion showcases to begin requiring a minimum BMI to participate.

Launched at Convention 2010, the Style Revolution Fashion Show, brought to you by Macy's and The Center for Living, Learning & Leading takes the quest for positive body image on the runway a step further.

Style Revolution is a new signature program from Tri Delta and is available for chapters beginning this fall. Join Tri Delta as we "walk the catwalk to end fat talk" by hosting a "Style Revolution" Fashion Show during Fat Talk Free Week 2010. For more information about Style Revolution, visit The Center's website or e-mail reflections@trideltaeo.org.

Supporting Tri Delta's philanthropy doesn't have to end with one's collegiate career. Alumnae chapters have also been active in helping raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and one chapter proves even the smallest group can make a big difference.

The California Central Coast Alumnae Chapter recently held a Girls Night In (or rather "Day In") event where the sisters gathered at Linda Douglass' home in Cambria, Calif., to participate in a card-writing campaign for St. Jude.

Chapter president, Kathy Zack, Pittsburgh, says she originally requested only 50 cards from St. Jude because she didn't want to overwhelm the women; a very small chapter with only 20 members. California Central Coast typically has only 5-7 sisters attend any one event. "I was pleasantly surprised when the members were asking for more cards to send out to their family & friends for support of St. Jude," says Kathy. "Next year I will be requesting more cards for our group to complete."

The chapter's goal is to donate $1,000 to St. Jude this year, and the card-writing event was just one of the ways the chapter plans to raise funds. Previously, the chapter has donated items to the Cal Poly Tri Delta Chapter's auction which raises money for St. Jude. Kathy has also attended the function for the past two years to show her support by personally purchasing auction items.

According to Linda Douglass, Iowa, giving to St. Jude is one way for alumnae chapters to show the collegiate chapters that the alumnae support the same goal that they do. And California Central Coast's newest alumnae, who are transitioning from the collegiate world, are continuing their involvement in philanthropy and providing fresh insight for the chapter.

The sisters also realize the significance of alumnae participation in the quest for raising $15 million in 5 years for St. Jude, but each woman knows it takes both collegiate members and alumnae members to make the goal a reality.

"If you do not raise the bar, you will not extend your reach," Kathy says. "Tri Delta achieved their goal of $10 million in record time. Adding an event like Girls Night In with the alumnae chapters will help facilitate the goals of $15 million in 5 years because it increases the alumnae's ability to participate."

For more information on how your alumnae chapter can help raise funds to support St. Jude, contact stjude@trideltaeo.org

This past August, Lynn and Sara launched Nothinglikeit.com, a unique online baked goods ordering service. The website makes it easy for customers to have a batch of homemade treats—cookies, cakes and breads—delivered to friends, family or colleagues with just the click of a mouse.

Not only are these sweets tasty, but the special care that Lynn and Sara put into their presentation makes the gifts that much more special. One of the most unique draws of Nothing Like It is the packaging. The mother-daughter team had seen dozens of okay-tasting cookies that came in generic white boxes with the cookies often stuck together in between layers of tissue paper. "Cookies as a gift are always thoughtful, but a presentation like that just counteracts all those nice sentiments. As entrepreneurs, cookie-addicts and mothers, we knew we could do better," says Sara. They want customers to be able to order cookies as gifts and have them actually look like gifts with quality packaging, luxurious bows and note cards. Lynn and Sara will even work directly with clients to create custom ribbons and wrapping.  

As for the desserts inside the boxes, cookie-cravers can choose from an array of flavors. Great-tasting signature cookies include rapadoodle (in the family of a snickerdoodle and named after Sara's son, Reese, who initials are R.A.P.), oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip and peanut butter. For all those nut lovers, most of the cookies can be ordered with pecans, and when a customer really wants to make a sweet impression, Nothing Like It also specializes in cakes and breads like frosted strawberry and chocolate cakes, glazed banana bread and pound cake dusted with powdered sugar.

Like with most famous recipes, a lot of thought and tinkering occurs in pursuit of the perfect bite, and Lynn's oatmeal cookie is a great example: imported vanilla, old-fashioned oats and a few other ingredients which will forever remain secrets. 

