Delta's Only- State Fair

Every month, deltas all get together for a sisterhood event called "Delta's Only", planned by our incredible Member Development Chair Kellie McKinney. For the month of October, we all visited the South Carolina state fair, a much loved annual treat in Columbia. Thank you so much to the irreplaceable Kellie for always being so on top of things and planning such creative events for our chapter! I know we are all looking forward to November's Delta's Only- going to see the premiere of the new Hunger Games movie! Thank you as well to Kellie for writing today's posts and taking some amazing photos. It's one of my recent favorites- hope you all enjoy! 


As a sorority with over 300 active members, it's a rare opportunity for Tri Deltas to be in the same place at once.  So once a month, I organize an activity to encourage the chapter members to take a break from whatever stresses they're facing and simply enjoy the company of their sisters.

Kellie is pictured in the center with two other juniors, Lili Kinman and Olivia Weaver.

With midterms on the horizon and Fall Break just out of reach, it was obvious that the hardworking ladies of Tri Delta needed a break from the blase monotony of tests and papers.  It's as if the South Carolina State Fair came right on cue to lift our spirits.

I think I can sum up the State Fair in one word: indulgence.  In the best kind of way.  Indulgence in food, in joy, and in each other.  I don't think I saw a single frown the entire time I was there.  It warmed my heart to see my sisters take time out of their busy schedules to spend time reliving their childhoods together.

From being adventurous and trying the renowned donut burger and fried cookie dough, to taking a ride on an elephant, to enjoying live concerts, I think the State Fair brought a little something special to everyone who went.

P.S. Check it out-- Some of our sisters even got to meet Corey Smith after his show Thursday night.  Throw what you know, Corey! :)

Delta Strong Crush Party

On Thursday October 3rd, Tridelt enjoyed our very first date function of the year, Crush Party! 

Deltas danced the night away supporting our country in army gear for our Delta Strong theme. The event was hosted at Sharky's right in Five Points and planned by our fabulous social chair, senior Stephanie Brown. 

Thank you to Stephanie for another great event. Crush Party is consistently one of our favorite functions here at South Carolina and this year did not disappoint. I know we're all looking forward to the next three functions of the semester as well- stay tuned to see more! 

We are Delta Strong!

New Member Retreat 2013

Our post today is written about our annual New Member Retreat, a staple in Tri Delta, in which the entire new pledge class travels together for a weekend of bonding with their new sisters. This year our event was hosted in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and lead by our amazing New Member Educator Courtney Mauldin (pictured above right). Courtney was slated into her position as a Freshman, which is almost unheard of in Tri Delta. She exemplifies all the characteristics one would want in a leader for future Trideltas- grace, strength, and a true love for Delta Delta Delta. She was the clear choice for the position lovingly nicknamed Pledge Mom, and has done a truly incredible job thus far. Thank you to today's writer Courtney, and for being such an incredible role model and for all of your hard work!

"This semester, Tri Delta was blessed with 120 girls from across the country with different backgrounds and personalities, brought together by one common interest, a love for Delta Delta Delta. These ladies have had numerous opportunities to get closer with their sisters, however they had one particular weekend to create an unbreakable bond. 

On September 20th the new members, and a select group of six older sisters, traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC for their New Member Retreat.  Lakewood Camping Resort welcomed us all with open arms and not to mention yummy doughnuts, which were a huge hit among the ladies! Hanging out in the water, getting our tan on, and taking millions of pictures were just a few of the perks of the retreat. In addition to being right on the beach, Lakewood provided us with so many great activities such as water slides, paddle boating, and much more. The new members got to learn many new aspects of Tri Delta ritual and history, and even got the opportunity to tie in our love for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by making Halloween cards for the patients. Lastly, we did many sisterhood bonding events throughout the weekend including a sand castle building contest, hilarious skits, and of course, our fireside ritual, where the girls had a chance to open up and be vulnerable with their sisters. 

There was such a huge difference when the girls came back, and being able to feel all of the love and happiness that filled the room was something I can't even explain. Nothing is better than being able to connect on a more personal level and truly understand how special each person is. These New Members have opened up my world, and they have inspired me to be so much better of a person than I who was before. I have learned so much from being with these girls and they have made me so incredibly proud already! Thank you ladies for such an unforgettable experience!"

Delta love and LOTS of mine,
Courtney Mauldin

I would like to add a shout out to Claudia Chamberlain, the Assistant New Member Educator for all that she does as well! Claudia is additionally in her position as a sophomore and the two have made a phenomenal team in preparing our new members for their upcoming initiation and induction into our chapter. Additionally, I want to recognize the incredible hosts at Lakewood Camping Resort. I know all of the girls had a fantastic time due to the wonderful hospitality and amenities of your resort. Thank you to Lakewood for making our weekend seamless and so much fun!

Greek Camp Recap

Hi everyone! We have our very first post today from a member our new pledge class! Freshman Ellen Stahlman describes her experience at the recent Greek Camp hosted by the university to foster Greek unity, leadership, and values. Thanks to Ellen for writing this and congratulations on being voted to attend by your peers! We know you will grow to be even more of a leader in our chapter!

Ellen Stahlman and Tridelt senior Megan Early at Greek Camp

This past weekend, I had the privilege of representing Tri Delta at an all day Greek Leadership Camp! Multiple fraternities and sororities from USC nominated members to attend on behalf of their chapter. It was a great experience, and I learned so much about Greek life at USC.

The camp lasted from about 10:00-5:00 on Saturday at Camp Gravatt in Aiken, SC. When we first arrived, we were split into random groups, in which all group members came from different chapters. We participated in various team building activities, such as a low ropes course and a balancing activity. These activities provided great oppurtunities for Greek students to practice communication, cooperation, and leading/following with students outside their own chapter. Most importantly, we focused on how these skills apply to everyday life.

After lunch, the facilitators of the camp organized a workshop for us to participate in. Within this workshop, we were again divided into random groups and we discussed the good and bad stereotypes of Greek life at USC and how we can work to change the negative ones. Also, we had a "great debate" in which we discussed all aspects of Greek life on campus. Finally, we covered how though we all may come from different chapters, we share some of the same basic values and should work together to be involved in other sorority/fraternity functions and events.

I am so happy that I was nominated to attend this camp. It taught me so many things about Greek life at USC, as well as about other chapters in the NPC, IFC, NPHC, and MGC. I also got to meet many new people from other chapters, which was an awesome experience!
-Ellen Stahlman

Tri Delta Night at USC Men's Soccer Shoutout

Last night, Tri Delta adopted the USC men's soccer game to kick off South Carolina's Socctoberfest! Tons of girls came out to support the team who played wonderfully. I wanted to post this today to thank everyone who attended the game and especially the USC Athletics Department for even making this event a possibility!