It's That Time of Year: Homecoming 2012!

Mu chapter kept busy this past week with the huge homecoming blood drive and marathon weekend to finalize our hard work for a successful homecoming celebration!

This week, our efforts will be displayed with our first event, talent on Wednesday, October 24th. The show begins at 6:30 pm at Jesse Hall and will feature four other pairings. We are so excited to watch the ladies of Delta Gamma and men of Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Sigma put their acting, singing, and dancing skills on display. Tickets can be purchased at the Jesse box office or you can live stream the event from http://new.livestream.com/mizzou.

The next event for our pairing is the house decorations display on Friday, October 26th, beginning at 6 pm throughout Greek Town. The DG/Phi Delt/Kappa Sig boards will be located near Alpha Epsilon Pi off Tiger Avenue.

Bright and early Saturday morning, October 27th, at 7 am, the homecoming parade will take place. Our pairings float is sure to give you "Saturday Night Fever!" The route of the parade can be found at http://www.mizzou.com/s/1002/index.aspx?sid=1002&gid=1&pgid=1046.

Following the parade, Delta Gamma alumnae can stop by the house for apple cider and doughnuts to fill up before our early game at 11 am against the University of Kentucky.

The women of Mu chapter along with the men of Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Sigma have worked very hard this semester to give Mizzou another successful homecoming. We look forward to showing the fans, students, and alumni of the school our efforts and hope you can "come home" to celebrate with us!

DGs and members of Phi Delt and Kappa Sig show excitement as they finalize our pomp boards!

The finishing touches are shown being placed on our amazing pairing banner.

Mu Senior Advances in Homecoming Royalty

Kate Moore (NMC '09), a senior member of Mu chapter, has been selected as one of the top 15 women for Mizzou's 101st homecoming celebration! After a tedious application process and a first round interview, she beat out many qualified candidates from organizations around the Missouri campus.

Kate will have a second round interview this Sunday, from which the top 5 women and top 5 women will be chosen. The homecoming court will have many appearances during the month of October, ending with coronation during halftime of the homecoming game versus Kentucky on October 26th.

Previously, Kate served as our vp: finance and director of funds. She is also an active member of the Trulaske College of Business Student Council, and had a great internship over the summer with the accounting firm Ernst & Young in Chicago. Kate also spent last spring studying abroad in Alicante, Spain.

We are so proud of all of Kate's accomplishments and know she is a great representative for Delta Gamma as a homecoming royalty candidate.

For a full list of the top 15 women and top 15 men in the 2012 royalty running, visit: http://www.mizzou.com/s/1002/index.aspx?sid=1002&gid=1&pgid=564

A Great Week to be a Delta Gee

This past week was huge for the members of Mu chapter. Not only did we get in full swing of homecoming preparations with our fraternity pairings, Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Sigma, but our Lectureship in Values and Ethics with Frank Abagnale, Jr. was a huge success, and we ended the week  cheering on the Tigers with the DG dads.

Our homecoming liaisons, Mackenzie Michaletz and Caroline Williams (NMC '11), along with our other homecoming directors got our busy week started by beginning pomping and skit preparations for Mizzou's 101st homecoming celebration. This year, our chapter will take on the disco era, which is sure to produce amazing house decorations and a float and an exciting talent production. We are already counting down the days until the homecoming celebrations begin!

On Wednesday, September 12th, at 7:30 pm, Jesse Auditorium was full of DGs, other students, and the general public there to hear Frank Abagnale, Jr. speak about is life. Abagnale was the inspiration for the hit film and now Broadway show, Catch Me If You Can. From the time he was 16, until age 21, Abagnale led a fraudulent life, using fake identities, cashing counterfeit checks, and traveling on airplanes at the expense of PanAm. After being caught, he spent a few years in prison before being hired by the FBI, where he still works today. Frank was a pleasure to hear speak, as he emphasized the importance of realizing and learning from your mistakes to become a better person. He also greatly spoke on the role of love and support from family to succeeding in life. We were so excited to hear him speak and to meet him at the reception at our house following the program. A big thank you to Mercedes Ordonez (NMC '10) and Michaletz for putting on this amazing event.

The week ended when we welcomed our dads to town for our annual Delta Gamma Dads Weekend. Alle Pawelskie (NMC '10), director of special events, did an amazing job planning out a fun time for dads and daughters. Friday night marked the second annual casino night at the house. We were able to enjoy card games, chef AJ's yummy appetizers, and the company of our favorite guys at the event. Saturday, a tailgate took place outside DG with catering from Upper Crust. The weekend ended on a high as we sat with our dad's at the 6 o'clock football game against ASU that our Tigers went on to win. The celebrations of dads weekend made for some great family and Delta Gamma memories for our members.

Frank Abagnale, Jr. enjoyed his time at DG so much, he joined in on the DG sign.

We truly enjoyed Mr. Abagnale's stories and great personality, and are so happy to add another successful Lectureship to the books.

Mu chapter's newest members throw what they know with their poppas outside the DG house.

These dads and daughters had a great time winning chips at casino night!

New member Katelyn Winker had fun at the game with all of her family.

Register for Formal Recruitment!

The University of Missouri PHA opened registration for Fall 2012 recruitment yesterday. The registration period will end on July 27, giving you just over 2 WEEKS to sign up!

Recruitment will be held in the week prior to the start of classes, from August 12th to bid day on August 18th.

The non-refundable cost of recruitment is $160, but covers early move-in and meals, and t-shirts to be worn throughout the week.

Members of Mu are already preparing for the thousands of potential new members expected this year. We look forward to meeting each of you, and are anxiously awaiting our newest member class!

To learn more about Fall Recruitment and to register, visit http://greeklife.missouri.edu/2012/06/pha-formal-recruitment/ for more information.

Alumnae and collegians interested in sponsoring a potential new member, please contact Katie Erdal by e-mail at kiez82@mail.missouri.edu.

Mu's Fall 2011 new members show their DG love on bid day!

DG Travelers: African Adventures

Three Mu NMC '09 members, Ashley Archer, Lauren Crutchfield, and Calahan Strickland recently returned from educational programs in the African continent.

Ashley and Lauren spent their a month Arusha, Tanzania with other members of the University of Missouri elementary education program. Both were selected from a number of applicants for this prestigious program in eastern Africa that allowed them to put their teaching skills to use. Lauren taught math and science to 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in the city's Catholic elementary school. Ashley taught English, math, science, and spelling to her students at Prime Primary school, the local Muslim school. Although they taught at separate schools, Lauren, Ashley, and all of the other participants stayed in the same hotel and spent their weekends together on a safari, hiking, and learned about the local Masai tribal culture. Both ladies valued their experience, as they both learned a great deal that they will be able to use in their student teaching programs this fall. Lauren documented her trip at laurcrutch.tumblr.com.


Calahan Strickland spent 22 days in South Africa studying wildlife management at the University of Pretoria. Her studies in this subject included, soil and geology, plant management, animal care, and conservation of endangered species. Because this program revolved greatly around the outdoors, Calahan and other students spent most nights camping near Kruger National Park, which is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Though she spent a lot of time studying at nature reserves and rehabilitation centers, Calahan and her fellow students made time for some fun. She was able to take an elephant back safari, other safaris on foot and by truck, mock animal darting from a helicopter, and interacting with African animals, including lion cubs. Her trip proved to be an unforgettable experience.

Lauren Crutchfield (lower right) poses with some fellow teachers and her students on her first day of teaching at the school.

Calahan Strickland is seen here with a furry friend, a lion cub, during one of her African adventures.

Ashley Archer (far left) poses for a picture with other Mizzou teaching students before heading out on their African safari.

Delta Gamma Spring Formal 2012

Though the end of the semester tends to get a little hectic with finals and finalizing summer plans, the women of Mu chapter made time to celebrate the school year with a formal on Friday, April 27th.

The event was held at B12 Bar and Grill and was a great venue for dancing and games of pool. The ladies and their dates had a great night to break from studying and enjoy each others' company before semester's end.

A big thank you to Lexi Warner (NMC '10), Director of Social Events, for planning such a fun formal for the women of Mu chapter.

Members of NMC '09 pose for a snapshot before heading to formal.

Lindsay Schneider (left) and Mia Casey, both NMC '10, both look pretty in pink.

Mom's Weekend 2012

Over the weekend of April 13-15, Mu ladies spent a fun-filled weekend with their moms. It's always a fun time when DG mommas come to town.

Friday night at the house, there was an appetizer hour with yummy treats from our amazing cooks, followed by a hypnotist show that starred Mu members and their moms. It was a fun start to the weekend.

Saturday morning, a brunch, silent auction, and vendor booths were hosted at the beautiful Old Hawthorne Country Club. The silent auction, with items donated by businesses and moms, was a great success, raising over $1,800 for Service for Sight!

The rest of the weekend was left open for members to spend time with their moms taking in great downtown shopping, food, and much needed rest and relaxation.

A big thank you to Alle Pawelski (NMC '10), Director of Special Events, for organizing the weekend and its fun events. We can't wait for our moms to join us again next year in Columbia!

Members of NMC '11 pose with their moms in front of Old Hawthorne.

Sisters, Ashley (NMC '11) and Allie (NMC '10), pose with Momma Schamburg.

Members of NMC '10 are pictured in front of the chapter house with their moms.

Best of Both Worlds BBQ

Mu chapter of Delta Gamma would like to invite you to the 2nd annual Best of Both Worlds BBQ on Friday, April 13th from 3:30-7 pm. The event, hosted along with the men of Sigma Nu and Iota Phi Theta, will take place outside Plaza dining hall. For $5, you'll have a choice of hamburger or hotdog, two sides, and a drink. All proceeds will benefit Delta Gamma's Service for Sight, St. Jude's Research Hospital, and the National Sickle Cell Foundation. Come join us for an afternoon of great food to benefit our great foundations!

Mu Founder's Day 2012

Sunday, March 11th, the women of Mu chapter held their annual Founder's Day celebration at the Courtyard by Marriott. The banquet room was full of collegians and alumni from Mizzou and several other chapters, including two Ole Miss new members!

After discussing our chapter, philanthropy efforts, and honoring outstanding members, the audience was able to hear the story of US Representative and DG sister, Jo Ann Emerson speak about her college career at Ohio-Wesleyan and her professional career in the political field. We were so happy to have her join our celebration.

Founder's Day is a special time for DGs everywhere to reflect on why Delta Gamma was so important to Mary, Eva, and Anna, and important to members today.

Members of the DG choir pose before the event started.

From left, our advisor Abby, former president Gracey, Representative Jo Ann Emerson, and president Taylor enjoyed the Founder's Day celebration.

The Golden Girls (50+ year members) smiled after being honored for their dedication to Delta Gamma.

Recipients of the Whole Hearted award included, from left, Lauren Crutchfield (NMC '09), Stephanie Faerber (NMC '08), Carson Love (NMC '10), and Courtney Bromley (NMC '11).

A special thanks to Stacey Sheridan, Director of Alumnae Relations, who planned the event with the help of advisor Debbie Bertram Link.

The Great Fight for Sight: DG and TOMS

Delta Gamma Fraternity has partnered with TOMS in The Great Fight for Sight, and Mu Chapter is leading the way! For every pair of women's or men's eyewear purchased through a DG Chapter, TOMS donates prescription glasses, sight-saving surgery or other medical treatment to a person in need: One for One.

Blindness and visual impairments is the 7th largest health disability in the world, and 18 million are children who can be helped, especially if action is taken at an early age. Everyone needs another pair of sunglasses, right? Or give a great gift for a great purpose!

