my visit to bethlehem...

...Pennsylvania, that is!

My visit to Lehigh University was shorten due to the campus evacuation from power outages.  During my stay, I was able to get lunch with my best friend Emily's brother Andrew, who plays lacrosse for Lehigh.  He showed me around campus and it was great to catch up with him.  I also got to know the chapter's Advisory Team Chairman very well during my stay at her home the last night of my visit.  She was such a warm, hospitable women who has much dedication to helping the chapter grow.  And it turns out we had a lot of family/personal background in common.  It was a wonderful realization for me that Delta Gamma brings women together, no matter the age!  Everything sure does happen for a reason :) 

The campus was beautiful with a lot of history!  Here are some pictures of the campus on a pretty fall day:

midwest girl hits jersey!

I'd be lieing if I said I was not expecting many people in New Jersey to be just like Jersey Shore...when I arrived at Rutgers University I realized two things: the stereotype was not true but the accent was!  The chapter was happy to host me and show me what New Jersey is all about!  I learned a lot about the Northeastern campus culture during my stay, which helped me understand the dynamic of the chapter. 

My stay at Epsilon Psi chapter was filled with some interesting events.  A freak snow storm followed by the house heat broken, and then news that I would be staying an extra few days because my next visit was out of power because of the storm.  So although I was a midwest girl stuck in the heart of New Jersey, an improve vacation occured during those extra few days and I was luckily able to catch up on sleep, paperwork, and exercise.  When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, right?? 

But the highlight of my visit was getting dinner with my great aunts, Fran and Kathy!  It was so wonderful to see familiar faces and spend time with family. 

happy thought

new york, new york!

Making it to NYC was something I had on my list for as long as I can remember.  Or for as long as my grandma had been telling me how special the city was :)  A free day in my schedule at Rutgers was the perfect coincidence--a train ride to the city to meet some wonderful friends who just happened to be there!  Two of my favorite Priory boys, Michael & Blake, were my tour guides of the city.  And the unexpected heavy snow made for a beautiful city landscape.  We squeezed in all the major sights, from SoHo to Wallstreet to the Today Show set to Times Square and more!  It was like the movies, but better :)  Here are some pictures of my exciting day in NYC!

Washington Square near NYU

John Mayer's apartment building!!

Grand Central Station

Times Square!

The perfect end to a day in the city :)

a much needed break

After visiting Duke, it had been quite sometime since I had a day off.  The combination of family, the sun, and the beach couldn't have come at a more perfect time!  Stepping off the plane to see my wonderful grandparents was the best feeling.  It felt so nice to give people I know and love a big hug, which is something I miss the most on the road.  My grandparents sure do know how to spoil me!  I ate yummy homemade food, slept in a comfy bed, watched movies, had great conversations, went shopping, laid on the beach, and just felt a whole lot of love in their home :)  Another special part of my trip was spending time with my great grandmother.  She exemplifies resiliance at her age of 93.  Despite her many things that have happened in her life, she still knows how to find the silver lining and to smile.  I hope I can grow up to be just like her someday :)  By the end of my trip, I was so refreshed and ready to hit the road again!  Thank you Nana and Papa for such a wonderful break, love you! 

Dinner at Guanabana's after some outlet mall shopping!

My inspiring Great Grandma :)

Some pretty wonderful role models in my life!

happy thought

finding kind

I was first exposed to the Kind Campaign when I was at Convention in Denver and saw Molly Stroud, the co-founder of this campaign and a Delta Gamma!, receive a Courage Award and speak to all Convention attendees about her movement.  She was so inspiring and I was instantly drawn to this misson: to raise awareness about the bullying & gossip culture from girls to women and to educate all on how to be kind. 

When I arrived at the Rutgers chapter, I sat down to find the Finding Kind documentary, one I had been waiting to finally see, sitting on the desk.  I was so excited to finally watch this documentary and viewed it last night with some members of the chapter Honor Board.  It is a film that makes you reflect on your own experiences and realize that no matter the extent of your struggles, we are all affected by this negative culture we women have created.  Please check out the links below to find out more about the Kind Campaign and watch the documentary if you can!  It will ignite a desire to help you and the women in your life find kind :) 

“There’s one thing that we can all be.  We might not all be beautiful.  We might not all be talented.  We might not all be smart.  But we can be kind.” 

Finding Kind Trailer

Kind Campaign Website

happy thought

go duke!

I was so excited to arrive on this infamous campus!  The first night I was there, I pulled up with the president to the center of West campus where the beautiful Duke chapel is located.  It was even more beautiful inside!  The chapel is where the chapter hosts their annual Lectureship series featuring Maya Angelou.  It is not only a memorable event for Delta Gamma, but for the entire Duke community!

A highlight of my visit at Duke was a spontaneous visit by my wonderful and best friend, Michelle Rehme!  She drove up from Charlottesville, VA to spend time with me and I am so very thankful for her going out of the way to see me!  It was so wonderful to see a familiar face and spend time with someone that I truly know and who knows me :)  We drove to the UNC-Chapel Hill campus (which was beautiful!) and went out to a fun Mexican dinner.  The next morning we met for breakfast and went for a walk (our favorite) in the gorgeous Duke gardens.  I couldn't have asked for a better visit from a more perfect friend!

