A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER | MAKING THE BEST OF IT
The year brought several challenges, but members of Alpha Gam found ways to make the most of tough situations. From adapting philanthropy plans to using social media, here’s how members continued to make an impact and strengthen their sisterhood:
TAU–UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
The Tau Chapter spent the beginning of the fall term ensuring all new members felt welcomed through virtual sisterhood dates and other virtual social events The chapter also held a virtual movie trivia night to raise money for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation.
ALPHA ALPHA–UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO–SUNY
The Alpha Alpha Chapter enjoyed welcoming their newest members and teaching them about sisterhood. Members planned several COVID-friendly events like virtual movie nights and ice cream parties. In October, members enjoyed an in-person sisterhood event at the Great Pumpkin Farm.
ALPHA UPSILON–CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Alpha Upsilon Chapter started the term off strong by focusing on recruitment and welcoming 20 new members. After they celebrated their newest members with a virtual Bid Day, the chapter hosted their philanthropy event which raised over $1,200 for Feeding America and Meals on Wheels! Members found creative ways to gather, including a virtual “Bachelorette” contest where members completed brackets and predicted winners for the popular TV show.
BETA EPSILON–ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY
After welcoming and celebrating their newest members, the Beta Epsilon Chapter connected with other organizations on campus. The chapter partnered with a fraternity to clean a local highway in small groups and enjoyed time with other Panhellenic sororities at a pajama-themed bingo night.
GAMMA ZETA–UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
Members of the Gamma Zeta Chapter continued to uplift each other throughout the uncertainty the year brought. The chapter welcomed 26 new members and raised over $4,000 toward fighting hunger—all while juggling the challenges of online classes.
GAMMA OMEGA–UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
Saturday coffee shop study sessions helped keep members of the Gamma Omega chapter engaged, connected and on top of academics. The chapter also sold “From Our Kitchen to Yours” cookbooks to raise money toward fighting hunger. Gamma Omega Chapter also received awards for Chapter of Excellence, Marketing Excellence, Recruitment Excellence and Best Financial Support!
DELTA GAMMA–MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Members of the Delta Gamma chapter enjoyed several outdoor sisterhood events at Hyalite Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. Members also reached out to alumnae to invite them to events and learn more about the chapter’s history.
DELTA RHO–SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY
Although members of the Delta Rho Chapter could not all gather together in-person, the chapter found plenty of ways to connect. Members joined small groups to spend time together and volunteer at a local foodbank.
DELTA SIGMA–UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
Delta Sigma Chapter started the term with recruitment and electing their new Executive Council which was followed by a photoshoot to celebrate. To help members relax after a busy few weeks, the chapter hosted a self-care night. Members also attended an all-sorority virtual painting night with Phi Mu and Beta Beta Gamma.
DELTA TAU–CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
Members of the Delta Tau chapter were thrilled to connect with alumnae and host an alumnae philanthropy mixer event which included an auction. The chapter was honored and to receive the Sorority of the Year Award from Chapman University’s Panhellenic Council. To wrap up the busy semester, the chapter hosted a senior night filled with heartfelt messages, photos and stories to celebrate the graduates.
DELTA NU–UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Delta Nu welcomed 23 wonderful new members during zoom recruitment which was a huge success for our chapter. Throughout the first two months of the school year, officers have been very keen on attempting to make the sorority events run as similar to normal. This has been attempted through multiple zoom events such as sisterhood baking and crafts for mother/daughter pairings.
EPSILON CHI–KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Members of the Epsilon Chi Chapter successfully adapted some of their usual activities to have an enjoyable term together. The chapter hosted its sisterhood retreat at the chapter facility, and members rotated in and out to ensure they did not exceed COVID-19 capacity limits. Epsilon Chi also adapted its traditional “Giving Back with Cheese and Mac” philanthropy event to selling bracelets and collecting nonperishable food items to donate.
ZETA BETA–LEHIGH UNIVERSITY
Throughout the summer, members of the Zeta Beta Chapter stayed connected through writing to their pen pals or setting up Zoom meetings. Once members returned to campus, the chapter held a fundraiser at a local restaurant and made cards for their local Meals on Wheels.
ZETA DELTA–TOWSON UNIVERSITY
To welcome their newest members, the Zeta Delta Chapter hosted a virtual “Sweet Life” Bid Day where new members could meet initiated members. Later in the semester, new members participated in a virtual Initiation Ceremony hosted by IHQ. Members heavily utilized social media to stay connected to one another and educate followers on important topics, including mental health and racism.
ZETA EPSILON–MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
After leaving campus early due to the pandemic, the Zeta Epsilon Chapter came back better than ever with recruitment and their volunteer efforts. The chapter increased membership by 40 percent, and members volunteered their time by driving elderly members of the community to doctor’s appointments and delivering food from a local food bank.
ZETA ETA–RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
After their new members were initiated over the summer, the Zeta Eta Chapter enjoyed participating in Hunger Action Month with a virtual fundraising event on social media which raised over $500. The chapter also participated in COB and were thrilled to welcome new members home.
THETA DELTA–UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA
The Theta Delta Chapter kicked off the term with their annual Tees to Dye For event with over 250 people in attendance! Members maintained COVID-19 safety guidelines with masks, gloves and social distancing over the course of four hours. The chapter also participated in their campus’ Greek Week and placed third.
THETA ZETA–RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE
The Theta Zeta Chapter participated in a local social media challenge and won $100 toward fighting hunger! The chapter also got creative with in-person meals, including grab-and-go and picnic pals where members could gather outdoors to enjoy meals together. Members wrapped up the term with officer elections.
NU BETA–UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AT CHATTANOOGA
Nu Beta Chapter had an exciting term! The chapter welcomed five new members into their sisterhood, and they learned they would be renting a house starting in Spring 2021. Click here to see it!
This blog post is part of a series based on 2020 Collegiate Reports submitted by chapter officers. Looking to keep up with your chapter? Click here to find your chapter on social media.
Read more from the “A Year Like No Other” series: