Cultivating Leadership – Norma Minch Andrisek, Order of the Laurel

March kicks off Women’s History Month, and this year’s national theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” Throughout Delta Zeta’s history, we have had many members who lived this through their actions on behalf of the sorority. A cherished tradition from Theta Upsilon, which merged with Delta Zeta in 1962, the Order of the Laurel honors members for sorority service of unusual merit and covering a period of many years. According to the Delta Zeta Constitution, Article XX, National Awards, Section 3, The Order of the Laurel was established to honor those members for sorority service of exceptional merit covering a period of many years.

At the 2011 leadership conference named for her, Norma Minch Andrisek, Gamma Alpha-Baldwin Wallace (OH) was named to the Order of the Laurel and was on hand to receive the recognition.

Norma Minch Andrisek (Baldwin- Wallace College), Past National President, is a leader for change. From President of the Gamma Alpha Chapter at Baldwin-Wallace College to National President, Norma Minch Andrisek led Delta Zeta through challenging times that rested all in the Greek world. Her vision created the first leadership conferences in 1980. At the 1983 National Convention, National Council announced that the conferences would be named the Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conference. Her foresight was responsible for innovative initiatives that moved Delta Zeta to a position of distinction among sororities. It was fining that, at the 2011 Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conference,Mrs. Andrisek was honored with The Order of the Laurel

Michelle Albrecht Smith, Alpha Chi-California/Los Angeles, then National President, bestowed the honor upon Mrs. Andrisek. “Norma Andrisek epitomizes all that is Delta Zeta,” she said. “She is a visionary and creative leader who has and continues to give of herself to make Delta Zeta the best she can be. Delta Zeta would not be the sorority it is today if it were not for Mrs. Andrisek’s innovative leadership. I am honored to present this award to her on behalf of National Council.”

Mrs. Andrisek accepted the honor as the conference attendees rose to their feet to applaud her. “I am honored to receive this award and all that it represents,” she said with deep emotion. “It is a privilege to work and share Delta Zeta with so many Delta Zeta members and others associated with the Sorority.”

Mrs. A, as she was affectionately known, passed away in 2017, however has left a lasting legacy that cultivates future Delta Zeta leaders for years to come.