Convention Report
Ronette Simcox, Pi - Montana

“California Dreaming” – Delta Gamma Convention 2008

Delta Gamma’s 63 ^rd biennial Convention was held in Palm Desert, CA in June. The theme, “California Dreaming,” opened the doors to the shining stars of our Fraternity. Nearly 1,000 DGs registered to join each other for sisterhood, programming, philanthropy and fun. I left feeling enriched, energized and incredibly proud to be a Delta Gamma.

The schedule was packed from 8:00 a.m. (sometimes 7 a.m.) until 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. each night. We were wowed by the incredible speakers, which included Judson Laipply (an inspirational comedian famous for performing his “Evolution of Dance” and, yes, he did perform his dance), Mary Lucas (author of Lunchmeat & Life Lessons: Sharing a Butcher’s Wisdom), Elizabeth Weiner (Gamma Zeta—Louisiana State, currently working in Washington D.C. advancing legislative initiates affecting the Greek community), Steve Ford (son of Gerald Ford), Dr. Lori Ebert (a speaker for CAMPUSPEAK, Inc. and current NPC delegate for Alpha Omicron Pi) and Michele DesRosiers Tegland (Xi—Michigan, multiple cancer survivor with an incredibly inspirational story). The awards ceremony on the final night let all of the DG stars shine and was complete with Delta Gamma’s star Cheetah Girl and Dancing with the Stars contestant, Sabrina Bryan.

In addition to the amazing guest speakers, we conducted important Fraternity business. An impressive group of women was elected to the 2008–2010 Council. The women I expect we will hear from the most are Beth Searcy, our new Fraternity President, and Mary Anne Lachenmaier, our new Vice President: Alumnae. Other noteworthy business included:

• An improved Web site was introduced at www.deltagamma.org , as well as the roll-out of MyDG, a resource and social networking site exclusively for DGs.
• Effective in the fall of 2008, per capita dues will increase to $20.50.
• Also beginning this fall, Executive Offices will directly invoice all alumnae for per capita dues. Click to see important information regarding direct invoicing.
• A new five star programming model was unveiled. A five star program includes networking, sisterhood, membership, Foundation and community. I’m happy to report that with our outstanding programming, we’ve got this covered!

Our Foundation continues to do impressive work. During the last biennium, the Delta Gamma Foundation awarded over $500,000 to deserving individuals and organizations that share the same missions of Service for Sight and Wellness. Also, through a generous gift to the Foundation, the Helen Dunbar Lucas Alumnae Leadership Academy will be held in Columbus, OH in April 2009. At least one member from each alumnae chapter will attend. Academy workshops will include networking, tools, training, marketing and health and Wellness.

Finally, our own Region 7 will host Delta Gamma’s 64 ^th Convention in 2010 in Denver, CO. Due to the close proximity of Colorado, it is a great opportunity for our local alumnae to attend a Convention for the first time or to attend again.