Meet the 2026 Grace Mason Lundy National Award Recipients 

Delta Zeta is proud to recognize an extraordinary group of senior members who have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Grace Mason Lundy Award. These outstanding women exemplify sustained loyalty, devotion, and service to Delta Zeta throughout their collegiate experiences, leaving lasting impacts on their chapters, campuses, and communities. 

The Grace Mason Lundy Award honors senior members who, throughout their college years, have demonstrated the greatest evidence of loyalty, devotion, and service to their chapters and to the Sorority. This year’s recipients reflect the very best of Delta Zeta – leaders who stepped forward during times of growth, transition, and challenge to strengthen chapter culture, foster belonging, and build sustainable systems for future members. 

Annika Anderson 

Gamma Kappa, Kent State University 

Annika (Anni) has demonstrated exceptional loyalty, devotion, and leadership since joining Gamma Kappa, quickly establishing herself as a connector who builds meaningful relationships through kindness and mutual respect. As a first-semester freshman, she was elected Vice President of Membership, where she successfully led both formal and informal recruitment efforts, filling the chapter to quota and total. This early achievement required maturity, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead members older and more experienced than herself. Throughout her collegiate experience, Anni served as Vice President of Membership, Alumnae Relations Chairman, and Chapter President. In these roles, she revitalized traditions impacted by COVID, strengthened chapter operations, and improved understanding and implementation of Delta Zeta policies. Her leadership extended beyond the chapter, including participation in the Provost’s Leadership Academy, serving as a mentor for three years, and working as a National Foundation Intern during her presidency. 

Anni’s impact on Delta Zeta will extend well beyond her collegiate years. She transformed chapter culture by leading with empathy, fairness, and accountability while fostering unity and empowering members. She also played a key role in strengthening the chapter’s residential experience, collaborating with advisors and House Corporation to improve occupancy and member engagement. Anni consistently exemplifies Delta Zeta values through her inclusive leadership, steady presence, and commitment to supporting her sisters. She has actively supported the Delta Zeta Foundation, volunteered regularly with Flying Horse Farms, contributed to national events and marketing initiatives, and maintained outstanding academic performance, including a 3.8 undergraduate GPA and a 4.0 in her MBA program while serving as Chapter President. Through her service, leadership, and unwavering commitment, Anni has set a lasting example and embodies the future of Delta Zeta. 

Zoe Beck 

Beta Gamma, University of Louisville 

Since joining Delta Zeta in Fall 2023, Zoe has demonstrated unwavering loyalty, initiative, and leadership, quickly establishing herself as a dedicated and impactful member of the Beta Gamma chapter. Beginning as New Member Class Intramurals Chair, she discovered her passion for increasing member engagement. She later served as Chapter Intramurals Chair, during which she introduced new initiatives, including Intramural Player of the Week, which significantly increased participation and helped the chapter win the sorority intramural division. Zoe continued to expand her influence by creating a new Sustainability Chair cabinet position to promote environmental awareness and responsible practices within the chapter. She later served as Vice President of Programming before being elected Chapter President, a role in which she has demonstrated resilience, integrity, and a strong commitment to strengthening the chapter and leaving a lasting impact. 

Zoe’s leadership extends beyond her chapter through extensive campus involvement, professional development, and academic excellence. She has held leadership roles in multiple organizations, including serving as President of Unified Sports Club and Co-President of the Student Marketing Association, while also completing competitive internships with the University of Louisville football team and the ACC Broadcast Center and working on major events such as NBA All-Star Weekend and the Big Ten Football Championship. Academically, Zoe has maintained a 4.0 GPA, participated in undergraduate research, and earned admission into a selective accelerated MBA program. Within Delta Zeta, she has updated bylaws, restructured chapter meetings to increase engagement, and implemented member feedback initiatives to strengthen sisterhood and chapter operations. Through her inclusive leadership, innovative thinking, and commitment to empowering others, Zoe has transformed her chapter’s culture and created a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit Delta Zeta long after her graduation. 

