Delta Delta Delta - University of Alabama

The Crescent page 4 A ll of us have family traditions; for some, it's Thanksgiving dinner, for others it's playing football or cheering on a specific team. For Genie Ray Thompson '75, her family tradition is Tri Delta. Growing up she heard about her mother's experiences in Delta Mu Chapter and what it meant to be a part of Tri Delta. Her older sister followed in their mother's footsteps and joined Delta Mu, eventually becoming chapter president. So it seemed fitting that Genie would also join Delta Mu when she attended the University of Alabama. "One of my greatest experiences was when my mother, Netagene Alston Ray Williams '39, and older sister, Mary Colquitt Evans '68, came to pin me during initiation. It is such an honor to share the title of a Delta Mu with the other members of my family." Now, Genie's daughter, Maxwell Thompson '10, has followed the family tradition and joined Tri Delta at the University of Mississippi. Genie had the opportunity to pin Maxwell during her initiation ceremony. It was not just family tradition that brought Genie to Delta Mu. It was the women there who really made the difference. Genie was unsure and felt out of her comfort zone in coming to college. The women at Delta Mu immediately made her feel at home and comfortable. They made her excited for the journey ahead and this new chapter of her life. Her undergraduate years were filled with fun and laughter because of her sisters; so much so, that she finds it impossible to pick just one favorite memory. Instead, she remembers a particular time each year that made them all grow closer together: recruitment workshop. Genie fondly recalls dressing up in costumes, practicing skits, and preparing to welcome new sisters. There were also the pregame meals at the Round House, which were festive and fun. These gatherings before Crimson Tide football games were always a great way to spend time with sisters and get to know their families and friends. To this day, Genie and her family try to make it to as many athletic events for the University of Alabama as possible. Genie has remained involved with the chapter and her sisters as an alumna. Her pledge class has an ongoing e-mail thread to keep in touch and update each other on their lives. She continues to help the chapter whenever she can lend a hand. With the Greek system at UA growing so quickly, she feels any help alumnae can give, whether it is bringing food, donating their time, or just offering support, can be immensely valuable. The legacy of Delta Mu has always been important to her and she is very happy that Delta Mu has a beautiful new home on campus. The living room of the new house is named in memory of her mother, an honor which Genie treasures. "I know many of my pledge sisters and sorority sisters were exceptionally generous in the funding of the new house and we all want to continue the legacy of Delta Mu for years to come." Genie and her husband, Mike, live in Birmingham, Alabama. They visit their farm on weekends, enjoying their dogs and spending time with their daughters Lucy, Maxwell, and Annie and granddaughters Hallsey and Mamie Marsh. You can contact Genie at netagene@gmail.com. Continuing the Delta Mu Legacy Genie Thompson '75 and her family at their farm. one of Delta Mu's founding members. As we acknowledged the Golden Circle members, all of the building committee, and the capital campaign committee members, and read all the names of so many generous donors and the loved ones they honored, we felt surrounded by the close bonds we share. We also had a chance to write down special memories for the scrapbook and we will be sharing those on Facebook and hope you will add your own. This is one special group of women! And speaking of special – that same weekend UA Tri Delta was awarded with the honor of hosting St. Jude Research Hospital's CEO, Richard Shadyac. After being recognized as Tri Delta's top fundraising chapter, Mr. Shadyac made his first chapter visit to congratulate Delta Mu on being the first chapter to raise over $200,000 for St. Jude. Please follow this link, https://vimeo.com/116708979, to view the video from his visit. You will be so proud of what Delta Mu and Delta Delta Delta have accomplished working together for this wonderful cause. A recent Crimson White article also reported that our chapter raised over 40% of all the charity fundraising from UA sororities. It is so encouraging to know how involved our actives are in this philanthropy and what a central part of chapter life this has become. As we settle in, we are now finishing all those projects that we prudently delayed to be good stewards of these generous gifts. As you continue to honor your pledges, we are always thankful for any size gifts that you may make directly to House Corporation that can be used for ongoing projects. This fall we were able to "retire" most of the old lounge furniture from the Round House and make the second and third floor lounges really comfortable, stylish areas for the actives in the house. We are now turning to the basement and the chapter room area. The actives have asked that we help them make this area more special and reverent and, also on a practical level, get them enough chairs for all to sit! All the money from the annual campaign fund this year will go directly to this great and meaningful project. Finally, our Annual House Corporation meeting will be April 18th (A Day) at 10 a.m. in our beautiful dining room. The nominating committee slate for the House Corporation Board of Directors will be presented, with nominations from the floor and election. Slate: Diana Cribbs Adams '87, Kimberly Lee Bean '80, Trisha McGee Dodson '79, Anna Fikes '12, Jane Hardesty Finley '67, Amanda Still Humber '70, LaVonda Bowdoin Keel '79, Leslie Owen Kincaid '77, Amanda Louise Laycock '98, Kathy Houts McLeod '85, Virginia Waggenheim Parks '83, Emily Albers Patton '81, Leslie Oldacre Sellers '82, Lynn Turnbull Sims '73, Genie Faulkner Stutts '81. And yes, YOU are part of House Corporation, all Delta Mu Tri Deltas are and I urge you to come, see some friends, renew connections, and enjoy your sister bonds! You know it "takes a village" and in this case, it takes us all to help Delta Mu continue to excel as a philanthropic, academic, and social leader. Delta Love, Amanda Still Humber '70 House Corporation President (205) 799-2126 ashumber@gmail.com Celebrating All (Continued from page 1)

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