Saturday, April 30, 2016

Meet our seniors- Kaelyn, Rachel, Shelby and Ashlee


Kaelyn Wolfe is a communications studies major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta she has served as the New Member Educator and the Collegiate Chapter President. At Southern Miss, Kaelyn has been a member of Campus Crusades, GEWW crew, Communication Studies Student Association and the SGA Election Commission. Kaelyn's favorite Tri Delta memory is the St. Jude's/Tri Delta Leadership Conference she attended in February 2015. During the conference, she was able to listen to patient and family testimonies.
"I remember vividly one of the mothers saying, 'As weird as it sounds, our family is thankful in a way for cancer. It has brought us closer together as a family, it has given us strength, and has made us lean on the Lord. Tri Delta will always be a part of our healing process, and we know that these triangles on the walls are the reason this hospital exists.' I think I had always known the impact Tri Delta makes on St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, but to hear from patients and parents just how much our hard work is needed really solidified that mission for me and made me prouder than ever to be a Tri Delta."
After graduation this December, Kaelyn has a few different options that she would like to pursue with student affairs/higher education.


Rachel Wooten is a nursing major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Through out her four years, Rachel has been involved with the Wesley Foundation, Christian Nursing Fellowship, and the Sigma Theta Tau international society of nursing. Rachel's favorite Tri Delta memory is from the Hattiesburg snow storm of 2014. Rachel and Katherine were snowed in at Laken and Landon's parents' house for two days while school was cancelled. They slid down the hill in the snow on garbage can lids, ate so much food, played games, and didn't worry about school at all. After graduation, Rachel plans to move back to Jackson, Mississippi and apply for jobs at the surrounding hospitals. "I am excited to see where my nursing career takes me and what the future holds."


Shelby York is a public relations major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. During her time in Tri Delta, Shelby has served as the Community Service Chairman and the Vice President of Public Relations. At Southern Miss, Shelby has served as a Gamma Rho Chi, member of Campus Crusades, and involved with several honor societies. Her favorite Tri Delta memory was living in the "Black Pearl" (Hillcrest) with her "fellow pirate, Madison Bourne".
"We decorated our room in Hillcrest like a pirate ship equipped with authentic pirate flags. We were also given a microwave from 1970 that had a dial, and we found wasps and lizards on our floor all of the time. We even had an entire banner painted on the floor because I didn't put anything under the sheet and all the paint stained the floor. Every day was an adventure!"
After graduation this May, Shelby will take the summer to apply for PR jobs in the Birmingham and Nashville areas.


Ashlee Zila is an exercise science major. She joined Tri Delta in 2012 at Mississippi State but transferred to the Southern Miss chapter later that year. During her time at Southern Miss, Ashlee has been involved with the Exercise Physiology Club. Her favorite Tri Delta memory is touring St. Jude's. She loved singing "happy birthday" to a patient who was receiving treatment at the time.
"It really just put everything into perspective and reminded me why we do all of the things we do."
After graduation this May, Ashlee plans to attend PA school.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Meet our seniors- Alex, Elise, Kamie, Becca, and Katherine



Alex Robinson is a dance performance and choreography major from Tennessee. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta she has served as Dance Chairman and brought home PC 15 as the Vice President of Membership. Her favorite memory in Tri Delta is her last bid day. After serving on recruitment team all summer, Alex loved seeing our chapter work together for recruitment and watching all of the sweet new members run home to us. After she graduates this May, Alex plans to move to Chicago for an internship. She is engaged to Cody King.







Elise Seale is an Interdisciplinary Studies major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta she has served as the Panhellenic Delegate and the Vice President of Finance. At Southern Miss, Elise has been involved in Eagle Connection, Phi Kappa Phi, and Honors College. Elise also served on the College Panhellenic Council as a Gamma Rho Chi and the Vice President of Risk Management. Elise's favorite memory in Tri Delta is bid day this past August. She ran home to Tri Delta after disassociating all summer for CPC Exec.  After she graduates this May, Elise plans to move to Nashville and begin law school at Vanderbilt.




