The Trident - Fall 2024

THE TRIDENT

Fall 2024

The Official Publication Of Tri Delta Fraternity FALL 2024



ALSO INSIDE  Tri Delta Now Get the latest in Tri Delta news  The Chain of Kindness Meet two of our Tri Delta’s Foundation scholarship winners This Is Home Find out how Tri Delta Housing creates homes for today’s college student  Pride Show off your true colors with silver, gold and blue merchandise

Yesterday & Today

T

ri Delta recently received a photo circa 1944 of the Phi Chapter new member class at the University of Iowa for our archives—just in time to welcome Phi Chapter’s new member class of 2024!

CONTENTS Fall 2024

The Trident

ON THE COVER

Are we ready for the next generation?

Discover the roles we all can play in helping the next generation see the value of sorority membership.

P. 16 DEPARTMENTS

2

Founders’ Day Proclamation

3

Three

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Tri Delta Now

14 Historically Speaking 30 Perpetual Bond of Friendship

33 Empowered 34 In Memoriam 36 Kind Alike to All 40 This Is Home 44 Brave, Bold & Kind

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Story Interior Design: Sisterhood Sparked a Thriving Business Learn how shared values evolved into a successful design business for three Tri Delta alumnae.

45 Pride Look for this icon to discover the impact made possible by donors to Tri Delta’s Foundation.

When you see this icon, you can hear more on the Let’s Talk Tri Delta podcast.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

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Fall 2024 Volume 134

EDITORIAL Interim CEO Editor-in-Chief

Mindy Tucker, Southern Methodist Managing Editor

Meredith Fleming Bergquist, Texas/Arlington Sr. Director of Marketing and Creative

Brandy Lane Darrow, Southern Methodist Content Writer

Lisa Feren Archivist

Beth Dees Applebaum, Texas Christian Design

Tria Designs The Trident of Delta Delta Delta is published annually and is $10 per issue by Delta Delta Delta, 14951 North Dallas Parkway, Ste. 500, Dallas, Texas 75254.

Copyright ©2024 by Delta Delta Delta.

All rights reserved.

MAILING POLICY: The Fraternity respects the privacy of its members.

Mailing lists are shared only with vendors of Executive Board-approved Fraternity programs. These vendors sign an agreement prohibiting the sale of the mailing list.

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The Trident of Delta Delta Delta, the official publication of Tri Delta Fraternity, has been published continuously since 1891. Its mission is to reflect the lifetime membership experience while sharing the stories of our brave, bold and kind sisters.

It also aims to provide a connection to Tri Delta for members of all ages, to bring the shared values of Tri Delta to life and to showcase Tri Delta as a premier women’s organization.

HOW TO RECEIVE THE TRIDENT

Collegiate members receive The Trident through payment of Fraternity dues to their chapters.

Individual copies are mailed to each undergraduate member’s permanent address, and one copy is sent to each collegiate chapter president.

Alumnae members receive The Trident print edition through payment of annual dues to an alumnae chapter, by being an Active at-large member with Silver or Gold level benefits, or by being a Life Loyal member and adding Silver or Gold level benefits. All Golden Circle alumnae also receive The Trident print edition.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS

Visit tridelta.org, log in to My Tri Delta and edit your personal information. You may also call (817) 633-8001 or send by mail to Delta Delta Delta, 14951 North Dallas Parkway, Ste. 500, Dallas, Texas 75254.

HOW TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITORIAL TEAM

We welcome your comments, both positive and negative, about The Trident.

Send letters to the editorial team at trident@trideltaeo.org or by mail.

Please include your name, school and Initiation year.

The Trident reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

Dear sisters, The world today is significantly more complex than it was in 1888, and yet our open motto is just as powerful today as it was at our founding—our steadfast love for each other endures when so much else falls away. We celebrate each other’s successes and share in moments of joy, while also standing together with unwavering support during life’s storms and sorrows.

So much has changed since our founding, but our perpetual bonds of friendship are as important as ever.

While our Founders may not have fully realized the lasting impact of what they started 136 years ago, I believe they would be incredibly proud of how Tri Delta has grown into a strong and thriving sisterhood that extends far beyond the collegiate years. They would marvel at the way we love and support each other today and how our bonds of friendship persist through reunions, alumnae chapter events and Conventions—but also through Zoom chats, social media posts and text messages. They would see that while Tri Delta has changed and adapted with the times, it has always kept at its center the Purpose and ideals they so lovingly created.

It has been more than 30 years since I joined Tri Delta, yet I continue to be inspired by the story of our Founders and their clear vision and purpose. No matter where you are or which chapter you call home, we are united by this special shared history and the treasure of our Tri Delta membership.

As we celebrate our 136th Founders’ Day, let us pause to reflect on the legacy of steadfast love and enduring friendship our Founders passed down to us. Let their powerful charge to steadfastly love each one another continue to shape our lives and serve as an inspiration for generations to follow. As your Fraternity President, it is my sincere hope that the radiant glow of our special Tri Delta sisterhood will fill each of you with joy and shine brightly for all to see.

Delta Love,

HOW TO GET PUBLISHED

All Tri Deltas are encouraged to submit news and stories to The Trident. Tell us about your accomplishments, events and experiences, and please include photographs. Send stories and photos online through the Submit News tile on My Tri Delta or via email or mail. If submitting photos online or by email, please submit as high-resolution.

Elizabeth Howard DiMartino, Boston Fraternity President Scan to read Elizabeth’s 2024 Founders’ Day Proclamation in full.

Three

187

We are digging into the numbers with three fast facts about Tri Delta today.

It was a recordsetting primary recruitment at the University of Arkansas, with 187 new members joining Delta Iota Chapter in fall 2024. That’s the largest new member class size in Tri Delta history!

Initiation for the founding class of our Epsilon Omega Chapter

Tri Delta established one new chapter in 2024 on the campus of Kenyon College!

Epsilon Omega Chapter was installed in the spring 2024 with a founding class of 33 members.

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91% Young alumnae from Dallas, Texas, for an evening out together

Almost all the respondents to our 2024 collegiate membership survey say they plan to stay active in Tri Delta as alumnae members.

www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

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Tri Delta Now

Our 2024 Women of Achievement

This year, we are proud to have honored three exceptional Tri Delta alumnae— women who have made an impact in their communities, broken barriers in their careers and left a lasting mark on the world.

EP. 145

Maureen Kempston Darkes, Toronto, is

a pioneering automotive executive, trailblazer and attorney. She has earned numerous honors and awards around the world, including induction into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame and the Automotive Hall of Fame, thanks to her distinguished career at General Motors.

Maureen is a long-time advocate for women. In 1983, she co-founded the General Motors of Canada National Women's Advisory Council. It serves as a forum for addressing women’s concerns about work-life balance and barriers to their success and to challenge the corporation to support women’s career advancement. Under her leadership, the Council has been instrumental in opening doors for women.

“I very much believe that corporations need to create an environment where everyone can fully contribute,” Maureen shared. “I think it's important that we create a culture within the company that no matter how similar or how different you are, you can really contribute to the fullest extent of your abilities.”

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Sandy Beach Lin, Toledo, leverages

40 years of C-suite and global company operating credentials, a history of business achievement and a commitment to technology and innovation to successfully grow companies.

After what Sandy calls a “lightning bolt of inspiration” in high school as part of Junior Achievement, she committed to building a successful career—which she did in executive roles at Honeywell, Alcoa, Avery Dennison and Celanese and as Chief Executive Officer of Calisolar Inc. Her devotion to JA endures, serving many years on the national board and now on the board of the Achievement Foundation.

Sandy is also deeply committed to creating gender parity in all leadership levels of corporations.

She is an original founder of the Paradigm for Parity Coalition.

In their 8 years of work, they have built the coalition to 150 companies and organizations,

including Bank of America, Coca-Cola and Hershey, who have committed to creating gender parity in their leadership.

A dedicated Tri Delta volunteer, Sandy served on the board of Tri Delta Housing and three terms on Tri Delta’s Executive Board, an experience she calls “life-changing.”

She brought her high-level finance expertise to Tri Delta as the founding chair of the Enterprise Finance Committee and continues to offer valuable advice to Tri Delta in financial and businessrelated matters.

EP. 146

www.tridelta.org

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Tri Delta Now

EP. 147

Dedicated social entrepreneur, educator and HIV/AIDS advocate, Brooke Wurst,

Pennsylvania,

has pioneered impactful initiatives to empower communities worldwide.

Brooke is the founder of the TRIAD Trust, an HIV/AIDS education and training non-governmental organization operating in remote regions of sub-Saharan Africa and Haiti. She introduced RemoteID, a groundbreaking biometric-based mobile identity access management platform tailored for low-resource settings. It is a prime example of how technology, when used correctly, can be a facilitator of kindness within a community.

“Too often we think about technology dehumanizing interaction between two people, like a provider and a patient.”

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Brooke explained. “Think of care as a subset of kindness: increasing that access is important because whenever we can remove barriers to care, it allows kindness to flow.”

In 2009, Brooke established Remote Harbor to scale the impact of RemoteID globally. Brooke holds patents for her inventions and actively champions equityfocused social impact. In 2022, she co-founded Raise Partners, an organization providing strategic and technical advisory support.

To nominate a Tri Delta for this recognition, visit the Distinguished Deltas page on tridelta.org.

CALENDAR 11.12.24

Tri Delta’s Day of Giving 2024

ECHOES @trideltabrenau

11.27.24

Founders’ Day/Thanksgiving Eve

12.01.24

Deadline for chapter development consultant (CDC) applications

01.14.25

Personal & professional development session (Silver and Gold level benefit)

03.01.25

Deadline to apply for undergraduate scholarships

03.02.25

Volunteer Service Award nominations due

03.28-30.25

Collegiate Leadership Conference in Irving, Texas

4.01.25

Deadline to apply for graduate scholarships

04.08.25

ALPHA EPSILON, BRENAU

Happy International Badge Day!!! #tridelta #deltalove #internationalbadgeday

Personal & professional development session (Silver and Gold level benefit)

@aspen.gupton

07.08.25

THETA BETA, COLORADO

Personal & professional development session (Silver and Gold level benefit)

Grateful to have attended Tri Delta’s 61st biennial convention & meet so many amazing women.

