Dear Sisters,

We are all challenged to balance the different roles we have in our lives. This has become evident to me as I have sat down to write this message. As I have written, I have sat through a gymnastics practice and waited to board a flight to travel to Texas for work. There are so many things vying for our time and we have to make choices about how we spend that very limited resource. Being an active AGD alumna is one role that has continued to be rewarding in so many ways and worth the investment of time.

One of the rewards is sisterhood. I am amazed how women from different parts of the country and of different ages can be “sisters” in Alpha Gamma Delta. This was reinforced at convention this year. I had never been to convention before and was surprised that instead of finding women I had never met, I found over 600 sisters.

Another benefit is the ability to contribute to my community. The work we do to assist Gales Creek and support diabetes research is so important. Our events are fun and because of the generous support of the members we are able to contribute time, expertise and money to these and other worthwhile organizations.

I’m so excited for the year ahead and the programs that Birgit Becker has put together for us. During the upcoming year, I hope to bring a little of what I learned to each meeting. Attending convention was like drinking from a fire hose. The information came fast and there was a lot of it. The theme this year was “Navigating with Purpose.” Some of the sessions that were particularly relevant included information for alumnae chapters to attract members, find ways to keep them engaged, and balancing the competing time requirements in our lives (bringing this full circle to where it started). I realized there was so much I wish I had known as President of the organization last year.

Perhaps one of the most satisfying “take-aways” of convention is that the AGD Purpose written over a century ago is as relevant and contemporary today as when it was written.

Through AGD there are women in my life whom I would not have met in any other way, and my life would be poorer for it. I am grateful for each and every one of you!

Loyally in epsilon pi,

Jenny Roehm,

President Greater Portland Alumnae Club