Delta Kappa Gamma chapters celebrate Founders' Day

Following in their footsteps, Robin Ereman, second from left, new initiate for Lota Delta chapter poses with Delta Kappa Gamma (Kappa Pi) members who were her former teachers - Laura Schmidt (High School math), Mary Stewart (first grade), and Fay Blackwell (Home Economics). Mary and Laura also taught Robin's sons.

On Saturday, May 3, 2008, members from five chapters of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International met together at Marvin United Methodist Church in Tyler for a joint Founders' Day Celebration and Brunch. Edwina Bulman, President of Alpha Eta chapter gave the welcome and introductions of chapter presidents, and state officers. Jennifer Anderson of Alpha Eta invited members to join her in the Invocation.

Prior to the meeting, piano music was provided by Patsy Williams, Alpha Eta Pianist. She also provided music for the initiation of eight new members. Iota Delta Chapter President, Lynda Porsch presided over the initiation ceremonies, lighting the candles and giving the purposes of the Society. Chapter Presidents Edwina Bulman, Alpha Eta, Lauree Burkett, Zeta Gamma, Mary Kay Wisener, Theta Nu, and Lou Brown, Kappa Pi also participated in presenting So- ciety facts and information to the initiates. After the ceremony, each new member wrote her name in the Society book and received a certificate and a long-stemmed red rose.

Using the Society's colors of red and gold, the tables were decorated with beautiful clear glass vases of red and yellow roses, Baby's Breath and green ferns on a mirror tile, alternating red and gold napkins, and slices of strawberry pie. The brunch plate held tuna salad, English pea salad, fresh fruit salad, pasta salad and a Jell-O salad on a lettuce leaf topped with a croissant bun. Iced tea and coffee were served.

Edwina Bulman, presented a poetic tribute to our Delta Kappa Gamma Society Founders, The Texas Twelve, by Margaret Flower. She was assisted by Alpha Eta chapter members who pointed to the life size portraits of the twelve founders sketched by Faye Williams Beard of Kappa Pi Chapter.

Jana Jones of Alpha Eta presented the Recruitment Grant to Katie Jones, a graduate of Grace Community, Tyler Junior College and Stephen F. Austin University. Katie is teaching Theater Arts in Whitehouse Middle School and pursuing her teaching certificate at Stephen F. Austin University.

Achievement awards for the year were awarded to members from each chapter - to the surprise of the recipients and delight of the audience.

An Installation Ceremony of Chapter Officers was performed by Dr. Johnny Abbey, Alpha Eta Ceremonies Chairman. As the new officers for each chapter were installed, the former officers presented them with beautiful longstemmed red roses.

The meeting was adjourned with the singing of the Delta Kappa Gamma Song played by Alpha Eta Pianist Patsy Williams.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was founded on May 11, 1929 in Austin, Texas as a professional honorary society for women educators.