Kappa Delta - University of Alabama

8 The Katydid E mily McMurphy Schell '97 was drawn to Kappa Delta because of its welcoming members and friendships formed within her pledge class. Kappa Delta gave her a sense of pride, not only as the first sorority at The University of Alabama, but also because of the status as one of the best sororities on campus, with strong membership, leadership, and academics. Emily earned a BS in accounting in 2001 and a master's in accounting in 2002. Today she is a director for Deutsche Bank within equity derivative sales. She began her career with the company in London and transferred to New York after two years abroad. Reflecting on her time in the Chapter House, Emily has many fond memories like pinning her sister, Caroline McMurphy Deas '01, the year after she graduated, and candlelight ceremonies; but more often, she says the insignificant days are her favorite memories. "Late night talks on the porch, sitting at the housemother's dinner table as new members, bus rides to parties, dressing for game day—the list is endless." Kappa Delta taught Emily to be a better friend, improving her willingness to trust and form close relationships. This skill has benefitted her personal and professional relationships. Emily stays close with many of her sisters from Kappa Delta and travels back to campus once a year for a football game. "Our pledge class gets together as often as possible for weddings and parties. We spent a weekend at the Chapter House last summer. I hope one day we are the little old ladies traveling together then sharing rooms in a nursing home." The First Sorority, First Circle…Continuing the Tradition campaign has given Emily the opportunity to reengage with KD as an era leader. "I'm happy to help in organizing members, especially for the benefit of so many young women to better their KD experience." She is confident that the campaign will positively affect the future of the Chapter. "Our Chapter's new house will be amazing! The more money we raise, the better we can furnish, landscape, and maintain the Chapter House, which will lead to strong membership for years to follow." Emily and her husband, Austin, live in New York City. The couple has a six-month-old daughter, Ann Chason, whom Emily hopes will be a Kappa Delta one day. Emily enjoys reading, attending Broadway shows, traveling, and spending time with family. You can contact her at emilymschell@gmail.com. A Bright Future Emily McMurphy Schell '97 Supports Campaign Emily (first row, bottom left) with her Kappa Delta sisters last summer at the Chapter House. Tell me about your involvement with the project at Zeta Chapter. What services are you providing and how did you come to be involved? Last spring we met with the House Corporation Board (HCB) to discuss our possible involvement with the decorating of the main areas of the new Kappa Delta house. The aspects that we will primarily deal with are paint, flooring, carpets, decorative lighting, wall coverings, furnishings, and fabrics in all the common areas. What design trends are you incorporating into the KD project? It is our aim for the KD Chapter House to have the same warm classic feel that it has had in the past and for the main level to be timeless and comfortable. We don't want it to be trendy, but in some areas on the second and third floors and the basement, we want to reflect the fun side of the KDs who will be calling it home. We have to keep in mind practicality because while it is a home, it needs to be durable and functional. How has being a member of Kappa Delta impacted this project for you personally? The most compelling reason for us to be involved is the fact that we were both members of Zeta Chapter and have wonderful memories and lifelong friendships from our years on First Circle. We have a close, personal, and professional interest in making every effort to decorate in such a way that all generations will appreciate. We, of course, realize that each Kappa Delta has her own tastes and preferences and that there is no way to please all, but we will do our best to make the KD house one that all can be proud of. Mary Ruth has been in the design field for more than 40 years and Lisa partnered with her in 1998. How is your work relationship impacted by your relationship as mother/daughter, as well as sorority sisters? Because of the amount of work, the majority of the time we work separately on clients' jobs, collaborating as needed. Working on the KD house jointly is a good arrangement, bouncing ideas off each other, spending time together and sharing laughs and challenges. A third family member, (Lisa's sister) Hoodie, Millsaps '01, is the office manager so it is a family project. We have really enjoyed getting to know and work with the HCB. They are a dedicated, energetic, and insightful team and a true pleasure to work with. We have many busy months ahead and we look forward to it! A Look Inside Q&A with Mary Ruth Caldwell '66 and Lisa Caldwell Flake '91 of Caldwell Flake Interiors

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