2014 Chatterbox

19
Gamma Delta 1 chatterbox the gamma delta 2014 Auburn-Opelika Alumnae Chapter News F or the opening of this article, I tried to come up with a single word that would accurately reflect the Auburn/Opelika Alumnae Chapter activity level over the past year. Several came to mind, including “busy,” “dedicated,” “successful” and “committed.” I quickly realized that none of these words alone would accurately reflect the level of involvement our alumnae have demonstrated through- out what has proven to be a busy, productive year. Here’s a snapshot of A Year in the Life of the Auburn/ Opelika Alumnae Chapter. For the second year, the col- legians and Executive Coun- cil have been led by chapter T he Gamma Delta Chapter at Au- burn University has had yet an- other successful year. is past year brought us countless memories and achievements. We kicked off the year right by support- ing Kate Hughes for Top 5 Miss Auburn. Kyla Wilkinson continued to prove her incredible talents by directing the Miss Auburn University Pageant again this Bits & Pieces from the Collegians inside 4 | Our newest members 6 | Weddings & babies 7 | Alumnae Far & Near 10 | Meet Chris Danner 14 | Recruitment info 16 | AGD online links 17 | 50-year members 18 | New Rec form By Cady Raines Collegiate Publications Coordinator By Shannon Autry Loughridge ‘92 Alumnae Chapter President Continued on page 2 Continued on page 3 Joy Hannon Warren ‘93, Amanda Freind NIms ‘02, Kimble Manley Eastman ‘83, Debbie Howdyshell Moore ‘82, Elizabeth Wood Rodgers ‘03, Fran Pierson Lyons, 84 Lauren Gross and Eady Pinckard

description

2014 issue of The Chatterbox, the alumnae newsletter of Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta

Transcript of 2014 Chatterbox

Page 1: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 1

chatterboxthe

gamma delta 2014

Auburn-Opelika Alumnae Chapter News

For the opening of this article, I tried to come up with a single word

that would accurately reflect the Auburn/Opelika Alumnae Chapter activity level over the past year. Several came to mind, including “busy,” “dedicated,” “successful” and “committed.”

I quickly realized that none of these words alone would

accurately reflect the level of involvement our alumnae have demonstrated through-out what has proven to be a busy, productive year.

Here’s a snapshot of A Year in the Life of the Auburn/Opelika Alumnae Chapter.

For the second year, the col-legians and Executive Coun-cil have been led by chapter

The Gamma Delta Chapter at Au-burn University has had yet an-other successful year. This past

year brought us countless memories and achievements. We kicked off the year right by support-ing Kate Hughes for Top 5 Miss Auburn. Kyla Wilkinson continued to prove her incredible talents by directing the Miss Auburn University Pageant again this

Bits & Pieces from the Collegians

inside4 | Our newest members6 | Weddings & babies7 | Alumnae Far & Near10 | Meet Chris Danner

14 | Recruitment info16 | AGD online links17 | 50-year members18 | New Rec form

By Cady RainesCollegiate Publications Coordinator

By Shannon Autry Loughridge ‘92Alumnae Chapter President

Continued on page 2

Continued on page 3

Joy Hannon Warren ‘93, Amanda Freind NIms ‘02, Kimble Manley Eastman ‘83, Debbie Howdyshell Moore ‘82, Elizabeth Wood Rodgers ‘03, Fran Pierson Lyons, 84

Lauren Gross and Eady Pinckard

Page 2: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 2

advisor Amanda Freind Nims ’02. We are grateful for her leadership and her willingness to lend guidance to the chapter.

I am new to the role of President of the Auburn/Ope-lika Alumnae Chapter, having moved back to Auburn with my husband and children after a 20-year hiatus. I’ve been fortunate this year to work alongside lots of familiar faces, including Kimble Manley Eastman ’83, Susan Lovett Speakman ’85, and Dorinda Gunter Miller ’75.

We welcomed another new officer, Beth Bancroft Price ’83 back to Auburn and into the Chapter as Recording Secretary. These ladies, along with other veteran AGD leaders, have made my first year as Pres-ident a wonderful experience. I’m so grateful for your patience in answering all my questions and for your encouragement.

April 2013 was a month full of both alumnae and collegiate events. Laura Webb Rabren ’88 was kind to open her home again for the Senior Supper and Re-dedication Service.

In addition to eating a delicious meal together, we led a special service for the graduating seniors. We enjoyed speaking to them about the importance of staying in-volved as alumnae, as well as hearing about their future plans.

