Mission, Vision, Purposes and History
Mission Statement
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International promotes professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.
Vision Statement
Leading women educators impacting education worldwide
The Seven Purposes of the Society Are:
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2025 Revised Versions: Final Copies
Oregon State Organization Bylaws Oregon State Organization Standing Rules Oregon State Organization Appendices Updated at the 2025 State Convention
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Oregon State Organization History
The number 41 is indeed important in the history of Oregon State Organization (formerly Alpha Rho State) because
On May 23, 1941, Dr. Annie Webb Blanton installed the Alpha Rho State, Oregon, as the 41st state organization for The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The installation was held at the Sunken Gardens of the Multnomah Hotel in Portland. Anne O’Neill of the College of Education, Monmouth, assisted her.
Sixteen of the 23 key women educators who attended this historical installation became the founders of Alpha Rho State (Oregon.) They represented the four corners of our great and diverse state. Nine other outstanding women educators were unable to attend this initial meeting and were initiated in later months. One of the selected founders was Anna Mary Gilles, an assistant professor of art at Eastern Oregon College of Education in LaGrande. Oregon women broke the mold as none of the 23 attendees wore formal dress that evening. Dr. Annie Webb Blanton was the only woman in the room attired in a full length blue velvet gown. Squab was the main dish for this first banquet and probably has never been served again at a Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Rho State dinner.
- 41 key women educators accepted the first invitations to membership.
- Oregon is number 41 among the states organized nationally.
- Oregon became Alpha Rho State in 1941.
On May 23, 1941, Dr. Annie Webb Blanton installed the Alpha Rho State, Oregon, as the 41st state organization for The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. The installation was held at the Sunken Gardens of the Multnomah Hotel in Portland. Anne O’Neill of the College of Education, Monmouth, assisted her.
Sixteen of the 23 key women educators who attended this historical installation became the founders of Alpha Rho State (Oregon.) They represented the four corners of our great and diverse state. Nine other outstanding women educators were unable to attend this initial meeting and were initiated in later months. One of the selected founders was Anna Mary Gilles, an assistant professor of art at Eastern Oregon College of Education in LaGrande. Oregon women broke the mold as none of the 23 attendees wore formal dress that evening. Dr. Annie Webb Blanton was the only woman in the room attired in a full length blue velvet gown. Squab was the main dish for this first banquet and probably has never been served again at a Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Rho State dinner.
Oregon State Organization Founders
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Miss Carmelita Barquist, Salem
Miss Edith Bork, Ashland Dr. Florence Beardsley, Monmouth Miss Alice Clement, McMinnville Mrs. Ann Gilles Dick, LaGrande Miss Emma Henkle, Monmouth Miss Louise Ingram, Portland Miss Caroline Paige, Portland |
Mrs. Blanche Jackson, Eugene
Mrs. Grace Sehon, Salem Mrs. Florence Ollman, Klamath Falls Miss Elphe K. Smith, Portland Miss Anne O'Neill, Monmouth Miss Isabel Willsie, Astoria Miss Clara Augusta Trotter, Monmouth Mrs. Augusta Parker Dunbar, Klamath Falls |
83 years later Key Women Educators continue to teach children to be responsible leaders of our nation, provide scholarships, work to bring equity and fairness to our profession, support legislation that enhances education, families, and children, and continue to be joined in genuine Delta Kappa Gamma spiritual fellowship across this great state of Oregon.