Makenzie Burge 

Xi Xi, University of North Georgia 

Makenzie has consistently demonstrated unwavering loyalty and devotion to Delta Zeta, striving to uphold the chapter’s values in every role she undertakes. Known for her optimism, reliability, and servant leadership, she consistently goes above and beyond by supporting members academically, attending events even when not required, and offering thoughtful guidance to both her chapter and the broader Panhellenic community. Makenzie has served in numerous leadership roles, including Panhellenic Vice President of Philanthropy and Scholarship, Order of Omega Membership and Recruitment Chairwoman, and Delta Zeta Academic Chairwoman, while also working in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Through these roles, she implemented impactful initiatives, including a Panhellenic-wide philanthropy festival, coordinated academic success planning that raised average GPAs across chapters, and created the “Delta Zeta Smarties” recognition program to celebrate academic achievement and motivate members. 

Makenzie’s influence extends across campus and within the Delta Zeta chapter, where she fosters a culture of encouragement, belonging, and academic excellence. She has worked to support members individually, strengthen officer transitions, and create lasting traditions that benefit future leaders. In addition to her leadership, Makenzie has maintained a 3.94 GPA while working two jobs as a first-generation, financially independent student and carrying a demanding course load, positioning her to graduate early. Her dedication to service, leadership, and community—alongside her consistent encouragement of others—exemplifies Delta Zeta’s values of friendship, empowerment, curiosity, generosity, and belonging. Through her commitment and impact, Makenzie has strengthened both her chapter and the broader Greek community, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and service. 

Grace Corl 

Pi Alpha, University of Florida 

Grace demonstrated unwavering dedication and servant leadership throughout her presidency, consistently placing the needs of her chapter members at the center of every decision and initiative. During her collegiate career, she played a key role in advancing Delta Zeta’s philanthropic and service efforts, most notably helping transition the chapter’s philanthropy to a full Hoops for Hearing week in support of the Starkey Hearing Foundation. This initiative nearly doubled previous fundraising efforts, raising a record of $17,200. Grace also expanded community engagement by strengthening partnerships with local organizations such as Grace Marketplace and by coordinating service projects, including care package donations, food drives, and clothing collections. Additionally, she fostered cross-council collaboration through joint initiatives with organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. She introduced weekly educational presentations from campus partners to support member growth and development. 

Grace’s most lasting contribution was the cultural transformation she led within the Pi Alpha chapter. During challenging periods, she guided the chapter with integrity, compassion, and emotional intelligence, ensuring every member felt heard and valued. Her leadership strengthened sisterhood, rebuilt trust, and created a more unified chapter grounded in Delta Zeta’s values. The programs, partnerships, and traditions she established—including expanded philanthropy, cross-organizational collaborations, and educational opportunities—created a sustainable foundation that will continue to benefit the chapter long after her graduation. Through her servant leadership and commitment to strengthening relationships, Grace left Pi Alpha stronger, more connected, and positioned for continued success. 

Emily Hampton 

Epsilon Delta, Concord University 

Emily demonstrated extraordinary loyalty, leadership, and dedication to Delta Zeta from the moment she was initiated, stepping into a chapter that was on watch and struggling with only a handful of members and minimal activity. Throughout her collegiate career, she became the driving force behind revitalizing the chapter, holding numerous leadership roles, including Chapter President, Vice President of Membership, Panhellenic Delegate, Ritual Chairman, and multiple committee and campus leadership positions. Through her tireless efforts, Emily helped rebuild the chapter’s presence on campus, increase involvement, strengthen Panhellenic relations, and ultimately lead the chapter to win the Adelaide See Loving Cup in 2024. Her commitment extended beyond chapter leadership, as she actively worked to re-engage alumnae, establish community partnerships, and create philanthropic and service initiatives that strengthened both the chapter and campus community. 

