Delta Gamma - University of Iowa

Ties to Tau page 4 The Jensen Family Finds a Home in Tau Chapter "F amily is a special bond in and of itself, but the fact we are all members of the Delta Gamma sisterhood makes that bond even stronger," shares Cindy Jensen Whetstone '79. For the women in the Jensen family, Delta Gamma has become a tradition. Each of them, in their own time, has found a home in Tau Chapter. Dr. Sherri Jensen Long '77 was the first to pledge; little did she know she was starting a family tradition. "Compared to all the other chapters, Delta Gamma just stood out as one I wanted to be a part of," recalls Sherri. "They made me feel at home the minute I walked through the doors." Sherri's experiences with Tau were extremely special to her and made an impact that has resonated with her and her family. "I will always treasure the memories I made in the chapter. Many of my ΔΓ sisters are my dearest friends today." This connection to Tau Chapter carried on with her sister, Cindy, her niece, Ashlynn Whetstone Amelon '05, and her daughter, Anna Long '14. "I became interested in ΔΓ from hearing about Sherri and her experiences. Once I joined, I felt a sense of belonging and caring with my new friends," says Cindy. Having so many family members in Tau is quite an accomplishment and holds special meaning for each of them. As the youngest of the four, Anna grew up knowing that she wanted to join the sisterhood. "Even though we're all different ages, the fact that we all wanted to be a part of this shows that Delta Gamma really is forever and instills in its members values and qualities that will last them a lifetime," Anna said. Sharing that bond has led to many special memories for all four of them. "My most treasured memory is the day my daughter, Ashlynn, decided to join Delta Gamma. I was so proud the day she moved into the house. The first thing she did was to search the closets for old composite pictures of my pledge class and Sherri's as well," Cindy noted. For Ashlynn and Anna, one of their favorite memories is Ashlynn's wedding. "I really enjoy singing the ΔΓ toast. This is something we've done at every ΔΓ wedding I've been to since graduation," shares Ashlynn. Anna hadn't known before the wedding that it was tradition, but it is a favorite memory that she now cherishes. "Ashlynn told me I had to do the toast in front of everyone and stand on my chair at the head of the table while I said it. I seriously thought she was kidding," shares Anna. "When I started the toast, though, it was really special to look around and to see my mom, aunt, and cousin, as well as the other ΔΓs in attendance, stand up and sing loud and proud with me." These memories and connections to the Chapter have made a positive impact for each of them, and motivated them to support the Chapter in their own ways. "In recent years, Tau has been very strong and active on campus and in the surrounding local community. With the renovations, I believe they will continue to grow and set the standard for sororities on Iowa's campus," says Sherri. "The renovation was badly needed and, as alumnae, we are in a position to provide this much-needed support." They also recognize that support comes in many different forms. "In order to continue to see Delta Gamma grow and become stronger, we must offer help and encouragement to Tau Chapter." As Ashlynn puts it, "We want to help ensure that future Delta Gammas have as great of an experience as we had." Though they are each living their own lives and have successful careers, they will always treasure the times they had in Tau Chapter. "Being a Delta Gamma woman is something that you'll always be, and you will always be an inspiration for others that come after you." Sherri and her husband, William, live in North Oaks, Minn., where she is a dermatologist in private practice. They have two children, Anna and Brian, who are both attending University of Iowa. Anna, a sophomore, is Chapter president for Tau Chapter. Cindy and her husband, Patrick, live in Iowa City, Iowa, where she works at Hills Bank and Trust Company. They have two children, Ashlynn and Michael. Ashlynn and her husband, Brent, live in Iowa City, Iowa, and Ashlynn is a successful dentist in Williamsburg, Iowa. Tau Welcomes New House Corporation Board President T his is an exciting time for Tau Chapter. I am so honored and excited to have taken over as Tau Chapter's House Corporation Board president. The house looks fabulous and is fully functional for our live-ins this year. The House Corporation Board is undergoing some major changes, as many of our members have exceeded their term limit, but we are confident we will maintain a strong presence at Tau with some new, energetic members. We are always looking for volunteers and alumnae who would like to get involved with the Chapter. If you are interested in serving as an advisor or on the House Corporation Board, please contact me at alissasabers@ gmail.com. As many of you saw in our last newsletter, Tau Chapter underwent some major renovations last summer. They have turned out beautifully and our undergraduates love how warm and inviting the Chapter house is now. Our work is not done, however; contributions are still needed to complete this project and ensure the Chapter remains in a strong financial position. Remember, your gifts are more than an investment in our physical structure; they are an investment in the present and future generations of Delta Gamma. Our number one priority is to ensure our collegians live in a warm, comfortable, and safe environment. I feel privileged to be able to help maintain the beautiful structure we have at 305 S. Summit Street as well as uphold our strong connection with the collegiate members. ITB, Alissa Sabers '07 House Corporation Board President alissasabers@gmail.com (563) 382-3988 Anna Long '14, Ashlynn Whetstone Amelon '05, Cindy Jensen Whetstone '79, and Sherri Jensen Long '77.

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