Fan Day 2016

Fan day was an amazing night filled with smiles, laughs, and inspiration. When the kids from the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired showed up to the DG house, the moment they walked through the door they lit up the room. Before the speaker, all the kids and chapter members were hanging out, eating, and just enjoying their time together. 

When the athletes began showed up all the little boys started to really open up and ask a lot of questions varying from, “What’s it like to play against Alabama?” to “Do you believe that someday I could be a tiger too?” While the boys were having a blast with the athletes, the little girls were drawn to the Golden Girls and cheerleaders that came. 

It seemed as though the coolest thing that happened all night was when football star, Leonard Fournette walked in. Everyone was asking for pictures and hugs. He even signed some of the boys’ shirts. I’ve never seen a boy smile as big as when his idol sat and actually had a conversation with him. 

Over all I think that fan day is the most successful event of the year, not only for DG, but for the kids at LSVI.

Delaney McNorton, Sophomore

National Ritual Celebration Week Wrap-Up

What a week! It has been so humbling and inspiring to watch my chapter of Delta Gamma celebrate ritual the way we do. It was not something orchestrated or done with much thought. It was not forced or even performed. Celebrating Gamma Zeta and our ritual this week just seemed so natural to all. It was truly a beauty in itself, to witness ritual come to life all the while celebrating that same ritual.

It was my prayer that this week eyes would be opened, hearts would be filled, minds would be inspired, and perspectives would be transformed. I hope each person involved found one thing to resonate within her always. Even if just one person walked away from this week of reminding and reflecting with a greater appreciation for ritual and what it stands for, that’s a success in my book. I believe there is power in that, for one with passion is better than none.

The other day, my Dad told me something that will stick with me forever: “Keep up the good work and realize that in a gentle way, you can shake the world.” First of all, what an amazing text message to wake up to. But also, I was in awe of the truth behind his words.

I will leave you all with the same words as National Ritual Celebration Week comes to a close. Keep on doing good, Gamma Zeta; let’s continue sharing our ritual and exploring its significance but, most importantly, living it out. Though each of us are just one of many who are a part of Delta Gamma, we know our role is heavy and calls us to live up to the values of our founders. Let us remind each other constantly of this commitment—to friendship, education, responsibility, and character. Remember that living our ritual every day is yet another gentle way of shaking the world.

I’m so glad I had the honor of preparing this week and serving Delta Gamma this year as director of rituals. Thank you to all who helped to make this week one to remember. Let the celebration continue!

-Courtney Lott, Director of Rituals, Sophomore

To Develop In Them the Best Qualities of Character

“To develop in them the best qualities of character” is the last object of Article II we will explore as National Ritual Celebration Week wraps up tomorrow. The founders definitely left this last point up to interpretation…what are the best qualities of character? This could mean something different for everyone and allows for expression of individuality; however, we also can say that if these qualities are the “best,” than these qualities will share in honoring both Delta Gamma and each other.

"My time in Delta Gamma has been short, but it has been one of the most impactful experiences in my life. I have made the best of friends. My sisters show me enthusiasm, sincerity, and hospitality always, even those who I don't get to speak to often. Someone is always ready to share a couch and a conversation in the Ritz. I have also met people whose values align with my own and people who encourage me to be my best self daily. My sisters and I hold each other accountable. We are all part of something larger than ourselves, and it is our responsibility to represent Delta Gamma together. I find that my sisters around me complete their tasks with diligence and initiative, but they are also very humble. We do the things we do not for recognition or pride, but to honor Delta Gamma and to uphold it's values. We do the things we do because we do good."

