Forever Anchored to Delta Gamma

Jan Anderson Hankins and her pledge sister Diane Ballay-Foley.

By Jan Anderson Hankins, Delta Omicron-Morehead State

Delta Gamma means so much to me. When I was 21 years old, my first job moved me away from home; the Delta Gammas from the Chicago Far West alumnae chapter welcomed me with open arms and became like family. It was through this group that I met and bonded with Maggie McCracken Ellithorpe, Kappa-Nebraska; she even gave my son his first bath!

When I moved to Michigan, the Delta Gammas there became, and continue to be, very special to me. The Detroit West Suburban alumnae chapter, which I have been a member of for 37 years, was there for me when I lost my father at an early age. My father did volunteer work and, by example, taught me the importance of giving back.

When my husband, Mark, died at the same age as my father, my DG sisters were there for me as well, including the members of the Greater Naples alumnae chapter. They held my hand during Mark's illness and they have continued to hold it for the past two years. Mark loved Delta Gamma, especially the Foundation. Whatever the DGs needed, he would lend a helping hand and always welcomed Delta Gammas in our homes.

From traveling with Roxanne LaMuth, Foundation Executive Director, to being on the recolonization team for Zeta-Albion, to the honor of serving the Fraternity and Foundation in various roles—I have so many favorite DG memories!

Support the Delta Gamma Foundation
Jan planned for the future of Delta Gamma by endowing a collegiate scholarship and establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity. To learn more about making your own planned gift to the Delta Gamma Foundation, contact Senior Director of Development Aleesa Ross, 614-481-8169 or plannedgiving@deltagamma.org.