Alpha Delta Pi - University of Kansas

Tau Tales 4 A Focus on the Future Lisa Karr Nickel '86 and Pamela Swedlund '84 Show Leadership in Kitchen Project A s co-chairmen of the Tau Chapter kitchen renovation, Lisa Karr Nickel '86 and Pamela Swedlund '84 have been instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. Lisa lives in Leawood with her hus- band, Mike, and three sons: Alex, Robert, and Pete. Pam lives in Wichita where she works for INVISTA and is involved with the ADPi Wichita Alumnae Association and Wichita Alumnae Panhel- lenic organization. They tell us why the sorority is important in their own lives, and why alum- nae should consider investing in the future of Tau Chapter. Why did you join Alpha Delta Pi? Lisa: I love being part of a team, and being an ADPi gave me the support and encouragement I needed to make the most of my time at KU. Pam: I knew several women in the house prior to joining and thought highly of them. The clincher was the bid night slide show—it really made me feel like this was a house whose members respected and cared about each other and could have fun! As I watched the slideshow, I looked around the room and saw sisters hugging one another. It seemed to exemplify the phrase "we live for each other and for Alpha Delta Pi," and I knew this was the chapter I wanted to be a part of. Looking back on your time in the Alpha Delta Pi house, do you have any special memories that stand out? Lisa: I have so many special memories from the house. It's funny that they aren't really about one event, but they are snippets of times spent together—date dashes, supporting our sisters at rec sports and philanthropy events, Candle on the Water, singing grace at dinner, living in the scary basement, Pizza Shoppe, and gos- sip on Sunday afternoons. Pam: The fun times at parties; the banana split cake dessert; singing with Lisa Dunbar '83 and Sue Coleman '83 into our curling iron microphones when we needed to let off steam; candle-lighting ceremonies; ADPi sing at dinner before chapter; laughing, talking and hanging out with friends in the house; spring break ski trips with sisters to Colorado; oh, and studying! How long have you been in- volved with the kitchen project? What motivated you to become a co-chairman? Lisa: I was serving on the Tau corporation board when we started talking about renovating the kitchen in 2011. We needed someone to spearhead the com- mittee, and since I had been so vocal about how the kitchen looked just like it did when I was there in the '80s, I got the job. I enjoyed working with great volunteers who agreed to donate their time to the project a few years ago. We struggled with our plans because we were rushing to get the project to- gether before our big 100th an- niversary event. After the cel- ebration we were able to step back, re-evaluate our approach, and move for- ward in a more educated and intentional way. Pam Swedlund and I are now co-chairing the renovation. I'm not going to lie; this has been a big project and a bit overwhelming at times. I feel a great sense of respon- sibility to the active members, fu- ture members, and all the won- derful alumnae. I hope that the new kitchen will serve us well for many years to come. Pam: Lisa persuaded me to be her co-chairman since day one! To be fair, this project is getting done be- cause of Lisa; I've really just been there as her support/sounding board and to do things as needed. I've known Lisa a long time and felt like we would be a good team to drive the project forward—each having different strengths to bring to the project. How do you think your campaign contribu- tion will positively affect the future of the chapter? Lisa: I have no doubt that the renovations to the kitchen and to the other areas of the house have had a positive effect on the chapter. The collegians and alumnae are energized by the changes—everyone loves a good makeover! There is a sense of pride in our building and in our sisterhood. This year, we will have a full house of members because they want to be in the updated facilities. When we have our collegians living together, they learn so much more about each other and form those bonds of sisterhood that last well past the years on the Hill. I know that the campaign, and my contribution as a piece of it, allowed the corporation Board the confidence to take the steps necessary to invest significant money in upgrades to the house. Those upgrades are paying dividends—not just in how beautiful and contemporary the house looks, but in how Alpha Delta Pi is positioned at KU. Pam: I have helped financially and with my time. I like to think it helps in a number of ways: • Positions the house to have a more at- tractive appearance which may influence collegians during recruitment to join the chapter. • Demonstrates to the collegians that ADPi is not just time spent in the house while in college; it really is a lifelong commit- ment. Hopefully it also shows the pride that alumnae continue to have in the chapter and their dedication to its success. • Provides a cleaner, safer, more compliant and efficient kitchen for both the staff and the collegians. Hopefully one that will last another 50+ years. • Helps the collegians be proud of where they live during their time KU. • Helps alumnae feel a pride in the chapter house so they will consider donating to the chapter to keep it updated, compliant, and competitive. • Adds to the long-term value of the asset, which is the chapter house, for Alpha Delta Pi. You can contact Lisa at lisanickel@yahoo.com and Pam at pamela.swedlund@invista.com. Pam Swedlund '84 Lisa Karr Nickel '86 Join Lisa and Pam in making an investment today in the future of Tau Chapter!

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