-Bailey Jones, New Initiate

"Throughout my time in Delta Gamma, I have truly seen myself grow as a person and I’ve watched my peers do the same. Delta Gamma does a wonderful job of instilling the importance of creating a true sense of self and becoming the best woman you can be which I have certainly noticed taking effect in members of my chapter. It’s almost too hard to put into words the experience of being a member of this chapter. The women in this chapter have continually helped me to grow as a person and I hope I continue to do the same for them. I am constantly learning from these women. Whether we’re bouncing ideas off of each other at JCMT meetings, or just sitting and talking about how our days went, we are always growing from each other. We strive to “develop the best qualities of character” in our members and this is truly apparent within Gamma Zeta chapter. I’ve had some rough days and my sisters have been there with words of encouragement; and I’ve had some amazing days and my sisters have also been there with words of support! The women of Delta Gamma have proven themselves to be selfless, caring women that want to Do Good for the world. We strive to become active members of our community. I know so many DGs in organizations across campus from student government to the track team who push me to become more involved at LSU and to find my passions. Gamma Zeta women are highly involved in service, and seeing their love of service makes me love it even more. We participate in service to the Delta Gamma Foundation and countless other organizations as well. One of my favorite experiences was going on a mission trip last summer with some Delta Gammas. We loved every minute of it so this year we’ve planned another one and invited more DGs to come along! Every minute of every day, we are pushing each other to be the best person we can be and I think that’s what makes Delta Gamma so special."

-Margaret Mangelli, Assistant Director of Anchor Bowl, Sophomore

"While Article II in its entirety has affected my life, the part that stands out to me the most is “to develop in them the best qualities of character.” In my opinion, this objective combines the rest of Article II with all of the values of Delta Gamma, and it is a call for each Delta Gamma woman to walk in these standards. Looking back to the beginning of my Delta Gamma experience, I believe that I was chosen to be a Delta Gamma because my values lined up with the women of this chapter. However, as I developed friendships with the older members and saw the way they lived out Article II, these values evolved into my qualities of my character that I, too, have learned to live out. Consequently, this objective carries me not only in my Delta Gamma world, but outside of it as well. In my internships, in my additional organizations, and in school, I strive to the best I can be through maintaining honesty, integrity, and diligence. In return, the greatest reward is seeing how the passing on of Delta Gamma values in my life has the same effect on the younger girls."

-Cecilia Vasquez, Junior

"I have become a more well-rounded and self-confident person because of the women of Delta Gamma. In our ritual, we state that our members strive to develop the best qualities of character. And we live up to it. This part of the ritual most impacted me when I was deciding whether to study abroad my junior year. I was extremely nervous, but my DG friends could not have shown more support and encouragement when I needed that push in the right direction. Because of them, I was able to develop the confidence to step onto that plane to England all by myself to have the most eye-opening experience of my life. I won’t ever be able to thank them enough for that. I still don’t think I realized just how much of a support network I had while I was away until I moved back into the DG house after that semester abroad. It felt like I had never left my friends and the amount of girls (that I didn’t even know knew my name) that genuinely wanted to hear about my experience was humbling - and reminded me of why I joined Delta Gamma. These women have continuously helped me become a better person."

-Kristen Shaw, Senior

Promotion of Educational & Cultural Interests

The second object of Article II states “to promote their educational and cultural interests.” As Delta Gammas, we encourage each other to achieve our academic potential through hard work, and we celebrate when a member succeeds. Gamma Zeta’s members come from so many different states, backgrounds and families. Though the culture we grow up in varies, we are able to share our stories and interests with each other and grow in respect and appreciation of our differences and individuality. 

Going into college, I knew the reason I was attending school was to get a better education and a degree in my chosen field. However, I never knew how much of an impact being a DG would have on my success in achieving this goal. The friends that I have made through DG have been the ones to stand by my side when I’m overly stressed, join me on coffee dates when I need to study and work, and encourage me to do what I need to do even when that means having to miss out on other plans. Without the girls of DG by my side, I know I would not be nearly as successful in school as I have been the past two semesters. As an out of state student, I have had my fair share of tough nights when I am missing home and needed a hug from my family. It has been the encouragement of the girls in my member class, the friends I have made through Step Show and Songfest, and the amazing upperclassmen that have given me the support that I have needed in those times to make me successful as a student, a dancer, and an extremely happy girl at LSU. I can’t thank DG enough for everything that they have done for me and the amazing experiences I have had so far. Keep doing good, ladies!

-Gabby Pantani, New Initiate

I am forever thankful that I, a super nerd, have found a home away from home through DG.  DG not only rewards members for achieving good grades (with delicious Bundt cakes and coffee, nonetheless!), but has also made the overall transition into college and college classes much smoother.  Large and intimidating classes are made much less stressful knowing that I’ll most likely have a sister in every class.  DG has also linked me with some amazing pre-law women in my sorority that I know I can count on in helping me prepare for law school.  DG was founded by three strong, educated women, and even today it bonds women with similar educational interests together to help guide each other to a much sweeter success.  My life is a happier one knowing that I have women pushing me to succeed, and celebrating my successes.