We also held our annual Plant Sale on April 12 and 13. Once again, the Auburn community came together to raise $1,000 for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation with $500 designated for the LaVerne Taylor Flanagan Scholarship. Thank you to Kimble for taking the lead on this annual event and making it a great success once again!

We also celebrated our IRD Luncheon at the Webster House, where collegians and alumnae were honored and recognized for their contributions to Alpha Gam and Auburn University.

In July, Alice Henderson Bell ’71 hosted our annual Summer Salad Luncheon to prepare for recruitment. During the week of recruitment, we worked in con-junction with the AGD Mother’s Club to provide food for the chapter members.

At week’s end, we welcomed 60 into the chapter. Go Squirrels! Special thanks in particular to Ashley Wachs Bryant ’02 and Joy Hannon Warren ’93 for all their hard work in their respective roles as Membership and Recruitment Advisors.

We had the opportunity to meet the newest members

of the chapter in October, once again at the home of Laura Webb Rabren ’88, for the annual New Mem-ber Dinner. It is always fun for me to catch up with old friends, as well as to meet our newest members, knowing what an amazing four years they have ahead of them.

In mid-December, we held our Christmas gather-ing for the second time at The Overall Company in downtown Opelika. It was so much fun to celebrate the holidays with good food, wine and friends.

We’ve now come full circle as we gear up for the Plant Sale again in April, along with the annual IRD celebra-tion and Senior Supper and Rededication Service.

We will also be attending the Alpha Gamma Delta In-ternational Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., July 9-12

If you’re interested in working with us, we’d love to have you. Watch your email and the Auburn/Opelika AGD Alumnae Facebook page for more information.

If you are interested in connecting or reconnecting with our alumnae group, we welcome you! Please con-tact Elizabeth Jernigan Rodgers ’75 at [email protected] with your information.

If you are not in the Auburn/Opelika area but would like to get involved with your local chapter, please visit alphagammadelta.org and find your sisters.

It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of a com-munity that upholds the traditions and ideals of Alpha Gam not only in sisterhood, but in the community as well. I look forward to the year ahead!

Alumnae news, continued from page 1

plant sale!April 12-13, 2014benefitting the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation

Have you recently gotten married, had a baby, moved, started a new job, retired, had grandkids or just haven’t updated your AGD sisters about your life recently?

Let us know! Email your life update to [email protected]

We want to hear from YOU!

Page 3: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 3

year. Holland Brown was crowned the 2013 Miss Auburn University and Ashley Willis was named first runner up. These two continued striving for excellence throughout the entire year and displayed the way an Auburn stu-dent should lead her community. We kept on rolling right into Greek Sing again this year. We took on the challenge with the theme of U.S.S Alpha Gam. We were led by three phenomenal directors: Claire Caruso, Eady Pinckard and Hannah Wilson. We placed third and had the time of our lives dancing the night away. By this point we had several of our members elected to student involve-ment positions. Leslie Langford took on the challenge of being Assistant Director of Big Event and Caroline Beauchaine, a member of SGA Cabinet, became Assis-tant Director of Auburn’s Hey Day. Meanwhile, Sloane Bell, Stuart Dale and Natalie Thomely were elected SGA Senators. We also had several freshman involved in Freshman Leadership Programs. Brittany Moates, Jessie Harrison and Ruthie Jager were each members of the AU Singers and Mackenzie Cranston is one of the members of the newly founded a cappella group, MelAUdic. Social Chair Lauren Woodham kept our social themes and venues unique and classy. We began our semester with a bright neon unforgettable Rave, next was Valentine’s, then Swampwater semi-formal was held at the Fountain View Mansion, and finally an old-fashioned Kentucky Derby. A hot summer break filled with various mission trips and vacations created many conversational topics during fall Recruitment. Caroline Given, Brittney Moates and Morgan Stubbs were each chosen to serve as a Pi Chi recruit-ment counselor. We missed them during the week, but they enjoyed every minute of it. Eady Pinckard, VP of Recruitment, and Lauren Gross, President, led a smooth and organized week of Recruitment. We excitedly welcomed 62 new baby squirrels on Bid Day. Claire Schmidt was the “Mama Nut” for these new members and she excelled in serving them and making sure they felt welcomed and at home.

