The Randolph-Macon College chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta (AGD) recently gave a generous gift to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in conjunction with a JDRF-sponsored 5k walk. AGD members secured donors and participated in the walk, which was held October 2, 2016 in Richmond’s Byrd Park. Alpha Gamma Delta raised nearly $500 for the JDRF.

Sisterhood + Philanthropy
AGD is a women’s fraternity that has been deeply devoted to the JDRF and the issues of diabetes awareness and education as its philanthropic focus for almost 40 years. Megan Cassada ’19, a communication studies and business major and religious studies minor, serves as philanthropy coordinator for RMC’s AGD chapter, which boasts more than 60 members.

“We encouraged each other, our families and our community to donate to the cause,” says Cassada, “and at the race, we walked in sisterhood in support of the JDRF.” Cassada says that joining AGD has been a life-changing experience.

“The best part of being an Alpha Gam is the never-ending support and unconditional love that is provided by every sister,” she says. “Since joining AGD, I’ve gained dozens of new family members. I couldn’t be more blessed.”

Mentorship and Commitment
RMC’s AGD chapter advisor is Linda Wilkinson ’91.

“I serve as the chair of the board for the chapter; mentor and coach members; and help members understand and appreciate our policies, standards, and values so they can contribute to our society as servant-leaders,” says Wilkinson, who majored in political science at RMC and was initiated into the chapter in 1990. “Our purpose is to serve others in unselfish ways that are meaningful and to develop lifelong friendships.”

Wilkinson, the CEO of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, enjoys working with and mentoring the members of AGD.

“I am inspired by their passion for everything they do, and especially for their commitment to one another,” she says. “They are amazing young women who are going to play major roles in the development of our communities in varying ways.”

Looking Ahead
AGD’s next big philanthropy event is called Boots for Diabetes.

“We will have a ‘penny war,'” says Cassada, who is also a member of RMC’s Leadership Fellows and Service Fellows programs. “During the week of October 24-28, members of each fraternity and sorority will be in Estes Dining Hall, asking students, faculty and staff to fill boots with their spare change. The collected money will be donated to the JDRF.”

Giving Back
In 2015-16, RMC students collectively amassed more than 27,400 volunteer hours and donated $49,897.71 to various causes. Students in Fraternity and Sorority Life contributed more than 13,600 hours of collective service to the community and donated $1737.73 to various organizations and philanthropies. In addition, $21,000 was raised and donated to the American Cancer Society from the annual Relay for Life.
Over 200 students participated RMC’s first Big Event, a day of service to give thanks to the Ashland community. The Students Engaged in Responsible Volunteer Experiences (SERVE) program, in the Office of Student Life, is an integral part of Randolph-Macon College.