Alpha Gamma Delta - University of Alabama

ALPHA GAMMA DELTA 3 President Abby Pate '22 VP Wellness Kate Wills '22 VP Academics Anna Barthes '22 VP Recruitment Rileigh Sheridan '22 and Chloe Yates '22 VP Finance Kacey Porter '22 VP Admin Mary Kyle Kilgore '22 VP Member Experience Bradford Latta '23 VP New Member Annabelle Kemp '23 and Emma Franks '23 VP Event Planning Macey Paszek '22 VP Marketing Meredith Wright '23 VP Campus Relations Hannah Hurd '22 VP Philanthropy Caroline Randall '23 VP Property Finley Richardson '23 Director of Opportunity, Belonging, and Inclusion Cate Heiner '23 Incoming Chapter Officers "I grew up watching Miss America with my mom and always dreamed of one day competing on the Miss America stage," Ruby Tilghman '22 shared. She took her first step into the organization at age 13 and won Miss Florida's Outstanding Teen in 2021. Coming from Panama City, Florida, Ruby found a home at The University of Alabama, where she knew she would find opportunities to take steps toward her career and find a community of friends and mentors. To give back to two organizations that have given her so much—Miss America and UA—Ruby decided to compete for Miss UA (and won!). Ruby is honored to represent her school in this way. "One of my favorite aspects of this role is getting to meet and connect with so many people. In my first month, I made over 20 appearances where I was able to share my experience here at UA and hear stories from so many people that I never would have met if it weren't for this unique opportunity." As Miss UA, Ruby hopes to continue her work with Many Mini Musicians, a 501(c)(3) non-profit she started at age 12 to fund fine arts in public schools and create opportunities for students to experience the arts. She also would like to expand College Ready Marion, a career readiness curriculum for students in the Black Belt of Alabama, to a digital format to increase accessibility. In addition, she plans to reinvigorate 57 Miles, an Honors College initiative that aims to give UA students an opportunity to serve in the Black Belt of Alabama and benefit from its rich culture, history, and community. "During my time at UA, I have had life-changing opportunities to engage in community outreach and grow in knowledge of the community I now call home. I want nothing more than for every student to have the same opportunity and to experience the joy of service," she shared. Ruby is also looking forward to serving as an ambassador for the Alumni Association and participating in outreach and recruitment events. "I am the product of a strong network of students, staff, and alumni who care deeply about our school, and I can't wait to showcase all of this and more during my year as Miss University of Alabama." Throughout her time leading up to Miss UA, the competition, and now, with her busy schedule, Ruby's Psi sisters have been the best support system. "They helped me practice for the interview, shape up my talent, and prepare for all phases of competition. They showed up with signs and cheering squads on the night of the competition, and even had a pizza party waiting for me when I got home after Miss UA. They are so special to me, and this experience would not be what it is without them." Ruby is grateful for these lifelong friendships she found in Alpha Gamma Delta, as well as the opportunities to get involved and the academic support the sorority offers. She is majoring in chemistry and minoring in biology and social innovation and leadership through the Robert E. Witt University Fellows Experience. She hopes to apply to medical school and pursue a career in pediatric neurology. You can connect with her at rubygtilghman@ gmail.com. If you would like to follow along on social media, you can find Ruby on Instagram at @missuniversityofal and Facebook at "Miss University of Alabama Program." Ruby Tilghman '22 Shares Her Goals as Miss UA A Dream Come True LEARN MORE ABOUT MANY MINI MUSICIANS "Over the last seven years, we have raised over $50,000 that has been distributed through grants to public school fine arts programs and over $100,000 through partner organizations. While the grants funded through my program are very important to our mission and everyday operation, Many Mini Musicians also provides instruments to local school music programs, hosts concerts to give young performers an opportunity to shine on stage, provides instruments and sheet music to students in foster care, hosts fine arts camp at after school assistance programs, and assists with funding a local public library's music room."

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