However, the secret to their business success is no secret at all. Both credit their Tri Delta background as the basis for their entrepreneurial ability.  

"Tri Delta helped shape this business venture by showing us what teamwork is all about," Sara says.  "My mom and I are able to play off each other's strengths and weaknesses to ultimately make our business the best it can be.

The endless network of Tri Delta sisters is another advantage which has helped boost the business.

"We've been able to rely on our fellow sisters to help get our business off the ground," says Sara. "Word of mouth travels quickly, and sharing Nothing Like It with alumnae all over the country helped us to get where we are today."

Marlene Hair Blaue, Cal State/Long Beach, is a determined woman in everything she does. Be it as a Tri Delta alumnae chapter president or a 30-year member of the Sleighbell Committee, she makes things successful. Marlene has lent her talents to a new project since she retired from her "Plant Lady" business. She and her husband Bob have adopted 23 Marine Corps units and have focused their support on sending gift boxes to the troops.

It is a labor of love and one she has involved her Tri Delta sisters, neighbors, family and bridge friends to assist. Marlene sent her first box October 2006 and now has shipped more than 1,900 boxes to Marines deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

She has shared her project with the Southern California Alumnae Council, where the contents for 20 boxes were donated and packed to be sent to Marines. Collegians from Cal State/Long Beach and the Western Orange County Alumnae Chapter will be holding another box packing party as a collegiate/alumnae event this spring.

Marlene started with focusing on female Marines and has kept in contact with many of them as they returned from deployment. Some Marines have come to visit her and even brought her flags flown in Iraq and other mementos of their deployments. She receives wedding announcements, birth announcements and updates from many of the Marines she has connected with. She and her friend Aileen Cooper were profiled on CNN on Christmas Day for their gifts to the troops. Marlene's labor of love is also to support and celebrate her own Marines in her family - her husband Bob and her grandson, who is a current active duty Marine.

"I would like every Tri Delta to understand that there are sisters in dire need who need our help, and that the Foundation is there to provide such help.  Your contributions to the Foundation support our sisterhood and give back to the many sisters—collegians and alumnae— who need us."

Gifts to the Foundation are used to "help our sisters in every possible way."   Every gift, large or small, is a gesture of Delta love.  When you add your gift to those of your sisters, you build a resource that not only benefits sisters in need of help, but also creates scholarship and leadership programs that keep Tri Delta strong.  Please make or add your gift soon.

 Dr. Fay Reifsnyder Biles was named a Tri Delta Woman of Achievement in 2002.

The Purpose of Tri Delta has remained constant since 1888, bringing to life the ideals of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship. To further this aim, Tri Delta is revitalizing the experience offered through all facets of member life. This includes new member education, volunteer training, officer leadership and college member education. The Power of Purpose: Member Development Initiative encompasses all of these and has been designed to guide members to discover their talents, values and priorities and empower her to lead a more purposeful life as a member in Tri Delta.

For many members, the first rendition of this program experienced will be the Power of Purpose Member Development initiative, designed with our collegiate women in mind. Each month a series of e-learning portals and member development modules will be made available for our Member Development Chairmen to implement in their chapters. It is through this initiative that we hope we can offer our members with topics that they feel they need and can use. The programs have designed to be time sensitive, engaging and relevant. But we can't do it on our own, if you have suggestions for future member development topics or ideas, please email us at info@trideltaeo.org.

The Trident

You can download the Trident app by visiting the iTunes or app store and searching for The Trident of Delta Delta Delta (make sure exactly "The Trident of Delta Delta Delta" is typed into the search). While the app itself is free to download, accessing the full magazine content of each issue requires a digital subscription of $20.99 a year, purchased through your iTunes account. Subscriptions automatically renew each year. 

Please note that the digital subscription is separate from print subscriptions, so even if you already receive The Trident in your mailbox, you will need to purchase a digital subscription to download the magazine on your Apple mobile devices.Members who purchase a printed subscription of The Trident will not be able to download the magazine via iPhone or iPad unless they also purchase the digital subscription via iTunes.

If you are a life loyal member or you pay Fraternity dues through your local alumnae chapter, you will continue to receive a hard copy of the magazine in the mail. Should you wish to purchase a digital subscription and NOT receive a printed copy in the mail, you will need to contact Executive Office to cancel the printed version of the magazine.

We are thrilled to recognize the top fundraising chapter in the gold, silver and blue groups from the 2009-2010 academic year. The top chapters will have the opportunity to hang their school flag on the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The flags will be on display for the entire school year following the fundraising accomplishment.

Congratulations to the following chapters who raised the most money during the 2009-2010 academic year:

Gold Group - University of Alabama, Delta Mu $93,000

The chapter partnered with a fraternity on campus to host a pancake breakfast. As a chapter they also participated in the Sincerely Yours letter-writing campaign and hosted a spring cookout.

Silver Group - University of Southern Mississippi, Phi Epsilon $78,000

The chapter hosted its annual Sincerely Yours, a Tees for Tots golf tournament and a softball tournament.

Blue Group - University of Toledo, Phi Alpha $64,000

The chapter hosted its annual golf tournament and encouraged members to participate in Sincerely Yours letter-writing. The chapter also produced and sold a Christmas CD to benefit St. Jude.

Prior to the election, Pam served as a prosecutor for over 18 years. Read Pam's full bio in the Distinguished Delta's section of the website.

Amy has worked at Rutgers University as the assistant dean of fraternity and sorority affairs since 1996. She has also worked at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, as the assistant director of Greek affairs and at the University of Texas at Austin as the panhellenic advisor. Read more.

 
Tri Delta is overjoyed to announce our newest home at Creighton University. The Epsilon Mu chapter will recruit their first new member class this spring and begin their new member education process immediately. Creighton is a phenomenal institution and Tri Delta was honored at the invitation to join their tight knit community - a community that is very aligned with our Fraternity's values! 

Learn more about Creighton.

This latest pledge, the third fundraising goal Tri Delta has set for St. Jude in the past 11 years, is dedicated to the naming of one of the St. Jude Specialty Clinics, which ensures patients receive expert care for specific needs. In 2010, Tri Delta completed its $10 million goal, six years ahead of schedule, which went towards naming the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor.

The ceremony unveiled the newly named Specialty Clinic and announced that in the last school year Tri Delta raised $3.4 million and has raised a total of $4.1 towards the $15 million goal in one year.

"It's such a humbling experience to be a part of," said Jill Shirley, Southern Mississippi. "I'm in awe of the phenomenal goals Tri Delta has accomplished."

Also recognized at a Saturday luncheon were the top collegiate chapters from each group who have raised the most money during the 2010-2011 academic year. The gold group includes chapters with more than 131 members, the silver group includes chapters with 91-130 members, and the blue group includes chapters with 90 members or less. In the gold group Louisiana State University raised the most with $84,852; in the silver group, the University of Southern Mississippi raised the most with $54,480; and in the blue group, the University of Tulsa raised the most with $31,340. The flags for these schools will be hung in the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor at the hospital in recognition for all their support during the 2010-2011 academic year.

View Slideshow

This $4.2million donation is part of the Fraternity's latest pledge, made in 2010, to raise $15 million in 5 years for the hospital. For the 2010-2011 academic year, Tri Delta raised $3.7 million, and since Aug. 1, 2010, Tri Delta has donated a total of $8.5 million for St. Jude.

"It is amazing what Tri Delta members have been able to accomplish toward their goal of raising $15 million in 5 years," said Richard Shadyac, Jr., CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "Their commitment and passion play an important role in helping St. Jude continue to treat childhood cancer and other deadly diseases with pioneering research and exceptional care, all while ensuring that no family ever pays St. Jude for anything."

Tri Delta had four chapters raise over $100,000 in just one year: Louisiana State University, University of Mississippi, University of Alabama and University of South Carolina. This marks the first year any chapter has raised more than $100,000.

Additionally, the organization had three alumnae chapters that raised more than $10,000 in one year: the New York City Alumnae Chapter ($19,965), the St. Lawrence Alumnae ($12,150) and the Fredericksburg, Va., Alumnae Chapter ($11,250).

