Alpha Gamma Delta - University of Alabama

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA 3 A PLACE TO CALL HOME Former Rush Advisor Patty Sexton '62 Talks Lasting Impressions Chapter President Ellie Adams '19 Vice President of Chapter Wellness Addie Powell '19 Vice President of Academic Excellence Olivia Ricche '19 Vice President of Finance Holly Kullman '19 Vice President of Administration Kait O'Donnell '20 Vice President of Recruitment Annabelle Brewer '20 Vice President of Recruitment Ashton Libel '19 Vice President of Member Experience Patsy Elder '19 Vice President of New Member Experience Sara Frances Berte '20 Vice President of New Member Experience Mary Catherine Dulaney '20 Vice President of Event Planning Marian Turnipseed '19 Vice President of Marketing Saylor Cuzzort '20 Vice President of Campus Relations Sarah Mason Avery '20 Vice President of Philanthropy Izzy Michaud '19 Vice President of Property Grace Belcher '19 Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Brina Harden '19 Executive Council Patty Sexton '62 truly believes, "Once an Alpha Gamma Delta, always an Alpha Gamma Delta." She is thankful for the values the chapter instilled and the sincere friendships she forged that have lasted a lifetime. Patty also developed leadership skills that carried forward with her work experience after graduation. "Alpha Gamma Delta takes you in and gets the most out of your leadership abilities by what they assign you to do in the chapter," Patty said. "They actually strengthened a lot of my abilities that I never even realized were abilities or leadership skills. That was what Alpha Gamma Delta was good at, and they still are today." Patty believes, as an undergraduate in Alpha Gamma Delta, she was able to strengthen her leadership abilities and gain confidence in herself by the encouragement she received from her chapter. Later, when Patty served as an Alpha Gam Rush Advisor, she had a better perspective of the workings of the whole sorority that consisted of the new pledges, current actives, and alumnae. "Looking back, I would have to say that being the Rush Advisor for eight years with Martha Nabers '62 was my favorite role," Patty said. "I felt like we were making lasting decisions that helped strengthen Alpha Gamma Delta." Each rush year, Patty and Martha would open with a crazy skit for the women in the chapter room. Then, Patty would bring a full-length mirror to the front of the room and tell the potential new members, "Don't say she isn't cute because I will let you stand in front of the mirror," and would ask them, "How'd you get here?" "On a serious side, I would remind everyone that we were standing on the shoulders of those who came before us," Patty said. "We were only borrowing the chapter for four years. Our job was to leave the chapter even better. I love the slogan that Psi Chapter uses today, 'The best just got better,' because that is such a positive attitude, and I know Alpha Gamma Delta believes it." Just as Alpha Gam left a lasting impression on Patty's life, she hopes that each sister has the same experience. "There were a lot of girls who came through rush those eight years," Patty said. "It makes me so happy when someone says, 'I remember you as my rush advisor!'" Patty now has two daughters and a son who all went to Alabama and chose Greek life. Shannon Sexton Jernigan '87, Rush Chairman, and Sarah Kay Sexton Wos '98, Vice President, followed in their mom's footsteps and became Alpha Gams themselves. "Greek life is so important—it gives you a group to identify with," Patty said. "You know, you're like a little fish in a big pond, and Greek life gives you a place to call home. It doesn't matter if you come from Selma or New York, you need someone to look after you. That is what Greek life does." "It's a lifetime commitment when you make it, for most people," Patty said. "I truly still care about everyone at Alpha Gamma Delta, and I think the reason is because they care deeply about me as well." Patty remains active with the local alumnae group in Selma, Alabama. She teaches adult Sunday school classes at her church and loves spending time with her children and grandchildren. You can connect with Patty at joeasexton@bellsouth.net.

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