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_________________The Upsilon State________________
__________ _of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International_______ Winter 2015 Vol. 69 No. 2 Iowa State
Achievement Award Honors
Past President A significant moment during the Presidents Banquet at every state
convention is the announcement of the recipient of the Upsilon State
Achievement Award. Nominations are made to the Achievement Award
committee without the individual’s knowledge, so until the recipient
recognizes pertinent details read about her during the presentation, she is
totally unaware.
Caught totally by surprise at the 2015 State Convention was Past
President Angela Pratt. Chair Bette Hauber, Alpha, made the following
presentation:
Good evening DKG Sisters. It is an honor to stand here tonight, to
be able to present to you the 2015 Achievement Award recipient. This
Achievement Award is given for distinguished service to DKG and is the
state’s highest honor.
My committee members are Judith O’Brien-Beta, Patricia Fox-
Alpha Pi, and Mary Samarin-Lambda. At this time I would like all past
recipients of this award to stand and be recognized.
Before I tell you about our recipient let me say this to the chapters
that sent in a nomination. If your nominee is not the recipient of this award,
the hard part, the research, is done. Just add the latest information to it and
resubmit next year.
Our 2015 recipient became a leader long before she became a
member of DKG.
She began her teaching career in 1969 as a first grade teacher.
She has been an adjunct instructor in Wichita, at Iowa State, and at
DMACC. She was a departmental advisor for undergrad students at Iowa
State. She is currently a special education teacher.
She has been on many advisory committees representing students
and parents of the visually impaired, special education, and early childhood
education.
She became a DKG sister in 1996. She has attended three NW
Regional Conferences and two International Conventions. She has not
missed a Fall Executive Board meeting in 10 years and has attended nine out
of the last ten state conventions.
She was president of her chapter twice. She has been program
chair, newsletter editor, music chair and on the by-laws committee for her
chapter.
At the state level she was Secretary, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice
President, and President as well as being involved on many committees over
her 18 year period as a member of DKG.
CHAPTERS REACH
MILESTONE
ANNIVERSARIES
Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International was organized
May 11, 1929, so 2016 marks its 87th
birthday. Upsilon State will celebrate
the 80th birthday since its
organization May 16, 1936.
The year 2016 marks
milestones for several of Iowa’s
chapters.
75 Years
Eta November 8, 1941
Theta November 8, 1941
Iota November. 8, 1941
65 Years
Sigma November 10, 1951
60 Years
Nu Alpha Gamma Nov. 4, 1956
55 Years
Alpha Mu October 7, 1961
Alpha Nu October 14, 1961
50 Years
Alpha Omega April 16, 1966
Beta Alpha April 30, 1966
Congratulations and best
wishes for many more celebrations.
NEWS BULLETIN
Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 Page 1
Thoughts from President Wittkamp . . .
“80 Years & Beyond: Honoring, Learning, Leading” is the theme I have chosen for my biennium as
Upsilon State President. We will be celebrating Upsilon State’s 80th Birthday May 16, 2016. As a state
organization, we have had a rich heritage, and I want to honor this heritage.
We must HONOR our International and State
Founders and our chapter charter members for their vision,
which has allowed the growth of our Society. We must also
honor our members so they feel a vital part of our Society,
which will allow our state organization and chapters to thrive.
Honor members with scholarships and non-members with
grants-in-aid. Honor educators with Excellence in Education
certificates for educational achievements. We will honor
chapters at the state convention with Chapter Excellence
Awards.
We must LEARN about our Society. I encourage
members to attend state meetings and international
conferences and conventions where they can learn about the
Society. As life-long learners, we can help fulfill the goals set
forth in our Seven Purposes. Support the Upsilon State
Legislative Focus. I want to educate Iowa members on human
trafficking.
We must be LEADERS in our chapters and state
organization. We must develop leaders by providing
opportunities for the development of leadership skills.
Leaders will allow our chapters and state organization to
remain viable. I challenge members to take a chapter leadership role for the 2016-2018 biennium.
One of the goals I have set forth is to retain and grow membership. Each of us is responsible for
growing membership. Share the honor of membership with an educator in your community. Mentor your new
members so they will continue their membership.
A second goal of adopting a lasting state project has already been accomplished. The Educational
Excellence Committee developed an Upsilon State Project, which was adopted by the Executive Board at our
September meeting. Embrace Your Environment allows a chapter to develop a variety of projects depending
on the chapter’s interests. It is my hope that this project will endure for more than just this biennium. Check out
the Iowa State Project poster.
A third goal is to investigate a relationship between Iowa DKG and the Girl Scouts of America. If your
chapter is interested in pursuing this, contact Nita Scott at [email protected] for information about the curriculum
and ideas for starting the project in your community.
Another goal is to have an Upsilon State Vision Statement. The Educational Excellence Committee will
be working on this during the next year.
I want chapters and their members to feel a connection to Upsilon State. Please let me know if I can
help you in any way—I am here for you. You are important and the backbone of our Society.
Pam Wittkamp, Upsilon State President
(Alpha Iota)
Page 2 Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015
Upsilon State 2015-2017 Officers
President
Pam Wittkamp
Alpha Iota
Burlington, IA
First Vice Pres.
Karen Dole
Xi
Mason City, IA
Second Vice Pres.
Laurie Marple
Alpha
Eldridge, IA
Secretary
Sherry Craig
Mu
North Sioux City, IA
Treasurer
Sandy Aronson
Alpha Omega
Albert City, IA
Parliamentarian
Janet Hayes
Tau
Des Moines, IA
Immediate
Past President
Mary Zirkelbach
Tau
Johnston, IA
Meet the Officers in Dubuque
for the State Convention and Training
Dubuque, Iowa, is calling all Upsilon State members to its
location on the Mississippi River to attend the Delta Kappa Gamma
Society International State Convention 2016. Dubuque is a city within
the county of Dubuque. It is, in fact, the county seat. Its population of
over 58,000 makes it the tenth largest city in Iowa. Dubuque is named
after Julien Dubuque, the first permanent settler. He was a Quebecois
pioneer who arrived in 1785 and mined the area’s rich lead deposits.
Looking at a map, one will discover Dubuque is located at the
junction of three states: Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The region is
locally known as the Tri-State Area. Dubuque, whose motto is
“Showing the Spirit,” is a city with hills, a river view, and unique
architecture.
Dubuque is home to three high schools--Dubuque Senior,
Hempstead, and Wahlert Catholic High Schools. In the realm of higher
education, institutions include Loras College, Clarke University,
University of Dubuque, Emmaus Bible College, as well as three
theological seminaries. They are St. Pius X Seminary (Roman
Catholic, associated with Loras College), the University of Dubuque
Theological Seminary (Presbyterian), and Wartburg Theological
Seminary (Lutheran). The city is also home to St. Raphael’s Cathedral;
the Catholic cathedral and parish church is the oldest congregation of
any Christian denomination in the state of Iowa.
Headed to Dubuque for convention, you’ll be happy to know
that the city is served by four U.S. highways—20, 151, 61, and 52. It
has 4-lane, divided highway connections with Cedar Rapids, Davenport,
Waterloo, and Madison, WI.
If you convention attendees lengthen your weekend stay, these
are a few tourist attractions to entice you:
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Fourth Street Elevator
Dubuque Shot Tower
Grand Opera House
Eagle Point Park
Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Kennedy Mall
Diamond Jo Casino
Mystique Casino
Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
Dubuque County Courthouse
Julien Dubuque Bridge
Mathias Ham House
Because of its location along the Mississippi River, Dubuque is
home to the America's River project, a $400 million dollar renovation to
the riverfront at the Port of Dubuque. From Eagle Point Park, you can
see General Zebulon Pike Lock and Dam No. 11. Visitors can enjoy the
river up close on various cruises offered in the area. One such
experience is on a replica of a century-old Mississippi River steamboat.
Plan to make Dubuque, the Hotel Julien, and the Upsilon State
Convention a destination in June 2016.
