Delta Gammas seek to do good every day! We pledged to do so when we accepted our bids to Delta Gamma. Our Fraternity letters were chosen in 1873 because they represent our motto and desire to do good.
During the week of October 8-15, Delta Gamma invites you to participate in our twelfth annual Do Good Week by doing good deeds, no matter how big or small. Anyone can participate, whether you are a sister, fraternal partner, friend, neighbor or simply a kind person hoping to make the world a little better.
Do Good Week coincides with World Sight Day (October 9) and White Cane Day (October 15). Take advantage of this opportunity to learn, do and advocate for Service for Sight. Learn and raise awareness about vision-related topics and consider organizing a group-wide service event or doing something on your own. Resources can be found below.
Bonus: Share this information with your chapter, community or on social media to advocate for Service for Sight!
Attend the panel discussion:
Join experts in the vision services field from across the United States for a virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, October 15 at 5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET. Learn more about the topics and speakers below. Register here.
Share these Reels from Envision Foundation employees on what it is like to navigate the world without sight:
Kellie Gertz shares why she is grateful for her guide dog, Loki.
Kellie shares why her blindness doesn’t define her.
Terese Goren shares a common stigma she has faced as someone who is blind.
Terese shares another stigma she has faced as someone who is blind.
Sedrick Veal shares about the stigma he has faced as someone who is blind.
Paco Padilla explains that blindness is a spectrum.
Anne shares her experience of being blind and why we should focus on our similarities, and not differences.
Jeremy Barton shares why he still uses a white cane in settings where he may not need to.
World Sight Day: Prevent Blindness has put together a range of resources specifically for Delta Gamma members, including printable stickers, bookmarks and fact sheets. Explore the resources here.
In honor of Do Good Week, we're hosting a powerful and informative free webinar with experts in the vision field to discuss how to prevent vision loss, navigate a diagnosis, and access resources for individuals and families at every stage of life. Don't miss this opportunity to learn directly from top professionals and advocates in the field!
This program will be recorded, so we encourage you to register even if you are unable to attend live.
Meet the Speakers:
Jane C. Edmond, MD, Beta Eta-Texas, is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist and pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist in UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, a clinical partnership between Dell Children’s Medical Center and UT Health Austin. She specializes in adult and pediatric strabismus and the medical and surgical management of pediatric neuro-ophthalmic conditions. Additionally, Dr. Edmond is a professor and serves as the Chair of the Dell Medical School Department of Ophthalmology at The University of Texas at Austin. She also serves as the Director of the Dell Medical School’s Mitchel and Shannon Wong Eye Institute and holds the Wong Family Distinguished University Chair at The University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Laurie Hoffman, OD, FAAO, received her Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Optometry in 2010 where she was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society and recipient of the prestigious Dean’s Award of Excellence. Dr. Hoffman completed a residency specializing in Geriatric Optometry and Low Vision Rehabilitation at the Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center and Southeastern Blind Rehabilitation Center. She is a Low Vision Optometrist practicing at an outpatient Low Vision Clinic for Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB), a private non-profit organization serving the blind and visual impaired in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Hoffman is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and is a member of the American Optometric Association Vision Rehabilitation Section.
Sarah E. Orth, MPA, Delta Phi-UC Irvine, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Blind Children’s Center. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Mrs. Orth has dedicated most of her career to agencies focused on early childhood development, and services for children with special needs and/or chronic illnesses. As a Delta Gamma Alumnae Initiate, she serves on the Delta Gamma Service for Sight for Committee. Mrs. Orth also serves on the governing boards of California Agencies for the Blind & Visually Impaired-CAABVI (Secretary), and the Center for Collective Wisdom (President).
Lexi Rendon is a proud initiate of Gamma Xi-Texas Tech. Upon graduation in 2021, Lexi and her Seeing Eye dog, Fancy, traveled the country assisting chapters as a Collegiate Development Consultant (CDC). Currently, Lexi works as a nonprofit operations manager. She credits her experiences in various Delta Gamma Foundation leadership roles for shaping her passion for a career in the nonprofit world. In her free time, Lexi enjoys being active, scrapbooking and cooking. Lexi connects to Service for Sight on a personal level as she is visually impaired. Spreading awareness for Service for Sight alongside sisters is something that never gets old.
Delta Gamma Foundation Elects Two Trustees for 2025-28 Term
Columbus, Ohio [July 16, 2025] — The Delta Gamma Foundation elected Trustees to serve on the Board at the Foundation Annual Meeting, held during Delta Gamma's The Leadership Collective (TLC) in Columbus, Ohio on June 27, 2025.
Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota, Mu-Missouri, and Heather Shirk Patrick, Gamma Sigma-Houston, have been elected by the Foundation voting members to serve as Trustees for the 2025-28 term.
Jennifer Stuart Ragusa, Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside, Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees Chair, shares this sentiment about the newest Trustees: “This is such an exciting moment for Delta Gamma. Welcoming new trustees brings fresh perspective and energy to our Board. Together with our newest Trustees, we continue to be committed to strengthening our sisterhood and creating a space where our members, volunteers and staff can grow, lead and feel at home.”
Back row left to right: Lee Deadwyler, Cyndy Cycyota, Heather Patrick, Jennifer Surgalski, Shenea Strader Front row left to right: Susan Kornegay, Jenn Ragusa, Amy Ayres; Not pictured: Kim Hunnewell
Cycyota and Patrick were elected and took their Oath of Office on June 27, 2025. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota will serve as Treasurer and current Board member Lee C. Deadwyler, Gamma Iota-DePauw,will continue to serve as Secretary.