During Convention Tri Delta launched its new Give application, created and funded by Billhighway to help raise more funds for St. Jude. The "iSwipe 4 St. Jude" uses swipe devices on iPhones or iPads which allow individuals to use credit and debit cards to donate easily. Forty-five hundred dollars were raised onsite at Convention. Another Convention fundraising effort was the St. Jude Legends Bowl, a competition between schools to see who could raise the most. Tri Delta surpassed the $25,000 fundraising goal it set for its chapter, bringing in a total of $40,624. The St. Jude Legends Bowl concluded with a luncheon where the University of Texas, Arlington was named the winner after raising the most funds — $778.

Also recognized at the luncheon were the top collegiate chapters from each group who have raised the most money during the 2011-2012 academic year. The gold group includes chapters with more than 131 members, the silver group includes chapters with 91-130 members, and the blue group includes chapters with 90 members or less.

In the gold group Louisiana State University raised the most with $126,000; in the silver group, Rhodes College  raised the most with $100,000; and in the blue group, Oregon State raised the most with $64,000. The flags for these schools will be hung in the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor at the hospital in recognition for all their support.

Fraternity President Jackye Brown Clark said, "It's wonderful to see both collegiate members and alumnae members working together, not to just simply meet a fundraising goal, but because they are so passionate about helping the children of St. Jude and they are dedicated to this cause. That passion and dedication is what allows us to raise the bar and raise more money every year."

We did it! A NEW fully endowed undergraduate scholarship has been established! Tri Delta alumnae donated $29,576 to the Foundation's scholarship campaign that ended January 1, 2012.  Since the $25,000 goal was exceeded by over $4,500, the scholarship will be awarded for the 2012-13 academic year. A heartfelt thank you to all the alumnae who participated. Every year, one more Tri Delta will receive a scholarship because of you.

Katie Cusack, the current president of the Tri Delta chapter at University of Wyoming, was honored to be selected as a part of the lobbying team. "This exciting opportunity to join my fellow Tri Deltas in our nation's capital is the perfect blend of my passion for Greek life and my involvement with student government," she said. Cusack was joined by 140 collegiate students, including four members of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, who met with congressional representatives to discuss the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act.

The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) gives equal tax rights to non-profit organizations providing student housing, including fraternal entities like Delta Delta Delta's National House Corporation. Fraternities and sororities provide housing for over 250,000 students each year, nearly one out of every eight students in America. The passing of the CHIA will allow non-profit student entities to use charitable contributions to build and maintain housing for these students.

Selected from a pool of over 30 applicants, Anisha Chikarmane, California/Davis, Emily Rankin, California/Los Angeles, Katie Cusack, Wyoming and Kelsey Castleberry, Arkansas, represented the 139 chapters of Delta Delta Delta throughout the visit.

"As the fall of 2009 brought drastic budget cuts and fee increases for UC students, I realized that now more than ever was the time for students to stand up for education on the national political agenda," said Anisha Chikarmae, a student at the University of California Davis, studying International Relations.

Also from California, Emily Rankin is a senior at University of California Los Angeles. She is majoring in political science and public policy and was motivated to be a part of the lobbying effort to show her support for the CHIA. After spending a quarter interning in D.C., Rankin was recognized as a Robert T. Matsui UC Congressional Fellow and will return to begin a career in politics following graduation. 

Kelsey Castleberry is a junior at the University of Arkansas. "I want to provide my Tri Delta sisters and fellow Greek members the opportunity to live in as wonderful a house as I have, and at the same time, I'm hoping to improve Greek housing on my campus," said Castleberry.

While in Washington, the women worked alongside fellow collegians and alumni from the National Inter-fraternal Conference and National Panhellenic Conference to meet with over 400 representatives, requesting support of the CHIA. 

Tri Delta is the second recipient of the award, received in honor of the progress made by Reflections: Body Image Program and Fat Talk Free Week^TM.  

"It was such an honor for The Center to be recognized by the Elisa Project. It confirms that the Reflections program is having a positive impact on young women, and it is wonderful to see that Tri Delta is having a real influence, even beyond our own members, in promoting a healthy body image for women," said Jeanne Reese, president of the board for The Center for Living, Learning & Leading.