Go to www.TOMS.com/eyewear, and please include DGUniversityofMissouri as the promo code.

Thank you for your consideration. Delta Gamma strives to live up to its motto to "Do Good", your support will make you "Feel Good" as well.

Delta Gamma Pinafore 2012

On February 25th, Mu chapter's favorite social event took place. Pinafore is our annual party where we, along with our dates, wear matching shirts and go bowling at the local alley.

Another fun aspect of this party is that each lady decorates a sailor hat for her date to wear. There is always a wide variety of themes for these hats: from video games, to sports teams, to foods.

The event was a huge success. A big thank you to Alle Pawelski (NMC '10) for organizing the event as Director of Special Events, and Claire Darnell (NMC '10) for creating our fun, retro baseball tees as Director of Sportswear!

Pinafore is a weekend we look forward to each year, and many ladies have already begun their countdown for next year's event.

Members of NMC '09, along with Katie Moore via FaceTime, sport their dates' hats.

Freshman Mu ladies (NMC '11) pose with their dates, members of Delta Tau Delta.

Kaeli Kimes and Courtney Alexander (NMC '08) took fellow Golden Girls as their dates to their senior Pinafore.

DG Travelers: Paige Codilis

Paige Codilis (NMC '09) is spending her study abroad trip with the Semester at Sea program. Through the University of Virginia's program, Paige is aboard a cruise ship with over 1000 other students from across the country, traveling around the world.

Her voyage will take her to 12 different countries, including: the Bahamas, Dominica, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Japan. Paige will also be making a stop in Hawaii before the ship finally docks at San Diego, California.

During her trip, Paige has had the opportunity to volunteer in refugee camps, hike through the countrysides, and even swim with sharks!

Although it may seem very busy, Paige still makes time for classes, which are sometimes aboard the ship in a classroom, but can also be at an outdoor spot in their current location.

Paige is gaining a great deal of life experience from her trip, and has already said she hopes to one day return to these less fortunate countries to continue her volunteer work.

After a day-long hike through the countryside, Paige had the opportunity to jump into the water at this beautiful Dominican waterfall.

Paige is pictured here with two of her new friends at a refugee camp in Africa. In front is Dora, who was just rescued from slavery three weeks earlier.

If you would like to read more about Paige's travels around the world, check out her blog at: http://seaingtheworldonepaigeatatatime.blogspot.com/. To learn more about the Semester at Sea program, visit www.semesteratsea.org. 

DG Travelers: London Ladies

Jenner Smith, Katie Reichenbach, and Kelsey Merriam (NMC '09) are spending their semester abroad together in London, England. All three study journalism at Mizzou (Jenner and Kelsey are part of the broadcast sequence, while Katie is in the strategic communications sequence), and are roommates across the pond.

These ladies have been keeping busy taking two classes, working at their internships, and traveling to other European attractions most weekends.

Katie is currently interning as the public relations assistant to luxury fashion designer, Roland Mouret. Jenner is working for the NBC News London Bureau. Kelsey's internship is with Pilot Productions, which produces the travel series, Globe Trekker.

Jenner recently had the opportunity to interview many of today's film stars at the BAFTAs (British Academy of Film and Television Arts), including Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe and The Help's, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer. A video of her work can be seen here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/46367129#46367129.

Katie and Kelsey recently checked off one of their weekend destinations when they visited Paris. Their getaway was full of wonderful sites (the Eiffel Tower at night and the Louvre) and yummy foods ( Nutella and banana crepes and a breakfast pastry called "croque monsieur").

These ladies plan on making a St. Patrick's Day stop to Dublin, Ireland, a meet up with Katie Moore in Spain, and a trip to Italy.

While they are keeping very busy, all three still make time for blog updates! If you would like to learn and see more from their England travels, check out their blogs.

