Kappa Delta - University of Mississippi

Alpha Mu News Nell is happy to give back to Alpha Mu in honor and memory of her sisters, and she hopes her gifts will allow future collegians to have a similar sorority experience. Nell and a group of alumnae and friends are proud to name the Grand Staircase in honor of Sharon McRee Ball '70. B eing part of a legacy and the pressure to continue the family's name can be daunting. Even though Nell King Bieger '78 comes from a long line of Kappa Deltas, including her mother, two aunts, many great-aunts, and cousins, she didn't feel the pressure to follow in their footsteps—but she certainly felt hope. "Truthfully, I never expected to have an opportunity to pledge any sorority at Ole Miss," Nell said. "I only agreed to go through recruitment to humor my mother." As Nell stood in front of the ΚΔ house for the first party, however, she was suddenly overwhelmed with anticipation. She knew in her heart from that moment that she was meant to be a Kappa Delta. "I am eternally grateful to the ΚΔs for recognizing I might have some potential," Nell said humbly. The experiences she shared as a member and officer of Alpha Mu truly changed her life. To Nell, the greatest gifts that her sisters gave were their unflinching love, support, and respect for her. "Our sisterhood thrived because we supported each other in our joint and individual endeavors," Nell said. "My sisters' belief in me and my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I never would have attempted without their encouragement and support. I am a poster child for National Kappa Delta's tagline: Building Confidence. Inspiring Action." For most ΚΔs, including Nell, the beautiful Kappa Delta House was the epicenter of their life-changing experience at Ole Miss. When it became clear that the house would have to be replaced, Nell was thrilled to have an opportunity to support the Building on a Tradition of Excellence campaign. "I wanted to help ensure that today's collegians have access to the same experience that I did," Nell said. "It was even more meaningful that a group of us came together to name the Grand Staircase in honor of Sharon McRee Ball '70, who made such an impact on our Chapter in the '70s and '80s and went on to serve on National Council." As evidenced by the staircase gift, what makes Nell feel so good about giving is the opportunity to honor others. Through the participation of Lucy Alverson Trent '78, they were also able to remember their sister Dana Palmieri Drago '77, who passed away in 2017. Nell has also made a gift to the campaign in honor of another Alpha Mu rock star, Melanie McMillan Schild '81, who pledged when Nell was president and who served as National Kappa Delta's Executive Director. "I would encourage any sisters who haven't contributed to the house to not miss this opportunity to honor a sister who has made a difference in your life and pay it forward for all the Alpha Mu sisters who will follow in our footsteps!" Nell has also had the privilege of serving ΚΔ nationally as a board member of both the Kappa Delta Foundation and the Kappa Delta Private Foundation, and now as chairman of the investment advisory committee. "These experiences have led to deep friendships with inspiring women of all ages, all while working together to help make the world a better place through our sisterhood," Nell said. Nell is a trusts and estate attorney in her hometown of Bristol, Tennessee. Her husband of 31 years, Dan, is also a lawyer. Together they have two sons, Daniel (22) and David (19), and enjoy traveling the world. They live next door to the house Nell grew up in, where her 91-year-old mother (and Kappa Delta sister) still resides. "Without a doubt, the very best friends of my life are my Alpha Mu sisters," Nell said. "As my grandmother would say, my cup runneth over." You can catch up with Nell at nell@jkdplaw.com. Nell King Bieger '78 Supports Alpha Mu Chapter in Honor of Her Sisters For the Past and the Future "As an alumna, I continue to be inspired by the depths of the bonds of Kappa Delta sisterhood that span across generations." Kappa Delta PAGE 5

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