Delta Delta Delta - University of Missouri

page 2 It's important to Linda that young women at MU can gain just as much from Tri Delta as she did, which is why she is one of the sisters leading the way with Delta Xi's capital campaign. "I came back to Delta Xi for the 100th anniversary of our chapter house on Richmond Avenue. I keep in touch with a group from my class," Linda said. "We have gone on a cruise to the Bahamas, hiked in Colorado, explored the Ozarks, been in each other's weddings, Christmas parties, etc. We just pick up where we left off." Linda's love for Tri Delta grew after she joined the local alumnae chapter in Chicago. She became the Chicago chapter president and later served as a district representative and regional director. "It was a wonderful group of older women who had served in the military during World War II and other wars. It's comprised of doctors, radio hosts, bankers, business owners, architects, college professors, etc.," Linda said. "They were all strong role models for me. I learned so many valuable skills that served me well in my career." Linda's career spanned 40 years in consulting, design, advertising, and university relations. She traveled all over Europe for a client study and later went on many ventures in the U.S., establishing UCGSB alumni clubs, hosting receptions for UCGSB Nobel prize winners, and meeting with other prominent UCGSB alumni. One of Linda's favorite career highlights was when she worked on a project in Washington, D.C., during Watergate and crossed paths with Joy, who was working in the White House. "After my appointments, I would visit Joy in the White House," Linda said. "Oh the fun we had." Last, but certainly not least, Linda became a trustee of the foundation and went on to serve as treasurer during a recession. It was a challenging task, but proved to be rewarding. "I prayed for a pot of gold, but instead we received a bequest from an alumna which amounted to $2.3 million," Linda said. "I will be forever grateful that she had the foresight to make those thoughtful arrangements. I have put Tri Delta in my will!" After 44 years of marriage, Linda was widowed in 2012 when Tom died of cancer. Another Tri Delta friendship led to Linda's second marriage in 2018. "I married Robert Gaynor in Egypt on a ship on the Nile. It was 50 years and one day after my marriage to Tom," Linda said. "We were introduced by my tennis partner and Tri Delta friend, Cathy Jaros, who was Bob's neighbor. It's a small world!" Linda is committed to ensuring that Tri Delta continues to change the world for the better. She's calling upon her Delta Xi sisters to do the same by supporting the campaign. "I believe the values, ethics, and ideals of Tri Delta are just as relevant and still guiding my behavior today," Linda said. "Its diverse membership is full of people who I am proud to call my sisters." You can connect with Linda at lindaobryant@sbcglobal.net. Leading the Way with Delta Xi's Campaign (Continued from page 1) D uring recruitment season, Dana Bange Hibbard '80 and her sisters would sing a song that included the words "a place where you belong." Tri Delta was the one sorority to make her feel like she belonged. "I learned to appreciate the vast differences between my sisters and expand my points of view," Dana said. Her undergraduate officer positions also helped her grow as a leader, as an alumna, and in her career. Dana leapt into the role of alumnae advisor for Delta Xi as soon as she graduated, followed by several years as rush advisor. She took a hiatus after the birth of her twin sons, later returning to the House Corporation where she now serves as academic advisor. "It's hard to express in words the profound love and gratitude I hold for Tri Delta and the lifelong friendships it afforded me. But I will always want to give back, if even in a small way." In her current role, Dana connects with the director of academic excellence at least twice a year to brainstorm ways they can encourage and maintain scholarship within the sisterhood. She always hopes to see continued academic success and improvement, but she is pleased with the chapter as a whole. "These women excel in so many areas, and that is what makes them a well-rounded group." Her favorite memories all come from living in the house. "The chapter no longer does sidewalk songs during recruitment, and the house has been remodeled many times. But I suspect lots of late-night chats are still taking place." Dana hopes to see an increase in alumnae involvement at Delta Xi, as there are lots of behind-the-scenes roles crucial to the chapter's success. "I believe it's not that alumnae don't want to be involved, but it's a personal choice. Adult lives are busy, and priorities have to be made. Communicating with each other about opportunities to get involved is always helpful." Dana recently retired from her career as mathematics coordinator of a school district with more than 17,000 students. She credits the networking skills she learned from Tri Delta with helping her success and with reaching many teachers, students, and families. As she relearns what "spare time" means to her, she especially enjoys spending time with her family and Tri Delta friends. "I am a very ordinary person who feels special every time I think about how lucky I was to be a Tri Delta. So many extraordinary women are sisters, and I am honored to be connected with them!" Connect with Dana at danahibbard60@gmail.com. A Place Where You Belong Julie Striegel Lack '80, Heidi Riemann Miles '80, Dana Bange Hibbard '80, Tammy Simpson Hood '80, and Loriann Shelby Malugen '80 at Dana's son's wedding last summer.

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