07.11-13.25

Volunteer Leadership Conference in Irving, Texas

@tridelta

@tridelta

TriDeltaEO www.tridelta.org

@tridelta Fall 2024

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Tri Delta Now Callie Heckman giving remarks to fellow collegiate officers at CLC 2024

ALPHA RHO, GEORGIA

Caroline “Callie” Heckman

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Sarah Ida Shaw Award 2024

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Named after our beloved Founder, the Sarah Ida Shaw Award stands as Tri Delta’s most prestigious individual collegiate honor. Our recipients are not only leaders but also role models, both on their campuses and within their communities. They embody the core values of Tri Delta, demonstrating selfless leadership, fostering strong sisterhood bonds and promoting unity within their chapters.

This year’s Sarah Ida Shaw Award committee was impressed by each of the women who were nominated by their collegiate chapters. “It was inspiring to read about some of Tri Delta’s incredible young leaders, which resulted in confirming our pride in our membership and our excitement about the Fraternity’s future.”

In April at Collegiate Leadership Conference in Irving, Texas, we celebrated our 2024 Sarah Ida Shaw Award winner Caroline “Callie” Heckman, Georgia.

Her outstanding leadership, academic excellence and unwavering commitment to community engagement make her a deserving recipient of the award.

Callie champions empathy as the cornerstone of her leadership approach. Following tragic events in the Panhellenic community at the University of Georgia, she dedicated herself to fostering a supportive environment within her chapter, implementing mental

Ernestine Block Grigsby Award 2024

"I make it abundantly clear that I am here for all the members, no matter the time or place.”

health education initiatives, providing a listening ear to members at any time and ensuring that every member feels supported and valued. She shared, “I have opened up my personal time to talk to members about anything that weighs heavy on their hearts— whether that is adjusting to college life, struggling with mental health or needing someone to just listen—I make it abundantly clear that I am here for ALL the members, no matter the time or place.”

Academically, Callie has overcome significant challenges to maintain a 4.0 average while prioritizing the well-being of her peers. Transitioning to a new environment at school, she navigated feelings of isolation by building a network of friends. Through this experience, Callie learned the importance of prioritizing kindness, believing that academic success is inseparable from personal growth and community support.

Her chapter president wrote of Callie, “Her kindness does not discriminate as she leads with grace and humility; she is never boastful despite her incredible accomplishments.”

Callie studies economics with an emphasis in business analytics, consulting and public policy. She also has a certificate in legal studies and is minoring in classical culture. In her acceptance speech, Callie said, “The gift that Tri Delta has given us is a group of women to make the impossible possible, the complicated simple and foster the genuine female friendship that will keep us moving forward. It is up to us to continue to cultivate these precious relationships that will carve our path ahead. We must remind each other of all the reasons we are important to one another, emphasize just how loved we all are and celebrate the differences that fuel our individuality.

“It only feels right to end this with the same words I end every chapter meeting with back in Georgia: Be kind to yourself, be kind to one another and you deserve the love so many people are willing to give.”

The Ernestine Block Grigsby Award is presented by Tri Delta’s Executive Board each biennium to an alumna member who, through her loyalty and dedication to Tri Delta, has given outstanding service to her local alumnae chapter. This year’s winner has contributed innovative ideas and deep commitment to her chapter, even as a very young alumna, helping the chapter grow and thrive.

Katie Gentry became involved with the Phoenix Valley Arizona Alumnae Chapter right after her graduation from the University of Denver. She has served in a number of leadership roles, improving the chapter and its processes in each role she has held. Among her accomplishments, Katie has upped their communications game considerably.

The chapter’s monthly online newsletter distribution list has grown by more than 300 people to a total of almost 1400 alumnae recipients, with an average open rate of 52%. In the fall of 2023, Katie created an email series to reach out to all Phoenix-area Tri Deltas, bringing the chapter 18 new members! Her nominator shares, “Katie is the first person to do whatever she can to assist her sisters in every possible way! She truly is the heart and soul of the chapter.”

In her acceptance speech at Tri Delta’s 61st Biennial Convention, Katie remarked, “Receiving this award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective efforts of everyone who has supported me. It is a reminder of the importance of giving back, of lifting others as we climb and of making a positive impact in our community. I am committed to continuing this legacy of service, leadership and excellence, and to upholding the values that Tri Delta represents.”

Congratulations to Katie and thank you to all our dedicated volunteers. Our sisterhood is better because of your self-sacrifice and friendship!

Katie Gentry and Fraternity President Megan Shaw James, Millsaps

www.tridelta.org

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Congratulations to Tri Delta on raising

$100 million in 25 years!

St. Jude patient

Adalyn

Thank you, Tri Delta! We are proud to recognize you as our Official St. Jude Partner of Kindness.

Because of your legacy of dedication and support, families treated at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live. And together, we won’t stop until no child dies from cancer.

stjude.org/tridelta © 2024 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (MCC-29002)

Tri Delta Now

ARTICULATION

→

Uncovering the Good Girl Revolution

By Brandy Lane Darrow, Southern Methodist Sr. Director of Marketing and Creative Women Rising is a media company founded by alumna Sara Hirsh Bordo, Texas Christian, creating award-winning documentary films including “A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story,” “ProtectHer” and “Tightly Wound.”

EP. 152 Highlighted in our summer 2019 issue, Sara is now devoting her energy and passion to delving into the “good girl revolution” and the current societal conditioning that often silences women and discourages them from advocating for their health. She has seen first-hand how vital empowerment is to women’s well-being, compelling her to continue her mission of women championing women in a unique way.

In 2019, Sara began to face her own self-neglecting, repressive conditioning from childhood, after living with Hashimoto’s disease—an autoimmune disease—for over 17 years. Autoimmunity is described as the immune system attacking itself, unable to distinguish between the good and bad cells. Autoimmune diseases seem to be rising at a rate higher than those of breast cancer and heart disease combined, and with 100+ autoimmune diseases on record, women are consistently receiving 80% of the total diagnoses.

“My work as a documentarian and patient led me to attempt to identify my own underlying factors,” Sara shares. “During a relapse in late 2019, I began studying my own health history, including outside triggers and/or trauma and subsequent personal choices, as well as commonalities of fellow autoimmune-diagnosed women from focus groups and surveys I conducted independently. What I My work as a observed over and over again was documentarian that we had all been raised as ‘good’ and patient led me to girls, empowered to caretake, but disempowered to safely have and attempt to identify my express our own needs.” own underlying factors.”

Without a single cure for any autoimmune disease, researchers are now attempting to identify potential underlying factors, with support from organizations like Sara’s. In 2023, Women Rising partnered with research firm Proof Insights to field the very first sociological survey that explores the intersection of empowerment and autoimmunity in American women.

Former United States Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona notes, “This survey is a call to action for allies and the medical community alike, inviting us to listen, learn and advocate for a more equitable healthcare landscape for women.

Lifting up women will affect their health outcomes and those of their families. We are fortunate that Sara has taken on this exploration to inform us all.”

Study results—an enlightening look at how girlhood affects the way women receive care, take care of themselves and advocate for themselves in womanhood— were released by Women Rising earlier this year.

“When I started to give myself permission to self-prioritize, I changed the course of my own health,” Sara reflects. She hopes the learnings from this research give other women the information, power and permission to take control of their own health and well-being.

2025 CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES

25 ALUMNAE

Heart of Texas

5/10/2000

COLLEGIATE

Gamma Chi/Denver 10/28/2000 Gamma Psi/Wofford 11/11/2000

50 COLLEGIATE

Beta Sigma/Virginia

9/27/1975

75 ALUMNAE

San Fernando Valley, California 6/1/1950 Monroe, Louisiana 10/1/1950 Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County, Florida 11/29/1950

100 ALUMNAE

Tulsa, Oklahoma Houston, Texas

4/1/1925 11/1/1925

COLLEGIATE

Delta Upsilon/ Ohio Wesleyan

3/28/1925

125 ALUMNAE

Ann Arbor, Michigan

1/1/1900

COLLEGIATE

Pi/California/Berkeley 4/14/1900

For the key findings from Autoimmunity and the “Good Girls,” visit womenrising.com. www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

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Tri Delta Now

Tri Delta’s 2024-2026 Boards Render Willing Service The Tri Delta enterprise is led by the strategic visionaries serving on Tri Delta’s three boards.

Their foresight and enduring support ensure Tri Delta’s vitality now and into the future.

Tri Delta’s boards for the 2024-2026 biennium were nominated by the 2022-2024 Leadership Cultivation and Selection Committee (LCSC), and the Executive Board was ratified by the voting body at our 61st Biennial Convention in July of this year. As a body elected by Tri Delta’s membership, the LCSC recognizes how essential it is to listen to members about what they want to see in Fraternity leadership. This biennium, the LCSC gathered views from members, volunteers, staff and key stakeholders through a survey and many conversations about Tri Delta’s future needs, strategic goals and objectives.

EXECUTIVE BOARD Tri Delta’s Executive Board oversees all Fraternity operations.

Comprised of Tri Delta members and structured to ensure that all viewpoints are considered in decision-making, our Executive Board is devoted to making sure the Fraternity continues to be a viable, premier women’s organization. The Executive Board is accountable for everything the organization is, everything it does and everything it achieves. The women who make up the Executive Board are called to exercise their responsibilities by having strategic conversations to position Tri Delta for success today and in the future.

Left to right: Catherine Hernandez-Blades, Louisiana/Lafayette; Leah Clelland Jochim, Ottawa; Vice Chair Sue Snell Gorman, Michigan State; Fraternity President Elizabeth Howard DiMartino, Boston; Libby Leffler Hoaglin, California/Berkeley; Stacey Dickenson Cox, Southern Methodist.

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FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Tri Delta’s Foundation is led by a dedicated Board of Trustees committed to assisting our members "in every possible way” by raising funds to provide scholarships, grant emergency financial assistance and support transformational programming.

Left to right: Michelle Popp Shimberg, Florida; Lenora Oeters, Cincinnati; Sandra Shook Fery, Idaho; Ashley Baskerville, Cal State/Long Beach; Vice Chair April Mathis Voris, Alabama; Chair Dr. Diane Petersen, Ohio Wesleyan; Treasurer Susanne Wasson, Oklahoma State; Meg Bock Severino, South Florida; Julie Coffman Doss, Texas A&M; Crystal White Blaylock, Cal State/Long Beach; Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne, Pennsylvania. Not pictured: Julia Sircar, Southern California.

We are thrilled with the addition of these leaders and look forward to “smooth sailing and clear skies” for all our boards in the biennium ahead!

HOUSING BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Tri Delta Housing Board of Directors is responsible for mapping strategic direction and implementing action for Tri Delta’s properties across North America.

