Delta Gamma - University of Kansas

Delta Gamma page 3 A s one of only seven women in the entire engineering school at KU, Sherri Schick Downing '78 had a feeling that she needed another way to develop friendships with other women. "My major was chemical engineering, and at the time, engineering was dominated by men. I thought the sorority would be a great way to meet other women and belong to a group of girlfriends." While her academic load was intense, Delta Gamma made it easier to find a balance between school work and fun. Winning Rock Chalk Revue (despite being the underdogs) and intramurals, including football, volleyball, and a trip to the Hill Championship in Memorial Stadium, stand out in her mind. Sherri participated in as much as possible, volunteering for anything and everything. Her senior year, sisters rewarded her with the Ann Atzenweiler Memorial Trophy, given to the woman whom you could always count on when a volunteer was needed. When she graduated and became engaged in organizations, Sherri began to take on more leadership roles, gaining new skills and perspectives. "Leadership doesn't mean do it all by yourself. Leadership teaches delegation, releasing control, and gives a feeling of accomplishment when the task is completed." Within Delta Gamma, Sherri has re-engaged with the fraternity and Beta Kappa. She has recently taken on the position of alumnae representative for Beta Kappa and next year will hold the position of treasurer for the house corporation. The connection of sisterhood was rekindled more personally as her daughter, Ashley '12, chose KU and decided to go through recruitment. "I clearly remember how excited I was to have her go through the experience and, fingers crossed, pledge DG, but I did not pressure her, nor did I prepare her for recruitment, as I felt it really was her journey and I already had mine. But the most amazing thing happened; she fell in love with the DG chapter! "For me, it was like experiencing that same feeling all over again when I was selected to become a DG. You know exactly what she went through to get there and how much she loves the house and the girls. You understand that DG bond and the excitement it brings knowing you love and cherish those women you live with. Attending her initiation was most memorable and being able to be part of her experience looking in has been fun. I was living in the house when my sister, Lori Schick Donnelly '81, pledged DG and that was super fun, but this was even better." Sherri connects regularly with a group of Kansas City sisters who meet every three months. Every five years, her pledge class and the two pledge classes above gather for a reunion. Sherri is the owner of D&F Services, a chemical supply and consulting firm to municipalities, industrial plants, commercial buildings, and power plants in the Midwest. She runs the day- to-day operations, provides technical support to customers, and sells products and services. Since opening in 2006, the company has grown to a $2 million business with five employees. Sherri and her husband, Michael, whom she met when their pledge classes sat together at the KU football games, live in Overland Park, Kansas. Ashley has two siblings, Parker and Sarah. Sherri can be reached at sdowning@dfserv.com. Mother and Daughter Share DG Journey Spotlight on Sherri Schick Downing '78 Sherri Schick Downing '78 (right) with her daughter, Ashley Downing '12, and sister, Lori Schick Donnelly '81 (left). Diversity of DG Drew in Beth Adair Hall '81 W hen Beth Adair Hall '81 returned to campus for the 100th anniversary of KU's Homecoming two years ago, the Delta Gamma house and lawn were packed with DGs of all ages. As she made her way through the festivities, sisters who she hadn't seen since graduation emerged and it was like no time had elapsed at all. "It's life-changing to learn how to live with other women and to learn about giving back. I think you have bonds with these girls that you can't even explain. When we see one another, it's like picking up right where we left off," said Beth. Looking back on those days as an undergraduate, it's more than memories of rooster duty and phone duty that come to mind. It was the unique women who made up Delta Gamma that truly made the experience worthwhile. "There was so much diversity at DG. We had cheerleaders, volleyball players, girls from Wichita to Colorado to Chicago. We all had different personalities, but everyone respected that quality." It seems to Beth that things are still that way at Beta Kappa today. Involved now as an alumna, Beth has the chance to sit as an observing member of the house corporation, there to voice opinions and give ideas as the board makes decisions. "It's fun meeting all of the girls and having a hand in making sure that we still have a good house even as my own daughter, Emory '12, has become a member. The women who serve on the board have done a nice job of keeping the house looking good with the resources they have to work with, and I'm proud to join them in the work. "It's so important to stick with your sisters as you go through life. Get something together on a regular basis to meet up with those women. Have a night out, be goofy, and bring up those stories that will embarrass each other!" Beth, who earned her master's degree in education and taught for 10 years, and her husband, Tom, make their home in Overland Park, Kansas. Emory has one sister, Corey, who is headed off to Rockhurst University. Beth can be reached at hbeth1212@gmail.com.

• Cover