Kamie Stephens is a nursing major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta, Kamie served as both the Intramural Chairman and Housing Chairman. On campus, Kamie served as a member of the Honors College, Sigma Theta Tau international society of nursing, Lamda Sigma honors society, Phi Kappa Phi honors society, Gamma Phi Beta honors society, Gold Key honors society, and as a GEWW crew leader. Kamie also served as a Gamma Rho Chi. Her favorite Tri Delta memory is singing "happy birthday" to a little boy at St. Jude's. After graduation Kamie plans to work as a registered nurse at St. Tammany hospital in Mandeville, Louisiana.




Rebecca West is an entertainment industry major from Gulfport, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Her favorite Tri Delta memory is getting her little, Larsen. "She's my twin, mini me, and my bestie." After graduation, Becca will be in search of a job. She is also engaged to Brandon Bell.














Katherine Whitehead is a nursing major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Through out her time at Southern Miss Katherine has been involved in the Student Government Association, the Wesley Foundation, Sigma Theta Tau international society of nursing, and Christian Nursing Fellowship. Katherine's favorite Tri Delta memory is the tacky Christmas party that her and her roommates planned for their pledge class. They had so much fun decorating and preparing for the party.
"After the party, my roommates and I stayed up doing lip syncing videos, being weird, and practicing our dance moves! It was all around the most fun night and one of the many memories that I will never forget!" After graduation, Katherine plans to move home to Madison, Mississippi and apply for nursing positions with Batson Children's Hospital.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Meet our seniors- Courtney, Nancy, Kylie, Liz, and Elise


Courtney Miller is a nutrition major from Maryville, Tennessee. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 13. Courtney is a member of the Student Nutrition Association. Her favorite Tri Delta memory was getting her little. After graduation, she plans to move home to Tennessee with her adorable dog!







Nancy Miller is a human resources management major from Long Beach, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Nancy has been involved with the Southern Miss Activities Council and many many Tri Delta dances. Her favorite Tri Delta memories are the ones where she is dancing. "I have thoroughly enjoyed dancing for skit, philanthropy, and homecoming dances, and step shows to represent this amazing chapter." After graduation, Nancy plans to move home to the coast in search of a job.








Kylie Perry is a public relations major from Gulfport, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta she has previously served as the Sponsor Chairman and Social Chairman. At Southern Miss, she is involved with PRSSA. Her favorite Tri Delta memory is when she visited St. Jude's for the first time. "It really opened my eyes to how wonderful the hospital is and how lucky I am to be a part of it." After graduation, Kylie plans to move to the coast and work in the casino industry doing public relations and/or event planning.








Elizabeth Quave is a nursing major from Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. On campus, Liz has been involved with Sigma Theta Tau international honor society of nursing, Phi Kappa Phi honor society, and the Christian Nurses Fellowship. Liz's favorite Tri Delta memory was running home to her older sister, Mandy, on bid day her freshman year. "It was such an amazing moment to share with my sister!" After graduation, Liz plans to move to Flowood in search of a nursing job in Jackson.







Elise Rice is a nursing major from Gulfport, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta, Elise has served as Social Chairman and the Vice President of Membership. Her favorite Tri Delta memory was planning grab-a-dates for Tri Delta as Social Chair. "I love surprises so announcing it to the chapter was always so much fun!" Elise's plans after college are to be determined.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Meet our seniors- Sophie, Katelyn, Taylor, Emily, and Betsy




Sophie Jernigan is a biological sciences major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Sophie has served as a member of the Gamma Phi Beta honor society, Golden Key honor society, Signage and Wayfinding University committee, and the 2012 SGA Cabinet. Sophie is also a Luckyday scholar. Her favorite Tri Delta memory was visiting St. Jude's. After graduation this May, Sophie will attend the University of Mississippi Medical Center's School of Health Related Professions to get her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.







Katelyn Knight is a speech pathology and audiology major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 13. Katelyn has served Southern Miss as a member of NSSHLA and captain of the Dixie Darlings. We will miss cheering her on every Saturday in the Rock! Katelyn's favorite Tri Delta memory is dancing in skit. After graduation, she plans to move home to work in the school system before attending graduate school.











Taylor Lewis is a sales and marketing major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Taylor is a member of the American Marketing Association. She also has served as our beloved Chuck the Chicken's mom for the past year. Taylor's favorite Tri Delta memory is being named as Chuck's "mom". She said, "I was so shocked when he was passed down to me my junior year." After graduation, Taylor will return to her hometown of Fairhope, Alabama to intern over the summer with a public relations firm.








Emily McDermott is an exercise science major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Through out her four years at Southern Miss, she's been involved with the College Republicans Association, Catholic Student Association, Exercise Science Club, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Emily's favorite Tri Delta memory was pulling a Halloween prank on another member.
"By far, my favorite memory in Tri Delta was during my sophomore year living in Hillcrest when Betsy, Courtney, Elise, and I pulled the Halloween prank on Becca Hebert. We got Elise to hide in the closet and then told Becca we were going to surprise Elise when she walked in the door. Little did Becca know, Elise was right behind her the whole time and she was clueless. After a few minutes of watching Becca sing Phantom of the Opera and cracking up laughing, Elise popped out from behind the closet curtain and Becca went flying into the air screaming and crying. We sent the video to Ellen DeGeneres in hopes of making the video go viral."
After graduation this May, Emily will be working for Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. She will begin applying for PT school and one day opening her own orthopedic and sports medicine clinic on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.



Betsy Mercier is an elementary education major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta, Betsy has served as the assistant of Activities Chair, Licensing Chairman, and Philanthropy Chairman. She even won the NATIONAL award for Philanthropy Chairman of the Year for Tri Delta! At Southern Miss, Betsy has served as a member of Southern Style 2015, EMSA, College Republicans, Catholic Student Association, Luckyday Scholar, various honor socieites, and in the Student Government Association in the Senate and Philanthropy Commission branches. Betsy's favorite Tri Delta memories were anything to do with philanthropy and raising money for St. Jude's- especially Tri Hop 2015, a philanthropy event she created! After she graduates in May, Betsy has a couple of job opportunities that she is deciding on.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Meet our seniors- Kathryn Duke, Abbie, JoAnna, Kathryn H, and Becca

Kathryn Duke is a public relations major from New Orleans, Louisiana. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. On campus she's been involved in PRSSA, The Agency, Kappa Tau Alpha honor society, and served as a public relations intern for the Office of Greek Life. Kathryn served in Tri Delta as the Social Media Chairman and an assistant to the Sponsor Chairman and Recruitment Team. She's won a variety of awards for her work in public relations such as the Public Relations Association of Mississippi's Student of the Year and the Sales and Marketing Professional Pine Belt's Rising Star Scholar.
Her favorite Tri Delta memory is from skit day this past recruitment. "It was skit day, our last skit party had just finished and it hit everyone that it was the last skit we would all ever perform. And, I just remember everyone running into the chapter room going crazy and dancing all around because we had just killed our last performance and we were killing recruitment.... The energy and excitement in the room was insane."
Following graduation, Kathryn plans to move to Atlanta to pursue a career in public relations.


Abbie Gunkel is an elementary and math education major with an endorsement in music and reading. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In her four years on campus, Abbie has been involved in a variety of organizations at Southern Miss such as: USM women's lacrosse club, Southern Miss Activities Council (SMAC), Student Government Association (SGA), Eagle Connection, Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, GEWW crew, and Diamond Darlings. Abbie also won several awards for her dedication to these organizations- SMAC's Most Important Event Programmer and Athena Leadership Award and SGA's Outstanding Leadership Award.
Abbie's favorite memory from Tri Delta was running home to her sister on bid day. "Throughout recruitment week, I was torn between sororities; I wanted to make a name for myself without being someone's 'little sister'.  On sisterhood day, I saw the sincere sisterhood of Tri Delta and I knew that the girls were not defining me by my sister; they genuinely wanted to get to know me."
After graduation next May, Abbie plans to move back to the coast to teach while working towards a Masters of Education.


JoAnna Gunnufsen is a history major with licensure in social studies for grades 7-12. JoAnna joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 14. While at Southern Miss, she's been involved with Lambda Sigma honor society, Phi Eta Sigma honor society, Honors College, and she's served as the Vice President and Treasurer of Phi Alpha Theta. JoAnna was recently named as one of the 50 students chosen to represent Southern Miss in the Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. In Tri Delta, JoAnna served as the Chapter Correspondent. She described her favorite Tri Delta memory as visiting St. Jude's with our entire chapter her senior year. After graduation, JoAnna plans to teach social studies to middle/high school students.



Kathryn Hamrick is a nutrition and dietetics major from Mobile, Alabama. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Through out her time in Tri Delta, she has served as the Body Image Coordinator and the Vice President of Administration. Kathryn described her favorite Tri Delta memory is living in Hillcrest with her pledge class. Everyone had the chance to get closer and see each other all of the time. Following graduation this May, Kathryn will intern for the Morrison Chartwell's Dietetic Internship. She is engaged to Scott Byrd.












