Looking Back, Moving Forward

#tridseniorweek2k16

It's that time of year again to show our appreciation for the incredible group of seniors who will be leaving us in just a few short weeks.  Y'all have contributed so much to our chapter and will no doubt be missed dearly.  Never forget the lifelong friendships and memories you've made in Tri Delta as you each begin to start the next chapter in your lives.  The future holds nothing but exciting new opportunities and endless possibilities.  Wishing the Class of 2016 the absolute best of luck with their future endeavors.

A trip down memory lane... 

"My freshman year I decided to rush in hopes of making some friends and enjoying the social benefits but when i joined Tri delta I got so much more. I've made friends that I know will be lifelong, held leadership roles that challenged me, and have gotten the opportunity to meet members from all across the country and all different types of chapters. Tri Delta has been so much more than just a social experience and I'm so thankful for my four years as a collegiate member!" -Kourtney Dworsky, Senior Member

"Now, a few weeks from walking across the stage in my cap and gown, I realize that I have gained so much more than just best friends and sisters. Tri Delta is a community of peers who, like extended family, continually challenged me to reach beyond my comfort zone. Tri Delta has shown me how to be a patient and compassionate listener and to actively lend a helping hand. Tri Delta has taught me so many things that I never expected to learn. I thought I would find women who would be my friends forever, and that’s exactly what I did. But I also learned so much more. The outstanding women across the country who I have the privilege to call my sisters will continue to inspire and push me towards higher goals, dream bigger dreams, and encourage me to pursue my passions. This organization and this chapter has left such a long-lasting legacy in my life." Addison White, Senior Member

"Tri delta for me wasn’t the textbook “found my best friends on bid day’” kind of story. Making new friends was hard, something I was so accustomed to doing before. I was horribly intimidated by the incredibly talented and beautiful women of our chapter. Then the day came, our first rush practice the end of freshman year. Although probably the last thing we wanted to be doing on an earlySunday morning, there they were, the girls who I would soon call my best friends, bubbly as ever. They immediately invited me into their circle on the floor and I wondered then where these girls had been all year. I will be forever grateful for their utmost kindness because from then on, I had the confidence to approach others and make more of the best friends I had so previously longed for. As graduation nears, I can honestly say my time in Tri Delta, yet different at first, was the best thing that ever happened to me because I made the best friends who did, and continue to do, more for me than they will ever realize." Emma Rizer, Senior Member

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"

It Goes Down in the DM

Dance Marathon.  A movement that has surged through college campuses across the nation, inspiring students to get involved and help those in need.  Dance Marathon can officially say it has the highest student involvement than any other student-run philanthropy in the country.  It is a movement that cannot be stopped, and continues to rapidly grow each year. Dance marathon has raised an incredible amount of money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. 

This past weekend, our University alone raised $527, 810.  The amazing grand total of more than half a million could not have been reached without the dedication and passion of some of our members.  Various Tri Delta members selflessly dedicated a copious amount of time to reach their Dance Marathon Goal.

Our members shared their experiences being involved with Dance Marathon.  Their passion and love for Dance Marathon radiates from within them.  Tri Delta is so blessed to have such selfless members. 

Kimmie Gower, USCDM Executive Board. 

"I first joined USCDM as a sophomore on the Tri Delta team and immediately fell in love with the organization. I had such a great experience my first year, I knew I wanted to get more involved the next year. I applied to be on the Executive Board and became a part of the Community Relations committee.  Since April of 2015, we have been working so hard to make this year's event and total the biggest and best yet. I started off with a personal goal this year of raising $800, never believing I could fundraise $1,000 myself. I finished up Main Event with a total of $1,668, doubling my original goal. That is what Dance Marathon is all about. It's about pushing yourself to go beyond your expectations and make miracles happen for the kids at Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. Dance Marathon has shown me that when you put hard work and passion into something, anything is possible, even the impossible. This year we raised a grand total of $527,810 which gives each of the 

119 beds at the hospital $4,435!" 

Aubrey Brockmiller, USCDM Morale Team.