Emily’s lasting impact is evident in the traditions, culture, and stability she restored within the chapter. She revitalized Delta Zeta rituals and ceremonies, reestablished Founders Day celebrations, strengthened homecoming participation, and revived the Alumnae Tea tradition, reconnecting generations of sisters and strengthening alumnae relations. Her visionary leadership transformed a struggling chapter into a thriving and recognized presence on campus. Alongside her extensive service, Emily maintained strong academic performance, earning Dean’s List honors seven of eight semesters, graduating with a 3.6 GPA, and receiving three Delta Zeta scholarships. Through her unwavering commitment, resilience, and passion for Delta Zeta, Emily not only saved her chapter but created a sustainable foundation for future members, leaving a legacy of leadership, sisterhood, and service that will endure for years to come. 

McKenzie Hebert 

Pi Zeta, Arizona State University 

McKenzie has demonstrated exceptional loyalty, devotion, and service to the Delta Zeta Pi Zeta chapter through her consistent leadership and commitment to strengthening chapter standards. She has served in multiple roles, including Junior Panhellenic Delegate Chairwoman, Academics Executive Board Officer, Points Chairwoman, and Head Guard/Ritual Chairwoman, often stepping into positions that required reliability and accountability rather than recognition. As Academics Officer, McKenzie led a significant turnaround in chapter scholarship by implementing goal setting, individualized academic plans, structured study programs, and member accountability, resulting in a full-point increase in the chapter GPA. Her commitment to excellence extended beyond the chapter through campus involvement, including the ASU Data Science Club, GLCC Operations Aide, and student manager for the ASU Swim and Dive Team, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA as a double major in Data Science and Anthropology with a minor in Business Data Analytics. Her dedication to service is also reflected in her extensive community involvement, including 200 hours of service annually through the City of Scottsdale Youth Corps and leadership on the Make-A-Wish Youth Leadership Council. 

McKenzie’s lasting impact on Pi Zeta is evident in both academic improvements and the restoration of chapter traditions. As Head Guard and Ritual Chairwoman, she reinforced the importance of Delta Zeta rituals, educated members on ceremonial expectations, and successfully oversaw the initiation of two pledge classes, including one of approximately 120 new members. Known for her integrity, humility, and professionalism, McKenzie leads by example and consistently prioritizes the chapter’s success over personal recognition. Her ability to balance rigorous academics, leadership responsibilities, and meaningful service reflects her discipline and commitment to Delta Zeta’s values. Through her quiet leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to strengthening chapter culture, McKenzie has left a lasting legacy and exemplifies loyalty, devotion, and service among her peers. 

Esha Jessani 

Pi Gamma, California State University at Northridge 

Esha Jessani has demonstrated exceptional loyalty, leadership, and devotion to the Pi Gamma chapter of Delta Zeta through her consistent service and impactful leadership. After joining Delta Zeta, she quickly became involved in recruitment efforts and was elected Chapter President within a year of membership, ultimately serving two consecutive terms. In this role, she provided stability, organization, and thoughtful leadership, ensuring chapter operations ran smoothly while fostering a supportive and engaged environment for members. Esha also strengthened connections beyond the chapter by attending regional alumnae events, participating in conventions, and serving on the Delta Zeta Marketing Internship Team. Her leadership style—marked by empathy, reliability, and approachability—earned her the respect of her peers and helped build a stronger chapter culture grounded in trust and collaboration.  

Beyond her chapter leadership, Esha has made a lasting impact through her commitment to empowering members and strengthening relationships within the Panhellenic and alumnae communities. She encourages members to pursue leadership opportunities, thoughtfully identifies potential leaders, and helps ensure continuity when positions become vacant. Academically, Esha has maintained a strong GPA while working approximately 30 hours per week and volunteering with a rescue dog organization, where she has helped successfully rehome animals and even secured a social media marketing role. Her ability to balance academics, leadership, work, and service reflects her discipline and dedication. Through her passion, mentorship, and commitment to Delta Zeta’s values, Esha has created a lasting legacy within her chapter and is well-positioned to continue serving the organization beyond graduation.  