Six elected members and three ex-officio members, who serve concurrently in the roles of Delta Gamma Fraternity President, Fraternity Treasurer and Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming, serve on the Foundation Board of Trustees to ensure the fulfillment of its philanthropic mission.
About the Delta Gamma Foundation: Incorporated in 1951, the Delta Gamma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed as a complement to the Delta Gamma Fraternity. The Delta Gamma Foundation fosters lifetime enrichment for members, promotes Service for Sight and partners with the Fraternity to ensure the future of our sisterhood through three areas of support: Individual Member Support, Training and Programming, and Delta Gamma’s philanthropy, Service for Sight.
Delta Gamma Schools Help Children Reach Their Full Potential
The founding of the first Delta Gamma School, Blind Children’s Center, in 1938 was the result of the request by Ruth Billow, Eta-Akron, to make sight-related initiatives our official philanthropy. Since then, Delta Gammas have passionately supported children living with blindness through hands-on service, school board leadership, fundraising and Foundation Service for Sight grants. Here are the latest updates from the five Delta Gamma Schools for Children with Visual Impairments, along with how each of the schools put their Delta Gamma Foundation Service for Sight grant funds to good use.
Anchor Center for Blind Children | Denver, Colorado
Founded in 1982 by the Denver alumnae chapter and Colorado Library for the Blind.
Over four decades ago, a small group of visionary Delta Gamma alumnae in Denver set out to create a safe haven for young children who were blind or had low vision. Today, that vision has grown into the Anchor Center — offering education, intervention and specialized support for students with low or no vision, with a focus on the formative years — birth to age five.
In a unique partnership, Anchor Center’s state-of-the-art eye clinic brings pediatric ophthalmology faculty and physicians from the University of Colorado, Children’s Hospital Colorado and private practice on-site for exams and treatment. It’s a familiar and comfortable environment for the children and their families, and it enables their teachers to participate in the treatment, too.
Additionally, Anchor Center is emerging as a national leader in pioneering research, early diagnosis and treatment of Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a brain-based neurological condition affecting the brain’s ability to accurately interpret visual stimuli. CVI is the leading cause of pediatric visual impairment in the developed world.
Together with its Children’s Hospital partners, Anchor Center is researching the use of a non-invasive screening tool to assess neurological risk for CVI in premature infants who are particularly vulnerable to brain-based visual impairment. The goal is to diagnose and provide targeted intervention to CVI patients as early as possible, during the critical period when the brain-eye connection is developing. As part of this important work, Anchor Center staff has trained hundreds of hospital staff and early interventionists nationwide on the innovative assessment protocol.
“Anchor Center is incredibly thankful to DGs and the Delta Gamma Foundation for their long-standing volunteer and financial support,” said Anchor Center Executive Director Meghan Klassen. “It’s an honor and privilege for our team to be able to bring to life the DG commitment to do good every day.”
2023-24 Service for Sight Grant: The grant was used to help fund the Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) Program for young children offering specialized screening, assessment, research, and training for parents, caregivers and H/C professionals.
Blind Children’s Center (BCC) | Los Angeles, California
Founded in 1938 by the Los Angeles alumnae groups and Dr. Lillian Ray Titcomb, Upsilon-Stanford.
BCC staff at the grand reopening.
Last fall, BCC celebrated its grand reopening, marking a new chapter in its inspiring history of supporting visually impaired children. New specialized classrooms are designed to the tailored educational approach at BCC. One room, dedicated to preschoolers, is fully accessible, ensuring every child has a safe, welcoming place to learn and includes a calming corner for students to express and manage their emotions. Another room is stocked with specialized tools to help students engage with their environments in a sensory-rich, supportive setting.
“We have always been committed to providing an inclusive space where children of all abilities can learn, grow and thrive,” said BCC Executive Director Sarah Orth, Delta Phi-UC Irvine. “This renovation strengthens our ability to fulfill that mission and we look forward to witnessing its positive impact on our students, families and the broader community.”
Left and center: Epsilon Zeta-Loyola Marymount collegians volunteering at BCC. Right: Hope Serving participants during the June 2024 trip.
Delta Gamma collegians in the Los Angeles area have played a vital role in supporting BCC for many years, and their dedication continues to make a meaningful impact. Through hands-on volunteer work, fundraising efforts and advocacy, these passionate sisters contribute their time and resources to enhance the lives of the students and their families.
Last June, the Delta Gamma Hope Serving program was held at BCC. Alumnae and collegians spent a week engaging in hands-on service at the Center and helped students and teachers in their classrooms.
The Los Angeles community has recently experienced significant devastation due to the wildfires, impacting families, homes and local institutions. Despite these challenges, the school has successfully reopened, and air quality conditions have improved, allowing students and staff to return to a sense of normalcy as the community begins to rebuild.
2023-24 Service for Sight Grant: The grant was used to support the BCC’s Zero to Three Program, focused on building critical skills in daily literacy, mobility and motor skills training in an inclusive classroom.
Left: Eta Theta-St. Louis volunteering at DGC. Right: Gamma Iota-DePauw at DGC.
DGC fulfills its mission by empowering children who are blind or have low vision to reach their full potential through family-centered, specialized services and strong community support.
This past fall, DGC welcomed students and families to their annual DGCKids All-Family event at a local farm and greenhouse. Collegians from Eta Theta-St. Louis spent the day volunteering at the event and helped kids enjoy pumpkin decorating and a petting zoo.
Gamma Iota-DePauw also did good at DGC last fall by helping assemble over 1,300 packets for the vision screening program. The packets will be distributed to families after their free vision screenings.