"I hear in college all the time that this is our time to be selfish. This is why our generation is branded with a 'you do you' mentality that is so frowned upon by our parents. I do dance marathon because I am surrounded by selfless people who work all year to raise money for the Children's Miracle network. Walking into the gym on Saturday full of heroes was the greatest feeling in the world. To see so many students give up their entire Saturday to stand on their feet for the kids that can't made my heart so incredibly happy. They give up a day of Netflix binging and a night of partying to do something that mattered. To make a difference. The event was such a success! We raised $527,810. I am so unbelievably proud of all the Tri Delt girls that were there. Never did I hear a complaint, they were always dancing and smiling. It made me so proud to call them all my sisters. I can't wait to see the team grow for next year."




Name Removed for Pi Chi, USCDM Morale Team

"I applied for Dance Marathon Morale completely on a whim. One day Kimmie Gower sent in our group message a link to apply for Morale team and I thought why not? I had always wanted to get involved but just hadn’t had the chance yet.I had no idea the impact this organization would have on me throughout the year. I’ve made a family through DM, been able to take pride in getting Tri Delta more involved, raised over $1,300 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, danced for 14 hours straight and had  my heart touched by some of the strongest children there are. I truly can’t imagine my college experience without Dance Marathon moving forward, and I can’t wait to see how Tri Delta continues to get involved and how many more miracles we can make. I’m already counting down the days till next year. FTK and DLAM!" 


Zoe Raine, USCDM Participant
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"These kids help me realize I can endure far more than I think.  Pushing boundaries and being selfless is what drives humanity. Their determination to fight for their lives before they have even really “lived” exemplifies that strength and bravery are a part of each of us. They teach me that I don’t need to wait for adversity to see these qualities in myself, but that they have always been and it is up to me to use them to my advantage. They teach me to work for what I want and do what it takes to get there, to remember life if worth so much and to have my mind set for greatness always.  Dancing for 14 hours is mentally and physically trying but it is worth every ounce knowing one more child could become what they desire to be. So why do I DM? For long, happy lives, filled with dancing, and laughter, and kids teaching other kids to be their best selves."

**Shout out to all of those involved in Dance Marathon.  Taking initiative to get involved and dedicating your time to a higher cause is incredibly admirable.  Ya'll are the true heroes of this campus.**

St. Jude- Tri Delta Leadership Weekend

"No child should die in the dawn of life"

                              -Danny Thomas, Founder of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Three of our officers had the opportunity to attend the Tri Delta Leadership Weekend at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.  These members devoted their weekend to learning more about our incredible philanthropy alongside Tri Deltas from various other chapters around the country.  The weekend proved to be one of the most touching and rewarding experiences of their lives. They were able to see our beloved philanthropy in action, helping children in need from all over the world.  The unbreakable spirit of hope and courage that St. Jude encompasses truly inspired these ladies.  Each officer returned home to South Carolina with a newfound knowledge of St. Jude and an even deeper love for the organization.  

Philanthropy Chair Valeria Pruc said, 

"After the Leadership Weekend at St. Jude, I have never been prouder to be a member of Tri Delta and a partner with St. Jude.  It was such a blessing to be surrounded by 300 sisters from all over the nation whose selfless leadership is revealed in serving their chapters and the families of St. Jude.  One of Tri Delta's contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital that is most special to me is Tri Delta Place.  This special place serves as a home for families so they can focus on healing and hope for their child, rather than the financial burden of finding a place to live during treatment." 

Tri Delta Winter Formal 2016

Event: Tri Delta Winter Formal

Date: Friday February 15, 2016 

Location: 701 Whaley 

Tri Delta hosted Winter Formal this past  Friday at 701 Whaley.  The venue created such an elegant atmosphere for those in attendance.  Everyone dressed their best for an event they'd never forget.

St. Jude Up 'til Dawn

Tri Delta is helping the St. Jude Up 'til Dawn Executive Board raise awareness for the St. Jude Up 'til Dawn Event held on March 25th, 2016.   The students at the University of South Carolina will work together to raise $35,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through this overnight, challenge-oriented event.  

St. Jude, founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas, is one of the world’s premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other deadly childhood diseases.  When the Hospital was first founded the survival rate for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood cancer, was 4 percent. Today, the survival rate for this once deadly disease is 94 percent.  

