ADA, Okla. – East Central University’s inaugural chapter of the Gamma Delta Pi sorority is celebrating its first spring semester with a series of successes, making history for First American women at ECU and establishing a new community of sisterhood on campus.

Gamma Delta Pi is a national sorority for First American women and the first of its kind at ECU. The university chapter was established Oct. 23, 2025, when its founding members were formally initiated. This spring, the founding members welcomed their first group of new members.

The idea to bring a chapter to ECU came from freshman Gabrielle Nucosee, whose sister, Nicole Schultz, was already a member of the University of Oklahoma chapter. Schultz contacted Emily Black of the Gamma Delta Pi Governance Board to begin the process, which required at least five chapter founders.

Destany Schafer-Morgan, a professor in ECU’s Department of Professional Programs and Human Services, was approached to serve as the chapter’s faculty adviser. Already serving as adviser for ECU’s Native American Student Association, Schafer-Morgan immediately took on the role.

“I thought it would be a really great thing,” Schafer-Morgan said. “It was like the missing piece. We already had NASA, but there is something special about a sisterhood.”

The founding five members each hold distinct roles. Olivia Terry, a Chickasaw citizen with Seminole and Creek ancestry, serves as Clan Mother, the equivalent of chapter president. Mena Cedartree, of Seminole and Creek descent, is White Council, or vice president. Kala Furr, a Chickasaw citizen, serves as Black Council, handling secretary duties and social media. Adelyn Hernandez, a Chickasaw citizen, is Yellow Council, serving as treasurer and leading recruitment efforts. Nucosee, a Chickasaw citizen with Oklahoma Choctaw, Mississippi Choctaw and Seminole ancestry, is Red Council, coordinating cultural events and bonding activities.

“As Clan Mom, watching Gamma Delta Pi complete its first full semester at ECU has been incredible,” Terry said. “We’ve doubled from our original five and now have 11 active sisters. There is power in numbers, and I can’t wait to see what our new members will bring. We’ve grown in strength, unity and purpose, and I’m proud of every sister who brought our vision to life. For me, winning the Greek Week Service Excellence Award meant the most because it shows our impact on the community. As we grow, we’re committed to continuing that dedication.”

New inductees include Bethany Baggerly, Zaylee Skidmore-Beaney, Lashawna Butts, Taloa Lewis, Elizabeth Marshall and Liz Vandegrift.

Baggerly, a non-traditional student and member of the Chickasaw Nation, joined Gamma Delta Pi seeking a new community.

“When I decided to further my education at ECU, I knew it would be a little difficult being older than many of my peers and I didn’t think I would fully fit in,” Baggerly said. “After going through the new member process and getting to know my new sisters, I was glad to take that first step in a new direction. Everyone is so supportive, and I feel blessed to be part of an organization built on sisterhood, community and our cultural backgrounds.”

Skidmore-Beaney said her experience in the organization has been transformative.

“Since joining Gamma Delta Pi, I have developed a deeper appreciation for community and cultural engagement,” she said. “I’ve formed meaningful friendships while building connections with diverse communities. My involvement has contributed greatly to my personal growth, and I can’t imagine my life without the impact of Gamma Delta Pi.”

The spring semester marked many milestones for the Ada chapter. In February, members organized their first event, the Hearts & Heroes Family Dance, an inclusive Valentine’s celebration for families and community members.

“Helping bring Gamma Delta Pi to ECU has been such an incredible honor,” Furr said. “We’ve grown so much this year, building meaningful connections through community activities while honoring our culture in everything we do. One of my favorite moments was creating an inclusive dance for the community; as a mom of daughters, it made the experience even more meaningful to share with families like mine.”

They also participated in ECU’s first Greek Week of the semester, joining daily campus activities alongside other sororities and fraternities. Additionally, Gamma Delta Pi members assisted with ECU’s Native American Student Association Princess Pageant for 2026–27, helping organize and staff the event. Three members competed as contestants, with Nucosee ultimately crowned Miss Native American ECU.

“I feel like we all come from different backgrounds,” Terry said. “It is really important for First American women to have a voice here, but it is also really good just to connect with other women on a personal and a cultural level.”

For more information about Gamma Delta Pi at East Central University, visit www.gammadeltapi.org.

-ECU-