|
|
|
After so many years what does the IGU experience mean in the grand scheme of life?
Over the years, the academic lessons have faded from my brain for lack of use in
everyday life, because who needs to analyze a vector or solve a differential
equation? But the lessons learned in IGU such as how to run a
meeting, how to mobilize a reluctant team into action, and knowing when to tread
lightly have been extremely useful. Learning these important people skills and group dynamics has
been ever so useful over the years in both business (I've owned 3 businesses.) and personal venues. (I've
been president of community associations and various charitable groups.)
But the life-long friendships are much more important than the leadership skills. When I've faced problems over the years, the first people I call are my IGU friends and the reverse is also true. I recall a spring IGU luncheon a few years ago where a large group of alumns from the '70's rallied around a sister who'd struggled through harsh cancer treatments. It was a major goal for her to be there and she'd made it (wearing a wig). The emotional significance of seeing her surrounded by her long-time friends, some of whom she hadn't seen in twenty years still takes my breath away.
Ginny (Mallison) Stibolt '65
I pledged
in the fall of 1962, the first pledge class when rush was held in Mem
Hall. The usual perks of sororities -- a house, good food, help from the
national -- didn't compare to the attraction I felt for the original 13.
And the rewards of building a sorority that reflected my values and philosophies
made Iota Gam my first and only choice submitted to Pan Hel. I started
out as class of '66, but marriage and children postponed graduation until
'72.
I can truly say that I learned more about real life from my Iota Gam experiences than from any other source at UMass -- how to make do with very little and maximize on all assets, to work cooperatively with others to achieve a common goal, to overcome differences that threaten survival, when to compromise and when to stand firm for important principles, when to be a part of the group and when to stand alone as an individual.
Helen (Tefs) Marshall '66
I got very teary as I read in the Link about the
woman whose sisters rallied around her at the 2002 reunion as she was
battling cancer; I am that woman.....
After a diagnosis on 9/11 (yes THAT 9/11) of ovarian cancer, I am happy to say that I am coming up on my 5th year anniversary and am well. I can not ever explain the lift I got from seeing so many of my sisters that Sat., reminiscing about our days at the house, laughing over stories we would NEVER tell our kids.
My illness prompted 2 of my sisters and I to make a pledge not to wait for a once a year visit. Since then Jeri Ross and Mim Kaiser and I have made an annual winter trip to FL for a girls weekend, and a summer weekend in Maine. We have now known each other for 34 years and there is no friend like an old friend.
In August of 2003 my husband threw a 50th birthday party for me. A dozen IGU's including both my big and little sister and 8 Beta Phi's ( some of whom I hadn't seen in 25 years) partied like the old days.
Two weeks ago I spent the weekend in NYC (my daughter Jenna is a student at FIT) with the Craig twins and their husbands. Each has a daughter who is a cheerleader (surprise, surprise) one for UConn and the other for Villinova. We laughed over escapades we had while going to the NIT's. Pam Philips and her husband met us for dinner on Friday night where she reminded me that she finally has her revenge for all the crap I used to give her about being a fashion major now that my daughter is one!
The past few years have reminded me that our rituals say "membership in IGU binds me to her all through life" Yes it does and I will be forever grateful...............
Ann Strandberg-Sico '75
Reunion in 2002 - there are now more than 700 alumnae of IGU.
If you're an IGU alum and would like to add your thoughts to this page, please
forward your essay to Ginny gstibolt@sky-bolt.com.