The awareness raised helps St. Jude Children's Research Hospital provide free treatment to every patient that walks through the doors.  Help us help the children of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by getting involved with St. Jude Up 'til Dawn.  

Click this link to get involved ASAP!! 

http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/UTD/UTD?pg=entry&fr_id=40641 

Gearing up for Gameday 2015

“The glory of life is to give; not be given. To love; not to be love. To serve; not to be served,” said Sarah Ida Shaw, the founder of Tri Delta. Not only did Sarah Ida give the ladies of the Alpha Lambda chapter the opportunity to join Tri Delta, she gives us the opportunity to give, love, and serve the wonderful philanthropy of St. Jude Children’s research hospital.  Our love for St. Jude is overwhelming and will never stop.  The fact that some sick kids will live to see another Christmas, birthday, fourth of July and Halloween keeps our undying love for St. Jude alive. This Saturday November 7^th everyone has the opportunity to give, love and serve for St. Jude. It is Tri Delta’s 5^th annual Gameday! It is a tailgate style party to watch all the college football games. The even includes much more than gamecock football. There is also silent auction, t-shirts (available for purchase), food, and much more, including the live band Home Brewed.  The event will be held at Jake’s on Devine from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.  Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to come!

St. Jude is near and dear to all of the members of Alpha Lambda’s heart. They will be out and about around campus spreading the love and the word of this amazing event. Not only will they be spreading the word they will be selling tickets. Each ticket is $10 from a sister or $12 at the door. Something that is a little bit different is that this year a portion of the ticket proceeds will be going to help the South Carolina flood relief. Being affected by the devastating floods in Columbia the sisters of Alpha Lambda not only wanted to raise money for St. Jude but also give back to the community that we are always so welcome in.

Tri Delta has been partnered with St. Jude since 1999. Subsequently as years went on, the partnership grew and grew. Tri Delta has made the biggest pledge to St. Jude. We pledged to raise $60 million in 10 years for Tri Delta Place. Tri Delta Place is short term housing for patients and their families to stay when they first arrive at the hospital located in Memphis, Tennessee. Our last goal was to raise $15 million in 5 years but because of all the hard work  and dedication of Tri Deltas from all over the country and Canada we met that goal of $15 million in just 3.5 years. “The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay,” according to StJude.org.  A patient from St. Jude never sees a bill, ever. St. Jude takes the toughest and it is where the doctors send their toughest cases. Why? Because St. Jude has the world’s best survival rates for the most aggressive forms of childhood cancer. The last thing parents need to worry about is paying for their child’s medical care when they are that sick. This is why Tri Delta Place is there and this is why Tri Deltas strive every day to spread the love and awareness of this outstanding place.

Gameday is one of the many ways that this mission is possible. Last year this event raised an outstanding amount of money and this year we are hoping to surpass that.  Sisters have been working tirelessly to make this event happen. Philanthropy chairman Sarah Walker particularly has been working night and day to make sure that the 5^th annual Gameday is nothing short of fantastic. Tuesday on campus, Walker and a few fellow sisters were out on Greene Street in front of the Russell House on campus spreading the word about the event. Rain or shine the sisters of Alpha Lambda are making sure that fellow Gamecocks are aware of the event and our undying love and overwhelming support for St. Jude.

Wearing these letters means more than being a Tri Delta. Wearing these letters mean that you are making a difference for a sick child. It means you have made a commitment to St. Jude and everything they stand for. “Us, Tri Deltas will not stop dedicating our support to St. Jude until no child dies from cancer. Because, loving Tri Delta means that you love St. Jude and its mission,” said Walker. Danny Thomas, the founder always said “no child should die in the dawn of life” and wearing these letters mean that we agree with him and will fight to make sure that never happens.

Saturday come out to Jake’s on Devine to help the Tri Delta sisters share the love for St. Jude. Food, football and fun, what more could anyone want on a Saturday? We are looking forward to seeing everyone out there from 12:30-3:30 wearing black and garnet! As some of the members of Alpha Lambda say do it for the kiddos!

-Tess Bray