Left to right: Deborah Rowe, Cal State/Long Beach; Caroline Chin Goldwater, James Madison; Dr. Tim Miller, Theta Chi Fraternity; Chair Nicole Hughes, Washington State; Pamela Berra Swafford, Knox; Stephanie McLemore Morris, Arkansas; Lisa Lalande Heath, Louisiana State.

To refer yourself or someone you know for board service in Tri Delta, visit the Leadership Cultivation & Selection Committee page on tridelta.org.

www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

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Historically Speaking

Sarah’s Cousin Becomes a Sister

Beth Dees Applebaum, Texas Christian →By Fraternity Archivist

When Tri Delta’s Theta Psi chapter was installed at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 1938, its new initiates included an alumna with connections to Tri Delta’s founding. Helen Newell Davis, a patroness of the petitioning local group Omega Phi Delta, was one of the first members initiated in honor of her support of the local group. But Helen had another connection to Tri Delta. She was a cousin of Founder Sarah Ida Shaw!

Family ties The connection begins with two sisters, Eliza and Sophia Poynton, who made the long sea journey from England to the United States in 1858. The two then traveled from New York to Missouri, joining family friends in St. Louis and supporting themselves as seamstresses. In 1863, both sisters married: Eliza to Edwin Shaw and Sophia to John McCowan. A few years later, Eliza and Sophia both had daughters: Eliza and Edwin’s daughter, Sarah Ida, who would later found Tri Delta, and John and Sophia’s daughters, Helen and Leila.

Edwin Shaw moved his family from St. Louis to Boston in the 1870s to join his father’s growing construction business.

John, a St. Louis grocery store owner, passed away in 1869, leaving Sophia to raise her two girls. Her daughter Helen married George Newell, and the Newells made their home in El Paso. Though distance made visits difficult, cousins Helen and Sarah kept in touch with frequent letters.

Helen Newell Davis, cousin of Founder Sarah Ida Shaw

Eliza and Sophia Poynton entries on the ship manifest for their arrival in New York.

(NARA image from Ancestry.com)

Invitation to the reception honoring Theta Psi’s installation.

Mary Kelly Quinn, chapter faculty sponsor, and Helen Newell Davis, patroness, were two of the alumnae initiates at Theta Psi’s installation.

With them is Frances Smith Stevens, Hollins, from Tri Delta’s El Paso Alumnae Chapter.

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A new chapter is chartered In 1925, Esther Darbyshire MacCallum, Baker, helped found the local sorority Omega Phi Delta with two other Tri Delta alumnae at what is now UTEP with the hopes that the group could eventually petition the Fraternity for membership. When Esther recruited patronesses for the sorority, she included her friend Helen Newell Davis, daughter of Sarah’s cousin Helen. Davis, who had attended Texas Woman’s University, was delighted to help sponsor the new sorority.

The group was one of the first sororities on campus and was extremely successful over the next 13 years. In April 1938, Omega Phi Delta received word that their recent petition to Tri Delta for membership was granted as Tri Delta’s 50th Anniversary Chapter! Helen Davis was one of three alumnae initiates when Omega Phi Delta was installed as Theta Psi Chapter of Tri Delta on May 7, 1938. The chapter received a congratulations letter from our beloved Founder, who also expressed her joy that her cousin’s daughter had become a member of the organization she held so dear.

→By Lisa Feren, Content Writer Ill us trations by Jenny Boehme

Discover how to help them see the value of sorority membership.

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W

hen you think of “sorority,” certain images might come to mind: groups of women who look, think and act alike, fitting into easily defined categories. But, when a woman joins Tri Delta or another Greek organization, we believe she is looking for more than just a place to “fit in.” She is looking for a place to belong.

As we move forward with Tri Delta’s 2024-2026 enterprise strategic plan, fostering a deeper sense of belonging is essential for the long-term health of each of our chapters and the entire organization. By creating compelling experiences that attract, engage and retain both collegians and alumnae, we can make a greater impact and ensure a vibrant, inclusive community for years to come.

Plus, as young women in Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, continue their time on our college campuses, higher education faces growing issues of shrinking enrollment, rising costs, changing demographics and concerns around mental health, connection and more. To attract this generation—and the coming Generation Alpha—we must make crystal clear the value and relevance of the Tri Delta experience in their lives.

Lofty goals require bold action.

Researching the Next Generation To better understand how to attract and retain future members, the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence (FFE) has undertaken extensive research, supported by funding from individual donors and National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) organizations including Tri Delta. The FFE supports those of us who are focused on developing the next generation of fraternity and sorority leaders.

The Amplifying Sorority Campaign kicked off research to study and understand the young women who could and would become our members in the coming years. Conducted

by Culturati Research & Consulting, they set out from Nov. 2023 through Jan. 2024 to build a picture for our organizations of the aspirations Gen Z women have for their collegiate years and their motivations for their college experience.

Conducted in two phases, Culturati connected with 830 female high school students across the United States, aged 15 to 18. All were attending high school as sophomores, juniors or seniors, and had plans to attend a four-year university within two years for graduating from high school. Their research focused only on those who were open to joining a sorority in college, and any early respondents who said they would “never join a sorority” were not included.

Initial Insights This Sorority Market & Persona Research uncovered 1.9 million potential sorority joiners (as of Jan. 2024) among 3.7 million prospective female college students and provided valuable insights into Gen Z’s needs, priorities and perceptions, helping us understand what makes sorority life appealing—or not—to them.

There were six key insights gathered from the focus groups and surveys, taken directly from the March 2024 Sorority Market & Persona Research Toolkit prepared by the FFE:

1

Gen Z women are hell-bent on creating a fool-proof future. They seek out people, places and resources that dot the lines to success and tune out potential risks/ distractions. They prioritize academics and career development over socializing/having fun and look closely at cost/affordability.

This strong sense of responsibility was likely shaped by experiencing the Great Recession of 2009 and the COVD-19 pandemic—all at a young age.

2

Our branding problem is bigger than we thought. Only 1 in 4 Gen Z prospects surveyed are extremely/very interested in joining a sorority. Sorority interest lags personal hobby groups, community service and academic/professional groups. Almost 2/3 of women surveyed cite too much drama as the top barriers; a judgmental environment and cost are other primary barriers. Lack of first-hand knowledge as well as societal and pop culture references are reinforcing negative sorority stereotypes.

3

Gen Z can't see the forest for the trees.

Sororities have what Gen Z women need (and want)—they just don’t know it yet. They are fixated on finding academic and career development, not realizing that can be achieved via sororities, along with many other collegiate

priorities, like leadership development, professional networking, a safe place to live and helping their community.

4

Fully structured recruitment has become our Frankenstein. One of our greatest creations that enabled thousands of women to efficiently make connections (and helped members grow and connect) is now scaring off some of our best prospects. The perceived judgmental environment, high costs and long process make potential new members (PNMs) concerned about recruitment. Recruitment is only one part of the experience, yet it is driving the barriers.

5

We can (and must) be the mentor on the Gen Z women’s hero journey. We know Gen Z’s goals and their struggles; their determination to achieve and do well may be coming at the cost of their mental health. We can guide Gen Z to realize how the sorority experience is part of the solution.

6

Gen Z is not a monolithic group; true connections will come from understanding the subsegments. Over half of prospective female college students are potential sorority joiners; we just need a deeper understanding of sub-groups to properly address needs, barriers and concerns.

Differences among ethnic/racial groups confirmed the opportunity to further explore nuances within Gen Z. The Big Question: Is sorority still relevant for Gen Z women, and how can we ensure it remains so for the next generation—Gen Alpha—and beyond? These six insights highlight

and reflect the attitudes and general feelings of Gen Z women with the research revealing both the challenges and the opportunities we face.

Now that we have this information, what do we do with it? www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

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24% 20%

26%

30%

Focused Achievers Driven by academic success

Comfort Seekers

Prioritize familiarity and stability

Introducing the Gen Z Personas Through their analysis, Culturati developed four distinct subsegments or personas within Gen Z. Each persona has unique needs and concerns, and understanding these allows us to tailor our messaging and experience more effectively. This insight helps us connect with each group in a way that resonates with them.

A persona groups individuals based on common beliefs and behaviors and helps us understand how to connect with and reach them. Personas allow us to hone our approach to potential members by understanding their fears, expectations, and needs. In the study, researchers grouped women according to their priorities and the experiences they value most.

Using these subsegments allows us to evaluate Tri Delta’s membership journey, from recruitment to new member education and throughout the membership experience. By identifying our potential new members early—even during high school and before stereotypes solidify or during recruitment— we can successfully convey the benefits Tri Delta offers to meet the needs of each persona.

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Memory Makers

Strive for balance between academics and social life

Identity Explorers

Focused on selfdiscovery and growth

Focused Achievers Focused Achievers have a strong drive for accomplishment, prioritizing academic achievement and new experiences, good choices of living options and academic quality.

This persona seeks esteem and is most likely to want to change the world and do something meaningful. With generally negative perceptions of sororities, they are most concerned about judgment from members.

“

WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN: Forming close friendships, finding people with similar values and interests, finding a safe space and support system, meeting people they like

WHY SHE MIGHT NOT:

Only

16%

of this group is extremely or very Introducing them to people with similar interests, as well as focusing on activities that make a difference likely to join a and help them achieve their long-term goals, can be sorority helpful in capturing this group. Recruiting these women Snobby members, too much drama, too expensive

as upperclassmen, through year-round recruitment and by building relationships, will be more effective than traditional recruitment.

Throughout my undergraduate studies in criminology and literature at Florida State University, I have been intentional about filling my resume with extracurricular activities and experiences that align with my goal of attending a prestigious law school. Coming into my university, I knew that I wanted to join a sorority for both the advantages of creating friendships with women and furthering my scope of networking for future opportunities.

“Joining Tri Delta has propelled me toward success, it provided me with a network of accomplished peers and leaders within my chapter. I am fortunate to be a part of the Alpha Eta Chapter, where many members are highly involved in various aspects of campus life, particularly within student government.

Inspired by their leadership and mentorship that was given to me during my freshman year, I decided to dedicate my time and efforts to student government, where I’ve had the privilege of representing my chapter across multiple branches, always with the support of my sisters.”

—Tatiana Coll, Florida State www.tridelta.org

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Comfort Seekers Comfort Seekers prioritize familiarity in their college experience. This group is the most anxious about the transition to college and needs a safe support system. They typically choose college locations close to home where they may know friends from high school. They prioritize academic quality while balancing cost and financial aid.

This persona is more likely to join a sorority if they know someone and if the process is straightforward.

“

The persona I resonate with most is Comfort Seeker. I find myself searching for stability and connection in all aspects of my life. My parents were miles away and everything was so new and uncertain in college. I felt joining a sorority would bring the connections, friendships and security I needed.

