Kappa Delta - University of Alabama

M "Walt loved to celebrate his daily Diet Coke and our numbers of impromptu dance parties stand among my favorite memories from my life. Of course, I will never forget taking Walt to an Alabama vs. Auburn baseball game at the Sewell-Thomas Stadium wherein he danced and sang along to every lyric of 'Cotton-Eyed Joe,'" Vivian shared. "Walt always got his 10:30 a.m. Diet Coke from the one closest to the back because it was even colder. They had just filled the entire refrigerated section with Diet Cokes. Surprisingly enough, that did not stop Walt from wanting that very last Diet Coke. Walt proceeds to take out each individual Diet Coke and place them on the ground one by one until he reached the very back one. He finally got to the last one, celebrated, and put them all back. By this time, break was almost over so he had to chug his can of Diet Coke. Talk about entertainment," said Kate. 2 The Katydid An Honorary Kappa Delta REMEMBERING WALT GARY AND HIS LA STING IMPACT T he Kappa Delta sisterhood is historically shaped by women and sisters who have made an impact. But sometimes a special soul comes around and makes just as large of an impact without being an official KΔ. For us, that person was Walt Gary. As the grandson, son, nephew, cousin, and brother to Kappa Delta women, Walt was an honorary Kappa Delta as he spread awareness and joy at each event he attended. "Everyone at KΔ knew Walt; even if you only met him once, you felt like his friend forever because of his congenial personality," said Vivian Elebash '16, who worked with Walt at the Supe Store. Walt was also a student at Crossing Points. "Within minutes of meeting him, it was clear that he was famous in the CP community," shared Kate Speyer '15, who first met Walt at the Crossing Points Prom in 2016 and worked with him at the Supe Store. Walt's joyous personality drew people in, and his kindness led him to create friends wherever he went. Vivian and Kate described Walt as energetic and passionate about the things he loved, including Alabama football and Diet Coke. "Walt's constant celebration of life reminds me to take a step back and appreciate the things and people that make life so special," Vivian said. "He listened and he cared, but he was always the first to point out that life is a lot more fun when you're happy," Kate said. Walt passed away on June 6, 2019, leaving behind a legacy not only within Kappa Delta but The University of Alabama community as well. In every encounter with Walt, you knew you were getting his genuine, happy self and this left a lasting impact on every person. Possibly without realizing it, Walt taught his friends some great life lessons. "Walt taught me to be generous by offering the world yourself, which no one else can offer. Walt taught me to be present and grateful in all things," Vivian said. Kate added, "Walt always reminded me of finding joy in every day as well as the importance of appreciating friendships and conversations, and because of that I walked out of those doors of the Supe Store with a happy heart." The Kappa Delta community will be forever grateful for Walt and the lasting impact he made on each and every sister. Walt and Kate Speyer '15 take a break at the Supe Store. Vivian Elebash '16 and Walt at Kappa Delta Crossing Points Prom 2019 at Alpha Tau Omega. MEMORIES OF WALT

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