By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

Happy Spring semester! The first day of classes at UA was 1/12/21 and the women of Beta Psi returned to campus.

Getting back into the routine of classes after a long break can sometimes be challenging, so to keep yourself organized, keep a planner of all of your weekly assignments, commitments, and activities. If you are already feeling the stress of a new semester, take a break by getting coffee with a sister, exercising, reading, or getting some sleep. It is important to take time each week to prioritize your mental health to keep from getting overwhelmed. We also encourage you to utilize campus resources!

However, returning to campus is also exciting because of all of the opportunities UA has to offer. From DG events, to club meetings, to University Programs events, there is always something to do!

We are excited for the semester ahead filled with attending sisterhood events, serving our community, getting involved on campus, and making memories. Stay tuned to see what exciting things are coming up for Delta Gamma Beta Psi this semester!

Friends of the Anchor,

My name is Bella Pasha, and I currently serve as Beta Psi’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. When you think of the DEI space and its initiatives, what comes to mind? For most, it is just black and white, but it encompasses so much more—race, religion, sexuality, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, perspective, etc. To fully understand the topics of DEI, here are some commonly used words and their definitions:

Diversity: The blending of different identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives within an organization/community, all of which impact the way a person is perceived and received by others, as well as how they perceive and receive the world around them. 

Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. 

Inclusion: Creating an environment of open participation from all individuals with different ideas and perspectives where everyone feels they have a voice, are valued and feel validated.

Microaggression: Term used for brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative prejudicial slights and insults toward any group, particularly culturally marginalized groups.

Microaggressions unfortunately find their way into many people’s daily conversations, and they turn a blind eye. “That’s so gay.” “You speak such good English.” “How can I be racist? I have Black friends.” People often neglect to realize that there is a deeper meaning behind the words they speak. “How do you pay dues?”, “You’re not going to straighten your hair today?”, “That’s what you’re wearing for recruitment?” are comments that circulate throughout the Panhellenic community on a daily basis. 

In order to create change and a path towards progress, it starts with addressing these issues head on. Three women at Harvard Business Review have adapted and designed a framework to help appropriately address microaggressions:

Discern. Determine how much of an investment you want to make in addressing the microaggression. Do not feel pressured to respond to every incident; rather, feel empowered to do so when you decide you should.

Disarm. If you choose to confront a microaggression, be prepared to disarm the person who committed it. Explain that the conversation might get uncomfortable for them but that what they just said or did was uncomfortable for you. Invite them to sit alongside you in the awkwardness of their words or deeds while you get to the root of their behavior together.

Defy. Challenge the perpetrator to clarify their statement or action. Use a probing question, such as “How do you mean that?” to allow people to check themselves. Acknowledge that you accept their intentions to be as they stated but reframe the conversation around the impact of the microaggression. 

Decide. Overall, you control what you will take from the interaction and what you will allow it to take from you.   The work of allyship is difficult, but life is sufficiently taxing without allowing microaggressions to bring you down. Protecting the joy of yourself and others can be the greatest form of resistance.  

To be diverse is to open your arms to members and future members of all backgrounds and origins. To be equitable is to break down barriers that prevent members and future members from reaching their greatest potential. To be inclusive is to respect and understand the people that make Beta Psi, Beta Psi, and to ensure our chapter is home away from home, for all.

By making it our goal to do good in the world, the result is our world becoming a better place for all people. Beta Psi is a home for hundreds of members in the present, and thousands of members to come. To continue the sense of belonging and welcoming, it starts with now. It’s no secret that Greek Life was built on a long history of discrimination. If we want to continue moving forward in a positive direction, it starts with holding each other accountable as a chapter and as a Panhellenic community. For more resources on how you can begin to educate yourself and your chapter on these sometimes difficult conversation topics, please visit Beta Psi DEI Resource Guide for a list of educational topics compiled by Beta Psi’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

It is officially 2022! We are so excited to see what this new year brings Delta Gamma Beta Psi.