“Joining was the best decision I could have made! Tri Delta offered a genuine sisterhood and a space where I could truly be myself. Through Tri Delta, I found this comfort but also the chance to grow, lead and forge lifelong friendships.

It was the supportive sisterhood I needed, and it allowed me to face my fears, connect with others and thrive in a community that welcomed me with open arms.”

—Leena Petry, Texas/Dallas

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WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN: Forming close friendships, connecting with people, finding a safe space and support system, someone she knows is a member

WHY SHE MIGHT NOT: Too much drama, snobby members, too expensive Addressing their perception of drama is important, as it directly conflicts with their need for comfort.

Engaging with this group through high school outreach, campus tours or year-round recruitment is a great way to introduce them to Tri Delta.

Only

12%

of this group is extremely or very likely to join a sorority

Memory Makers

Memory Makers want to be involved. They thrive in traditional college settings with football games, student government and sorority life. They seek balance between a lively community and social opportunities with academics and a quality education.

Confident and enthusiastic, they are less concerned with the typical barriers to joining sororities compared to other personas.

“

WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN: Forming close friendships, meeting new people, feeling like family, having fun

WHY SHE MIGHT NOT: Too much drama, snobby members, too expensive To engage a Memory Maker, our Tri Delta chapters should highlight the unique memories, experiences, relationships, and opportunities we offer for skill development.

46%

of this group is extremely or very likely to join a sorority

I am a Memory Maker. After losing the last half of my senior year in high school to COVID, I felt isolated and I needed connection and a fresh start in college.

Growing up in a small town outside of Fort Worth my friend group had been the same since kindergarten so starting at TCU was exciting and daunting for me. I knew I needed community and social opportunities and I couldn’t wait to find my group—my people—and create memories that would shape my college experience.

“During recruitment even on Zoom, I saw how genuine the members [of Phi Lambda Chapter] and their interactions were with each other. The sisterhood and the way everyone spoke to each other reminded me of the bond I have with my own sister. Tri Delta exceeded my expectations in every way. The network I've built through Tri Delta has opened doors to incredible opportunities, from internships to working with the organization itself. It gave me a purpose beyond academics, through philanthropy and I formed truly meaningful and lifelong connections.”

—Leighton Shumate, Texas Christian

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Identity Explorers Identity Explorers also thrive in the traditional college experience with football games, student government and sorority life. However, this persona is looking for specific academic programs rather than broad opportunities, as they are focused on growth and selfexploration. They are drawn to belonging— forming close connections and prioritizing long-term benefits.

While most would be considered introverted, they are adventurous and open to new experiences.

“

I identify with the Identity Explorers persona. I was really looking to find the ‘traditional college experience’ where I would be able to establish myself on campus as a successful academic, great friend and role model for others. I was driven to join a sorority because I was searching for a place where I could test out my passions while ensuring that I would have an incredible college experience.

“Tri Delta has exceeded my expectations as I have been able to explore my passions, learn about myself, grow in ways I never thought possible and become a person that I am proud of."

— Ari Collins, Lake Forest

WHY SHE MIGHT JOIN: Forming close friendships, looking for safe space and a support system, feeling like family, career development, networking and leadership skills

WHY SHE MIGHT NOT: Too much drama, too expensive, snobby members To appeal to this persona, Tri Delta should offer additional support during recruitment to help them overcome shyness and anxiety. Providing optional or flexible events can help them explore their interests, build close connections and offer opportunities that promote mental and physical health, allowing them to develop social skills, network and volunteer.

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27%

of this group is extremely or very likely to join a sorority

What Gen Z Shares All four personas have mentioned similar concerns—unnecessary drama, a snobby atmosphere and high costs. While some of their concern is driven by stereotypes in movies, television and social media, the fact remains that perception is reality.

Tri Delta continues to help our chapters create welcoming environments where real connections come first and guide them to keep costs affordable and transparent. Volunteer and staff support, along with collegiate programming for our members, play crucial roles in overcoming these Gen Z barriers to membership.

We also have learned that among the similarities, Gen Z women:

44% 59% cite life satisfaction and happiness as their top life goal

cite anxious as a personality trait

It’s about showing that Tri Delta is the support system they’re looking for and making sure we communicate that effectively.

Understanding these self-reflections of Gen Z helps us connect with potential new members by showing them how Tri Delta aligns with their goals and concerns. We want them to see that life in Tri Delta is not just another activity but a transformative experience that supports their growth, passions and overall health and wellbeing.

Say Goodbye to One-Size-Fits-All Gen Z is a dynamic, intricate, and deeply diverse generation, with each individual uniquely shaped by their own hopes, fears, interests, traits and dreams. They defy cookie-cutter labels, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table.

To truly engage with Gen Z, we must recognize and respect their complexity, valuing each person for the unique qualities they bring.

Understanding these insights allows us to refine our messaging and outreach efforts.

For alumnae, sharing the authentic Tri Delta experience is vital. Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering or simply sharing your own journey, your voice can help shape the narrative that reaches potential new members.

Three Key Takeaways  Tackle the Perception Problem: Each potential member surveyed believes sororities are filled with snobby women and drama. Take every chance—in person and online—to share your own authentic experiences! Talk about the sisterhood, fun and lifelong friendships that you have found in Tri Delta. Truth and reality from an actual member will help combat misconceptions and stereotypes.  Tri Delta Is the Foundation for the College Experience: Sorority membership isn’t just one activity or club in college, similar to student government or a service organization.

It’s the foundation that supports the entire collegiate experience.

Spread the message that membership in Tri Delta offers and/or enhances academics, personal and professional development, philanthropic opportunities, leadership skills, socializing and friendships.  Meet PNMs Where They Are: We have to be open to sharing Tri Delta with potential new members in non-traditional ways.

Pre-recruitment opportunities to foster familiarity and confidence can help this “try before you buy” generation. Plus, yearround recruitment and other unique pathways to membership may help overcome barriers to membership.

What’s Next?

Staying relevant for Gen Z—and Gen Alpha to come—means evolving and updating our messaging to match our reality. We need to embrace a more flexible approach to recruitment including year-round recruitment and other more casual methods of recruitment, connecting with women before they even step foot on campus to foster comfort and continuing to share the real, authentic experiences Tri Delta offers.

As Tri Deltas we have the tools and insights to connect with the next generation, but it starts with each of us—from our alumnae network to our collegiate chapters—engaging with Gen Z on their terms. And as this generation moves through their collegiate years and into our alumnae chapters, we must continue to communicate with them in new ways and offer them a membership experience tailored to their needs.

We play an essential role in connecting Tri Delta’s legacy to its future by helping the next generation see the value in sorority membership.

Your engagement is crucial in ensuring Tri Delta remains relevant and thriving for years to come.

We will write Tri Delta’s story together, making it an organization that future generations will be proud to join.

All campaign data cited from Sorority Market & Persona Research by Culturati Research & Consulting, funded through the Amplifying Sorority Campaign. www.tridelta.org

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Story Interior Design

Sisterhood Sparks a Thriving Business

Lisa Feren, →By Content Writer

We aim to create homes that reflect our clients’ stories, places that feel like they truly belong to them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

—Ragan Crawford Magness, Vanderbilt

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When Karen Spinosa Seelig, Mississippi, Whitney Pettey Joiner, Mississippi, and Ragan Crawford Magness, Vanderbilt, first met while working at an interior design firm, they could never have imagined that a few years down the line they would be running their own successful company. They knew they got along well, but their bonds were solidified upon discovering that they were all Tri Deltas. For these ladies and their fourth partner, Laura Davis, a member of Chi Omega, knowing the values of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship that they share made starting a business together a natural.

Today, Story Interior Design is celebrating its third anniversary, built upon these values and a common purpose.

Just as their collegiate experiences taught them to navigate challenges and celebrate successes, these women have applied those lessons to the business world, finding strength in their sisterhood. Now, they have hit their groove and are designing their business and life on their own terms!

Though Karen, Whitney and Ragan didn’t know each other well at first, their shared Tri Delta background created an instant connection.

The trio quickly realized they had complementary strengths and similar values. Changes in their company, along with their mutual vision for doing design differently, sparked these women to venture out on their own—together. Story Interior Design was born out of a desire to create a more personal, family-oriented approach that makes each client feel truly at home.

“When we found out we were all Tri Deltas, it felt like such a happy surprise,” Karen recalls. “There was this instant feeling of familiarity and trust that reminded us of our [collegiate] sorority days.”

—Karen Spinosa Seelig, Mississippi

The Story Behind the “Story”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

From Collegiate Bonds to Professional Partnership

Starting this business was scary, but doing it with these women has made it feel like we’re not alone ... a safe space to take risks, learn and grow together.

When it came to naming their business, the partners knew they wanted something that reflected their mission to create meaningful, personal spaces. “The name ‘Story’ came from our initial meetings with clients,” Karen explains. “We spent a lot of time listening to their stories—what they were moving towards, what they wanted their

www.tridelta.org

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When we were building Story, we knew that our relationship had to be the foundation.

If we didn’t trust and support each other, the business wouldn’t work.

— R agan Crawford Magness, Vanderbilt

new space to feel like. It just felt right to make that the core of our business—helping people create a new chapter in their lives through design.”

Story Interior Design continues to stand out due to their uniquely personal approach. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces but about understanding each client’s journey and weaving that into their designs.

“We aim to create homes that reflect our clients’ stories, places that feel like they truly belong to them,” Ragan shares. Their focus is heavily residential, and their commitment to maintaining a collaborative environment sets them apart in a competitive industry.

Launching a business is no small feat and, for these women, it has been about leaning on each other as much as it has been about their entrepreneurial spirit. Each partner brings something unique, whether creativity or the ability to connect with clients.

Interestingly, all four partners have a background in finance, which has been an important asset in running the business smoothly. “Having that financial understanding really helped us in making strategic decisions, managing budgets and staying organized,” Whitney explains. “It’s allowed us to focus on growing the creative side while ensuring the business remains stable and profitable.”

“Tri Delta taught us the importance of communication and sisterhood,” Whitney adds. The women said that their experiences mirror the collaborative nature of their collegiate sorority days, where they learned to take on projects, work as a team and rely on one another. “When we were building Story, we knew that our relationship had to be the foundation.

If we didn’t trust and support each other, the business wouldn’t work.”

They offer this advice to anyone considering going into business with friends and sisters: prioritize clear communication and ensure you share a similar work ethic. It’s also important to keep things light and not too serious. Incorporate shared values and faith, avoid competitiveness and focus on what benefits everyone.

