Alpha Gamma Delta - University of Alabama

The Squirrel's Nest 2 Serendipity in Alpha Gam Cathy Gordon Wallace '79 and LC Wallace '16 Sharing Sisterhood C athy Gordon Wallace '79 was a second-generation student at the University of Alabama. "My parents, one from Georgia and one from Mississippi, met in the middle and found each other at UA. My father graduated in June 1960, 3 months after I was born at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa." Cathy grew up in the Atlanta area and she moved to Tuscaloosa to begin college. "I basically did not know any young women on campus.On the first day of Rush I was completing the check-in for the dorm. I was waiting in line to sign my phone contract when I saw two women in Sunday dress who had their Bibles. I immediately began a conversation about church and introduced myself, having no idea that they were not supposed to talk to a Rushee. Later that afternoon, Rush began and to my great surprise, Anne Golightly Faucett '78 remembered my name and introduced me to Alpha Gam." Because of that sweet, serendipitous introduction earlier that morning, Cathy joined Alpha Gam. Cathy lived in the sorority house her sophomore year and served as recording secretary and on the Homecoming committee. "I enjoyed so many girls in the chapter and found many new Christian friends as well. We had a great pledge class. I loved the older sisters in the house, many of whom helped with my freshman transition," shared Cathy. Then, after earning her degree in Marketing, Cathy moved back to Atlanta in 1982 to begin her banking career with a community bank and then Trust Company of Georgia. She met her husband Trent who was pursuing his medical training at Emory University. Their first son, Trent was born in 1989. Trent Sr. continued his medical training in a two-year fellowship in Philadelphia at Wills Eye Hospital. Cathy and Trent moved to Nashville in the summer of 1992. A second son, David was born in 1993 and finally Laura Catherine "LC" '16 was born on May 14, 1997. When David chose to attend UA in 2011, Cathy began to reconnect with the University again. Cathy took LC back to the ΑΓΔ sorority house a few times and told her about Greek life and the opportunities in which it provides students to get involved but living in Tennessee they were mostly separated from the world of sororities. When LC chose to attend UA in 2015, Cathy wanted her to make her own decision and have her own Greek experience. It's no secret that recruitment is an overwhelming process, especially at UA. LC loved the women she met at Alpha Gam, but most of the women she knew from high school joined a different chapter on campus. Torn between the multiple strong chapters, LC ultimately joined another sorority for a short time, but it wasn't the right fit. Going through recruitment her sophomore year, Alpha Gam once again proved to be a strong contender. "Everyone was very down to earth and there just seemed to be something different about Psi Chapter. When thinking about a place I'd want to go on a random day of the week, Alpha Gam stood out as a chapter that would be there for you throughout the highs and lows of college," shared LC. Since being initiated, LC has proven time and time again that she is a deserving and worthy member of Alpha Gam. She graduated on May 4 with a degree in chemical and biological engineering, Magna Cum Laude. She was also a 3-year member of the Capstone Men and Women organization and involved with RUF campus ministry. "My favorite thing about Alpha Gam is the variety of members. There are so many different types of people and everyone brings their own strengths to the table. We cheer each other on in those various aspects so well that you always feel loved and supported. I love the University of Alabama for the diverse opportunities it provides students to get involved in. From student government to small clubs within your college, there are a plethora of opportunities to branch out and expand your skill set and network all over the campus during your four years." Cathy has enjoyed being reconnected to UA and Alpha Gam through her children. She attended her 40th pledge class reunion in May 2018 at Ross Bridge in Birmingham and keeps in touch with sisters via Facebook and Christmas cards. However, LC joining the sisterhood has truly enriched Cathy's experience. "I have loved sharing Alpha Gam with Laura Catherine. It has been a tremendous honor." Cathy chose to donate to help fund the construction of the new wing for the Psi sorority house. Because of her generous gift, a bedroom was named after LC. The House Corporation is so thankful for the Wallace Family's donation. Of course, LC feels the same way. "I love sharing Alpha Gam with my mom. It is so special to know we hold that bond together and can share with each other our experiences throughout our time at Alabama and within Psi Chapter." A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. Proverbs 27:9 David Wallace, LC Wallace '16, Cathy Gordon Wallace '79, and Trent Wallace celebrating LC's selection into Capstone Men and Women. Anne Golightly Faucett '78 and Cathy Gordon Wallace '79 at Bid Day in 1978. Cathy Gordon Wallace '79 with her daughter, Laura Catherine "LC" Wallace '16, at Psi Chapter Bid Day in 2016.

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