June 3, 2026
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: Julia Beal-Diaz, Delta Rho-Virginia TechJulia exemplifies compassionate, purpose-driven leadership. After losing her father to glioblastoma, she transformed her personal grief into meaningful action by founding the Good Grief Club at Virginia Tech. Recognizing that many students struggle with loss in silence, Julia created a safe, welcoming space where peers can share their experiences, find connection, and support one another without judgment. Through regular meetings and campus outreach, she has helped reduce the stigma surrounding grief and ensured students feel seen and supported during life’s most difficult moments.
Beyond campus, Julia has dedicated herself to fundraising for glioblastoma research, raising both awareness and critical financial support for families impacted by this aggressive cancer. Her leadership reflects resilience, initiative, and a deep commitment to serving others. By turning personal loss into lasting impact, Julia has strengthened her university community and extended hope beyond it — making her an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Theta Chapter of Delta Gamma Fraternity Collegiate 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: Kristin Winterberg Zarchan, Gamma Upsilon-Wichita State For more than two decades, Kristin has been a champion for inclusion, mentorship, and community leadership. As a Special Olympics coach for nearly 13 years, she dedicates more than 1,200 volunteer hours annually to empowering athletes of all abilities across numerous sports. Through creative, adaptive coaching techniques – learning sign language, designing tactile markers, and developing imaginative drills – she ensures every athlete can participate fully, build confidence, and achieve goals once thought out of reach. Her impact is deeply personal, helping individuals overcome fears, gain independence, and experience the joy of accomplishment.
Kristin’s commitment to developing others extends to her 21 years as a Girl Scout leader, where she has mentored young women from their earliest badges through earning their Gold Awards, shaping them into confident leaders. She also volunteers with the Meaningful Life Foundation, guiding transformative experiences for individuals with disabilities. Professionally accomplished and actively engaged in Delta Gamma leadership, Kristin leads with creativity, patience, and heart. Her extraordinary dedication and lifelong commitment to serving others make her an exceptionally deserving recipient of the Catherine Stuart Schmoker Principled Leadership 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.
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.
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