May 15, 2024
As we wrap up Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want to highlight the incredible contributions of Kappa Delta dedicated volunteers, particularly those serving on the chapter advisory boards (CABs) of two of our newly re-established chapters at Samford University and Texas Christian University.
Chapter advisory boards are the driving forces behind Kappa Delta’s success. They serve as mentors, motivators, and champions for our collegiate sisters, directly engaged with chapter officers to shape goals and plans, steering our chapters towards a bright future. Without their dedication and guidance, Kappa Delta’s Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian and Delta Theta-Samford Chapters would not have been able to flourish like they have.
The Gamma Zeta CAB is made up of thirteen dedicated volunteers who come from an array of KD chapters all over the country, including six who were Gamma Zetas at TCU themselves!
CAB Chair – Julie Gerard (Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian)
Cab Vice Chair – Judy Mast (Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian)
CAB-Collegiate Facilities – Tracy Blair (Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian)
CAB-Events & Programming – Benton Sprayberry (Sigma Lambda-Auburn)
CAB-Finance – Aletha Evert (Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian)
CAB-Inclusion – Jennifer Richardson (Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian)
CAB-Learning & Development – Emily Thome (Eta Alpha-Texas A&M/College Station)
CAB-Recruitment – Julie Pollok (Eta Alpha-Texas A&M/College Station)
CAB-Marketing – Reagan Donahue (Sigma Phi-Georgia)
CAB-Member Retention – Becca Jones (Epsilon Iota-Missouri)
CAB-Philanthropy & Community Service – Sue Medford (Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian)
CAB-Member Education – Francie Haynes (Alpha Mu-Mississippi)
CAB-Panhellenic Liz Novotny (Zeta Gamma-Arkansas)
Sue Medford (Gamma Zeta-Texas Christian), who serves as CAB-Philanthropy & Community Service, says she joined the CAB because of her love for Kappa Delta and TCU. “Women were willing to help us as undergraduates and I remember how that felt,” Sue said. “I wanted to give back in any way I could.”
Gamma Zeta President Anna Kate Luke expressed her gratitude for the chapter’s CAB, emphasizing their invaluable support during the chapter’s growth. “They have been a great hand to hold while walking us through the process of building a chapter from the ground-up,” Anna Kate shares. “They are a great testament to how our sisterhood is lifelong, and they serve as honorable role models for the women we want to be.”
For the Delta Theta Chapter at Samford University, ten incredible alumnae have come together to support the chapter for its first year back on campus.
CAB Chair – Jenni Simms (Epsilon Chi-Baylor)
Cab Vice Chair – Elizabeth McCoin (Alpha Delta-Rhodes)
CAB-Events & Programming – Maegan Powell (Alpha Chi-Louisiana Tech)
CAB-Inclusion – Jacqueline Naro (Delta Sigma-South Alabama)
CAB-Learning & Development – Elizabeth Riddle (Zeta-Alabama/Tuscaloosa)
CAB-Marketing – Laura Bright (Alpha Upsilon-Birmingham-Southern)
CAB-Member Retention – Tracy Jarrells (Kappa Alpha-Florida State)
CAB-Philanthropy & Community Service – Debra Gordon (Beta Theta-Pennsylvania State)
CAB-Recruitment – Katherine Cubelic (Sigma Lambda-Auburn)
CAB-Member Education – Olivia Rivera (Sigma Lambda Auburn)
From hosting sisterhood events in their homes to always being responsive and passionate about the chapter’s success, these women have been able to see the chapter grow to 56 members this year.
CAB Chair Jenni Simms (Epsilon Chi-Baylor) stressed the importance of advisor involvement and support. “By encouraging [members], listening, celebrating wins and learning from your failures — all of that helps toward personal and organizational growth,” said Jenni.
“Our CAB has provided us with overwhelming amount of support and assistance,” said Delta Theta President Ally Bridwell. “I’ve had the privilege of encountering this group of incredibly passionate and dedicated women. Our chapter is flourishing, thanks to their guidance.
Advisors for both chapters made a point to encourage others to step into volunteering with Kappa Delta, citing the impact that you not only have on the women of the chapter, but the impact they have on you.
“There is nothing more rewarding than getting to see young women thrive and excel at their dreams,” said Jenni. “When you get to re-experience sisterhood with other advisors and share the same love for Kappa Delta — there is nothing better than getting to be a part of something that truly does make an impact. Don’t wait. Do it now.”
“Help whenever and wherever you can,” said Sue. “It doesn’t have to be a large contribution; any amount of help will be appreciated.”
As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to all Kappa Delta volunteers, including those serving on chapter advisory boards. Their dedication, passion and unwavering support are invaluable to our sisterhood, shaping the experiences of collegiate sisters and fostering lifelong connections.
If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to have you. Visit kappadelta.org/volunteer to explore opportunities and take the next step in your Kappa Delta journey.