Delta Gamma - University of Arkansas

AlwAys Anchored PAge 2 Reflecting on the Past and Looking at the Future Mary Quinn Cooper '79 on the Exciting Direction of Alpha Omega W hen many sorority women reflect on their time as a collegian, they remember it as a great social outlet, others as a means of giving back through service, and for some like Mary Quinn Cooper '79, it was the bedrock to her life during college and beyond. "Delta Gamma provided my foundation in many ways," Mary Quinn said. "There was always someone available to support me and to help me in any situation. It also provided a group of women who are fabulous and have been lifelong friends." When going through recruitment, Mary Quinn had no desire to be just another body in a large chapter. She wanted to be among women whose experiences differed from hers, and it was Alpha Omega that stood out from the rest. "The women of Alpha Omega were diverse and sincere, and that was what drew me to them," she said. After she was initiated into the chapter, Mary Quinn wasted no time getting involved in leadership roles. She worked diligently as the assistant new member trainer, the corresponding secretary and the recruitment chairman. It was clear that she wanted to be in positions where she could help shape the future of the chapter through both recruitment and the new member process. "Being a Delta Gamma sister taught me how to live with 75 women who were both very much like me and also very different from me at the same time," Mary Quinn said. "It also taught me to appreciate other's talents, to work hard and to enjoy life." Mary Quinn also cherishes the relationships she built in Alpha Omega that have spanned decades. "I have a group of 10 women who I keep in close contact with. We travel together, have group texts, mainly centered around Razorback events," Mary Quinn said. "Years later, they have been there for every step of the way, and I am looking forward to the next 38 years." It was these foundation-building relationships that Mary Quinn developed as a Delta Gamma sister that made it difficult for her to see Alpha Omega close. Now that the chapter has returned, she is excited to see what new heights the sisters will reach. "I am so thrilled the chapter is back," she said. "I am very impressed with the leadership and diversity of the girls who make up Alpha Omega, which is important for their success. I cannot wait to meet them and see what they accomplish!" Mary Quinn looks forward to how she can get involved with Alpha Omega. "I think it is important to stay in touch (with the chapter) so that they can benefit from the experience, connections and knowledge of the alumnae. It is important that we teach them how to work hard, pay attention and strive to see the good in others," she said. "It is also important for the alumnae because with Alpha Omega's doors open again, we can appreciate and enjoy the continuation of the college experience." Mary Quinn is an attorney with McAfee & Taft in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is most proud of her 30 years of marriage to her husband, Frank, and their three children: Quinn (27), Ted (24) and Maggy (20). In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, traveling and her many volunteer endeavors. Mary Quinn can be reached by email at maryquinn.cooper@mcafeetaft.com. W hen recruited to re-establish a chapter, no one truly knows the work required until you are part of the process. It requires a group of young women who are not only driven but also leaders within the campus community. Even among the group of refounding women, leadership is needed to guide the chapter to success. For Alpha Omega, this leadership comes from Grace Veneklasen '17. "I am very honored to be the first president of Alpha Omega (since the re-establishment), and it is so special to be someone who members can look up to and rely on," Grace said. "When I was an underclassman, I wish I had an older student role model of whom I could get that support from, and now I can be that person for over 250 women." Because there were not enough chapters for the number of students participating in recruitment, Grace became one of six women to join Alpha Omega as a senior thanks to the re-establishment efforts. "I decided to join Delta Gamma because of the alumnae involvement and support," she said. "Because I am a senior, it was important to me to join an organization I would be passionate about staying active with as an alumna." Grace is thankful for the alumnae who were integral in helping re-establish Alpha Omega. "We would not be successful without Ann Glosup Bordelon '86 and Julie Braznell Gaddy '83 and our amazing collegiate development consultants," Grace said. "Each of these amazing women have spent a lot of time on getting Alpha Omega up and running. Every current member of Alpha Omega is very grateful for their hard work and support." Since she is graduating in May, Grace's undergraduate experience with Delta Gamma will be relatively short, but she has still gained much from her experience. "I have learned how to be more available with my time, a friend to every member, no matter their age, and a strong leader," she said. "I hope to be someone who our women feel comfortable reaching out to with questions, concerns, or for a laugh, but also who holds them to the high standards of Delta Gamma." It is these high standards that excite Grace about the future of Alpha Omega. "Our members will be the biggest reason for Alpha Omega's success as a chapter," she said. "Our alumnae have gifted us with a great foundation and can teach us a lot from their experiences, but it is the current women in Alpha Omega that need to put in the work to be the face of Delta Gamma on campus. If the women of Alpha Omega continue to be the poised, confident and respectable leaders, I am not worried about their future success." With one semester left as an undergraduate, Grace looks forward to Initiation in February and the highly anticipated AnchorSplash®. In her free time, she loves bonding with her sisters, calling on the Hogs, and barre3 exercises. She is also thankful to Delta Gamma and Alpha Omega alumnae for supporting the re-establishment. "I look up to all of the women who I have had the opportunity to meet," Grace said. "I am fortunate to have their support." A Leader Among Leaders President Grace Veneklasen '17 on Being a Role Model

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