By Nancy Middaugh, Beta Chapter
Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 page 3
Proposals for change in the Standing Rules
The Upsilon State Rules Committee encourages you to read, study and be prepared to act upon the
following proposals at the state convention this June in Dubuque. The amendments proposed are to Standing
Rule 10.31.
Current Wording--
10.31 Guidelines for Upsilon State Achievement Award
a. Nominations for the award may be submitted to the Achievement Award Committee by any
member or chapter using the official nomination form which includes the criteria for selecting the recipient.
b. Nominees for the Achievement Award must meet the following criteria:
(1) Active membership in Upsilon State for a minimum of ten years.
(2) Full-time employment as a professional educator for a minimum of ten (10) years.
(3) Active membership at the time of nomination for the award.
(4) Service to Upsilon State for at least six (6) years in two or more of the following capacities:
officer, committee chair, committee member, parliamentarian, editor or webmaster.
(5) Attendance at state, regional, and international meetings.
c. A member shall not be considered for the award while she is serving the state organization in an
elective position. No member may receive the award more than once.
d. Nominations for the award shall be received by the chair of the Achievement Award Committee
postmarked or electronic date stamped by February l5.
e. Ballots and resumes for each nominee shall be sent by postal mail or electronic mail to voting
members of the State Executive Board by the committee chair by April 1. Votes must be received by the chair
postmarked or electronic date stamped by May l to be considered in the election of a recipient.
f. If there is only one nominee for the award, the candidate must receive four-fifths (4/5) of the ballots
cast to receive the award. If there are at least two candidates, the preferential ballot shall be used. In case of a
tie, the Achievement Award Committee shall make the final decision.
g. The presentation of the Achievement Award certificate shall be made at the state convention. The
award shall be given to only one member each year. In a year when no candidate has been nominated for the
Achievement Award, it shall not be given.
Three Proposed Amendments--
1. Amend 10.31 b (5) – By Striking “Attendance at state, regional and international meetings” and
substituting “Participation at state meetings.”
Amendment 10.31 b (5) if adopted would read 10.31 b (5). Participation at state meetings.
Rationale: By making these changes to the eligibility standards, the Achievement Award will more
closely reflect honoring chapter members that serve Upsilon State in many capacities. The current
criteria place a priority on attending regional and international conventions. These conventions are
limiting to many members who contribute greatly in other ways to the state organization. The changes
will better reflect the many roles and ways various members contribute to Upsilon State. This will make
the award more meaningful and more accurately reflect state contributions.
Fiscal Impact: none
Submitted by: Achievement Award Committee
Page 4 Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015
2. Amend 10.31 c – by adding the phrase “or as a member of the Achievement Award Committee” to the
end of first sentence.
Amendment 10.31 c if adopted would read 10.31 c. A member shall not be considered for the award
while she is serving the state organization in an elective position or as a member of the Achievement
Award Committee. No member may receive the award more than once.
Rationale: The rules of eligibility would be changed.
Fiscal impact: none
Submitted by: Achievement Award Committee
3. Amend SR 10.31 b (4) - by adding at the end of the sentence the words “or music representative.”
Amendment SR 10.31 b (4) if adopted would read SR10.31 b (4). Service to Upsilon State for at least
six (6) years in two or more of the following capacities: officer, committee chair, committee member,
parliamentarian, editor, webmaster or music representative.
Rationale: In the past the music representative was a member of the Program of Work Committee and
qualified for the award in this way. When the committee structure was changed a few years ago and the
Bylaws and Rules were revised, the music representative was removed from a specific relationship to
any committee. Some music representatives have contributed substantially to state convention and other
meetings, but that position alone does not currently qualify them
for the Achievement
Award.
Fiscal impact: none
Submitted by: Rules Committee
2015-2017 Upsilon State Rules Committee: Odelia Schrunk, Chair;
Mary Pieper, Linda Podhjsky, Liz Poock and Janet Hayes (Ex-officio)
DKG DKG DKG DKG DKG DKG DKG DKG
Chapter Tidbits
At their March 1 meeting, members of Tau
Chapter will hear John Mark Feilmeyer talk about
“Art Force Iowa.” The program offers at-risk student
an environment where art is the focus.
