3/30/2011

JMU Panhellenic's Be Beautiful Campaign Week

The JMU Panhellenic Council hosted its Be Beautiful Campaign week last week. All of the week's events promoted Panhellenic's Be Beautiful Campaign, modeled after Dove's Campign for Real Beauty

Panhellenic Council members worked to spread happiness and self-confidence to all JMU students. Lis Palmer, senior Delta Gamma and VP of Rho Gammas for Panhellenic explains that "Panhellenic Exec was on the Commons selling shirts to raise money for their philanthropy First Step, a battered women's shelter in Harrisonburg. In addition to selling shirts, Exec passed out candy with quotes about inner beauty, had a mirror where people could write in lipstick what inner beauty meant to them, and other activities where students on campus could think about and show what inner beauty meant to them."

The main event, the Role Model Fashion Show, took place on Tuesday night. Each sorority nominated multiple women from their chapter to be role models and Panhellenic selected the final two from each chapter. Our two representatives were senior Lis Palmer and sophomore Nyssa Wratschko. Lis gushes about the amazing experience: "It was wonderful to meet and interact with women from the Greek community who are valued as role models and make a difference in their chapter."

Nyssa had the same feeling, she states that "the best part about last night wasn't wearing the beautiful dress or being on stage, it was being backstage with all of the other role models in our community. We had so much fun getting to know each other, helping each other out with last minute dress fixes or shoe changes and trying to figure out what to do on stage that didn't make us look like fools. I met some absolutely fantastic women and loved every minute of last night!"

Here are some photos from the events:


Here is a photo of the shirts that were sold all week on the Commons.



Lis and her escort at the Role Model Fashion Show.



Fiona with her Big, Nyssa.

Our two beautiful role models, Nyssa and Lis!

3/28/2011

New Member Spotlight: Kaitlin Parm!

Sophomore Kaitlin Parm!


Major: Social work
Dream job: Working with adults and children with intellectual disabilities or starting a counseling practice as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
Favorite movie: Legally Blonde
Looking forward to the most about DG: I am looking forward to being initiated the most. I can't wait to be able to call all of the wonderful members my sisters and to be able to wear the anchor badge with pride.
Favorite thing about DG so far: My favorite thing about DG so far is friendship. Since the day I became a PNM, every sister has been so welcoming to me and made me feel like I was part of this amazing sisterhood. I have been able to meet so many new women, from different walks of life, who all share the same love for Delta Gamma. Each of them are genuine, remarkable people and I am so lucky to be a part of this incredible sisterhood.
Favorite thing about JMU: My favorite thing about JMU is its location! I am definitely a beach kind of girl but I love enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains as I walk to class every day.
Fun fact about me: My high school cheerleading team won a state championship competition!
Kaitlin's "extended" family!

Nikki (Big), Eryn (Gbig) and Kaitlin (Little) pose after reveal!



A Delta Gamma's Do Good Spring Break


A senior at Epsilon Nu, Gopi Pitcher, led an Alternative Spring Break trip to Jacksonville, FL. She tells us all about her trip below!

What:

I lead an alternative Spring Break trip for spring break 2011. My group went to Jacksonville, FL to work with Pace Center for girls.  Pace Center for girls is a prevention program for at risk youth. The girls  (12-18 year olds) who attend Pace are at least 1 to 3 years behind in school, and attend Pace on a voluntary basis. The regular school system wasn’t working for them, and they are trying to work towards getting back into the system, or towards a GED. These girls haven’t had the best lives, suffering from domestic abuse, drugs, alcohol, and an array of other issues within the home.

The Impact:

Meeting the Pace girls was a once in a lifetime experience. I loved getting to know them for the week we were there. They welcomed us, accepted and received the group far better than ever expected. Our group went down with planned after school activities including; journals, game day, movie day, and final poster project. Though having a tough exterior, the girls were golden at heart. They had a lot of questions about college life and what Virginia was like. Our group was truthful about college life, but also highlighted the positive things about college.  It was an amazing experience!

