By Susie Hovater Malone
Lifestyles Columnist

The Alabama state Delta Kappa Gamma held its annual leadership seminar June 14-16, 2023, at the Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Marion, Alabama. Cheri McCain, president, and Debbie Beason, secretary, represented DKG Alpha Upsilon Chapter at the two-day seminar.

MMI is one of four junior military colleges in the nation authorized to commission qualified cadets as officers in the U.S. Army after only two years of college through the Early Commissioning Program. Founded in 1842, it is the official state military college of Alabama and the nation’s oldest military junior college.

DKG members toured the MMI campus. A new dining facility is scheduled to open by the fall 2023 semester. A new math and science building is also planned.

Additional plans include a dual-enrollment program with local high schools, a law enforcement program and an expanded program for students interested in civilian aviation.

MMI athletics include baseball, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis, softball, men’s and women’s cross country and men’s and women’s golf. MMI has produced NFL players, lawmakers, governors, high-ranking military leaders and decorated veterans.

The DKG Alabama seminar included sessions on leadership characteristics, leadership skills, time management, professionalism, a fashion show on what’s appropriate to wear and not to wear and parliamentary procedures.

A recommitment luncheon was held in the Marion Methodist Church Chapel. Dawn Pettit, DKG second vice president, gave the welcoming remarks. Wendy Stephens, Alabamastate president 2013-2015, was the guest speaker.

Penny Christian, DKG Alabama state presidentand Ann Jones, Alabama first vice president and president elect, conducted the presentation of certificates.

Alpha Upsilon members Cheri McCain and Debbie Beason received certificates for their participation in the seminar and received seven hours each of continuing education credit.  

Elizabeth Watson, DKG Alabama state executive secretary/state president 2005-2007, and Martha Knight, parliamentarian/state president 2009-2010 conducted the re-commitment ceremony.

​The theme for the ceremony was “Wild About Leadership.” Members recommitment response goals included the following: