Kappa Alpha Theta - Texas Tech University

Left: Emmy and Peabody Award winner Rita Williams '66 served as the keynote speaker for this year's Founder's Day event, describing her experience as a female broadcaster. Middle: Theta recognizes the 50-year honorees. Right: Lubbock Alumnae Chapter executive officers, Hillary Porter Garbowski '04, Taylor White Fox '98, Susan Pasewark Hess '84, Stephanie Cooksey Pruitt '05, and Missi Currier '04, at the Founder's Day celebration. Theta Techsan 6 Executive Committee Chief Executive Officer Bailee Kloiber '13 Chief Education Officer Samantha Edwards '13 Chief Operating Officer Macy Bonniwell '13 Chief Marketing Officer Adrian Smith '13 Chief Administrative Officer Kati Macha '13 Chief Recruitment Officer Amelia Milton '13 (806) 282-5227 amelia.milton@ttu.edu Chief Panhellenic Officer Kaitlin Fields '13 Chief Finance Officer Avary Hyden '13 G rowing up in rural Kaufman, Texas, Meagan Michelle Rough '11 was active, athletic, and popular among her peers. She excelled in academics, volleyball, softball, track, and cheerleading. She was on Homecoming courts, served as an FFA officer, and was actively involved in clubs and organizations throughout high school. Meagan was known for going out of her way to include everyone, for being warm, friendly and energetic, and for always giving the best hugs. At Texas Tech, Meagan was an eager pre-med student, pursuing a path as a radiologist. She had huge dreams of becoming a doctor, a wife, and a mother. Her focus on serving others was an underlying force as she planned to incorporate mission work into her future family and career. Meagan was just three final exams away from becoming a junior when she was killed by a drunk driver in 2012. She left behind her parents, Kevin and Kari, and younger brother, Kody. After her high school graduation, as Meagan was preparing for her new life at Tech, she prayed that she would find the place that would be a perfect fit for her. "Meagan had a vision of the fresh, new world of college," said her mother, Kari. "She wanted a home that shared her beliefs in being a Christ-centered leader—a place where friends were wholeheartedly dedicated to high achievements and to one another. She wanted to be surrounded by others who shared her passion for children and embodied serving hearts." When Meagan got to Lubbock, Theta felt right. Meagan made instant connections with the women of Theta and formed a family that made every moment she had in college enjoyable. This new family would come together in profound and incredible ways in the days, weeks, and years following Meagan's passing. In the days that followed, Thetas were the instant face of support for the Rough family. "As horrific as this was for us all, our family was extremely astounded by the support, love, prayer, and plans of actions by these girls, their families, and advisors," said Kari. "Today, they include us in small and momentous events within their lives. They call and text us on a daily basis. They visit us and visit Meagan's resting place. Meagan's Theta sisters are a huge, healing piece of our lives. They are making one angel extremely proud. I have no doubt that she is busy preparing something spectacular for her sisters in Heaven." The ripple effect from Meagan's passing has been momentous. Countless people have been affected by her story. Some have become organ donors. Many have changed their views on drinking and driving and sobriety. Funds have been raised for medical missions in her honor and an annual MayDay 5k Glow has been held in the years following to take a stand against drunk driving. Additionally, Meagan's family has chosen to make an incredible contribution to the new Theta lodge, naming the grand foyer in her honor. "In our hearts, there is simply no other place as significantly influential to display Meagan's memory, as it was her home away from home. Meagan loved the Theta lodge and I believe the new foyer will greet and hug every person who enters through the front door. I believe that this area will portray beauty, just as she did. I believe it will provide the welcoming assurance that future Thetas are in a place of support, excellence, and strength." To learn more about Meagan and the work being done in her memory, visit www.meaganroughmemorial.org. Meagan Rough '11 Remembered Rough Family Honors Their Daughter in Lodge's New Foyer

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