“A Valentine Tea” will be the theme of Beta
Theta Chapter’s Feb. 13 meeting in Alden.
Members will also bring unused, broken crayons for
the Crayon Recycle Center as they embrace the
environment.
As Alpha Chapter gathers to celebrate its
78th birthday in February, members will also be
working together to tie fleece blankets for a local
shelter. During break they’ll celebrate with wine,
cheese and birthday cake.
Karen Dole Selected for Leadership Seminar
First Vice President Karen Dole, Xi, has been
selected to participate in the 2016 Leadership
Management Seminar. The two-week seminar,
which is funded by the Golden Gift Fund, will be
held at the University of Texas in Austin, TX, July 17
– 29, 2016.
The Golden Gift Fund was established in
1979 to commemorate the Society’s 50th anniversary.
A number of Upsilon State members have
had the honor of attending seminars in the past
including Connie Besco, Marian Ponder, Audry
Terpstra, Odelia Schrunk, Jan Sowers, Carolyn
Rants, Carol Iverson, Janet Hayes, Mary Speckhart,
Pat Montgomery, Connie Hoag, Dena
Higgenbotham, Loretta Moon, Peggy Rupe, Donna
Niday, Mary Zirkelbach, and Pam Wittkamp.
Congratulations, Karen.
Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 page 5
Upsilon State Convention 2015
One International Guest
Two co-chairs
Four host chapters (Area 6)
Eight workshops
Fourteen first timers
Thirty-eight chapters represented
Seventy-ninth birthday candles
One hundred sixty-five registered
So begins the story of the 2015 Upsilon State
Convention, which began Friday, June 12, at the
West Des Moines Marriott Hotel. The theme for the
convention hosted by Pi, Beta Zeta, Beta Kappa, and
Nu Alpha Gamma Chapters was “Moving and
Growing with a Passion for Teaching.” Co-chairs
Nancy Burrow (Nu Alpha Gamma) and Roxy
Schwartz (Nu Alpha Gamma) and their various
committees were ready to see all of their planning
and preparation come together. Early arrivals had the
opportunity to tour the historic Hotel Patee in Perry
or view the covered bridges of Madison County, near
Winterset.
After enjoying a soup/salad/potato bar,
registrants could participate in these breakout
sessions: Building Chapter Websites by Susan
Carlson (Alpha Omega), crafting with Jan Sowers
(Beta Omicron), Chapter Leadership by Mary
Zirkelbach (Tau), or Educational Foundation by
Connie Hoag (Mu). A “Wines of Area 6 Tasting”
and fellowship ended the evening.
Members gathered early on Saturday
morning for a variety of workshops and displays of
the Mini Grant recipients. During “Technology in
Education & Home,” Ginger Bechtold, Atlantic,
spoke about smart phones and tablets (opposite).
International guest Dr. Donna-Faye Madhosingh
addressed integrating movement, singing, drama and
visual arts into our arts programs. She shared
mindfulness techniques (opposite). Youth Services
Consultant with Iowa Library Services/State Library
of Iowa covered copyright basics in educational and
nonprofit settings, including observing copyright
laws and principles when creating websites
(opposite). Cari Russell is the author of Complete
Copyright for K-12 Librarians and Educators.
Hostas were the focus of a workshop on easy
perennial gardening by Donna Miller and Lisa
Swanson, Orient, IA (opposite). Pam Wittkamp and
Karen Dole facilitated “Chapter Chat” to allow
members to share chapter successes and concerns
(opposite). The Raccoon River Valley Trail has a
total of 89 miles of concrete for recreational use. It
includes a 72-mile loop, which is the longest paved
loop in the U.S. Mike Wallace, Director of Dallas
Co. Conservation Board gave us a “tour” of the
popular biking/walking trail (opposite). nbm
Page 6 Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015
Ginger Bechtold
Dr. Madhosingh
Merri Monks
Donna Miller and Lisa Swanson share
their knowledge of growing Hostas
Chapter Chat with
Pam Wittkamp and Karen Dole
Mike Wallace shares photos and facts
about the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
Triathlete Connie Sievers shared her
story of being chosen by Dr. Sanjay
Gupta as a member of the 2014 CNN Fit
Nation Sassy 6 Triathlon Team. Her
hope was to inspire others to keep
moving toward a healthy lifestyle.
