Creating a True Sense of Social Responsibility

We hope everyone is doing well so far with Midterms! In continuing with breaking down the four main points of Article II for National Rituals Celebration Week, the third point we're going to talk about about today is creating a true sense of social responsibility. Here’s what a few members of Gamma Zeta had to say about the third point:

“To me, social responsibility means everyone plays a role in society and is equally important and responsible in building up and maintaining their respective community. This reflects the idea that every individual is essential to the whole.

At Delta Gamma, we believe that each person has something to give and bring to our chapter. Everyone is able to be a leader, officially or unofficially, and make an impact on the world surrounding us by her active contribution. Because of social responsibility, the actions of one significantly affect all. Delta Gamma, therefore, stresses that we are always wearing our letters. We recognize the importance of wearing our letters with pride and integrity because not only are we proclaiming where we belong,  but we also are announcing we share in and believe Delta Gamma’s values. The way the Gamma Zeta chapter upholds Delta Gamma’s creating a true sense of social responsibility is with interdependence. We rely on each other for support, for accountability, and for inspiration; it is our responsibility as sisters to remind one another the way we act, speak, think, and live reflects not only our character but the character and identity of all Delta Gamma. Although the unfortunate work of one can cause a lacking sisterhood not at its best, one may also transform Delta Gamma to its true potential, thriving when all decide to do good individually and collectively. And through this, we fully grow and understand a true sense of social responsibility not just in Delta Gamma but additionally in the world we live.”

-Courtney Lott, freshman

“Creating a true sense of social responsibility is something that DG has greatly improved in me in the last year and a half. Delta Gamma has given me many opportunities to be an active member of society. My favorite one of those opportunities is visiting the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired. Every week I try to take advantage of the chance to learn more about those kids and help them in any way possible. Before Delta Gamma I was afraid to go to any social events without someone I knew. Now I know that no matter where I go, I will always find a sister. Through LSVI, Delta Gamma has changed the lives of so many grateful kids and it has also instilled in me a new confidence that wasn’t there before.”

-Taylor Smith, sophomore

“When you hear the term ‘socially responsible’ what do you think of? For me, I can think of multiple statements that express what it means to be socially responsible. Through my two and a half years as a member of Delta Gamma, I have learned what being responsible truly means. It is knowing when to say no to your friends when they want to hang out and you have a test the next day. It is accepting that sometimes things do not always go your way; therefore, you must be accepting and understanding of the outcome. It is being able to get out of bed in the middle of the night when a family member or friend is experiencing something traumatic and needs a shoulder to lean on. It is learning when to listen and not to speak. It is standing for what you believe in and not letting the view of others put you down. However, in the end, being responsible is learning how to take the experience you’ve gained and memories that you have lived through and learn from your mistakes to make the best version of yourself. That is something that Delta Gamma has taught me and this will be something that I cherish for the rest of my life.”

- Jeannie Vicari, junior, honor board: junior

“I believe that ‘creating a true sense of social responsibility’ means that DG molds (not changes) a girl into a woman who upholds values and respects herself. In other words, DG took the irresponsible 18-year-old me and helped her to grow into a true lady who is aware of her actions, along with consequences. Don't get me wrong, my mom still says ‘free living’ is right up my alley and I still have much more maturing to do, but I'm only 21. How Delta Gamma upholds the statement ‘creating a true sense of social responsibility’ will forever resonate in me, because the chapter has challenged me to be the best version of myself. I still possess a carefree attitude, but I now have a true sense of who I am and my character because of DG. I am who I want to be.”

- Allison Herrera, senior

Promotion of Educational & Cultural Interests

For our second installment on Article II, we will be discussing the promotion of educational and cultural interests. The Gamma Zeta Chapter of Delta Gamma upholds this value in various ways. Gamma Zeta holds study nights multiple times a month, allowing time with guaranteed quiet to complete work and study. Also, Gamma Zeta helps members connect with each other by allowing current and previous students of classes to meet and discuss professors and course work. Gamma Zeta’s commitment to education is evident. This past year Gamma Zeta was ranked third for highest GPA within the Panhellenic community. Gamma Zeta promotes members’ cultural interest through their personal interest groups. When these groups get together, they explore subjects that bring member education outside of the classroom.

Here’s what a few members of Gamma Zeta had to say about the second point, promoting educational and cultural interests:

“’Delta Gamma is a sisterhood built on a commitment to making the world better through not only service, but also a deep appreciation for each individual.’

Individuals of Delta Gamma are unique, but all members shares values that allow them to align under one crest. By encouraging an atmosphere that promotes lifelong friendship, Delta Gammas strive to find and create the best version of themselves.

One way that Delta Gamma does this is through promoting educational and cultural interests. Of all the aspects of article two, this is often the most underrated. Greek women are known for their philanthropies and social events, but they struggle to be associated with their intelligence. Living the ritual of Delta Gamma allows members to combat the roadblocks of Greek stereotypes. Every time a member goes to class or turns in an assignment she is wearing her letters. By living to the values of article two, Delta Gamma members acknowledge that their schoolwork is a priority that reflects every DG and every DG chapter. By valuing their cultural interest, Delta Gammas engage in their community and life. This intrigue allows members to explore ideas that will help their Delta Gamma experience grow; creating involved collegiate members and alumnae.

What DG has is very special. ‘Do Good’ is more than a motto. It is a way of life. Delta Gammas strive to “do good” in all that they do. An important way is through educational and cultural interest. It’s true that this time in a member’s life is a big juggling act. However, members should take solace in knowing they are not alone. Sometimes it will be easier to neglect this part of article two; nevertheless, members should remember that they are doing this for more than themselves. They are doing it for their older and younger sisters. They are doing it for Delta Gamma, an organization that will always be a part of their story.”

- Marissa Torres, freshman

“Aside from our other great values, ‘promoting education and cultural interests’ is the most important to me. In a nutshell, it is my ‘why.’ It wasn't until I was asked to reflect on how I felt about these particular values that I made this discovery. Deciding to major in studio arts was a very difficult decision for me to make. Countless times I have been told that I will have no job opportunities, that it isn't a ‘real major,’ asked what I plan on doing with my degree, and my favorite ‘man, you are so brave, my dad would never let me do that.’ Well the truth is: I'm scared to death. I'm well aware of the risk and uncertain career path that I am creating for myself. And sometimes I question my talent, decisions, and even passion that I have for art. I know that was a long tangent... But I realize the most influential factor towards my confidence is Delta Gamma. Yes I defiantly break all stereotypes. An art major and a sorority girl? Never heard of it! But I tell people it's the BEST place for an art major to be! I am surrounded by the support of over 300 sisters. The things that this chapter has done for my confidence is extraordinary. I'm constantly being praised and admired for following my dreams. And never do I feel undervalued, a feeling extremely common amongst us student artist. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunities Delta Gamma provides for me. Without Delta Gamma and all of their positive support, I may not have been as brave to follow my dream and pursue what I love.”

-Suzannah Burke, sophomore, director of homecoming

“I want to talk about my favorite line from Article II: ‘The object of this Fraternity shall be to […] promote educational and cultural interests;’ and how my sisters live it out every day. First of all, as a graphic design major I am among the what? five other art majors, so you can imagine my interests were not the same as a biology major! I can talk one of my sister’s ears off about how much I hate Comic Sans (and I do all the time). But, what I love about Gamma Zeta is that no matter what font I am complaining about that week, my sisters continue to listen and are engaging; trying to gather information from me about graphic design. A person’s interests are constantly changing and growing. I think the best part about this line in Article II is that as Delta Gamma women we are saying YES to learning what we can from our sisters, to grow with them in their interests, and to push them to pursue their dreams. This line most simply means to us at Gamma Zeta: work your absolute hardest within your studies because it is our duty as sisters and collegiate women to educate ourselves so we can educate each other!!”

