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From the Editor

DKG Through the Lens of Legacy

What is your legacy as an educator and DKG member? The concept of legacy—
making a difference in the world and “leaving behind” one’s mark—is actually
embedded in the DKG Vision statement: “Leading Women Educators Impacting
Education Worldwide.” And this issue of the Bulletin: Collegial Exchange is chock
full of articles to help readers realize the rich impacts generated by the Society at
all levels—from the efforts of individual members and chapters to the organization
as a whole.
Annually, the Society presents its highest honor, the International Achievement
Award, to a member who has “merited recognition for her distinguished record
in the Society” (DKG Constitution, Article XIII. Section B.1.a). Clearly, 2021
recipient Dr. Constance (Connie) Hoag has built a legacy of service to DKG,
making her mark within the organization. Equally clear in her article reflecting on
the award (p. 5) is the impact that the Society has had on her…and, by inference,
on others who are willing to invest themselves in the
opportunities that membership offers. In this case, the legacy
of the Society is captured in its Mission of promoting the
“professional and personal growth of women educators and
excellence in education.”
Of course, education is an area of endeavor driven by
legacy—by the passing down of knowledge and culture to
students, by the thoughtful structuring of curriculum and
instruction that ultimately shape and influence the future
citizenry, and by the provision of supportive services to
see that needs and challenges of all in the educational community are met so it
can continue to flourish. Whether one is teacher, administrator, staff member,
consultant, advisor, specialist, coach, or policymaker, the goal is always to create
an experience that endures in the minds and hearts of others—whether that be
an appreciation of the brilliance of a particular author or scientific theory or the
practice of honesty and kindness in working with others. When astronaut Christa
McCauliffe noted, “I touch the future; I teach,” she amply captured the kind of
legacy to which all in education aspire: to make a difference for those who follow.
American director David Lowery perhaps said it simplest and best: “We build our
legacy piece by piece, and maybe the whole world will remember you or maybe
just a couple of people, but you do what you can to make sure you’re still around
after you’re gone.”
May readers consider the articles in this issue through the lens of legacy that
is at the heart of our work as key women educators and the genuine spiritual
fellowship that pervades DKG. Our authors have contributed to their legacies. How
will you shape yours?

Judy Merz, EdD
Editor

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