LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT
.jpg)
Welcome to Lambda Delta Phi’s website! I’m Lauren Cogley, a junior majoring in Plant Science.
My journey to the University of Minnesota began as a high school freshman when my sister started her college career here in the Twin Cities. After visiting her and getting a glimpse into life as a Minnesota Gopher, I quickly fell in love with this school and decided that I would do all that I could to follow in her footsteps. I loved the big city feel of Minneapolis and how different it was from my hometown - Sioux Falls, SD. However, I began to feel overwhelmed and homesick after the first semester of my freshman year. Luckily, the ladies of Lambda Delta Phi welcomed me into their home the following spring where I felt an immediate sense of community and friendship with each member. The small town feel and calm atmosphere of the St. Paul campus reminds me of home, and I have been able to better engage with other students in CFANS while living in the chapter house close to the St. Paul campus.
​
Though I haven’t always known what my professional goals were, I have known that they would involve environmental sustainability and conservation. I found my way to the Plant Science major by seeking a career field that could provide hands-on work experience. My community in LDPhi and the St. Paul campus introduced me to the agricultural side of the major. Without the guidance of my sisters and friends, I wouldn’t have discovered the numerous ways that agriculture and conservation intertwine. I intend to graduate from the U with a Bachelor’s of Science in Plant Science, Agroecology emphasis and Soil Science minor, before going on to graduate school.
Lambda Delta Phi has offered me countless opportunities for growth and leadership throughout my time with the organization. During the 2024 calendar year, I served on the executive board as the Scholastics Chair. LDPhi’s status as an academic sorority aligned with my own value that I place on academics, so that officer position was a great way to begin leadership in LDPhi. I loved my role of encouraging a supportive atmosphere when it comes to our studies. Now as the current president, I’m excited to take on a new role that is far more engaged in the inner workings of our sorority. From welcoming in new members and connecting with our alumni to leading chapter meetings, I can’t wait to learn and grow even more in this leadership position.