Before we knew it, football season was here. Not only did we have the privilege of experiencing some nailbiting games, but we were also honored to have the chance to campaign and support Hannah Wilson in Auburn’s Miss Homecoming. Rebekah Davis led the Greek community in Greek Week as the director once again this year. Mallie Wilson served as a Tigerette and Rebekah Davis is a War Eagle Girl. We have three Tiger Paws: Caitlin McCallum, Hannah Moss and Meredith Montgomery. Francie Harris is a cheerleader and Liz-zie Hartley, Karly McCollum and Maddie Gathings are Tiger Eyes. This year Holland Brown put a spin on our philan-thropy event with Wing Jam. She worked endlessly day and night and every ounce of her effort paid off. The event was not only a wing-eating contest, but also a battle of the bands. The crowd was immense and so was the amount of money we raised: $12,000. We were honored to donate every cent to the Alpha Gamma Delta philanthropy, the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation, and help support our charity with more money than we have ever been able to give before. Lauren continued planning exciting events as we attended the traditional Psychedelic social, another Rave, the Annual Red Rose Ball at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, and lastly a Christmas Cocktail in downtown Opelika. As I have already mentioned, Alpha Gamma Delta here at Auburn had a great year to say the least. We look forward to the upcoming year and only hope that we continue excelling.

Bits and Pieces, continued from page 1

Anna Bailey, Caroline Given, Sarah Margaret Lyons, Morgan Lee

Page 4: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 4

New Members 2013-2014Ashley Ann Adams

Montgomery

Emma Adams Auburn

Sarah Ross Adams Montgomery

Mary Coleman Allen Birmingham

Rachel Berube Montgomery

Christy Brown Longwood, FL

Katherine Burleson Birmingham

Blue Caldwell Montgomery

Erin Carter Smiths Station

Kori Chirico Troy

Bailey Cofield Auburn

Chloe Colquitt Opelika

Sarah Colvin Birmingham

Hannah Cornelius Cullman

Hannah Cox Enterprise

Emily Cragon Huntsville

Caroline Crisp Montgomery

Caris Deschner Tuscaloosa

Elizabeth Earles Huntsville

Madge Ellis Sylacauga

Sarah Epperson Montgomery

Taylor Floyd Smiths Station

Grace Foshee Clanton

Landyn Foxworthy Atlanta, GA

Maddie Gathings Pelham

Hannah Gipson Prattville

Jaylin Goodwin Valley

Abby Gosdin Birmingham

Lorin Holcombe Alexander City

Mary Claire Hood Fayetteville

Kathryn Humphries Auburn

Maddie Hutt Madison

Kylie Jacks Auburn

Marley Jacobs Montgomery

Caroline Jager Birmingham

Megan Karst Montgomery

Jordan Laxson Oak Mountain

Hannah Lupas Kennesaw, GA

Megan Malone Atlanta, GA

Mackenzie Matthews Montgomery

Caroline McDaniel Indianola, MS

Meredith Montgomery Moulton

Hannah Moss Birmingham

Jennie Nolan Gadsden

Claire Norman Auburn

Ellen OrmondTrussville

Anna Kate PeeplesBirmingham

Julia Purvis Dothan

Savannah Rudd Wetumpka

Mallory See Columbus, GA

Kate Shorter Camden

Erin Slay Opelika

Sydney Smith Dothan

Caroline Snellgrove Greenville

Meredith Thomley Birmingham

Laura Beth Towery Chelsea

Anna Weeks Wetumpka

Sylvia Welch Birmingham

Lauren Whitaker Houston, TX

Katie Willoughby Hoover

Emily Wise Troy

Page 5: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 5

President.........................................................Katie BrileyVP Scholarship..................................Laura Beth ToweryVP Operations................................Caroline BeauchaineVP Campus Relations....................Madding McFaddenVP Member Development ...................Katie WendlandVP Recruitment...........................................Carly WoodsVP Finance...................................................Sarah Russell

CoordinatorsActivities.............................Jessie Mills & Lizzie HartleyAlumnae Relations........................................Kirby WebbCorrespondence.........................................McRae YoungGamma Experience...................................Carli SchilleciMembership...............................................Valerie CashinNew Member..........................................Maggie JarnaginPersonal Development....................Rebekah ThompsonPhilanthropy.............................................Holland BrownProperty....................................................Grace ShipmanPublications...................................................Cady RainesPublic Relations....................................Cheney WilliamsPurchasing..................................................Mallie WilsonRisk Management..........................................Maegan LeeRitual.............................................Margaret Anne LoganSisterhood..........................................Elisabeth EppersonSocial........................................................Callie Bargainer

