Kappa Delta - University of Missouri

R ose Koncak Groce '80 and Kristen Hornberger Otto '00 found everlasting friendships, explored various career opportunities, and celebrated notable achievements after joining Epsilon Iota Chapter. Living at 606 E. Rollins was an adventure from the start, and the journey carries on no matter how much time has passed. As part of their journey, Rose and Kristen were the 2021 recipients of the Order of the Emerald for their unfaltering dedication, support, and loyalty to Kappa Delta. The Order of the Emerald honors those who display extraordinary service to the organization at the local, state, or national level. Kappa Delta sisters and committees chose Rose and Kristen for their selfless devotion, abundant generosity, and compassionate hearts. Hear from our sisters below! Q: Where did your path take you after college? Rose: As a J-School graduate, I moved to Dallas in 1983 and worked for a PR agency. Then, I went into high tech, where I led teams in the areas of marketing communications, strategy, business development, sales operations, and account planning for almost 24 years. In August 2012, I had the opportunity to retire from Hewlett-Packard. This provided me with more time for traveling abroad with my husband, taking care of loved ones, and pursuing other interests in the community. Kristen: Kappa Delta definitely set the foundation for my desire to work in higher education. My first real-world job was for Kappa Delta as a chapter development consultant (now called LDC). I worked closely with Eta Theta Chapter at Villanova University through its first formal recruitment. Villanova and my deep friendships formed there are a special part of my life I wouldn't have without Kappa Delta. Today, I work for Washington University in St. Louis, where I've been for nearly 15 years in various communications and marketing roles in the McKelvey School of Engineering as well as university innovation, commercialization, and startups. Q: What made the Kappa Delta experience so meaningful to you? Rose: Being in a sorority offers friendships, shared experiences, opportunities to make a difference, and a home away from home at the chapter house. Over the years, wherever I've been or traveled to, I have Kappa Delta sisters that I'm always in touch with, care about, and close to. Kristen: Mizzou Kappa Delta reiterates the sincere faith that I have in a sisterhood of women who genuinely care for each other. I was never hazed. I was never made to feel small at Kappa Delta. We all worked together to find our own strengths, confidence, quirks, and even weaknesses; I love working with today's collegiate members to see the same sisterhood happening at 606. Q: How have you stayed connected to the sorority and Epsilon Iota Chapter? Rose: I became involved with the KΔ alumnae chapters in North Texas right out of college, starting with the Dallas chapter. In 2002, I joined the Notes from MIZ KΔ KAPPA DELTA | UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI | SPRING 2022 Rose Koncak Groce '80 receiving her Order of the Emerald Award at our Founders Day luncheon in fall 2021. Epsilon Iota's graduating seniors at Fly Up earlier this spring. O n Monday, May 2, 60 seniors and alumnae gathered to celebrate Epsilon Iota's graduating seniors and commemorate their transition to alumnae status. A tradition for at least 40 years, the women celebrate the completion of their undergraduate membership and honor their new status as lifelong alumna members of Kappa Delta. It was a beautiful evening that included the "Fly Up" ceremony, delicious food, photos, and fun. Hosted by the House Corporation Board at the home of Bridgid Smith Kinney '93, this is a favorite Epsilon Iota tradition and celebrates the commitment of the women to their ΚΔ membership and all that is honorable, beautiful, and highest. Congratulations, seniors! FLY UP Gradua ng Seniors Transi on to Alumnae Status Worthy of Recognition Worthy of Recognition Q&A with Order Of the emerAld recipients rOse KOncAK GrOce '80 And Kristen hOrnberGer OttO '00 (Continued on page 2)

• Cover