Keynote Speaker
President Mary Zirkelbach introduced
Saturday morning’s keynote speaker,
Lori Day, President of Focus First, Inc.
Through a combination of wisdom,
humor and engaging anecdotes, Lori
shared “The Rules of Good Girls. . . “
DKG Vision Statement
Leading Women Educators
Impacting Education
Worldwide
Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 Page 7
More Convention 2015 Highlights
Birthday Luncheon June 13, 2015
The Founders Day birthday luncheon
celebrated the 79th birthday of Upsilon State and the
86th birthday of Delta Kappa Gamma Society
International. Beta Zeta chapter hosted this
luncheon in the Concord Ballroom.
The tables carried out a birthday party
theme. The centerpiece of each table displayed a
different colored helium filled balloon. The seating
for the luncheon was indicated by the ticket color
matching the balloon at the table. Each place setting
had a party hat filled with popcorn and candy. The
hats were made by the 3rd grade class of one of the
Beta Zeta members.
Becky Christy led us in a Founder’s Day
Remembrance song entitled “From Vision to
Action.” Our Founders had visions that our sisters
would be a great team. Pam Wittkamp explained
the Gold Bag collection; it was a free will donation
for the DKG International Emergency Fund.
A gold bag was passed at each table, collecting a
total of $1091.00. (AWESOME) This was followed
by a Classic Iowa Deli Buffet. Birthday cupcakes
were served after singing Happy Birthday to DKG.
Mary Huffman introduced the Upsilon State
Scholarship winners for the current year (separate
article). We were entertained by Kennedy Plowman,
a student from Adair Casey School District, and
Caroline Doud, a student from West Central Valley
School District. These young ladies provided us
with several vocal arrangements accompanied by
Debbie Menning at the keyboard. At the conclusion
of the Founder’s Day Birthday Celebration, door
prizes were given.
Submitted by:
Florence Heck, Nu Alpha Gamma
Elizabeth Poock, Psi
Members enjoy a music break during the
business meeting, above. In addition to reports of
committees, attendees heard Dr. Madhosingh’s
report from International Administrative Board. She
shared greetings from Dr. Lyn Babb Schmid and
reminded us of the magnitude of the Society—
81,000 members in 2,300 chapters in 17 countries.
She talked about International’s theme, “85 Years &
Beyond Advancing Key Women Educators for Life”
and a new publication, “The Collegial Exchange.”
Katrina was awarded to Eta Chapter for
donating $21.79 per member to World Fellowship.
Second was Tau and third was Xi.
Page 8 Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015
Upsilon State Banquet As Marilyn Bode provided background
music, the 2014-2016 Chapter Presidents were
introduced. President Mary Zirkelbach greeted
each woman as she placed her chapter’s flag.
Plated meals of almond encrusted
chicken or pork roast were served at tables
covered with black clothes and hosta
centerpieces. The evening was coordinated by
Beta Kappa Chapter.
Violinist Daniel Boschee from Lenox,
treated the members to a variety of amazing
music.
Dr. Donna-Faye Madhosingh offered the
Keynote Address, “Mindfulness Matters: in our
teaching, our own lives and in DKG.” She
explained mindfulness as paying attention in the
moment in a nonjudgmental way.”
Recognition was given to 50-year
members:
Marcia Cammack – Alpha Zeta
Georgia Gray – Alpha Psi
Alice Henline – Theta
Marg Herrick – Iota
Joan Mouw – Alpha Phi
Margaret Orr – Alpha Iota
Corrine Tandy – Alpha Nu
Helen Watts – Lambda
Unfortunately none were able to attend, but
members of their chapters took certificates to
them.
Chapter Excellence Awards were
present-ed based upon points earned for
participation and activities during the year.