Gamma Delta Officers

President...........Shannon Autry Loughridge ’89Secretary..........................Beth Bancroft Price ’79Treasurer...................Dorinda Gunter Miller ’75Permanent Secretary..............Elizabeth Jernigan

Rodgers ’75Chatterbox Editor................Anna Claire Stamps

Vollers ’01Philanthropy/Panhellenic Delegate........Kimble

Manley Eastman ’83Historian/IRD Chairman...............Susan Lovett

Speakman ’85

2014 Auburn-OpelikaAlumnae Chapter Officers

2014

encouragementFrom Landon McKean Nast ’03: “My daughter Sealy was premature, so she was in the St. Vincent’s NICU for several weeks. While she was still in the hospital, another Auburn Alpha Gam from the 2005 pledge class, Cambre Prater Greene, had a little girl named Payton Marie Greene on July 31. Payton also had to stay in the NICU for about a week.

“It was wonderful to have a sorority sister going through the same thing with me. We were able to encourage and comfort each other while visiting our babies in the NICU.

“Sealy and Payton were able to go home from the hospital on the same day, August 7. It was special to share that time with a sorority sister. Hopefully Sealy and Payton will be Alpha Gams together one day!”

Chapter Advisor.........................Amanda Freind Nims ’02Scholarship..............................Jessica Dewberry Taylor ’05 Membership.................................Ashley Wachs Bryant ’02Finance.......................................Natalie Lyle Dickerson ’93Member Development..................Joan Odom Asbury ’78Recruitment/New Member..........Joy Hannon Warren ’93House Association..................Sarah Gholston Skipper ’96Property.....................................Lisa Warren DeGrange ’89

2014 Auburn-OpelikaAlumnae Chapter Advisors

Page 6: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 6

Wedding Bells

Courtney Green ’04 & Sid ColemanApril 13, 2013

Dori Dobbs ’08 and Tyler WeldonDecember 15, 2013

Buds & BeauxLauren Parker Palmer ’01 and Ryan Palmer

Parker Daschle PalmerDecember 5, 2012

Ashley Tucker Hicks ’98 and Kevin Patrick HicksAlice Dawkins Hicks

April 5, 2013

Amanda Freind Nims ’02 and Justin NimsWalter Coleman Nims

April 10, 2013

Leigh Driskill Phelps ’03 & John PhelpsJohn Duncan Phelps

May 20, 2013

Tracy Miller Rush ’06 and Travis RushTatum Elizabeth Rush

June 7, 2013

Landon McKean Nast ’03 & Ryan NastSealy Michele Nast

July 15, 2013

Ashley McCandless Baker ’99 & Ryan BakerLouis Talley Baker

August 5, 2013

Allison Wachs Scott ’07 and John Andrew ScottAvery Leigh Scott

August 12, 2013

Rebecca Stutts Hovater ’01 and Michael HovaterMichael Gregory Hovater, Jr.

August 28, 2013

Rachel Edmondson Freeman ’03 & Todd FreemanSamuel Jones Freeman

October 1, 2013

Ginnie Epps Pilcher ’03 & Thomas PilcherTinsley Ann Pilcher

October 16, 2013

Laura Allyson Miller ’03 & Randolph MillerAllie Grace MillerDecember 20, 2013

Page 7: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 7

Alumnae Far & NearRebecca Stutts Hovater ’01. Re-becca and her husband live in Tuscumbia with their new son, Michael Gregory. His proud aunts are Elizabeth Stutts Thompson ’00 of Atlanta and Sarah Stutts ’05 of Birmingham, and proud grand-mother is Jackie Brannon Stutts ’76. Rebecca is an agent with State Farm Insurance in Sheffield.

Lauren Parker Palmer ’01. Lau-ren and her family are moving to Auburn this summer when her husband joins an Auburn-based orthopaedic practice. They have a son, Parker, born in 2012.

Leslie-Ann Davis Snead ’01. Leslie-Ann married Ben Snead in August 2012. The couple live in Birmingham while Ben finishes his final year of medical school at UAB.

Anna Claire Stamps Vollers ’01. Anna Claire recently accepted a new job as a community and fea-tures reporter for The Huntsville Times and AL.com. She and hus-band Jeff are expecting a baby boy in August 2014. They live with their sons Will, 3, and Wyatt, 19 months, in Huntsville.

Laura Self Burton ’03. Laura and her husband are expecting their first child – a girl – in May. They live in Birmingham.

Laura Allyson Richey Miller ’03. Laura Allyson and husband Randolph just celebrated the birth of their daughter Allie Grace in December. They live in Troy where Laura Allyson is the pharmacy

manager/pharma-cist at CVS and Randolph works as an engineer for Sikorsky Aircraft.

KK Hagler Van Wie ’03. KK grad-uated law school at the University of North Carolina and has moved to Boston where her husband Doug is attending MIT’s business school. She has passed the Massachusetts bar exam and is practicing law in a pharmaceutical company.

Dana Hollenbeck ’05. Dana was recently hired as the first genetics counselor at the UAB Clinical Cy-togenetics Laboratory. She gradu-ated from UAB’s genetic counseling graduate program in May 2013 and is currently working on an inter-national research study comparing patients’ chromosomal abnormal-ities with clinical features their physicians have observed.

Allison Wachs Scott ’07. Allison and husband John welcomed a new daughter into their family in August. The family moved from Hattiesburg, Miss. to Huntsville, and will be moving to Montgomery later this summer. Allison fin-ished her master’s degree in health administration in May 2013, but

is planning to stay home with her daughter for now. John will gradu-ate medical school in 2015.

Dori Dobbs Weldon ’08. Dori re-cently married Tyler Weldon in De-cember 2013 in Cullman. They now live in Auburn, where Dori works for the Office of Alumni Affairs and Tyler works for the Cooperative Extension System, both at Auburn University.

Carla Kimsey Vinson, Angelyn Isbell Harber, Fran Baker Francis, Cherie Johnson Smith, Laurie Minshew Jackson, Laurie Wagner Pederson from the ‘80 and ‘81 pledge classes got together in Birmingham, Nov. 2013.

Page 8: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 8

Alumnae from the 1998 pledge class met at their local Birmingham hang-out, Sol Azteca, to visit with Taylor Dobbs, visiting from San Francisco. From left, Ashley Tucker Hicks (with Kevin, Tucker and Alice), Jenni Fuller Hertz (with Stephen, Will, Sarah and Luke), Catherine Lewis Botsford (with Bren and Anne Lewis) and Taylor Stewart Dobbs (with Matt and Anderson).

Alumnae Far & Near

Sarah Poteat, Laura Allyson Richey, Katie Stamps, Rachel Edmundson Freeman, Kira Ledbetter Aaron, Julie Johnston, Byrne Sanders and Laura Haywood Harris, all of the 2003 pledge class, during an annual get-together in Florence, Ala. in July 2013.

Lauren Fraser Beard, Psi ’89 and Shannon Autry Loughridge ’92 at the AGD Plant Sale in 2013.

Page 9: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 9

Alumnae Far & Near

Becky Merkle Scarbrorough ’74, Cathy Hobbs Long ’71 and Debbie Hobbs ’67 at the AGD Plant Sale in 2013.

2003 alumnae Katie Stamps, Rachel Edmundson Freeman, Byrne Sanders and Julie Johnston.

Sarah Smith ’08, Michelle Knowles Dailey ’08, Dori Dobbs Weldon ’08, Carol Myers ’08, Jana Wentzell Flinkow ’03, Paige Courtney McMichen ’08, Mary Gray DeMetz ’08 and Jordan Dailey ’07.

Page 10: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 10

Q: What was Recruitment like when you went through?A: “We had a different Rush than what happens now. When Helen (Bowman Salmon) came to Auburn she want-ed to start Alpha Gam, so she started calling the mothers of the rising seniors and told them another sorority was coming to Auburn and tried to gather members by spreading the word. A group of us decided not to pledge KD, which was the oldest sorority, and instead help start Alpha Gam. Rush happened in between classes and was usually just going for a coke or something with someone in the chapter. I remember a KD asked me to go for a Coke during P.E. class and I told her no, I’m pledging Alpha Gam. International sent other Alpha Gams from other schools to Auburn during pledgeship to help us get started as a real chapter. One of our first big events was a big tea in the President’s house, and shortly after we had our installation ser-vice in the Episcopal church. We wore white dresses and corsages, and took pictures in front of the President’s house for initiation. Once we became colonized, our Rush became like the other sororities’. We had themed parties.We used our chapter room for parties and voting...we still cut girls even with a growing chapter. Helen had a standard of girls for us to Rush and we upheld that, even with our small numbers.”

Q: What was your favorite part about Rush?A: “We worked very hard during Rush, even had a party planner. I was President my senior year and that year was the most fun, the themed parties and the role I played in all of them.”

