DG History

From blogs up until this point, you have learned about the special sisterhood of DG, the impact of DG’s great philanthropy and many of the events that Gamma Sigma’s have participated in.  However, you could probably use some extra detail on how Delta Gamma began.  By understanding the powerful history behind Delta Gamma, potential members are able to gain a better understanding of why the chapter is so great.

Delta Gamma was founded on Christmas Eve of 1873 at the Lewis School for Girls in Oxford, Mississippi. Anna Boyd Ellington, Mary Comfort Leonard, and Eva Webb Dodd sought to create a group of women with strong principles, lasting friendships, and love and consideration for mankind.  These three founders are still cherished and looked upon as wonderful influences.  Many DG’s nationwide aspire to be as bold and strong as them.

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Delta Gamma was one of the seven charter members of the National Panhellenic Conference when the first inter-sorority meeting was held in Boston. In 1985 the Epsilon Psi chapter of Delta Gamma was installed at Rutgers University. The chapter was established on Mine Street, and in the summer of 2006 relocated to College Avenue. The chapter now resides in the beautiful house of 78 College Ave. The house is a home to all members, and up to 35 women reside there during the school year. Delta Gamma is among the oldest of women's fraternities. More than 190,000 members have been initiated at the rate of 5,000 each year. Delta Gamma is established on over 140 college campuses across the United States and Canada.

The Delta Gamma chapter here at the University of Houston is called the “Gamma Sigma” chapter, and consists of about 60 members.  We have a house at Bayou Oaks on campus, where 16 active DG’s currently live.  While greek life changes at every university, Delta Gamma carries her values with her all over.

FUN DG FACTS

Founded: December 25, 1873

Colors: Bronze, Pink, & Blue

Symbol: The Anchor (stands for Hope)

Nickname: DeeGee

Motto: "Do Good"

Flower: Cream Colored Rose

Mascot: Hannah

Philanthropy: Service for Sight

Our sisters are members of various organizations on campus, creating a true sense of diverse interests. Some are involved in sports, academic clubs, and various other organizations around campus and in the community. As a chapter, we are very dedicated to giving back to our community in as many ways as we can foster. Delta Gamma has its own foundation, Service for Sight, which raises money and awareness for the blind and visually impaired. We host various educational and philanthropic events, such as Sight Night, Anchor Bake, and our annual philanthropic event, Anchor Splash, to support  our foundation.

Delta Gamma’s founding fathers, philanthropy and true sense of sisterhood keep it a unique organization among others.  I am proud to call myself a DG, and proud to be associated with such amazing and strong women.

Top 10 reasons to pledge DG!

With a total of six sororities to choose from at the university of Houston, you may find yourself asking, “Why DG?”  I put together a list of the top 10 reasons why YOU should pledge DG.

1.       Class

·         Delta Gamma’s is nationally known for being a fraternity made up of classy women.  Our values and standards ensure us the best women around.  DG’s love to have a good time, but in a classy manner.

2.       Service for sight – only sorority with its own foundation

·         Delta Gamma’s philanthropy supports “service for sight”, which is dedicated to helping visually impaired children.  DG donates thousands of dollars to the university of Houston’s school of optometry.  DG also co-sponsors lecturerships with the school of optometry.  Houston DG’s devote their time to volunteering at the Lighthouse in Houston.

3.       Highest GPA on campus

·         Delta Gamma at the University of Houston has the highest cumulative GPA of all the sororities on campus.  Enough said. 

4.       Strong, bold women, involved on campus

·         DG’s can be seen all over campus, involved in many different activities.  Houston DG’s are athletes, part of the honors program and many other prestigious organizations.  Delta Gamma prizes itself of being comprised of strong, bold women who aren’t afraid to takes stands in various areas of life.

5.       Great long term benefits

·         Delta Gamma is a lifelong membership.  Even after college graduation, DG makes sure to involve alumnae, serve as a great networking resource and blah blah blah.  DG alum groups are formed nationally to continue the strong sisterly bond. 

6.       Social events

·         Delta Gamma’s are always seen at social events on campus and around the greek community.  From philanthropy events to mixers with fraternities, DG’s always want to have a good time.

7.       Sisterhood bonds unlike others

·         DG offers a unique sisterhood that cannot be found elsewhere.  Just like sisters, UH Delta Gamma’s support each other to the fullest.  Surrounding yourself with DG women is the best decision you can make. 

8.       Bronze, pink and blue

·         Delta Gamma’s color are bronze, pink and blue – the cutest color scheme on campus.  All of our t-shirts and DG decorations are encompassed in this great color scheme.

9.       The golden anchor – a symbol of hope

·         Delta Gamma symbol is the golden anchor, which stands for hope.  At the end of the day, a DG is always hopeful.  While tough circumstances might cause some to give up and turn away, a Delta Gamma always perseveres.  The golden anchor is a symbol of everything a Delta Gamma represents.

10.   The best on campus.

·         Delta Gamma is the best sorority on campus.  It truly has all of the desirable aspects one would look for in a sorority.  DG’s are classy, fun, smart and driven.  What more could you want? 

PLEDGE DG!

What is a sister?

Being a Delta Gamma gives you the opportunity to make lifelong bonds with girls that become your sisters.  A “sister” can be many things – each person has a different definition and experience that determines how they see a sister.  I asked girls in Delta Gamma to explain to me a situation or example or just list characteristics of what a sister is to them.  In reality, these are just girls who walk into your life as strangers, but once we are all united in the same house, wearing the same badge, we mesh together and form a lifelong membership.  We share one strong bond and reach for a very common goal.

Victoria Ellington – 2^nd year member:

"Sisterhood holds me to a higher standard in my everyday life – before I was a selfish person, but having my sisters, my peers, around me has made me a much more considerate, empathetic and understanding person.”

Sarah Hutton – 2^nd year member:

“To me, a sister is someone who you can be silly with -- someone that you can scream at one second, and laugh with the next.  Some of my closest sisters and I will spend all day together, just hanging out and cracking up.  They accept me just as I am.”

Amanda Shook – 4^th year member:

“Me and my closest sisters always watch movies together and eat tons of ice cream and Dorito tacos from taco bell.  I love that I can just relax and be super comfortable.”

Torrie Pare – 3^rd year member:

“A sister is someone who brings happiness to your life.  When I think of sisterhood, I think of late night talks and creating a bond that is irreplaceable.  A sister is your second opinion, your someone to confide in and your best friend.”

Sura Karralli – 6^th year member:

“Sisters are there to tell you that your headband doesn’t match your outfit and that you’re not allowed to wear those shoes in public.”

Sahar Estetardhi – 3^rd year member:

“A sister is your second opinion, someone to confide in and your best friend.  Sisterhood is a lifelong bond that you form.  Your sisters will be in your wedding, and at your baby showers.  You can get crazy and silly without being judged. Someone is always there for you. You can borrow everyone’s clothes! We all share!”

 At the end of the day, we all have different views on what it means to be a sister, yet we all agree on one common message.  A sister is someone who will always be there, not just temporarily and not just when times are good – always.  Through the fights, tears and hardships, my sisters are always there to comfort me and give me great advice.  I will be forever thankful.

Sisterhood is such a special part of Delta Gamma that I wish every woman the opportunity to experience.  The women aren’t just my friends, they’re my sisters.

 ITB,

My Delta Gamma Experience

As I reflect on my experiences thus far in Delta Gamma, I am amazed at how much it has done for me.  Delta Gamma has touched me on not only a personal level, but also on ethical and professional levels.  I am so thankful to have fallen into the arms of such loving sisters.

Coming into fall recruitment, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  I wasn’t even that sure if I wanted to be a part of a sorority, but somehow, I ended up sitting in the auditorium during the first night of recruitment. 

The first day of recruitment, I remember visiting each different house and feeling very disappointed.  I just wanted to find a place to fit in, and be surrounded with girls I felt like I could relate to.

The moment I walked into the Delta Gamma house, it was like a breath of fresh air.  Just like that, the pressure was lifted from my shoulders and I felt like I just belonged there.  DG’s had something different about them – they were classy and real, and the room was filled with women who I would be proud to associate with.   So I did.

Starting off as a new member in DG, I learned so much about myself.  Many times, I stepped outside the lines of what was “normal” or “expected” of me, and DG helped remind me that there was nothing wrong with that.  For the first time in my life, I truly felt like I had something all to myself.

As expected, I made many wonderful friends and participated in many great philanthropy events.  I immediately jumped into getting involved in the chapter, and ran for the position of vp communications of the Gamma Sigma Chapter.

I even moved into the DG house!  After receiving all of these wonderful blessings through Delta Gamma, I remember thinking, “What else could it possibly do for me?” But I stretched even further – looked even deeper into opportunities through Delta Gamma.

At founder’s day, I am a DG alumna, named Audra, who worked for Francesca’s corporate office as a buyer.  For those of you who have no idea what a buyer is, just know that it is every girls dream job.  You basically get to choose what clothing the company wants to purchase.   And on top of being a buyer, she worked for Francesca’s, which is my favorite store.

Immediately, I took the initiative to send Audra my resume, and crossed my fingers for an opportunity to open up.  I just wanted to get my foot in the door.  Just when I thought I would never get a call, I did.  And before I knew it, I was working at Francesca’s corporate office, serving as an HR assistant and an assistant to the CEO of the company.  The work environment is absolutely amazing and I am so blessed to work there.

The moral of the story is that Delta Gamma has opened doors I never thought possible for me.  Although I still have to work hard and put forth effort, DG has given me access to resources and women that I could never find elsewhere.

Joining Delta Gamma was the best decision I have ever made and I am so proud to call myself a DG.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvuYGpO8ebQ

Happy Spring from the Gamma Sigma chapter at the University of Houston! 

As usual, we have a lot going on.

DG & Pike Frontier Fiesta:

Frontier Fiesta has been taking up almost all of our time, but it has been worth it because this weekend, we will debut our show – “Crow’s Nest.”

“Crow’s Nest” is a story line that displays UH student’s pride to their school and community, and it’s sure to be a hit.  The script is hilarious, the actors are on spot.  We will also be presenting three different dances – “girl’s line,” “guy’s line,” and “stunt.”  This year, we are happy to be doing Fiesta with the gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha.  We had such a great time preparing for Fiesta this year!  We will miss the silly, late night practices and trips to Whataburger, but we are happy to regain some of our time.

Some of the DG's from "Girl's Line"

DG Sisterhood Retreat:

Next weekend, Houston DG’s will travel to Galveston, TX for our annual sisterhood retreat.  Sisterhood retreat is a weekend where only active DG’s spend the entire weekend together – how fun, right?  This allows us to spend valuable time together.  We sincerely enjoy getting the chance to bond with our sisters. 

During retreat, we host special workshops and activities that bring our chapter closer together. Many new friendships are formed and old friendships are re-kindled.  This year, we are renting out a beach house on Galveston Island.

DG's at last year's sisterhood retreat

CDC Visit:

Also coming up is a visit from our Collegiate Development Consultant (CDC).  A Delta Gamma CDC serves as an advisor that travels to DG chapters all over the country to ensure that each chapter is running smoothly.  CDC’s are typically fresh college graduates and DG’s who have taken off one year to dedicate their lives to travelling, for the sake of Delta Gamma.  We will be busy getting to know our CDC and making her feel right at home!  We have all heard such great things about our CDC and look up to her so much.

Spring Break 2012:

Houston Delta Gamma’s traveled to various places over spring break.  A large group of girls took a trip to Panama City Beach in Florida, along with many others from different sororities and fraternities on campus.  Everyone crammed into cars and drove 13 hours to get there, but it was well worth the trip.  All the DG’s that went to Panama shared a hotel room together and layed out on the beach every chance they got.

While some DG’s had a great time traveling over spring break, many of us decided to stay home and spend time with our families.  My spring break was especially memorable because my first nephew was born!  

Much spring love from all the ladies of Delta Gamma! :)

Founder's Day & Big/Little Reveal

Delta Gamma celebrated its Founders Day’s on Saturday, March 3^rd 2012.  Founder’s day is a time to celebrate DG alumnae and the continued legacy of the fraternity throughout the years.

All of the Houston Delta Gammas joined DG Alumnae from all over the country, as well as other DG collegians from different Universities to enjoy a delicious brunch.  The brunch was held at the beautiful Briar Club and was hosted by DG alum.