Victoria Roberts, junior, president

"To me, promoting educational and cultural interest means that I'm always encouraging my friends and others to do their best in school and respecting others who may have different cultural interests. For example, I'm always one to invite my friends to go study with me whether I'm going to the lib or studying at the house. If I know they have a test or anything I make sure they're studying or doing whatever it is that they need to be doing. I even offer to bring them coffee or whatever it is they may need to keep going. As for cultural interests, this one is tough, but I feel that I live this out by not judging other cultures, no matter how different they may be from mine. The best example that I can think of for this is religion. I think that overall we are a very God-centered chapter and although we may not believe in the same religion, we all support each other, no matter what or who we believe in.”

-Chelsea Bonck, senior

Written by: Caroline Rodrigue, director of rituals & Marissa Torres, freshman

Article II

For National Ritual Celebration Week, we’re going to be breaking down the four main points of Article II. In 1873, Article II was written by our founders, Mary Comfort Leonard, Eva Webb Dodd, and Anna Boyd Ellington. The intention for writing Article II was to establish a mission statement for all Delta Gammas to live by continuously.

Article II states:

The objects of this Fraternity shall be to foster high ideals of friendship among college women, to promote their educational and cultural interests, to create in them a true sense of social responsibility and to develop in them the best qualities of character.

Here’s what a few members of Gamma Zeta had to say about the first point, fostering high ideals of friendship:

“Going through rush, I was trying to find the house that I could turn into my home. A home where the women were fun, genuine, kind and welcoming. I found all of those things and more at Delta Gamma. One of the things that I love the most is our ritual, and the way that we always challenge one another to live our ritual to the best of our ability. As a Delta Gamma, I think the aspect of Article II that plays the biggest role in my life is fostering high ideals of friendship. ‘Fostering high ideals of friendship’ has as much meaning and relevance to our lives today as it did when our founders established our ritual in 1873. At Gamma Zeta - LSU, we strive to develop friendships with everyone. While it's true that not everyone in the chapter is best friends, we try to make everyone feel welcome, respected and appreciated. As a member of Gamma Zeta, it makes me so proud when friends gush about how nice the Delta Gammas they met have been and how friendly our chapter is as a whole. We don't just try to be friends with our sisters, but everyone on campus. Joining Delta Gamma has pushed me to be a better friend. I've learned that being a friend means putting yourself out there and extending friendship to everyone, even if you're shy or afraid. I've learned that being a friend means always being your sister's champion and taking a sincere interest in her ups and downs. I've learned that being a friend means being your sister's touchstone when life gets tough and the first person she calls when it's time to have a dance party. Though we try our best, we aren't always perfect friends. But that's okay because no friendship is perfect and true friendship always challenges you to be better than you were the day before. I'm so thankful that I've found my sisters at Gamma Zeta - LSU and I wouldn't want to make the journey through college and life with anyone else. ITB.”

- Katie Gagliano, freshman, pi alpha: programming

“’Fostering high ideals of friendship’—a simple phrase that builds the foundation Delta Gamma sisterhood sits upon. A friend supports, loves, respects, and honors others around him or her. The friends I have made through Delta Gamma have pushed me to better myself and have motivated me to practice essential values of being a genuine sorority woman. Delta Gamma fosters high ideals of friendship, meaning a Delta Gamma woman pushes her sisters to believe in themselves and be the best version of themselves in all aspects of life. My Delta Gamma friendships are a feeling of forever in my heart. One of my favorite authors once said, ‘Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them.’ The Gamma Zeta chapter has created an environment of pure joy and unbreakable support. The friendships I share with my sisters have given me confidence in my abilities to succeed in life. My Gamma Zeta sisters have not only comforted me when I am down, but they have picked me up and guided me back in the right direction. Rather it is baking a sister cookies for her birthday or driving a sister to the hospital in a time of urgency, a Delta Gamma friend can always be depended on and trusted. I asked two of my closest friends in the chapter to tell me what ‘high ideals of friendship’ means to them, and without flinching they said, ‘Friendship means to love at all times, even in each other’s weakest moments,’ and ‘Friends truly respect you for who you are and are there for you no matter what the circumstance.’ I know the friendships I have developed in Gamma Zeta will never cease to give me hope, strength, and life. My friendships will continue to help me grow as a person and live graciously.”

