Members of the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Upsilon chapter celebrated Christmas in the tradition of their sisters in Norway, Finland, Sweden and Estonia for their December meeting.

This is a way our members learn about our DKG International sisters and their countries.

Hostesses were Gayle McAlister, Ginger Saylor, Louise Hester and Joyce Strickland. The printed menu featured food from each country, with appetizers including Swedish sausage balls, Estonia cheese and Swedish eggnog; the main course being Denmark ham, Finnish sour cream potatoes and Denmark purple slaw; and, for dessert, frozen Finnish dessert with Vaniljekranse Denmark cookie.

A 15-point questionnaire was given to members to complete regarding the Scandinavian countries. Members learned Norway is the world’s best view of the Northern lights; was the first European country to join DKG; and is home to the world’s largest population of Arctic reindeer herds. We also highlighted Sweden as the home of inventors of the zipper, Coke bottle, the Celsius scale, pacemaker, dynamite and SoundCloud.

The DKG Alpha Upsilon program/project was the World Fellowship Fund and Silent Auction. Rebecca Massey, chairperson, coordinated the silent auction, and members donated items. The silent auction raised more than $200 for the World Fellowship.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International established the World Fellowship Scholarships program for women educators who want to continue their professional growth in the field of education. Each year up to 30 scholarships are awarded for women pursuing advanced degrees, including master’s degrees and doctorates.

The scholarships are named after women who have made significant contributions in the area of education. One example is Annie Webb Blanton, for whom a scholarship was established in 1939. She held three degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy from Cornell. She taught at North Texas State University and the University of Texas, and she became the first woman president of the Texas State Teachers Association. She ran for Congress after completing her position as state superintendent of public instruction.

The scholarships are for members of The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. Since the organization formed the scholarship program in 1940, it has awarded $4,611,500 in scholarships to 1,073 members.

SISTER SPOTLIGHT: DEBBIE NALE

Debbie Nale, treasurer, was recognized for the DKG Alpha Upsilon Sister Spotlight.

She has been a member of DKG for 12 years and has served as Alpha Upsilon past president.

Debbie earned her Bachelor of Science, master’s and administrative degrees from the University of North Alabama and University of West Alabama. She has taught English and served as librarian at Russellville High School, in the Franklin County Schools system and at Northwest-Shoals Community College. She is also involved in various community organizations.

In other business, Beverly Donaldson reported she has been appointed to serve on the Delta Kappa Gamma Alabama Personnel Committee. President Cheri McCain will submit the Alpha Upsilon reports to DKG by Feb. 1, 2023.

The next meeting will be held March 6, 2023.

Members were reminded to register for the Alabama State Convention March 3-5, 2023.