Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Delta Gamma page 3 T he year 2020 was filled with unexpected changes for everyone. Becoming the president of Tau Chapter was one of those changes I did not see coming! When I joined Delta Gamma, I knew that I wanted to have a positive impact on the Chapter, but I never would have guessed that my impact would be becoming president as a sophomore. Although I am early in my term, it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience so far. My Chapter Management Team (CMT) and I have had to learn how to adapt quickly and think on our feet. With the pandemic still at large, we must plan for any possible setbacks in planning philanthropy events and sisterhoods. Unfortunately, we are still doing almost everything virtually, but our focus is making sure our members get the same positive experience they would have if we were in person. This semester, Vice President of Programming Lauren McCullough '19 has done an amazing job coordinating and executing sisterhood events that engage members through Zoom. One of our favorites so far was a TikTok challenge where sisters picked out their favorite videos, or made their own, then the Chapter voted on which was their favorite in a variety of categories. It was a fun and easy way to get sisters involved and allow them to work together. Since we were unable to have Slices for Sight last semester, we are doing both Anchor Splash and Slices for Sight this semester. Thanks to our amazing officers, we've been finding ways to raise money and support our philanthropy in COVID-safe ways; member safety is always a priority. We've done things such as holiday card drives for both Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day as well as chocolate drives for retirement homes. As we plan and prepare for these events, it's very important to stay positive. While this year is nothing like what we expected, I do my best to help our Chapter focus on the good that comes from every situation, rather than focusing on the negative. I see challenges as opportunities. Something my CMT and I have learned is that leaders lead from the front. The attitudes of our members directly reflect the attitude of our leadership. Staying positive no matter what is the best thing that we can do for the Chapter. This is true even in a non-COVID year, but especially with these extenuating circumstances, Chapter morale is exceedingly important. This semester, we are focusing heavily on supporting one another both emotionally and academically. Online school has been a huge adjustment for everyone and remains a challenge because no one really knows what the future holds. The women rely on each other for everything from academic help, like studying for tests, to emotional support and dealing with mental health struggles. These are difficult times that are ever-changing and having a good support system is essential. I know that Tau has given that to so many women and will continue to do so, no matter what the future holds. ITB, Katie Stovold '19 Chapter President Sustaining Sisterhood Tau Chapter Finds Success Despite Ongoing Challenges Delta Gamma Sisters Represent at Iowa Dance Marathon! Katie Canavan '18 was on the sponsorship committee. Cailey Hiam '18 was on the campus relations committee. Maggy Centeno '18 was on the finance committee. A s director of alumnae relations, I am so excited to grow the connection between undergraduates and alumnae. My goal is to give our alumnae a greater glimpse of the amazing achievements and updates currently taking place in our chapter. Our first big step toward my goal was the creation of Tau Chapter's Facebook page: Tau Chapter of Delta Gamma Alum. We will post regularly with the latest Tau news and events, but also hope this page serves as a place for alumnae to reconnect. Additionally, we were able to include some alumnae in our virtual Founders Day. It was an absolute blast for Tau sisters from all eras to connect, even if it was over Zoom. About Me I am a sophomore majoring in health and human physiology with the intention of becoming an occupational therapist, hopefully in the pediatrics unit of a hospital. Outside of Delta Gamma, I have been involved in UI Dance Marathon for two years. This year I had the honor of being a morale captain for Group 32. I absolutely love being a part of this organization, as it is so inspiring and uplifting to know that I am making a difference in so many kiddos and their family's lives each and every day. Thank you all for your time, and I am really looking forward to growing this connection with you all. ITB, Miranda Hansen '19 miranda-hansen@uiowa.edu Meet Director of Alumnae Relations Miranda Hansen '19

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