2013 Phyllis Ann Toy Schmalz Memorial Scholarship

By Kimberly Ann Schmalz Ochsenschlager, Theta-Indiana

My mother, Phyllis Ann Toy Schmalz, was a Delta Gamma for 64 years and she truly lived the DG motto, "Do Good." She cared for her family, friends, community and Delta Gamma with leadership, a helping hand, an open heart, and much humor and wisdom throughout her life.

She arrived at Indiana University and Delta Gamma in 1939 from Huntington, Ind. Her lifelong friend, Jean Weber Dro, Theta '39, paved the way and my mother was initiated into the Theta chapter in 1940. She married an I.U. Kappa Sigma from Bloomington, Ind., whose sister was also a Delta Gamma (Mary Susan Schmalz Fox, Theta '39), and she and Jim made their home in Bloomington after World War II.

Mother remained actively involved with the Theta chapter by serving as treasurer of the House Corporation for more than 30 years and she was honored with the Cable Award in 1978. I was proud to become a member of the Theta chapter in 1971, having seen the many years of fulfillment Mother gained from her dedicated service to the Board, and having heard her many wonderful stories of happy days in the House.

Our shared love for Delta Gamma went even further-my Grandmother, Gladys I. Toy, served as the Theta chapter's interim housemother for my junior year. Not too many collegians can say they lived in the Delta Gamma house with their grandmother!

As an example to her children and friends, Mother maintained a passion for lifelong learning and returned to IU for various courses throughout the years. She enthusiastically shared her knowledge of these courses, as well as current events, politics and her love of all sports-especially Indiana teams. While raising her family, she enjoyed several careers, including assistant women's editor at the local newspaper. She also loved to travel and was an avid and talented bridge player. One of her greatest gifts was her quiet thoughtfulness in writing cards and letters of support, encouragement or humor, or to report a day's events to friends, family and acquaintances. Phyllis Ann Toy Schmalz was one of those special people who knew just what to say to lift you up and to help you, too, to "Do Good."

My brother, Dr. William J. Schmalz, Bloomington, Ind., (DePauw Sigma Chi/I.U. Medical School) and I chose to endow this scholarship to memorialize Mother's loyalty and service to Delta Gamma, her passion for lifelong learning, and her boundless expressions of quiet kindness. We are proud of the young women of the Theta chapter who have and will be awarded this memorial scholarship in her name. We are confident that they share and have demonstrated dedication to Delta Gamma, excellence in scholarship and are women who will always "Do Good."

Natalie Gutkin, current president of Theta-Indiana and a Phyllis Toy Schmalz Memorial Scholarship recipient

The Phyllis Ann Toy Schmalz Memorial Scholarship Recipient
By Natalie Gutkin, president, Theta-Indiana
Delta Gamma has transformed my college experience. Everyone told me that the college I attend would help me to grow as a person; however I attribute my collegiate success and growth to Delta Gamma. I give countless hours of time to the Theta chapter as the president, yet I am certain that I receive even more in return from the experience, life lessons and women I have met.

Receiving the Phyllis Toy Schmalz Memorial Scholarship has been such an honor. It has helped to remind me of all of the outstanding women that are and have been a part of the Theta chapter and has allowed me to truly understand that membership is for a lifetime.

Learn How You Can Help
If you are interested in learning about the many ways to give to support future Delta Gammas, contact Senior Director of Development Aleesa Ross at 614-481-8169 or plannedgiving@deltagamma.org today.