DGC kicked off the new year with their January GRADS (Group Recreation and Developmental Support) event at the Center. Through monthly group meet-ups, special events, and outdoor adventures, GRADS helps children practice orientation and mobility, socialization, and life skills in a fun, engaging environment. The January event included a visit from Champ Assistance Dogs and a goalball lesson from MindsEye Adaptive Athletics.
2023-24 Service for Sight Grant: The grant was used to help fund the Early Intervention Program, which provides specialized health, educational, developmental, and support services for infants and toddlers with low vision.
Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired (CCVI) | Kansas City, Missouri
Founded in 1952 with the Greater Kansas City alumnae chapter being a founding partner.
CCVI’s mission to help children reach their highest potential in the sighted world starts with a comprehensive model that includes vision screening, early interventions, a preschool, Early Learning Academy and specialized physical and occupational therapies, like speech-language, orientation and mobility to meet the multiple disabilities and challenges many students face.
In October, CCVI celebrated the tool of independence in a new way, with its first-ever White Cane Safety Day community celebration. CCVI hosted a White Cane Walk-A-Thon followed by crafts, food, face painting, and a concert. There was no shortage of Delta Gamma sisters at the event helping hand out lunch and cheering the students on.
2023-24 Service for Sight Grant: The grant was used to support the delivery of therapeutic and specialized services to children with blindness or low vision, ensuring that each child receives intervention tailored to their needs.
Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) | Phoenix, Arizona
Founded in 1952 by parents of children who were blind and designated a Delta Gamma School in 2018.
January 2025 Hope Serving participants.
Over the past 72 years, FBC has gone from serving four students in a family living room to being an essential resource for over 2,000 people across Arizona. FBC has always aspired to do more to help more people. And while there is always work to be done, FBC’s new five-year strategic plan focuses on ensuring that every person with a visual impairment in Arizona has access to the resources, tools and services they need to thrive. This is the organization’s new guiding principle and will be spearheaded by FBC's new Chief Executive Officer, Jared Kittelson. He says, “FBC is about hope. It’s about what’s possible.”
Earlier this month, the Delta Gamma Hope Serving program visited FBC for a week of doing good. Four alumnae and six collegians worked hands on with students and learned all about the school. One of the participants, Kaisha, Zeta Eta-Texas State, reflected on her week at FBC: “This experience is expanding my views on the limitless possibilities for people with visual impairments and has forever changed how I will interact with people with a disability in the future."
2023-24 Service for Sight Grant: The grant was used to support FBC’s Early Intervention Program, providing year-round home visits for children from birth to age 3 and preschool for ages 3-5. Funding will go toward staff training and supplies.
Front row, from left to right: Susan Kornegay, Jenn Ragusa, Amy Ayres Back row, from left to right: Lee Deadwyler, Shenea Strader, Jill Roshto, Jennifer Surgalski, Kim Hunnewell, Danielle D'Arcy
Get to Know Your 2024-25 Foundation Board of Trustees
At the fall 2024 BOT meeting, we asked your Foundation Trustees to answer some fun questions and share a bit more about themselves.
DO GOOD: Which Delta Gamma Foundation area of support means the most to you?
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: Is there a book, show or podcast that you love and would like to share? What would you recommend to our sisters?
REAL LIFE: If we were to visit you in your hometown or city, where would we be most likely to find you, who would you be with and what would you be doing?
Jennifer (Jenn) Stuart Ragusa, Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside
DO GOOD: This is such a tough one! As I spend more and more time as a volunteer for the Foundation, I can tell you a touching story about each program area that will tug at your heart.
As a collegian, I received a Delta Gamma scholarship. At the time in college, this meant the world to me! It was significantly impactful to know that my sorority cared about collegians enough to select me as a recipient and lighten the load of the financial burden that college expenses place on so many.
As I grew up in Delta Gamma, at my chapter, Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside, I was selected for 3 leadership travel opportunities. This drastically changed my life in so many ways. I was able to attend the leadership training for DGs holding the position of vp: membership. This was my first view of DG on a larger scale. I met ladies across North America and we instantly bonded. I knew then that there was so much more to DG than I realized.
Upon graduation, I was selected to be a Collegiate Development Consultant (CDC). This was a formative year for me and started the path to serving DG in any capacity that I could.
And then the question of what means the most to me? Well, I first connected with DG on a closer level over Service for Sight. I grew up with a cousin who would have all loss of sight by the time we were teenagers. I witnessed how this impacted his life and also was (and still am) impressed by what he does with his life, not letting the loss of sight divert him from doing what he loves. If I were told that I have to choose one area, Service for Sight is the area that can bring tears to my eyes and warm my heart in an instant. Why? Because it's greater than you or me or DG. It's the area that we are able to serve beyond our sisterhood and forever make a difference in the lives of so many. It's the area where do good means that we are doing good beyond our own membership. It's also a time when we can collectively come together across chapters, regions, and ages and know that we all strive to make sure that someone else will have a bit less of a burden due to our Service for Sight actions.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: I love historical fiction books. Currently, I am in the middle of The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. So far it's great and I highly recommend it! If you ever listen to audiobooks, one of my all-time favorites is Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I love that this audiobook is done with multiple narrators for the characters and it's a great storyline. I haven't yet watched the TV series, but the audiobook was fantastic!
REAL LIFE: The beach! I try to look at the water and visit the beach every day. The only thing holding me back is likely to be a sporting event for one of my kids. I have a favorite coffee spot called Super Bloom that sits right on the water, and you can view the most amazing sunsets while sipping a coffee, tea or cocktail! I also have a special spot at Law Street in San Diego where we have been visiting to watch the moonlight on the ocean waves, my kids surf and special picnics for years. This is one of my "zen" spots that renews my spirit any day.
Foundation Secretary
Lee C. Deadwyler, Gamma Iota-DePauw
DO GOOD: This was tough to pick! But, I think the Foundation program that means the most to me is the training and programming we provide. The way we pour into members so they can develop into the best versions of themselves is really important. I am lucky to have personally benefitted so much from DG leadership training as a collegian (and even still now as an alumna)!
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: I love so many tv shows and podcasts. Two of my absolute favorite podcasts are Normal Gossip and Scam Goddess. In Normal Gossip, the host Kelsey McKinney shares anonymous gossip with that week’s guest. It’s incredibly funny, sometimes shocking, but always entertaining! And Scam Goddess is hosted by the amazingly funny Laci Mosley. She invites guests to share about scammers and con artists, but in a very funny way! If you need something lighthearted, I would recommend either of those two podcasts.
REAL LIFE: If you were to visit me in Washington, DC, you would find me at team trivia or playing softball with friends. I have been lucky enough to be playing with some of the same folks for about 6 years! We put the social in social sports!
Foundation Treasurer
Jill Elizabeth Roshto, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State
DO GOOD: We have so many amazing programs, but I love the Crisis Grant program that offers a lifeline to our sisters at a time of extreme hardship and need. This program really makes the case that Delta Gamma is for life.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: I was obsessed with a Danish show, Seaside Hotel, on the PBS app this summer. It is a historical drama that spans several decades from the 1920s through to the end of WWII and follows a group of people who go to the same hotel every summer. It is funny, heartwarming and also informative about what was going on in Denmark during war time.
REAL LIFE: Well, it is fall, so you might find me in Tiger Stadium at an LSU football game or checking on things at the temporary Delta Gamma House (we are currently living in the DKE Fraternity House) while we renovate our house.
DO GOOD: The Foundation area that most resonates with me is Service for Sight. I am continually amazed at what a difference we make in the lives of people with blindness or low vision with our grants and programs. And, as I continue to be exposed to what those living with low vision need, it opens up new opportunities where we can continue to help make change.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: Love the author Kate Quinn, Diamond Eye is a favorite! Two favorite shows would be Only Murders in the Building, and Masters of the Air.
REAL LIFE: If you were to visit me in Minneapolis, you would find me walking the lakes with friends, playing pickleball, and taking a cooking class at Bellecour. My goal this winter is to learn to play mahjong.
Foundation Trustee
Danielle Consentino D’Arcy, Gamma Pi-Roanoke
DO GOOD: The many scholarship and fellowship opportunities that allow our sisters to invest in themselves via education.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: Books: All by Mark Sullivan: The Last Green Valley, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, All the Glimmering Stars. TV Shows: Shrinking and Schitt's Creek.
REAL LIFE: Chicago: At one of the many Lake Shore parks with my husband and our dog, or on our rooftop cooking pizzas on the solo stove overlooking the city skyline and Bozeman: In the mountains hiking, hunting, fishing, being present in - and with - nature.
Foundation Trustee
Jennifer Surgalski, Zeta Sigma-Northern Kentucky
DO GOOD: As a past recipient of a Delta Gamma Foundation Fellowship for graduate study, I feel especially passionate about our Foundation’s support of women furthering their academic pursuits. The Foundation’s support allowed me to pursue my Masters in Business and Sports Administration, and launch my career in sports and entertainment. I’m so very grateful to my sisters who generously gave to our Foundation and made my fellowship possible.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: As a result of my work on the National Medal of Honor Museum, I’ve read several autobiographies of Medal of Honor recipients. Among the most impactful to me is Kyle Carpenter’s You are Worth It. Kyle is our youngest living Medal of Honor recipient and someone I’ve come to call a friend. His book is an incredible account of his life, military experience and resilience through adversity. His is an important story I think everyone will benefit from reading.
REAL LIFE: In Dallas this fall, you will find me enjoying walks on the Katy Trail, working to improve my golf game, patio dining and cheering on my Dallas Cowboys!
Foundation Trustee and Fraternity President
Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma
DO GOOD: I have a deep appreciation for the experience that Hope Serving provides. Hearing the testimonials of collegians and alumnae who attend this hands-on service trip really speaks to the good that Delta Gamma does.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: My current obsession is with the RedHanded podcast. I’m a sucker for true crime. Hannah and Suruthi regularly bring great entertainment my way.
REAL LIFE: The local food scene in Oklahoma City is pretty phenomenal, so you’ll likely find me on a patio with someone who also loves to keep up with the ever-growing list of new locales.
Foundation Trustee and Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming
Shenea Stephenson Strader, Eta Iota–Nevada, Reno
DO GOOD: I love the programming that we’re able to offer! Lewis Institute, Dawson Institute, and the Act with Intention programs are some of my personal favorites.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: True Crime Creepers, hosted by two DG alumnae! Highly recommend – it’s exceptionally entertaining!!
REAL LIFE: You’d most likely find me volunteering at my twins’ elementary school – I’m there several days a week, making copies, volunteering in the classroom and doing whatever else they need help with. I’ve been known to plan a class party or two, also!
Foundation Trustee and Fraternity Treasurer
Susan Meyer Kornegay, Eta-Akron
DO GOOD: Since I was a collegian at Eta-Akron, the Foundation’s program that has always meant the most to me is Service for Sight, as championed by Ruth Billow and lived out in my close friendship with Jean Nardin (not a Delta Gamma) for 25 years. Jean lost her vision to Type 1 Diabetes while in her mid-twenties, just about the time we first met. She taught me so much about how much people who are blind can actually do (like playing golf and skiing), what their challenges are and how to help (like using the “clock method” to help them navigate a meal), what not to do (like grab their arm rather than offering yours to guide them), and so much more.
