Kappa Delta - University of Mississippi

Kappa Delta PAGE 3 A s I reflect on the past 40 years, the memories that come flooding back first are the ones within the walls of the Alpha Mu Chapter House. From the moment I entered the front door, I confidently knew, I was exactly where I needed to be. During my four years in the Chapter I was cocooned by a community of incredible and likeminded women who would provide accountability, friendship and philanthropic opportunities. I learned that you could lead by example as much as you could lead by being vocal. It is the first place where I truly realized that everyone can make a difference and that when you bring everyone's talents together you can make amazing things happen. Alpha Mu holds a very special place in my heart and in my family's heart; the memories made there are endless. It was the place where I anxiously awaited my first date with my now husband of 37 years, it was the place where I had my candlelight, it was the place where I bathed my children after hot days in the Grove, and it was the place where my daughter, Collins Tuohy Smith '05, had her own Bid Day. When I found out I was pregnant with a little girl, I knew she would be a Kappa Delta. The day Collins was born, one of my dear friends, Debbie Pace Branan '70, brought a recommendation filled out to the hospital. While some mothers sang lullabies to their children, I sang Kappa Delta recruitment songs. The bond of AOT is something we share day in and day out and my purpose for being a campaign chairman is to ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience memories like the ones we have. This campaign is led by Alpha Mus for future Alpha Mus, and I encourage alumnae to give back any way they can. We can all do something to contribute. Hopefully you will be able to donate monetarily—no amount is too small. But if you cannot, then giving of your time is valuable as well. There will be things for everyone to do as the process begins. Be a part of this story. Help us create a legacy for future generations of Alpha Mus. Over the last 20 years my family and I have learned about the power of giving. Through the work of our family's foundation, Making It Happen, we are trying to change the trajectory for the ones falling through the invisible cracks of society. The foundation serves as a catalyst of hope, love, and opportunity to underserved children and youth. Some days it seems like a daunting task, but we stay the course and we try to do what we can, where we are, with what we have. Sometimes just one simple random act of kindness can change someone's life… like turning your car around! The same holds true for this campaign for Alpha Mu, and I encourage you to do what you can today. You can connect with Leigh Anne and find out more about why she supports Alpha Mu's capital campaign by contacting her executive assistant, Tracy Follas Jarrells, Florida State University '88, at tracy@leighannetuohy. com. If you are in the Memphis area and want to get involved with the Making It Happen Foundation, please e-mail makingithappenfoundation@gmail.com. Kappa Delta Inspires Altruistic Service for Life Leigh Anne Roberts Tuohy '79 Shares Fond Memories and Support of Alpha Mu Chapter E verybody's Kappa Delta experience is different. It wasn't the special events that made it unique for Margaret Cousley Bravo '98 but the relationships she formed with women in her class. The support and love the women showed to each other in happy times and hard times is what stands out the most. "It truly was like a giant family and we were all growing together." Margaret's aunt and grandmother are Kappa Deltas, so she grew up hearing about the wonderful sisterhood that is formed and couldn't wait to be a part of it. Even though she heard stories of the bond, nothing compared to expe- riencing it. When her time came, she formed her own lifelong sisterhood. "The memories we made seem like it was just yes- terday, and it is now so rewarding to keep up with many of them years later and having our own fami- lies know and love each other," Margaret said. Margaret hopes many more women will make the same wonderful memories she did as an Alpha Mu and the new Chapter House will provide the founda- tion for those joyful moments. She realizes it is the support and strength of alumnae that will make this possible. "Alpha Mu truly shaped who I am today, and it is an honor to be able to now give back." Supporting Alpha Mu and the capital campaign was a no-brainer for Margaret when she thought about all the amazing relationships and life lessons she gained during her time. "I want the Chapter to thrive and grow and for the women to have a place they love and that truly feels like home," Margaret said. To this next generation of Kappa Deltas, Margaret offers this advice: "Invest in others and cherish the friendships you are making—they will last a lifetime!" Margaret lives in Houston, Texas, with her hus- band, Brian, and two sons, Asher and Baker. She is extremely proud of her sons and considers it a true blessing and privilege to be their mom. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at her sons' school or church, cooking, and entertaining. You can reach Margaret at margaretbravo1@gmail.com. For the Next Generation Margaret Cousley Bravo '98 Gives Back to Support the Future of Kappa Delta

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