2011 Delta Zeta Region VI Alumnae Awards

We are very honored to recognize some of our alumnae in the Great Lakes Area for all of their efforts. Our alumnae are very busy ladies: they are wives, mothers, businesswomen, volunteers, and somehow they find the time to do more great things. That is why it is our pleasure to recognize some of them annually at Region Day.

Enduring Flame Award

The Enduring Flame Award is similar to the Region VI “Sparkplug Award” for active members – it provides an opportunity for each alumnae chapter to recognize the woman in their group who has given that extra bit of spark, devotion, and loyalty.

Oakland County Enduring Flame – Joan Knapp

This sister is known as “the face of the chapter. She rarely misses an event and she inspires others with her vibrant smile and optimistic personality.” She has held chapter offices for over 20 years and is active in her church and community, with traveling and with her children and grandchildren. She was described as, “an enduring and cherished flame of our chapter!” This year’s Enduring Flame award winner is Joan Knapp!

Canadian Alumna Loyalty Award – Dani Brown

This year we were pleased to introduce a few additional awards to recognize the great work of our Delta Zeta sisters living outside the United States. The first ever recipient of the Canadian Alumna Loyalty award is Danielle Brown, the Omicron Nu CCD. Dani joined the Omicron Nu chapter of Delta Zeta in 1994 and held many positions as a collegian, including VP of New Member Education and President. Dani has continued to give back to the sorority, serving as the CCD for Omicron Nu for two separate terms, for a total of seven years.

International Alumna Loyalty Award – Heather Baily

The first ever winner of the International Loyalty Award is originally from Region VI, as she was initiated into Omicron Tau, the closed chapter at Brock University. Heather pledged in 1996 and graduated with an accounting degree in 2000. She was a member of the now closed Golden Horseshoe Alumnae Chapter, and since moving to London, England, has been involved with the UK Alumnae Panhellenic, serving as president since 2008. She has planned many social events for the group and has helped organize and award Panhellenic scholarships to women graduating from the ACS International Schools in London. One sister said “She is always willing to meet up for lunch or dinner in London. This has come in handy when you just want a chat with a fellow DZ sister.” Heather demonstrates no matter how far away one is from home, it’s still possible to contribute to Delta Zeta and the Panhellenic Community. Congratulations Heather!

Pamela McClure Cronenwett Loyalty Award (Michigan) – Becky Slusher-Thelen

The Pamela McClure Cronenwett Loyalty Award is presented to an alumna member of Delta Zeta Region VI who has made a significant contribution to her sorority through her loyalty, interest and devotion. This year’s winner is described as the “Spark plug that makes our events fun and interesting. She regularly attends Region Day and ALL local events. She lives the Creed in her daily actions and supports all of her sisters.” This individual was a recipient of the Evelyn Adams Costello Scholarship. Her nominator also said, “If there was ever an example of how a scholarship can result in lifelong support of an organization, this individual is a shining example. She has given back to Delta Zeta in so many ways!” Congratulations Becky Slusher-Thelen!

Outstanding International Alumna – Marjorie Arciniega

The winner of the first ever Outstanding International Alumna Award is Marjorie Downer Arciniega, who initiated into the Gamma Delta chapter at Penn State University in 1959. As a collegian, Marjorie served as the LAMP Editor and Historian. She has also served as Secretary for the Surfing Sisters Alumnae Chapter, which has allowed her to remain connected to Delta Zeta while living abroad. Marjorie previously worked in public relations and as a teacher and is now retired, living outside of Cabo in Mexico. Marjorie has also been an extremely active volunteer with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in both the U.S. and Mexico, and has volunteered in many capacities with her church. She also served as a volunteer on the Miss America hostess committee for nearly 20 years when the pageant was held in its original home of Atlantic City. Congratulations, Marjorie!

Outstanding Michigan Alumna Award – Lindsey Bonner

The Outstanding Alumna award is presented to an alumna who is actively involved in Delta Zeta and has attained outstanding achievement in her career or community activities. This year’s winner was an active collegian in Delta Zeta as the risk management chair, guard, Parliamentarian and Panhellenic delegate. She was Panhellenic President and Treasurer, and Order of Omega Vice President and Treasurer. She was a homecoming candidate. She started the Zeta Nu Chapter Association and “carved the path for the State Alumnae Chair.” She is a volunteer camp counselor for Michigan Freedom Academy and at one time was working three different jobs in the medical examiner field. She is becoming a local celebrity with her “Fantasy Royal Wedding.” Congratulations, Lindsey Bonner!

Alumnae-Collegiate Chapter Relations Award – Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter/Xi Psi Chapter/Zeta Nu Chapter

The Alumnae-Collegiate Chapter Relations award is presented for outstanding alumnae-collegiate chapter relations including joint programs and support. This year’s winner supports two collegiate chapters with such programs as breakfasts, dinners, workshops and networking events as well as homecoming activities and initiations. With all of those great food activities, they even keep fit by supporting the Walk 4 Hearing. Congratulations to the Grand Rapids Area Alumnae Chapter, Xi Psi Chapter at Grand Valley State University and Zeta Nu Chapter at Ferris State University!

Outstanding Alumnae Chapter – Metro Detroit Alumnae Chapter

The Outstanding Alumnae Chapter award recognizes the outstanding work of one of our Great Lakes Area Alumnae Chapters. This chapter has donated almost $3,000 for philanthropy, the most for all of our Alumnae Chapters for amount of money donated to the Foundation AND for the total amount donated! The chapter has a wide variety of programming, from supporting the Arts to casual dinners in member homes. They support their local collegiate chapter by providing food when requested. And they have a wonderful newsletter that has facts about events as well as member tidbit updates. Congratulations to the Metro Detroit Alumnae Chapter for being named Outstanding Alumnae Chapter for the second year in a row!

Congratulations to all of our 2011 alumnae award winners! Please consider nominating yourself or a sister for one of our awards for next year's Region VI Day, to be held in November on the campus of Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI.

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