Columns THE
THANK YOU
TO OUR LOYAL DONORS
ALPHA GAMS ARE
Alpha Gamma Delta is loving, leading and lasting thanks to our loyal donors. This newsletter is published to share your impact, and to thank you for believing in our Foundation’s mission of providing essential support for women’s education, philanthropy and leadership.
Loving
REMEMBERING TAYLOR ANDERSON
Taylor Anderson, Theta Zeta–Randolph-Macon College, lived her life with passion, kindness and a commitment to cultural exchange A 2008 graduate with a degree in International Studies and minors in Asian Studies and Political Science, Taylor devoted herself to teaching English in Japan through the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program.
In 2011, Taylor tragically lost her life in the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. In the years since, her story has inspired both the Randolph-Macon community and Alpha Gam sisters
across generations. Each year, the campus pauses for a moment of silence in her honor, and Theta Zeta participates in the Thousand Origami Cranes Project in rememberance of Taylor and the people of Japan.
“We've always circulated her name,” Theta Zeta Chapter President Maeve Toman said. “Even though our members didn't know her personally, honoring her legacy is important to us and to the Randolph-Macon community.”
Last year, Theta Zeta established the Taylor Anderson Memorial Scholarship, benefiting Theta Zeta collegians, reflecting both Taylor’s dedication to academics and the chapter’s strong commitment to scholarship.
“Our sisters were so excited when this came together,” Maeve shared. “This is something future collegians can look forward to and benefit from.”
Through this lasting tribute, Taylor’s memory continues to inspire sisters to pursue their academic goals, embrace diversity and carry forward her legacy of love and service.
To make a gift to the Taylor Anderson Memorial Scholarship, include your gift in or scan the QR code on the enclosed envelope.
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ALPHA GAMMA DELTA FOUNDATION
ALPHA GAMS ARE
Leading
HEALTH AND VIGOR OF BODY AND MIND
Today’s college women face unprecedented pressures, with Panhellenic research showing higher levels of anxiety and depression than generations before. Despite this, they are fiercely determined, prioritizing self-development, achievement and personal growth as the cornerstones of their college experience. The evidence is clear: our youngest sisters don’t just want to survive college, they want to thrive.
Since 1904, our Purpose has urged us to “develop and prize health and vigor of body.” More than a century later, that priority remains at the heart of who we are.
ALPHA GAMS ARE
Lasting
CREATING A LEGACY OF SISTERHOOD & CARE
From the moment she joined Alpha Gam, Barb Gieger, Epsilon BetaUniversity of Kansas, has cherished a lifelong sisterhood rooted in deep care for one another. Today, she's doing what sisters once did for her and paving the way for future generations.
Barb is passionate about helping sisters access higher education and participate in fraternity life, where they can gain support and confidence that will carry them through life.
“Alpha Gam can give you confidence whether you’re a dancer in
Just last year, more than 10,000 collegiate sisters participated in skills-based mental health and personal development programming. This investment goes beyond education. We provide our sisters with practical tools, real conversations and a loving community to put them into practice.
One way this happens is through Mindful Moments, peer-to-peer conversations about values, authenticity, self-care, managing burnout and more—building resilience and self-efficacy in the process.
Additionally, Alpha Gam partners with Dr. Daryl Consulting, where Dr. Daryl Appleton, Gamma Zeta-University of Memphis, provides individualized coaching for collegiate officers and their mentors.
“The consultations are invaluable because they provide a private space to learn skills that promote positive well-being,” said Associate Director of Fraternity Wellness Erin Donkersloot. “Through this coaching, members develop lifelong leadership and problemsolving abilities by strengthening their active listening, collaboration, and communication skills.”
Thanks to Foundation donors, Alpha Gam is carrying forward our Founders’ vision, investing more than $260,000 in mental health and personal development over the last seven years and empowering sisters with strength, resilience and confidence.
New York, a scientist, a doctor or a teacher,” she said. “I think the confidence you gain from just being a member gives you a kind of security in your womanhood to take forward into your career or chosen path.”
Through the Foundation’s Corinthian Society, Barb is using a planned gift to further her passion and make an impact.
“I think about the women who did amazing things that created the opportunities for me to succeed, and I believe it’s my responsibility to make sure that I move that forward and create other opportunities for women.”
According to Barb, although planned giving can feel intimidating, it’s simpler and more accessible than it seems. She wants sisters to know that even if they're not able to give a significant gift today, they can still create a lasting impact by planning ahead.
“One of the important things about the Corinthian Society is that it allows you to plan for later,” she said. “Even if you can’t make a gift immediately with cash, you can start planning what you’d like to leave behind now.”
Barb’s advice to our youngest sisters is to listen to themselves, follow their hearts and pursue their dreams. Through her generosity, she hopes to empower them to do just that—carrying forward the legacy of care and love that makes Alpha Gam so special.
FOUNDATION News
CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER!
Congratulations to the following endowments that were established last fiscal year (6/1/24-5/31/25).
• Elizabeth Waddle Goertemiller Memorial Scholarship
• Abbie Stockard Miss America 2025 Scholarship
Lauren Alexis Whinery Memorial Scholarship Endowment
• Delta Zeta Centennial Scholarship
• Taylor Anderson Memorial Scholarship
• Hanna Lockwood Dobberstine Memorial Scholarship
Congratulations to the following endowments that met their initial funding goal last fiscal year.
• Elizabeth Waddle Goertemiller Memorial Scholarship
• Lauren Alexis Whinery Memorial Scholarship Endowment
• Shahani Family Endowment Fund
• Zeta Delta Scholarship Endowment
NEW PLANNED GIVING RESOURCES
The Foundation has upgraded its planned giving site! Scan the QR code below to check out our new and improved resources for wills, trusts, donor advised funds, and more, including our Personal Estate Planning Kit!
A growing number of sisters and friends donate through the following giving vehicles because of ease and
Gifts of Appreciated Stock
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
Starting in 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reinstates the charitable deduction for non-itemizers.
Single filers: Deduct up to $1,000 Married filing jointly: Deduct up to $2,000
Always consult with a tax professional to stay up-to-date on tax laws and discuss which giving vehicles are best for you.
THE
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OUR MISSION: The Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation impacts and enriches our communities by providing essential support for education, philanthropy and leadership.
NAME THE FOUNDATION AS AN IRA BENEFICIARY
Naming the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation as a beneficiary of your IRA is an easy way to make a lasting impact on our sisters and communities.
Talk with your financial advisor to learn how this simple step can make an incredible difference!
