DKG Michigan

10/09/2026

Thumb Area Chapter Recognizes Friend of Education and Supports Coats for Kids at September Meeting

Members Joan Cleland and Linda Bishop presented Carolyn Hill with the Beta Tau 2026 Friend of Education Award. Carolyn has crocheted hundreds of hats for many years for Beta Tau to deliver with donated gloves, socks, and underwear to Sanilac County Elementary Schools. We are appreciative for Carolyn helping us keep the youth of Sanilac County warm this winter.

Additionally, chapter members brought in 25-30 coats to donate to the Coats for Kids in Sanilac County for their early November giveaway.

Thanks to Carolyn and thanks to Beta Tau for keeping kids warm in Sanilac County this winter!

10/08/2026

Michigan Chapter Receives Grant to Support Community Projects

In July, Beta Tau received the $1,500.00 grant from the Sanilac County Community Foundation to provide books for Sanilac County Youth for the Baby Pantry and Children’s Harvest Hop Event. These projects are near and dear to our Thumb chapter’s educators’ hearts.

Congratulations Beta Tau! We are proud of all the good work you are doing!

10/06/2026

Happy 65th birthday Beta Alpha!!!

What a great a way to start the year. Beta Alpha members gathered together at our annual potluck with food and fellowship. This year, we also had a beautiful cake to help celebrate our long history. It was interesting for our gals to remember how and why our chapter started 65 years ago. Each September at this meeting, a highlight is the celebration of our active members. We lovingly give them a gift card to help in a small way toward their educational needs. We are so proud of our Beta Alpha heritage and our wonderful members, both active and retired.

Congratulations, Beta Alpha on 65 Years as a chapter!

10/05/2026

Alpha Zeta Chapter Recognizes Member in DKG for 61 Years!

On behalf of DKG Michigan's Alpha Zeta Chapter, we’d like to present this year’s, long-overdue Woman of Distinction Award to our very own Mrs. Ellen Burns.

Ellen has served on almost every committee including Program, Membership, Finance, and presently Personal Growth & Services. She was our Chapter President from 1974-1976.

Ellen held a Master’s Degree in Education from Central Michigan University; took classes in education from University of Michigan and Michigan State. She taught High School Physical Education in Marysville and Lexington for 30 years, retiring in 1989.

Ellen has a son, Robert, who is a senior engineer for General Motors; and a daughter, Susan, who is a retired elementary teacher. Her five grandchildren—Mallory, Megan, Moria, and
Sam--all hold professional jobs with her youngest, Mollie, still in high school.

Ellen is a very helpful, devoted, and loyal member in our organization. For example, she just recently travelled all the way from the Grand Rapids area to join us, bringing over 600 pieces of gift wrap she cut for our Christmas book project! She has been an integral part of this project for many years.

Congratulations to Ellen, and thank you for your many decades of service in education!



Pictured below: Yvonne Malachi and Leah Hamlin-Morgan present Woman of Distinction Award to Ellen Burns (center).

10/01/2026

Any educator residing or working in Michigan is eligible!

Calling All Michigan Educators!

Our Grant Application Window is Now OPEN!

Any educator living or working in Michigan is eligible to apply. Please submit the application no later than November 30, 2026.

Please share with your favorite educator today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdc8Ns3C5LBRnaLpY2MddWleNi-E-2-F_8VkjHX-RMEemP0g/viewform

10/01/2026

Apples, Advocacy & a New Member!

Gamma Alpha kicked off its year on September 24 at Northville Sports Den, and what better way to start than with good food, good fellowship, and a little talk about changing the world?

With midterm elections on the horizon, Lynn Mason from Sigma Chapter gave us plenty to think about. Fresh from the National Legislative Seminar in Washington, D.C., Lynn shared practical advocacy strategies, effective talking points, and tips for making our voices heard on issues affecting women, children, and education. She reminded us that our voices matter, and that contacting our elected officials is a lot more productive than simply yelling at the television!

And there was an added bonus: members could earn free SCECH credit for attending the meeting! Professional learning, advocacy skills, and fellowship, all in one evening. Not a bad deal!

Lynn, who lives on an apple orchard in Belding, also came bearing gifts. Apples for the teachers! Apparently, advocacy is even better with a healthy snack.

Before the presentation, we proudly inducted Cheryl Vahldahl, a newly retired teacher from Wayne-Westland Community School District. Cheryl was sponsored by Karen Dawley-Dickelman, and we are delighted to welcome her to Gamma Alpha!

