Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Delta Gamma at the University of Iowa Spring 2018 INSIDE: Thank You, Alumnae p. 2 • The Anchor Standard p. 3 • Chapter Officers p. 4 The Bonds of Bronze, Pink, and Blue 1952 Pledge Class Reflects on Tau Friendship T he moment Marjorie Fletcher '52, Jane Christensen '52, Jane Bullard '52, Carole Hicke '52, Joan Walker '52, Jayne Freeman '52, Helen Dahlberg '52, and Mary Hauer Milani '52 set foot in the old Delta Gamma Chapter house at 932 E. College Street, the foundation of their friendship was cemented. Initially, Marjorie never expected to join Delta Gamma; however, recruitment convinced her Tau Chapter was her home. "At the other Chapter houses I felt like I had to push myself, but at the ΔΓ Chapter house I knew I could be myself." The eight friends resided in Currier Hall, which was the only wom- en's dorm at the University of Iowa. They would always sign up to eat at the same table in the dining room. "We all supported each other by chatting about life, pick-up bridge games, studying together, setting up blind dates, and going to events together," Marjorie said. For Jane Christensen, eating dinner in the dining room prepared by their chef, Yoby, remains one of her fondest memories. "We also had a wonderful house director, Mrs. Overholzer, who made sure to keep us all in line," Jane said. Fond memories include piling into Jane's green Chevy convertible to attend Monday night Chapter meetings or being invited to a sleepover weekend in the Chapter house. Despite going their separate ways after graduation, the women would frequently travel from Des Moines, Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities for Founders Day, special reunions, Homecoming, and Hawkeye football games. This past fall marked the friends' 62nd football season cheering on the Hawkeyes. In 2001 and 2003, Mary Schwinn Stark '49 invited pledge classes from 1948-52 to a reunion at her cabin in the Twin Lakes. "I am still very proud of Delta Gamma because we were one of the top five sororities on campus at the time. I think they still have a wonderful group of women today!" said Jane Christensen. In 2013, the ladies organized a small reunion in Waterloo to celebrate Jayne's return to Iowa from Buffalo. The friends were able to remi- nisce and experience wonderful nostalgia. "The water in Iowa City tasted horrible, but there must have been some longevity minerals in it. As of July 1, 2017, all eight of us and six husbands were still alive." On August 1, Mary entered Chapter Eternal at the age of 83 in Cen- terville, Iowa. As a past Chapter president for Tau Chapter, Mary continued taking on leadership roles in her daily life, eventually earn- ing her the title Citizen of the Year in 1999 and 2000. In fact, many of the women continued their involvement in Delta Gamma well after graduation. "I have been on the Advisory Board in the past, chair of the fundraising committee from 1964-67 to build the current Chapter house, and privileged to be on the House Corporation Board for a zillion years," said Marjorie. "I still cry at Initiation!" When Marjorie's younger daughter was going to be initiated at SMU's Alpha Upsilon Chapter, Marjorie phoned her one week prior informing her of a "sprained ankle." "My daughter told me she knew I would attend Initiation even if they had to wheel me in on a hospital bed," she recalled. "So much for lying to surprise her!" The ladies encourage alumnae to remember their own stories they have with their sisters. "Reconnecting with Tau is important because these are the friends who laughed with you in the good times, sup- ported you in the sad times, introduced you to your husband, helped your child get a job, and ultimately helped shape part of your life," Marjorie said. The eight friends were always proud to wear their golden anchor on the University of Iowa's campus. Delta Gamma has always been highly regarded in Iowa City for its philanthropic and academic ac- complishments. "My time with Tau Chapter taught me to be tolerant of other peoples' views and is where I learned to truly care about others," Jane noted. Marjorie resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and can be reached at margiefletch@msn.com. Jane C. lives nearby in Waterloo, Iowa, with her husband, Sam, and can be reached at jwcsoc@outlook.com. Tau Chapter members on the patio during recruitment.

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