Delta Zeta Sorority Region VI Day 2009

November 7, 2009

Hosted by Epsilon Sigma Chapter at Wayne State University

--Kelly Gombert

--Great Lakes PR Chair

November 7^th was a beautiful fall day at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where hundreds of Delta Zetas gathered for a day of sisterhood at Region 6 Day 2009. 

Andrea Henderson, Regional Collegiate Coordinator opened the event, read greetings from across the organization and introduced the special guests who were joining us this day.

In a break from tradition, the collegiate attendees were given assigned seating in the main hall for the morning’s presentations.  They were encouraged to share their experiences and network ideas with women who shared similar roles in their respective chapters.

The Delta Zeta women of Epsilon Sigma welcomed us and the CCD for the chapter, Kristen Shymanovitz Trudeau made opening statements.  We were all concerned for her as she walked around in high heels being 8 months pregnant!

The Dean of Students, Dr. David Strauss, wore a pink shirt and a green bow tie especially for the event and was warmly received.  He spoke about three words: engage, connect and ascend and how these are three stages in getting the most out of our membership in Delta Zeta or any organization to which we belong.

Andrea invited all of the CCDs in attendance to stand up and be recognized for their hard work.  Two CCDs in particular were singled out.  Tommie Gilpin at Michigan Tech and Gwen Shick at Grand Valley are celebrating twenty years in this challenging and rewarding office.

The theme of the day was “Delta Zeta: Changing the World” and the video with the same name  from last year’s convention was shown.

Andrea then gave a State of the Region address and said it was difficult to express so much pride in just a few minutes.  

There were approximately 30 additional alumnae (not counting CCDs) in attendance at the event.

Each of the nine collegiate chapters in the region had a representative give a State of their Chapter.  We heard about some great experiences and interesting philanthropy efforts these women are doing on their campuses.

Denise Brenner, Great Lakes Area Alumnae Director gave a State of the Area address.  We have officially welcomed a new alumnae chapter in Windsor, Canada into the area.  There are also women in Europe combining their efforts to establish an EU alumnae chapter of Delta Zeta.

At Founder’s Day every year, the Woman of the Year recipient is announced.  Tommie Gilpin had nominated this year’s winner, Marcia Wallace for the honor.  Tommie spoke to the crowd, talked about Marcia’s accomplishments and brought her book to show “Don’t look back. We aren’t going that way.”

Our keynote speaker was Christi Mayer, National New Member Education Chairwoman.  She talked about our Delta Zeta vision, “Changing the World” and relayed stories of our founders and our sorority in the first 10 years of existence.  She said “we are all roses and together we make a beautiful bouquet.”  She is excited about making improvements to the new member program and welcomes any feedback.

We were fortunate to have several anniversary ceremonies after lunch.  Celebrating 25 years of sisterhood, Julie Hiotaky received her silver certificate.  Three Delta Zeta women, a new member, and active initiate and an alumna member conducted a golden rose ceremony for Caroline Lenninger, a member of the Metro Detroit Alumnae chapter.

Jackie Asman was on hand to give the assembly a demonstration of the new DZMetro website.  She pointed out features and benefits of the site and showed how easy it is for members to sign up.

Region Day afforded everyone the opportunity to attend four breakout workshop sessions.   Kait Mosbauer conducted the senior session and encouraged sisters to continue their involvement in our sorority throughout their next phase of membership.   The Michigan alumnae attended a workshop to discuss changes to the charter of the Evelyn Adams Costello Scholarship fund.

After the workshops, we gathered together once again in the main hall for a Founder’s Day ceremony and the awards presentations.

Alumnae awards were given for the Pamela McClure Cronenwett Loyalty Award, the Outstanding Michigan Alumna award and the Outstanding Alumnae Chapter award.   The collegiate award winners were then announced.

During the course of the day, there was a T-Shirt exchange, door prizes and the event concluded with the winners of the Chinese auction. 

New friends were made and old friends were “well met”.  A great time was had by all.

Photos

Delta Zeta Sorority

National Website