Planning for the Future

By Patricia Proctor Bradley
Beta Theta-Duke

As the owner of some highly appreciated stock, I decided to arrange a planned gift to Delta Gamma in lieu of leaving a bequest in my will. Through a charitable gift annuity, I will receive regular payments during my lifetime, and the Delta Gamma Foundation will benefit as well.

One of the foundation programs of vital interest to me is that of the Lectureships in Values and Ethics. My gift will be added to the current endowment of the Convention Lectureship in Values and Ethics, which is presented to the leaders of Delta Gamma and other attendees at our Biennial Convention. I am happy to know I will be a part of this important program in perpetuity.

I was a member of Council in 1992 when Paul and Dottie Martin made the initial challenge grant gift to the foundation to establish the Lectureships in Values and Ethics program. At that time it was thought that there would be three Lectureships at universities with Delta Gamma chapters. My alma mater, Duke University, had a new president who wanted to abolish Greek organizations from campus. I felt it would be good to have one of these Lectureships at Duke for two reasons. First, it would serve to show that Greek organizations "Do Good" and, second, it would present the idea of establishing your own ethics to future Duke students. I worked with the development department, Beta Theta alumnae and friends to raise the required funds to meet the Martins' challenge and secure one of the three grants.

The Lectureship endowment funds were placed in the Department of Student Affairs at Duke. It is required to sponsor a speaker as the final event of freshman orientation. Since 1994 this speaker has been sponsored by Delta Gamma. The program has gone on to include 18 universities and our own endowment for the Convention Lectureship. It was my privilege to be the first Foundation Director of Lectureships in Values and Ethics.

It gives me pleasure to know I have had a part in seeing that this program will continue to inspire our Delta Gamma leaders through outstanding speakers at future Delta Gamma Conventions as well as future students in many universities where the program is established.

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