Delta Gamma - University of Arkansas

AlPhA omegA chAPter of deltA gAmmA PAge 3 Lending a Hand Debbie Byrd Etheridge, Alpha Psi '75, Helps Alpha Omega's Re-Establishment Efforts E ven though she was initiated into the Alpha Psi Chapter of Delta Gamma, Debbie Byrd Etheridge, Alpha Psi '75 maintains a special place in her heart for Alpha Omega and for Arkansas. Born in Leachville, Arkansas, Debbie and her family moved around from Elaine to Helena before crossing the state line to Moon Lake, Mississippi. "Many of the milestones in my life have Arkansas roots," she says. "From learning to swim at Heber Springs to attending summer camps in Searcy to perfecting my driving skills by cruising Cherry Street in downtown Helena. This Ole Miss Rebel knows how to 'Call the Hogs!'" Her relationship with Delta Gamma at both Arkansas and Ole Miss gave Debbie lifelong friendships, numerous opportunities to meet new people, and rewarding leadership experiences. With the re-establishment efforts at Arkansas, Debbie is lending her help as a council appointed coordinator. Her past experience as Fraternity VP from 2008-12 gave Debbie the perfect resources to help lead this new adventure. In this position, she will be coordinating the tools and training for building an advisory team to help lay the foundation for a successful chapter. "Our goal will be to guide and support chapter members as they make an immediate impact on the UA campus this fall," Debbie says. "I love advising collegiate women in developing their leadership skills. I look forward to building an advisory team that will be exceptional mentors for future Alpha Omega collegians." Debbie's Delta Gamma experience prepared her for so many great things after college. By helping Alpha Omega, she hopes that a future generation of Delta Gammas can have the same experience that she had. "Delta Gamma offers great opportunities to network, meet interesting people, develop leadership skills, and to 'Do Good,'" she says. "I didn't fully realize the importance Delta Gamma had on my life until after I graduated. Growing up in a small town, I was pretty shy in larger environments, but joining Delta Gamma gave me the confidence to embrace new opportunities. Five years after graduating from Ole Miss, I had lived in two new states and moved to Singapore with my husband. I credit DG with preparing me for these life-changing experiences." The future for Delta Gamma at the University of Arkansas is bright. The re-establishment of Alpha Omega is a vast undertaking, and the chapter can only succeed if alumnae join the effort. Debbie encourages alumnae to be a part of the support team, not only to reconnect with sisters, but to also help mentor the next generation of Alpha Omegas. "I am amazed at the depth and talents of the alumnae that have already shown interest in being a part of this re-establishment," Debbie says. "Our Alpha Omega collegians are going to be working alongside some talented and accomplished women!" Debbie and her husband, Clay, live in Houston. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, having lunch with friends, playing bridge, and decorating. Debbie and Clay's next big adventure will take them to Angola. Last year, they built their dream house and now enjoy pool time with their grandchildren, Killian and Liam. E-mail: debbie@etheridgetx.com Alumnae News Rhoda Wharry Garett '38 reports that she is 98 years old. She enjoys reading, using the computer, and playing bridge. She lives in Durham, N.C. E-mail: rhodawharrygarett@gmail.com Demetra Bradshaw Derdeyn '46 and her husband, Jack, celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this year. She is delighted to hear that Alpha Omega is coming back to campus. They live in Fort Worth, Texas. E-mail: demder@sbcglobal.net Elizabeth Wooddy Perdue '46 lost her husband, John, in 2013. They have three children, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. One of her granddaughters is a junior at Arkansas. Elizabeth lives in Conroe, Texas. E-mail: perduejean@gmail.com Marnelle Thomsen '50 lives in a home for the elderly ran by the Lutheran denomination in Virginia Beach, Va. Dorothy Little Goldsmith '52 and her husband, Hank, have three children and four grandchildren. She would love to hear from her sisters from the '50s! They live in Richardson, Texas. E-mail: barneybaxter@att.net Frances Garrett Wynn '52 keeps busy with church, friends, and a retired teachers group at the age of 84. She cherishes her years at Arkansas and Delta Gamma. She lives in Sulphur, La. Patricia Farnsworth Yoder '52 and her husband, Lee, have lived in Florida since 2012. They retired and lived in North Carolina for almost 20 years before that. They are involved in their life at Penney Retirement Community. E-mail: palprc@att.net Sue Ann Sykes May '54 lives in Altamonte Springs, Fla., and attended the national Convention in June in Orlando. Margaret McFall Kraft '55 belongs to a Delta Gamma group in Tacoma, and they celebrate Founder's Day. She lives in Lakewood, Wash. Peggy Parks Wintz '57 and her husband, John, moved into a condo after 54 years in their home. They are closer to downtown Cincinnati and the Variasi Theater. They love to support Xavier basketball and the Razorbacks! E-mail: johnw41@fuse.net Lynda Borum Whaley '59 retired at the end of 2014 after a 40-plus- year career in fundraising and leadership of a children's home and family service agency in Arkansas. She now enjoys painting watercolors and working in the yard. Lynda and her husband, Frank, live in Little Rock, Ark. E-mail: mrswhaley@sbcglobal.net Anne Hart Allen '60 retired from the University of Arkansas as a professor in 1999 and now stays active as a board member at Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services. She and her husband, Charles, live in Little Rock, Ark. E-mail: acallen@allenmail.net Pat Matthews Wells '61 taught for 23 years and retired in 2014. She spends her time volunteering at the museum, playing bridge a few times a week, working in her yard, and traveling. She is ecstatic that Alpha Omega is returning to campus. Patricia lives in New Iberia, La. E-mail: pittypatpp@gmail.com Judy Falls Massey '62 works at AM Greeting Cards Co. She lost her husband of 44 years, Dale, in June of 2014. She lives in Carrollton, Texas. E-mail: judymassey41@gmail.com Carolyn Alcorn Clow '63 substitute teaches in lower grade special needs. She finds it extremely rewarding. Carolyn and her husband, Don, live in Joplin, Mo. E-mail: clclow@cableone.net (Continued on page 4)

• Cover