-Caroline McCaffrey, sophomore

“Wow. I honestly do not believe I can efficiently describe the ‘high ideals of friendship’ I have witnessed over the passed three years in Delta Gamma, but I will give it my best shot. When the values of an organization start off with ‘The objects of this Fraternity shall be to foster high ideals of friendship among women,’ the first reaction is most likely a sigh of disbelief, because let’s face it women do not have the best reputation for fostering high ideals of friendship among each other. As a member of Delta Gamma, I can attest for this object. The friends in Delta Gamma all include ‘those friends.’ Those friends that bring you coffee at 3 a.m. when you are studying, even though you did not tell them you had an exam the next day. Those friends that invite you home for Thanksgiving dinner, even though you did not tell them you were not flying back home for the holidays. Those friends that put their arms around you to help you stand after running a marathon, even though you are drenched in sweat. Those friends that scratch your back and make you laugh after a bad day, even though they have a million things on their agenda. ‘Those friends’ and friendships are possible because of Delta Gamma, and I could not be more proud of those women and the ritual we uphold.”

-Jenna Baker, junior, director of senior programming

“It is not untrue to say that many women join sororities today to ‘make friends.’ So I understand why at first glance, an outsider reading Article II might read ‘fostering high ideals of friendship’ and think ‘wow what a pompous way to phrase ‘make friends.'’ But such is NOT the case! I am here to tell you that once you experience friendship within Delta Gamma, you realize that there is no better way to phrase what you are experiencing. The words do not come from a place of arrogance, but rather a place of truth. Any fewer or different words would not give it justice. The friendships I have experienced in Delta Gamma have not taught me how to ‘make friends,’ but rather how to nurture the qualities within myself that make me a better friend. ‘High ideals of friendship’ does not mean that once you are initiated into Delta Gamma you are given a cheat sheet of the ideals you must uphold in order to be a good friend. For me, the high ideals I hold regarding friendship have come from witnessing the friendships between other members of Delta Gamma. If anyone is looking for a crash course in friendship, I would advise them to spend just one afternoon in the Ritz of the Gamma Zeta chapter’s house (just leave your food and drink in the dining room PLEASE!). Here is where you will find excellent models of friendship. I am very grateful to Delta Gamma for teaching me the importance of ‘fostering high ideals of friendship’ rather than just ‘making friends.’ It has challenged me to be a better friend to all of my friends, not just my friends in Delta Gamma. And in the words of the great Barney Stinson, ‘CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!’ to foster these high ideals of friendship til I’m ‘Delta Gam dead!’”

-Caroline Enright, senior

written by: Caroline Rodrigue, director of rituals & Kathleen Smith, director of social media

Happy International Badge Day!

Today is International Badge Day! The original badge of our Founders was the letter “H". This symbolized Hope, which was our Founders’ watchword.

In 1877, the “H" badge changed to an anchor, which is the traditional symbol for hope. The badge is a privilege that all initiated members can wear.

Here’s what a few members of Gamma Zeta had to say about our badge:

“Our badge is important to me as a new initiate because it proves to me that the friendships I make during my time here will last forever. Anchors have always been a general symbol of hope to me, but once I became a DG I saw our anchor as a symbol for hope in more specific situations. For example, I struggled a little bit in the beginning with making friends in my member class, but I knew that being a Delta Gamma meant that I couldn't lose hope or faith in finding my lifelong friends. I also saw hope in my life through the work we do for Service for Sight, the friendly words exchanged when I see another DG on campus, and the feeling I get every time I walk into our house. I have hope in everything I do Delta Gamma related because of what our badge means to me, and I know it’ll impact me this way for many years to come.” - Paige Raley, new initiate

“My badge is a great reminder. It is a reminder that I joined a sorority that is so much bigger than myself. It is a reminder that I am representing thousands of women who came before me and thousands more who will come after me. It is a reminder that all of these women share the same values that I have. It is a reminder that I have sisters all over the world, some who I know and some who I will never meet. It is a reminder that I am never alone. It is a reminder that there’s so much more I can learn about our ritual and so much more of it to take advantage of. It is a reminder to live our ritual in everything I do. It is a reminder that although I can’t share the secrets of our ritual with everyone, they should be able to take a really good guess at what it is based off my words and actions. It is a reminder to be respectful. It is a reminder to be kind. It is a reminder to be thoughtful. It is a reminder to be a good friend. It is a reminder to learn more and be more well- rounded. It is a reminder to be responsible. It is a reminder that I can always better myself. It is a reminder to do good, always. The privilege of wearing my badge is a great reminder to be the best woman I can possibly be.” - Caroline Rodrigue, director of rituals

“Whether I see our badge on a woman during formal chapter meeting, at Delta Gamma’s International Institute, or at the Undergraduate Inter-Fraternity Institute, I am reminded that this small anchor connects us all to each other. Not only does our badge represent hope, but the women wearing the badge represent of that same hope. Every day, I am reminded of what it means to be a friend. They remind me of what it means to believe in myself and the people around me, and more importantly, they remind me of what it means to live by Article II and The Oath of Friendship. From my Delta Gamma friends in California to North Carolina to the amazing women of the Gamma Zeta Chapter, I remind myself every day that I am the luckiest girl in the word because I am able to share my letters and my badge with some of the most amazing and influential women in my life.” - Caroline Thriffiley, vp: member education

“Wearing my badge is so special to me because it is a reminder of what Delta Gamma has done in my life. When I am wearing my badge, I am reminded of the thousands of women who share this bond with me. My badge is a symbol for our motto of "Do Good" and the values Delta Gamma women uphold. While my collegiate days are coming to an end, my journey in Delta Gamma is just beginning. I will wear my badges for the rest of my life to always remind myself of the amazing women I have met and to live out our rituals everyday.” - Jen Tuohy, past vp: member education

"She is the person who when she walks into a room everyone immediately feels that their presence matters and that their voice will be heard because she never allows anyone to go unnoticed. She has taught the meek to find their voice and the haughty to find humility. She understands the value of the spoken word and makes it a point to ensure that everyone she meets realizes that what they feel and think makes a difference to her. She has an adventurous soul and a passion for living out each day of her life for the betterment of the person next to her. She is not selfish but selfless in all aspects of life. She has taught me to give and serve without ever expecting a thing in return. She is a leader that everyone looks to with respect and admiration. She pushes me to never doubt myself and to hold confidence in my decisions. I have watched her teach others the value of a kind word, a good deed and the power of trust. She has taught me that it is not about the leadership position you hold or the title you possess, but rather the way you treat people, the compassion you show

towards them and the time you take to hear their side of the story that makes a great leader. Without her I would not be the person I am today. She changed my college experience and I know she will continue to change my life for years to come. She is Delta Gamma and the reason I will always wear my badge with pride. My badge is my constant reminder to always possess kindness, humility, generosity, strength and hope, always." - Margaret Vienne, alum of Epsilon Phi-Loyola, Gamma Zeta rituals adviser

National Ritual Celebration Week video url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeR7tqOJXlI

Written by: Caroline Rodrigue,director of rituals & Caroline Thriffiley,vp: member education Photo by: Kathleen Smith, director of social media

Career Night

Gamma Zeta held its annual Career Night, coordinated by director of alumnae relations Victoria Roberts, on Monday, October 27, 2014.  Career Night has always been a great way for Delta Gamma collegians to meet alumnae, who provide career and life advice.A speaker from LSU Career Services gave freshman interviewing tips and an overview of what Career Services has to offer. Sophomores learned about how to properly network and obtain internships. Then everyone broke into groups determined by major to talk to alumnae in that field. Alumnae from the fields of advertising, public relations, journalism, business, marketing, political science, pre-law, history, communication disorders, education, art, kinesiology, pre-med, dietetics and nutrition, psychology, and nursing were available for members to speak with. 