Allison Knudson 

Omicron Xi, Mars Hill University 

Allie demonstrated extraordinary leadership and devotion to Delta Zeta after being initiated in Spring 2025 as a junior transfer to Mars Hill University, stepping into a chapter on the brink of dissolution. With the chapter set to begin the fall semester with her as the only active member following Hurricane Helene and significant membership losses, Allie assumed the role of Chapter President and committed to rebuilding. She developed and executed a strategic recruitment plan, personally recruiting 8 new members in Fall 2025 and guiding them through the new-member process while maintaining high standards aligned with Delta Zeta values. Through thoughtful leadership, she established clear expectations, strengthened accountability, and fostered a collaborative culture. In addition to recruitment, Allie worked to rebuild chapter operations, revive traditions such as Bid Day celebrations and the DZ Dodgeball philanthropy event, and establish on-campus partnerships, ultimately restoring Delta Zeta’s presence and reputation at Mars Hill University. 

Beyond rebuilding membership, Allie created a sustainable foundation for long-term success by empowering new leaders, facilitating open discussions around finances, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging among members. Her leadership extended across campus as President of the Campus Activities Board, Resident Assistant, and a high-achieving Zoology major preparing for veterinary school, all while maintaining strong academic performance. Known for her thoughtful conflict resolution, inclusive leadership, and commitment to supporting each member, Allie transformed a chapter of one into a growing, engaged sisterhood. Through resilience, vision, and dedication, she not only saved the Delta Zeta chapter at Mars Hill but established a lasting legacy of leadership, sisterhood, and growth that will continue beyond her graduation. 

Hannah Melton 

Lambda Alpha, Arkansas Tech University 

Hannah has demonstrated unwavering loyalty and devotion to Delta Zeta throughout her collegiate experience, consistently working to strengthen her chapter and support its members. Early in her membership, she stepped into leadership roles focused on engagement, accountability, and member development. As Vice President of New Member Education, she enhanced mentorship opportunities and leadership workshops, creating a more meaningful and supportive new member experience. Her greatest opportunity for impact came as President of the Lambda Alpha chapter, where she developed executive board members, strengthened chapter operations, and implemented initiatives that increased engagement and improved the chapter’s overall culture. Under her leadership, the chapter earned multiple recognitions, including Arkansas Tech’s Charitable Fundraiser of the Year, CPC Highest GPA, the Intramural Cup, and the Caryatides Award. 

Her impact extended beyond operational leadership to strengthening chapter culture and traditions. She restored intentionality and respect for Delta Zeta rituals, fostering greater understanding and pride among members. She also introduced the DZ Auction, an innovative engagement initiative that increased participation and created a lasting tradition for the chapter. Throughout her time in Delta Zeta, she embodied the organization’s values by prioritizing relationships, empowering others, and creating a supportive environment where members felt valued and connected. Alongside her leadership, she maintained a 4.0 GPA, completed more than 400 service hours, and served as a Delta Zeta Global Ambassador, national facilitator for the 2025 Leader Summit, and counselor at Painted Turtle Camp. Through her dedication, service, and leadership, she leaves a legacy of excellence, empowerment, and sisterhood that will continue to strengthen Delta Zeta for years to come. 

Jenni Page 

Alpha Gamma, University of Alabama 

Jenni has demonstrated exceptional loyalty, devotion, and leadership throughout her collegiate career, consistently prioritizing Delta Zeta while balancing demanding academic and professional commitments. Beginning as a freshman, she quickly became a dependable leader, serving in multiple roles including Historian, Vice President of Programs, and ultimately Chapter President during a particularly demanding period of LSAT preparation and law school applications. As President, Jenni led the chapter to maintain total membership, increase campus involvement, represent the chapter at the National Convention, and secure the 2025 Crest Award. She also invested in the chapter’s long-term success by creating leadership training for position holders, strengthening executive board transitions, and mentoring younger members. Her leadership extended beyond the chapter through significant campus involvement, including roles in the Student Government Association and as Vice President of Greek Mental Health Ambassadors. In these roles, she elevated Delta Zeta’s reputation and raised over $19,000 for the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center while promoting mental health awareness and community engagement. 

