Delta Delta Delta - University of Oklahoma

PAGE 3 UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA Delta Delta Delta we will always love you, with a love that always will be true... T hese are words Marca Downing Floyd '65 has kept in mind for more than 50 years—since she joined Theta Gamma Chapter alongside her twin sister, Debby Downing Goodman '65. Around the OU campus, she and her sister were known as The Downing Twins. Some of Marca's favorite memories in the chapter house with her sisters are set to the tune of Tri Delta songs. These memories at Theta Gamma still bring her joy to think about today, and coupled with her overall Tri Delta experience, they inspired her to support the capital campaign. "In my time, Tri Delta helped me do things I wouldn't have been able to do without the support and encouragement I received from my sisters, especially Sue Gunderson Wise '65, Judy Elderton Ferguson '64, Kaye Flood Love '63, Linda Treichler Gipson '64, and of course, my own sister, Debby," she shared. "I'm motivated to help Theta Gamma the way it helped me." Much like Mr. Rogers, Marca always looks for the helpers in any situation. Her parents installed in her the importance of being a leader, helping others, and being kind, and Tri Delta gave her the opportunity to do so. Now, she's doing her part as an alumna to support the future of Theta Gamma. "Tri Delta opened my eyes to what can be done and what each person can contribute, and that's why I love Tri Delta," she said. "I want volunteering and helping others to continue for Theta Gamma and for sisters to have a beautiful home to live in while they're in college." Another big reason she supports the campaign is because the renovation will include a tornado shelter/safe room. With Oklahoma's tornadoes getting stronger over the years, it's an essential update. "We need to provide safety for the women," she stated. "If we all give what we can, it will help us make changes that need to be made for our members to be safer." Through Tri Delta, Marca made connections with women who became her friends for life, developed a strong support group, and was shaped into the woman she is today. Theta Gamma provided her with a smaller community at OU and afforded her key life-changing experiences. "I consider it one of my best experiences because it opened up my world to new things and to new people. I think that's what can happen in any sorority if you take advantage of wonderful opportunities and always look for the helpers," she said. "That's why I wanted to contribute—there's all kinds of women in Tri Delta who may need to help in developing what they want." Another important aspect of her time at OU was her focus on academics—she completed her degree with a 3.8 GPA, was chosen as a Tassels member, was a member of Mortar Board, and was named an Outstanding Senior Woman at the University of Oklahoma (alongside only 10 other women). Marca was also chosen as a Phi Beta Kappa graduate, an accomplishment of which she is most proud. The support she received from her Tri Delta sisters as an undergraduate undoubtedly helped her with her academic accomplishments and inspired her to stay involved with the chapter as an alumna with her treasure and her time. She served as president of the OKC Alumnae Chapter, as a Panhellenic representative for many years, and she was also named the 2009 Greater OKC Panhellenic Tri Delta Woman of the Year. Marca is a retired speech language pathologist and resides in Edmond, Oklahoma. She and her husband, Bob (OU Delt alumnus), have been together since high school and have been married for 52 years; they have two children and two grandchildren. And for Always, It's Delta Delta Delta Love of Tri Delta Mo vates Marca Downing Floyd '65 to Help Future Genera ons of Sisters T ell us what you're up to! How have you lent a hand in your community lately? Do you have any career highlights or family updates you'd like to share with your Tri Delta sisters? How have you been coping with life during the pandemic? Have you reached out to any sisters for support during this time of uncertainty? Share your story, and it may appear in a future issue of Theta Gamma News! Submissions can be sent to our communications coordinator at kwhaley@penningtonco.com. Now more than ever it's important to stay connected to our Tri Delta sisters. We hope you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season. SHARE YOUR MEMORIES D D D We Want to Hear from You! Marca Downing Floyd '65 and her husband, Bob Marca Downing Floyd '65 (le ) and her twin sister, Debby Downing Goodman '65, had a double wedding the week a er she, Bob Floyd, Debby, and Jimmy Goodman graduated from OU.

• Cover