Past International President Dawn McNulty, hailing from the Phi Sigma Chapter at Northern Illinois University, currently serves as the Vice President of the Educational Foundation. Dawn’s commitment to education and dedication to Delta Phi Epsilon make her an invaluable addition to the leadership of our organization.
Learn more about Dawn by reading her six answers about sisterhood below.
Talk a little about your DPhiE journey. When and where did you join? Why did you choose DPhiE?
I’m from Northern Illinois University, Phi Sigma Chapter (1988). I chose D Phi E because the sisters I met inspired me and being around them felt like “home.”
Why did you start volunteering for DPhiE? How did you get to the position you are now?
I traveled as a Chapter Consultant upon graduation (1991) and continued to serve as an alumna volunteer through 2004, ultimately serving as International President from 1999 – 2004. I returned to active involvement as a Director on the Educational Foundation in 2016 and currently serve in the role as Vice President.
What skills have you learned throughout your time in DPhiE and being a volunteer?
Sisterhood in Delta Phi Epsilon as an undergraduate taught me valuable leadership skills as well as an appreciation for diverse viewpoints. Coming from a large, housed chapter, there were constant commonalities and differences; leaders I aspired to learn from and participants who modeled the importance of teamwork; and countless fond memories.
The most important things I learned as an alumna volunteer include: the value of saying thank you – of noticing and expressing appreciation for the contributions of others and the importance of continuing the personal connection of the sisterhood experience as an alumna – just as during one’s undergraduate experience, it’s not just about gaining skills, it’s also about the sisterhood and the love.
What impact do you want to have on the Educational Foundation?
The creation of the Madeleine Claire McNulty Scholarship, named after one of my daughters, is the most lasting impact I would have on the Educational Foundation. We are honored and grateful to all sisters of Delta Phi Epsilon, family and friends who have donated to its endowment.
Any advice you would give a new member?
Sisterhood is for a lifetime – that’s something one cannot truly grasp as a new member. Some days you will love it, other days not so much…but, just as when you took the chance to accept our bid, keep taking chances within our sisterhood and the opportunities, friendships and treasured memories will build over the years.
Is there anything you would like to add? Any special DPhiE memories?
While I treasure my experience as a Phi Sigma chapter sister, my alumna experience as a volunteer equally has provided lifelong friendships. Some of my favorite sisterhood memories are the alumnae volunteer social gatherings at international conventions (ILF).
