Student Activities
Sports
Of course, students find support in social groups, especially in student activities such as sports and sororities. In 1975, the first women's sports teams at Union emerged in softball and tennis.39 Until that point, women's athletics left much to be desired, and facilities designed for women were sorely lacking. The Committee on Coeducation had recommended that the College pay more attention to women's sports in 1989. Since that time, however, women's sports have grown substantially and there are thirteen women's sports teams.
Women's softball team, undated. Pictured on bottom row: Debra Swartz, Gina Pugleise, Elaine Baldwin, Nora Goldstein. Second row: Diana Gazzola, Kathy Reals, Ranni Zankel, Perky Francis, Delores (last name not given). Top row: Sheila Weaver, Shannon Harper, Barb Kessler, Gwen Yang, Liz Yeager. Image comes from the Picture File (SCA-1026). Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
Women's Tennis Team, 1977. Image comes from the Picture File (SCA-1026). Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
Women's Lacrosse, approximately 1971. Image comes from the Picture File (SCA-1026). Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
Women's Field Hockey Team, undated. Image comes from the Picture File (SCA-1026). Courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
Sororities
Sororities at Union College were first established in 1977 with Sigma Delta Tau and Delta Gamma.40 They can be a major source of support for women on campus. Greeku.com tells us: "Sororities are a major part of college life for many American college students. Sororities provide a home, activities, events, and a sense of community to young girls during their college years. They can provide young women with a great social circle as well as academic, leadership, and career opportunities."41 Today, there are four active sororities on campus.
Delta Delta Delta, 1986. Image from the Garnet, courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
Delta Gamma, 1986. Image from the Garnet, courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
Gamma Phi Beta, 1986. Image from the Garnet, courtesy of the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
Pin from the Delta Gamma Sorority. Item held in the Artifact Collection (SCA-1096), in the Department of Special Collections, Schaffer Library.
39Somers, 72.
40Ibid., 664.
41"How do Sororities Work?: A Guide to Understanding how to Join." https://www.greeku.com/blogs/news/sororities-work-guide-understanding-join#:~:text=Sororities%20are%20a%20major%20part,%2C%20leadership%2C%20and%20career%20opportunities.