Jenni’s lasting impact is reflected in her focus on member engagement, leadership development, and chapter culture. She introduced initiatives such as “Diamond Dates” to foster sisterhood, implemented office hours to gather member feedback, strengthened the new-member program, and improved academic support systems. She also enhanced recruitment and branding by growing the chapter’s social media presence and creating resources to support campus leadership success for future members. Academically, Jenni has excelled as a dual-degree Honors College student, earning President’s List honors every semester and receiving multiple academic awards, while maintaining significant service commitments, including Reading Allies. Through her generosity, mentorship, and commitment to Delta Zeta’s values of curiosity, empowerment, community, and belonging, Jenni has built a strong foundation for future leaders. She leaves a lasting legacy of excellence, service, and sisterhood. 

Emily Warren 

Rho Alpha, Murray State University 

Throughout her collegiate experience, Emily has played a pivotal role in the transformation and growth of the Rho Alpha chapter at Murray State University. Joining during a challenging period marked by low membership and leadership turnover, she remained committed to strengthening chapter morale and fostering member pride. Over her four years, she helped lead the chapter to nearly triple its membership and cultivate stronger bonds and a more positive sorority experience. From her earliest involvement, she demonstrated leadership and dedication, serving as Vice President of Scholarship for Panhellenic, President of the Panhellenic Council, Vice President of Administration for Delta Zeta, Chapter President, and later as chair of the chapter’s 10th anniversary celebration. During her leadership, she introduced lasting initiatives such as a revised points and accountability system, increased alumnae engagement in recruitment, and policies designed to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for members, balancing work, academics, and other commitments. 

Her leadership was rooted in fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and pride within the chapter. She worked intentionally to ensure members felt heard and valued, advocating for inclusive policies and fostering a culture that celebrated individuality and participation. In addition to her leadership contributions, she maintained exceptional academic performance, earning a 4.0 GPA, President’s List honors every semester, and membership in the Murray State Honors College. Through resilience, vision, and dedication, she helped transform Rho Alpha’s campus reputation and internal culture, leaving the chapter stronger, more confident, and positioned for continued success. 

Kaylee Waskom 

Alpha Gamma, University of Alabama 

Kaylee’s greatest impact on Delta Zeta has come through her consistent, unofficial service and her commitment to supporting members and strengthening chapter culture. Often described as a “one-woman retention committee,” Kaylee has demonstrated exceptional loyalty by fostering inclusion, building relationships, and supporting sisters who may be struggling. Even while serving in demanding Panhellenic leadership roles, she remained deeply involved in chapter life, stepping in to assist during emergencies, supporting events, and serving as a trusted resource for chapter leadership. Kaylee’s formal leadership began early as Director of Panhellenic Relations during her first year, and her influence expanded significantly when she was elected Vice President of Administration and later President of the Alabama Panhellenic Association. In these prestigious roles, she represented Delta Zeta with distinction, strengthened relationships across the Greek community, and elevated the chapter’s visibility and reputation on campus. 

Kaylee’s lasting impact is reflected in the transformation of campus involvement and leadership within her chapter. Through her leadership and example, Delta Zeta became one of the strongest chapters at The University of Alabama in terms of campus engagement. She also helped create and mentor members through the Campus Relations Committee, empowering younger members to pursue leadership opportunities and believe in their potential. Kaylee exemplifies Delta Zeta’s values through her generosity, mentorship, and commitment to empowering others, often going out of her way to support members academically and personally. Academically, she has excelled as a History major with minors in Criminal Justice and Political Science, maintaining a 3.94 GPA, earning multiple prestigious scholarships, and planning to attend law school. Through her leadership, humility, and dedication to others, Kaylee has left a lasting legacy of empowerment, inclusion, and excellence that will continue to shape her chapter for years to come.