2026 National Award Winners: Meet the Recipients

The Adelaide See Loving Cup shall be given to the chapter which has shown unusual improvement. This marked improvement in a key strategic area will be determined by National Council.

2026 National Award Winners

• Region 6: Omicron Xi, Mars Hill University
• Region 8: Pi Rho, University of West Georgia
• Region 10: Zeta Psi, Stephen F. Austin State University

This award recognizes a chapter that has shown exceptional commitment to Delta Zeta’s philanthropy, Hearing and Speech, our Global Philanthropy Partner, Starkey Hearing Foundation and/or local Hearing and Speech partner. Whether through large-scale awareness or educational campaigns, fundraising initiatives, personal philanthropy fundraising efforts done by members or regular outreach, this chapter has set a high standard for selflessness and positive change.

2026 National Award Winners

Collegiate Chapters

• Region 4: Gamma Kappa, Kent State University
• Region 5: Beta Gamma, University of Louisville
• Region 6: Beta Delta, University of South Carolina
• Region 8: Alpha Sigma, Florida State University
• Region 9:
  
  • Sigma, Louisiana State University
  • Lambda Alpha, Arkansas Tech University
  • Lambda Kappa, University of Alabama/Huntsville
• Region 13: Pi Zeta, Arizona State University

Alumnae Chapters

• Area 3: Greenville (SC) Alumnae Chapter
• Area 4: Huntsville Alumnae Chapter

This award recognizes a chapter that has shown exceptional commitment to service, embodying the mission and vision of Delta Zeta through its collective efforts. This award celebrates a chapter that demonstrates outstanding collaboration, dedication and impact on service to our Delta Zeta national partners and/or their local community partners. Whether through large-scale volunteer projects or regular outreach, this chapter has set a high standard for selflessness and positive change. Their work not only strengthens the bonds within the chapter but also makes a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.

2026 National Award Winners

Collegiate Chapters

• Region 4: Alpha, Miami University
• Region 5: Beta Gamma, University of Louisville
• Region 6: Kappa Phi, University of North Carolina/Charlotte
• Region 8: Xi Xi, University of North Georgia
• Region 9:
  
  • Sigma, Louisiana State University
  • Lambda Alpha, Arkansas Tech University
• Region 10: Xi Nu, Tarleton State University
• Region 11: Epsilon Nu, Missouri State University

Alumnae Chapters

• Area 3: Greenville (SC) Alumnae Chapter
• Area 5: San Antonio Alumnae Chapter

This award shall be presented to an outstanding chapter or chapters that have excelled in creating an outstanding chapter culture and member experience beyond the standard requirements.

• Region 1: Omicron Delta, Bryant University
• Region 2:
  
  • Gamma Delta, Pennsylvania State University
  • Iota Theta, Mansfield University
• Region 4:
  
  • Gamma Alpha, Baldwin Wallace University
  • Gamma Kappa, Kent State University
• Region 5: Beta Gamma, University of Louisville
• Region 6: Theta Iota, Western Carolina University
• Region 7: Lambda Beta, University of Southern Indiana
• Region 8: Alpha Sigma, Florida State University
• Region 9:
  
  • Epsilon Xi, University of Central Arkansas
  • Kappa Alpha, Nicholls State University
  • Sigma, Louisiana State University
• Region 10: Xi Nu, Tarleton State University
• Region 11: Theta Eta, Creighton University
• Region 13: Kappa, University of Washington

This award shall be given to the chapter or chapters with a high record of achievement over the previous two-year period. This award or awards shall be given by National Council when merited. Eligible chapters shall be judged on membership, financial standing, cooperation, college programs, philanthropies and standing on campus.

2026 National Award Winners

• Region 1: Omicron Delta, Bryant University
• Region 2:
  
  • Gamma Delta, Pennsylvania State University
  • Gamma Phi, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
  • Kappa Rho, Kutztown University
  • Zeta Phi, Slippery Rock University
• Region 3: Delta Upsilon, Marshall University
• Region 4:
  
  • Alpha, Miami University
  • Gamma Alpha, Baldwin Wallace University
  • Gamma Kappa, Kent State University
• Region 5: Beta Gamma, University of Louisville
• Region 6: Beta Delta, University of South Carolina
• Region 7: Epsilon, Indiana University
• Region 8: Xi Xi, University of North Georgia
• Region 9:
  
  • Alpha Gamma, University of Alabama
  • Kappa Alpha, Nicholls State University
  • Lambda Alpha, Arkansas Tech University
• Region 10:
  
  • Delta Theta, University of Houston
  • Xi Nu, Tarleton State University
    

This award shall be presented by National Council, when merited, to a chapter or chapters for six consecutive years of high achievement.