The rest of my visit at Duke was filled with officer meetings with extremely intelligent and talented women.  These sisters have it going on!  It was so cool to hear their stories and plans for their futures.  Here are some pictures from my stay at Beta Theta chapter:

The Duke Chapter

Inside the chapel where Delta Gamma hosts
Maya Angelou for Lectureship!

PR on campus for Anchor Bowl!

DGs everywhere LOVE food :)

back to the big 10!

My visit to Omega chapter at the University of Wisconsin was filled with moments where I thought to myself "I am so blessed".  Blessed to have this job.  Blessed to be surrounded by inspiring women.  Blessed to be a Delta Gamma :)

The officers of this chapter were oustanding!  I truly learned from them and was inspired by their continued dedication to chapter growth.  I had wonderful discussions with the women I met and felt so welcomed into their beautiful home.  The food was fantastic--the chef made ready-to-order omelets every morning!  I was able to go to the Madison Farmer's Market, the largest in the nation!  And yes...they have lots and lots of cheese!  Madison is a fun, young city with lots of great shops and restaurants.  They even have a State Street, just like at Purdue, with Potbelly's and Noodles too!  Here are some pictures from this beautiful campus and chapter visit...

Trip to the Farmer's Market!

The student union terrace, overlooking the lake.  It was gorgeous!

for hope. for strength. FOR LIFE.

Fraternal Thoughts (a blog I would highly suggest following!) posted a meaningful interpretation of membership in a Fraternity/Sorority based on a childhood classic, The Giving Tree.  It truly connects to the meaning of lifetime membership in Delta Gamma.  Read more and enjoy!

The Giving Fraternity by Fraternal Thoughts

a magical visit

I was greeted at the airport by a bubbly DG who made me feel so welcome!  As we drove to the UC Riverside campus, she insisted on taking me to where she works….Starbucks.  How could I deny that offer?  She claimed she had a 95% accuracy rate in guessing peoples typical order and she was right (fyi now that I sleep less than usual, I’ve become slightly addicted to a tall café Americano with sugar-free vanilla and soy!). 

I arrived at the UCR campus a few hours before Round One of recruitment began.  I was caught up to speed by the president, director of recruitment records, and membership adviser.  Then we headed straight to the room on campus that Panhellenic uses for recruitment (UCR does not have chapter houses).  The weekend of recruitment went by fast!  There were three rounds back to back.  I was very proud of the women for all their efforts and they sure paid off!  The women were able to extend bids to 29 new members, making them the second largest Panhellenic chapter on campus!

Philanthropy Round: with the chapter president, Araya and a crest
one of the talented members hand-painted!

After a fun Bid Day celebration at the Citrus Center!  It was a beautiful park surrounded by…you guessed it…California oranges!  The main building had a large, wooden cabiny feel.  It is also where the women hold their Initiation, I can only imagine how pretty that must be!  On Bid Day, I was able to introduce myself to the new members and congratulate them on their decision to join Delta Gamma and the wonderful lifetime membership that lies ahead of them J

The members insisted on a "let's all point at the CDC!" picture. 
You can see my embarassment :)

Once recruitment responsibilities slowed down, I had a free afternoon.  And I could not have chosen a better way to spend it other than lunch and a "mom hike" with Emma DeLain!  It was so wonderful to spend time with a Beta Iota sister, even when far away from our alma mater.  Then the next day, the women insisted on taking me to Disneyland, despite the pouring rain. Seeing the infamous park really was magical. And the best part of the day...seeing Emma dressed in costume as a character hostess :) Such a "proud to be a DG" moment! Love you, Emma!

With Yasmine and Kayla, chapter members,
in front of the castle

The nation's best Disney character hostess...
Emma DeLain!

to my delta gamma sisters...

If money grew on trees, I would buy each & every one of you this necklace.  Could it be more perfect?  Every DG should have this :) 

california, california, here I come!



Gamma chapter house

Being a Midwest girl, the concept of visiting California naturally seems exciting.  When I found out one of my visits was to the infamous Berkeley campus, I couldn’t wait for Gamma chapter to be my first taste of California culture.  I stepped off the plan to overlook the Bay from the terminal....alas, the state of California!

I was greeted at the airport by the chapter president and vp: Panhellenic, both women were so welcoming and quickly began to explain all the sights along our drive through Oakland to the Berkeley campus.  The main street on campus is an adventurous food scene—basically any ethnicity you can imagine is represented.  The women took me to a quaint little “whole in the wall” French restaurant.  It was delicious!

The first weekend I spent at Gamma was filled with eating at yummy restaurants and getting to know the officers through individual and group meetings.  I was able to attend a new member meeting and it made me smile to see such enthusiastic and already involved new members!  Formal chapter meeting was another highlight, as I was able to present on taking pride in DG membership.  The women were engaged, enthusiastic and proactive!