A FUN RECOMMENDATION: I really enjoyed the audio book, Hello Darkness, My Old Friend: How Daring Dreams and Unyielding Friendship Turned One Man’s Blindness into an Extraordinary Vision for Life (Sanford D. Greenberg). This book was recommended to me by former BOT Secretary Lynne Thieme. It is the story of a Columbia University student from a poor Jewish family who overcame losing his eyesight to disease while in college and found success as a student and as a professional and public servant. It also explores his lifetime friendship with Art Garfunkel, who wrote the introduction and provided the narration for the audio book.
REAL LIFE: If you were to visit me in Knoxville, I’d love for my husband Jerry and me to take you to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Less than an hour from our home, Cades Cove is a scenic valley surrounded by mountains and one of the most lovely and peaceful places on earth, especially in the fall when the colors are at their brightest. The valley is circled by an 11-mile loop road from which you can explore historic homesites, churches, and cemeteries, as well as access hiking trails and watch for wildlife such as deer and BEARS! Cades Cove is certainly one of our favorites.
[COLUMBUS, OH] — Delta Gamma Foundation announces the successful conclusion of Anchoring the Future: The Campaign for Delta Gamma, its first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign. The organization surpassed its ambitious $50 million goal by raising an extraordinary $58,133,064, made possible through the generous support of 14,426 donors. The Campaign was guided by a Cabinet of 17 dedicated Delta Gamma alumnae, whose leadership was instrumental in achieving this unprecedented result.
The campaign recorded numerous noteworthy achievements:
Establishment of 61 new endowed funds
100% participation from both collegiate and alumnae chapters
Largest gift received in the Foundation’s history ($5.5 million)
"When we launched this Campaign six years ago, we hoped Delta Gammas would respond with heartfelt enthusiasm for investing in our mission,” said Campaign Co-Chairs Laurie Watson Kight, Delta Kappa-South Florida and Shaun Fisher Young, Mu-Missouri. “The success of this Campaign reflects the deep commitment of our members to Delta Gamma's values and future, which will allow our sisterhood to do even more in the pursuit of doing good."
The Campaign strategically focused on four key areas:
Individual Member Support: Expanding academic awards, need-based scholarships, and individual assistance programs.
Philanthropy and Unrestricted Giving: Strengthening Delta Gamma's commitment to Service for Sight and community support.
Capital Initiatives: Creating a new Leadership Training Center, Delta Gamma Archives Museum, renovation of Executive Offices, and enhancing chapter facilities.
Training and Programming: Investing in comprehensive social responsibility, health and well-being, and leadership development programs for collegians and alumnae.
Jenn Stuart Ragusa, Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside, Chair of the Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees, says, "Anchoring the Future represents more than a fundraising achievement – it's a testament to the enduring strength of our sisterhood. The astonishing generosity of our sisters, chapters and friends has positioned Delta Gammas to lead, grow and do good on a larger scale than ever before, securing Delta Gamma's ability to enrich the lives of our members and expand our philanthropic impact for generations to come."
This comprehensive initiative was conceived as both a celebration of Delta Gamma's rich 150-year history and an investment in its ambitious future. The Campaign's success ensures the organization can continue to provide meaningful experiences, support and opportunities to its members while advancing its broader mission of service and leadership. Construction began this fall on the renovation of Delta Gamma Executive Offices in Columbus, Ohio, including creating the Leadership Training Center and Archives Museum.
Pictured above: Leslie Martin, Gamma Rho-Wittenberg, Delta Gamma Foundation executive director, Judy Barnhart, Gamma Iota-DePauw, Building Committee Chair, and Tracey Williams, Beta Sigma-Maryland, Delta Gamma Fraternity executive director break ground at Delta Gamma Executive Offices in Columbus, OH, on October 3, 2024.
About the Delta Gamma Foundation: Incorporated in 1951, the Delta Gamma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed as a complement to the Delta Gamma Fraternity. Through its philanthropic endeavors, educational programming, and leadership initiatives, the Foundation supports and advances Delta Gamma's mission of doing good and partners with the Fraternity to ensure the future of our sisterhood through three areas of support: Individual Member Support, Training and Programming, and Delta Gamma’s philanthropy, Service for Sight.
About the Delta Gamma Fraternity: Delta Gamma Fraternity was founded in 1873 at Lewis School in Oxford, Mississippi. The Fraternity’s primary purpose is to foster high ideals of friendship, promote educational and cultural interests, create a true sense of social responsibility and develop the best qualities of character. Delta Gamma has 280,000 initiated members, 147 collegiate chapters and more than 170 alumnae groups. Delta Gamma Executive Offices is in Columbus, Ohio.
Delta Gammas seek to do good every day! We pledged to do so when we accepted our bids to Delta Gamma. Our Fraternity letters were chosen in 1873 because they represent our motto and desire to do good.
During the week of October 9-16, Delta Gamma invites you to participate in our eleventh annual Do Good Week by doing good deeds, no matter how big or small. Anyone can participate, whether you are a sister, fraternal partner, friend, neighbor or simply a kind person hoping to make the world a little better.
This year, Do Good Week coincides with World Sight Day (October 10) and White Cane Day (October 15). Take advantage of this opportunity to learn, do and advocate for Service for Sight. Learn and raise awareness about vision-related topics and consider organizing a group-wide service event or doing something on your own. Resources can be found below.
Share these Reels from Envision Foundation employees on what it is like to navigate the world without sight:
Kellie Gertz shares why she is grateful for her guide dog, Loki.