Their Monday morning meetings are more than just business check-ins— they’re a time to regroup, align their goals and ensure that they are all on the same page. Open and honest communication is key. “There’s no whispering—if something’s on our mind, we talk about it,” Ragan says.

The creative spark for Story Interior Design is a team effort, born out of collaboration and shared experiences.

“We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other,” Whitney explains.

“We get a lot of inspiration from our vacations—sharing photos from the places we visit and exploring design markets together. Seeing things in person, taking pictures and brainstorming on the go really keeps our creativity fresh.” Whether they’re finding trends in the latest interiors or drawing from their own life experiences, each partner 26

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

Finding Inspiration

TIPS FROM THE STORY DESIGNERS

Powder Rooms

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

Story loves designing powder rooms. Why? Powder rooms are the perfect place to make bold design choices— think graphic wallpaper, stunning lighting, cool mirrors and unique floor patterns. It’s the ideal space to express your personality and have a little fun!

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TIPS FROM THE STORY DESIGNERS

Mudrooms

Mudrooms are working overtime with the kids back in school! Here are a few of tips from Story Interior Design to make your mudroom work for you.

Maximize Storage: A well-designed mudroom is all about functionality.

Incorporate plenty of storage options like builtin cubbies, hooks and baskets to keep everything organized and within reach.

Use Durable Materials: Mudrooms are high-traffic areas, so choose durable, easy-to-clean materials like tile or concrete floors and wipeable paint finishes to handle the wear and tear of daily life.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

Add a Personal Touch: Make your mudroom inviting with personal touches like custom cabinetry, a cozy bench with cushions, and stylish lighting. It’s the perfect space to combine practicality with a bit of personality!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSS GROUP CREATIVE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH VOIGT PHOTOGRAPHY

brings something different to the table, ensuring every project is both exceptional and meaningful.

One of the most rewarding aspects of their business journey has been witnessing each other’s growth, both personally and professionally. They’ve celebrated milestones like a daughter’s wedding, supported each other through life’s hardships and cheer each other on daily. “Starting this business was scary, but doing it with these women has made it feel like we’re not alone,” Karen reflects. “It feels like a second sisterhood, a safe space to take risks, learn and grow together.”

The Tri Delta Connection The values instilled during their time in Tri Delta still resonate today. Story Interior Design’s success is rooted in the same principles the women learned as collegians. From hiring Tri Delta sisters in their company to engaging with alumnae networks, the organization’s influence has been a constant in their journey.

“We’ve been blessed to work with so many Tri Delta clients,” Whitney adds.

“It’s been a huge advantage to have that shared history and understanding.

The sense of community that starts in college truly lasts a lifetime.” The women look forward to giving back to Tri Delta by serving as a resource and mentor for sisters considering going into the interior design field or starting their own business.

Looking Ahead As they look toward the future, Karen, Whitney and Ragan are excited about the growth and opportunities on the horizon. They have created a welldeserved reputation in the Memphis, Tenn., area from word of mouth alone, branched out into several new markets and recently relocated to a new, larger office space—one they designed themselves, of course.

But through it all, the heart of Story Interior Design remains the same: a close-knit group of women who share a vision, a deep friendship and a commitment to uplifting one another, both in business and in life. For them, it’s about more than just creating

beautiful spaces; it’s about creating a legacy of sisterhood that will carry on for years to come.

In many ways, Story Interior Design is the perfect example of how Tri Delta sisterhood extends far beyond college. For these women, the bonds they formed through shared values and experiences have evolved into something even more meaningful— lifelong friendship, a successful business and a network of support that they continue to cherish. As they move forward, they do so with the confidence that comes from knowing they’re not just business partners, but sisters in every sense of the word.

Get more inspiration and tips from Story Interior Design on Instagram @story_interiordesign www.tridelta.org

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Perpetual Bond of Friendship

Shared Values and a Shared Vision PSI, PENNSYLVANIA

In the spring of 2021, slated as the new president of Psi Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania, Samantha Delman set out to make priorities for her time in office.

Alumnae relations were at the top of the list, and she launched a monthly presidential newsletter called “The Delta Digest,” which

provided updates on chapter activities, events and philanthropic efforts to their alumnae network.

“Through my work with our alumnae programming, I had the pleasure of meeting many remarkable Tri Deltas, including Gayle, who had recently been honored as a 2021 Woman of Achievement,” Samantha recalls.

Psi Chapter alumna Gayle JenningsO’Byrne, Pennsylvania, is a venture capitalist who launched the Wocstar Fund in 2018 to make early-stage investments in women entrepreneurs of color. It has since given rise to the Wocstar Media Foundation. As of this summer, Gayle (pronounced: Gay-lä) is bringing her passion for supporting women and her more than 30 years of Wall Street experience to Tri Delta’s Foundation as a trustee for the 2024-2026 biennium.

Samantha’s devotion to Tri Delta caught Gayle’s attention, and her efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the chapter sparked conversation between them. As chapter president, Samantha had the chance to nurture her passions for alumnae outreach and DEI initiatives, along with the opportunity to gain skills in networking, fundraising and marketing.

“Tri Delta has been instrumental in shaping my life—providing leadership skills, lifelong friendships and a strong professional network.

Gayle and I have a vision for sharing our stories as Tri Delta sisters dedicated to supporting women and diverse entrepreneurs, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table,” Samantha shares.

Samantha and Gayle (far right) with Wocstar teammates

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The connection between these Psi Chapter sisters proved strong—and profoundly impacted Samantha’s personal and professional trajectory.

Gayle invited Samantha to join her Wocstar team, first as a freelance writer and now as their full-time marketing and communications manager. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for this duo and how far shared values, shared interests and a shared passion for helping others will take them both.

ALPHA PI, MARYLAND PORTLAND, OREGON ALUMNAE CHAPTER

A Golden Afternoon It was a lovely June day when the Portland, Oregon Alumnae Chapter gathered for their largest-ever Golden Circle Milestone Ceremony and Pansy Brunch to celebrate five members marking 50 years in Tri Delta (below): Susan Rosso Trotter, Portland State, Patricia Wells Thompson, Oregon, Ann Tonsager, Cornell, Julianne Keith Nichols, Oregon, and Barbara Smartt MacIntosh, Oregon.

Left: Leading the ceremony were Karen Hoppe Storment, Oregon, Caitlin Kruell Gemmill, Loyola Marymount, and Alumnae Chapter President Susan Bailey Di Piazza, Whitman

BETA OMICRON, ILLINOIS STATE

Pursuing Excellence

The Illinois State University Greek Gala was a special event for our Beta Omicron Chapter as they were awarded the Chapter Excellence Cup (sorority of the year), along with Outstanding Scholarship Program and Outstanding Week of Events awards for their St. Jude Philanthropy Week.

Volunteer Spotlight Recruitment rules, unanimous agreements, quota and Total, extension—Panhellenic policies and procedures are certainly some of the most misunderstood parts of sorority life. That’s why we are thankful for the experienced, dedicated Panhellenic coordinators who guide and advise our collegiate chapters, like Krystal Clark, Maryland.

“I think it’s our responsibility as alumnae to give back to Tri Delta. Volunteering is a key part of the membership life cycle and enhances the lifetime membership experience. If I can help a chapter leader by providing clarity, support and compassion then I feel like I’ve been successful in this role,” Krystal reflects.

ALPHA KAPPA, MAINE

There’s a Champion Among Us The Cincinnati Cougars won the 2024 Women’s Football Alliance D3 National EP. 151 Championship, thanks in part to starting defensive end Taylor Dore Terry, Maine. The game was played at the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on July 26, and the Cougars came away with the 48-26 win over the New Mexico Banitas. Congratulations to No. 42 and all the women of the WFA!

Thank you, Krystal and all our incredible volunteers!

“We're excited to be a part of the [momentum behind women's sports]. We're hoping that we follow the same trajectory, that people are going to want to come to games and support us.” www.tridelta.org

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Perpetual Bond of Friendship

NU, OHIO STATE

A Sweep at OSU Tri Delta’s Nu Chapter at the Ohio State University were big winners (huge, in fact) at the April 2024 Sorority and Fraternity Life Awards.

The chapter walked away with academic, service and community relations awards, along with the prizes for Outstanding Chapter Leadership, Excellence in Member Development and William H. Hall Chapter of the Year.

Alumnae volunteers were recognized as Outstanding House Corporation and Outstanding Chapter Advisor (Christa Serluco, Allegheny).

Individual chapter members also took home awards for Outstanding Citizen, Jessica Lebowitz; Outstanding New Member, Sofia Ross; and Member of the Year, Lana Saqer.

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100 Happy Birthday, Sister Delta!

ST. LOUIS ALUMNAE CHAPTER

When the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Luncheon Group gathered earlier this summer, it was more than a typical meeting. It was the celebration of the 100th birthday of one of their very own, Loris Burnette Clifford, Millikin!

CANADA DELTA, OTTAWA

Not only was she honored by her Tri Delta sisters, but her hometown of Manchester, Missouri, also declared Loris Clifford Day to recognize her century of “enriching the lives around her,” years of service to the community and 82 years of membership in Tri Delta! Mayor Mike Clement shared, “Her human spirit, daily, reflects happiness, joy and zest for life.” That sounds like the perfect blueprint for a long life, well-lived!

A Lasting Record of Her Values

Inspired by her great aunt Kay, Simi Wilhelm Shah, Ottawa, (above) became Below: Members of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter a member of Tri Delta’s Luncheon Group and guest of honor Loris Burnette Heritage Society right out of Clifford, seated center. college. “When she passed and her will was read, a list of organizations she had supported—and benefited from during her lifetime— were named as beneficiaries.

The list was a testament to a life well lived and served Looking for more alumnae as a lasting record for chapter news? the family of what Visit The Trident she valued.” online at PI, CALIFORNIA/ tridelta.org/

Simi, too, wants trident. to communicate what she values most to her loved ones, and that’s why she has designated Tri Delta’s Foundation in her will.

“It is important to me to give back to Tri Delta because the organization has given me so much.” She advises her fellow Tri Deltas, “Everyone should check to see if their employer holds an insurance policy for them and if so, to name a secondary or additional beneficiary. I named Tri Delta before I had dependents and now I include both!”

BERKELEY

Inspiring SMU’s Graduates Megha Trivedi Tolia, California/Berkeley, (right) and her husband were the featured speakers at Southern Methodist University’s May 2024 Commencement. Megha, president and COO of television production company Shondaland, and Nirav are the co-founding directors of the William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership in SMU’s Cox School of Business.

In their words of inspiration, they stressed the power of community in both their personal and professional lives and urged the university’s more than 3,000 graduates to “build a community, because together we can do anything.”

Empowered

By learning the language of business, you’ll be able to communicate effectively with senior leaders. This includes fluency in business terminology, financial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive your organization. Tri Delta offers our members—and their friends and family—the BONUS miniMBA in collaboration with PRO TIP: Miami University’s Farmer Alumnae grants are School of Business. You can available for the full build your business acumen miniMBA through with this completely online, Tri Delta’s self-paced program that covers Foundation. the essentials of a full 2-year MBA at a fraction of the cost. This flexible learning opportunity culminates with a course badge and professional certificate of completion to show off the investment that you’ve made in yourself.

Three Ways to Advance Your Career in the New Year →Maryn Gier Taylor, Texas, Vice President of People and Operations

Are you looking to take your career to the next level? We consulted with our own HR expert for three (of course!) areas of focus for the new year. Embrace one—or all—of them and work toward growth, development and success in 2025.

1. Technical Skills Keeping current on technical skills is essential in today’s technologydriven world, and it doesn’t have to be daunting. Start by thinking about the key tools and soft ware that you use in your job, whether it’s mastering Excel for data analysis, learning basic AI functionality or becoming proficient in design soft ware. Online courses, tutorials, and certifications are accessible resources that can help you build these technical skills at your own pace.

“Gaining tech skills can boost confidence and provide women with more opportunities to influence decision-making in their careers and in their communities,” shares Erika Loen Beatt y, Minnesota.

Bite-size content can make learning feel more accessible. Short-form videos on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube can give you just the right amount of understanding to get you started trying something new. Staying curious and challenging

yourself to learn new technology will help you stay competitive in your current role and as you look ahead to future roles.

2. Business Acumen To set yourself apart as a leader, develop a deep understanding of your organization’s industry, competitive landscape and strategic goals. The most effective leaders understand this big picture and demonstrate how their work contributes to their organization’s goals.

Ray Reilly, a professor of business administration at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, consults with corporations and has reported his surprise at how few executives know what business acumen is or why it’s important. He describes one with business acumen as someone who understands the key things they need to know to make a decision, to synthesize complex and apparently unconnected data, and react positively to events when they do not happen as expected.

3. Strategic Leadership Strategic leaders understand the factors that influence learning, create motivation and shape behavior within organizations. Start by looking beyond your immediate challenges to consider the broader organizational impacts of your work. Engage in continuous learning, whether through leadership workshops, mentorship or reading about strategy and leadership.

By strengthening your ability to be a strategic leader, you’ll use those skills to inspire and guide others toward creating impact.

Seek to learn about diverse viewpoints, as this will help you get new perspectives on challenges and opportunities. Tri Delta’s diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging (DEIAB) resources, found online at tridelta.org, are a starting point for finding materials that will challenge your thinking and give you new ideas.

By strengthening your ability to be a strategic leader, you’ll use those skills to inspire and guide others toward creating impact. www.tridelta.org

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Kind Alike to All

The I “ wanted to grow Chain of with a group of ambitious women. ” Kindness Jessica Calderon BETA ETA, BOISE STATE

Avery Sadler Hill, Mississippi →By Housing Development Manager

ore than 135 years ago, Sarah Ida Shaw founded Tri Delta as a society that would be kind alike to all. But what did she mean? And would she have imagined the many ways—as profound as supporting a sister in need or as simple as sharing a smile—Tri Deltas are living out her vision of kindness today?

KINDNESS IN THREE WAYS In 1987, less than 100 years after our beloved organization was founded, Tri Delta’s Foundation was officially formed. Driven by the mission of sisters helping sisters, the Foundation created a way for our members to invest in each other through needand merit-based scholarships, emergency financial support and transformational programs to help our collegians and alumnae thrive.

Academic scholarships continue to be a visible sign of kindness to our sisters, and the rising costs of education make them critical for our members each year. For the 2024-2025 academic year, we have awarded scholarships to 221 Tri Deltas totaling more than $645,000—helping them live out their dreams and reach their academic and leadership goals.

Thank you to all of you who have so generously shared your kindness through Tri Delta’s Foundation. If Sarah Ida Shaw were still with us, she would be proud that her sisters took her vision of a “society that would be kind alike to all” to heart in such a big way.

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Jessica describes herself as a trailblazer. A first-generation college student, she is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

In 2021, Jessica’s father passed away from COVID, and she found herself experiencing tremendous grief while also trying to manage her challenging, time-consuming school work and the expense of graduate school.

Jessica knew she didn’t want to continue feeling alone, so she sought out groups of strong women to be a part of. On July 15, 2023, she joined Tri Delta because, in her own words, she “wanted to grow with a group of ambitious women” like herself. The opportunities for professional and personal development, service projects and social events have meant the world to her, and the chance to receive a graduate scholarship from Tri Delta’s Foundation has been lifechanging. Jessica shared, “There are no words to describe how much it means to know I have an army of sisters behind me and supporting me.”

Jessica plans to earn her clinical license in social work and hopes to own her own practice one day.

The scholarship Jessica received thanks to donors to Tri Delta’s Foundation will help her continue to spread kindness to all she encounters in the future—just as Sarah envisioned.

Jacqueline Renaud MU, WISCONSIN

I “ don’t need to stress about many things now that I have the support of Tri Delta and Tri Delta’s Foundation ”

Jacqueline is paying her own way through college at the University of Wisconsin, almost 2,000 miles from her hometown in California.

Tri Delta became Jacqueline’s home away from home in Madison. She says her favorite thing about Tri Delta is that she knew she could be herself among other women who also want to live out their dreams. She shared, “The wonderful thing that sets Tri Delta apart is that the women genuinely care about each other.”

Jacqueline feels that kindness and care deeply as a recipient of an undergraduate scholarship from the Foundation. She told us, “I don’t need to stress about many things now that I have the support of Tri Delta and Tri Delta’s Foundation.”

Because of this scholarship, Jacqueline is able to spend more time involved in the chapter and currently serves on Mu Chapter’s executive team as the vice president of operations (VPO). She is studying management and human resources with a minor in consulting, and she hopes to pursue a career in sales or recruiting following graduation and eventually open her own business.

St. Jude’s Official Partner of Kindness Living out Sarah’s dream doesn’t stop within Tri Delta—our kindness knows no bounds!

There is an undeniable passion that Tri Deltas have for changing the way the world treats and defeats childhood cancer, and this year we have been celebrating 25 years of partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Members of all ages joined together this summer in Memphis, Tennessee, to celebrate our latest fundraising milestone: $100 million!

Thousands of Tri Deltas over the years have sent letters through Sincerely Yours, flipped pancakes at Delta House of Pancakes DHOP) events and hosted other on-campus fundraisers to reach this incredible amount. It was not a feat accomplished by a few large donors, but rather by the consistent dedication of our collegians and help of our alumnae. This partnership has created generations of philanthropists among us, who carry on this kindness throughout their lives.

Next up? We have committed to raise $100 million for St. Jude by 2038, just in time for Tri Delta’s 150th birthday. In recognition of our ongoing partnership and commitment, we have been named St. Jude’s Official Partner of Kindness!

We know Sarah is beaming with pride.

www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

37

Kind Alike to All

Stars & Crescent Society Tri Delta’s Stars & Crescent Society is comprised of 375 loyal members and generous donors who invested in our sisterhood with gifts of $1,000 or more to Tri Delta’s Annual Fund in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. By joining the Stars & Crescent Society, you are providing sisters with essential support for educational programming, scholarship and leadership development.

Tri Delta would like to recognize these members with a sincere and heartfelt thank you. We are sisters helping sisters!

ADELPHI

BOSTON

Eileen Murtagh Lueder

Marcia Copenhaver Barrere Elizabeth Howard DiMartino Janice Parker

ALABAMA

Milla Kennamer Averett Faye Alexander Stockard April Mathis Voris ARIZONA

Alex Gibson Tess Holcomb Lucinda Weller Marcello ARIZONA STATE

Tracie Pendleton Blaser Ferne Osman Burney Lisa Farrell ARKANSAS

Michelle Bates Lane Fuller Coleman Stephanie McLemore Morris Carolyn Meek Nelson AUBURN

Lori Sims Baxter Krystee Edwards Lori Sharpe Peck Laura Tarne Gwenn Smith Wynn BAKER

Marilyn Biggerstaff Suzanne Richardson Teel BALL STATE

Debbie Adams BAYLOR

Courtney Culver Baker Jana Earnshaw McCarver Jenni Stork Oaks 38

The Trident

BUTLER

Joyce Taylor Jackson Tracey Berg Teich CAL POLY

Erica Roa Walton CAL STATE/ LONG BEACH

Ashley Nicole Baskerville Crystal White Blaylock Deborah Rowe CAL STATE/ NORTHRIDGE

CARNEGIE MELLON

FLORIDA STATE

Christi Ann Guzik Megan Yee

Donna Kirkconnell Bailey Cecelia Bonifay Laura Krueger Brock Madge Clements Buschhorn Andrea Fuller Cooper Nancy McDonald Griggs Nan Casper Hillis Charlotte Robinson Roberts Jill Holler Rogers Gale Waldon

CENTRAL FLORIDA

Beth Anne Branch Cuda Kara Collins Gualtieri Cindy Cook Hornbaker CENTRE

Melissa Booth Hall CHARLESTON

Krista McDonald DeLong Kitty Jones Reid CINCINNATI

Jennifer Gill King Janice Kroger Timmel CLEMSON

Wendy Miles Malaspina COE

Chrys Grafrath Hyde Laura Ege Walsten COLORADO

Mai Alamar Karen Metzger Parry Nancy Reisher COLORADO STATE

Barbara Peterson Bull CORNELL

Judith Barth Barbara Carpenter Hannah DENISON

Susan Davis-Gillis Kristi Anderson Horner DEPAUW

Liz Purdy Porter DICKINSON

Amy Shook-Perez

Carol Chapman Benson Agnes Sapa Foos

DUKE

CALIFORNIA/ BERKELEY

EMORY

Karen Cato Doran

Heidi Uhrig Guest Gaby Jackson Renstrom Kate Gundlach Roberts

Mona Breed Amanda Price Dearborn Janie Hicks Jeter Melissa Joseph Markman Kate Oliver Moore Ginger Hicks Smith Sharon Young Ward