Tri Delta and The Center for Living, Learning & Leading co-developed Reflections with Carolyn Becker, Ph.D, FAED, of Trinity University, and the local sororities on that campus. Reflections not only reduces eating disorder risk factors and improves body image perceptions among participants, it also enables facilitators to gain valuable academic and leadership experience and promotes a more cohesive community of women on campus.

"The goal of Reflections is to provide evidence-based programming aimed at improving body image and preventing eating disorders in collegiate women all over North America," said Carolyn Becker. "When we launched Reflections we had no idea if this goal was possible, but we know now that we have accomplished it and more. This award is not only a true honor, but it helps us show our communities that Reflections is both valued and respected." 

Since introducing Reflections and Fat Talk Free Week^TM in 2008, Tri Delta has reached millions of women internationally through viral videos, social media, campus activism events, media exposure and more. To date, 88 college campuses across the country have participated in Reflections with another 8 campuses scheduled to participate in spring of 2011.

For more information about Reflections: Body Image Program or Fat Talk Free Week^TM, visit www.reflectionsprogram.com or www.facebook.com/fattalkfree.

Tri Delta officially adopted St. Jude as national philanthropic partner in 1999. Since then, the Fraternity has raised more than $12 million for the hospital. Members of all ages have contributed to the effort, hosting fundraising events and participating in Tri Delta's signature Sincerely Yours letter-sending campaign. In the last year, one hundred percent of Tri Delta's 137 collegiate chapters contributed to St. Jude raising over $2.7 million.

This latest pledge, $15 million in 5 years, is dedicated to naming the St. Jude Specialty Clinic.  This clinic is part of the larger outpatient clinic at St. Jude and provides space for specialists to provide expert care for specific needs. This will be the third fundraising goal Tri Delta has set for St. Jude in the past 11 years.

Past commitments include a $1 million endowment for the Patient Care Center Teen Room and $10 million to name the Tri Delta Patient Care Floor in the Chili's Care Center, both completed years ahead of schedule.

The Teen Room is a haven for patients to  spend time away  from parents, nurses, and doctors and be with  peers of   their own age. The room  is equipped with Internet, video games, stereos, board games and many lounging areas that teenagers can enjoy .  The Chili's Care Center houses major treatment and research programs for brain tumor and bone marrow transplant patients. The Tri Delta Patient Care Floor includes 18 inpatient suites with adjoining parent rooms with windows into patient rooms, private baths for the patient and their family, and two flat screen TVs.

During the celebration, Jackye Clark, Tri Delta's Fraternity President, addressed those in attendance.

"I am humbled by what each of our collegiate and alumnae chapters have accomplished for the kids at St. Jude, I could never have predicted that we would have raised thousands of dollars for St. Jude in a single school year, let alone millions."

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. St. Jude was also named the nation's top children's cancer hospital in the 2010-11 Best Children's Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, go to www.stjude.org.

Using Twitter and Facebook as communication pipelines, the students began to pool food, volunteers and resources at one of the remaining chapter houses with electricity. From there, they were able to begin providing hot meals to first-responders and survivors of the storm.

As of Friday May 5, over 52,000 hot meals were prepared and served by the students, including members of the Delta Mu chapter of Delta Delta Delta. (MSNBC interviewed Meg McCrummen, Sarah Ida Shaw Honorable Mention Recipient ).

The kitchen officially closed with the end of the semester, but the work rebuilding the Tuscaloosa community is far from over. The UA Greek Relief is now focused on donations, directly supporting the relief effort. For more information about UA Greek Relief, visit their website. Donations to the fund are being accepted online.

Hundreds of outstanding women give of their, time, talent and treasure for our sisterhood every day. Please read through the notes below to read special messages for each volunteer.

Financial Specialists

Provisions for volunteers was made for alumnae participation in the organization from the very beginning. Alumnae members have supported collegiate chapter operations as advisors, long before the term alumnae advisor came into use. Requirements for alumnae advisors was first mandated in the 1910 Rubrics of the Delta Delta Delta Fraternity, making use of the policy that had been in place long before then.

Early volunteers were key in helping to obtain housing for collegians, not only in finding rooms, but also in securing financing. They were an essential element in forming house corporations, since collegians were not of legal age to sign contracts.

Volunteers have been, and continue to be,  the backbone of Tri Delta. Without their support, we simply could not exist.

