Carol Vinopal Anderson Memorial Scholarship

November 24, 1940 - April 5, 2010

Civilized societies recognize individuals for civic accomplishments, acts of heroism, service to organizations and demonstrated excellence in a field of discipline. Yet there are thousands who serve us anonymously. The late Carol Vinopal Anderson was one such individual.

Her devotion to family, friends, colleagues and community was the very definition of the Greek New Testament word for love — agape — which is an outgoing goodwill and respect for others manifest in tangible action. Carol's love of life was felt by thousands who knew her as a source of positive energy delivered in humility with a focus on improving the quality of life for those connected with her.

Carol's compassion quietly inspired and influenced many, whether she was acting as the alumnae liaison to the Cleveland West Shore collegiate chapters or instilling high standards in her three children. Carol was one of those angelic beings that we meet on occasion - and they leave a lasting spiritual impression. Carol operated, in all aspects of her life, to make a personal difference, inspire excellence and "Do Good."

Carol Vinopal was initiated at Gamma Epsilon-Kent State in 1959, where she studied history and graduated summa cum laude. With Delta Gamma's support, Carol was elected Campus Day Queen and Miss Kent State while also serving as secretary and president of her chapter.

Carol and her husband, Wayne, settled on the west side of Cleveland after college, where she secured her teaching certificate and began her career. Being new to the area, Carol appreciated the call from the Cleveland West Shore alumnae chapter encouraging her to come to a meeting. As an alumna, she received the Cable Award in recognition of her loyalty and service.

Carol treasured her role as mother and later, grandmother, and couldn't have been happier when her two daughters joined the Alpha Omicron chapter of Delta Gamma at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

As an educator, Carol had very high standards. Her students knew they were worthy and each child, regardless of their abilities, felt special and valued. Teaching is often a "messy" proposition; there are really no recipes for guaranteed success. But given a safe place for learning and the right teacher, it can become a journey to a magical land. Carol was one of those teachers.

Unconditional love in action was Carol's signature characteristic, and it is behind the endowed memorial scholarship that bears her name. She would have been happy and humbled to be able to help someone with her education. This Delta Gamma Foundation endowed scholarship, made possible by Carol's family and friends, is meant to serve as a permanent inspiration to those who benefit from its gifts to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives and serve the fraternity and their communities - in the interest of a better world.

In 2012, the first Carol Vinopal Anderson Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lindsay Crawford, Alpha Lambda-Drake. Lindsay expressed her thanks in a letter:
Last year, while attending Delta Gamma Convention in Indianapolis, I learned that the Delta Gamma scholarship I received from Carol Anderson was a lot more meaningful than I had originally thought.

The Anderson family sent me a note explaining that the scholarship award was given as a celebration of her life, as she had passed away recently. This was her wish and part of her will.

What an honor to be chosen! This is more than just a monetary gift to help me through school; I am representing the memory of a special Delta Gamma alumna, and will continue to think of Carol as I pursue my pharmacy degree.

I, too, will become a Delta Gamma alumna this spring. I can say I have never been more proud of or motivated by this organization. I feel closer to my member class than ever before, and looking at the underclassmen, I am so excited to see what Delta Gamma has in store for them. I hope their world is as rocked by Delta Gamma as mine has been.

For me, Delta Gamma has not been one thing in my life, but a thousand little things that have helped me develop into a much different person than I was when I started college. Delta Gamma has helped mold my values, allowed me to serve others and provided me with rewarding leadership opportunities.

Words cannot express how thankful I am to be a Delta Gamma. The women that I have met through my membership have truly changed my life. They bring out the best in me and hold me accountable in and out of the classroom. Delta Gamma gives me the motivation to do well in my classes, smile at strangers and get involved in the community.

I will miss my member class immensely when we go our separate ways this spring, but I know they are a phone call away if I ever need a supportive friend.

I am eager to see what my experience with Delta Gamma holds for me after graduation. I am looking forward to giving back to this organization, much like Carol Anderson has helped and inspired me.

Honor Someone You Love
If you have a family member or friend whose life has been touched by Delta Gamma, consider making a gift to us in honor or memory of that person. To learn how to get started, contact Senior Director of Development Aleesa Ross at 614-481-8169 or plannedgiving@deltagamma.org today.