-Sam Kennedy, Director of Service

Delta Gamma promotes educational and cultural interests by inspiring girls to not only put in the time to succeed in school but too look beyond the books and see what our interests will look like in the future. Delta Gamma has encouraged me to challenge my goals, my faith, and my motives to a new level, one that will focus on using my interests and talents to help others. I am studying to become an Environmental Engineer, and Delta Gamma has promoted my involvement in my major by joining clubs outside DG, meeting girls in DG with a similar passion for the environment, and hosting study nights at the house. Additionally, the Gamma Zeta chapter pushes for a more environmentally friendly system by removing all the Styrofoam cups from the kitchen and cutting down on the amount of plastics. This supports my educational and cultural interests and also acts as a statement to the rest of the sorority. Delta Gamma is a home where you are challenged to step out of your comfort zone, encouraged to meet new people, and inspired to use your talents and interests to change the world.

-Marisa Bordes, Junior

One of my favorite lines of Article II is the one that states that one of the purposes of DG is to “promote their educational and cultural interests.” For me, this means that DG takes pride in knowing that at the end of my 4 years of college, I will have more than memories from GRUBs (and the t-shirts to match) and a swarm of new friends. DG cares that I am a well-educated and culturally informed woman ready to join the rest of the world post-graduation, which is just the kind of woman I want to be when I graduate. I see this implemented through Gamma Zeta’s Personal Interest Groups (or PIGs). Through these clubs-within-the-club, we meet and get to know fellow DGs who have the same interests as us – whether that be Harry Potter, the arts, or sports of any kind. These shared interests lead us to form the best kind of friendships. DG has allowed me to cultivate my interests, expand my horizons and have a safe place to “nerd out” with some of my closest friends who share the same interest in books, history, theater and movies as me. And that has been one of the greatest things DG has given me.

-Emily Guidroz, Senior

Fostering High Ideals of Friendship

In continuation of National Ritual Celebration Week, Gamma Zeta will be exploring our public declaration of values: Article II. The first object of the statement calls us to “foster high ideals of friendship among women.”

Our founders Mary Comfort Leonard, Eva Webb Dodd, and Anna Boyd Ellington were very intentional with this point of Article II. They wanted Delta Gamma to be a place where friendship is both highly esteemed and also enriched through a community aiming for the best. They had set a rather high standard for future generations. Although all at different times fall short of this standard, friendship and sisterhood give us the strength to recommit and remain faithful and loyal to each other even through tough times.

We are thankful that we strive for what may seem impossible—the ideal. But we would want nothing less when it comes to friendship.

Delta Gamma has completely changed my life in a matter of a few short months. I am truly honored and proud to be able to say that I am apart of an organization that has the power to change lives. Every single girl I have met has touched my life and has shaped me into the person I am today. I can honestly say that choosing Delta Gamma, as my home was the best decision I have ever made! College can be extremely tough and overwhelming sometimes but knowing that I have a safety net of over 300 sisters that truly love and support me makes college much easier. The women of the Gamma Zeta chapter at LSU welcomed me with open arms and showed me that Delta Gamma is more than just a friendship, but a sisterhood. These women accepted me for who I am and for that I am eternally grateful.

-Emily Aucoin, New Intiate

Over the past two years, I have made more friends than I could have ever imagined. Since day one, I have gone to the DG house every day – before class, lunch, after class, study nights – it is my second home. In the process, the friends I have made and the bonds that I have formed have made my college experience more rewarding than I could have ever expected. Delta Gamma is nationally recognized for its sisterhood, as well as having the best down-to-earth girls and the best sisterhood; the main reason I chose to become DG. The connections I have made with the hundreds of DGs are incredible, and I will continue to make more as long as I am a Delta Gamma. The first day of classes, I was nervous, but because I knew that DGs were in all of my classes, I felt a sense of comfort. Through the semesters, I have always had at least one DG in my classes, helping each other in our efforts to do our best. It is through these friendships that I have gained a better understanding of what it means to truly be someone’s sister. We always have each other’s back no matter what and there’s always someone to go to in times of trouble. It’s because of actions such as these that DG fosters high ideals of friendship as stated in Article II.

