Alpha Gamma Delta, or Alpha Gam, is a sorority under the Panhellenic Council that is returning to the University of Tennessee this fall.
Alpha Gam was founded in 1904 at Syracuse University. Its international philanthropic focus is fighting hunger, partnering with companies like Meals on Wheels and Feeding America. It is now reinstating its chapter at UT, but it did not participate in the formal recruitment process this fall.
“Alpha Gam is excited to host our own recruitment process in September,” Emma Bonney, a membership growth specialist with Alpha Gamma Delta International Headquarters, said.
Bonney said that by hosting an extended recruitment process in September, they are hoping to build personal relationships with prospective members. They are going to be holding informal and connections events for recruitment beginning in September. The chapter plans to be highly selective during its initial recruitment process.
The informal events are intended to provide information to women who may be interested in the sorority, and the connections events are intended for prospective members who are ready to be considered for membership in Alpha Gamma Delta.
Informational events are casual connection opportunities, with refreshments and snacks provided. Each will feature a fun activity, and potential members will have the opportunity to meet members from other universities, along with staff members.
Attendance at connections events will be required for membership, according to Bonney. They will hold their own Bid Day for the first class on Sept. 20.
Once the first class has accepted their bids to join Alpha Gam, the work of growing the chapter and installing chapter officers will begin.
“After our founding class is chosen, they will have the opportunity to serve on committees,” Bonney said.
These committees will serve as a way for the new members to see which area of leadership they might be interested in pursuing. There are a variety of committees, including recruitment, social media, academic, philanthropy and others. Following the formation of these committees, the chapter will install officers, such as a president, vice president-recruitment, president-philanthropy and more.
Building the foundation of a sorority is not a small feat, but Alpha Gamma Delta is confident that the students at UT will lead this chapter to be an organization that strengthens the school’s Panhellenic and Greek life communities through leadership and philanthropic service.
Alpha Gam has already been in conversations around campus.
“I think it is a great opportunity for our Greek community to expand and I am excited to welcome them into the community with open arms,” sophomore finance major Lexi Wolf said.
While they currently are not located in Sorority Village, they do have a house in a prime location for the new members to gather, eat, get to know each other or hold meetings. The house is only a short walk from T-Link stops, freshman dorms and classroom buildings.
Alpha Gam said it is very grateful for the provision of a house by UT. The staff from Alpha Gam headquarters renovated the house all summer in order to make it feel like a home for all the members who will soon be joining them. Members will also have the opportunity to live at the house beginning in the spring.
“This will be our short-term solution. … as we are working in partnership with the university for the next phase of our housing at the University of Tennessee,” Alpha Gam said in a statement.
If you are interested in joining Alpha Gam, or want to recommend a friend, check out their Instagram (@utkalphagam) or website to learn more.
