Kappa Delta - Florida State University

Kappa Alpha Chapter of Kappa Delta at Florida State University • Spring 2021 Always Think of Always Think of KD O n behalf of the Kappa Alpha Chapter, I hope everyone reading this newsletter is safe and well. Though Kappa Delta has had a challenging year due to the pandemic, we have achieved academic excellence, executed a successful virtual recruitment, gave back through philanthropic events, and strengthened our sisterhood in many ways. I couldn't be prouder of how the members of our Chapter have shown compassion, grace, and true sisterhood through this pandemic. Not only has our sorority experience been altered, but so has our academic experience. Florida State University is using Zoom and Canvas as their main educational platforms. There are a few classes that are partially in- person, depending on the major. For most people, classes are either virtually synchronous or asynchronous. Sisters have been extremely adaptable and have exceled academically, even in an all-virtual setting. We had 40 women make the President's List and 120 women on the Dean's List for the fall semester. Academic Excellence Chairwoman Sydney Scroble '18 has done a phenomenal job in encouraging our members to achieve academic success through reward systems and support groups. Sydney hosted a study group event where members could come together and study. At the end of fall, if a member sent proof of receiving an A on a final exam, Sydney gifted them with a Chick-fil-A gift card. We are proud of the hard work each member has put in to maintain their academic achievement. This spring, we participated in spring continuous open bidding. Vice President of Membership Donna Trana '18 worked with her newly selected team to meet with women and bring in eight more amazing women into our sisterhood. While recruitment looked different this year, we now have 91 new sisters who are all sensational young women who continuously get more involved within Kappa Alpha! We have stayed committed to helping our community through providing plenty of opportunities for our members to get involved. In the fall, we partnered with the fraternity, Kappa Alpha, to provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Sally through a canned food drive. In the beginning of February, we wrote and sent cards to the Children's Home Society workers to give them some encouragement and appreciation for the impact they are making in the children's lives. Vice President of Community Service Abbie Davis '19 has been planning various philanthropic events that follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines, such as a Girl Scout cookie stand, a car wash, and many share- it nights. Due to the pandemic, Panhellenic has removed the community service hours requirement for fall and spring, but we have still provided opportunities for our members to stay connected in the community. As the 2021 Executive Council establishes itself, Kappa Alpha's newest leaders have been doing a fantastic job at creating engaging events that are safe and in compliance to the guidelines set by Florida State. We have held various virtual events, including joint Netflix movie marathons, sisterhood Kahoot games, bible studies, and Zoom coffee talks. Some of the in-person events we have safely held have been canvas decorating, Valentine's Day Brunch, and the Flamingo Flock date function. Along with executing actual events to strengthen our sisterhood, our executive council also created a new monthly recognition, "The Honorable, Beautiful, and Highest" awards. Kappa Alpha is comprised of many women who live these values daily and we want to recognize these sisters. "Honorable, Beautiful, and Highest" Chairwoman Peyton Johnson '20 reads through the monthly nominations from the Chapter and chooses three members who have been seen upholding our most cherished creed. The women who were recognized for the month of January were Andree Randall '18 for honor, Charlee Engle '17 for true inner beauty, and Maia Billman '18 for highest. There will be a plaque for each of the awards hanging in the Chapter room with the members' names on them for everyone to recognize. While this year has been full of challenges, we've remained successful by leaning on each other and discovering new ways to live out our sisterhood. Our goal as a Chapter is to press on toward the ultimate prize, a greater and better Kappa Delta, and we believe this year has proven this motto true, no matter the circumstance. Thank you to all the alumnae who have stayed involved, offered their guidance, generosity, and support. This sisterhood goes beyond the collegiate years and we are very grateful for everyone's continuous Kappa Alpha love! Love in AOT, Kat Burnham '18 Chapter President katburnhamkd@gmail.com Collegians Keep Kappa Delta Values Close to Their Hearts Kappa Alpha Finds Alternative Ways to Promote Sisterhood During the Pandemic Sisters celebrate Bid Day. Kappa Alpha holds a philanthropy event to benefit the Girl Scouts. Sisters at a weekly bible study, which includes sisters participating on Zoom.

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