Recipients of Gold Certificates were Alpha,
Beta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta, Iota, Lambda,
Mu, Xi, Sigma, Tau, Phi, Chi, Alpha Eta, Alpha
Iota, Alpha Nu, Alpha Pi, Alpha Rho, Alpha
Phi, Alpha Omega, Beta Alpha, Beta Gamma,
Beta Zeta, Beta Theta, Beta Kappa, Beta
Omicron, Beta Rho, and Nu Alpha Gamma.
Silver Certificates were awarded to Omega,
Alpha Mu, Alpha Chi, Beta Nu, and Beta Phi.
Following the installation of the newly
elected officers by Angela Pratt, members were
treated to white chocolate mousse reception.
During the banquet, Liz Poock (Psi) and
Florence Heck (Nu Alpha Gamma) invited
every-one join them at the NW Regional
Conference in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada,
July 28 to Aug. 1.
Looking Ahead – Iowa has been chosen to
host the 2019 Northwest Regional Conference
Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 Page 9
Sunday Morning Convention Activities Upsilon sisters gathered in Salon AB to join with the State Membership Committee in a
Ceremony of Remembrance. Chair Kristin Merkle (Tau), Betty Rozeboom (Beta Gamma), Susan
Carlson (Alpha Omega), and Mary Jo Roberts (Alpha Chi) honored the memory and achievements of
27 fellow educators.
Then we moved on to the Inspirational Brunch
hosted by Nu Alpha Gamma. We were greeted with a
bicycle adorned with flowers and tables bright with
inverted bicycle helmets holding flowering plants that
honored the communities along the Raccoon River Trail.
Seated with friends, old and new, everyone enjoyed an
Iowa Sunrise Breakfast.
Following the meal, Roxy Schwartz introduced
speaker Van Harden who is an Iowa author, inventor,
teacher and radio personality. His theme was “Living Your
Passions.” Van spoke of his early interest in being on the radio and
some of the things that have happened in his life, declaring, “The
happiest people I know are the people who have some idea of where
they come from, where they are, and where they are going.” Afterward
Van was available to sell and sign his book, “Life in the Purple
Wedge.”
Convention chairs Nancy Burrow and Roxy Schwartz took one
last opportunity to acknowledge the hard work of the members of the
four hostess chapters. Area 6 chapters and their presidents are Pi-
Sandy Harris, Beta Zeta-Judy Thompson and Pat Pettinger, Beta
Kappa-Julie Derby, and Nu
Alpha Gamma-Cathy Cate.
The 2015 Upsilon
Convention closed with the
singing of Delta Kappa Gamma Song.
Question: How could you recognize a DKG member at the
state convention?
Answer: They were proudly wearing bright red t-shirts,
their convention gifts.
Inst
all
ati
on
of
20
16-2
01
8 O
ffic
ers
Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 Page 10
$CHOLAR$HIP$ AWARDED
On behalf of the Scholarship Committee, Chair Mary Huffman was pleased to present six scholarships
to be used for coursework related to instructional technology, exploring teacher leadership, integrating
storytelling into the curriculum, statistics and probability, learning to use Google Classroom and other
application. Named Scholarships were announced first. Vicky Wood (Beta Kappa), front left, is currently a
math teacher at Glenwood. Robyn Ploeger (Beta Kappa) is a math teacher at Creston. An interesting fact about
Robyn is that in 2002, Robyn received a Beta Kappa grant-in-aid scholarship and has gone on to become a
chapter member. Erin Yates, Iota, is a Title 1 instructor for the Waterloo School District. Newton high school
teacher Cheryl O'Roarke is the immediate past president of Zeta and she received both a Named Scholarship and
a Memorial Scholarship. A second Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Karen Sindelar (Beta Nu). She's an
adjunct professor at Coe College, because she was unable to attend Pauline Antons accepted her certificate.
Behind the recipients are the Scholarship Committee members Carolyn Finnestad (Gamma), Mary Huffman
(Iota), Karen Tussey (Beta Kappa), and Bev Bucklin (Alpha Nu) who was unable to attend.
Susan Carlson and first-timer Leslie Stewart (Alpha
Gamma) at birthday luncheon.
President Mary Zirkelbach and Dr.