Becca Hebert is a broadcast journalism major from Gulfport, Mississippi.  She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Through out her time in Tri Delta, she's served as the Risk Management Chairman and Secretary.

Becca has a passion for Christmas. Her favorite Tri Delta memory was during finals week of her junior year. "A few of my friends and I decided to decorate the house for Christmas... we went through a closet and found tons of Christmas decorations and decided to decorate the house! We put a 7.5 Christmas tree in the foyer, put decorations around the house and decorated the outside with pretty Christmas lights, all while jamming to Christmas music! It was so much fun and such great procrastination during finals week!" After graduating in May, Becca will move to Atlanta to begin her new job with Risk Placement Services.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Meet our seniors- Elizabeth, Abbey, Claire, Jordan, and Landon


Elizabeth Bowab is a speech pathology major from Mobile, Alabama. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. In Tri Delta, Elizabeth served as the Chapter Correspondent and Academic Chairman. On campus, she's served as a member of Southern Style 2014, Eagle Connection, NSSLHA, Catholic Student Association, GEWW Crew member and she is a Leadership scholar. Elizabeth described her favorite Tri Delta memory as the infamous Southern Miss snow day in 2014. Her and her friends found the Tri Delta house's wet floor signs and used them to slide around outside. After graduation, Elizabeth will be starting the master's program for speech pathology at the University of South Alabama.



Abbey Cobb is an elementary education major from Madison, Mississippi. Abbey joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Abbey previously served as the Music Chairman in Tri Delta and served as a member of the 2014 GEWW crew team. Her favorite Tri Delta memories were the unexpected dance sessions after we completed skit during recruitment. The chapter would just crank up the music and dance on stage for the fun of it. After graduation, Abbey has accepted a position with Saint Clement of Rome Catholic School in Metairie, Louisiana as a second grade teacher.





Claire Copponex is a speech pathology and audiology major from Gulfport, Mississippi. Claire joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. She is a Leadership scholar and a member of the NSSLHA, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. In Tri Delta, Claire served as the Licensing Chairman and a member of Recruitment Team. Her favorite memory would be living in the Tri Delta house. She says- as cliche as it is, she loved staying up late and goofing off with all of her best friends. After graduation, she will return back to the coast and apply to speech pathology graduate programs.






Jordan Crager is an elementary education major who joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. She previously served as the Treasurer and Vice President of Chapter Development in Tri Delta. On campus, Jordan is a member of EMSA, Kappa Delta Pi honor society, and is a Leadership scholar. Her favorite Tri Delta memory is the Christmas party that her and her roommates hosted for their pledge class in their cottage. "It was so much fun having almost all of us in one place, enjoying yummy foods and playing dirty santa with socks," said Jordan. After graduating this May, Jordan will move back to her hometown in Rankin County to search for a position with elementary education.



Landon Drennan is a liberal arts major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Landon joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Landon's favorite Tri Delta memory was visiting St. Jude's this past fall.
"It was very inspirational and a trip I will never forget. It was a bittersweet moment to walk into Tri Delta Place and know that the past 4 years of fundraising for our philanthropy truly helps their patients and has a big impact on their lives," said Landon.
Landon will graduate this May and work in Hattiesburg. She will marry Willam Landrum this October.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Meet our seniors- Courtney, Hailey, Ashley, Gabby, and Madison


Courtney Altmyer is a nursing major from New Orleans, Louisiana. Courtney joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 13. During her time, she has blessed us with her love for Taylor Swift and hilarious powerpoints for meetings. Courtney has been involved on campus as a Gamma Chi, Junior Panhellenic Council, and the Catholic Student Association. Her favorite Tri Delta memory was her bid day. "It was birthday themed which I absolutely loved and I was FINALLY a Tri Delta," said Courtney. After college Courtney plans to move back to New Orleans and search for a nursing job. 









Hailey Bankston is a elementary education major from Gulfport, Mississippi. Hailey joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 15 during spring recruitment. Hailey's favorite Tri Delta memory was our sisterhood retreat at Red Bluff. This fall, she will be student teaching and plans to graduate in December.


