Kellie shares why her blindness doesn’t define her.
Terese Goren shares a common stigma she has faced as someone who is blind.
Terese shares another stigma she has faced as someone who is blind.
Sedrick Veal shares about the stigma he has faced as someone who is blind.
Paco Padilla explains that blindness is a spectrum.
Anne shares her experience of being blind and why we should focus on our similarities, and not differences.
Jeremy Barton shares why he still uses a white cane in settings where he may not need to.
World Sight Day: Prevent Blindness has put together a range of resources specifically for Delta Gamma members, including printable stickers, bookmarks and fact sheets. Explore the resources here.
The story of Otto and his Gamma Phi-Arizona State raisers
By Janet Bergeron Vidrine, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State
Raising a puppy to one day become a guide dog involves a lot of work from applications to training, but the result is worth the time and effort. In November 2023, Guide Dogs for the Blind gave a presentation at Gamma Phi-Arizona State about becoming guide dog raisers and puppy sitters. Many members were interested in participating in the program and filled out interest indicators which included answering questions about availability, current schedules in school, majors and GPA information. The chapter president met with Sandy and Becky from Guide Dogs for the Blind to help them find raisers in the chapter. They reviewed the applications and based on the information provided determined which members were qualified and able to raise dogs. Many chapter members were selected to be puppy raisers and puppy sitters.
Once selected, the future raisers and babysitters attended an all-day training session where they learned all they needed to know about raising the puppy and the expectations. They also had practice with real guide dogs to get some first-hand experience with handling. Next came the home evaluations to make sure the raiser had the necessary space to raise a dog.
Caroline McGuire, Gamma Phi-Arizona State, co-raised Otto with another DG sister, Sophia Busch Isaksen, in their shared apartment for the first 10 months. When school started back up in August, Caroline moved into the chapter house and Otto split his time up between living in the house and with Sophia in her apartment. Every moment was an opportunity for Otto to learn and train, whether it was walking on the busy streets of Tempe or being able to sit and settle well during large sorority functions, Otto was always learning.
When Otto lived in the chapter house, he experienced living with 30 women. Several members in the house were also puppy sitters, so their knowledge of how to handle Otto came in handy. Through several presentations, the entire chapter learned everything about puppy etiquette to help them understand that these puppies were not your average dogs and that you could not treat them as such.
Some etiquette tips they learned included not talking to the puppies in a baby voice, always approaching the handler first and asking permission to pet, and to not distract the dog or touch them when they had their green vest on. It took some time for the members to remember all the rules, but they did learn and even helped teach others in the community these rules as well. Overall, the entire chapter had a very positive response to having the dogs at DG events and in the house, and everyone grew to love all the puppies. During family weekend members would show off their composites to their families and point out the guide dogs who had their own featured pictures.
Saying goodbye was difficult not only for the raisers but for all the members of the chapter. All the women living in the house got attached to Otto. They threw him a puppy graduation party where he got to “come” and get his diploma of kibble. All the women got a chance to take pictures with Otto in his graduation cap and say their goodbyes to him.
Flying Otto out to Oregon was very emotional for both Sophia and Caroline, but they were so proud of how far Otto had come and how well he did during his training. He did well through all the phases and made it to phase eight before they got news of his “career change.” Unfortunately, Otto was not going to be a guide dog due to some body sensitivity issues. He is now in New Jersey waiting for his next assignment.
In Caroline’s words, “Getting to raise Otto for my junior and senior year of college was the best decision I have ever made, and I would not change anything.”
If any chapter members are interested in raising a guide dog, please reach out to one of the many organizations looking for raisers. Members can live in Delta Gamma facilities while raising a puppy. Check the Delta Gamma Website Library for the housing waiver information that would need to be completed before becoming a puppy raiser.
Award Recipient: Roxanne Ebner LaMuth, Epsilon-Ohio State
This is the Delta Gamma Foundation's most prestigious award, given solely at the discretion of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Having only been awarded six times in the past 30 years, this recognition is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated, through major accomplishments, unequaled loyalty to the Delta Gamma Foundation. The recipient must fulfill the mission of the Delta Gamma Foundation in an extraordinary manner, that is unprecedented and lasting, and that leaves a significant impact on our Foundation and society.
Roxanne’s visionary leadership as Foundation executive director and as an advancement executive has changed the trajectory of the Foundation in profound and meaningful ways. While executive director, the Foundation embarked on its first-ever comprehensive campaign with a goal of $50 million. Roxanne’s work has made an unparalleled impact on generations of Delta Gammas and improved the lives of millions of people through Service for Sight. In her almost 16 years of service to Delta Gamma on staff, her contagiously positive attitude, adept relationship-and consensus-building skills, passion for Delta Gamma and deep belief in the mission of the Foundation and our philanthropy have distinguished her as exceedingly worthy of this recognition. From the time Roxanne was appointed executive director in 2014, to her transition to advancement executive in 2020, total Foundation assets grew 62%. The largest gift ever made to the Foundation, $5.5 million, was a direct result of Roxanne’s work. She has been and remains a role model to all who know her. Roxanne was presented this award at Convention in Palm Desert, CA. To view the photos used in a special slideshow during the award presentation click here. Congratulations to Roxanne on her retirement and an incredible career filled with service and sisterhood!
Theta Chapter of Delta Gamma Collegiate Leadership Award Honoring Patricia Peterson Danielson
This award is sponsored by the Theta chapter to honor beloved Theta alumna Patricia Peterson Danielson, in appreciation of her deep commitment to and leadership within the Theta chapter, Delta Gamma, Indiana University and her community. The award honors a Delta Gamma collegian that has made and continues to make a significant leadership contribution to their campus, community, place of worship, state/province, nation or world in an area of philanthropy or philanthropic service.
Winner: Kearney Miller, Zeta-Albion
Nominated by: Kelly Brown, Zeta-Albion, ATC
Kearney Miller joined the Zeta chapter of Delta Gamma in the spring of 2021. Throughout her time, she has served as the director of social awareness, vice president: social standards, and vice president: member education. She has also served two terms on Albion College’s Panhellenic Council as the vice president of service and philanthropy. On campus, she is a captain of the softball team, a member of the Student Volunteer Bureau, and a part of the Ford Institute for Public Policy and Service. She will graduate in May of 2025 with a B.A. in political science and history, intending on entering the nonprofit sphere focusing primarily on public spaces and community-based programming. She has spent two summers in Detroit as an intern for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and maintaining the five-mile long riverwalk in the heart of the city. Supporting both the development and programming teams, she gets to work with fundraising and donor relations, but also directly with Detroit residents through public events. In her free time, Kearney enjoys birdwatching, weightlifting, and spending time with loved ones.
The Catherine Stuart Schmoker Principled Alumnae Leadership Award
This award is sponsored by James and Helen Catherine (H.K.) Davis Stuart, Kappa-Nebraska to recognize their daughter’s commitment to Delta Gamma, her alma mater, her community and her church. The award honors a Delta Gamma alumna who has made, and continues to make, a significant leadership contribution to their community, place of worship, state/province, nation or world in an area of philanthropic service.
Winner: Dr. Dae Caruso Sheridan, Delta Kappa-South Florida
Nominated by: Tampa alumnae chapter
Dr. Dae Sheridan is a proud 1991 initiate of Delta Kappa-South Florida. She is a licensed mental health counselor, board certified clinical sexologist and a certified rehabilitation counselor in private practice who returned to her alma mater, where she taught for 15 years in the department of child and family studies.
As an activist and advocate for quality mental health services and sexuality education for all, Dae provides pro-bono counseling services to those in need and regularly presents her research and participates as a featured expert for various professional organizations and media outlets, worldwide.
As a first-generation college student, it was in Delta Gamma that she first learned the word “philanthropy” and vowed to find ways to continue to do good throughout her life. Dae is known as a consummate volunteer, educator, mentor, leader, joiner, helper, do-er, fund-raiser, friend-raiser and party-thrower!
For the last 3 decades, Dae has supported countless non-profit organizations throughout her community, and has been recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as a “Healthcare Hero.” Since 2014, she has dedicated her time as an active member of the board of directors at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
No stranger to the financial struggle many face during their student years, upon her retirement from the University of South Florida, Dae was particularly inspired by the phrase “First you learn, then you earn, then you return.” She has since established two distinct need-based scholarship funds at USF which reflect her own journey:
The Dr. Dae Sheridan Endowed Scholarship which provides financial assistance each semester to a graduate student in the Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program, and the “DUE Good” Scholarship which pays dues for dedicated USF Delta Gamma collegians who otherwise wouldn’t be able to remain active.
A recent Cable Award recipient, Dae has served on the Delta Kappa Chapter Advisory team as rituals, honor board, alumnae relations, and programming advisor, is an active member of the Tampa alumnae chapter and is thrilled to host various fabulous DG events at her home throughout the year.
She happily spends her free time with her GDI husband of 26 years, and her two amazing children.
H.K. Stuart Spirit of Service Award
The H.K. Stuart Spirit of Service Award is reserved for collegiate chapters and alumnae groups that exhibit the dedication and service exemplified in the life of Helen (H.K.) Davis Stuart, Kappa-Nebraska. This award was endowed by H.K.’s daughter Catherine Stuart Schmoker and her husband Richard.
Alumnae Group Applicants
Boulder alumnae chapter
Greater Naples alumnae chapter
Jackson alumnae chapter
Pittsburgh South Hills alumnae chapter
Louisville alumnae chapter
Tampa alumnae chapter
Alumnae Group Winner: Greater Naples alumnae chapter
Collegiate Chapter Applicants
Zeta-Albion
Nu-Idaho
Alpha Lambda-Drake
Beta Psi-Alabama
Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State
Gamma Phi-Arizona State
Delta Iota-Georgia
Delta Lambda-Mississippi State
Epsilon Epsilon-Tennessee Tech
Epsilon Sigma-San Diego State
Zeta Alpha-Villanova
Zeta Gamma-Richmond
Zeta Iota-Chapman
Eta Eta-Spring Hill
Theta Zeta-Florida Gulf Coast
Collegiate Chapter Winner: Zeta Gamma-Richmond
Mildred Moyer Baynard Award for Excellence in the Field of Blindness
This award is given at each Convention and honors a local organization that has done exceptional work enhancing the lives of those with vision loss.
Recipients: Braille Insitute - Coachella Valley and Guide Dogs of the Desert
Delta Gamma Foundation Elects Two Trustees for 2023-2026 Term
Columbus, Ohio [July 20, 2023]- Delta Gamma Foundation voting members elect two Trustees to serve on the Board at the Foundation Annual Meeting, held during Delta Gamma's Officer Training Seminar in Memphis, Tennessee.
Lee C. Deadwyler, Gamma Iota-DePauw, has been elected by the Foundation voting members to serve as a Trustee for the 2023-2026 term. Lee previously served as a member of the Foundation staff from 2014-2016. Catherine (Kim) Schmoker Hunnewell, Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist, was re-elected to serve a second term as Trustee for 2023-2026. Both Lee and Kim have served previously in various volunteer positions for Delta Gamma.
