Member Spotlight, Cheryl Couch
Tell us a little about yourself. I’m a Minnesota girl who made my way to Texas via Iowa, Kansas, and Virginia.
All the moves were work related during my 33 years with FDIC (I retired 5 years ago). I was in bank supervision (safety & soundness) and worked in the Cedar Rapids Field Office examining banks, Kansas City Regional Office and DC Headquarters as a Review Examiner, and Dallas RO as an Assistant Regional Director I also spent time in San Francisco as as an Acting ARD, DC as an Acting Section Chief, and Chicago as a Deputy RD. It was a great career, with many opportunities. Now, in addition to DZ activities, I volunteer at Second Chance SPCA, a small rescue shelter in Plano, where I serve as the treasurer. I’ve also volunteered with The Legacy -Willowbend, in the memory care area, though have taken a break from that for a bit I married a Mississippi boy 15 years ago, who also works for FDIC - he will retire next year. We live in Plano with our two furry children, Cole and Beetja. Periodically there are other 4-legged children around as I foster for SCSPCA as well. I am looking forward to football season as we have a condo in Oxford, MS and season tickets to Ole Miss football. My hobbies include knitting (mainly blankets), reading (crime and sci-fy), and riding my bike.
Why did you join Delta Zeta? That was a while ago, but I joined DZ mainly as a way to meet others on campus. I was also interested in the possible connections after college.
What positions did you hold as a collegian in Delta Zeta? My first office as a DZ was Standards Chairman, but that was back when Standards was planning educational presentations on topics like women’s health and etiquette. When the treasurer left to student teach, I was appointed treasurer (I was the only accounting major in the chapter, so....). I was also elected to my own term. At the same time as I served as treasurer at Theta Nu, I served as treasurer for Panhellenic.
What was the most rewarding part of your collegiate experience in Delta Zeta?
College was 40 years ago, so wow. I hate to say that I have little contact with my chapter sister, but Facebook is helping with some reconnecting. As we graduated, most of us moved and there wasn’t a strong alumnae presence in the chapter at the time to model, we stayed in contact for a few years, but moves, marriages, divorces, children, (aka life) resulted in less contact. As a result, I think the most rewarding part of college may have been the experience I gained as an officer. Being able to plan a meeting/event, stand up in front of a group and give a presentation, and being able to mingle in situations where you don’t really know anyone in attendance.
How long have you been a member of PCCA? Why did you join an alumnae chapter? I’ve been a member of PCCA on and off (more on) for nearly 20 years, since shortly after I moved to Dallas. Other than my time in CR, I’ve been an active chapter member/officer of alumnae chapters everywhere I have lived since college. I’ve found these groups a great way to meet women who I don’t/didn’t work with, learn more about the area, etc. You immediately have one common bond, whether you came from a chapter of 20 or 200, which provides a starting point for conversation.
What has been the most rewarding part of your alumnae experience in Delta Zeta? This is the hardest question, I’ve served as an advisor or CCD for 4 different
collegiate chapters, which can be rewarding and frustrating all at the same time. I have also been a New Member Education Specialist and Assistant Coordinator, working directly with chapters on their NME program or overseeing a team working directly with the chapters. I’ve “read” scholarship applications and also annual reports. I’ve served in several officer positions in the Alumnae chapters and was the local coordinator for the “To Walk Truly in the Light of the Flame” capital campaign. I think the most rewarding thing would be to see the women you’ve worked with be recognized whether it is a chapter/individual award at region weekend, receipt of a scholarship that allows a member to stay active, or receipt of a national award. It is also rewarding when these women become involved alumnae. Or maybe the most rewarding thing is the friendships I’ve made with other alumnae. While some are new, others have lasted for years over several moves. The biggest honor was receiving an Achoth Award.
