Marguerite entered Syracuse University in the fall of 1900. After completing two years of work she taught another year in Dunkirk, New York, but returned to college in 1903. The next spring Alpha Gamma Delta was founded. Marguerite served as chapter vice-president until her graduation, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She helped write and made many valuable suggestions for both the Ritual and Constitution. She was the first Grand Vice-President (1907-1909) and Second Grand President (1909-1910).
Marguerite Shepard entered Chapter Grand on December 13, 1947.
Estelle Shepard Beswick
Estelle entered Syracuse University in 1903. As Estelle was the first one to respond with any enthusiasim to the idea of a new fraternity at Syracuse, every Alpha Gamma Delta's hat is off to her. When others were perplexed and discouraged, Estelle often set them all laughing and solved their problems. Estelle served as the first extension chairman. She is the author of "The Alpha Gamma Delta Girl" and with Emily Helen Butterfield, co-author of "The Alpha Gamma Delta Goat," both popular songs in the early days. Estelle graduated in 1908 with Phi Beta Kappa and in the fall of 1909 became the first editor of the Alpha Gamma Delta Quarterly.
"As a founder, I am impressed with the steadfastness with which our early ideas of democracy, of scholarship and of friendliness have been preserved in our organization."
Estelle entered Chapter Grand on January 9, 1944.
Georgia Alberta Dickover
Before entering Syracuse University, Georgia attended Wilkes-Barre public schools and Wyoming Seminary. At the end of her freshman year she became the third member of the Alpha Gamma Delta founders. With Edith MacConnell Hickok she worked long and faithfully in compiling the Ritual. She was on the first committee on the constitution. As president of Alpha Chapter, Georgia had the honor of presiding over the first session of the First National Convention of the Fraternity in May 1907.
After graduation, Georgia taught English and History at Wilkes-Barre high school. She served as Historian of the Fraternity for 18 years. She was a wearer of the Circle of Epsilon Pi.
"Ideals are mere platitudes until a vivid personality gives us a burning vision of their use."
Georgia Alberta Dickover entered Chapter Grand on October 3, 1965.
Jennie Titus Smith Morris
Jennie was born in Wilmington, Delaware. She gave as her reason for becoming founder of Alpha Gamma Delta, Dr. Coddington's interest and assurance of the need for more women's fraternities. Jennie was one of only two juniors in the founding group. She served as the first president of Alpha Chapter. She is author of the songs "Friendship" and "To Thee" and a considerable part of the Ritual. Jennie wore the first badge and treasured it always.
Jennie was Grand President from the First National Convention, May 1907, until the third, May 1911.
"To surpass is mere number of chapters is not our aim. That would be unworthy. Let us be known as a fraternity satisfired with only the highest attainment of character and scholarship."
Jennie Titus Smith Morris entered Chapter Grand on May 30, 1958.
Ethel Evelyn Brown Distin
At Syracuse it was Ethel's admiration for the aims of Alpha Gamma Delta and Jennie Titus that brought her into the new fraternity. Ethel was president of Alpha Chapter from 1905-1906. After graduation, Ethel taught English and history at Saranac Lake,New York and Glen Cove, Long Island.
Ethel Brown Distin entered Chapter Grand on February 21, 1959.
