Alpha Xi Delta - University of South Dakota

Alumnae gather for a group photo on the porch during the Founders Day celebration. The path of our beloved Epsilon depends on the choices we make today. Look inside for information about our options, what you can do as an alumna, and how other sisters are making their impact. Epsilon Calls Epsilon Corporation Board P.O. Box 630 Vermillion, SD 57069 Address Service Requested F or Kendra Dale '13, the journey with Alpha Xi Delta not only shaped her college experience but has played a pivotal role in her personal and professional development. "Joining a sorority was a great way for me to be involved on campus and make USD my home," Kendra recalled. She was initially influenced to join by a high school coworker but quickly found that Epsilon Chapter was a place she could call her own. She committed to being a leader in the sisterhood from the beginning— her Bid Day group was the largest Epsilon had seen in many years. "We knew we were going to change the chapter," she said. "It was exciting and scary, but very worth it!" Serving in the role of chapter life vice president taught Kendra the importance of going the extra mile. "The history of the Epsilon house made me very proud to be a member," Kendra reflected. She considered it a privilege to play a part in preserving that legacy. Looking back, Kendra acknowledged that being part of Alpha Xi Delta empowered her to "speak up for what was right and what was needed." That confidence, and her advocacy skills, would later prove instrumental in her career as a mental health therapist. After earning a bachelor's degree in social work in 2016 and a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2017, Kendra ventured into the professional world. Her diverse career path included roles as a hospice social worker and supporting incarcerated men in a prison's psychological services department. A pivotal moment came when Kendra was approached by my two fellow mental health professionals who were interested in opening a private practice. "I leapt at the opportunity. We started our own business under their name, and I have been in private practice for more than a year." Reflecting on her career in social work so far, Kendra advises aspiring undergraduates to be open-minded, noting she never expected to own her own business. "I'm very proud of the accomplishments I've made before turning 30," she said. "The only reason I do what I do now is because I allowed my mind to be open to the possibility of what could be." From making holiday baskets in the chapter house to changing lives in her mental health practice, Kendra's journey serves as an inspiration for those navigating the path from personal growth to professional success. "Alpha Xi Delta helped me shape my belief that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Ultimately, this sisterhood helped me have the confidence to follow my passion and own my own business." Kendra, now a resident of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, enjoys outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and traveling with her husband. If you'd like to reconnect, you can send her an email at dalekendra@gmail.com. Kendra Dale '13 Talks About Being a Social Worker and Mental Health Professional MAKING A DIFFERENCE WHEREVER YOU ARE "I learned so many valuable life lessons inside the chapter house alongside the most amazing women I've ever known."

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