DKG international president visits Russellville
When educators gather, there’s always something to learn, and this month our local Delta Kappa Gamma chapter, Alpha Upsilon, heard directly from the top.
We had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Beverly Hall-Maughan. The occasion marked the first time an international DKG president has visited us.
Our chapter president, Beverly Donaldson, introduced Hall-Maughan, who brought greetings from DKG’s national administrative board.
Hall-Maughan spoke about keeping the 95-year-old organization strong for future generations by seriously considering how new members are recruited.
She described opportunities DKG offers, including networking, leadership development, scholarships, mentorship and professional support. Hall-Maughan explained the role of Visionary Network facilitators, who lead small affinity groups — member circles built around shared interests — to help members connect.
She also encouraged members to contribute to the DKG Bulletin, join the Leadership Discovery Centre, and nominate peers for the Membership Spotlight.
Hall-Maughan noted the DKG International Educators Foundation has supported members in crisis through its emergency fund since 1948.
From July 1, 2024, through May 9 of this year, the foundation distributed $103,500 to 207 members in 13 states and Canada.
She also highlighted the “DKG Rose of Hope,” a group that supports members who are breast-cancer survivors or currently undergoing treatment.
Hall-Maughan shared that DKG will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2029.
To mark the milestone, the organization’s centennial committee has requested a commemorative U.S. postal stamp honoring founder Dr. Annie Webb Blanton. She encouraged members to contact legislators in support of the effort.
A DKG member since 2002, Hall-Maughan belongs to the Tennessee state organization and has served in several leadership roles, including president, vice president and recording secretary.
She taught surgical technology for many years before finishing her career as a cancer program and technical director.
“My goal on the foundation board is to continue establishing a collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship between the society and the foundation,” she said.
The meeting took place in the Green Room of Russellville First Baptist Church, where tables featured fall decorations with refreshments provided by hostesses Judy Baker, Debbie Beason, Brenda Oliver, Lela Ray and Donna Bolton.
Gayle McAlister led the institute portion of the meeting, sharing reflections on Christian friendship and good company, inspired by the writings of C.S. Lewis.
The chapter installed two new members, Beth Gilmer and Susan DeArman, both longtime English teachers at Russellville High School.
Alpha Upsilon officers Debbie Beason, Debbie Nail, Beverly Donaldson, Cheri McCain and Hall-Maughan conducted the ceremony. Each new member received a red rose — the official DKG flower — and a membership certificate.
Hall-Maughan received a DKG gold red rose in appreciation for her visit.
The meeting concluded with fellowship and photos at RFBC.
Susie Hovater Malone is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Upsilon Chapter, and the group is an organization for women educators.