April 19 - April 23, 2010 is National Volunteer Week. For more information about how to become a volunteer for Tri Delta visit the Volunteer section of the Web site or contact Ashley Coleman, volunteer enrichment coordinator.

The Tri Delta Marketplace allowed attendees to learn about various entities within Tri Delta, including The Center for Living, Learning & Leading, National House Corporation, The Foundation and Delta Shop, among others. Volunteer Symposium attendees could visit each Marketplace table and learn about the department. After visiting all the tables, they could enter to win a Philosophy prize pack, which was among other giveaways offered throughout the weekend.

It was also a great weekend for many entities within Tri Delta. Although nearly all of the attendees were already Life Loyal members, 15 more made the pledge. Additionally, Delta Shop sold over $7,000 of merchandise, showing that it's not just our collegiate members who love great products from Delta Shop Sophie. In exciting news for the Tri Delta Foundation, they exceeded their goal and received $7,490 in pledges for the Scholarship Pledge Campaign. The Center used Volunteer Symposium to launch its newest initiative, Symbols of Sisterhood. The set includes a delta, a heart and a circle. Attendees could purchase one charm for $5 or six for $25 to share with friends. The charms were a huge success, raising over $3000 for The Center. They will soon be available for purchase through thecenter.tridelta.org.

Remember that you must be four years post graduation to serve in a volunteer position.

Financial Specialist's (FS)
We are actively seeking volunteers for both the Northeast and the Central region to serve as a financial specialist. A financial specialist shall oversee the financial activities, health and progress of specified collegiate chapter.  Most financial specialist oversee 5 chapters.

Collegiate District Officer (CDO)
The central region is currently seeking an alumna to serve as CDO for three chapters. The ideal candidate will have already served as a chapter advisor and have a solid understanding of chapter mechanics. The CDO oversees collegiate chapter management and collegiate members in her district.  As the collegiate chapter's main point of Fraternity contact, the CDO coordinates additional team support needed by the collegiate chapter. 

Alumnae Specialists (AS)
Our West and South Central regions are seeking individuals to serve as alumnae specialist. The AS assist assigned alumnae chapters and its members to ensure an engaging and relevant alumnae experience.

Alumna Advisor (AA)
Tri Delta is currently seeking members to serve as AA at the University of Florida, James Madison University and Stockton. The ideal candidate will live within 30 minutes or less of the chapter and will be able to attend both chapter meetings and standards. The alumna advisor is the chairman of the advisory team and supervises the collegiate chapter. She provides guidance and support to designated officers.  She focuses on the chapter's leadership development and the chapter's image in various communities.  She is knowledgeable in matters of positive public relations and crisis management.  She participates in the recruitment and training of new advisors and ensures that the chapter is a contributing member to the university community.

Finance and Administrative Advisor (FAA)
Tri Delta is seeking volunteers for North Carolina State and UCLA to serve in the capacity of FAA. This position can be split amongst two volunteers allowing one to focus on finance and the other to focus on the administrative piece. NC State is specifically seeking a volunteer to oversee the financial piece of this position. The finance and administration advisor is a member of the advisory team.  She provides guidance and support to designated officers.  She is knowledgeable in the accreditation process, chapter member record maintenance, Tri Delta property administration and chapter financial mechanics.  She assists with house director and National House Corporation (NHC) communication.

Lifetime Membership Advisor
The University of Texas - Austin is seeking a local alumna to serve as their Lifetime Membership Advisor (LMA). The LMA provides guidance and support to designated officers.  She provides continuity to the chapter new member orientation to alumnae membership through recruitment, member development and continuing education.  She emphasizes adherence to Fraternity policies and Tri Delta's Ritual.  She is familiar with recruitment procedures and the member development initiative.  She encourages the use of campus, community and Fraternity resources. To be considered you must be at a minimum of four years post graduation. 

American Express and TakePart have teamed up to create the Members Project, a new initiative that encourages support and volunteerism for charities around the country. Fifty charities have been selected to participate, including St. Jude. You can visit the Members Project Web site at http://www.takepart.com/membersproject/.

