Kappa Delta - University of Alabama

5 L ee Watkins Boles '78 admits that she was a little overwhelmed when going through the recruitment process at The University of Alabama. She feels very lucky that she joined KD and has enjoyed the benefits of the friendships she made. "Being a member of Kappa Delta gives you such a sense of belonging and connection," Lee said. "Being the first sorority on campus gives KD a strong history of service and fellowship." Lee graduated with a degree in business management and went into the family business with her father. Today she owns their small gasoline distributing company, selling gasoline to convenience stores, farmers and commercial customers. She encourages women to get involved in the Chapter and the University. "Meet all the people you can, travel with as many friends as you can, branch out and try new experiences," she said. "The University of Alabama has so many ways to connect." Lee Watkins Boles '78 Stays Involved with KD Alumna Supports the Future of the Chapter Lee Boles '78 (center, front) at the Still on First groundbreaking event in April. Lee Boles '78 with daughters Katherine '10 and Merrill '13 on Merrill's bid day. What does Kappa Delta mean to you? Margaret: I grew up always wanting to be a KD. My mother, Rosa Brooks Lee '35, was initiated at The University of Alabama in 1935 and then my sister, Libba Lee Neal '60, pledged KD. I loved to stay in the KD house with her, sleep on the sleeping porch, and meet all her friends. She sang songs from skits and taught me the Greek alphabet. I could not wait till I would be at 'Bama and be a KD! Now I have a KD daughter, Elizabeth Watson Riddle '99, and two granddaughters who are fourth-generation legacies. Melanie: Kappa Delta has allowed me the enjoyment of many friends. These relationships have truly been a sisterhood. Fifty years later we enjoy being together for fun but also are there in times of crisis to uphold each other. With great admiration, I take pride in the many outstanding accomplishments in their cities and towns of my Kappa Delta sisters. How did KD prepare you for your role as National Alumni Association president? Margaret: I loved being involved in various clubs and organizations. KD was my advocate. My sorority sisters encouraged me and nominated me for various offices in UA activities. Melanie: While at the university, I held several officer positions in the Chapter and other Q&A with Past National Alumni Association Presidents Margaret Watson '69 and Melanie Chambliss '63 Lee is president-elect of the National Alumni Association (NAA) for The University of Alabama and will become president in April 2015. She follows in the footsteps of Ann Adams Prichard '46, who served as president in 1977, Margaret Lee Watson '69, who served in 1996, and Melanie Walthall Chambliss '63, who was president in 2007. In 1977, Lee attended a KD reception honoring Ann as the first female president of NAA, which made a lasting impression. Lee also had the opportunity to serve on the alumni executive committee with Melanie in 2000. "I am honored to follow such wonderful Kappa Deltas," she said. Kappa Delta gave Lee the confidence to succeed in any endeavor and great friends to support her. "My alumni work and student committee work both began with KD friends who asked me to work with them," she said. "It is so much fun to go anywhere in the state and have friends through the university and KD." Supporting the capital campaign was a natural choice for Lee. "My KD friendships are such a huge part of my life. KD gave me so much in terms of memories, life experiences, and fun times that I wish I could have given more. My daughters being part of the Chapter and enjoying their college connections was also important. I want all Kappa Deltas to experience what I had the privilege of enjoying." Lee encourages fellow alumnae to get involved. "When you are deciding what to give, think about what KD gave to you. Giving to the capital campaign ensures that many future KDs will have the fun and friendships that you did." Through her own activities, and those of her children, Lee visits the UA campus often and is amazed by the growth of Greek life. Her son, Raynor, graduated in 2012 and is a member of Kappa Alpha Order, Katherine '10 recently graduated, and Merrill '13 is an active member. "Our KD leaders have done a great job of managing the growth so the current Chapter can have the connection and love of KD that we had," Lee said. Lee enjoys staying in touch with her sisters and attended the groundbreaking in April. Around 700 alumnae attended the event on Saturday, April 5, and many more alumnae got together with their classes on Friday night. "My daughters got to see that being a KD is not a four-year commitment; it is a lifetime of friendship," she said. Lee is involved with her church and enjoys reading, hiking, and learning to play bridge. She and her husband, Duffy, live in Huntsville, Alabama. You can contact her at leeboles@aol.com. (Continued on page 6)

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