A table of goodies upon arrival :)

The rest of my stay was filled with more meetings and spending time with the women.  I also had the amazing opportunity to explore San Francisco (pictures in my last post!).  A tour of the infamous campus was beautiful; the history and character of the grounds was so incredible to see.  Definitely a much different student demographic and culture than I have ever seen, but so cool nonetheless!  Big/Little reveal also took place during my stay which was so fun to see their bonds strengthen even more through these pairings! 

The Campanile-a Berkeley campus icon

 To end my visit, the chapter president and vp: programming were determined to take me up to “The Big C”.  The large  letter represents Cal and sits high up on a hill on the edge of campus.  The view overlooks not only all of Berkeley, but the entire Bay area!  The long trek to the top was so incredibly worth the beautiful sun setting behind the Golden Gate Bridge.  Something I will always remember! 

The beautiful view of the bay from "The Big C"

CDCs cover the ANCHORA!

It is with so much pride that I share the most recent issue of the ANCHORA, featuring the 2011-2012 CDC Team!  Check it out!!

http://digital.watkinsprinting.com/publication?i=82126

exploring san francisco

The wonderful women of Gamma-Berkeley scheduled a day for me to do some sight-seeing in downtown San Franciso!  They day was absolutely perfect and I got to see so much!  Here is what I found :) ...

As I hopped off the Bart, I immediately found the cable car station! 
I bought a day pass to use this fun transportation all day!

First stop, Fisherman's Wharf.  It was a beautiful view of the water, with
seals & seagulls galore.  You could easily see Alcatraz from the Pier and a view of
the Golden Gate Bridge from afar.  There were many great shops & restaurants here!

As I explored the Wharf, I found many anchors :)

Homeade clam chowder in a San Francisco sourdough bowl--an famous Wharf lunch!

Just had to stop by the Ghiradelli Factory to do some taste testing!

Walked through China Town

Took a bus to see the Golden Gate in person!  It was beautiful!

Walking across the bridge!

The "Crookedest Street" in the world, Lombard Street

happy thought

happy to be home :)

My current song obession and the title fits perfectly.  Currently enjoying my break at HOME!

anchor dreams

Before Sorority Serenades...the chapter put me in the
middle and I fit right in with all the pink!

My visit to the Gamma Sigma chapter at the University of Houston was recruitment, recruitment, recruitment!  The five days I was there were filled with prep, recruitment rounds, and EVC list making... and very little sleep.  But it was all worth it when the women met quota, inviting 21 new members into their chapter! 

During the first rounds, the women made a rap music video called "Anchor Dreams" highlighting all the great things about DG.  They were able to show it to the other sororities during their Sorority Serenade night, an event the night before recruitment starts to get everyone excited for the weekend.  The video was definitely the highlight of the night and the DGs were proud to show off their hard work. 

The Preference Day decorations...beautiful beachy theme to
go along with the Lei Ceremony

 The women prepared so thoroughly to make sure the rounds showed the PNMs what DG is all about!  The advisers who helped with the week were so wonderful to work with and care so much for the success of the chapter. I do wish I could have stayed in Houston longer since I didn't get to see much of the city.  I guess I'll just have to make another visit out to Texas soon to see what it really is all about :)

Anxiously awaiting the new members!

drop your anchor, come and be, part of our sorority!

The UAFS belltower-a campus landmark

Before arriving in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, I really did not know what to expect!  While the town of Ft. Smith was as expected (small with not much to see), UAFS has a chapter of Delta Gammas that place a big emphasis on sisterhood.  Because the chapter is also small, the women are able to really get to know each one of their members well.

My visit to UAFS was a combined CDC & Recruitment visit.  Upon my arrival, recruitment prep was in full swing!  On the first night, the women helf a recruitment practice and invited their moms to act as the PNMs.  It was a great way for the women to practice recruitment conversations and the moms LOVED being there.  The next day, the first round began!  The women chose the oh so popular nautical theme :)
 

A nautical theme isn't complete without sailor hats! 

The preference ceremony was beautifully done with the women dressed in white and performing the Lei Ceremony.  Some of the members spoke about their personal stories while others sang an acapella version of Lady Antebellum.  And all of the recruitment planning was well worth the late nights because the chapter pledged wonderful new members!  One of the seniors moms took photos that day to capture the excitement:

After recruitment was over and as a meeting/report writing break, I was able to attend a free concert the University hosted on their main quad!  It was so perfect because the main band was The Fray, one of my absolute favorites!  Girl Talk also played which was so fun to see since I constantly have Girl Talk playing on my workout playlist J  I also tried my first Indian food dish at dinner one night and the women took me to a Frozen Yogurt bar to get my Froyo fix. 

The Fray!

The rest of my stay at Eta Omicron consisted of meetings with each of the VPs and directors.  The women were eager to listen to suggestions and I really appreciated their willingness to embrace changes.  I am so glad I met these women and hope they continue to grow this semester with new members!

A sign hung in the room during recruitment...one of my favorite DG cheers!