The Alumnae Initiation program is a powerful reminder that the journey to sisterhood doesn’t always start in college. By welcoming eight new alumnae initiates at Convention 2024, our members witnessed firsthand the beauty and significance of this program. These women, with their diverse life experiences and talents, embody the spirit of Tri Delta and bring fresh perspectives that strengthen our sisterhood.
“As an alumna initiate of Tri Delta, volunteering is my Tri Delta experience. It’s how I stay connected with collegians and alumnae. Having joined later in life, I’ve been active in alumnae chapters in Raleigh/Durham, Nashville and now in the DMV, and through volunteering, I can make an impact advising, mentoring and sharing Panhellenic insights, as well as making lifelong friends and connections. Tri Delta is relevant and worthwhile. Our younger women need us as role models and support.” — Krystal Clark, Maryland.
Since the program started, we have welcomed 600 women into our sisterhood through Alumnae Initiation, which allows women who were not collegiate members of Tri Delta to find a home in our sisterhood. These women have found a passion for our values and mission, often inspired by their own connections to Tri Delta through friendships, volunteering or simply observing our sisterhood. Often, their personal ties to Tri Delta allow them to share our commitment to kindness, leadership and philanthropy. They contribute to Tri Delta in meaningful ways and, once they’ve joined, enjoy the same opportunities to engage and serve as collegiate-initiated members.
While some members believe that the collegiate sorority experience is essential to becoming a Tri Delta, Alumnae Initiation offers a path that is different yet equally meaningful. Sponsoring these women and having the chance to meet them gives us all an opportunity to see their powerful contributions to Tri Delta!
Meet Meg Schmitt, Wisconsin
“I am a member of Tri Delta, and I joined as an alumnae member after graduating from the University of Wisconsin. I got involved through volunteering for a Tri Delta philanthropy event and was immediately drawn to the sisterhood and the organization’s values. In 2018, I was initiated at Convention, and it was a beautiful and meaningful experience. Being a part of Tri Delta has allowed me to network and form strong friendships, including with another woman who was initiated with me and now lives in the same city. I’ve also gained confidence and have been able to give back to the community through volunteering with collegiate chapters and working with college students in my day job. As a scientist, it’s important to me to show other women that they can succeed in male-dominated fields. In Tri Delta, women hold all leadership positions, and it’s inspiring to see our collegiate women grow and develop in these roles. Being a part of Tri Delta has been a fulfilling and impactful experience for me.”
The journey to Tri Delta may look different for alumnae initiates, but their contributions are powerful, adding depth and diversity to our sisterhood. They strengthen our bonds, enrich our chapters and remind us that sisterhood isn’t just something we find in college—it’s something we carry with us throughout life. Alumnae initiates are community leaders and dedicated volunteers who are actively engaged in our values of truth, self-sacrifice and friendship. They are active members and integral to our continued growth and strength.
As Tri Delta continually evolves, alumnae initiates, through their diverse experiences, provide fresh perspectives and unique skills that enhance our organization’s leadership.
Growing Alumnae Chapters
Donna Larson, Minnesota State/Mankato, has been a member of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter for more than 40 years! She currently chairs Pansy Picnic, is on the Founders’ Day committee and leads the alumna initiate program. Donna says, “Alumnae Initiation is a beautiful program, and I’m thrilled about the opportunities it creates for women who didn’t have access to Greek life in college.” Donna sees this as a way to revitalize alumnae chapters, meet membership goals and deepen connections. “There’s no downside. These women are catalysts for involvement, and their presence enriches our sisterhood,” she says. Her advice to other chapters? “Communicate with stakeholders, put together a thoughtful process and embrace the resources available. Alumnae Initiation is a meaningful way to grow your membership and share the Tri Delta experience with women who are looking for connection and purpose.”
Welcome Rhema Dai, Texas/Dallas
Rhema Dai was initiated in 2021. She immediately got involved with the North Dallas Area Alumnae Chapter and volunteers on the Foundation scholarship committee. She currently serves as vice president of the New York Alumnae Chapter.
“I first discovered Tri Delta and Alumnae Initiation by perusing the beautiful and informative Tri Delta website. Learning about the incredible importance that Tri Delta places on DEIAB and the action that the Executive Office placed on it for the entire organization was extremely appealing to me because it’s an effort that I am personally passionate about. I found it to be refreshing, and it resonates to see that Tri Delta authentically sought to not only learn about DEIAB but to do the deep work of reviewing policies and processes to make them congruent with the spirit of both our Founding and DEIAB! As someone who is a transformational change and education expert, I was absolutely compelled to apply to be a part of a sisterhood that wholly lives out their values. I found in Tri Delta true friendship, acceptance, family and resources! When I moved to Texas, I had no friends or family there. Tri Deltas in the North Dallas Alumnae Chapter welcomed me with open arms and loving hearts. I found inspiration in them. I wanted to be more generous, bold, brave and kind because of how they were to me. Each sister was diverse in age, experience, background and interests, and their commitment to our sisterhood spurred me on to a stronger commitment. Their sincere dedication to living out their values challenged me to become the best person that I can be! In those moments, I knew I was in the best place. I knew that I had friends for life. I knew that Tri Delta is me and I am Tri Delta. It lives in my heart and is so very precious to me. Now that I’m in the NYC Alumnae Chapter, I am seeing more of that same diversity, inclusion, love and commitment that stand out as hallmarks of the character of Tri Deltas! I see myself growing in leadership and volunteering with Tri Delta for years to come!”
More Than a Program
Alumnae Initiation is an invitation extended to extraordinary women who share our values. Do you know a woman who would be an outstanding Tri Delta? Consider inviting her to an alumnae chapter meeting. Whether they’re a colleague, friend or family member, think of the incredible women in your life who may be looking for a place like Tri Delta.
Tori Campbell, Wyoming—a member of Tri Delta’s Enterprise Finance Committee, past Foundation Chair and member of the Denver Alumnae Chapter—is passionate about Alumnae Initiation. “We want our alumnae chapter to reflect our communities. Who are the exceptional women in our communities who bring extra spark and experience, sharing ideas that help move Tri Delta forward? Bringing these women into our sisterhood allows them to participate for the rest of their lives.”
The Denver Alumnae Chapter recently piloted a new model where alumnae initiates are sponsored by the chapter (not by individual members). This has streamlined the approval process between the Alumnae Initiation Chair and Executive Office while engaging the local chapter in welcoming new members, making it a collective effort. The chapter initiated its first three alumnae members under this process in September 2024, and the results have been outstanding. “At Founders Day, I looked around the room and couldn’t tell the difference between newly initiated members or those who started their journey in college because we all blended together so beautifully.” This inclusive model has brought fresh energy to the chapter and allowed alumnae initiates to play meaningful leadership roles; two of the five members of the Denver Alumnae Chapter’s executive committee are alumnae initiates. Tori believes this pilot program is a game-changer, reflecting Tri Delta’s mission to grow and thrive as a lifelong sisterhood.
With resources now available to conduct Alumnae Initiation ceremonies, we can continue opening our doors and welcoming more women who share our values and seek a home in Tri Delta, no matter when or where their journey begins.
For more information and to read our FAQs, visit the Alumnae Initiation page of our website.
