Kappa Delta - University of Missouri

KAPPA DELTA | UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI PAGE 2 S ince Epsilon Iota opened its doors in 1976, founding member Beth Goodwin Brooks '76, her sister Pamela Goodwin Melvin '77, and Pam's daughters, Hannah Melvin '09 and Madeline Melvin '14, have become members of the Kappa Delta sisterhood. Their shared ΚΔ ties highlight the strong connection that's common throughout Epsilon Iota. Q: What does it mean to be able to share the Kappa Delta sisterhood with members of your family? Beth: "A lot! It just adds another layer to our relationship, especially since I do not have any daughters; I get to be a part of my nieces' lives in this way. And my sister was part of our first class, which was especially meaningful that she chose to be a part of 'my sorority' and not because of me." Madeline: "I can't even begin to tell you how much it means. I still remember calling my mom the last day of recruitment, crying on the phone thanking her so much for joining Kappa Delta, and working so hard to keep Epsilon Iota a motivated household. Once I moved into the house, I became even more thankful that I shared this sisterhood with my family." Q: What was a life lesson or skill that you learned from Epsilon Iota? Pam: "It seems cliché, but I learned to have confidence in myself. I came from a small, all-girls high school to Mizzou and think if I had not joined Kappa Delta, I would have been totally overwhelmed. ΚΔ helped me to get out of my comfort zone and get involved." Hannah: "I learned to be confident in myself and step out of my comfort zone. It also definitely helped with my leadership skills, which has carried over into the professional world." Q: What are your favorite memories from your me in the Kappa Delta house? Beth: "I think if you ask any of the charter members we would all say our first recruitment because of what we all went through and accomplished in just a short time frame has created a bond that is indescribable." Hannah: "My favorite memories are mostly from living with girls that became my best friends in the ΚΔ house. We were all crammed in the six-man room with a lot of stuff and no personal space, but it was the best experience and most fun I could have asked for!" Q: What sense of pride did you gain as an Epsilon Iota member? Pam: "We were a brand-new sorority on campus and we were determined to make ourselves known. We were involved in all aspects of campus life and I don't think we ever came across as 'the new sorority.'" Madeline: "The pride I gained as an Epsilon Iota member was knowing that our house always wanted to do better. All fours years we placed in Homecoming and Greek Week. One of those years, our Homecoming partner was no longer able to participate so it was just us. We pulled it together and placed third!" When Beth, Pam, Hannah, and Madeline joined Epsilon Iota, they added to their familial relationship with an equally powerful bond: the Kappa Delta sisterhood. Although much about their experiences are different, the special relationship that they share is a reminder that the Epsilon Iota connection is as timeless and strong as family. A Powerful Sisterly Connection THE BROOKS AND MELVIN WOMEN SHARE THEIR FAMILY'S BOND WITH ΚΔ Beth Goodwin Brooks '76 Pamela Goodwin Melvin '77 Hannah Melvin '09 Madeline Melvin '14 W hen Ali Gabel Appleton '03 was deciding whether to join Epsilon Iota Chapter at the University of Missouri, one of the first things she did was check to see who in the political world was a Kappa Delta alumna. As someone who was always interested in politics, she wondered who in politics had been a ΚΔ, thinking that might be a sign the chapter was right and would help her future career goals. Ali's Kappa Delta experience far exceeded her expectations. "It wasn't until a few weeks in as a new member that I realized what faulty thinking that was. You have to pave your own way and be your own person!" Ali said. "I joined ΚΔ because I thought I had stumbled upon a great chapter with women from different backgrounds with a good sense of humor. I stayed because that's exactly what I had found." During Ali's undergraduate years at Epsilon Iota she held a variety of officer positions, including president, treasurer, and assistant treasurer. Each of these roles prepared Ali to excel in her current job as the director of government relations at Equifax Inc. "I enjoy the unpredictable nature of the legislative process and that no day is ever alike. I also love watching how business intersects with the political process and telling our company's story to legislators on Capitol Hill," Ali FROM KAPPA DELTA TO CAPITOL HILL HOW EPSILON IOTA SET ALI GABEL APPLETON '03 UP FOR SUCCESS (Continued on page 4)

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