Ashley Boone is a speech pathology major from Columbia, Mississippi. Ashley joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Through out her 4 years at Southern Miss, Ashley has been involved in a variety of honor societies and has even maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is a Luckyday scholar and a volunteer for the Dubard School of Language. Ashley's favorite Tri Delta memory was the sisterhood retreat to the New Orleans Zoo. The chapter took a day trip together to visit the zoo and stopped for beignets after! In May, Ashley will begin graduate school for speech pathology.











Gabrielle Agner-Boudreaux is a dance performance and choreographer major. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 13. Gabby previously served as the Dance Chair for Tri Delta and spent countless hours helping us to succeed in many dance competitions. Gabby is engaged to Nick Person. We cannot wait to watch her become a beautiful bride!












Madison Bourne is a therapeutic recreation major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She joined Tri Delta as a member of PC 12. Through out her 4 years on campus, Madison has served as an active member of the Wesley Foundation, Campus Crusades, and held a position on the College Panhellenic Council Executive Board. Her contagious smile is always seen at almost every Tri Delta event! Madison described one of her favorite memories in Tri Delta as the night her and her other Tri Delta roommates made lipsyncing videos in their Cottage. Madison said she laughed so much that night that its one of her top memories ever. After college she will head to Atlanta, Georgia to complete an internship this summer at the Shepard Center, a rehabilitation hospital, doing therapeutic recreation with patients in the spinal cord injury unit. She continues to place all of the glory to God.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

April Member of the Month - Lauren Gardner

Lauren Gardner is a junior, psychology major from Star, Mississippi. She is a member of PC 14.






In her 3 years at Southern Miss, Lauren has been involved in the Wesley Foundation Leadership Team and Southern Miss Behavior and Alcohol Research Lab. Lauren is also a Luckyday Scholar and a member of the Honors College.



"I chose Tri Delta because it allows me to be myself, but the women in the chapter also push me to do all I can during my time at Southern Miss," said Lauren.
















Lauren recently represented Southern Miss at the Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) in New Orleans. She even won a regional award for her research!













Lauren is our member of the month because of her steadfast dedication to Tri Delta. You can always expect to see Lauren at every meeting or Tri Delta event with a smile on her face. We love you!


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Southern Miss Founder's Day 2016

March 30th is the day the University of Southern Mississippi honors as Founder's Day to celebrate the legislative founding of our university. Several members of Tri Delta attended the afternoon ceremony and a few received recognition for their dedication to Southern Miss.

Betsy Mercier - Who's Who

Betsy Mercier (left) is a senior, elementary education major from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She previously served as Phi Epsilon's philanthropy chair and even won 2015 Philanthropy Chairman of the year out of every Tri Delta chapter in the world! On campus, Betsy has served as a member of Southern Style orientation team, Student Government Association Senate and Philanthropy Commission, Sigma Chi fraternity sweetheart for the Theta Delta chapter, Senior Homecoming Maid, and a Luckyday Scholar. She was selected as one of 50 students at Southern Miss for Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities for 2016.


Bailey Stokes - Outstanding Freshman of the Year Finalist


Bailey Stokes is a freshman biological sciences major from Biloxi, Mississippi. She currently serves as the collegiate alumnae relations chair for Phi Epsilon. On campus, Bailey serves as a member of Freshman Associates for the Student Government Association, Vice President for the Junior Panhellenic Council, Catholic Student Association, Luckyday Scholar, and the Lamda Sigma and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. She was awarded as one of the finalists for the Most Outstanding Freshman of the Year.




Autumn Sobel - Student Government Association Attorney General 2016

Autumn is a junior, history major from Crystal Lake, Illinois. She currently serves as the social chairman for Phi Epsilon. On campus, Autumn serves as a member of the Southern Style orientation team, Phi Eta Sigma honor society, Golden Eagle Welcome Week crew, and Eagle Connection. She also serves as the Vice President of the Legacy Student Alumni Association, Delta Tau Delta fraternity sweetheart of the Zeta Chi chapter, and previously served as the attorney general of SGA for 2015. Autumn was inaugurated into her second term as attorney general and swore in the other SGA executive officers at the ceremony.




We are so proud of all our fantastic members and their accomplishments at Southern Miss. We are even prouder to be students at the University of Southern Mississippi and celebrate our 106th anniversary. Southern Miss To The Top!