Mary Kay Wise Jensen attended Butler University, where she was initiated as a member of Delta Lambda Chapter in 1921. Jensen served as a district officer in a variety of capacities from 1935-1940, as an associate director from 1940-1944, as collegiate vice president from 1944-1948, and as president from 1948-1952. After her term as president, she continued to serve Tri Delta as historian from 1954-1960 and the National Panhellenic Conference alternate delegate in 1956.
Jensen had a deeply felt commitment to Tri Delta but also believed in making changes to the Fraternity to allow for its continued evolution. During a speech at the 1950 Convention, she proclaimed, “We must remember that change is not only necessary but often very desirable, for only thus can we progress.”
One of Jensen’s most important achievements as president was the establishment of Tri Delta’s Crescent Fund at the 1952 Convention. Tri Delta created the Crescent Fund to provide assistance for alumnae members experiencing unexpected medical, educational, or living expenses. The fund continues to support many alumnae members today, and a branch to support collegiate members, the Collegiate Crescent Fund, was established at the 2000 Convention.
