152WINTER SOCAIL CLUBS Unprecedented President Graduate student Alontis Andress serves as president of women’s social club Delta Gamma Rho in fall 2021. WITH EACH SEMESTER, A NEW president was voted into office for each social club on campus. Women’s social club Delta Gamma Rho (DGR) elected Alontis Andress, a graduate student, as president. DGR’s constitution stated that graduate students could be active in the club, and Andress took the responsibility of being president while balancing graduate school. Andress felt uniquely suited to the role because of her love for DGR and her fields of study. She majored in management and Bible and missions and pursued a Master of Business Administration. She devoted her time to DGR thanks to her remote classes and flexible schedule. Andress enjoyed working behind the scenes to coordinate offices and build closer relationships with members, sponsors and alumni. “I never thought that I would be in this role, but when the time rolled around I thought ‘Why not?’ and that I owed it to myself to try,” Andress said. “I love talking to all the offices, like tailgate or the treasurer. It is incredible to serve for the same things and keep busy loving DGR.” Andress was a part of the legacy of DGR being the oldest remaining member of the club. She watched new members join over the years and was thankful to still be a piece of the community. DGR was a consistent family during her time at Harding, exemplifying kindness, fellowship and authenticity. “DGR has shaped me for the better, and I cannot thank them enough,” Andress said. “Both alumni and present members have cared so much for me, and I do not think they will ever truly know how much of a positive impact they have had on my life. So many lifelong friendships have come out of DGR.” Junior Kayla Melton, vice president of DGR, worked closely with Andress and was touched by the love she led with. “She is very passionate in all she does and in the time she puts into our club,” Melton said. “I think that Alontis being our president while taking graduate classes shows how much love she has for our club and members.” Senior Deanna Hutson was with Andress for several years in the club and expressed her gratitude for the time that Andress committed to DGR. “Alontis has done an incredible job being president, even while being in grad school,” Hutson said. “We are so thankful for her continued presence in this club.” WRITTEN BY HANNAH DILES MADAM PRESIDENT Graduate student Alontis Andress poses for a headshot. Andress worked toward her Master of Business Administration degree while she served as club president. Photo by: Julianne Baker
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==