2026 National Award Winners

• Region 2: Gamma Delta, Pennsylvania State University
• Region 9: Kappa Alpha, Nicholls State University

This award shall be presented to a collegiate and alumnae chapter for outstanding joint programming.

2026 National Award Winners

• Region 13/Area 8: Kappa, University of Washington and Greater Seattle Alumnae Chapter

The Heritage Cup shall be presented to the individual chapter (collegiate or alumnae) who has made a significant impact on the Delta Zeta Foundation. The impact could be educational, a meaningful donation, volunteer service, etc.

2026 National Award Winner

• Area 3: Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter

This award shall be presented to an outstanding small alumnae chapter who has excelled in creating an outstanding chapter culture and member experience. Award recipients shall be determined from Alumnae Chapter Excellence Award honorees.

2026 National Award Winner

• Area 3: Greenville (SC) Alumnae Chapter

This award shall be presented to an outstanding large alumnae chapter that has excelled in creating an outstanding chapter culture and member experience. Award recipients shall be determined from Alumnae Chapter Excellence Award honorees.

2026 National Award Winners

• Area 3: Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter
• Area 8: Greater Seattle Alumnae Chapter

This award shall be given to alumnae who have demonstrated long and faithful service by their continued loyalty to Delta Zeta particularly in their local communities.

2026 National Award Winners

• Area 1: Kelly Waitkus Wetzel, Epsilon Zeta, Drexel University
• Area 2:
  
  • Traci Kennedy-Brockfield, Alpha Rho, Ohio Wesleyan University
  • Elizabeth Kryca Davenport, Epsilon Sigma, Wayne State University
  • Nicole Kotlan, Gamma Kappa, Kent State University
  • Faye Ryan, Gamma Chi, Ball State University
• Area 3: Leslie Capps Milligan, Xi Theta, University of North Carolina/Wilmington
• Area 4: Cathy O’Gwynn Blevins, Lambda Kappa, University of Alabama/Huntsville
• Area 5:
  
  • Shelley Williams Beaumont, Zeta Psi, Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Stephanie Begley, Iota Psi, University of Texas/Arlington
  • Laura Young Gottsponer, Lambda Alpha, Arkansas Tech University
  • Michelle Knight Henderson, Iota Psi, University of Texas/Arlington
• Area 7: Colette Gilewicz, Beta Rho, Michigan State University

This award shall be presented to an outstanding College Chapter Director.

2026 National Award Winner

• Region 1: Nicole Cunningham, Pi Upsilon, Long Island University Post
  • Chapter She Advises: Pi Upsilon, Long Island University Post

The Individual Community Impact through Philanthropy Award recognizes an outstanding member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and philanthropic efforts within their chapter and the community. This award honors the individual who consistently goes above and beyond in supporting the Sorority’s six core values and contributes to Delta Zeta’s philanthropy, Hearing and Speech, our Global Philanthropy Partner, Starkey Hearing Foundation, and/or local Hearing and Speech partnerships. Whether through fundraising, raising awareness, educating the community about Hearing and Speech and our partnerships, volunteering, leadership or behind-the-scenes work, the recipient has made a significant impact and exemplifies the values of sisterhood, service and selflessness.

2026 National Award Winners

Collegiate National Recipient

• Region 9: Cecile Granger, Sigma, Louisiana State University

Alumnae National Recipient

• Area 3: Leslie Capps Milligan, Xi Theta, University of North Carolina/Wilmington

This award recognizes an outstanding member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to service within their chapter and the community. This award honors the individual who consistently goes above and beyond in supporting the Sorority’s six core values, fosters positive relationships with community stakeholders and contributes to both local and national partners. Whether through volunteering, leadership or behind-the-scenes work, the recipient has made a significant impact and exemplifies the values of sisterhood, service and selflessness.

2026 National Winners

Collegiate National Recipients

• Region 7: Abigail Gillespie, Pi Omicron, Indiana University/Indianapolis
• Region 8:
  
  • Hannah Miller, Alpha Sigma, Florida State University
  • Elle Tesoriero, Pi Alpha, University of Florida
• Region 9:
  
  • Zoey Billiot, Kappa Alpha, Nicholls State University
  • Anna Punswick, Alpha Gamma, University of Alabama

Alumnae National Recipients

• Area 2: Stephanie Pearce Burke, Zeta Kappa, Ohio Northern University
• Area 3: Leslie Capps Milligan, Xi Theta, University of North Carolina/Wilmington
• Area 4: Christie Dale Harmon, Lambda Kappa, University of Alabama/Huntsville