Delta Zeta Tau Alumni Assocation

Dear Delta Zeta Tau Alumnus,

I guess two of the questions that I've heard most often since the announcement of the DZT Alumni Association are "What is that all about, and what is the purpose of the association?" After an initial meeting of the elected officers and the current DZT president and alumni coordinator, I can enthusiastically answer those questions. Basically we are being given an opportunity which might even make a good motto: "Continuing to Serve". Our Missions Statement, put into words by Anita Ray, says it all:

Mission: To serve, to advise, to advocate, to strengthen.

It shall be the purpose of the DZTAA:

• To develop and foster a mutually beneficial relationship between Delta Zeta Tau and its alumni.
• To inform alumni of the progress, achievements, and needs of Delta Zeta Tau and provide opportunities for alumni to contribute to its welfare.
• To provide financial support to Delta Zeta Tau and its annual projects.
• To develop alumni activities that foster fellowship among DZT alumni and encourage the personal and spiritual growth of current members.

We are a work in progress. A 'Board' of DZT alumni is being invited to participate in formulating out by-laws and coming together in a meeting once or twice a semester to facilitate the mission and purpose of our association. Most of what we do can be done by email and an occasional letter, but it may also include an annual project. Members of the board will represent each decade of our 44 year history as we work toward our 45th anniversary at Homecoming 2009.

If you haven't been back on campus in recent years, let me tell you that contemporary Lee students have been energized to serve not just one another, or the neighborhoods surrounding our campus, or even our country. The establishment of the Leonard Center has given groups of students the support and formal structure in which to serve our world as well.

On May 10, 2009, the members of the Delta Zeta Tau are embarking on a very ambitious two-week trip to the Philippines where they will work at Samaritan's Place, an orphanage that is operated by former beau, Marc Morris ('84) and his wife Marilen. Twenty-two girls are committed to the trip, and each one needs to raise $1,300 for her airfare and $450 for room and board during her stay. Including extra cash for emergencies, they hope to each have $1,950 for the trip: DZT would also like to send a donation of $5,000 for Samaritan's Place with them.

Quite simply, it is our goal as the DZTAA to help them do the good works that God has created in advance for them to do. You were once initiated as a "HAIR"; are you willing to become a "SILVER (grey) HAIR" or a "HIGH (highlighted) HAIR"? I hope that if you haven't already done so, you will join the DZT Alumni Association. The majority of your $25 annual dues and any other amount you can contribute will be directed to their trip.

Darlia Conn

Continuing to Serve

Darlia Conn, President, DZTAA