Kappa Kappa Gamma - Texas Tech University

Our Tradition, Our Key, Our Future 3 ShaRon WaLLinGFoRd hendRix '73 "I have been touched in many ways, but the first memory that came to mind was when Shellen Ryan Rhoden '74, my Kappa little sister, was suffering from ALS. Karen Conger Welton '75 loved to crochet; she got the creative idea for all of us to send her yarn that would represent each of us. She crafted the most amazing throw that contains a little of each of us, to cover Shellen. She could be wrapped in our love and feel our warmth. She made a key to show which color belonged to each Kappa. Then, to my surprise at our next reunion, my pledge sisters gifted me with a duplicate of this throw. I cherish that gift. When Shellen passed away, we gave the throw to Suzy Wood '73, who was battling cancer. Now, the throw is waiting for the next Kappa who needs to feel the Kappa love. I am pretty selfish with my throw as it is in my bedroom to remind me every day of my Kappa sisters and their love and support." KRiSti RoaRK denton '96 "In 2015, my pledge class held a reunion. It had been 15 years since many of us had seen each other, yet it seemed like yesterday. We laughed, cried, and shared lots of great memories. We ran out of gas at 19th and Indiana, visited the Chitwood dorm rooms, and sang "Kappa Gamma" in front of the new lodge. We felt like we were 18 again! The time apart did not affect the bond and core values we all hold dear. We were blessed with a wonderful weekend and look forward to many more." SuSan JoneS MiLLSap '67 "My fleur-de-lis touch came from Barbara Reed tipton '66, who is from Midland, Texas. I am from Lubbock, and I did not know her before I pledged, but she stepped forward those first few weeks to be my big sis. After rush (that's what we called it back then) was over and all the hoopla died down, I felt isolated and was not sure of who I was or why I was there in the Delta Psi Chapter at Texas Tech. Barbara came in and swooped me up like a guardian angel. She helped me get through those doubtful days of being a pledge. She taught me the ropes with such gentleness and style. I will forever be grateful to her for helping me find my way during that first year in the Kappa world. She showed me the way to appreciating what Kappa is all about." Jan LaW thetFoRd '77 "As the recruitment advisor for many years, I never cease to be amazed at how touched I am every year when a young woman gets off the bid day bus and rushes into the arms of a her mother, grandmother, or sister, and they all of a sudden share the bond of Kappa. However, this past August I was especially touched when we had a legacy pledge and not only was her mother anxiously awaiting her departure off the bus, but her mother had five of her pledge sisters there to welcome her as well. Talk about friendships that span the ages…we celebrate when a young woman gives birth to a baby, and we celebrate when a new Kappa 'baby' is born." CaRoLyn ByRd SiMpSon '70 "I have been touched by so many Kappas over the years; it is hard to choose one particular time. I remember when my sister, Mary ann Byrd Bobbitt '72, died unexpectedly; we rushed to San Antonio to be with her family. When we returned to Lubbock, the next day I answered the door to a delivery of a beautiful bouquet of fleurs-de-lis. The card read: 'You are in our prayers, Delta Psi Chapter.' That small kindness really demonstrated that our sisterhood is for a lifetime!" touched by the Fleur-de-lis e very Delta Psi has been touched by the fleur-de-lis sometime during her life. Many of us are touched regularly. Our Kappa relationships and connections enrich our lives and make us better women. Below are a few stories from the Delta Psi capital campaign committee. After reading these, please post your own story to the Delta Psi Facebook page: Kappa Kappa Gamma Delta Psi Chapter Alumnae. An afghan crocheted for Shellen Ryan Rhoden '74 by Karen Conger Welton '75 when Shellen was suffering from ALS. The afghan represents the lasting, loving Kappa bond. K appa Kappa Gamma was an inviting and safe place where Karen Grobowsky Fulton '81 made her home away from home as an undergraduate at Texas Tech University. Karen's younger sister, Suzanne Grobowsky Blake '82, followed in her footsteps, joining Kappa the next year. After growing up hearing about her cousins' positive Kappa experiences, Sara Grobowsky Burnett '94 was intrigued to find out what being a Kappa really was all about and followed suit. Karen, Suzanne, and Sara all wanted to become a part of something bigger than themselves—they didn't know at the time that joining KKG would turn out to be an unforgettable social experience, introduce them to the most loyal and sincere friends, and inspire them to become better leaders and the best version of themselves. "Becoming a Kappa was the best decision," Sara said. "Kappa was the best place, and I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything." As alumnae, they have shown their appreciation for their Kappa Kappa Gamma experiences through their support of the Our Key, Our Tradition, Our Future campaign. By supporting Delta Psi's capital campaign, Karen, Suzanne, and Sara hope to provide future generations of sisters the same opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and lifelong friends as they received. "The situation that prompted the need for a new lodge is a result of huge growth and progress at Texas Tech University," Karen said. "Taking part in that momentum and providing an ample and accommodating home for the Delta Psi Chapter ensures that Kappa will remain a leader on the Tech campus." Karen also highlights that there is a real value of having a lodge that both provides the necessary space and represents Kappa well. "This new house will serve the active members and alumnae of Delta Psi for countless years to come." Memorable Kappa Experience Motivates Karen Grobowsky Fulton '81, Suzanne Grobowsky Blake '82, and Sara Grobowsky Burnett '94 to Support Capital Campaign (Continued on page 4)

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