Introduced in 1925 as a fundraiser for Kappa Delta’s first national philanthropy, the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Kappa Delta Foundation seals were designed, printed and sent to members as festive stickers to embellish their holiday mail. Just three years later, in 1928, Christine Hopkins (Epsilon Omega-Kentucky), chair of KD’s Hospital Committee, announced in The Angelos that a design contest would be held, giving members and their families the opportunity to create a unique seal each year.

2025 marks 100 years of this beloved tradition, and we’re going to celebrate in a new and exciting way! In honor of this milestone, we’re thrilled to introduce the Century of Seals Bracket, featuring 16 historic seal designs. Starting Monday, March 3, we invite you to vote for your favorite seal designs throughout the month, and round by round, the competition will narrow until we crown a winning seal design to represent this milestone year.

Voting opens on Monday, March 3 at 7 a.m. CT. To vote, visit this link, scroll down to the bracket and click “Start Voting”. The rounds are:

• Sisterhood Sixteen: Voting opens Monday, March 3 at 7 a.m. CT and closes Sunday, March 9 at 11:30 m.
• Emerald Eight: Voting opens Monday, March 10 at 7 a.m. CT and closes Sunday, March 16 at 11:30 p.m.
• Founders Four: Voting opens Monday, March 17 at 7 a.m. CT and closes Sunday, March 23 at 11:30 p.m.
• Friendship Finale: Voting opens Monday, March 24 at 7 a.m. CT and closes Sunday, March 30 at 11:30 p.m.

The winner will be announced Monday, March 31!

Check out the 16 featured seals along with a bit about their designers.

1932 – “Classic Tree”: Dorothy Duggar (Sigma Lambda-Auburn) designed this timeless seal, featuring KD’s classic green and white and exuding vintage KD charm. Fun fact: Dorothy was a powerhouse designer, creating the seal for four years in a row from 1929-1932!

1936 – “Star of Giving”: Designed by Walter T. Rolfe, husband of Kappa Delta Betty Rolfe (Sigma Gamma-Kansas State), this seal is one of only two winning designs submitted by a KD family member.

1940 – “White Rose”: Simple, classic and undeniably KD! Ruth Sandberg Landis (Omega Xi-Cincinnati) beautifully captured Kappa Delta’s flower, the white rose, in this elegant seal.

1948 – “Mr. Snowman”: Henrietta (Henri) Elliston Warren (Beta Epsilon-Tulsa) brought holiday cheer in 1948 with her playful design of a jolly snowman building a “KD” out of candy canes! It was also one of the first seals to introduce a pop of color beyond the traditional green and white.

1955 – “Holiday Ornaments”: Déjà vu? Nope! Just the incredible talent of Henrietta (Henri) Elliston Warren (Beta Epsilon-Tulsa)! She wasn’t just the artist behind this festive ornament-themed seal; she also designed the 1948, 1949 and 1954 seals!

1959 – “Jingle Bells”: Red was having a moment on KD seals, and 1959 was no exception! This festive design by Rita Copeland Matthews (Nu-Oklahoma State) features a pair of classic holiday bells, ringing in the season with KD spirit.

1960 – “Evergreens”: Three beautiful evergreen trees take center stage in this serene and wintry seal, designed by Barbara Loftus (Beta Epsilon-Tulsa) as a member of the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alumnae Chapter.

1969 – “KD Wreath”: This festive wreath, tied with a big bow featuring “K” and “D” front and center, captures the holiday spirit in green and white! Designed by Jayne Hamlet Hayes (Beta Chi-North Carolina/Chapel Hill) while she was a member of the Durham, North Carolina, Alumnae Chapter, it’s a perfect blend of tradition and cheer.

1979 – “Candy Cane Jingle”: Laurianne Cech (Pi-Nebraska) truly captured the magic of the holidays with this bright red-and-white design features a candy cane, jingle bells and a big “KD” bow, making it a festive favorite.

1980 – “Teddy Bear”: Cuteness overload! The seal, designed by Pamela Smethers Williams (Gamma Pi-Emory) features the snuggliest of Kappa Delta symbols—a green teddy bear nestled between two lettered blocks. A true holiday hug in seal form!

1985 – “Light the Way”: A warm and glowing design, this 1985 seal by Nancy Lee White Rathfon (Beta Iota-America) features three lighted candles on a green background, illuminating the season with KD spirit.

1988 – “The Nutcracker”: Was Loraine McKittrick (Beta Mu-Bowling Green State) inspired by The Nutcracker Suite when designing this seal? Perhaps! Her creation features a hand-drawn nutcracker, adding a touch of holiday magic to the tradition.

1990 – “Silver Bells”: Ring in the holiday season with this elegant seal! Designed by Amy Shaffer (Delta Nu-Indiana/Pennsylvania) during her time with the New York City Alumnae Chapter, this design features silver bells and mistletoe, all framed in a festive red ribbon.

1998 – “SnowBear”: Is it a snowman? Is it a teddy bear? It’s both! Designed by Shauna McEntyre (Sigma Phi-Georgia), this seal is a creative winter wonderland, featuring a snowman shaped like a teddy bear with tiny “K”s and “D”s falling like snow in the background. A perfect blend of whimsy and KD pride!

2005 – “Reindeer Games”: Dasher? Dancer? Prancer? Vixen? We’re not sure what to name this adorable reindeer, but we do know that Rachel Darenfeld (Zeta Mu-Towson) created a winning design with this playful seal.

2007 – “Snowflake” A winter wonderland in one perfect design! Audrey Baye (Sigma Sigma-Iowa State) brought the beauty of the season to life with this 2007 seal, featuring a stunning green snowflake with a “KD” front and center. A true holiday classic!