Before each Tri Delta meeting, all of our members as one recite, “Let us steadfastly love one another.” There is no greater time than now for these words to ring true. We in Tri Delta are part of a small, close family, but we are also part of a much larger community.
This has been a tragedy that everyone is grieving about, outside of Tri Delta, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the University of South Carolina. Our chapter is grateful for the immediate response and continued encouragement we’ve received, and we find strength in knowing that people across the country are joining together to offer support to those who need it.
"Through this tragedy, I have seen how individually, we are all so fragile. But it has also shown me that the Tri Delta sisterhood and love for one another is unbreakable." -- Ann Richter
The women we lost were not simply Tri Deltas. They were beautiful young women who were in their prime of their lives as college students. They were daughters, sisters, roommates and friends, and they will be deeply missed.
Lauren Mahon was a confident and independent woman who embodied honorable character as a key to success in life. She was ambitious and worked extremely hard as part of her plan to attend law school. Lauren will be remembered as an extremely loyal individual who would always stick up for a friend.
"There are few people you meet in life, that upon the first 'hello', you can tell immediately that there is something truly special about that person. Lauren Mahon was one of these rare people." -- Caroline Delleney
Cassidy Pendley was an avid athlete and determined student. She had her priorities straight and was able to balance academics, activities and a social life. Cassidy will be remembered as a genuine friend who always went out of her way to make others feel welcome.
"One night I was so bored and had nothing to do. I called Cassidy to hang out, and although she already had plans, she immediately invited me to tag along with her and some of her high school friends. She was so reliable with stuff like that." -- Sarah Cooper
Allison (Allie) Walden lived life to the fullest and as a social butterfly, was never seen without a smile on her face. She was a bright and intelligent woman with hopes of attending graduate school. Allie will be missed as she was always there to lend a shoulder to cry on, make you laugh or just hang out with on a lazy Friday morning.
“Allie is a presence that will be missed here at the Tri Delta house as well as on the USC campus. She touched so many and she will never know the impact she has made on our lives. We love you Allie and you will always be our sister." -- Brook Spanjian, Libby Ward, Ginny Patterson and Lauren Taylor (Allie's pledge sisters)
In addition to grieving the loss of our three sisters, we are focusing on supporting the other individuals directly involved in this tragedy. We pray they will feel the love and support needed to heal.
We know all of the families have received tremendous support, and after reaching out to them, we pray they find comfort in hearing about how much their sons and daughters meant to so many. We continue to work together as a chapter to offer the necessary support for these families.
The loss of our sisters and friends has been a shock and extremely painful. However, this tragedy has been a powerful example of the good that comes when people reach out and care for others.
--Lauren Hodge, president on behalf of the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Delta Delta Delta |