A Q&A with Chris Blackburn Danner ’39By Taylor Davis ’10

Above: Gamma Delta charter alumnas and undergraduates, pledges and two colonizers, on the front steps of the President’s mansion. Chris Danner is on the third row, third from right. Right: Chris Danner with Sally George and Jeanne Killingsworth Eggleston ’53 accepting the AGD Convention award for highest GPA in 1961.

Continued on page 11

Page 11: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 11

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your time in Alpha Gam?A: “Our favorite events were the Sunrise dances. We would get dates and wear dresses and everyone would go to the basement of Langdon Hall early in the morning to have breakfast and a dance at sunrise. Formal was always fun for us, too, but ours was always on campus at the barn by the amphitheater. We never left town like chapters do now. I remember getting creative with decorations and even stopped on the side of the road to get Spanish moss from a tree to hang in the barn. We would have a band and jitterbug with our dates. Fraternities’ Rush activities were always entertaining, too. The pledges would have to do different things around campus; one year they had to dress up like natives of Africa with few clothes on and chase women around cam-pus. If they caught you they would take you to Toomer’s where other brothers were. There were people hanging out on the lawn. They had punch – no one knows what was in it – and everyone would wait and see if the pledg-es caught anybody. If they caught a girl, she would get messed with ...one of my friends had her measurements taken and yelled out.

Clockwise from bottom left: Beth Bancroft Price ’79, Amanda Freind Nims ’02, Kimble Manley Eastman ’83, Susan Lovett Speakman ’85, Chris Blackburn Danner ’39, Lauren John-ston Duncan ’01 and Becky Johnson Brown ’86. The “Steel Magnolias” in Burlington, NC in 1997: Charlene Da-vis Jenkins ’65, Jeanne Swanner Rob-ertson ’62, Shirley Metz Kickliter ’55, Chris Danner Blackburn ’39, LaVerne Taylor Flanagan, Chapter Grand, and Madrid Davis Bailey ’41. Chris Danner at a holiday party.

Continued on page 12

Page 12: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 12

ROTC parades on President’s lawn were also fun. Everyone would bring blankets andsit out on the lawn and watch all the boys in a parade.”

Q: When did you have Chapter?A: “Once a week, I believe it was always on Wednesdays. We recited the Alpha Gam purpose every chapter and attempted singing the Alpha Gam grace, but no one could ever remember the words. We wore our pins absolutely everywhere, every day. They were a much bigger deal than they are now. I have mine on a chain as a necklace now that I still wear.”

Q: Were Alpha Gams always involved on campus?A: “Yes. We had many elections; I even ran for Miss Auburn and some of us were votedAuburn Beauties for the Glom.”

Q: Has Alpha Gam always had a good GPA at Auburn?A: “Yes. We always had very smart girls, again because of Helen’s input in the type of girlswe rushed.”

Q: Were there any funny or interesting rules you had to follow that eventually went away?A: “Our dress code was strict around campus. The Dean of Women wouldn’t allow us to go on campus in shorts without a coat covering our legs. If we had P.E. class, we had to wear a coat to cover our gym clothes and put it back on after class, even if it was hot.”

Q: How have you stayed active in Alpha Gam as an alumna?A: “I got married fall after graduation and moved with him so I was unable to do much other than getting the newsletters and updates from Helen. She kept all of us in the loop.Once I moved back I continued to check pictures and reports. I have even been to the see the new chapter room. It’s beautiful.”

Left: Bobbie Thomas Umbach ’62, Charlene Davis Jenkins ’65 and Chris Danner. Above: Chris Danner with interviewer Taylor Davis in 2014.

Continued on page 13

Page 13: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 13

Q: How has being an Alpha Gam enriched or shaped your life?A: “You never stop being an Alpha Gam. We built the chapter on the international president’s recommendations and Helen’s vision, and followed it ever since. You have a sense of pride in calling yourself an Alpha Gam. You know that you are exhibiting the top characteristics of a sorority girl and you try to earn that reputation with our letters. That stays with you forever.”

Q: Did you stay in touch with many of your pledge sisters after college?A: “Many of us stayed in touch and saw each other regularly, even with families and jobs and moving away. One of my closest friends, Madrid Bailey, and I still call every day and see each other often. She lives down the street. That’s the thing about this sisterhood: you keep strong connection with Alpha Gam. I still get squirrels from my family when they find them; every Rush we get updates. We talk about it constantly, how things were then and how they are now.”

