Giving Thanks for Theta Foundation Supporters

Theta Foundation is thankful for our supporters all year long, but in keeping with the spirit of the season, we are especially so during the holidays. With November also being National Scholarship Month, we thought it fitting to share a note from Jacquelyn Mary Delin, Zeta Upsilon/UT Dallas, a recent scholarship recipient who joins us in our gratitude for those who invest in Theta Foundation and in the futures of Theta women.

Jacquelyn believes being a member of Kappa Alpha Theta has helped her become a more well-rounded person and has contributed to her overall success thus far. She says, “In a way, Theta taught me to go for things, no regrets, whether applying for a Theta chapter office, for graduate school, or for scholarships. It’s scary, but you just have to put yourself out there—that’s really the only way to achieve anything worth having.”

So, when she learned about Theta Foundation scholarships at a Theta alumnae mixer, she decided to go for it and apply. In the end, her courage paid off, and she received three Theta Foundation scholarships in 2016 for graduate study. “Not only is [my Theta Foundation scholarship funding] helping me financially, but it is very empowering to know that you are supported nationally by your Fraternity.”

We hope you enjoy reading Jacquelyn’s words of gratitude to Theta Foundation supporters everywhere as much as we did, and we join her in thanking you for helping Thetas embrace their ambitions, reach their fullest potential, and make a difference in the world.

Dear Theta Foundation Supporter,

I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to be chosen for the Isabel McKenney Gates Scholarship. This is the first year that I have been awarded any type of Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation scholarship and will definitely utilize the support for my graduate studies.

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. My family believes in the power of education, and definitely views it as an investment in one’s self and one’s family. I am currently a second-year Ph.D. student studying Humanities, majoring in Aesthetic Studies with a minor in the History of Ideas. Basically, I study Art History. Art History is an absolutely tantalizing subject, as it is multi-disciplinary and involves history, art, humanities, sociology, foreign languages, philosophy, etc. I chose to come back to UT Dallas for my Ph.D. due to the founding of the Edith O’Donnell Institute for Art History in 2014. It is a budding program with lots of promise due to its renowned faculty, teaching assistantship opportunities, and the ability to network in the Dallas Museum world. I hope when I finish my graduate work to teach art history at the college level or to work in museum. I currently work part-time for the University as a Teaching Assistant, yet I am not able to hold outside employment as part of my employer’s agreement. The Isabel McKenney Gates Scholarship is therefore incredibly beneficial to me at this time, as I do not have to take out loans in order to cover school expenses this upcoming school year and can attend school full-time. I really cannot thank you enough for your support, I am extremely grateful!

Often, you get out of things what you put into it; I was very involved as an undergraduate in Kappa Alpha Theta and continue to be involved as an alumna. I currently serve for the ZY Chapter at UT Dallas as the education advisor. Your support is helping me to help other Thetas through my focus on education as well. Education is a huge part of what enables young women to make the most of themselves, to gain agency and to reach their dreams. I hope to one day sponsor a scholarship for Thetas as well to give back!

Again, thank you so much for this award, it is allowing me to paint my dreams!

All the best,

Jacquelyn Mary Delin

On November 29, #GivingTuesday, more than 550 donors gave over $68,000 to to help Theta women embrace their ambition, reach their fullest potential, and make a difference in the world. We couldn't think of a better way to conclude National Scholarship Month, an initiative of the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA).