Delta Gamma - Southern Methodist University

Delta Gamma page 3 Nancy Boughner Shaw '68 Supports Alpha Upsilon Alumna Thankful for DG Family Gamma has had strong impact of Deltaand thenShaw alwaysduringa her years there.on the lifefromNancy Boughner '68. Her DG experience began before her arrival at SMU blossomed "I came a rich Delta Gamma heritage. My mother and two aunts are members, along with their cousin. In some ways, I hoped to step out on my own and find another group to belong to because I have always had an independent spirit. My independent spirit connected me to the Delta Gammas at SMU from the onset of recruitment. I felt so at home with them and it was amazing to be able to be myself around them." Nancy now manages the financial operations at her husband's dental practice. She is thankful for how Delta Gamma prepared her for life after college. "Delta Gamma was influential in infusing me with the knowledge that I could step up to the plate and handle new experiences and responsibilities. I came away with a belief that anything is possible. DG was a platform for opportunities and leadership that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Delta Gamma is a true highlight of my blessed life. I am grateful that the SMU DGs loved me as much as I loved them. I regret that I have not been able to continue active service to the fraternity, and that makes my contribution to the new house even more special to me." Nancy not only received career skills while in Alpha Upsilon, but also lifelong friends. "Delta Gamma gave me sisters away from home. It gave me the confidence that there would be fun and happiness wherever I went in my adult life. Delta Gamma was and is a soft place to fall for me. It is a place of safety and connection to like-minded women." Nancy hopes that future generations of DG will also be able to benefit from Alpha Upsilon the way she did. "I didn't know the house would be coming down when I stood in front of it in September. I was delighted by how familiar it looked, but I am even more thrilled to know that the new house will provide decades of delight for future members. To be able to contribute to a new house is an honor and a privilege for me. The house is integral to the physical presence of Delta Gamma at SMU. It is time that a new house goes up, and it's a joy to be able to contribute to the project." "To be able to contribute to a new house is an honor and a privilege for me. The house is integral to the physical presence of Delta Gamma at SMU. It is time that a new house goes up, and it's a joy to be able to contribute to the project." –Nancy Shaw '68 Nancy encourages alumnae to give back to the chapter that has created such a delightful experience for them. She has seen firsthand how living together can strengthen the bonds of sisters. "Every little bit helps—please give what you can. My daughter joined Delta Gamma at Duke University, where there are no sorority houses. While Courtney loved her experience with Delta Gamma at Duke, I think that living together in a sorority house is what really binds us to our sisters. It is my joy, honor, and privilege to provide a place that will bind together young women and I hope you will join me." Nancy and her husband, Lynn, live in Hobbs, New Mexico. She can be reached at nbshaw@bajabb.com. Undergraduates Commit $250,000 to New Chapter House Sisters Continue to Excel on Campus Stronger Than Ever Fall semester was busy but exciting for the Alpha Upsilon Chapter! We continued to grow, our positive involvement on campus increased to new heights, and our ties to Delta Gamma are stronger than ever. With the conclusion of another successful semester, we cannot wait to see what this spring semester brings. Committed to Our Future The Alpha Upsilon Chapter is proud and excited to usher in a new era of growth and commitment to excellence at SMU. As chapter president, it gives me a great sense of joy to see the undergraduate members devoted to the success of the campaign. We, as a chapter, are fully committed to this endeavor and would like to show our gratitude and support with the gift of $250,000 toward a new future for Alpha Upsilon. We are ready to embrace the changes that lie ahead for Alpha Upsilon and are fully prepared for the commitment that will come with the future renovations. Our chapter is thrilled and prepared for the journey ahead, and we thank you for your support as we embark on building a new home for future generations of Alpha Upsilon leaders. Academic Excellence Delta Gamma jumped forward in our scholastic rankings yet again and remains higher than the all-Greek and all-women's grade point averages with an impressive cumulative 3.4 GPA. We have continued mandating study hours, and a chapter emphasis on good scholarship will help us move forward. In addition, we received awards for Most Improved GPA and Excellent Service through Panhellenic. Alpha Upsilon was also a recipient of the Patricia Peterson Danielson Award, an honor we are grateful for. Supporting Service for Sight Our VP of foundation, Chelsea Rickel '11, provided many opportunities for our members to get involved in events relating to our foundation, Service for Sight. We had a blast working with our local alumnae for World Sight Day on October 10, in which we provided free vision screening to SMU students. Anchor Splash, our biggest Service for Sight philanthropy event, is on April 26. Our chapter is already hard at work on fundraising; in previous years we have raised as much as $30,000. This event involves several campus organizations that are always eager to participate in the fun! Campus Participation Delta Gamma remains extremely involved on campus. In October, we (Continued on page 4) Sisters bundled up for a snow day on campus. Molly O'Connor '13, Natalie Brock '13, and Jamie Hinz '13 representing DG at the annual Panhellenic Greek picnic.

• Cover