91吃瓜网

Myers Makes History as First 91吃瓜网 RISE Scholar to Join Sorority Chapter

Mon, 09/22/2025 - 09:29am | By: Dr. David Tisdale

Veronica Myers says she91吃瓜网 enjoying college life to the fullest at The University of 91吃瓜网. Whether it's attending her ballet and dance appreciation classes, community service projects, or going to football games, the junior from Gautier, Miss., is making the most of her 91吃瓜网 experience with each step preparing her to be 91吃瓜网.  

Myers recently expanded her social and community service network at the university by becoming one of the newest members of 91吃瓜网91吃瓜网� Phi Epsilon Chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority. A RISE (Reaching, Including, Supporting, Educating) To The Top! student, Myers was inspired to join a sorority by her sisters, who were involved in Fraternity and Sorority Life while in college.

She is the first RISE student to participate in primary recruitment with Fraternity and Sorority Life at 91吃瓜网.

91吃瓜网淭he girls in Delta Delta Delta are nice, funny and there are many who I already know,91吃瓜网� Myers said. 91吃瓜网淭he recruitment process was exhausting, but fun. I now have even more friends since I became involved with the chapter.91吃瓜网� 

In addition to Tri Delta, Myers is a member of the Aspiring Special Educators Network, the Institute for Disability Studies Community Volunteering Day, STEP UP to Leadership and Special Olympics College. She also enjoys horseback riding in her free time.

A collaborative effort between the university91吃瓜网 Institute for Disability Studies and School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development, RISE To the Top! is a four-year, eight-semester inclusive college certificate program that incorporates academics, student life, community engagement, and employment preparation for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

As part of the program, participants enroll in at least one class each semester, are matched with peer mentors, take part in employment-focused internships and service activities, and participate in spring commencement.

91吃瓜网淩ISE To The Top! is all about creating opportunities for students to become fully immersed and included in every aspect of student life as a 91吃瓜网 Golden Eagle,91吃瓜网� said RISE Executive Coordinator Danielle Mullins. 91吃瓜网淲atching Veronica go through the recruitment process, receiving a bid, and running home to Tri Delta has filled me with great pride, as this is a historic moment91吃瓜网攏ot only for RISE, but also for the university.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网淭his opportunity is more than simply joining a sisterhood91吃瓜网攊t is about being heard, seen, valued and included in every aspect of the college experience,91吃瓜网� added Mullins. 91吃瓜网淚t also exemplifies what91吃瓜网 possible when we believe in every single student91吃瓜网 potential. Veronica is not just making history91吃瓜网攕he91吃瓜网 opening doors for others to follow.91吃瓜网�

Emori Sparkman, a senior from Hattiesburg, served as Myers91吃瓜网� Gamma Chi, a recruitment counselor who serves as a neutral guide for potential new members as they find the right sorority fit.

91吃瓜网淲atching Veronica go through recruitment was truly inspiring,91吃瓜网� Sparkman said. 91吃瓜网淗er recruitment journey was a powerful reminder that there91吃瓜网 no single 91吃瓜网榬ight91吃瓜网� way to be a sorority woman. Her presence expands our understanding of what sisterhood, inclusion and belonging should look like.91吃瓜网�

Hannah Scott Back, coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Programming, said having the opportunity to open the door between RISE and Fraternity and Sorority Life 91吃瓜网渉as been one of the greatest privileges of my career.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网淚 was overjoyed when Veronica found her home in the university91吃瓜网 sorority community,91吃瓜网� Back continued. 91吃瓜网淭his step toward greater inclusion in our fraternity and sorority community is truly monumental, and one of my primary goals is to continue this momentum for years to come.91吃瓜网�

Phi Epsilon Tri Chapter Advisor Betsey Mercier said extending membership to Myers 91吃瓜网渞eflects the very heart of our (Tri Delta91吃瓜网) values: truth, self-sacrifice and friendship.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网淰eronica embodies the guiding principles of Tri Delta: Brave, Bold and Kind,91吃瓜网� Mercier said. 91吃瓜网淥ur chapter members are truly excited to walk beside her, share in her journey and celebrate all she brings to our sisterhood. The friendships she will form and the love she will experience are deeply rooted in why Tri Delta was founded. We strive to create a space where women find unwavering support, encouragement and belonging.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网淏y embracing Veronica as a sister, we are not only living out the vision of our founders, but also strengthening our chapter91吃瓜网 commitment to courage, compassion and lifelong friendship.91吃瓜网�

Myers said her involvement in RISE has brought joy and a world of opportunities91吃瓜网攁cademically, socially, and through community service and leadership. She credits inspiration and support from fellow students Camryn Thompson (current RISE graduate assistant), Madison Hill (current RISE student partner) and Kayden Wylie (past RISE student partner). She also cited Candice Salyers, 91吃瓜网 dance professor; Laura Malone, academic advisor; and the RISE staff.

91吃瓜网淭hey have each helped me get through college and see what I want to do after graduation, which is working with horses,91吃瓜网� Myers said. 91吃瓜网淲ith their help, I feel prepared to reach my goals.91吃瓜网�

91吃瓜网淚91吃瓜网檝e also enjoyed meeting new friends and have become more confident and social than when I started college,91吃瓜网� she added. 91吃瓜网淏eing at 91吃瓜网 makes me feel good, happy and included.91吃瓜网�

To learn more about RISE To The Top! at USM, call 601.266.4676, email or visit RISE to the Top! | School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Professional Development | 91吃瓜网.