Council Comment | Fall 2025
The Delta Gamma Fraternity Council recently gathered at Executive Offices (EO), where we enjoyed a stay in the newly refreshed Martin Center, our on-site lodging and meeting space. We especially appreciated meeting in the updated board room, now equipped for seamless communication with virtual presenters, and the chance to connect with staff over lunch on Friday.
Our agenda was full and meaningful. Council passed a new Rituals Policy, which formalizes our commitment to protecting our ritual while ensuring more voices are part of the process. This biennium, the Rituals Committee was reinstated, and any adaptations or updates will first be reviewed and recommended by the committee before being considered by Council.
Council also had the opportunity to engage in discussions centered around the thoughtful and informative presentations from staff and volunteers, including:
- the marketing and communications team on updated email best practices,
- reports on alumnae and collegiate membership trends,
- the Organizational Effectiveness Committee shared opportunities to help Delta Gamma run more smoothly so volunteers can focus on impact rather than process,
- our events team on recently completed events and Convention 2026 planning and decision-making,
- the Executive Director of the Delta Gamma Foundation, Leslie Loop Martin, Gamma Rho-Wittenberg, with an update on philanthropy and fundraising, and
- our Executive Director, Tracey Doebling Williams, Beta Sigma-Maryland, shared an update from Executive Offices staff on all areas of the Fraternity.
A theme across many of these presentations was the use of our Strategic Framework of belonging, agility and growth (BAG). Teams are applying the framework in flexible, creative ways and we are seeing it woven into our work more than ever before.
We are also excited to share a new initiative: Office Hours with Council. These monthly virtual sessions will give members the opportunity to connect directly with Council for conversation, questions, and ideas. Click here to learn more and register.
Another area of focus is expanding our alumna initiate program. We’ve set ambitious goals for its growth, as it remains a powerful way to welcome women who share our values into Delta Gamma and strengthen our sisterhood.
We closed Friday with a special treat: a visit from former Fraternity President Judy Barnhart, Gamma Iota-DePauw, who taught us to play Mahjong. It was a lighthearted, joy-filled moment of connection and a reminder of the many gifts of Delta Gamma friendship that extend beyond our college years.
Council’s next in-person meeting will be in January at Executive Offices in Columbus, Ohio. It will be a joint meeting with the Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees. We’re looking forward to a weekend of collaboration (and maybe a Mahjong tournament).
Looking further ahead, plans for Convention 2026 in Dallas-Fort Worth are already underway, and we hope to see many of you there!
As always, we remain committed to helping build a Delta Gamma where belonging is universal, change is embraced and our bonds grow stronger every day. If you have questions or would like to connect, reach out to us at FraternityCouncil@deltagamma.org.
In the bonds,
Amy, Kristina, Melissa, Shenea, Natalie, Susan and Samantha
Fraternity President | Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma
Council Trustee: Collegians | Kristina Magovac, Delta Eta-Cal State, Sacramento
Council Trustee: Alumnae | Dr. Melissa Thompson, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State
Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming | Shenea Stephenson Strader, Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno
Council Trustee: Membership | Natalie Cooper Grindle, Gamma Sigma-Houston
Council Trustee: Communications | Samantha McQuaig Siffring, Epsilon Nu-James Madison
Fraternity Treasurer | Susan Meyer Kornegay, Eta-Akron
In case you missed it…
July 2025 Council Comment
April 2025 Council Comment
January 2025 Council Comment
October 2024 Council Comment
September 2024 Council Comment
Meet Your 2024-26 Fraternity Council
About Delta Gamma: 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 Fraternity Executive Offices is in Columbus, Ohio.