A Word or Two…from the Board of Directors

• Mark your calendars for the ADSOEF Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 10, 2025, beginning at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. via Zoom.  (Just an hour of your time!)
• All OSO/ADSOEF members are welcome to attend!
• In this February publication of  Foundation Matters you will find: your official 2025 invitation; links for the annual meeting agenda and the 2024 Annual Board Meeting Minutes. These documents are also posted on our website, adsoef.org.
• You can read the biographies of the individuals vying for the five Director positions for two-year (2025-2027) and three-year (2025-2028) terms; and the 2024-2025 budget in the March edition of Foundation Matters.  Be informed and ready to vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting. 
• At the OSO State Convention luncheon on April 5^th, we are planning to continue our yearly tradition of giving.  You can help Bee-ing the Future of Education as contribution envelopes will be available on the Birthday Luncheon tables.   Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all chapters and individuals donating to provide much needed financial support to fund the future of excellence in education for Ohio!
• We are looking forward with, great anticipation to seeing you on Zoom Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 p.m.!

The ADSOEF Board of Directors

2025 ADSOEF Annual Meeting Agenda

2024 ADSOEF Annual Meeting Minutes

2025 Candidates for the ADSOEF Board of Directors

The 2024-25 Nominating Committee is happy to report that the following members have submitted applications and are vying for the five open Director positions.  This will be the first election under the new Bylaws. We will elect three (3) directors for a two-year term starting in July 2025 and ending July 2027, and two (2) directors for a three-year term starting in July 2025 and ending July 2028.   Diana Kirkpatrick, Alpha Delta and Annie Zahradnik, Gamma Theta are seeking a two-year term on the ADSOEF Board. Sue Loader, Alpha Psi; Linda K. Reeves, Alpha Delta; and Tamara Schroeder, Beta Eta are willing to serve either a two- or three-year term.  

Look for their biography profiles in the March Foundation Matters newsletter

Nominating Committee

Debby Canter, Delta Epsilon

Hannah Fairbanks, Gamma Theta

Nancy Water, Alpha Psi

Tammy Schroeder, Beta Eta, Chairman

Thank You for Bee-ing Our Valentines!

This is the time of year when we reach out and express our gratitude to the special people in our lives for bee-ing kind and supportive.  You are those special people!!   The Fundraising Committee wishes to thank each of you for Bee-ing the Future of Education with your support of the various grants, fellowships, scholarships, and projects of ADSOEF.  The fall campaign exceeded our greatest expectations with a total of $10,202.86  bee-ing donated. These donations helped to push the total contributions from July 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025, to $14,297.32.  With the OSO Birthday Luncheon and ADSOEF raffle in April, it’s exciting to anticipate the possibilities for finishing this year’s fundraising on a high bee-buzz!!

If you have not registered for the OSO State Convention on April 4-5, 2025, at Deer Creek State Park Lodge, it’s not too late.  You don’t want to miss this opportunity to socialize with fellow OSO members and to get the latest DKG updates.  Enjoy participating in the ADSOEF raffle with the chance to win a fantastic gift for yourself!  Plan to attend the Birthday Luncheon on April 5th and celebrate the 87th anniversary of OSO. Envelopes will be available at the luncheon if you wish to make a donation to one of the many ADSOEF funds.  With Mother’s Day following the State Convention, you might consider honoring or remembering a special woman in your life.  Both the raffle and the Birthday Luncheon donations will be used to provide grants, fellowships, and scholarships, and to support individual/classroom/community projects.  Let’s all continue to Bee the Future of Education!

The ADSOEF Fundraising Committee

Joan Avery, Chi

Holly Buente, Gamma Pi

Nancy Russell, Beta Kappa

Linda Diltz, Beta Rho, Co-chairman

Barb Zirke, Alpha Psi, Co-chairman

ADSOEF Contribution Form

Adjusting to Life in the United States

Kendra Mejia

When I first arrived in the United States, I was filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness about starting my studies at Kent State University. Everything felt new. New people, a new culture, and even a new way of learning. At first, it was overwhelming. The pace of life here was so different from what I was used to, and even small tasks like ordering food or asking for directions felt like major challenges. 

