Page 4 - Sigma of Alpha Gamma Delta - Spring 2014

Live with Purpose by Sherry Blaha Leginski ’74
Come Home to Alpha Gamma Delta
A few years back I was asked to talk to the new initiates during known for more than 40 years, came to
I-week about the Alpha Gam purpose. I had just started to volunteer parties at my frst apartment, were at
with house association and, frankly, I did not remember one word my wedding singing, “My Alpha Gam
of the purpose. In fact, after so many years I really didn’t remember Man,” have shared pictures of children,
much. The only things I remembered about AGD history were that and traveled to roast me at my 60th
it was founded at Syracuse University and two of the founders’ birthday party. They have been woven
names: Dickover and Butterfeld. There are probably many alums into the fabric of my life and made the
like me (and current chapter members too). tapestry of it so much more vibrant.
What I discovered as I thought about my days living in the castle When I think of the purpose, the
was that the details we memorized were gone, but still fresh were the exact words are gone, but I do know
memories of friendships gained and the lessons learned. In fact a house it speaks to friendship, health, ideals
is very much like a person. At frst we may be attracted by looks, but and giving back. If you would have
in the end you develop relationships because of what’s inside. asked me during my college days if
Every fall I get together with a small group of women that I met I would still be involved with Sigma
at AGD. We hardly ever see each other, but when we do, it’s as if chapter this long after graduation, I
it is yesterday and we are sitting around in the Copa, the Hurricane most surely would have said no. But
Closet, Club 2, or whatever other crazy names we gave our rooms. the wisdom that we gain only through age brought me back. I hope
We will ALWAYS have that in common. We will always have our that 40 years from now, some of our current collegians will have a
old memories and a chance to make new ones. We know we will similar story. And, so it goes.
laugh until our sides hurt. This group of women whom I have now

Karen S. Koenig ’79 has been
the spirit and guiding light of the Julie Pulaski
house association since her days
as property coordinator adviser. Class of 2015
Her forward thinking attention to
maintenance and upgrades has made This Sigma Sister is
the chapter house a campus treasure. a talented artist. Julie
Under her watch, Sigma Chapter created a black and
House has been awarded National white drawing of the
Landmark status. Since Karen is Sigma Chapter House
the only director who lives in the Champaign/Urbana and she donated it to
area, she oversees all maintenance and other projects. the House Association.
The other directors live in the Chicago area and keep in The artwork will be
touch by email. Karen is a pilot for UPS and fies around framed and hung
the world. Even when she is in Hong Kong, Germany, on the main foor of
or Alaska, she stays on top of the open projects of house house.
association. Over the summer, when Karen is in town, she
works 16-hour days to coordinate all the contractors and
supervise all projects. The board of directors meets 1 or 2
times each year on campus.
Karen has a wonderful rapport with the collegiate
members of the board. Karen’s love of Alpha Gamma
Delta and Epsilon Pi is evident in her dedication and
loyalty to Sigma Chapter.

MAIL YOUR PROXY

(see back of cover letter)
AND UPDATED ALUMNA DATA
in Enclosed Envelope
Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae accept the plaque as Sigma
Proxy required by: April 1, 2014. Chapter House is placed on National Register of Historic Places.
Pictured Left to Right: Karen Koenig, Mariann Babka Gutshall,
Jane Cullison Reid and Pat Holm Smith.

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