Madhosingh at the Banquet. Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 page 11
More Chapter
Tidbits
As part of their program
theme “Supporting Growth and
Learning in the Community”, Theta
Chapter will be holding an
upcoming meeting at Kathy’s Pies
in Cedar Rapids. They’ll take a
tour and learn the history of this
popular local business.
Beta Omicron members
and guests were recently given a
program about Human Trafficking
by Sister Shirley Fineran from
Briarcliff University. Through
facts and stories, they learned about
the frequency of this practice and
that it doesn’t only happen
elsewhere. The National Human
Trafficking Resource Center
provides a hotline for victims as
well as for people who either want
to learn more or to provide
information about concerns they
have observed: 1-888-373-7888.
One of Alpha Phi’s recent
programs was presented by Carol
Childress, the high school art
teacher at West Lyon. She spoke
about changes in art education and
shared some of her “recycling”
craft ideas.
Xi Chapter heard an
interesting and informative
program at their Oct. meeting.
“Learning About Autism” was
presented by Vicki Ries who is a
local educator as well as the parent
of an autistic child.
Chi Chapter has 27 new
teachers in their four county area.
Chapter members put together
Goody Bags including items for the
teachers’ classrooms, food items,
and feel-good items as well a DKG
brochures to be given to each one.
Iowa State Project
EMBRACE YOUR ENVIRONMENT! E nhance the learning environment for all! M agnify the importance of women and children's health! B uild on the strengths of individuals to touch lives in need! R ally behind causes that improve the environment! A dvocate for the value of education world-wide! C onduct informative workshops, meetings, and programs! E xhibit stewardship of our earth and its inhabitants!
Approved by Upsilon State Executive Board
September 26, 2015!
Upsilon State Members
Serving at International Level Six women whose names are very familiar to Upsilon state
members, because of their leadership at the state level are currently
serving DKG on International committees.
Connie Hoag, Mu, is a member of the Golden Gift Fund
Committee. Odelia Schrunk, Alpha, is a member of the Scholarship
Committee. Donna Niday, Eta, is chair of the World Fellowship
Committee. Connie Hoag and Carolyn Rants, Mu, are serving as liaisons
for the Educational Foundation. Carolyn Gould, Alpha Phi, is serving as
liaison for the Fine Arts Gallery.
Upsilon State is proud of each of you.
Pregler Photographs in Fine Arts Gallery The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Arts &
Humanities Jury is pleased to announce the publication of Winter Grove
and Silence, photographs, by Dawn M. Pregler in the DKG Gallery of
Fine Arts, an online gallery of works of art and letters at www.dkg.org.
Twenty-nine artists are featured in the fall exhibit.
Pregler, a resident of Dubuque, IA, is a member of Lambda
Chapter of the Iowa State Organization of the Society.
National Phi Theta Kappa Advisor of the Year Carlene Woodside (Alpha Iota), the Graphic Communications
instructor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor at Southeastern Community
College, Burlington, has been named one of PTK’s National Advisors of
the Year. The award recognizes advisors who have served at least four
years in PTK and have made significant contributions to the growth of
the chapter members, served as the chapter’s advocate on campus, and
encouraged the chapter to be involved at multiple levels.
Carlene and her students did the convention book for Upsilon
State’s 2011 Convention in Burlington.
Page 12 Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015
More Tidbits
Chi Chapter has 27 new
teachers in their four county area.
The members put together Goody
Bags including items for their
classrooms, food items, and feel-
good items as well a DKG
brochures to be given to each one.
Alpha Nu has donated
money to Marengo, North English,
Sigourney and Williams-burg
Public Libraries for their summer
reading programs.
Mary Smith, Alpha Iota
member and Burlington High
School teacher, was named both the
Iowa and National Teacher of the
Year in the culinary arts Pro-Start
Program.
Janelle Kimpston, Iota,
was the 2015 Gold Star for
Outstanding Teaching recipient!
Janelle is a kindergarten teacher at
Orange Elementary, Waterloo. She
is one of 10 recipients this year
from a field of 558 teachers who
were nominated for this award
presented by the RJ McElroy Trust
and KWWL TV.
