Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Delta Gamma page 3 M ary Ellen Foss Kimball '61 grew up hearing all about her mother's wonderful Delta Gamma experiences and the lifelong friendships she made. When she arrived at the University of Iowa, pledging DG was an easy decision! "Although I received invitations from all the houses I visited, I found the Delta Gamma experience warm, comfortable, and rather like home," she shared. She loved how vibrant, intelligent, and welcoming the women were, and looking back, she realizes what she liked most was Tau Chapter's diversity; the members were from cities and rural areas, had different economic backgrounds, were beauty queens and athletes, and were varied in their academic achievements. Mary Ellen fondly remembers driving her friends around in her old Buick convertible to afternoon classes or evening events—they had a blast! FINDING NEW PASSIONS Although Mary Ellen was in the Iowa College of Nursing, she ultimately pursued a career in the arts after her instructor noticed she was illustrating her reports and papers and suggested she develop in that area. Over the years, she attended the Drake University College of Fine Arts and received a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Graceland University. "The arts are an important part of who I am," she said. "My paintings, prints, pottery, and sculptures are in collections throughout the country." Mary Ellen has been extremely active in her community and has served a multitude of cultural organizations, including the Iowa Stage Theatre Company, Des Moines Metro Opera, and the Kimball Family Foundation for Medicine and the Arts. In addition, she founded the Clarke Area Arts Council in 1971 and served on the Iowa State Arts Council from 1975-81. She has received several recognitions for her involvement, including the Governor's Award for Promotion of the Arts and the Arts Legacy Award. She shares she is happiest when she's volunteering. She has served the Science Center of Iowa, Des Moines Leadership Institute, and the Governor's Commission on Children and Youth, among others, and is a founding member of several organizations. In 1998, she was inducted into Iowa's Volunteer Hall of Fame. In 1987, Mary Ellen earned a master's degree in journalism and mass communications at Drake. She is nationally accredited in public relations and is a member of the PRSA Counselors Academy. She owns Kimball and Associates, a public relations firm that does pro bono work, primarily in the arts. In addition, she produced and hosted a weekly community affairs radio program on JC 106.9 FM for 10 years and is now the vice president of KSOI-FM, where she hosts Arts in Iowa. Mary Ellen and her husband, Jim, are licensed pilots. One of their planes was an experimental aircraft they built together. She was featured on national television and received an award from the EAA for Young Eagles Flights. The couple has two sons. Jeff heads Loacker Recycling and lives in Budapest, Hungary, with his family. Joe, a family physician, and his wife, a pediatrician, live in Winterset, Iowa. You can connect with Mary Ellen at kimball@iowatelecom.net to learn more about her involvement in her community and her love for the arts. Committed to Giving Back Mary Ellen Foss Kimball '61 Remains Dedicated to Community Involvement I f you know a young woman who make a great Delta Gamma, please contact: VP Membership Allie Duffy at allison-duffy@uiowa.edu or (708) 926-5245. To help with the recruitment process, please send us the following information about your referral: • Describe your connection to each other. • How does she align with Delta Gamma's "Do Good" motto? • Any other relevant information? Send Us Your Recruitment Referrals "All the girls I talked to during recruitment were so genuine—not only with me, but also with their fellow sisters." –Ellie Gilbert '22 "It was the last house I visited in round 1 but the first house that I really felt happy about all day. The first girl I talked to was so similar to me, and I knew this house was filled with girls just like her. The decision was so easy for me because I've never felt more welcomed by a group of girls than I do in Delta Gamma." –Anna Heitzman '22 "It truly felt like home! Everyone there was so welcoming and genuine, and deep down I knew it was meant to be. During recruitment, all of the girls were so open, and I felt like every conversation I had was genuine and I could be myself!" –Isabel Langenkamp '22 Why They Why They Joined Joined Some of Mary Ellen's Recent Involvement • Sponsored a special performance of Karen Schaeffer's Girls Weekend II at the Stoner Theatre. • Held a Girls in Aviation contest. She will fly eight winners of the "Why I Want to Fly" essay. • Hosted the Iowa Watercolor Society's exhibit and workshop. • Hosted several fundraisers, including the Des Moines Art Center Gala and Iowa State Cocktails and Cabaret.

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