During the Founders Day celebration, Delta Gamma’s were recognized for their accomplishments and awarded for their success.  Three awards were given out based on the qualities of our founding fathers: Eva Webb Dodd, Mary Comfort Leonard and Anna Boyd Ellington.

Three active DG’s won awards in honor of our founding fathers characteristics.  Congratulations to Emily Cloninger, Megan Tegethoff and Ashley Lozano for exemplifying Delta Gamma in a uniquely cherished way.

Multiple DG’s received scholarships in the amount of $500 for academics and leadership within our chapter.  It was great to see our sisters get recognized for their hard work and dedication!

Some of the DG's at Founder's Day

Not only was the Founder’s Day brunch the perfect time to catch up with sisters and alumnae, it was also a great networking opportunity.  The brunch was filled with successful Delta Gamma’s looking to help out as many sisters as possible.

I sat at a table with a Delta Gamma alum, who now works at the corporate office of Francesca’s, a clothing store that I LOVE! As a PR major with an interest in fashion, working for Francesca’s corporate office in the future would be a great job for me!  I was so happy to get the chance to meet her and hear about what she does.  I’m beyond excited to further look into opportunities to intern or gain experience at Francesca’s!

All in all, Founder’s Day went great!

Big/Little reveal

Although our Spring 2012 pledge class was small, we went all out for our Big/Little reveal!  This year we had a “big in a box” theme, which literally means that the bigs get into a wrapped box and pop out to reveal to themselves to their littles!

 took the most precious little ever from the spring 2012 pledge class and thought it would be funny to squeeze into the tiniest box ever!  It wasn’t that hard because I am only 5 feet tall. 

The tiny box I squeezed into for Big/Little reveal

My little was so excited and afterwards, my whole family went to eat at Empire Café in Houston.

As Delta Gammas, we always make our little’s feel extra special to assure them that they made the right decision choosing DG.

It has been a busy, but fun semester for University of Houston (UH) Delta Gammas!

On February 13^th, Delta Gamma’s enjoyed a fun Valentine’s Day Mixer with the Kappa Sigma Chapter at UH.  The boys of Kappa Sigma got creative with the theme and set out a variety of ties on a table as we walked into their house.  Each DG was encouraged to take a tie, and then find who it belonged to by talking to multiple Kappa Sigma’s.  It was a great way to get to know the boys, and spend time with our sisters.

DG's at Kappa Sigma's Valentines Day Mixer

Delta Gamma also welcomed five new members for spring 2012!  The “Anchorbabies” were welcomed with excitement as they received their bids and arrived to the Delta Gamma house. 

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On Bid night, Delta Gamma hosted a huge celebration to welcome the new girls of DG! We all introduced ourselves and then loosened up with a dance party.  Each new member received a cute bag of goodies, with DG accessories and decorations.  We are so thankful for each of our new members.

(From left to right)

Kendra Lumbi

Alex Kyle

Kathleen Zita

Michelle odgers

Reagann Sweaks

The spring 2012 semester is clearly off to a busy start for UH Delta Gamma’s, but we always make time for the most important thing – philanthropy events, and reaching out to the community.  Not only does Delta Gamma support Service for Sight, we participate in many other fraternities and sororities events, as well as national events.

In February, 13 UH Delta Gamma’s participated in the national philanthropy event called “Dance On.” Dance On is one of 100+ Dance Marathon programs run by students at universities and colleges across the country. All proceeds from Dance On go directly to the local Children’s Miracle Network children’s hospital, Texas Children's Hospital. Dance On is present to create emotional support and financial awareness for the families.

Furthermore, Delta Gamma is already putting a team together to participate in Kappa Sigma’s annual softball tournament, which raises money for their philanthropy.  Profits from Kappa Sigma’s softball tournament will go towards their Military Heroes Campaign which was designed to honor and aid the thousands of wounded military veterans returning from active duty. The campaign focuses, in particular, on providing charitable assistance to the Fisher House Foundation, a segment of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund that provides free housing to wounded veterans and their families throughout the duration of rehabilitation. 

In short, UH Delta Gamma’s are very active in the community and on campus.  DG’s anticipate a busy semester, filled with philanthropy events, social events and more.  We are dedicated to maintaining the vision of classy women, enriching our lives and the lives of those around us.