As we look towards the bright future ahead of us, we think of hope, a concept that our sisterhood was founded upon. We hope that this year brings all of us closer together and that we can do even more good this year than we have in the past for our sisters, our campus, our community, and the world around us.

The new year is also a time for resolutions. We encourage you to be intentional about how you spend your time this year and think about ways you can grow in this new season. On behalf of Delta Gamma Beta Psi, this year, we will focus on upholding our watchword of unity by creating an encouraging and inclusive space for women to bond in sisterhood. 

We hope you take some time to relax and enjoy this break, and we can’t wait to see you back on campus soon!

By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

As we enter the final week of 2021, we reflect on this year in Delta Gamma Beta Psi.

We celebrated our founders on Founders’ Day in the spring semester, and moved into the Delta Gamma house in the fall. After much preparation, we participated in work week and Primary Recruitment. We also welcomed a new member class into our sisterhood from Bid Day to Big Little to Initiation. We kept our promise to “do good” in our everyday lives and through philanthropy events like Anchorsplash and Do Good Week. We also had fun and bonded with our sisters through date parties and sisterhood events, and we showed our school spirit during homecoming week.

Through these events and more, we have become more united as a sisterhood every day. Though 2021 was filled with its challenges, it was also filled with unforgettable memories and growth. As we look forward to 2022, we fondly remember this year in Delta Gamma and all of the laughs, memories, and bonds it brought us.

By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

This week, though we are not together on campus, our sisters celebrate the holiday season and our founding from wherever they are. Though founders day is celebrated on or around March 15th every year, the Delta Gamma Fraternity was established on December 25, 1873.

In December of 1873 in Oxford Mississippi, three young women were unable to return home from the Lewis School for Girls for the holiday break. Anna Boyd Ellington, Eva Webb Dodd and Mary Comfort Leonard bonded together during this time and created the Delta Gamma Fraternity as a place for friendship and sisterhood that would later blossom into a safe and empowering community for women across the nation. Founded before the term sorority was used, Delta Gamma is now one of the largest women’s organizations.

This week, take some time to reflect on the connections you have made through Delta Gamma. Allow this story to inspire you in knowing that you can make a lasting impact, just like Anna, Eva and Mary.  Moving forward, we will continue to create welcoming, inclusive and empowering spaces for our sisters and those around us. As we honor our past, we remember hope, a pillar of our organization that points us to a brighter future every day. On behalf of Delta Gamma Beta Psi, we hope you and your family have a joyous holiday season.

By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

Yesterday, on 12/11/2021, some of our sisters graduated in the University of Alabama December Commencement Ceremony. This week, we want to celebrate these amazing women and share some advice that they wish to pass on to their sisters.

“Some advice I have for my sisters as I graduate is to always follow your heart. College will face you with many hard decisions but if you follow your heart it will make those decisions much easier. Also lean on your sisters! I can’t even begin to explain how they have helped me get through the hard times!” Sofia Esparza (MC ‘18) said.

“Work hard but remember to have fun! Having the privilege of going to Bama is an unmatched experience, so make the most of it by getting involved as much as you can. When things inevitably get stressful, embrace the struggle because the four years will pass by in the blink of an eye. Roll tide forever” Caroline Wozniak (MC ‘18) said. 

“Enjoy every moment. It’s a cliché for a reason, your time in college and Greek life will go so quickly. The best consolation is the memories you have made with your friends, and now family. 

Don’t be afraid to lean on your friends. The best friends are loyal through thick and thin. Whether you need help getting your room clean for a stressful week ahead or you are celebrating a new position, your friends are there to lift you up. Be sure to do the same for them. 

I have found my closest friends through Beta Psi and Delta Gamma. Reach out to those around you in this sorority, you will find people that make your best days better, your worst days bright again, and saying goodbye so hard” Annabelle Horton (MC ‘19) said.

