Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Delta Gamma page 3 CHAPTER ETERNAL Jane Daisley Riley '50 entered Chapter Eternal November 17, 2019. Her life was as impressive as it was lengthy. Her infectious smile, wicked sense of humor, and vivacious laughter will be greatly missed by all whom she encountered. Jane's life was marked by astounding perseverance, determination, and grace, as she raised her four children on her own while pursuing her career as a kindergarten teacher in the Des Moines Public Schools. Jane's dedication to her students was reflected in her perfect attendance over her 32-year career in which she never missed a day of work. To many she was an enigma, she was a stickler for etiquette and manners, but she was also a forward-thinking woman challenging everyday norms and encouraging her children and her students to push the envelope and never settle. However, to those who knew her, she was known for her kindness; she was often seen handing out $2 bills to neighborhood children on their birthdays, she took time to speak with everyone she encountered, and she was the biggest cheerleader for her family and friends. Jane loved football and faithfully cheered for her Hawkeyes at every opportunity with her trademark grumble, "C'mon, Hawks!" Jane was a renaissance woman; she loved to read, needlepoint, and cook, but she also mastered new technology, never ceasing to amaze her grandchildren with her presence on social media and ironic use of emojis. Marcia Jenkins Pitkin '53 entered Chapter Eternal at her home in La Quinta, Calif., on May 7, 2019, following a long illness. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in art education and taught art and English in public schools in Iowa for several years. After she raised her children, Marcia undertook training in Stephen Ministries, a lay caring ministry, and established highly successful programs successively in three cities: Iowa City, Iowa, Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Palm Desert, Calif. She is survived by her husband, Roy, their children, Barbara, Robert, Kathryn, William, and nine grandchildren. ALUMNAE NEWS Caroline Wnek Ottinger '07, Kaitlin Morkel '07, Brittany Kelly Schlafhauser '07, Gina Romani Dudek '07, and Lani Salzman '07 recently enjoyed a girls' weekend together in Chicago. Alumnae Update "Tau Chapter really helped shape my whole college career," Morgan said. "It pushed me to become a leader, gave me confidence and, best of all, gave me friends that I will have forever. It became my home away from home and my support system." FOREVER FAMILY One of the strongest bonds in Tau Chapter is between Claire and Caroline, and understandably so. The twin sisters have danced together for 26 years, including the past six with the Chiefs Cheerleaders. Their mutual love for the arts was on full display around their Delta Gamma sisters. "I had the honor of living in for two years and got to enjoy everything from The Bachelor watch parties in the Chapter room to midnight fashion shows of old recruitment attire we found in a closet upstairs," Claire said. "My favorite time of the year was always writing, choreographing, and performing in our Homecoming and Greek Week skits. Let the record show that we are still not over our championship finish at Iowa SHOUT for Homecoming 2008. Our theme was Blue's Clues." When Claire isn't dancing in her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with friends and family. Family and football were intertwined for Claire during the Chiefs Super Bowl, and it wasn't just because she was dancing along with Caroline. Prior to the Chiefs comeback win over the Texans in the divisional round, Claire came one step closer to starting her own family after she was proposed to by her fiancé and University of Missouri graduate, Zachary Sewell. "He proposed to me in the east endzone at Arrowhead Stadium in front of my coach and teammates," Claire said. "It was perfect and the best moment of my life—and I've cheered a Super Bowl! We are planning to marry this year on Halloween night in Kansas City, Kansas." TEARS, TROPHIES, AND TEXTS FROM THE TAUS One week after getting engaged, Claire joined Caroline, Morgan, and the rest of the Chiefs Cheerleaders in hoisting up the Lamar Hunt Trophy after the Chiefs rallied past the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game. Their dream of cheering at the Super Bowl had come true. "It was so surreal to finally be cheering on the biggest stage in the world, representing the Chiefs organization with all my best friends," Claire said. "I got tears in my eyes when the Chiefs were announced through the tunnel as the AFC Champions, and again when red and gold confetti covered the sky. It will remain one of the most precious moments in my life." Throughout the incredible journey that the Tau sister trio experienced, they were blessed with the support of the ones who loved them most. All the texts that came in from their Tau sisters made them treasure their Delta Gamma experience that much more. "Going to the Super Bowl was an incredible experience, but it also made me realize how lucky I am to have an incredible support system," Morgan said. "My Delta Gamma friends were so excited for me and it has been so amazing to have their support." Morgan, Mu Chapter '11 cheers on the field.

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