WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND ALPHA GAMMA DELTA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION – BECAUSE IT’S THE ULTIMATE ALPHA GAM EXPERIENCE
The following post was written by Melissa Jacobson James, Rho–Iowa State University, International Vice President–Alumnae for the Fraternity.
Imagine the biggest Alpha Gam sisterhood event you can—then think even bigger. That is Alpha Gamma Delta International Convention.
There is nothing more amazing than spending several days with 800 of your closest sisters. I absolutely LOVE Convention and, if you haven’t experienced an Alpha Gam Convention, here’s why you should:
Sisterhood
Convention is the ultimate sisterhood experience! We wouldn’t be the women we are today without our sisters. They are why we all joined Alpha Gam and the reason we stay engaged. There is so much joy on the first day of Convention as everyone arrives and reunites with sisters they haven’t seen in months or maybe years. Conversations pick up right where they left off and it’s as if time has stood still.
In addition to reconnecting, your sisterhood expands by meeting women from all over North America—and even the world. There is opportunity for personal or professional development, philanthropic service to the local community and excursions out on the town—all with your sisters at your side.
I hardly sleep at Convention, as I love spending every minute with my sisters. I can’t get enough of it all!
Celebration
Collegiate and Alumnae Awards, Distinguished Citizens, New Chapters, the Success of the Fraternity, Foundation Scholarships, Initiation, Honors of Epsilon Pi—all are worthy of our celebration. Lifting up and rewarding the work of our sisters is another one of my favorite parts of Convention.
I love to see sisters receive an Honor of Epsilon Pi for their outstanding work for the Fraternity. These women balance family, work and personal commitments with the time they give to Alpha Gamma Delta to keep the Fraternity moving forward. Seeing them acknowledged for going above and beyond in their service to ensure our sisters have a meaningful experience fills my Alpha Gam bucket.
Experiencing Initiation at Convention and women into the arms of the Fraternity is an incredible moment. There are few words to describe what it is like to be in a room filled with several hundred women in white, reliving our Ritual. To be together in that moment brings me closer to Alpha Gamma Delta, our Founders and my sisters. It is an experience I look forward to each time Convention draws near.
Fraternity
Because of the eleven brave, insightful and amazing women who gathered together to fulfill the needs of a sisterhood unlike any other, we have our beloved Alpha Gamma Delta. Learning the many ways our Fraternity thrives, grows and gives back to the communities we are placed is an important reminder that our beloved organization will be around for years to come. Hearing about the successes and advancements of the Fraternity during Convention makes me confident that our daughters, granddaughters and other young women in our lives can experience what we all know and love within Alpha Gam.
This summer will be my 12th Convention and I know it won’t be my last. Spending precious time with sisters, showing love and dedication to Alpha Gam and celebrating each other—and all things red, buff and green—is an experience I cherish.
Attending Convention is something every Alpha Gam should be a part of—even if for a day or a single event. Don’t just take my word for it. Call a sister, make your plans and join me in Phoenix for the ultimate sisterhood experience.
