Celebrating the Life of Judy Fosdick Oliphant

On Sept. 7, 2016, Delta Gamma lost a truly devoted sister. Judy Fosdick Oliphant was a 1959 initiate of Alpha Delta-Oregon who served as chapter president and was an outstanding honors student. Shortly after graduation, she met her Phi Kappa Psi husband, Hugh Oliphant, and they married in 1963. Hugh passed away suddenly in 1994 and Judy joined her anchor man on what would have been their 53 ^rd wedding anniversary.

To know Judy was to know that she was a world traveler. Shortly after her cancer diagnosis, she and her sister Patti Fosdick Thinger, Phi-Colorado, fulfilled a lifelong dream of flying around the world. Judy had already visited over 100 countries throughout her life and on that trip she added many more.

To know Judy was to know that she was a philanthropist. Judy supported the University of Oregon, the alma mater of both she and her husband, by establishing endowments in the areas of business and international studies. Delta Gamma's mission of Service for Sight was also close to Judy's heart and she supported not only the Glaucoma Research Foundation but also the Delta Gamma Foundation. For well over 30 years, Judy's generous donations to the Delta Gamma Foundation provided support to programs like Service for Sight as well as leadership and educational training.

In 1999, Judy established the Judy Fosdick Oliphant Honorary Scholarship for members of her beloved Alpha Delta chapter and in 2000 she honored her sister with the Patricia Fosdick Thinger Honorary Scholarship for members of Phi chapter. These two scholarship funds are endowed in perpetuity and annually provide generous tuition assistance to outstanding Delta Gammas.

But perhaps most importantly, to know Judy was to know that she was a sister. A sister not only to Patti, but to so many Delta Gammas whose lives she touched. In 1994, Judy received the Cable Award, reserved for members who display personal devotion and continued service to Delta Gamma Fraternity. When nominated for this award, her fellow alumnae wrote the following of Judy:

As Gamma-UC, Berkeley's Rush Chair from 1975-1992…

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Judy as a friend as well as a tireless worker on behalf of Delta Gamma. Judy is always ready, willing, and able…I believe the chapter does so well during Rush because of the excellent leadership and counseling they have received from Judy."

and…

"I know Judy as an adviser and friend. From her I learned what it was to be an alumna. I knew then, and can confirm now, that Gamma was lucky to have the benefit of such a talented woman."

In addition to her many years of work with the local East Bay Assistance League, Judy was also extremely involved in her local Delta Gamma Mt. Diablo alumnae association which later became the Diablo Valley alumnae chapter. She held many offices, including president and vice president: programming, and was actively involved in local preschool vision screenings. Judy was also a longtime member of the Diablo Valley alumnae chapter's special interest group, Anchor Traders, which is an investment club. These alumnae get together regularly to not only discuss the financial markets, but to actually invest and trade as well.

It's easy to see that Judy was a dynamic woman of many interests and talents. Her passing has been a great loss for Delta Gamma, but especially for her family and friends.

A close friend and Delta Gamma sister said it best when she wrote:

"Judy is the heart of our group. She is a constant, always there, always helping, always planning. We can all be proud that she is a Delta Gamma."

The 'Do Good' Motto Is a Way of Life
Like Judy, you can make a lasting impact in the lives of others with a gift to support the future work of the Delta Gamma Foundation. Contact Senior Director of Development Aleesa Ross at 614-481-8169 or plannedgiving@deltagamma.org to learn how you can extend your commitment to sisterhood and our life-changing mission.