CALIFORNIA/IRVINE

FLORIDA

Diane Harwich Falconer Libby Leffler Hoaglin CALIFORNIA/DAVIS

Thia Christensen Cochran Melissa Rhone CALIFORNIA/LOS ANGELES

Maddy Alfano Sandy Jacobson Suzy Kennedy Keller Pam Williams Stearns

Nikki Weller Ferrell Dolly Rairigh Glass Emily Retherford Lisska Terrie Weller Mitchell Karen Dent Scarborough Michelle Popp Shimberg

FRANKLIN

Linda Drake Kenny FURMAN

Christine Caputo Winn GEORGIA

Lynn Noetzel Charbonneau Linda Hecht Conger Betty Johnson Hudson Regina Stamm Miano Ann Clarke Webb* Karen Hughes White IDAHO

Sandra Shook Fery Janet Hawkins Morris Elizabeth Ware Ann Marie Johnson McGee

Megan Sears Joyce Neaderhiser Thompson KANSAS STATE

Marlene Lindell Cowan Jan Erni Richeson Marcia Rinkel KENTUCKY

Susan Wells Beard Gay Harlowe KNOX

Francés Jones Pamela Berra Swafford LOUISIANA/ LAFAYETTE

Annie Fuselier Barnes Catherine HernandezBlades Mary Gross Cherry LOUISIANA STATE

Anna Falcon Arthurs Kathy Osborne Davis Lisa Noe Deane Ouida Prewitt Gernentz Lisa Leland Heath Rachel Huenfeld Lee Lewis Munson MAINE

Laurie Dionne Babcock MARYLAND

Dottie Ann Keagy Rachel Leimbach Maus Nancy Mueller Sims

Wendi Wickland Davies Julia Colby Gluck Virginia Newell Lusch Sandy Michaels Mildred Bland Miller*

ILLINOIS STATE

MIAMI/FLORIDA

ILLINOIS

Janet Schockey Schwarzentraub

Carole Fewell Joan Kelly Sanz

IOWA

MIAMI/OHIO

Marcia Rodwell Ficeli Kristin Lee Dawn Elizabeth Sparling

Marion Hummel Kurz Sarah Coons Lindsay Judy Montgomery Marquardt

IOWA STATE

MICHIGAN

Carolyn McIntyre Anderson Joyce Snodgrass Carleton Mary Ann Shriner Lillie Joyce McEwen Therkildsen

Judy Warnke Istock Jenny Wight Keil Bonny Horldt Montanari Rene Adema Moore Jody Turin

JACKSONVILLE

Linda Stinnett Musfeldt

Sue Snell Gorman Heidi E. Tester

JAMES MADISON

MILLIKIN

Caroline Chin Goldwater Ashlea Philipps Hopkins KANSAS

Deborah Massie Boschert Janet Medina Long Kala Musick

MICHIGAN STATE

Jacquelyn Condon Heerwagen Carol Knoche Helmus Julie Roe Lach Emily Musser MILLSAPS

Amanda Bennett Megan Shaw James

MINNESOTA

Mary Estelle Kanning Amberg Kim Nelson Beecham Kathy Salisbury Massie Kay Hammer McReavey MISSISSIPPI

Cally Pounds Dixon MISSISSIPPI STATE

Erin Brinkman Kelley Famularo Lou Ellen Dennis Latham Cathy Thomas May Helen Spelzhaus Siedell MISSOURI

Teresa Keith McKinney Anna Rudolph Nienhueser* Pam Coldren Oberdiek Tritia Trump Odom Katherine Bush Ruberton Laura Smith NEVADA

Christina Batjer Deborah Johnson Maria Martin Patricia Fagan Huber

Jennifer Bodine Sett lemyer Pamela Cox Shott s Susanne Wasson OREGON STATE

Claire Madalyn Bruncke Dana Dickenson Matsumoto Kari Dunham Rosson OTTAWA

Leah Clelland Jochim Simi Wilhelm Shaw PACIFIC

Sophia Spearman Hansen Bonnie Moorehead Elaine Perez Taylor PENNSYLVANIA

Leanne Pyott Huebner Gayle JenningsO’Byrne PENN STATE

Jody Caroselli Holt PEPPERDINE

Kimberlee Di Fede Sullivan

Lacey Horn Katie Cooper Matt hews Eve Woods Riley Kristen Busby Roberts Mary Martha Gibson Stinnett Sibyl Ranfranz Wells* Amy Zimmer SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

Beverly Dale Bethany Kent Horner Carolyn Garrett Long* Robbie Robertson Pinkerton SOUTHWESTERN

Eileen Barlow Karen Franta Love Carol Chapman Reding Barbara Brewer Sheldon SPRING HILL

Courtney Pike Templin STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

Barbara Jean Lauratis Fisher STETSON

NEW MEXICO

Linda Wolf McLinden

Lou Brown Jewell Kaycie Preston Lisa Lubach Schigiel

Joanne Stevens Dalton Susan Frank Holder Geneva Jahnke Nina Vitagliano

PUGET SOUND

SYRACUSE

NORTH DAKOTA

Bett y Philipps* NORTHERN ARIZONA

Julie Johnson Hight NORTHWESTERN

Sharon Carroll Eklund Judith Cohn Felsenthal Eleanor Applebee Lorig OHIO STATE

Yvonne Gardner Newhouse Mary Kay Linzell Palmer OHIO WESLEYAN

Diane Petersen OKLAHOMA

Kim David Campbell Karla Shadid Cohlmia Mindy Corporon Maria Samaras Dominguez Cindy Faulkner Eckman Ann Heard-Sakhaee OKLAHOMA STATE

Marianne Cooley Kim Lampman Mary White Lott Kelly Clarkson Loy Auston Thorne Moore

PITTSBURGH

Barbie AndersonGonzales Lora Snow White RHODES

Emily Greer Linda Becker Smith Rebecca Wynn Weiler RICHMOND

Amanda Bedford Runquist SIMPSON

Arlette Marow Kuehl Sue Malmberg Lucy Avis Morlan Lillian Rydel Reed SOUTH FLORIDA

Jenny Parrish Black Michelle Davis Garis Diane Kulas Hurtak Meg Bock Severino

Becky Haas Ramsey TENNESSEE

Carrie Morris Herd* Katie Schweinfest McCay Judy Mills Leslie Hammer Testerman TEXAS

Susan Pound Bagby Sue Jacobson Bailey Janet Mayer Bates Binka Odem Bone TEXAS A&M

Julie Coffman Doss Rosella Garcia Lindsay Anderson Mayer Maci Moore Jamie Fritch Seedig Barbara Derr Thomas

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

TEXAS/ARLINGTON

Kimberly Brown Gubner Jennie Matsler McCarl Kathy Meek Trish Yount

TEXAS CHRISTIAN

SOUTHERN METHODIST

Susan Chambers Susan Smith Cooper Stacey Dickenson Cox Carol de la Torre

Jackye Brown Clark Alicia Schroeder Beth Dees Applebaum Jineen McIver Bessire Charlotte Scharbauer French Maribess Lehmann Miller Sally Estill Muhlbach Jean Wiggin Roach Lynn Tate Teel

TEXAS TECH

WHITMAN

Sue Simmonds Baldwin Angela Fick Braly Jamie Stehley Hall

Chandra Carlisle Deborah Grubb Moskovitz

TOLEDO

WICHITA STATE

Lisa Diskin Sandy Beach Lin Janet Timmerman Miller Connie Huber Schmidt

Naomi Hall Anderson Melissa Hunter Muller Beverly Ross Sarah Schwarz Schlenk Mandy Conte Tyler

TORONTO

WILLIAM & MARY

Allison Browning Vandenberg

Amy Holt Davis Page Seckman Herman Celia Williams Jacoby Susan Cory Kase Rachael Rowland Jeanne Wilkinson Shuler Marty Ison Webb Mary Ann Heyser Wright

TRANSYLVANIA

Laura Rechter Harper TULSA

Lori Berra Rayfield Rebecca D’Arcy Wyatt UTAH

Hilarie Long Benedetto Kathi Sjoberg Amanda Young Stewart UTAH STATE

Linda Pilgrim VALPARAISO

WISCONSIN

Cathleen Garman Elizabeth Roob Ireland Nathalie Podrabsky Schmicker Kristyn Gallagher Shannon WYOMING

Laura Hamilton Cole

Tori Campbell Sheila Kloefkorn Nancy Quinn Shovlain

VERMONT

Julie Greene Haskell Susan Marchand Higgins Cassie Stellos-Malvers

FRIENDS OF TRI DELTA

VILLANOVA

LuAnn Riegl Daniel VIRGINIA TECH

Dawn Watkins Weise WAKE FOREST

Beth Burkes Kristine Kaufman Lewis Gayle Fisher Parker Kate Davis Shasha Tycely Williams WASHINGTON

Bobbe Chaback Bridge Nicole Hughes Dawnell Dean Lamb Linda Elliott Scovel WASHINGTON STATE

Steph Caron Drewnowski Kati Carpenter Grulke Linda Whitbeck Sharp WEST GEORGIA

Tracy Rolfe Noland Honey Hubbell Shackelford WESTMINSTER

Emily Alexander Harper

Jack Allin Kimberly & Lewis Barnhardt Carmany Family Foundation Melissa Carpenter Janna & Michael Chiappett a Scott Cohen Cookies & Castles Frisco Melanie & Theo Costas Crawford Investment Counsel, Inc. Dena & Gary Dodson Lisa & Bryon Ehrhart Richard Ellison Carey & Corey Hansen Susan Harris Margaret & Arthur Hoge L. J. Johnson Christopher Kelley Tim Miller Robert Olson Thomas Page Richmond, VA Alumnae Chapter Rebecca Riley Swan Family Foundation Ellen & Michael Way Carrie Wolski *Deceased

www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

39

This Is Home

The showstopping library at the new Theta Omega chapter home at the University of Kansas.

A Home for Today’s College Student →By Kelley Schillig, Vice President of Housing SATURDAY, AUG. 10, 2024, BEGAN A NEW ERA FOR

Tri Delta at the University of Kansas. Or, as Theta Omega Chapter coined it, that’s when they started their “ninemonth sleepover.” On this day, 1630 Oxford Road looked very different than ever before as Tri Delta welcomed its first residents into a brand-new home that accommodates up to 72 residents and spans over 23,000 square feet.

While all the efforts culminated into a successful movein day for the home’s very first residents and their families, the real spirit of the home came together with the feedback and support of the collegiate chapter. Three sets of chapter executive officer teams spoke into plans throughout the course of the planning process, ensuring that their new home was designed with thoughtful and deliberate intention for today’s college student.