Q: What was the biggest lesson you learned from being in a sisterhood like Alpha Gam?A: “You learn a lot from being an Alpha Gam. I learned to keep my standards as high as I could. Regardless of what I was doing, always do the best. The sisterhood that I gained, I’ve maintained since 1938. Once an Alpha Gam, always an Alpha Gam.”

“Chris is always smiling and has a great positive attitude. She tries to come to all our socials and meetings, and doesn’t mind at all being the oldest. When I think of a quote I hear Chris say, it is, ‘OH, how wonderful!’” - Dorinda Gunter Miller ’75

“So precious to have Chris at IRD. Also, at our winter dinner. She was so adorable at dinner. Loved everything and everybody. She even tried to be a matchmaker with her granddaughter and my nephew! My nephew’s wife overheard her and took care of that!” - Beth Bancroft Price ’79

“Chris Danner is truly a gem -- a wonderful model of perseverance and devotion to our chapter. Even into her 90s, she remains involved with our alum group and interested/concerned with the collegiate chapter.

“It is a joy to spend time with her -- she is always friendly and welcoming with those she encounters. And her squirrel collection is extensive. What a delight to have gotten to spend time with her since our return to Auburn.” - Kimble Manley Eastman ’83

“To me, Chris is the squirrel I hope to be like when I am 93! It’s apparent she enjoys being with her family, friends and Alpha Gam sisters. Recently I accompanied Chris to Alpha Gam’s IRD in Auburn. She was just delighted by the drive out to the farm venue in the country, seeing the lovely young Alpha Gam collegians and presenting the award in her name. Her positive spirit inspires me to enjoy life to its fullest!”- Susan Lovett Speakman ’85

‘Truly a gem’

Autry Eastman, Chris Danner and Kimble Manley Eastman ’83.

Page 14: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 14

Dear Sisters, As we approach the exciting time of Formal Recruitment, I want to inform you of a change that is occurring at Auburn University that affects our Gamma Delta Chapter. Because of the vast number of women that are involved in the recruitment process, the University Panhellenic staff has asked that we not require our chapter to inform legacy con-nections of the release of a Potential New Member (PNM) until after Formal Recruitment. This is change to our current policy, but we will support this request in the best interest of our relationship with the University. Other Panhellenic groups have been asked and will be following this policy as well. Our legacy connections are important to us. We value the impact that they have on our chapters and the Fraternity. Thank you for taking the time to continue recommending outstanding women for mem-bership in Alpha Gamma Delta. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected].

Loyally, Marie Ford Palmer International Vice President-Membership

Recruitment changes

Recruitment Recommendation forms can be mailed here:

Gamma Delta Auburn University Magnolia Hall, 201-A Wire Rd Auburn University, AL 36849

Gamma Omega University of Alabama at Birmingham UAB Office of Student Involvement CRCT 190, 1720 2nd Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL 35294

Gamma Psi University of North Alabama UNA Box 5355/ U. of North Alabama Florence, AL 35632

Gamma Sigma Troy University Box 820981 / Troy University Troy, AL 36082 Gamma Upsilon University of Montevallo Drawer AA/ Univ. of Montevallo Montevallo, AL 35115

Psi University of Alabama MSC 8704101831 University Station Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 USA

Theta Epsilon University of South Alabama P.O. Box U-2063/Univ. of S. Alabama Mobile, AL 36688

Page 15: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 15

Recruitment

The RIF is now called the Recruitment Recommendation form (or Rec) which also replaces the Legacy Information Form. It’s due July 15, 2014. You can find a copy at the end of The Chatterbox. Pre-recruitment is Aug. Aug. 7-9. Bid Day is Aug. 16. If you have any questions concerning Recruitment, contact VP Recruitment Carly Woods, [email protected]; VP Membership Valerie Cashin [email protected]; or President Katie Briley, [email protected]. You can visit Auburn Panhellenic Council for general information at auburn.edu/panhellenic.

August 10-152014

Page 16: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 16

Greek Sing 2014 “Alpha Gam Never Growing Up!”

Crawfish Boil 2014

Alumnae on Facebook

Read past issues of The Chatterbox

Collegiate Blog

Collegians on Facebook

Collegians on Twitter

Collegians on Instagram

Collegians’ Omega site

Find us online!

Gamma Delta’s new philanthropy event.

