Ashland University Alpha Delta Pi Sorority Named Ronald McDonald ‘House Hero’

Ashland University’s Alpha Delta Pi sorority has been named a “House Hero” by the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland and will have a plaque dedicated in its honor on April 27.

Valerie Zeno, adviser for the Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi) sorority, said the recognition is based on the sorority’s longtime relationship with the Ronald McDonald House.

“Each year ADPi holds various fundraisers to support the Ronald McDonald House and over the past years we have donated more than $25,000 to this house,” she said. “In addition to the monetary donations, the chapter members visit the house approximately 30 times during the academic year providing services such as cooking meals for families staying at the house, cleaning projects, gardening and miscellaneous chores.”

Zeno said the sorority members also make door decorations, fleece tie blankets and courage bracelets for the children who are staying at the house.

Samantha Stroud, marketing & communications manager for Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland Inc., notified Zeno of the recognition.

“In recognition of your support, we are dedicating a plaque at the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland called the ‘House Heroes’,” Stroud said in a letter. She said those listed on the plaque are donors who have partnered with McDonald’s and/or Ronald McDonald House Charities Global by supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland for at least five years or donating at least $25,000 in goods or services.

Stroud said a dedication ceremony to honor the sorority and other donors that fit this criterion will be held at the Ronald McDonald House’s annual meeting on April 27.

Zeno said she and Paige Bott, the sorority chapter president; Tracy St. John, the sorority philanthropy chair; and Hannah Houser, Community Service chair, will attend the meeting.

While supporting the Ronald McDonald House, the ADPi sorority chapter remains active in the Ashland community where its members have provided more than 10,000 volunteer hours among them. “They also have contributed thousands of dollars to local activities, such as relay for life,” Zeno said.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong, applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.