Delta Gamma - Southern Methodist University

Anchored In page 2 A Tribute to Ludi Mai Sensabaugh Goode 1913-2004 "Be proud of your roots and Do Goode." M any Alpha Upsilon alumnae could write a tribute about our magnificent chapter adviser who served from 1962 to 1973. Ludi Mai has also influenced members who joined after 1973. Her resolve that Alpha Upsilon Delta Gamma members should be women of honor, determination, grace, and joy, as well as scholars and servers of the community, has influenced all Alpha Upsilon advisers who have followed her. I remember meeting Mrs. Goode on preference night. From day one, she made our pledge class feel special. Before pledging was a Panhellenic and a national concern, she made sure we knew that we were now Pi Alphas and that we were never to be put in a position where we felt degraded or uncomfortable. She stressed that Delta Gamma was about a lifelong journey of friendship, special bonds, and doing good. We felt Ludi Mai adopted our pledge class as she was always there for us no matter what. Mrs. Goode made sure that advisers were truly in touch with the pledge class and the active chapter. If I were asked to write this tribute 10 years after graduation, I would have told you how I thought about walking into a room with purpose, good posture, and a confident smile, which were all qualities that Mrs. Goode emphasized. I would have talked about how I never mention the weather or anything trite when at a social gathering. Mrs. Goode said that intelligent women have intelligent conversations. I would likely have mentioned the importance of compassion and support that she reminded us to have if a sister were doing something inappropriate. I probably would have talked about how she taught us to think about the details when planning a social or business function and how not to be critical, especially when it came to men. I would have told you about how she counseled us on dating and marriage and brought us treats when she thought we were stressed during exam times. Mrs. Goode always brought us flowers. She taught us style. Even after graduation when we became alumnae, she reminded us what a privilege it was to be a Delta Gamma. She would say we were a special group of women. Her enthusiasm and support never wavered and we strived to live up to her expectations. Ludi Mai Goode promoted not only Debbie Lee Grayson '88 Reminisces about Chapter Experiences Alumna Contributes to Future of Alpha Upsilon W hen Debbie Lee Grayson '88 enrolled at SMU, she didn't know much about sorority life. She was friends with a few older girls in Delta Gamma who invited her to recruitment. "Going through recruitment was fun. My experiences as a new member led me to become a recruitment chairman later on." at the chapter house. When asked if Delta Gamma impacted her career path, Debbie said, "Delta Gamma has impacted my social life and allowed me to do several projects with sisters. Alpha Upsilon taught me to be a leader in my community and taught me skills that I transferred into my life after graduation." Debbie was very proud to be a member and excited to meet new people. "The chapter was very diverse. I liked the variety of people that I was able to get to know." Debbie enjoyed serving in leadership positions and networking with her sisters. "I was involved in almost every decision that was made. My best friend was the chapter president. I liked being in charge." Debbie is looking forward to reconnecting with Alpha Upsilon alumnae and reminiscing about times in the chapter house. "I have so many great memories from living in the house. There was a time that I bought plants with my own money to cover up the view of the house next door during recruitment. It's great to be able to contribute my design skills to the future of Delta Gamma." After earning a political science degree, Debbie went on to become a commercial interior designer. She has done many projects in restaurants, health care facilities, and even Debbie and her husband, Bennett, have one daughter. Debbie lives in Dallas and can be contacted at debbie@tlccontractgroup.com. Delta Gamma excellence but also community service excellence. She would often say that a good DG is always involved. I marvel at how often the lessons she taught us as collegians and alumnae still echo. Ludi Mai Goode did everything with purpose, passion, honor and style. Her love of Delta Gamma was inspirational as she said that we all need sisters. There is a registered rose with the American Rose Society called the Delta Gamma Rose because Ludi Mai did not want Alpha Upsilon to just have a cream rose, but one that would be named in honor of our Fraternity. My thoughts today of Mrs. Goode are even richer. I am confident that I speak for a generation of Delta Gammas from the sixties and seventies when I say Mrs. Goode is Delta Gamma. She is the embodiment of an intelligent woman, wise friend, gentle person and, most importantly, a caring and fun-loving sister. Our hope for all Delta Gammas is to have a Mrs. Goode who will teach by example that Delta Gamma is not a fouryear party but a lifelong journey of sisterhood and making a difference. In the Bonds, Judy M. Bedell Hunt '70 Congratulations, Scholarship Recipients Because of our status as a 501(c)(7) corporation, every year we are able to set aside interest income to be used for scholarships. This year the following seven Alpha Upsilon collegians received this financial assistance. Alexandra Brakefield '11 Katherine Bandera '13 Monica Esposito '11 Kelly Mathison '11 Mackenzie Mulvey '13 Chelsea Rickel '11 Kristen Yule '13

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