ROOM FOR ALL

Because every sorority house must first meet the needs of the chapter, the new home includes space not only for residents but also for chapter operations. The beautiful, light and airy foyer welcomes all guests, and the formal living room sets 40

The Trident

the tone for the home, providing a traditional and updated place of comfort. The den provides a place to cozy in and stay a while, perhaps to enjoy a movie with sisters, and includes a small study room tucked off of it. A showstopping library draped in the beautiful Benjamin Moore Mysterious paint rounds out the first floor before you enter into a multipurpose chapter and dining room, a place where the chapter can meet and eat together, equipped with state-ofthe-art technology to support hosting recruitment, events and chapter meetings.

Beyond the needs of the chapter, it’s the comforts that matter most to today’s students and set this new home apart from other houses on campus. As a housing project spans many years, many teams of chapter leadership welcomed the opportunity to help design and create a space that would stand the test of another century for Theta Omega. These comforts reflect themselves proudly on the second and third floors of the home, dedicated to the residents with a unique balance of communal living and privacy required for students in 2024. How does all of that come to life? “Lots of meetings” they’ll tell you! Each executive officer team

Above left : 1630 Oxford Road looks very different than ever before as Tri Delta welcomed its first residents into a brandnew home that accommodates up to 72 residents and spans over 23,000 square feet.

Left : The new home includes a multipurpose chapter and dining room, a place where the chapter can meet and eat together, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support hosting recruitment, events and chapter meetings.

Below left : Many things have changed for students over the last few years. Multiple, small zen rooms were incorporated to provide a quiet, private space for whatever need may arise, such as an exam, a virtual meeting with your academic advisor, a private appointment or a place to meditate or even do yoga.

Three sets of executive officer teams were engaged in the planning of the house and helped make various decisions that contributed to their house becoming a home.

that was engaged in the planning of the house got to help make various decisions that contributed to their house becoming a home.

you private access to a sink, commode and shower—a perfect balance for a home like a sorority house.

BUILDING A BETTER BATHROOM

Once the bathroom design was settled, the next opportunity bubbled up.

And that opportunity took the form of a “zen” room. Many things have changed for students over the last few years—things like proctored exams, online classes, virtual meetings and even just life that is best accomplished without the potential for interruption.

Multiple, small zen rooms were incorporated to provide a quiet, private space for whatever need may arise, such as an exam, a virtual meeting with your academic advisor, a private appointment or a place to meditate or even do yoga. With no detail too small to consider, each zen room has a whiteboard to allow for reserving the room and a lock showing vacancy of the space so as not to disturb a sister.

In the early planning stages, bathrooms were a hot topic. While many students are accustomed to communal bathrooms in sorority houses, how could that be reimagined in our new home? What if we didn’t have to accept the status quo? Could we design a place to get ready together, balanced with the privacy that is not only desired but required?

With the chapter leadership’s vision and an architectural team on board to help refine it, that very idea came to life for Theta Omega. As they settle into living on the second floor, residents can head over to a small vestibule area with vanities, mirrors and only the best “getting-ready” lighting. Consider this a perfect place to brush your teeth, touch up your makeup or curl your hair. Looking for a little more privacy? Tuck yourself back into a private bathroom stall providing

QUIET SPACES FOR PRIVATE TIME

SERIOUS SCHOOL SPIRIT

With plenty of common space to support a chapter of almost 300 www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

41

This Is Home

Embracing the future, preserving the past

The study room off the den.

Can you design a home for today’s college students while cherishing and showcasing the past? We sure think so! Here are a few ways the chapter’s history, former home and success found its place in Theta Omega’s new home.  Chapter composites were digitized, restored, reprinted and framed. They adorn the residential hallways for alumnae to scour when visiting the home.  An archival gallery welcomes you to the chapter and dining room, capturing Theta Omega’s unique story and showcasing significant alumnae members.  Copper Delta letters and a leaded glass Delta Delta Delta window were preserved from the old house, lovingly restored and added to the main stairwell of the new house at each landing.  The bay window in the living room? Even it is a nod to a bay window that sat in the living room from the old house. Made even better, the chapter’s piano made the move and comfortably rests in this space.

Right: The den provides a place to cozy in and stay a while, perhaps to enjoy a movie with sisters, and includes a small study room tucked off of it.

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members, there was also a room, distinctly tucked up on the third floor, that needed a purpose. The gables of the exterior made it unique, with sloped ceilings and a window looking out over Oxford Road. With meeting and conference space covered, a residential lounge, zen rooms for privacy and kitchenettes on each floor, what could fill a nearly 330 square foot space? Turn to the chapter and they’ll tell you, “Let’s make it KU themed!” It’s now a room dedicated to the institution and its successful athletic history, called the “Rock Chalk Room,” and it’s complete with a neon sign or two, a large sectional and a big screen TV. It’s sure to be the perfect place to watch the next away basketball game or cheer on the Jayhawks during March Madness!

The room is tastefully decorated in the school’s colors with art capturing notable locations on campus.

Left: The beautiful, light and airy foyer welcomes all guests.

Residential lounge

The formal living room sets the tone for the home. It provides a traditional and updated place of comfort, with nod to the bay window that sat in the living room of the old house — made even better, the chapter’s piano.

FEELING THE CHAPTER’S INFLUENCE THROUGHOUT

You can’t forget about the décor either! The chapter leaders had the opportunity to review the furnishings and fabrics throughout the journey. Those pops of blush in the den? The Laura Park pillows in the residential lounge? Yep, go ahead and coin these leaders as “influencers.”

Said best by current chapter leaders as they embarked on their new positions earlier this spring at Collegiate Leadership Conference 2024, “We’re ready to showcase our sisterhood once we step through the door of our new house. It’s a chance for us to truly embody what it means to be Tri Delta. It’s reassuring to know we have such a strong support system behind us. Being in this position, with alumnae and peers believing in us, gives us the confidence to achieve great things. Our home will be fully accessible and inclusive, and we are excited to reinvent what it means to be a chapter facility at KU.” The chapter leadership also shared their gratitude for alumnae.

Alumnae have shown them that Tri Delta is a lifelong journey, and it makes them more confident that when they graduate, they will stay connected. A home like Theta Omega’s is not possible without the generous support of alumnae. In fact, as of Sept.1, 2024, 169 donors have successfully raised $788,678 to ensure Theta Omega’s legacy for generations to come.

We can’t wait to see what the incredible, thoughtful women who call this new house their home will accomplish in the coming years at 1630 Oxford Road—and wherever life takes them after!

COME ON IN!

You’ve seen the photos but now come take a tour! Step into the new Tri Delta home at KU with our virtual tour. www.tridelta.org

Fall 2024

43

Brave,Bold & Kind Elizabeth Howard DiMartino ALPHA, BOSTON

At Convention 2024, Elizabeth Howard DiMartino, Boston, became our 37th Fraternity President. She brings nearly three decades of dedication and love of our sisterhood to her new role, and she recently shared a few of her favorite personal memories of her lifelong membership so that we can all get to know her better.

Q: What is your favorite Tri Delta college memory?

It is so special to think that my Tri Delta journey started right where Tri Delta was founded. I cherish the many great memories from my collegiate days where Boston served as a backdrop for our activities and events.

One of my favorites was having a chapter picnic on the Boston Common in the shadow of Park Street Church.

Strengthening our bonds of sisterhood in

SILVER, GOLD OR BLUE?

Blue (Cerulean, of course!)

BRAVE, BOLD OR KIND?

Kind

PLANE, TRAIN OR AUTOMOBILE?

Plane

CHOCOLATE, VANILLA OR STRAWBERRY?

Chocolate, but only when it’s paired with peanut butter!

BEACH, MOUNTAINS OR CITY?

Mountains … and because of that I’m so excited for Convention 2026 in Denver!

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that historic place felt like exactly what our Founders dreamed of for Tri Delta.

Q: What has been your favorite volunteer experience in Tri Delta?

With more than 25 years of volunteer service in Tri Delta, it’s hard to name just one! Each volunteer role has been unique and special, and whether serving as part of our collegiate team, chairing a standing committee or helping to cultivate Tri Delta’s future leadership, I have learned so much along my volunteer journey.

I can confidently say, however, that the absolute best part of volunteering for Tri Delta is always the incredible friendships that I make while serving!

Q: What is your favorite Tri Delta symbol?

Although the dolphin was not listed as one of our official symbols when Tri Delta was founded, it was of great interest to Sarah Ida Shaw and is beloved by so many of us today for its association with clear skies and smooth sailing.

The playful, empathetic and social nature of dolphins reminds us to find joy in all things, care

deeply for each other and work together for the betterment of the whole group. What a powerful message for Tri Delta members!

One of my favorite [memories] was having a chapter picnic on the Boston Common in the shadow of Park Street Church.

Q: Who is the Tri Delta Founder you most identify with?

It was Sarah Ida Shaw who sparked the flame that continues today when, with conviction, she said “Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all.” I have always loved this clear and powerful statement of inclusivity right from the very beginning. Though it would have gone against the norms of the society in which she and our other Founders were born and raised, Sarah’s vision laid the groundwork for an organization that would value the inherent and unique qualities of each individual above all else … a charge that is as important today as it was 136 years ago.

Pride BUTTON

Whimsical yellow flowers and vines are the background of this fun button, a perfect stocking stuffer or addition to your jacket or backpack $6.00

Shop Silver, Gold and Blue They’re every Tri Delta’s favorite shades! Visit shoptridelta.com to find the largest selection of silver, gold and blue merchandise to give as gift s or choose for yourself.

COAT OF ARMS CAP

Customize this low-profile hat featuring our coat of arms by choosing your own color—from navy blue to butter yellow $24.95

HOODIE

Stay cozy during football season with this yellow hoodie, complete with a front kangaroo pocket to keep your hands warm $48.99

BEADED BRACELET

Pick silver or gold in this beaded bracelet to complement your everyday look or to elevate a date night, interview or Deltas Only outfit $18.99

BACKPACK FIVE-STRIPE CREWNECK

Fleece that’s perfect for the season meets sporty style with embroidered deltas and stripes in five shades of blue $68.00

Show off your love for our sisterhood with this artistdesigned yellow backpack $59.00

Executive Office 14951 N. Dallas Pkwy.

Suite 500 Dallas, Texas 75254

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TX PERMIT NO. 3761

A NOTE TO PARENTS AND FAMILIES Your Tri Delta’s copy of The Trident is being sent to your address while they are in college. We hope you enjoy reading it too. If they are not in college or no longer living at home, please send us their new address or ask them to update their information in the My Tri Delta portal at tridelta.org.

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