Still, there were hopes the virus would dissipate by June. "Several other NPC groups weighed the same pros and cons—two groups had their 150th anniversary celebrations on the line," said Lee. "In true Panhellenic spirit, the Council Presidents kept in close contact as the situation progressed." As the death toll in North America reached nearly 3,000 in early April, it became clear the pandemic wasn't going away anytime soon. International Council made the decision to cancel the in-person event in Phoenix and move the most crucial aspects online. "IHQ Staff and volunteers immediately pivoted focus," said Executive Director, Katie Jolley Abernathy, Delta Theta– University of Idaho. "There were so many moving parts to consider. Logistics, technology and the security implications of conducting Fraternity business—and possibly Ritual—over the internet all had to be reimagined." Virtual town hall-style discussions and online voting replaced the in-person business meeting and, ultimately, all six of the ® proposed resolutions were passed by August. This included the removal of operational titles for International Council Vice Presidents. The installation of the 2020-22 International Council took place via Zoom in July and award ceremonies were broadcast later that month. Speakers and programming were reimagined into podcast guests, blog posts and articles for the Spring issue of the Quarterly.
“While the current state of reality keeps us physically separated, we know the bonds of sisterhood extend beyond physical distance.” INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT LEE WOODHAM LANGUB IN AN EMAIL TO REGISTRANTS AND VOTING DELEGATES
A group of more than 2,200 sisters from all over the world shared thoughts and memories in an unofficial "Stay at Home Convention" Facebook group. Group members enjoyed sharing photos and memories while reading daily snippets from Managing Director Lindsay Jarman, Gamma Zeta–University of Memphis, of what would have taken place in Phoenix each day—both out front and behind the scenes. Alumnae Initiates participated in the virtual service held for more than 900 collegiate new members who had to leave school before they were Initiated. Though it was anything but conventional, sisters were still able to celebrate as their chapters won awards, reminisce on past conventions and make the most of a more-than-sociallydistanced time together. The missed in-person connections and anticipation of Louisville in 2022 will make a Convention you will not want to miss.
20 Alpha Gamma Delta Quarterly
Andrea