-Amanda Duke, Sophomore

Delta Gamma’s Article II states our core values, and it has taught me how to be a better woman each and every day. One part that always stands out to me is “to foster high ideals of friendship among women” because that is exactly what DG has shown me since day one. My sisters inspire me everyday by living out Article II and showing me how to be the best friend and sister possible in countless ways. Being a friend sounds like a simple task that any person strives for every day, but DG challenges us to be the best friend to all of our 340+ sisters. I can rely on these women to comfort me on my bad days and celebrate me on my good days. My friends have impressed me with their sincere friendship on numerous occasions with a sweet note or a small surprise “just because.” Delta Gamma pushes us to be the best versions of ourselves, and I have witnessed DGs transform into the kindest women with the biggest hearts!

My favorite part about Delta Gamma is that it has connected me to other sisters all around the country. This past summer, I was able to attend the Lewis Institute with fellow Delta Gamma’s to learn about values-based leadership. I was surrounded by outstanding women who are going to make incredible changes in their chapters, but I also made friends for life. My Lewis friends have been my greatest support system and my best advice givers! Knowing that my sisters in Alabama, Texas, New York, Kentucky, and so many other places are a text/phone call away at all times is a huge testament of the high ideals of friendship Delta Gamma upholds! I appreciate each and every one of my long-distance DG friends so much, and they embody Article II in all that they do.

Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for Delta Gamma and our values! DG has transformed me into the passionate and serving woman I am today, and I am constantly being challenged to foster high ideals of friendship among women. I am so lucky and proud to be surround by 340+ women who embody a strong sisterhood and love for DG that will last for life!

-Gianna Liantonio, President, Junior

As a senior, my time as a colligate Delta Gamma is coming to a close. Reciting Article 2 with the chapter at almost every meeting has become as engrained in my head as saying the National Anthem was in elementary school at the start of every day. The goals of this organization are stated in Article 2:

1. Foster high ideals of friendship

2. Promote educational and cultural interests

3. True sense of social responsibility

4. Develop the best qualities of character

This pledge we say may seem trivial, but it calls for each of us to strive for greatness; to be better people every day God gives us. With each day comes new challenges and hardships. Life throws you into things that you think you aren’t ready for, but because of the relationships I’ve gained through this organization I am not expected to face them alone. Being a friend, in the true sense of the word, is being there for someone when they need you. Simple statement. Difficult task. I have valued the friends that have stuck by my side, and remembered this oath I took when my friends needed me in return. We have also learned to not only stand by each other during just the difficult times, but the fun times too. I have learned that to be a good friend means you experience the good and the bad because both are equally as important. A friend takes the good, bad and the ugly and never questions. They know each other’s weaknesses and their strengths and work everyday to make each other better people. Delta Gamma pushes me everyday to be a better version of myself. But the cool thing is, Delta Gamma is 300+ women I can count on. It’s so much more than a name or Greek letters on a jersey. They challenge me everyday, and I wouldn’t be the person I am without them.

-Cat Pettus, Senior

National Rituals Celebration Week

Today kicks off National Ritual Celebration Week! In 2011, Phi Mu Fraternity initiated National Ritual Celebration Week as a way for all Greeks to pause and remember why Greek organizations are so special and different from other communities: our ritual.

The Gamma Zeta chapter of Delta Gamma is excited to celebrate the beauty of ritual and its importance in the prosperity of our sisterhood. This week, we celebrate the values and the mission our founders established long ago. Our ritual, though is a part of our rich tradition and history as a fraternity, is our daily call to action to live greater lives. Our hope is to share with the world who we are and what we stand for by making the ritual come alive in our chapter every day.

Tomorrow, March 7th, is International Badge Day. We encourage you to celebrate with us by wearing your badge as a symbol of pride, devotion, and remembrance of all that Delta Gamma is.

Throughout the week, members will reflect on the impact our chapter of Delta Gamma has had on them and share their experience living out our ritual. We hope the blog does just that and focuses on our badge and Article II in the Delta Gamma Constitution.