Page 17: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 17

50 Year MembersGloria Sewell Abernathy

Nancy Hinds AdamsMary Venable Addison

Katherine Hoffman BassEmily Phillips Battle

Elizabeth WHeeler BrownMerrily Bradley Burgos

Jana Howard CareyMary Couch

Madie Phillips GallowayErvette Arnold Haas

Susan HarlanErin Harris Head

Kay Ivey

Roselynne Griffin KoyJeanne Cain LauderdaleDannie Jones McClungNancy Thomas MorrisCarolyn Graves Nolen

Penelope Peake PfitzingerMarianne Hixon Phillips

Elizabeth Crawford PowellLinda Long Stewart

Becky Weber ThompsonSuzanne Hubbard Tidmore

Donna Mayhew VinesJudith Gallagher WaddleKatherine Nunn Willett

Katherine Schurter Graham ’40Louise Stone Batson ’44Anne Dubose Cottle ’44

Mary Frances Jemison Stewart ’44Nancy Jane Reinsmith Stodghill ’44

Bille Anne Blount Williams ’46Jane Salmon Jones ’48

Minnie Watson Scott ’49Patsy Webb Bailey ’51

Nancy Connell Freeman ’53Susan Wallace Ranger ’55

Patti Lee Flemming Thames ’55Margaret Hale Shaffer ’60

Ida Anne Torrans ’61Alesia DeCarlo Ash ’72

Chapter Grand

1964

Page 18: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 18

Alpha Gamma Delta Recruitment Recommendation General Information Name of Potential Member: ______________________________________________________________________________ FIRST PREFERRED NAME MIDDLE LAST

Hometown: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE/PROVINCE Attach additional information like a resume, photograph or transcript to this form. If these items are not available, complete the Supplemental Activities Form.

Scholarship Information High School: __________________________________________________________________ GPA or Letter Grade: _______ NAME CITY, STATE/PROVINCE College/University (if applicable): _________________________________________________ GPA or Letter Grade: _______ NAME CITY, STATE/PROVINCE High School Graduation Date: ____________________ College Class: Freshman Sophomore Junior Senior Legacy Information This woman is an Alpha Gamma Delta legacy of an alumna or collegiate member(s) in Good Standing: Yes No Please indicate the name(s) and contact information of this woman’s legacy connections: Alpha Gamma Delta Legacy Policy A legacy is a woman in a family relationship such as a daughter,

Standing. A legacy must be a qualified potential new member in her own right

as well as be compatible with the chapter. While the Fraternity encourages chapters to pledge legacies, each

chapter selects their own members and is not required to offer a bid to a legacy.

A legacy must be invited back to the first invitational round of events.

If a legacy is released, an advisor should call the relative to notify her. Alumnae will only be contacted if the recommender completes this form and provides accurate contact information. (Note: A select few chapters with a high volume of recommendations are not required to call the relative. This type of permission is granted by International Council.)

If a legacy attends Preference or a final function, she must be placed at the top of the chapter’s bid list.

Recommendation Information Family Greek affiliations (please give organization and relationship to the woman): Check the box next to your recommendation: Exceptional candidate Good candidate Average/fair candidate Below average candidate/recommend with reservations I do not recommend this woman Relationship Information: I have known this woman for _____________ years OR I do not know this woman personally Please provide factual, specific information explaining the recommendation indicated above including relevant information about the nature of your relationship with the potential new member. Recommender’s Information Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________ FIRST MAIDEN LAST Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ STREET CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

My Chapter/School: _____________________________________________________________________________________ CHAPTER/SCHOOL INITIATION YEAR I am a/an: Alumna in Good Standing Collegian in Good Standing

Mail form to the chapter’s campus address, ATTN: Membership Coordinator. Questions? Contact International Headquarters at 317.663.4200.

Page 19: 2014 Chatterbox

Gamma Delta 19

Recruitment Recommendation – Supplemental Activities Form Please note this page of the recruitment recommendation does not need to be completed if a detailed resume is attached. Attachments may include but are not limited to resumes, photographs and transcripts. Name of Potential Member: _________________________________________________________________________ FIRST PREFERRED NAME MIDDLE LAST

Anticipated/Current Major: ___________________________________________________________________________ Leadership Please indicate any leadership positions the potential member held during high school and/or in college. If available, please indicate the number of years. Clubs and Organizations Please indicate any clubs or organizations in which the potential new member was involved during high school and/or in college. If available, please indicate the number of years. Community Service Please indicate any community service activities in which the potential member participated during high school and/or in college. If available, please indicate the number of years. Awards or Honors Please indicate any awards or honors the potential member has received in high school and/or college. Additional Information Please list any additional information about interests or hobbies below.

Mail form to the chapter’s campus address, ATTN: Membership Coordinator. Questions? Contact International Headquarters at 317.663.4200.