We are so excited to see what is in store for these women as they enter this new chapter of their lives. To our graduates, you will always have a home in Delta Gamma Beta Psi and bonds that last a lifetime. We are proud of all of your accomplishments and who you are. We can’t wait to see how you do good for the world around you.

By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

Happy Finals Week! We know that this week can be stressful so, in collaboration with the Member Education team, we have come up with some tips to help you thrive this finals week.

1. Get your rest! Even though all-nighter studying in Gorgas Library sounds like a good study plan sometimes, your brain will function better and your studying will be more effective after 8 hours of sleep.
2. Plan out your days and decide when and what you are studying ahead of time. Being on a schedule is a good way to make sure you are getting your studying done and avoiding procrastination.
3. Show up early to your exams. It sounds simple, but planning to arrive 15-20 minutes early can help you avoid unnecessary stress caused by being late.
4. Take time for yourself! This week can be intense, so taking time to step back and practice self care is important.
5. Remember that your grades do not define you and that you are capable of so much.

On behalf of Beta Psi, we are proud of you and we are rooting for you this week. Now, take a deep breath, you’ve got this.

By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

This Thanksgiving break, we are reflecting on what we are thankful for. Whether we spent time with family or friends, traveling, or relaxing, we are thankful for this time to take a break, recharge, and prepare to come back to campus and finish this semester strong.

The Beta Psi chapter wants to thank our house mother, Ms. Lynn for all she does for us, our advisors who assist our chapter leadership, and everyone who works hard to help our house run smoothly. Without these individuals, our chapter would not be what it is today and we are very grateful that they are parts of our family.

In thinking about what we are thankful for, we also celebrate our sisterhood. From philanthropy and sisterhood events to late night talks and coffee runs, we are thankful that Beta Psi brought us all together. Our strong bonds and countless memories make for a sisterhood to be grateful for all year.

By Anna Rzepkowski, Director of Public Relations

Every year, the Beta Psi chapter’s Junior Chapter Management Team (or JCMT) collaborates on a word to guide our sisterhood and culture. This year, they have selected the word unity as our watchword.

In discussing the watchword, Sydney Bonner, Chapter President, said “Our watchword describes the chapter culture we hope to foster, and this year, JCMT has chosen the word “unity.” Reflecting on my years in Beta Psi, this word perfectly summarizes the chapter culture we wish to continue. Unity is empowering your sisters, fostering meaningful connections, and being a champion for others. Every member brings a gift to this chapter and we are strongest when we are united. I am excited to see the ways Beta Psi flourishes this year and I am honored to be a part of it!” Bonner (MC ’19) said.

So, within the walls of Delta Gamma, around campus, in our community, or anywhere else we may go, the women of the Beta Psi chapter of Delta Gamma will be united as they reflect upon and uphold this year’s watchword.

By Leigha Whitridge, Director of Public Relations

Work Week & Recruitment

We were so thrilled to be back in-person this year for recruitment! Shoutout to our VP Membership and the membership team for all their hard work putting on an incredible recruitment. While being back with our sisters, we had such a fun week getting ready to meet MC’21 and remembering why we all missed DG so much over summer. During recruitment, all our sisters were so proud to share our sisterhood and the genuine connections that make Delta Gamma a true home away from home.

Bid Day

We swept the row this year and got such an incredible new member class! All our sisters absolutely loved getting to watch our 148 new sisters run home, and to welcome them to Delta Gamma with open arms. Our programming catered a great meal from Taco Mama and put on such a fun afternoon of getting to meet our new sisters. Bid day is by far the best day of the year, and the sisterhood only gets better from here. 

First Day of Classes

We all are so excited to be back in the classroom and to enjoy walking around our beautiful campus. Our sisters are already studying hard and working towards being top 3 in grades again!

Our First Sisterhood

Our sisters danced the night away at The Bear Trap, celebrating the start of new friendships and another great year ahead of us. We can’t wait to make the amazing memories with our sisters that will last not only during our college years, but for a lifetime.