In 1873, our founders wrote Article II as a bold statement to the world what our fraternity values most. It inspires members of our sisterhood and is forever marked on the hearts of Delta Gammas. We recite Article II at chapter meetings and are constantly reminded of the foundation upon which our organization was built. Article II states:

The objects of this Fraternity shall be to foster high ideals of friendship among women, to promote their educational and cultural interests, to create in them a true sense of social responsibility and to develop in them the best qualities of character.

Collegians and alumnae, this week we challenge you to remember our ritual and live it out, share it, and most of all, celebrate it. For it is something special and long lasting, just like our founders had intended. It comes to mean something different to everyone. Ask yourself what that is…and celebrate it with us!

That's a Wrap!

Well, I guess that’s a wrap on National Ritual Celebration Week, and thanks for celebrating with us!

“This week, boundaries were pushed in the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Delta Gamma. Members weren’t just talking about the five midterms they had this week or the latest episode they were on of ‘FRIENDS.’ We were talking about the real stuff. Very rarely do we talk about our ritual or our values at Fun Friday or during lunch; however this week it happened. We talked about the good we do, the values we share, and the rituals we take part in every day.

Every day this week, I was reminded just how lucky I was to be a member of such an amazing chapter. I overflowed with joy when I saw women wearing their badges with pride, supporting Caroline when she released our ritual celebration video, and speaking words that brought me to tears in blog posts throughout the week. I can say with certainty that that the same values I see in the women in my chapter everyday are the same values that our organization was built on, and I couldn’t be more proud to call these women my friends and sisters.

Whether on the other side of the world, the other side of the country, or right here at the Gamma Zeta house in Baton Rouge, we celebrated. We celebrated our love for our ritual. The one thing that makes us uniquely different from every other club, team, or organization. The one thing that no one can take away from us, as Delta Gammas. The one thing that binds us to every other Delta Gamma woman across the world. We celebrated.

Our ritual is every day. Our ritual is forever. So why stop celebrating now? KEEP ON CELEBRATING!”

-Caroline Thriffiley, vp: member education

“This week was phenomenal. This week was real. This week the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Delta Gamma got pumped about our ritual!!!!

I saw numerous members wearing their badges on International Badge Day. The participation in and acceptance of the ritual video created for this week filled me with so much joy. The video has almost 500 views and has been shared amongst collegians and alumnae all over the country. Collegians wrote about Article II and the values we all share—their words perfectly described how Delta Gamma has molded us into the women we are today, and how DG continuously does that.

My wish is that this week of celebration would never end—that we wouldn’t wait to talk about our ritual and values again until Initiation or until next year’s National Ritual Celebration Week, but that this would be an everyday occurrence. Delta Gamma was founded on these values and rituals, without them we would be nothing. Amidst all the social events and philanthropy events, our ritual is the one thing that never changes. Our ritual is something we can cling to in hard times and connects us with countless women who came before us and who will go after us.

It has truly been an honor to serve as the director of rituals thus far and has been extra sweet this week. I’ve beamed with pride so many times it’s crazy. To see the love our chapter has for our ritual blows my mind. Let’s keep that love going. Let’s keep celebrating forever. Because our ritual is forever.”

-Caroline Rodrigue, director of rituals

"Do Good"

Our Founders, Mary Comfort Leonard, Eva Webb Dodd, and Anna Boyd Ellington chose the two Greek letters Delta and Gamma because of their strong desire to "Do Good." This eventually turned into our motto and remains today a driving force in all that we do. Here is what Sophomore Haley Knight had to say about our motto and what it means to live it out every single day:

"As my sweet friend Caroline, our director of rituals asked me to sit down and write something for rituals week, I was so amazed at how I didn't even have to contemplate what I would write about. To be a Delta Gamma is to want to live your life to “Do Good.” Our motto is such a simple seeming concept, yet that simplicity is what gives it this eloquence and sophistication that resonates in my heart. Doing good seems like this obvious, inherit goal for everyone, and yet there are so many times in our lives when we forget. We become selfish, wrapped up only within ourselves, and only worry about “doing well.”

Wearing my letters reminds me that if I’m not on this earth doing good for not only myself but others around me, then what am I doing? I think I’m wasting my time. Everyone wants to leave this legacy behind, whether it is in a career, a family, etc. Too often I think we forget the little legacies we leave behind every day. When you go out of your way to smile at someone frowning or open the door for that stranger carrying to many things; that is an important legacy too. Delta Gamma reminds me that I am not just here for myself. I am here to put good into this world, and to implement that good not just in just grand extravagant gestures once a year or something but through the eloquent sophistication of the simplicity of every day."

Develop in Them the Best Qualities of Character

Throughout the week, women from our chapter and from different stages in their collegiate life have explained what the points of Article II means to them. Their words have made us laugh, cry, and beam with pride for our chapter and for Delta Gamma as a whole.

To wrap up our series on Article II, we finish with the fourth point “develop in them the best qualities of character.” Delta Gamma challenges us to do more, say more, and be more than we ever could have imagined, and I believe that this comes from the fourth point of Article II. As a chapter, Gamma Zeta prides ourselves on our need to continue to grow—as friends, as students, as members of society, and most importantly, as women. We strive to be women who are loyal, confident, generous, and genuine. We strive to be women who people know are the real deal and have a passion for life, Gamma Zeta, and Delta Gamma.

“At our very first new member meeting, I came to a harsh realization: I was clueless concerning all things Delta Gamma. For example, I was confused as to what Gamma Zeta was ….I thought I had received a bid from Delta Gamma. But more importantly, I was puzzled about Article II. Had I been daydreaming and missed Article I? As our member class began reciting the words, a particular phrase stood out to me: the promise that Delta Gamma will help sisters ‘develop in them the best qualities of character.’ The promise that Delta Gamma will draw out and improve upon every individual’s positive traits sounded somewhat impractical. However, I am here to testify that this could not be truer. I have found that all of my Delta Gamma sisters are so uniquely beautiful and strong. Some of the traits I have noticed in my sisters include: sincerity, fearlessness, confidence, determination, generosity, and kind-heartedness. Constantly being around my fabulous sisters has allowed me to begin developing these qualities as well. Further, the lack of division between the member classes has given me countless role models who constantly challenge me to grow as an individual. It is so special and rare that I can constantly be surrounded by such a unique environment. So although I still don’t know why it is not referred to as Article I, I do know that the statement ‘Delta Gamma will help sisters develop the best qualities of character’ is completely accurate.”

-Sydney Walker, freshman

“’Developing in them the best qualities of character’ is my favorite part of Article II because it really hits home for me. I can honestly say that since becoming a member of the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Delta Gamma, I have grown as a woman and learned more about myself than I thought possible, simply because of the amazing women I am surrounded by each and every day. Delta Gamma has shown me what it means to be a true friend and sister. Whether it’s being a shoulder to cry on, the smile that brings joy to someone’s day, or the voice of reason in an important decision, DG’s truly embody and portray their best qualities in every aspect of life. DG has allowed me to come out of my shell and be vulnerable, which has resulted in the best friendships I could ever ask for. With our strong values and goal-oriented lifestyles, DG inspires its members to become more compassionate and grateful in everything that they do. I feel so blessed to be a part of an organization that emphasizes the importance of being your best self and encouraging other people to do the same.”

-Nicole Rinaudo, sophomore, director of banners

“Caroline never fails to give warm, tight hugs every time I see her. Her heart loves others with that same comforting commitment. Libby runs marathons which is ironic because along with her body, her joy and kindness never grow weary. What stands out about Aimee is her deep compassion for others in the community and the light she shines everywhere she goes. Marisa has the gift of an encouraging heart. She knows how to listen and to love people right where they are.

My favorite part of Article II says, ‘to develop in them the best qualities of character.’ This part is my favorite because I love to call out the good in people and I think Delta Gamma does too. Delta Gamma overflows with all of the best qualities of character and that's because it draws out the best. I could go on for days listing all of the positive truths about each woman I've met through DG, but what really proves Article II to me is that each person is always stepping forward into growth.

Delta Gamma teaches us that there is always more to learn, more to improve, and more to do for others. Delta Gamma says ‘do good,’ not ‘we're good.’ We know that our work is never finished individually or as a chapter; there is always more. We're hungry to grow and this is what ‘developing the best qualities of character’ means to me. Delta Gamma removes the guidelines and simply teaches us to do good, to see the good, and to draw out the good in each other.”