Being a DG:

Being a leader had its fair share of difficult times. I always remembered, (especially when I would get frustrated) whether I was wearing letters or not, I still represented Delta Gamma. Also, a lot of the girls asked about sorority life. They would ask questions, that most of us in greek life would find stereotypical, however they were earnest and really had no idea. Most of the girls have never been out of Jacksonville. Again, I answered truthfully, but also emphasized all the good DG’s do. I love our sisterhood and was very proud to represent Delta Gamma to the ASB community as well as the Jacksonville community.

Gopi, middle in navy, and her group!


3/25/2011

Big/Little Reveal!

Thursday evening concluded a fun Big/Little week! After much anticipation, the bigs got to reveal themsleves to their littles and the littles loved meeting their bigs! We had a hot chocolate night with sisters and then some continued the celebration afterward. Welcome to the chapter, new members :)
Brianna (left middle) poses with her new family!

New member Karrah (left) with her big, Fay!
Emily (left) and her little, Kait, show their pearly whites after reveal!

Kaitlin with her big Nikki and gbig Eryn!

Dani, Kirby, new member Hannah and Dani do the wave together.

The "Fly Fam" continues to celebrate at Kline's Ice Cream (with some Fly Fam alumna!)

3/20/2011

DG Full Weekend!


It was a big weekend for the sisters of Delta Gamma! On Saturday, sophomores and our new members drove to Reddish Knob, a nearby mountain with a spectacular view. The girls spent the afternoon bonding while eating lunch! Sunday we had our annual Founders Day with the chapter, alumnae and advisers. We wrapped up the weekend preparing for Greek Sing with hands and dance practice!


View from Reddish Knob for the New member & Sophomore bonding trip!

New members on a retreat to Reddish Knob.

Sisters do the wave at our Founders Day!


VP Programming Nyssa & President Sarah pose for a photo at Founders Day.

Sisters and alumnae pose for a photo at Founders Day.
Happy 138 years, Delta Gamma!
 What was your favorite part of the weekend?

3/18/2011

Helping the Blind to See

While watching the news a few weeks ago, I saw a segment that caught my attention. There is a new car program that allows the blind to drive! I couldn't help but think of our philanthropy, Service for Sight!

Here is the segment from the Early Show -- "Students Developing a Car for the Blind"

Here's an article about the Blind Driver Challenge that the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech (2 hours from JMU!) participated in.

School's Out for SPRING BREAK!

JMU DGs spent Spring Break all around the world. Here are a few photos that will
give a glimpse into the week!


   Sophomore Danielle Jenkins visits the nation's capital during her Spring Break.


Freshman Kylie Lambourne shows her Delta Gamma pride at the Statue of Liberty in NYC!


Senior Victoria Elliot (top row, center) Does Good
 in Peru through JMU's Alternative Break Program.



3/16/2011

Sister Spotlight: Emily Mullen!

Emily by the water in a small seaside town called Livorno in Italy

Name: Emily Mullen
Year: Junior
Major: SCOM with a double concentration in PR and Health Communication
Year in DG: 3rd
Past positions in DG: VP Social Standards 2010

Fun fact: In every new European city I travel to, I love to check out the candy/chocolate aisles of local grocery stores. You never know what they're going to have, and some of them have great candy on sale for cheap!

Where are you studying abroad? The beautiful Florence, Italy!


What do you love most about it? Definitely the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. All of the people on the trip from JMU are so friendly and open; it's been a great experience. I especially love getting to try the cuisines (pizza, pasta, croque madames, goulash, wienerschnitzel (yes, I did try that and it was delicious!)... and, of course, gelato and other dessert items :) ) from all of the places I've been. I also love how easy it is to travel in Europe - weekend trips by train are so easy to do!

What do you miss most about being away from sisters? I miss the constant fooling around and laughing. My sisters know me so well- I can't wait to come home in a few weeks (!!!) and reconnect with all my friends and the new girls! I also miss having people come into my room to ask for chocolate.
Have you gotten any great gifts/visits from sisters while being away? The wonderful Caroline Willis was here in Florence over spring break, and it was so nice to see her! We went out to dinner one night, followed by gelato, and it was like being back at JMU. Except we ate better food. I also love to Skype, and have had some Skype chats with sisters since being away. If anyone wants to talk- my Skype address is Mullenec. Look me up!!

How are you living the ritual/sharing your DG pride while being abroad? There are a lot of girls in the program that are in different sororities, and we always like to talk about our chapters and how they're so different, but still similar. I'm making connections, so next semester we can continue making new friends in other sororities! :)
I live the ritual every day by keeping in contact with my sisters despite the distance, always being there for them, and supporting our chapter from Italy.

What advice do you have for others who want to go abroad? It seems scary at first, especially if (like me) you leave without knowing anyone. But just go with an open mind and ready to make new friends and the time will literally fly. I also recommend researching travel options before you leave the country, because trying to plan stuff last minute in Europe is super tricky. Other than that, ignore the calorie count and have a blast!


Emily in front of a Black Light Theater show in Prague, Czech Republic

Emily in London!
 


3/15/2011

Sisters Cheer on Dukes at Women's Basketball Game vs. UNCW

A few days before our Spring Break, March 2, sisters cheered on the Lady Dukes at the Women's Basketball game vs. UNC Wilmington. Sisters enjoyed getting into the intense game and socializing with each other. The Dukes finished strong and won 79-77! A JMU Sports article proudly claims that "Senior guard Dawn Evans (Clarksville, Tenn./Northeast) scored 18 points to break the Colonial Athletic Association all-time scoring record" during the game. 
    *Thanks for the photos, Jordan!*


DGs love their Dukes!! 
Sisters proudly display their DG letters in the crowd!


Go Dukes!

3/03/2011

Sister Spotlight: Liz Davis!




Name: Liz Davis
Position:VP Member Education and Sophomore member of Honor Board
Year: Sophomore
Years in DG: 2nd!
Major: history
Dream Job: extremely successful and prominent lawyer!!
Hometown: Springfield, VA
Favorite thing about DG: I love always having someone to talk to or hang out with and how everyone is always supportive of me and cheering me on. I also really love and appreciate how someone is always there and willing to lend a hand when I need it. I love knowing I can count on all my sisters.
Favorite thing about JMU: Everyone here is so friendly and kind-hearted. I feel like everyone is always trying to make a difference and all the smiles make me happy and want to be a better person. There is always someone to inspire you.
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is this is the first year that I have ever had milk in my cereal! I used to always eat it dry until my roommate suggested I pour some milk in it and now I eat milk and cereal every time I can (which is like once a day!).
Proudest DG Moment: My proudest DG moment was becoming VP Member Education. Not because I'm good at it or anything, but because I have yet to do anything completely by myself. I have had help in everything that I've done all along the way and I've been complimented and cheered on and supported every step of the way as well. I'm so incredibly proud to be part of a sisterhood where everyone is always willing to help, even when it isn't their job or I didn't ask for help. Everyone in the chapter always makes me feel supported and happy and I'm so proud to get to introduce new members into Delta Gamma!!!

AND! - My sisters make me happy. I know that's cheesy and lame but it's also incredibly true. You are the nicest, most caring, dedicated, wonderful women that I know and I'm so proud and thankful that I get to be a part of everything we do!!

Liz and her big, Emily


3/01/2011

AnchorSplash 2011

Epsilon Nu had an extremely successful AnchorSplash on February 19, 2011. We raised support and funds all week on the Commons, at proceeds nights and on the official day of the event. All of our proceeds went to Service for Sight.

We had 27 fraternity and sorority teams participate in pool games at the University Recreation Center. It was such a blast! The biggest pool event was synchronized swimming -- with teams painting anchors on their bodies and doing the DG wave to music! Besides participating in pool games, the teams brought in their receipts from proceeds nights and brought in soda tabs to gain points for their team and benefit Service for Sight. FIJI won first place out of the fraternities, and Alpha Sigma Tau won first out of the sororities. Congrats and thanks for all of your support!


Sisters preparing for AnchorSplash
 More sisters getting excited for the big event!
 Sisters doing the wave
 Coaches with their Sigma Nu team
 Phi Mu and their coach, Brittany
 Sisters with their Pike team
 The start of the pool games
Emily and Jenna regulating a race!