Helen Smith celebrated
her 100th birthday on October 2,
2015. A 44-year member of Iota
Chapter, she celebrated her
birthday by meeting with 4th grade
students from Kingsley Elementary
School in Waterloo. A panel of six
students asked Helen questions
about her life and what it’s like to
be 100 years old.
Work of Education Excellence Committee Announced
Embrace Your Environment is the new state project approved
by the Executive Board at their meeting September 26, 2015. There are
many ways in which a chapter can carry out this state project. They may
wish to undertake a project that deals with women and children’s health
issues or food issues such as backpack programs and school gardens. Or
they may develop a new literacy or math project or recycle crayons. In
keeping with one of the legislative focuses they may find a project that
creates awareness of human trafficking and support for its victims. This
new project is wide open for chapter creativity.
A description of the new chapter project is posted on the website
and sent to each chapter president and Educational Excellence
Committee member.
Chapters will be invited to report on how they carried out the
state project at the 2016 and 2017 state conventions.
Submitted by Dr. Carolyn Rants, Mu
Honorary Member of Theta Chapter Passes Away
Joan Miller Lipsky died August 18, 2015, in Cedar Rapids. During her
96 years, she impacted many lives as well as the culture of Iowa. Joan was
received her B.S. in psychology from Northwestern University. She later
attended law school at the University of Iowa.
In 1966 Joan was the first woman to represent Linn County in the Iowa
General Assembly. While there she worked to improve Iowa’s institutions for
the mentally handicapped and to increase funding for special education
programs in public schools. She held special interest in working for women’s
social and economic equality and in reforming women’s prisons in Iowa. She
served six terms in the General Assembly.
Legislative Focus
Upsilon State Legislative Focus 2015-2016 will concentrate
on three items:
1) Iowa’s need to develop a comprehensive Safe Harbor
Law to protect victims of Human Trafficking,
2) Ways to assist higher education to be affordable to all,
3) Adequate, equitable, and timely PreK-12 funding
March 2, 2016, has been designated as Upsilon State
Legislative Day at the Iowa Capitol. Judith Olson is the
legislative member of the Educational Excellence Committee and
can be contacted at [email protected] by Feb. 15, for details about
the day in Des Moines. The National Legislative Seminar for Key
Women Educators will be held in Washington, D.C. March 13-
16, 2016.
The entire Legislative Focus information is sent to each
chapter president and posted on the state website.
Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015 Page 13
International Website
Redesigned
The redesigned DKG
website is now online and
ready for members to access.
Begin at dkg.org as usual, but
members will sign in using
the “Sign In” area on the
home page. Enter your
member ID (It can be found
above your name on address
labels and is the first six
digits of the number.) and the
default password you’ve
acquired from your chapter
president. For security
reasons, the password is not
published in DKG News or
on the website.
Members can contact
their chapter presidents or
Society Headquarters for
assistance.
Through the member
portal, you can create a
profile, allow other members
to connect with you
electronically, change your
personal contact information
in the Society headquarters
database (international but
not state organization), and
engage in social and
professional communities.
It is important to keep
your personal information
current with the Membership
Dept. to receive Society
materials.
Upsilon State News Bulletin
Nancy Middaugh, Editor
PO Box 71
Hamburg, IA 51640
712-382-2081
“
Convention Invitation
All roads lead to the Mississippi for the 2016 DKG Upsilon State’s 80th Convention.
Located in beautiful NE Iowa, Area 7 Chapters: Lambda, Phi and Beta Alpha are working hard to plan spirited workshops, tour opportunities and memorable moments.
Dubuque known as the “Key City", will host you key women educators June 10-12.
Plan to stay at the 100 year old historic Hotel Julien Dubuque at 200 Main. Dubuque is Iowa’s oldest city (1833) and Julien Dubuque its oldest settler (1785).
All your favorite parts of convention will be there plus a few “surprises”. Register Early! America’s River Festival will be taking place the same weekend, so rooms will be in demand.
Page 14 Upsilon State News Bulletin Winter 2015