Lenora, Sara, Julia and Mary are more than our founders, they are our inspiration. When times are difficult, every member of Kappa Delta can look to them as an example of enduring sisterly love. In this time of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope – together, Kappa Deltas can do extraordinary things. We are fortunate to have a support system of sisters who are there for us in the best of times and worst of times.

“COVID-19 has left many students confused and hurt due to financial burdens,” 2019 Kappa Delta Foundation scholarship recipient Kendall Runyan (Beta Pi-Florida) shared. “Many of my sisters have off-campus leases and must continue paying rent even though they are no longer on campus. Those who pay for their own educational expenses do not qualify for the stimulus relief because their parents can claim them as dependents. I personally lost a paid internship opportunity for this summer. The financial and emotional impact of this pandemic cannot be overstated.”

Paying for college is not a new struggle for many collegians. Since 1984, the cost of a college education has more than doubled, even when adjusting for inflation. The average cost of tuition, room, board and fees for one year at a public university comprises over a third of a family’s average household income compared with just 15.6% 50 years ago. Today, a student would have to work a full-time, minimum wage job for almost the entire calendar year to afford just one year of tuition.

Too many sisters like Kendall take on college debt that will burden them for years. Many finance at least some of their educational costs with student loans, hoping their future salaries will pay off the incurred debt.

“Between tuition, living expenses, textbooks, and everything required to live, college itself can be a hefty expense,” Kendall shared. “Many of us are working hard to stay in school and fund the experiences that are important to us. Receiving a scholarship from the Kappa Delta Foundation provided me with the flexibility to be able to focus on planning for my future and pursuing my passions without a financial burden.”

For many students, tuition coupled with the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have only increased the strain on undergraduate sisters like Kendall. Scholarships will become a lifeline for students and their families to make ends meet.

Each year, the Kappa Delta Foundation awards undergraduate and graduate scholarships, some of which are specific to a chapter, state or field of study. In 2019, the foundation awarded more than $259,000 in merit-based scholarships to 116 members. Now, more than ever, Kappa Delta’s scholarship support can provide relief for students when its needed most.

The Kappa Delta Foundation kicked off a week-long campaign on Giving Tuesday Now, a global effort of giving and unity in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Though Tuesday, May 12, when you purchase virtual roses through the foundation’s White Rose Garden you will help award more scholarships this summer and support women like Kendall. Purchasing roses also offers an opportunity to connect with sisters, family and friends. Each rose allows for a special message to each recipient. Roses start at just $5.

We are all in this together, and we will get through it because of our sisterhood. Send roses to honor sisters today!