Kappa Delta - University of Alabama

The Katydid Note from the Editor The University of Alabama by the Numbers W E nrollment at The University of Alabama has risen significantly since 2000. With almost 35,000 students this fall, the Greek community has also continued to grow. See the data below for more information about the growth of the university, and its impact on Kappa Delta. Enrollment at UA 2000—18,848 2004—20,969 2008—27,052 2012—33,602 2013—34,800 Katydid Editor Grace Peters '11 and Mary Elizabeth Hearn '13 on Bid Day. Kappa Delta Membership 2000—140 2004—183 2008—254 2012—291 2013—320 Love in AOT, Grace Peters '11 Kappa Delta Continues to Influence Tricia Kirk '74 Recruitment Quota 2000—44 2004—55 2008—83 2012—95 2013—107 e are thrilled to introduce the new look of The Katydid! We are moving toward more frequent communications utilizing two newsletters each year, periodic emails and our social media outlets in an effort to keep you up to date. We are excited to share with you what is going on within the chapter and our active members, as well as spotlighting our outstanding alumnae and events. We hope that we can continue the KD legacy of those who have come before us and those who will come after us. Kappa Delta is proud of all that we have achieved as a chapter this year and continue to strive for that which is honorable, beautiful, and highest. I hope that you enjoy the ninety-ninth edition of The Katydid, and be sure to look out for the Spring Edition! Alumna Reflects on Special Memories of Zeta Chapter G oing through recruitment at the University of Alabama in 1971, Tricia Kirk '74 was surrounded by Kappa Delta legacies. "The last day of recruitment I was torn between two chapters. At the KD house, I was the first one in and the last one out, but when I asked Dana Blair Davis '72 what I should do, she looked at me and said to join Kappa Delta. I have had no regrets since," Tricia said. Tricia served as vice president of her class and later as vice president of membership. "Looking back, serving the chapter was one of the greatest influences of my life," she said. "Having a leadership role was tremendous for me, and it continues to influence me today." For Tricia, the most important takeaways from her undergraduate experience has been the friendships she established and the women from Kappa Delta that have influenced her over the years—women like Ann Adams Pritchard '46. Tricia met her husband, Will, on a blind date that was set up by Ann. "Ann had always been someone that I have looked up to," Tricia said. "She had tremendous character." After earning her bachelor's degree in special education, Tricia embarked on a life of serving others. For the past 13 years she has served as the the executive director for the Exceptional Foundation, a non-profit organization where individuals with special needs enjoy social and recreational activities. Through her work at the foundation, Tricia has continued her close ties to Kappa Delta and the Pritchard family. Anne's granddaughter, Shelton Pritchard Kitchen '01, worked at the foundation, and of the 20 employees at the foundation, five are Kappa Deltas. While Tricia takes great pride in her Kappa Delta employees, she also takes great pride in her Kappa Delta daughters. All three of her daughters are members of KD. "Before my girls went through recruitment, I told them that I had lived that life, and that it was up to them to decide which chapter to join. But then when they went through recruitment, I realized that it did matter to me, and I am so happy that they are all KDs." Seniors Madeline Torsch '10 and Morgan Ramsey '10 pose with our KD letters on Bid Day. 2 Tricia and Will live in Mountain Brook, Alabama, where they enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren. E-mail Tricia at triciakirk@exceptionalfoundation.org.

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