James Madison University
Gamma Tau Chapter Sets Record

Many Tri Deltas know the saying, "If you build it, they will come." Well, Tri Delta "built it" at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., and "they" all came; "they" being the largest charter class in Tri Delta history.

Many long hours were spent preparing the new members for their initiation. For months, resident field consultant Mary Claire Alexander, Kentucky, and Ellen Zeringue, Tennessee, educated the chapter on Tri Delta's history and tradition. On Thursday, April 2, 152 charter members and two honor initiates were initiated into Tri Delta's 160th chapter, Gamma Tau. Due to the large number of initiates, the installation team consisted of many Fraternity volunteers, Executive Office staff members, and collegiate and alumnae chapter members who conducted four different sets of initiation ceremonies. All worked hard to make this special event memorable.

Friday's festivities included the debut of Delta Shop's chapter visit program, a campus reception where university officials, parents, and campus leaders streamed into the new chapter house for two hours, and the installation banquet at the Ingleside Resort and Conference Center in Staunton, Va. The banquet was attended by more than 375 family and friends. Banquet attendees were treated to a wonderful program including a variety of speakers as well as the presentation of he Gamma Tau charter, testimonials from chapter members, badge pillow gifts from the nearby Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter, a choir rendition of "Tri Delt is a Feeling" and the traditional candle lighting ceremony.