The Texas State Delta Kappa Gamma Society International 92nd Convention was held in Denton, Texas, June 16th through 19th, with the theme of “Unlock the Possibilities,” and the officers of Alpha Tau, the Kaufman County chapter, attended! “I must admit that I was a little apprehensive and not really looking forward to a convention. In the past, conventions have been drudgeries—totally feeling like wastes of time, due to required classes that did not pertain to me. However, I must admit again, this was not the case at the DKG convention this June. It was filled with excitement, love, and some “aha” moments! I enjoyed each day and each moment!” shared Vivian Themer, President.
There are 230 chapters in DKG with a total of 6,605 members! DKG’s mission statement is: “The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.” The vision statement is: “Leading women educators impacting education worldwide.” Registration began on Wednesday afternoon and continued until the end of the day on Friday. Each registrant received a beautifully embroidered bag filled with treats. Breakout sessions began on Thursday and ended Friday afternoon. The convention offered over 60 different types of sessions to attend, and Alpha Tau’s Parliamentarian, Mollie Kasper, presented her hobby, beekeeping, in one session.
Opening Session began at 7:00 pm Friday with Patti Belknap, Texas State DKG President, presiding. It opened with the presentation of the flags with all attendees saying the pledges to both the United States and Texas flags. After each pledge was said, The Star-Spangled Banner was sung as was Texas Our Texas. The DKG flag was also presented, and every DKG sister sang The Delta Kappa Gamma Song! “This was a goosebump moment! Hearing over 500 people say the pledges and sing was amazing!” stated Themer. Speakers were the Mayor of Denton, Gerard Hudspeth; President of Texas Woman’s University, Dr. Carine Feyten; and International Member at Large, Cynthia Moore. Cynthia spoke through Zoom due to the border between Canada and the United States remaining closed. Following the speakers, awards and chapter recognitions were presented. Mollie Kasper, Alpha Tau Parliamentarian, received the “Member in Print” award. She has published articles in The Oklahoma Reader and Connecting Kaufman Community Magazine. Alpha Tau was recognized for having a Five-Star Newsletter, an exemplary Chapter Yearbook, and a compliant DKG Website.
A business meeting was held Friday morning which reviewed bylaws, rules, finance and personnel. Society business items were discussed and voted on by the executive board and members in attendance. Alpha State Texas Educational Foundation also held a business meeting immediately following the DKG business meeting. After both business meetings, guest speaker, Johnny Quinn, American Olympic Bobsledder, shared with attendees his experiences as an NFL and CFL football player and as an Olympian. “I left the event realizing failure leads to winning,” Themer stated and then added, “Mr. Quinn was excellent, made us laugh and cry. His main questions were: ‘Are you available for an unexpected opportunity?’ And ‘What does completion look like for you this year?’ He really made me think!” Friday evening was the Presidents and Founders Banquet. This event installed the newly elected state personnel; key words were shared by trailblazing women, and the Texas State Choir sang. Mollie Kasper sang in the choir.
The Convention ended Saturday with a Celebration of Life and Remembrance event beginning at 8:30 a. m., a 50+member reception, and a celebration brunch. The celebration of life was a somber event, remembering those members who had passed away during the year. The 50+ member reception honored those sisters who have been members of DKG for more than 50 years. Attendees had the opportunity to visit with these members and hear about their adventures along the way! The celebration lunch recognized these 50+ members, the achievements of members, and all members and guests sang happy birthday to DKG! One key note: Do not eat the cake before everyone sings!
Alpha Tau members attending were Treasurer Jerri Coats, Parliamentarian Mollie Kasper, 1st Vice President Cathy Stewart, and President Vivian Themer. Vivian, elaborating on her experience, stated, “It was wonderful to meet DKG Sisters from all over the state, who have the same common goals. The sessions were beneficial, learning about hosting meetings in a different way and ways to encourage other women educators to become members and much more. There were several vendors; so, we shopped, and Cathy provided lunch for us the first day! Mollie and I stayed at the Fairfield Inn while Jerri and Cathy fought the George Bush Toll daily. The ASTEF committee sold raffle tickets for door prizes—an arm’s length for $5.00! We were not allowed to sit together at the events so as to encourage members to meet new people! The last speaker at the Celebration Brunch was Chris Coladonato. She was my favorite! She spoke to us about connecting with each other and the power of moments! Making time we spend together purposeful, making space for those opportunities to connect, and making that connection personal were three things I learned from her. It was definitely a powerful moment, listening to her speak! I left the convention energized and ready to prepare for the new year. I am already making plans to attend the 93rd State Convention in Lubbock!”
Alpha Tau will begin meeting again on Tuesday, September 14, at the Kaufman County Library beginning at 5:30 p. m. All women educators are invited to attend. You may contact Vivian at alphatau1933.dkg@gmail.com.
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