Juniors and seniors listened to two talks, one about financial responsibility and another about resume building. Alumna Emily Hester, Assistant to LSU’s Vice Chancellor, spoke about budgeting before graduating college and how to evaluate job offers. Alumna Melissa Thompson, Student Development Coordinator for LSU Communication Across the Curriculum, spoke about email etiquette.

“My favorite part about Career Night is reaching out and connecting with alumnae,” said Roberts. 

Gamma Zeta would like to thank our alumnae for taking their time to give us career advice! 

Cathy Juarez     

Amanda Waguespauk

Amanda Collura Day   

Beth Foust

Kayla Purcell    

Melissa Thompson 

Erin King        

Lynde Ulmer     

Emily Hester

Brenda Redpath     

Renee McGuinness   

Whitney Sutherland

DG helps visually impaired adults with horse therapy

We are excited to share a new service opportunity we recently became involved in!

Every Wednesday for the next few weeks, Gamma Zeta members now have the opportunity to help visually impaired adults ride horses. When people think of physical activities for blind and visually impaired, horseback riding might not be the first idea that comes to mind. However, riding a horse leads to freedom and self-confidence!

At the beginning of each session, a DG is paired with a visually impaired adult to help them become accustomed to the horse, groom the horse, and lead the horse around.

"We had the opportunity to assist the visually impaired participants with touring the barn and stables, meet the horses, brush and groom their designated horse, and also simply bear witness to the joy of their experiences!" said Colleen Kimball, vice president: programming.

"It was amazing the change in the woman that I was helping because she started out extremely scared of the horses," said Amy Francioni, pictured to the left. "At the beginning she was standing far way from the horse while leaning to touch him, but gradually over time they became more aquatinted making her she feel safe. By the end of our first lesson she was standing next to the horse and holding the lead rope all by herself with out my help. I am so blessed to have been apart of opportunity and to get to see these people experience the love of a horse through their movement rather than their being able see the horses reaction."

"The visually impaired participants impacted me as they displayed an amazing level of trust with these large and often intimidating animals that they had met only minutes before!" said Colleen. "It made me wonder if we are afraid of certain things only based off of looks and stature. Their joy and smiles truly impacted me, and I cannot wait to return to volunteer ! The smell of the horse barn and the laughs of the participants will stay with me forever."

An alumna contacted vice president: Foundation Catherine Pettus about this opportunity. The Baton Rouge alumnae chapter provides the funds for the adults going to therapy.

Jac Bedrossian receives social media project grant

Congratulations to Gamma Zeta member Jac Bedrossian for receiving a social media project grant for her #WeeklyVote webcast, which will invite students to vote on topics of weekly webcasts about interesting events and people at Louisiana State University.

Jac's project is one of seven chosen by Jerry Ceppos, dean of LSU's Manship School of Mass Communication, to receive mini-grants under the school’s Social Media News Challenge grant from the Knight Foundation.

Her goal is to start a weekly webcast highlighting a student, faculty member or event on campus. This three to five minute webcast will be posted on YouTube and disseminated on social media. Jac will then engage the community by asking questions on social media and including responses in her show.

I love LSU and take so much pride in being a part of the university. I want a chance to showcase how great our school is not just to the community but also to everyone online. -Jac

In order to receive this grant, Jac submitted an application then made a presentation to Ceppos and a panel of community advisers.

Knight grant recipients will receive $4,000 for their project. The first $2,000 will be provided upon awarding the grant, and another $2,000 will be provided upon completion of the project. Jac's project completion date is April 20, 2015.

This social media grant is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts.

The Social Media News Challenge is presented by the Knight Foundation, which in 2013 awarded the Manship School $150,000 over three years for students and faculty to experiment with bringing news to communities through social media.

Delta Gamma on LSU Homecoming Court!