As the weeks went by, I began to adjust. One of the greatest sources of support during this time was Marilyn Slusser, who offered me tremendous encouragement. She listened to me when I was struggling with issues related to my roommate and provided thoughtful advice that truly made a difference. Her empathy and guidance made me feel heard and gave me the confidence to tackle these challenges. 

I was also fortunate to attend conferences organized by Delta Kappa Gamma, where I met many talented and inspiring individuals. It was fascinating to learn from each of you and hear your perspectives. These interactions helped me broaden my horizons and feel more connected to this new environment. 

Looking back, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown over the course of my first semester. Adjusting to life in the United States hasn’t been easy, but with the help of people like Marilyn and organizations like Alpha Delta State Ohio Educational Foundation, I’ve found my footing. I’m now looking forward to the journey ahead, equipped with new skills, friendships, and a stronger sense of self.

Mark your 2025 calendar to save the date for the Biennial Seminar, June 11-12th, learning firsthand about the simple life of the Amish.

Join Us in Ohio’s Amish Country, June 11-12, 2025,

for Two Days of Fun Filled Learning!!

*Registration Fee is $120, which includes the cost of theater tickets for Elvis Forever ($40); the day long Bus Tour of the Amish Community around Millersburg/Berlin, Ohio; the Behalt Museum fee, and the luncheon meal at an authentic Amish home ($80).  ADSOEF will provide the bus, as well as the gratuities for the tour guide and bus driver. 

*Please register early as registration (complete with payment) is limited to the first 55 participants.  Electronic registration ends

May 1 and there will be no refunds after May 15.

*Everyone is responsible for securing their own hotel accommodations.  See important information below.

*Your 2025 Biennial Seminar Registration can be achieved by using: (1) the link with payment by PayPal/Credit Card; or (2) the link with payment by personal check Links are located at the bottom of this page.  

*Dinners for Wednesday and Thursday evenings will be at your own expense and at venues of your own choosing.  

*FYI…Many Amish venues or establishments accept cash only. Come prepared!

2025 Biennial Seminar Registration with PayPal/Credit Card Payment Link

2025 Biennial Seminar Registration with Payment by Personal Check Link

Biennial Seminar Itinerary

Encore Hotel & Hall + Amish Country Theater

RESERVATION INFORMATION

Encore Hotel & Hall + Amish Country Theater 

4365 State Route 39

Millersburg, Ohio 44654

Call: 888-988-2414

Group Name: Delta Kappa Gamma OSO

Group Code: b528407

All reservations must be confirmed by credit card. (Discover, American Express, Mastercard)

Check in: after 3:00 p.m.  Check out:  by 11:00 a.m.

Complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

ROOM RATES:  To take advantage of the DKG Room Block, room reservations must be made by May 1, 2025.  The “cut-off date” for reserving rooms in the Room Block is 5:00 p.m. local time at Encore Hotel & Amish Theater on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Be sure to sure the Group Name and Group Code making your room reservation!  After that date, it is at the hotel’s discretion whether to accept additional reservations, which will be subject to prevailing rates and availability.

The room rates for June 11 and June 12 are as follows:           

*Deluxe Guest Room – the room rate is $129.00 each night ($146 with applicable state and local taxes or occupancy taxes included).

*Two Queen Suite room rate is $149.00 each night ($160 with applicable state and local taxes or occupancy taxes included).

Rates are for a single or double occupancy per room. Additional charges of $10 per guest per night for triple or quad occupancy.

Cancellations - Guests must call in and cancel 72 hours prior to their stay.

Into the Future. . .Important Dates to Remember!

February 15, 2025

Foundation Matters arrives in your email

February 17, 2025

ADSOEF BOD Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

February 24, 2025

Governance Committee Meeting @ 6:30 p.m. via Zoom

March 4, 2025

Fundraising Committee Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.

March 15, 2025

Foundation Matters arrives in your email

March 17, 2025

ADSOEF BOD Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 24, 2025

Breakout Session Practice @ 7:00 p.m.

March 27, 2025

Breakout Session Presentation @ 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

April 1, 2025

Fundraising Committee Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.

April 4-5, 2025

OSO State Convention

Deer Creek State Park Lodge

22300 State Park Road 20

Mt. Sterling, OH 43143

April 10, 2025

ADSOEF Annual Meeting @ 7:00 p.m. via Zoom

April 15, 2025

Foundation Matters arrives in your email