Kappa Kappa Gamma - University of Arizona

H aving skipped eighth grade in school, Dr. Melissa Vito '70 always felt like she was catching up socially. Then she met the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma, who were real and diverse, and finally felt like she was right where she was supposed to be. Despite being a rebellious young woman, Melissa also joined in part to carry on the Kappa tradition started by her mother. LEARNING TO LEAD Melissa had a blast living in the chapter house with her sisters, from late-night conversations and study sessions to parties, spring break, and comforting each other through breakups and other stressful times. "I grew up in the chapter, and my desire to challenge norms became a hallmark of the rest of my life." She often differed from the sisterhood by wearing pants to class instead of dresses, and she made a point to question traditions or events that didn't make sense to her. Melissa developed her voice in the chapter, and sisters such as then-Chapter President Pam Lane Roberts '68 taught her to balance rebelliousness with actively working toward change. "I found my voice and realized I had the potential to lead." Melissa earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership at Northern Arizona University. She has worked in education for more than 30 years, many of those at the University of Arizona in multiple roles that included Dean of Students, Vice President for Student Affairs and, ultimately, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives and Student Success. She began consulting immediately after retiring from the University of Arizona (July 2018), working with institutions interested in building online programs and companies interested in better understanding higher education. One of her consulting roles led to a full-time position as Vice Provost for Academic Innovation at UT San Antonio, overseeing online programs and digital learning, which has been especially valuable during COVID-19. She is a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting at conferences or seminars/webinars, and has been honored by multiple organizations, including NASPA, ACPA and AFA (the Association of Fraternity Advisors). "As a leader over the years, I have always prioritized people over organizations, and I think my roles in Kappa helped incite that quality," Melissa said. In her various undergraduate roles, she and her sisters worked closely with advisors and learned not to jump to conclusions, but to think critically and seek advice. She values those lessons and has also always tried to balance fun and hard work throughout her career. Overall, Melissa feels the sisterhood shaped her attitudes about organizations and leadership—particularly the balance of honoring and updating tradition. UPDATING GAMMA ZETA Attending the Gamma Zeta reunion, and later learning about the capital campaign, reminded Melissa of how much Kappa has meant to her throughout her life. "My years in higher education have also made me super sensitive to the increasingly complex issues that students face now, including financial, and I wanted to find a way to support." She proudly gives back to the organization (and the people) who helped shape her life, honoring her mother's Kappa legacy in the process. Above all, Melissa wants the friendships and experiences that Kappa offers to be available to young women, regardless of their financial backgrounds. "Mental health issues, food insecurity, and learning disabilities are just some of the issues students face, and Kappa can be an anchor of support. I hope that women will realize that Gamma Zeta needs their assistance and develop a regular habit of supporting our chapter." LEANING ON SISTERS Melissa has enjoyed networking with sisters over the years, and the reunion only helped expand those connections. She has Kappa colleagues, sees a group of sisters every year for Homecoming, and during the pandemic she has joined sisters such as Lyn Bracken Carrell '73, Lynn Johnson Engel '73, and Karen Johnson Riebe '78 for group texts and Zoom happy hours. In her limited free time, she enjoys riding her bike, seeing friends, and traveling (once that's safe again). If you'd like to connect with Melissa, you can reach her at vitoboll@comcast.net. Honoring and Updating Tradition What Kappa Means to Melissa Vito '70 university of arona A fter moving to Oro Valley, Arizona, at the age of 6, Emily Hernandez '18 spent several weekends with her family visiting the University of Arizona campus and attending Wildcat football games. Emily felt a sense of home that help lead her to attend U of A, but while she was excited to follow in the footsteps of several of her family members, she also wanted to have her own special college experience. Emily was also very familiar with Gamma Zeta since her mother, Elaine Sayre Hernandez '83, and aunts, Sharon Sayre Stevens '81, Renee Van de Veire Sayre '83, and Jennifer Martian Sayre '91, all joined Kappa Kappa Gamma at U of A. She kept an open mind while going through recruitment, but the immediate connections Emily made with the women of Gamma Zeta made it an easy decision for her to share the Kappa experience with them and continue the family tradition. "I am so thankful for the bond that I get to share with my family members," Emily said. "Each year, I become more and more appreciative of the women of Kappa as I understand the hard work that goes into keeping our chapter successful. This past year has been the biggest learning experience for me as a member." Serving as house chairman in 2020 taught Emily the importance of leadership within the chapter, supporting one another, and uniting as a team. Facing the challenging times MORE THAN A FAMILY FEEL Emily Hernandez '18 Cherishes Her Many Kappa Connections (Continued on page 6) 3

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