Out of the fourteen 2014 LSU Homecoming Court members, TWO are DG's! The LSU Homecoming Student Committee and LSU Campus Life announced the 2014 LSU Homecoming Court. These fourteen court members were selected from a second-round pool of 35 applicatants by a Judges’ Panel on Oct 8. Congratulations to Jennifer Tuohy, Senior Representative and Brenna Vial, First Year Student Representative!

You can vote for Homecoming King and Queen by going to www.lsu.edu/voteforcourt  Monday, October 13 at 12:00 p.m. until Thursday, October 23 at 11:59 p.m.

About Jennifer Tuohy

Major: Natural Resource Ecology and Management concentrated in Conservation Biology

Minors: Political Science, Environmental Management Systems, and Leadership Development

Hometown: Mandeville, Louisiana

“Louisiana is known for its culture and diverse people that make up the bayou state.  The people are known for their southern hospitality and easy going spirit.  There is a sense of community that is shared among everyone and LSU is a great representation of that spirit.  Being in the College of Agriculture, when I think of my Louisiana State of Mind I think of natural resources.  We are a Land Grant university with this university’s genesis as an A&M school.  Like most incoming freshman, I thought the College of Agriculture was just about farming.  However, now when I am on campus I see Agriculture all around me; from the dairy store that sells the beloved ice cream, to the beautiful oak trees that are a prize possession, and even the famous Louisiana Saturday Nights in Tiger Stadium with the perfect turf grass.  As a freshman, I would have never labeled any of these as Agriculture but it is.  When I think of Louisiana I picture the swamp lands and great southern food.  That is my Louisiana State of Mind and without LSU I would have never seen these things as Agriculture.”

About Brenna Vial

Major: Mass Communication concentrated in Public Relations

Minor: Business

Hometown: Luling, Louisiana

“I have been living in Louisiana all my life so being in the “Louisiana State of Mind” is in my heart and soul. Here at LSU I have gained a much deeper appreciation for the culture and heritage of Louisiana. After meeting out-of-state students and hearing their experience with LSU and how much they love Louisiana, I was able to find a greater joy for staying instate. It’s nice to see out-of-state students enjoying our Cajun cooking and talking about how good it is. Every day is a different experience at LSU. Coming in as a freshman and experiencing the S.T.R.I.P.E.S. program has also unexpectedly shaped my view on Louisiana. Before this program, I never knew how to “Fais Do Do” and I even learned more about the rich and historic traditions we have to offer. Also coming through this program allowed me to completely branch out and meet people from all around the world. Hearing the reasons they came to LSU was fascinating and made me appreciate why I chose to come here as well. Being at LSU has definitely made me hold a deeper appreciation for my state and its residents. I realize that I would not want to be anywhere else in the world than the one and only, Louisiana State University.”

Gamma Zeta Member Highlight! - Jac Bedrossian

Jac Bedrossian, a broadcast journalism major, currently works as a report for Tiger TV Newsbeat. You can watch her at 5 pm on Wednesdays!

Jac has been interning for FOX8 for the past two years and after graduation wants to continue as a reporter and do free-lance entertainment.

Her dream is to one day work for E! Entertainment as a New Orleans correspondent.

Jac highlighted Gamma Zeta in two videos – one about World Sight Day and another about DG volunteering with LSVI students.

Watch her videos here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-ygDZrpd3A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b43KZcCfMj0

Cheesies with the Deegees

The Gamma Zeta chapter of Delta Gamma held its first "Cheesies with the Deegees" last Wednesday, September 17, 2014.

We'd like to thank EVERYONE that came to our fall Panhellenic social - we had more than

1,200

people in attendance! Shout out to Chi Omega, who had the most PHC sisters show up!

We hosted Cheesies to encourage Panhellenic sisterhood. Everyone down the row was invited! We had mac n cheese, grilled cheese, cheese cubes, queso, cheese pizza, and cheese snacks! With a line out the door, it's safe to say Cheesies was a success that will be repeated.