Like every year, Delta Delta Delta returns this March with their signature philanthropy event to raise funds for kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
At The University of Southern Mississippi, sororities value traditions and philanthropy. For Delta Delta Delta, also known as Tri Delta, the annual “Tri Hop” fund raiser event has become a tradition rooted within all sisters.
Caroline Del Rio, junior hospitality major from Mandeville, Louisiana, is an active member of Tri Delta and recruitment chair who considers this event one of her favorites.
“Not only do I get to have fun with all my sisters, but we also get to raise money for children who are undergoing cancer treatment at St. Jude,” said Del Rio.
First started in 2013, Tri Hop is one of the most known philanthropic events hosted by Greek life at Southern Miss. Every year, Tri Delta’s sisters open the doors of their house to serve pancakes to students and members of the community. All raised funds are donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“I feel like I have an impact on the life of kids who battle cancer,” said Del Rio. “It is something way bigger than me, and I am so proud we can keep this tradition alive.”
Organizing Tri Hop every March takes months of preparation. The philanthropy chair is responsible for ordering the batter, the ingredients and coordinating all the volunteers that participate in the event. Every sister helps as much as possible with cooking, decorating, cleaning or by bringing a can of whipping cream.
“When I sign up to work at a station, whether flipping pancakes or stirring the batter, I am with people who I do not get to spend much time with usually,” said Del Rio. “Traditions like this one help us bond as sisters.”
For Briege Noonan, sophomore elementary education major from Spanish Fort, Alabama, traditions like Tri Hop are what made her want to join a sorority. Her first experience with Greek life traditions was Tri Delta’s Bid Day, when her chapter hopped on a bus to an alumni’s house.
“It was surreal to experience this tradition as a new member,” said Noonan. “We all went to an alumni house; we jumped in her pool and had burgers at Mugshots. It felt like we were one big family.”
For both new and active sisters, traditions represent the collective identity of their chapter. Not only do they get to raise money for great causes, but they get to set an example for all students.
“I believe that traditions strengthen our identity as a chapter,” said Noonan. “We get to keep alive what our previous sisters started, and this is a privilege.”