Board of Trustees Chair Jennifer Stuart Ragusa, Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside, shares: “The Board of Trustees is thrilled to have Kim Schmoker Hunnewell serving in her second term. The addition of Lee Deadwyler is a great win for our Board. Their remarkable achievements, combined with their passion for the Delta Gamma Foundation, will be invaluable in driving our Board forward. I am confident that their contributions will greatly enhance our ability to make a positive impact in the coming year. We express our gratitude to our departing board member, Joan Workman Newman, Gamma-UC Berkeley for her invaluable service and dedication.”
Deadwyler and Hunnewell were elected and took their Oath of Office on June 29, 2023. Jill Elizabeth Roshto, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State, will serve as Board Treasurer and Lynne C. Thieme, Beta Xi-Michigan Statewill continue to serve as Board Secretary.
Six elected Trustees and three ex-officio Trustees, who serve concurrently in the roles of Delta Gamma Fraternity President, Fraternity Treasurer and Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming serve on the Board to ensure the fulfillment of the Delta Gamma Foundation’s philanthropic mission.
Deadwyler (left) and Hunnewell (right) taking the Oath of Office.From left to right: Molly Peirano, Danielle Consentino D’Arcy, Jill Elizabeth Roshto, Jenn Stuart Ragusa, Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Susan Meyer Kornegay, Kim Schmoker Hunnewell, Lee C. Deadwyler, Lynne C. Thieme
About the Delta Gamma Foundation: Incorporated in 1951, the Delta Gamma Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization formed as a complement to the Delta Gamma Fraternity. The Delta Gamma Foundation fosters lifetime enrichment for members, promotes Service for Sight and partners with the Fraternity to ensure the future of our sisterhood through three areas of support: Individual Member Support, Training and Programming, and Delta Gamma’s philanthropy, Service for Sight.
As long as Delta Gammas have been coming together, we have been focused on our motto to do good. In fact, our founders chose our motto “do good”, and our Greek letters Delta Gamma followed to signify our constant focus.
Although our motto has remained timeless and unchanged, our mission to do good has expanded over time. The Delta Gamma Foundation has been at the heart of this mission, looking for new ways to engage our collective sisterhood as we have grown. With Individual Member Support, Training and Programming, and Service for Sight as our three areas of focus, Delta Gamma remains an unstoppable force for good, not only focusing our efforts on each other but our wider communities.
One of the most exciting ways we come together is at our biennial Convention or Officer Training Seminar. If you have had the pleasure of gathering with your sisters at either of these events, you may have noticed the buzz around the Foundation’s giving area. The colors and logo may change, but the intention remains just as heartfelt – to make a tremendous impact, one sister at a time. From the early days of the Giving Tree, which grew into an entire Garden of Giving, and then transitioned to a highly spirited Regional Race competition between regions, our sisters show up time and time again through their overwhelming care and generosity.
The cream-colored rose, first adopted in 1885 as the Fraternity flower, is as timeless as our do good motto, making it the perfect representation of the Foundation’s newest giving opportunity, Cream Rose Tribute Giving. The chance to honor someone special with a virtual cream rose while making your Foundation gift creates a meaningful connection not only to one another but to our rich history. This treasured touch of friendship and affection is the perfect way to celebrate 150 years of steadfast sisterhood.
Cream Rose Tribute Giving, although new this year, continues this same important work of doing good while focusing on our future needs. Through the Foundation and Fraternity’s comprehensive campaign, Anchoring the Future: The Campaign for Delta Gamma, your Cream Rose Tribute Gift can ensure that the life-changing member experience you had remains available for our sisters for generations to come.
Sandy S. Kuespert, Gamma Theta-Florida, recently honored a sister with whom she has a special bond through a shared love of finance. As the Fraternity accountant at Executive Offices for 27 years, Eleanor Wagner Cary, Alpha Rho-Ohio Wesleyan, hired Sandy onto the finance team at Executive Offices prior to promoting her to fill her own role as accountant in 2004. Sandy, who still serves in this role, honored Eleanor’s memory after her recent passing with a Cream Rose Tribute gift. Sandy recalls Eleanor fondly: “Eleanor demonstrated all of the qualities of a Delta Gamma each day. She provided leadership, support and was a wonderful guide on how to do good in everyday tasks. She saw Delta Gamma as a way of life and a vision of the future for women in leadership. “
Eleanor even sponsored Sandy to become an alumna initiate member of Delta Gamma, sharing an even deeper bond.
As Delta Gammas, we strive to extend kindness and gratitude to all, but especially our sisters with whom we have shared meaningful connections. Taking time to share gratitude for a sister’s influence in your life is one of the most thoughtful expressions of sisterhood.
“Sharing is caring, so a gift to the Foundation in honor or memory of a beloved sister says volumes about how we are connected to do good together. Partnering with the Foundation to impact lives provides enrichment for me and for others.” Sandy said when asked why she felt compelled to make a tribute gift.
We hope that you also feel connected to our do good spirit with those who recognize that the pursuit of doing good is never done and that together we can accomplish unimaginable possibilities.
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You can recognize the sister you thought of most when you read this story with a Cream Rose Tribute Gift. Each Cream Rose Tribute Honoree will receive a personalized tribute message from you and their name will be added to our virtual rose garden.
Questions about Cream Rose Tribute Giving? Email Samantha Mogab, Foundation Annual Giving Manager, at samantha@deltagamma.org
When: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 5 p.m. PT | 8 p.m. ET
Register here: https://deltagamma-org.zoom.us/.../WN_fTbTJWTZS4e9w...