Our brief business meeting was capably presided over by VP Rosa Russenberger, keeping us focused on the important business at hand.

And finally, a big thank you to Northville Sports Den for the excellent food and service. Nothing says “productive meeting” quite like being well-fed!

It was a great evening of learning, laughter, fellowship, professional development, and, of course, apples. Gamma Alpha is off to a great start!

09/24/2026

Congratulations to our chapter in Traverse City on Celebrating 75 Years!

Phi Chapter recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary, which was well received by members and state-level guests. We were honored to welcome Colleen Retherford, DKG State President; Elena Ivanova, Coordinating Council Chair; and Cindy Dietz, Membership Chair.

The program was organized to highlight different aspects of the chapter. Presentations covered Phi Chapter’s history, fundraising activities, community service projects, and scholarships awarded to teachers. Phi Chapter remains active in various ways to support and encourage women educators across the five-county Grand Traverse area.

The chapter’s rich history was showcased through a display of historical artifacts, including the original charter, newsletters, and scrapbooks. The scrapbooks featured watercolor paintings by Aletheia Brown, a charter member, local painter, and educator.

Additionally, a monitor displayed photos of both present and past members, offering a moving tribute to those who helped shape the chapter. Following the program, guests shared lunch and made lasting connections.

Congratulations on 75 Years, Phi Chapter!

09/23/2026

Here’s a familiar face of ours! 🌹

Here are some amazing leadership tips from DKG member Karen Lessnau-Scott! 🌟
Karen is a retired high school math teacher who spent more than 30 years teaching in Michigan public schools. Throughout her career, she served as a School Improvement Team Chair and held leadership roles within her local teachers’ union. For the past seven years, Karen has continued her dedication to education and leadership through DKG and currently serves as Chair of the DKG Communications & Marketing Committee.
Her advice to set boundaries, keep an open mind, and stay grounded offers simple but meaningful reminders for leaders at every stage of their journey.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing your experience and these wonderful tips with everyone!

09/20/2026

It's not too late to register for the UP Fall Conference October 16-17, 2026!
Friday evening at 7 p.m. there is an optional craft event.
Saturday's program includes breakfast and lunch, plus 4 keynote speakers. SCECH credits are also available. It's a beautiful time to visit the UP! Enjoy great programs. beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality!

Deadline to register is September 30th. We hope to see you there!

09/18/2026

We are thrilled to shine our September Member Spotlight on Mindy Eggleston of Hillsdale Delta Kappa Gamma!

Mindy joined the Gamma Chapter of DKG in 1999 and has been an active member ever since. She has served Gamma Chapter in several officer roles, including Second Vice-President and First Vice-President. She served as Chapter President from 2004–2006 and returned to the role in 2026 for a term running through 2030.

She also served as editor of the Gamma Gazette from 2007-2009, during which time fellow Gamma sister, J-Jay Pechta served as DKG Michigan State Organization President. She took on the Gamma Gazette editor role again in 2023 and continues in that position. In 2011, Mindy was named the Gamma Chapter's Woman of Distinction.

Mindy taught business courses for 32 years at Muskegon, Grand Ledge, Otsego, Waldron, and Hillsdale High Schools, and also worked as an adjunct professor at Jackson College. She taught accounting, computer software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Graphic Design, Web Design, Entrepreneurship, Personal Finance, and yearbook. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and her MBA from Spring Arbor University.

From 2007–2021, Mindy served as a Business Professionals of America (BPA) Advisor for grades 6–12, coaching several regional, state, and national champions. She served on the Middle Level National BPA Board from 2019–2022.
Her honors include Hillsdale County Teacher of the Year (2013), the Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education Award (2017), and the Michigan BPA Barbara Chambers Outstanding Advisor Award (2021).

She also coached high school and college cheerleading and gymnastics throughout her career.

Mindy is married to Chris, also an educator who teaches construction trades at the Hillsdale Area Career Center. Together they have raised five children, three of whom are now married. The family recently welcomed their first grandson, with another on the way, a joy Mindy and Chris are clearly savoring!

Mindy retired from teaching in 2021, but her passion for young people and education has continued. She now works at the Hillsdale County Community Foundation, where she serves as program director for the scholarship program and serves as advisor for the Youth Advisory Council, made up of students representing all ten county high schools as well as homeschool students.

When she has a spare moment, you are likely to find Mindy curled up with a good book.

Mindy is a splendid example of a DKG Woman! Congratulations on your many achievements, Mindy!

Network with people like Mindy-- consider membership in DKG!