From virtual get-togethers to outdoor meetups and socially distant fundraisers, Tri Delta alumnae are getting creative with creating connections. Take a look at what our alumnae have been up to.
Canada
The Toronto Alumnae Chapter celebrated a Canada Founders’ Day virtually on Nov. 25, 2020. Collegiate sisters from the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa and the Toronto Tri Psi Chapter all joined the event, making it the chapter’s largest Founders’ Day ever. The group celebrated 90 years of Canada Alpha, 25 years of Canada Delta and 132 years of Tri Delta with 132 sisters present! In lieu of the usual silent auction, alumnae reserved their spot by making a $5 donation to the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, raising more than $300. Following the formal event, members were invited to join smaller decades after-parties hosted by a sister from that decade!
Florida
The Sarasota, Florida Alumnae Chapter has implemented a Sister-to-Sister Connection program, with the officers and committee chairs making monthly calls or connecting by email with chapter members.
Several new members joined prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. Since members haven’t had a chance to get to know these women, the chapter has started a weekly series called “Meet Our New Members.” The new members are interviewed and a story about them is written for the chapter website and distribution via email.
With Florida’s warmer weather, some regular chapter events have continued outdoors. Members gather monthly for the Park Party with everyone bringing their own refreshments and masks for a socially distant gathering. The Book Club also continues to meet outdoors, in spite of some chilly mornings. Masks are worn and chairs are kept at least six feet apart.
Georgia
“What did you do in 2020?” was the question the Golden Isles Alumnae Chapter asked its members. The chapter compiled all the updates from sisters and shared them all in the chapter’s winter 2021 newsletter. It was a great way to keep members in touch and connected after a year apart. Responses showed sisters have stayed busy doing everything from starting new projects at home, to working and volunteering, enjoying the outdoors and spending time with family. One thing they all had in common is that they were ready to get back together again in 2021!
Iowa
In October, the alumnae from Coe College’s Delta Eta Chapter raised $7,775 to replace 100 trees that the Coe College campus lost during the Aug. 10, 2020, derecho, an inland hurricane that hit Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The violent storm featured 45 minutes of sustained 90 mph winds and gusts to 140 mph.
Although the alumnae won’t see these new trees mature in their lifetimes, they are happy that future generations of Tri Deltas will enjoy the shade of lush tree canopies—including the tall oaks that once stood in front of Voorhees Hall, the dormitory that houses the chapter, and the oaks under which members gather during fall Bid Day celebrations.
A group of alumnae from Omega Delta Chapter’s class of 1958 at Iowa State University has been conducting Zoom meetings every month since April 2020! The group has an average of 11 sisters from coast to coast in attendance. The group enjoys sharing how everyone has kept busy during the pandemic, exchanging book recommendations and projects they’ve been involved in. One sister made more than 500 masks and donated the money to a local charity. Although they’re scattered across the U.S., these sisters love knowing they still have so much in common through their Tri Delta bond.
Kansas
A group of Theta Omega alumnae from the 1968 pledge class has been gathering over the years for regular reunions. This year, their time together was canceled due to COVID, but the group used this as an opportunity to join weekly Zoom chats! When the group learned that the Theta Omega chapter house at the University of Kansas was under quarantine this fall, they extended an invitation to their collegiate sisters to join a Zoom call.
Together, the alumnae and collegiate members exchanged Tri Delta stories and pictures. The alumnae had the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the chapter today and get a “virtual” tour of the chapter house. Meanwhile, the collegiate women learned about sorority life years ago and saw firsthand how friendships can truly last a lifetime.
New Mexico
Tri Deltas of the Albuquerque and surrounding area gathered at a local park for a “Pansy Sidewalk Social” on a beautiful afternoon this fall. The sisters shared friendly conversation and fun stories, while planting pansies! Pansies, soil and repurposed pots were made available to everyone, and members brought their own snacks and chairs.
Pennsylvania
On Nov. 18, 2020, a Zoom reunion was held with almost 40 sisters from Psi Chapter pledge classes 1986 through 1988—the group that reestablished Psi Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania. They named the reunion “Psi, The Early Years,” and everyone picked up as if 30 years had not gone by since they had last been together!
Texas
The Dallas, Texas Alumnae Chapter brought the magic of the holidays home with its 13th annual Cookies & Castles event, benefitting Scottish Rite for Children and Tri Delta’s Foundation. The Cookies & Castles committee transformed the traditionally in-person event into a to-go only, drive-through Gingerbread Extravaganza.
The committee made the gingerbread pickup process a special, drive-through winter wonderland complete with Santa, dancing reindeer, Olaf, balloon arches and even a drive-through photo booth! It was important to the committee help bring a little joy to the patients at Scottish Rite for Children, especially during these tough times. Even amidst the pandemic, they sold out the event with more gingerbread packages than prior years! Cookies & Castles To-go proved a successful event during COVID, as many people looked for ways to stay busy at home.
Hats off to the Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter for creating the initial Cookies & Castles many years ago that has now been customized by more alumnae chapters in various towns and cities! The North Dallas Alumnae Chapter hosted its first Cookies & Castles event this year. This was also a drive-through event, which sold out of the 300 gingerbread houses and raised $11,000 for Scottish Rite for Children (Frisco facility) and $1,215 for Tri Delta’s Foundation.
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