-Emily Huynh, junior

“I have adapted the values of Article II as my personal values in my every day life. The part of Article II that speaks most to me is ‘develop in them the best qualities of character.’ I am a firm believer you are not the same person when you join Delta Gamma to the end of your collegiate years into your alumnae life. I can see this in my sisters and myself. Delta Gamma changes you for the good and guides you to be the best version of yourself and to always ‘do good.’ Looking back over these past four years, I can honestly say Delta Gamma has made me the woman that I am today, and I could never thank DG enough for that. For me Article II embodies the private ritual of our Fraternity and our opportunity to share it in a public way.”

- Katelyn Gross, senior

Keep on celebrating!!

Written by: Caroline Rodrigue, director of rituals & Caroline Thriffiley, vp: member education

Creating a True Sense of Social Responsibility

We hope everyone is doing well so far with Midterms! In continuing with breaking down the four main points of Article II for National Rituals Celebration Week, the third point we're going to talk about about today is creating a true sense of social responsibility. Here’s what a few members of Gamma Zeta had to say about the third point:

“To me, social responsibility means everyone plays a role in society and is equally important and responsible in building up and maintaining their respective community. This reflects the idea that every individual is essential to the whole.

At Delta Gamma, we believe that each person has something to give and bring to our chapter. Everyone is able to be a leader, officially or unofficially, and make an impact on the world surrounding us by her active contribution. Because of social responsibility, the actions of one significantly affect all. Delta Gamma, therefore, stresses that we are always wearing our letters. We recognize the importance of wearing our letters with pride and integrity because not only are we proclaiming where we belong,  but we also are announcing we share in and believe Delta Gamma’s values. The way the Gamma Zeta chapter upholds Delta Gamma’s creating a true sense of social responsibility is with interdependence. We rely on each other for support, for accountability, and for inspiration; it is our responsibility as sisters to remind one another the way we act, speak, think, and live reflects not only our character but the character and identity of all Delta Gamma. Although the unfortunate work of one can cause a lacking sisterhood not at its best, one may also transform Delta Gamma to its true potential, thriving when all decide to do good individually and collectively. And through this, we fully grow and understand a true sense of social responsibility not just in Delta Gamma but additionally in the world we live.”

-Courtney Lott, freshman

“Creating a true sense of social responsibility is something that DG has greatly improved in me in the last year and a half. Delta Gamma has given me many opportunities to be an active member of society. My favorite one of those opportunities is visiting the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired. Every week I try to take advantage of the chance to learn more about those kids and help them in any way possible. Before Delta Gamma I was afraid to go to any social events without someone I knew. Now I know that no matter where I go, I will always find a sister. Through LSVI, Delta Gamma has changed the lives of so many grateful kids and it has also instilled in me a new confidence that wasn’t there before.”

-Taylor Smith, sophomore

“When you hear the term ‘socially responsible’ what do you think of? For me, I can think of multiple statements that express what it means to be socially responsible. Through my two and a half years as a member of Delta Gamma, I have learned what being responsible truly means. It is knowing when to say no to your friends when they want to hang out and you have a test the next day. It is accepting that sometimes things do not always go your way; therefore, you must be accepting and understanding of the outcome. It is being able to get out of bed in the middle of the night when a family member or friend is experiencing something traumatic and needs a shoulder to lean on. It is learning when to listen and not to speak. It is standing for what you believe in and not letting the view of others put you down. However, in the end, being responsible is learning how to take the experience you’ve gained and memories that you have lived through and learn from your mistakes to make the best version of yourself. That is something that Delta Gamma has taught me and this will be something that I cherish for the rest of my life.”

- Jeannie Vicari, junior, honor board: junior

“I believe that ‘creating a true sense of social responsibility’ means that DG molds (not changes) a girl into a woman who upholds values and respects herself. In other words, DG took the irresponsible 18-year-old me and helped her to grow into a true lady who is aware of her actions, along with consequences. Don't get me wrong, my mom still says ‘free living’ is right up my alley and I still have much more maturing to do, but I'm only 21. How Delta Gamma upholds the statement ‘creating a true sense of social responsibility’ will forever resonate in me, because the chapter has challenged me to be the best version of myself. I still possess a carefree attitude, but I now have a true sense of who I am and my character because of DG. I am who I want to be.”

- Allison Herrera, senior