Delta Gamma - University of Missouri

MU MESSENGER 2 Mu a Proud SPonSor of LectureShiP in VaLueS and ethicS T he Lectureship in Values and Ethics at Mu chapter is one of 20. There are 19 collegiate chapter lectures and one at the Delta Gamma Convention. We have been fortunate to have terrific leadership in Lucinda Rice-Petrie '66 and Debbie Bertram Link '72, who have set the bar very high. Recently, we have had two fine lectures. In September 2013, our speaker was Aimee Mullins, a graduate of Georgetown University. Aimee was an NCAA Division I track and field athlete, is a runway model, and an actress. She has done this all on prosthetic legs. Aimee competed in the 1996 Paralympic Games and was the first person to be fitted for the Flex-Foot Cheetah prosthetic, which is now used by many athletes worldwide. She was appointed by Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to the Council to Empower Women & Girls, which advocates for positive body image. Aimee is also a global brand ambassador for L'Oreal Paris. Aimee was most gracious to the audience—honestly and thoughtfully answering some personal questions. She is extremely intelligent and articulate and was able to impart her life experiences with a great deal of honesty. At the 105th Mu anniversary celebration, our Values and Ethics speaker was Elizabeth Smart. Elizabeth was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002 at the age of 14. Nine months later, Elizabeth was found alive in Sandy, Utah. It was only 18 miles from her home. Her abduction and recovery were widely discussed in the media and the subject of both a movie and a book. She has used her experience to start a foundation to prevent predatory crimes. On September 17, Mu chapter hosted Jane Goodall. Jane is considered to be the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees. Jane created one of the most trailblazing studies of primates in modern times when she dwelled with Tanzanian chimps to observe their behavior. She is a highly respected member of the world scientific community and is a staunch advocate of ecological preservation. In 1977, Dr. Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues the research at Gombe and is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. She also established the organization named Roots & Shoots, which spans more than 130 countries with tens of thousands of young people working to make our world a better place. In the Bonds, Marcia Hunsinger Werremeyer '67 Foundation Director: Lectureship in Values and Ethics footballwidow@earthlink.net Lectureship in Values and Ethics committee members. Calling All Central Missouri Alumnae Columbia Alumnae Chapter Seeking New Members T he Columbia alumnae chapter for central Missouri has hosted several events this past year. The alumnae scheduled different venues on the 11th of each month, except December and January. Events included visiting Rocheport Winery, Arrow Rock for the Flower Fair, movie night at Ragtag, frequent lunch gatherings, and, of course, enjoying the Lectureship in September. Alumnae also hosted a cookie exchange with the goal of filling several trays of cookies for the collegians at both Mu and Delta Omega of William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. Although the alumnae chapter's area is quite extensive, expanding an active membership is an ongoing challenge. If you live anywhere near Columbia, we would love to have you contact Treasurer Audrey Hambley Jones '60 at ajjones@iland.net. In the Bonds, Kathleen Row Lampitt '68 klampitt@socket.net SMALL-TOWN GIRL ACCOMPLISHES BIG-CITY DREAMS A t the age of 19, a young but ambitious Wanda McDaniel (Ruddy) '70 got her first taste of Los Angeles. Everything about the sophisticated city dazzled the Macon, Missouri, native. Within a few days of covering the California Fashion Creators Press Week, an element of a fashion-writing scholarship she won at J-School, Wanda's life was changed. She promised herself that after graduating from the University of Missouri, she would chase her big- city dreams. She started her career on a copydesk at the Dallas Times Herald, and then became the paper's society editor in 1974. Wanda finally got her chance in Hollywood three years later, becoming the society editor at the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. Wanda went on to marry Academy Award-winning producer Albert Ruddy, who is best known for collecting Oscars for his work on The Godfather and Million Dollar Baby, and for creating "Hogan's Heroes." Wanda wouldn't be overshadowed by her husband, though, as she became a top executive at Giorgio Armani. Since accepting the job in 1988, Wanda has helped the company maintain rapport with icons across the globe. She made the line accessible not only to stars, but also to lawyers, managers, agents, producers, and directors as well. Despite her accomplishments, Wanda remains true to her small-town roots. Last summer, Wanda and Mr. Ruddy purchased a vacation house on Macon Lake. This historic estate, built in 1928 and featuring eight bedrooms and 11.5 bathrooms, has significant ties to her Delta Gamma experience. In 1970, Wanda spent her first night in the house as a member of Mu when her Delta Gamma pledge class had its retreat in Oak Hill. Spotlight on Wanda McDaniel Ruddy '70

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