Gratitude for your DKG Journey
Who is that special person? Who has been a great mentor? Who has been there time after time? That is the person TSO members are celebrating during February Giving Month. The spouse, friend, neighbor, chapter officers/members, or TSO Executive Committee who could be honored or remembered with “Gratitude for your DKG Journey”. For a complete list of all the names of those honored and remembered, click here.
I was privileged to know Shirley as a fellow teacher and friend before she invited me to become a DKG member. Shirley was an innovator in using technology to improve students' as well as teachers' lives. She encouraged me to take chances I never would have thought of without her urgings. In DKG, Shirley continued to open doors for me as we sailed through life with her famous motto "Be careful or I'll include you in my plans." Thank you Shirley for including me in your plans. - Kitty Hutchcroft
With exceptional gratitude my entire Delta Kappa Gamma experience is due to my friend, mentor, and colleague, Juanita Harmon, our Past State President. As a first year teacher in 1979, Juanita took me under her wing. Not only did she provide support and guidance, but she was always encouraging as we tackled day to day challenges in the classroom. It was common for us to meet weekly with the others on our team to share anecdotal stories and tales of escapades regarding students and parents. Oh, what fun we had! In 1995 I was invited to membership. Soon I became active at the chapter level serving as chapter president, then area coordinator for area 16 and eventually serving as corresponding secretary for TSO in 2017, as well as serving on the ASTEF Board of Directors. Never would I have accepted any position of leadership if Juanita had not given me the confidence necessary to achieve the task. I will be forever grateful for her leadership, companionship and most of all, her friendship. - Cindy Neander
In this ASTEF Month of Gratitude I want to honor Van George, a longtime friend who goes back to my Beaumont days. After I was asked to join Eta Lambda chapter in Beaumont, Van immediately got me involved. I was initiated in November of 1978, and she got me to go to my first state convention in June of 1980. I have not missed one since then. That makes 43 conventions not counting the one that was canceled due to the pandemic. Van was chair of the 1983 convention in Beaumont, and she named me chair of the Extravaganza that State President Ruth Williams wanted as a part of her convention. Although we were not in the same chapter, she continued to keep me continuously involved, and I chaired the state convention in Beaumont in 1996. I never dreamed when I accepted the invitation to membership that I would ever be state president; but through the encouragement of Van and her efforts to keep me involved, I was honored to serve as Texas State President from 2011-2013. The educators from all over the world that I know and the friendships I have made throughout Texas and the Society are so special to me. I am so glad I accepted the invitation to membership. Thank you so much, Van. - Joanne Davis
During my 35-year DKG journey I have been blessed to have two important women in my DKG life.
The first is no longer with us but had a lasting impact on not only me but others too. Marjorie Huff was the person who asked me to join DKG in April of 1987 in Karnes City, Texas. I remember how excited and proud I was to have been asked to join this special group of women. I had known Marj for some time as her son and my husband coached together. We spent many meals at the Chinese restaurant in Beeville where we each ordered a different entry and placed it on the Lazy Susan for all to enjoy. While there I would listen to her stories of DKG and all the things they were doing through their service project to promote literacy in Karnes County. I also enjoyed her stories of the fun things they did like the annual Christmas party. Convention tales were always a real treat too. I can still remember all the details and beauty of my initiation ceremony. From there my DKG journey began. Even though we moved the following year, I still kept in contact with Marj, often meeting up during convention for lunch and an update. I am so grateful to her for proposing me for membership and for all the things I have done because of DKG. -
Dr. Barbara Derrick 
The second woman who has impacted my DKG life and my life in general is Dr. Mary Ann Waldon. I met Mary Ann when I first moved to Santa Fe in the fall of 1989. Mary Ann was a speaker at our chapter meeting. I was in awe of all the things she shared. I thought then, “Wow, I want to be Mary Ann when I grow up.” I had the privilege of rooming with her from time to time and she is always so gracious no matter if getting up at 5:00 a.m. or going to bed late. When Mary Ann was State President, her theme was WINGS—Wonder, Inspire, Nurture, Gracefully Soar. This theme could easily be used to described Mary Ann herself. She makes you wonder about what can be such as obtaining my doctorate, she inspires us with her story and her words and gestures, she has nurtured me and so many others as we took on various state roles, and with her kind and encouraging nature she truly gracefully soars. I had the honor of being her Area 3 Coordinator during her biennium and for this I will always be grateful. She taught me so much about DKG, how to lead with passion and care, how to honor people and recognize them for their efforts, and how to encourage everyone you can. And yes, I still believe all these years later that, “I want to be Mary Ann when I grow up.” - Dr. Barbara Derrick
Thank you Marj and Mary Ann because of you I have had a wonderful DKG journey and I look forward to 35 more years.
