Author Archives: Katherine Pezzella

Jill Cronin, Delta Gamma ’13

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Delta Gamma graduated their chartering members in May 2013. We asked some of them to describe what it meant to them to begin their organization and watch it grow over the last few years.

The meaning of being a “charter member” did not dawn on me until I participated in my first formal recruitment in the Fall of 2010. When I saw the excited faces of our first new member class on Bid Day, eager to become a part of something monumental, I realized the responsibility that we all had as charter members of Eta Sigma chapter.  We needed to show our future members what it means to be a Delta Gamma and what it means to be a Greek woman. I fully realized the importance of this obligation when I became vice-president: member education in the Spring of 2012 and was responsible for guiding new members through their new member period. Seeing the women go from new members to initiated members solidified the meaning of being a charter member. Being a charter member of Delta Gamma has provided me with so many valuable opportunities and unforgettable experiences. I can only hope that the legacy that we began as charter members will be carried on for future classes of Delta Gammas.

Taryn Schoenfeld, Delta Gamma ’13

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Delta Gamma graduated their chartering members in May 2013. We asked some of them to describe what it meant to them to begin their organization and watch it grow over the last few years.

Being a charter member of Delta Gamma at CofC has been unlike any experience I have ever had. Having served in two different officer positions, it is amazing to know that all of my hard work has contributed to the thriving organization that Delta Gamma is on campus today. Being a part of such a unique organization full of compassionate and accepting women has truly made my college experience complete. I don’t know where I’d be today without the incredible Delta Gamma friends and sisters I’ve come to know, and I am proud to know that I contributed to such a life-changing organization for so many other women.

Anne Marie Baker, Chi Omega ’13

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What has my Greek experience meant to me? I don’t even know where to begin.

Some people identify themselves by their ethnicity, religion, fashion sense, or even music, but after these past four years in Greek Life I can honestly say I identify myself as a Greek woman. Not because I like the tshirts, the mixers, or the supposed stereotypes that comes with my chapter or the community as a whole, but because Greek Life stands for everything I believe in. The past four years have been filled with friendship, service, career and personnel development, socials, scholarship, and campus activities. All of which have provided me with memories and experiences I wouldn’t have gotten elsewhere. Not only did Greek Life bring laughter, a packed social schedule, and a lot of familiar faces around campus, it brought me leadership and communication skills, life long bonds, and a sense of belonging here at the college. During my four years I was honored to serve on my Chapter’s Dream Team, take office as the New Member Educator, become the Chapter President, travel to my Chapter’s National Convention in Arizona, raise thousands of dollars for Make-a-Wish and much more. Those experiences not only helped me build my resume but also prepared me for life outside of college. In today’s world I find it hard to find a group of young adults who share the same passion of service, expectation of academic excellence, all while building friendships and having fun. Greek Life changed my life and I am excited to see what it has in store for me after college.

Kendall Biga, Sigma Delta Tau ’12

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College. It has been the best four years of my life. I am very sad to leave the campus that has seen me blossom from a shy freshman to a mature alumna with many interests. The College of Charleston is the best place on Earth to spend your undergraduate years. There are so many opportunities waiting at your fingertips, but the best one of all? Greek Life.

I came to college knowing I wanted to be a part of the Greek Community. Seeing my mother have an annual getaway with her college sorority sisters 30 years later inspired me to ‘Go Greek’. I wanted to find my best friends, pledge sisters, and future bridesmaids in a sorority. My recruitment process wasn’t easy in the least, as it is always a stressful time for everyone. I look back and know that I put my trust in the system and wound up where I needed to be, a sister of Sigma Delta Tau.

I immediately became involved once I was initiated, holding positions from New Member Educator to Standards Chairwoman. I saw these opportunities for leadership in the sorority and ran with them. As I was so absorbed within my own chapter, I was searching to be a part of something more. That is when I applied for a position on the Panhellenic Executive Board. I cannot explain to you the wonderful people I met throughout this incredible experience. Being able to relate to people in other chapters and knowing that you’re not the only one is an amazing feeling. Being on Panhellenic Exec for two consecutive years provided me with incredible amounts of leadership, insight, and wisdom into the Panhellenic community. I have learned so much about myself through my leadership opportunities, none of which would have been possible without Sigma Delta Tau.

I have been so blessed to be a member of an incredible organization, and I am not giving back by participating on a National level as a National Advisor. I leave you now with words that describe my sorority experience written by John Shertzer:
“As she stared at the letters outside of the house, she had a humble feeling. What a blessed privilege it was, to not only be a college graduate, but to have taken the ride in a vehicle such as this. To have experiences that gave her confidence, took away her insecurities, and bolstered her self-esteem. To be given a chance to lead. To follow. To work alongside so many other wonderful people. To be something more.

Her feet had taken her here so that she could say two simple words. Two words that signify a college life well lived. She had said them to professors, advisors, and peers. And now as she stared at this entity that she had wrapped her college life around, and was moved to those words out loud. She glanced up, with a knowing smile and said: “Thank you.””