Memorials, Recognition - Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Tennessee Chapter, 90th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Senate Joint Resolution memorializes Tennessee's Delta Kappa Gamma Society on its 90th anniversary, recognizing its support for women educators and education across levels.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Purpose and scope

SJR 541 is a memorial joint resolution recognizing the 90th anniversary of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Tennessee Chapter (originally organized in Tennessee as Xi State on November 30, 1935).

The resolution congratulates and commends Tennessee’s Delta Kappa Gamma members for their contributions to education across preschool through university levels and for upholding the Society’s mission of promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

Key provisions and language

Recites the history of Delta Kappa Gamma (founded 1929 at the University of Texas in Austin) and the Tennessee Chapter’s formation in 1935.

Names the Tennessee Founders and notes leadership lineage, including:

Forty-five women who have served as president since 1935 (each serving a biennium); sixteen presidents are living.
The Tennessee Organization currently includes over 1,700 members across 60 chapters.

Highlights the Society’s ongoing mission: to promote the professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.

Announces the 90th Annual State Convention to be held in May 2026 at The University of the South in Sewanee to celebrate the anniversary.

The resolution requests the preparation of an appropriate copy for presentation, with a specific clerical instruction: the final clause should be omitted from the copy, and language following the State seal should appear without House or Senate designation when requested.

Concurrence: Indicates the Tennessee General Assembly’s concurrence with the statement of recognition (House concurrence implied by the “House of Representatives concurring” language).

Affected entities and impact

Primary: Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Tennessee Chapter (Tennessee Xi State; now the Tennessee Organization of DKG).

Secondary: Tennessee educators and the broader educational community, given the organization’s impact from preschool through higher education.

Fiscal impact: The bill is ceremonial and does not propose new programs or funding; no anticipated financial costs to the state.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Filed for introduction on December 2, 2025.

Classification: Senate Joint Resolution (a ceremonial acknowledgment, not a statute).

Next steps: If approved by the Senate and concurred by the House, an appropriate copy would be presented; the resolution would memorialize the 90th anniversary in state records.

Context and background

The bill documents the long-standing history of DKG in Tennessee, including its origins, leadership, and sizeable membership. It frames the anniversary as an opportunity to highlight educators’ contributions to Tennessee’s education system and to honor a major professional organization of women educators.

Bill