The number one supporter for me during my DKG Journey from Chapter President to State President and lastly, Chair, of the International Eunah Temple Holden Fund Committee for six years is my husband, Jerry Spencer Davis, Sr. He joined me at many chapter events, TSO conventions, regional conferences, ASTEF travel adventures, seminars in purposeful living and international conventions. Yes, he can sing the song! My favorite son, Jay, was my number two supporter. He got older without family celebrations on his date of birth for many years as his Mom was frequently attending a TSO convention on that day. He also attended at least one convention and advised on multiple computer problems! Thank you! Thank you! - Dr. Vicki Davis
Never can I adequately express or repay the impact this woman has had on my life. As State Executive Secretary, she took me by the hand and led me on my journey as state president. Betty is a “walking encyclopedia of Texas DKG” and loves to share her knowledge and expertise with others. Her willingness to share, suggest, and work alongside others was apparent from the first time we met. Betty is definitely the companion one needs on a journey. She can pull you out of the pot holes, take you around the bends, and even change flat tires! We traveled many miles together on that 2013-15 journey and I’d happily do it again only if Betty were by my side. - Nancy Newton
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With sincere gratitude, I salute my friend, Cheryl Crawford. She was my traveling buddy as we traveled across area 16 when I was area coordinator, which then led to traveling to all our state conventions together. Sometimes she would listen to my prepared chapter remarks offering suggestions and always being positive with my involvement in the area or state. At the chapter level, Cheryl mentors presidents and others as each assumes a leadership role. Without a doubt, Cheryl is a valuable and trusted resource for Delta Kappa Gamma. As a past TSO secretary she is familiar with all the “ins and outs" of the organization and is always willing to help. Cheryl Crawford was my number one supporter as I navigated more involvement in TSO. Thank you Cheryl for all the help along my journey and for your commitment to Kappa Theta and TSO. - Cindy Neander
I met my sister Frances Ziegenhals in 1998 when I became a member of Alpha Iota Chapter. Frances became my mentor, friend and go-to person as we challenged each other while we grew in our DKG sisterhood. Since that time we have become "partners in crime-oops presentation". Frances and I have roamed Texas and beyond with our Pioneer Women and Best Chapter Meeting Ever breakout sessions. Also throw into that mix, Kay Bollom and the Alpha Iota Singers and Dancers and you have an amazing assortment and collection of priceless DKG memories. Frances, my sister, my friend thanks for roads well traveled and to many more amazing DKG trips.
Betty Hill 
The two women who said, “You can do it!” Always in my corner; advising, encouraging, strengthening, and supporting me. Serving on chapter committees with them was always fun, as you wondered what they would think of next for us to do. Those ideas ranged from writing books, collecting photos, dressing as elves, and making a cook book. Their positive attitudes helped me serve as chapter president, AC, state committee chair and finally state office. Both helped me to grow and develop my leadership skills as well as my personal commitment to serving others. In addition to leading Iota Pi, Jean and Merle mentored and encouraged many other young women in Area 10 and throughout the state; their influence is still felt throughout the state today. What a pair! - Nancy Newton
I have so much love and respect for these three women, who helped me develop a deeper understanding and commitment to Texas State Organization. Bess, with her personal knowledge of many of the founders was a living history of Alpha State. Dr. Ruth tutored me on parliamentary procedure and loved me even when I made mistakes. Dr. Barbara combines love of Society with a desire to share with others, which I envy. What a great trio of friends these three women have been since I moved to Texas in 1984. Iota Pi chapter is one of the strongest chapters in the state because of the foundation these three women laid. - Nancy Newton
With gratitude, I salute the ASTEF Board of Directors for 2021-2023 for all of the work that they are doing to promote Scholarships, Leadership, and Projects. The officers and committees have been very busy since July 2021 and are getting ready for a successful TSO Convention in Lubbock in June. Also, many thanks go to all TSO members for helping ASTEF to support its purposes through contributions.
Many thanks and with much gratitude, Dr. Rosemary Morrow 
Dr. Betty Iles is an inspiration to Mu Upsilon Chapter and to many in Southeast Texas. Inducted in 1967 she has been a charter member of two chapters. Betty is an award winning artist, serves on boards of numerous organizations, and is an active member of her chapter. With the help of DKG scholarships, Betty was able to complete her education after the sudden death of her young husband. She is a tireless proponent of education, educators, and DKG.
Trudy Matus 
Cecile Johnson of Iota Chapter is a gem. She is a great example of what DKG represents to me. She is generous with her time and efforts in helping to make our chapter thrive and grow. Although she is retired, she is not tired! She remains an active member by not only serving as our parliamentarian but by also regularly attending meetings and even hosting meetings in her home. Thank you, Cecile, for your commitment to Iota Chapter and DKG!
Lezli Collins 
I would like to send a message of gratitude about a fellow DKG member Sonja Hanks for all the work she has done for our chapter Beta Epsilon and Area 12. She has gone above and beyond trying to visit every chapter in Area 12 and still helps us out with our Beta Epsilon service work. I know she is highly involved with other community organizations but is always there to answer any email or phone call from me when I need her. We couldn’t have asked for a better DKG sister. I appreciate you and thank you for all your work Sonja. - Nancy Wells
I would like to send a gratitude note to the 2021-2023 Advancement Committee members: Pat Bumpus, Leesa Cole, Joanne Davis, Donna Morehouse, Rhonda Posey, and Lisa Rogers. I took on the leadership of this committee with some trepidation; however, when I saw the names that were to make up my committee, I realized I had nothing to fear. And that has been so true. Each committee member jumped right in when asked to help out at the 2022 TSO Lubbock Convention. Committee members have met by ZOOM and helped work out the role that Advancement would play in this biennium. I appreciate the knowledge and advice from all committee members and their willingness to think outside the box as well as put up with me as I try to explain my vision for our committee. I appreciate and celebrate each member of this committee and want to say how grateful I am that we are making this journey together. I wouldn't want to travel it with anyone else but the six of you. With gratitude, Janie Wigley
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