STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State Texans spending the Thanksgiving break on campus were treated to “blessing bags” of food and supplies last week by members of the Gamma Zeta Texas Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International as part of a community initiative to support those in need during the holidays.
Dr. Sherri Benn, Tarleton State Vice President for Global, Community and First-gen Initiatives, said the goody bags were meant to bring comfort, care and a sense of community to those who remained on campus during the break — including students who may not have a traditional family home to return to.
“We are deeply grateful to Tarleton State retiree Dr. Ann Calahan and the Gamma Zeta Texas Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International for their generosity and heartfelt support of our students,” said Dr. Benn. “This thoughtful gesture affirms that they are valued members of our Texan family, and we appreciate the educators’ continued dedication to our students’ well-being.”
Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) is an international professional honor society for women educators that promotes their professional and personal growth and excellence in education. Dr. Calahan, a retired professor and former department head for Curriculum and Instruction at Tarleton State, said the local Gamma Zeta chapter, established in 1941 with area women educators from Erath County and surrounding areas, selects projects each year to serve the surrounding community. Currently they supply “Treats for Treehouse,” an after school program operated by First United Methodist Church for elementary-age children of working parents, as well partner with UNICEF and DKG International to support the GIRLS Fund (Girls Initiative to Revitalize Learning and Success). In addition, Gamma Zeta selects two graduating education students each year for scholarships. This year they also created the “blessing bags.”
“As a retired professor and former student, I knew there would be a need for Tarleton State students,” Dr. Calahan said. “These ‘blessing bags’ are another way for us to support education in our community while helping students at Tarleton State and at the high school.”
To participate in future efforts to support Tarleton State Texans in need, please contact Dr. Dana Fitzpatrick at 254-968-0506 or dfitzpatrick@tarleton.edu.
