Alpha Gamma Delta - University of Alabama

The Squirrel's Nest 2 W hen Hope Graham Reed '95 went through recruitment at the University of Alabama, she did not have any connections to sororities. She was looking for a home away from home, which she found at Alpha Gamma Delta. "From day one, they made me feel welcome and a part of something special," Hope said. "They quickly became my support system away from home— and my closest friends." Hope's family back home in Troy took notice of the many friendships, connections, and valuable life lessons the eldest Graham sister gained in Psi Chapter, and over the years Alpha Gam became a family affair. Joy Graham Bragan, Gamma Sigma '98, joined the chapter at Troy University, while Holly Graham Pugh '01 and Meggan Graham Garrett '06 followed in Hope's footsteps at Psi. Several years later, the Graham sisters were blessed to have their mother, Cornelia Austin Graham, Gamma Sigma '10, join Alpha Gam as an alumnae initiate for her service during her daughters' years. Soon after, the youngest sister, Alex Graham Shavers '10, joined the Psi family too, and 10 years later the family sisterhood would grow yet again; Hope's daughter, Aliee Reed '20, was initiated this fall as a freshman. THE NEWEST RECRUIT Aliee grew up hearing stories of the family sisterhood and looked forward to making similar stories of her own. She got to visit her youngest aunt, Alex, at the sorority house, where the sisters and staff all made her feel at home; this echoes Alex's own memories of sleeping over while Hope lived there. "No one in the family pressured me to choose Alpha Gam, but I knew it was where I belonged," Aliee said of her recruitment. "My mom had no idea of the impact her choice would make on those who came after her and how much the sorority would evolve. I cannot believe I am part of a sisterhood as great as this one." FAMILY SISTERHOOD BEYOND CHAPTERS The Graham sisters made a name for themselves at their respective schools thanks to the support and shared values of Alpha Gam. Hope served as vice president and was a member of XXXI, and she and Meggan were both Capstone Women at UA. Holly, Alex, and Joy each served as president, and Joy was elected Homecoming queen at Troy. Each family member has remained devoted to Alpha Gam as an alumna, and Holly and Alex do their part as alumnae advisors to Gamma Sigma. "Our Psi Chapter advisors selflessly gave of their time to support us and ensure we were doing our best," Alex said of her inspiration to join. "Gamma Sigma is a smaller chapter, but they both uphold the same standards, values, and morals." Holly, too, cherishes the opportunity to minister young women, connect with them, and build relationships. "I didn't expect I would be around this long, but it is hard to walk away after each new pledge class." "Sharing the family sisterhood just makes the great things that much sweeter," Joy said. "We're sisters by blood, but Alpha Gam reaffirms the values that we stand for. It's something very unique and special by far." A UNIQUE AND SPECIAL INITIATE When Holly served as recruitment chairman at Psi, she recruited her mother to help decorate the house. Cornelia also helped sew outfits for their recruitment events, and above all she was simply there for Holly and her Alpha Gam sisters. "It was an awesome experience since I never went through rush at Troy," Cornelia said. "Everyone was so gracious and treated me like I belonged!" "My mom embodies our purpose in such a way that it only made sense for her to become an official member and join our sisterhood," Holly said of the chapter's decision to initiate Cornelia years later. Joy added, "She has a servant's heart, and being a part of Alpha Gamma Delta allows her to continue serving her sorority as our sister." SHARING ALPHA GAM MEMORIES "I already loved that we were blood sisters," Meggan said, "but to share the bond of Alpha Gam sisterhood with them, my mother, and now my niece is an indescribable feeling of joy." Through the years and now generations, the Grahams have all enjoyed the recruitment weeks, game days, and other parts of college life that come with the sisterhood. A major difference they have noticed is the size of the chapter, which has grown exponentially since Hope's undergraduate years. "Alpha Gamma Delta was a top sorority when I was in college, but I feel like they kept taking it to a new level during my sisters' times," Hope said of Psi's continued success in campus involvement, diversity, and grades. Joy, who attended a smaller university and chapter, loved seeing the same sisterhood and traditions on a larger scale when she visited Psi. Another wonderful constant in the sorority house is Lucy Rollins, Alpha Gam's wonderful housekeeper. She was there when Hope joined and has been a friend of the family for years—so much so that she and other house staff (now retired) came to Troy to help with Holly's wedding reception. "I am so thankful Lucy is still pouring her heart into the Alpha Gam house," said Aliee, who fondly remembers meeting her as a child. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE For Aliee, another obvious difference comes from COVID-19 restrictions, forcing them to go virtual for recruitment, initiation, and more this fall. "I hate that she cannot have the same full experience as her mom and aunts," Cornelia said, "but the chapter has been very creative to make it a good one." Aliee still fulfilled a moment she dreamed about for years: running down sorority row to her new friends on Bid Day, which she was able to share with her loving family. "I can already tell that I am surrounded by the absolute best group of girls, and I am going to make friendships that will last a lifetime—just like they did." Hope, Aliee, and the whole Graham family are grateful to continue the family legacy and share their story in The Squirrel's Nest. "Thank you for loving our family so well and allowing us opportunities to grow as women," Hope said of the sisterhood. Meggan added, "I am so thankful that we chose Alpha Gam and that they chose us back!" A Sisterhood as Great as This The Grahams Share Their Alpha Gam Story Bid Day 2020. From left, Cornelia '10, Meggan '06, Hope '95, Aliee '20, Joy '98, Holly '01, and Alex '10. Bid Day 1995. Front row, from left: Alex '10, Meggan '06, and Holly '01. Back row, from left: Cornelia '10, Hope '95, and Joy '98.

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