Kelsey- http://kelseyabroad.tumblr.com/
Katie- http://britforabit.blogspot.com/
Jenner- http://jennersmith.tumblr.com/

(From left) Jenner, Katie, and Kelsey were able to watch the Super Bowl aboard a boat at Canary Wharf.

Katie and Jenner are pictured in front of the Roman Baths in Bath, England.

Jenner and Kelsey are seen here in front of Tower Bridge in London.

DG Travelers: Katie Moore

Katie Moore (NMC '09 and former vp: finance) is spending her semester abroad in Alicante, Spain. This beautiful, beach city is located south of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast.

The city is home to many college students, as well as a large Spanish-speaking population. When Katie first arrived, she had difficulty communicating, but after completing an intensive two-week Spanish course, she is now finding it easier to understand the locals.

Katie is participating in a homestay with her "madre," Juana Maria. Through her program, Katie has had the chance to meet many new people, including a DG sister from Bucknell University.

Katie, who is a finance major, is studying with 21 other American students. They have been walking their way through several Spanish sites, including a castle in Alicante and to the top of a huge coastal rock in the village of Calpe.

If you would like to read more about Katie's Spanish travels and studies, check out her blog: kategoesacrossthepond.blogspot.com.

Katie and Bucknell DG, Steph, are pictured from the top of a castle in Alicante.

During an unplanned, undirected walk, Katie and fellow Mizzou student, Abby, posed in front of the beautiful Mediterranean coastline.

DG Travelers: Mary Sue Kiso

This semester, members of Mu chapter's NMC '09 are exploring the world, while taking classes and gaining life experience.

Mary Sue Kiso is spending her semester abroad in Brussels, Belgium. This city is the nation's capital, and home to rich history and great food.

Sue has already tasted many great foods, but her favorite meal so far the mitraillette: a sandwich with chicken, salad, frites (fries), and Andalusian sauce.

She has already hosted a fellow Mu DG, Kelsey Merriam, who made a weekend visit from her current home in London.

While abroad, Sue hopes to visit several other European cities and countries: Spain, Paris, Dublin, and Prague, just to name a few! She has already made trips to Amsterdam and Ghent with fellow Mizzou students.

On top of classes, Sue, a strategic communications major, will be interning with the European-lifestyle magazine, Together.

If you would like to learn more about Sue's semester abroad, check out her blog at mskabroad.tumblr.com.

Sue (far left) with her roommates are pictured at the European Parliament.

Sue and London guest, Kelsey Merriam, represent Delta Gamma in front of Brussels park sculpture.

Meet Mu's 2012 Executive Board

President- Taylor Deppe

New Member Class- 2009

Major- Marketing

Previous Positions Held- vp: social standards

vp: programming- Grace Yim

New Member Class- 2010

Major- Journalism

vp: finance- Megan Elmendorf

New Member Class- 2010

Major- Accounting

vp: social standards- Elissa Curtis

New Member Class- 2010

Major- Occupational Therapy

Previous Positions Held- Director of New Members

vp: membership- Morgan Coleman

New Member Class- 2009

Major- Marketing

Previous Positions Held- Director of Recruitment Records

vp: member education- Maggie Gonzales

New Member Class- 2010

Major- Psychology/Counseling

vp: foundation- Lauren Wendell

New Member Class- 2011

Major- Journalism

vp: panhellenic- Maddie Conklin

New Member Class- 2010

Major- Broadcast Journalism

vp: communications- Mercedes Ordonez

New Member Class- 2010

Major- Political Science

Delta Gammas Hit the Slopes

Many members of Mu chapter spent the last week of winter break with a ski trip to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The trip was organized by Kathryn Bergmann (NMC '08), and the ladies who attended were able to stay in beautiful condos, and spend the day hitting the fresh powder on the mountains. Students from many universities were present for the fun week. This trip was a great end to the long winter break, and an opportunity for many sisters to reconnect after weeks of being apart.