The 50 charities have been divided into five different categories and each week, Members Project participants can vote for the charity of their choice. Then, each quarter, the charity with the most votes in its category will receive $200,000 in funding from American Express. The nine other charities will remain in the running for the next quarter.

Join Tri Delta in supporting St. Jude by to registering and voting for St. Jude in the Health & Wellness category. Together we can help St. Jude to be one of the first charities to benefit from this initiative. You can vote once per week.  

To vote, you do not have to be an American Express cardholder, but you must register. Simply click on the "Register to Vote" button on the vote page and fill out the two-part form in which you will register with TakePart and the Members Project. Note on part two that you will need to review the participation terms and scroll down to the bottom of the terms to accept them.

After registering, simply go to the vote page, select St. Jude under Health & Wellness and cast your vote. Together we can earn $200,000 to support the research and treatment at our favorite charity: St. Jude!

Once you have cast your vote, please consider taking a moment to pass this exciting opportunity on to your sisters by e-mailing, Facebooking or Tweeting about this contest! You can also make a donation directly to St. Jude by visiting our special Tri Delta donation page.

The months that followed were miserable.  Chemotherapy took away her energy and her hair, and a rare complication nearly took her life. She spent weeks in the hospital struggling to breathe. During this troubled time, her Tri Delta sister and best friend, Annette Basham, Ball State, was her "rock." Jen said, "Annette had been downsized from her job, but she believes things happen for a reason . . . and her job loss happened so she could be there for me.  That is what a sister does."

When recovering, Jen turned to her Tri Delta sisters for help with another problem—the huge stack of bills related to her illness. She applied for and received a Crescent Fund grant from the Tri Delta Foundation.

Today, Jen is cancer-free and doing well. For more information about Crescent Fund and how to make a donation, please visit the Foundation website.

While a member of the U.S. Ski Team she received silver medals in the 2002 Paralympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, two World Cup Overall Titles in 2001 and 2002, a bronze medal in at the Paralympics in Nagano, Japan in 1998, a World Championship 2000 in Anzere, Switzerland, five World Cup titles and more than 25 World Cup medals. In 2002, she received the Most Inspirational Athlete of 2002 from Challenged Athletes Foundation and was awarded The Endurance Sports Award's Disabled Athlete of 2002. She was also honored with the IOC President's Disabled Athlete Award.

On April 2, 2011, Muffy was one of six athletes inducted into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame. Now retired from ski racing, Muffy is a motivational speaker and working on her book. Please join us as we congratulate Muffy for her successes.

Click here to read Muffy Davis' complete Woman of  Achievement profile. 

Download the press release from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame.

This training focused on familiarizing volunteers with Tri Delta's new volunteer structure, which goes into effect on Aug. 1. In addition to continued commitment to the leadership and members of alumnae chapters, this new structure will focus on engaging alumnae who are not in chapters.

One of the ways volunteers and staff hope to engage all alumnae is through philanthropy. New philanthropy-focused volunteer positions include alumnae philanthropy coordinator (APC) and alumnae philanthropy assistant (APA). These volunteers will provide assistance for alumnae chapters working with our philanthropic partner, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, as well as a focus on those who support other charitable organizations. They also hope to engage all alumnae members through events like the annual St. Jude Give thanks. Walk, which takes place in November.

Executive Board member Nicole Hughes, Washington State, who attended training, praised the volunteer team for their dedication.

"The alumnae team is focused on creating an exceptional experience for our alumnae members. Bringing this team together provided them an opportunity to collaborate with each other and with critical staff members in order to generate ideas and plans for supporting alumnae chapters and for expanding lifetime membership engagement," she said.

Executive Board member Julie Haskell, Vermont, who was also present at training, thought the weekend was productive and fulfilling.

"Alumnae volunteer training was a great opportunity for the alumnae volunteers and staff to come together face to face, to set goals, brainstorm and plan to move Tri Delta's alumnae experience forward.  This chance to form new friendships and teams and to hear and build upon the ideas and forward thinking of others was valuable time spent," she said.

The volunteer term for these women lasts two years, from August 1, 2013-July 31, 2015. If you are an alumna interested in volunteering with Tri Delta, contact Jackye Clark, Texas/Arlington, volunteer coordinator.