Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Ties to Tau page 2 TURNING TOWARD THE ANCHOR OF HOPE Bergquist Family Shares Their Love for Delta Gamma T he Delta Gamma undergraduate experience that Jackie Leyes Bergquist, Mu '84, had at the University of Missouri changed her life in ways which she could have never imagined. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows of her life, she's often had DG sisters by her side to celebrate with or lean on for support. It's been important to Jackie to return the favor to Delta Gamma whenever she's had the chance, so when she was asked to serve as Tau's advisory team chairman after moving from Georgia to Iowa in 2006, she was quick to accept the position. "Serving as Tau's ATC was one of the most challenging yet most fulfilling experiences I have ever had within Delta Gamma. I call Tau Chapter my 'adopted' chapter because the Tau collegians and alumnae became like family to me," Jackie said. "Even though I wasn't an initiate of Tau Chapter, they accepted me and allowed me to guide them even if we had to let go of some Tau traditions. The collegians and advisory board in those early years worked together to set and achieve some high goals for Tau Chapter." That hard work paid off in a big way in 2008 when Tau received regional and national recognition for improving in all areas. After Jackie moved on to work for Delta Gamma's Region 5 team, she was proud to see more success for Tau when her daughter, Britt Bergquist, Eta Theta '11, followed in her footsteps by serving as the ATC and as the Honor Board advisor. Britt came to Tau with a wealth of Delta Gamma-related leadership experience having served as Eta Theta's chapter president. She was thankful to build on that at Tau. "My experience at Tau Chapter as an advisor molded me in a different way," Britt said. "It showed me how universal some of our challenges and joys are, no matter what chapter you are a part of or where you go to school. At Tau, I also learned a lot about empathizing with and empowering young women from an outside perspective." Britt and her sister, Annie Bergquist, Mu '14, grew up around Delta Gamma and took note of the impact the sisterhood had on Jackie before they went through formal recruitment. Annie and Britt knew that Delta Gamma could have a positive impact on their lives as well, and they've seen that come to fruition. "Mu Chapter helped mold me into the person I am today for many reasons, but the main reason is sharing that bond with my mom," Annie said. "I was a member of the last class to live in the house before it was renovated, so it was neat getting to share a similar experience that my mom had 30 years prior. I quickly figured out that I loved all DGs from any generation." Annie, Britt, and Jackie have also been blessed to share parts of their DG experience with the two Anchor Men of their family. Jackie's husband, Shawn, and son, Jack, have proudly displayed what Delta Gamma means to them as well. "They both gave up a lot of their own time for DG phone calls, meetings, travel, and events," Jackie said. "They both wear anchor socks and ties to show their love of the women who wear the golden anchor." There's no doubt that 2020 has featured a multitude of challenges for families all over the world because of the pandemic, and the Bergquist family has certainly been no exception to that. The Bergquists mourned the death of Jackie's father in April. Just four months later, Jackie's hometown of Cedar Rapids was devastated by the derecho that tore through the city. Through it all, DGs nationwide have reached out to the Bergquists and shown them what the Anchor of Hope is truly all about. "My family has witnessed firsthand the power of the Delta Gamma sisterhood," Jackie said. "The love, friendship, and support my family gets daily from Delta Gamma is something that we try and pay forward." Jackie Leyes Bergquist, Mu '84; Britt Bergquist, Eta Theta '11; and Annie Bergquist, Mu '14. "The love, friendship, and support my family gets daily from Delta Gamma is something that we try and pay forward."

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