A Meaningful Return
Jacque (Geving) Everson, ’66, has a long history of volunteering for the national chapter of her sorority, Delta Gamma, and in the communities where she has lived. Still, she felt called to make a meaningful impact at UND.
“Around 2010, I started thinking I wanted to do something for my local chapter,” she said. “I wanted it to have some meaning.”
That thought turned into action after Jacque attended a Delta Gamma Lectureship in Values and Ethics in Akron, Ohio, featuring actor Michael J. Fox. “He’d been living with Parkinson’s for many years,” Jacque said. “I had the privilege of speaking with him one-on-one, and that really inspired me.”
Having held several leadership roles with International Delta Gamma — including Foundation Director for scholarships, fellowships, and loans, Province Alumnae Chairman, and Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees — Jacque knew about a challenge grant aimed at expanding the Lectureship. Established in 1992, the Dorothy Garrett Martin Lectureship in Values and Ethics was created to foster open, honest conversations on college campuses.
...I wanted to do something for my local chapter. I wanted it to have some meaning.Jacque Everson
In 2011, Jacque partnered with the UND Delta Gamma chapter to establish the Delta Gamma Foundation/Everson Family lectureship in Values and Ethics — putting UND among just 20 campuses across the country to present the values- and ethics-focused event. Held biennially, the series has welcomed speakers like abduction survivor Elizabeth Smart, TV journalist John Quiñones, Olympic gold medalists Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson, and former UND athlete Hunter Pinke.
This spring, Jacque traveled to Grand Forks from her home in The Woodlands, Texas, to hear professional surfer and best-selling author Bethany Hamilton share her story of resilience — from losing her arm in a shark attack to returning to competition and using her platform to inspire others.
Nearly 1,500 people attended the event — a testament to the enduring impact of Jacque’s lead gift and her commitment to sparking conversations that matter.
