International President's Viewpoint

After a long four years, Alpha Gams finally gathered together this summer in Louisville for Convention. What an amazing event! While a recap of Convention can be found in this issue of the Quarterly, I wanted to share with all of you an edited version of my remarks after the installation of the current International Council:

“Four years ago, I stood before the Convention body in my first moments as International President. My first comment was, 'This is surreal.' And was it ever! I remain ever honored and humbled by the opportunity.

I could not have imagined all that would take place in the world over the past four years that would impact Alpha Gamma Delta. I knew we had a strong foundation. I knew we had talented and committed volunteers and staff. I knew there were some things that we needed to thoughtfully respond to – such as a shift in college enrollment that had already begun, generational changes and needs of our collegiate and alumnae membership.

And then the world stopped. And the world got heavy. Fear and doubt crept in. People we loved were lost. Physical connection to one another became fraught. There were some days it was hard to find hope.

I know COVID-19 is still very present, but how we operate in the world has changed. What I believe has not changed, however, is the importance of being connected. The connection to one another that Alpha Gam allows, and the support she provides, is what made the difference for many of us over the past few years. I know it has for me. I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for our sisters on International Council.

I want to acknowledge our collegiate sisters. I am so in awe of you. You’ve had to pivot and shift the sorority experience many of us have known, maintaining the importance of connection and support in a virtual environment.

For our alumnae sisters, I’d like to acknowledge your creativity. Whether you hosted or participated in virtual International Reunion Day, happy hours, cooking classes, Facebook groups, or even a virtual convention two years ago, you’ve shown that connection and support can be fostered and maintained in a virtual environment.

And for our Volunteer Service Team, I want to acknowledge the willingness to try new things, like virtual Initiation, remote advising support, video conferencing, or zoom-based philanthropic events for the Alpha Gam Foundation. You’ve shown that Alpha Gam means enough to you to keep working to find solutions to keep us connected.

Each of you showed up for Alpha Gam. You made the difference. I hope you know in Alpha Gam that you are embraced for who you are. I hope you feel and know that there is a powerful connection between all of us, thanks to our Purpose and the Ritual we are called to live out. I hope you know that all of us have the power to make Alpha Gamma Delta the support system we all need and one of the best sorority experiences possible.

I know there will be more challenges in store, but sisterhood - our Alpha Gamma Delta sisterhood - will see us through.”

Loyally in epsilon pi,

Dr. Lee Woodham Langub International President Gamma Alpha–University of Georgia