Kappa Delta Chi Sister of Alpha Nu Chapter chosen as Greek Life Blogger...

Hello from Your New Favorite Penguin!

January 31, 2010

by msupenguin86

First of all, I am very excited to be picked as one of the bloggers for Greek Life. It’s like they say, “We all have a story…” Well, you my friend, get to read all about mine!

My name is Brandy Reyes and I’m a member of the classy Alpha Nu chapter of Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, INC. here at MSU. I’m from Canyon, TX which is up in the panhandle. about 20 minutes south of Amarillo. I am currently a senior majoring in Social Work/Psychology/Sociology. It’s a lot on my plate but I enjoy staying busy!

I have to admit: I did not come to college with Greek life on my mind. I wasn’t that girl that grew up thinking and knowing I would join a sorority as soon as I entered college. That was pretty much the furthest thing from my mind. I had the typical thoughts that people have: “I’m not paying for my friends” , “Greeks don’t do anything but party”, etc. Plus, this may sound weird but, I don’t get along with some girls very well. We all know how moody girls get!

I grew up with several best friends that were guys, so I knew sorority life wouldn’t be the “thing for me”. Being the only one here from my graduating high school class, needless to say, I had no choice but to go out and make friends. As I began my journey through college, I started to get involved anyway I could – mainly to make friends and connections. Still, Greek life did not pop into my mind.

I became very involved in our University Programming Board, College Preview Day and Spirit Days Peer Counselor- all while still getting my education on. I had quite a few friends that are part of the Panhellenic sororities that always tried to get me to join them or at least give them a second glance. I was always good at helping OTHER girls find their ’second family’ but never myself.

It wasn’t until Fall 2007 that I started to really think about Greek life. During that semester, one of my best friends pledged and became a member of one of the Divine Nine fraternities here on campus. Of course when any of my great friends become part of something, I always do research on it. So, I looked up his group and began to realize some of the wonderful things and histories of these groups. So many prominent people in our society are Greek – which surprised me. I began to notice and realize that being Greek involved a lot more than I gave it credit for. So after having multiple long talks with my friend, I began researching some of the groups we have here on campus. Working in the office dealing with Greek Life and student organizations, I got to meet members from those groups. That is when I first met some girls from KDChi. They were always so friendly and sweet girls! But to much people’s surprise, I had 2 other groups in mind before picking KDChi.

What made me decide on them, you ask?

I did some more research and just loved everything about them! In Fall 2009, I finally pledged and was part of the Epsilon pledge class!! I just feel right at home with these girls. I am an only child so they really are like my sisters that I never had!

See ya around,

Brandy

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KDChi, Alpha Chapter wins Chapter of the Year

KDChi, Alpha Chapter voted Chapter of the Year

Texas Tech Univ- Center for Campus Life hosts Greek Awards
By Kesley Heckel, Staff Writer
The Daily Toreador
Published: Thursday, April 1, 2010

The Center for Campus Life hosted the Greek Awards on Saturday in which all the greek councils were recognized and recognized individual member organizations. The Center for Campus Life hosted the Greek Awards on Wednesday at the Overton Hotel to honor members of the four greek councils and to recognize sororities, fraternities and individuals for the work they have done throughout the year. “The fraternities and sororities are eligible if they are a member of one of the four councils,” said Jason Biggs, assistant director for the Center of Campus Life. “The awards are a way to recognize the great things that our greek students do.” Biggs said the council determines the awards by involvement, scholarship, service and leadership shown by the sororities and fraternities.

The four councils are the Interfraternity Council, which organizes fraternities; the Inter-Greek Council, which is comprised of the traditionally multicultural fraternities and sororities; the National Pan-Hellenic Council, which is comprised of the traditionally African-American founded fraternities and sororities; and the Panhellenic Council, which organizes sororities.

Three of the councils presented a chapter-of-the-year award within their council and then came together to vote on the winner of the Dean’s Cup of Excellence for Greek Life, an award that is offered to only one sorority or fraternity a year.

Chapters of the year were Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc., Alpha Chapter of IGC, Phi Gamma Delta for IFC, and Kappa Alpha Theta for PH.

Kappa Delta Chi was also recognized with four additional awards, Highest GPA of all Greeks on campus, Excellence in Community Service, Excellence in Leadership, Excellence in Scholarship, and Outstanding Inter-Greek Sophomore (received by Juanita Rodriguez).

To qualify for the Dean’s Cup of Excellence for Greek Life, the chapter had to have won one of the chapters of the year awards presented by the councils. The award was presented to Kappa Alpha Theta for outstanding excellence within the greek community. “We try to make sure our girls are well rounded by being involved on campus and in Lubbock in general,” said Danya Askins, a junior speech, language and hearing science major from Lubbock and Kappa Alpha Theta scholarship chair. A check for $1,700 was presented to the Boys and Girls Club at the banquet as a result of earnings from Greek Weekend and T-shirt and button sales within the sororities and fraternities. “Each year we choose a charity that we would like to make ties to,” said Nina Stromberg, vice president of the Panhellenic executive council. “We reached out to the Boys and Girls Club and have really tried to be involved and active with them.”

Stromberg also presented the awards from Greek Week at the banquet. Kappa Delta won the most spirited sorority for having 10 percent of their sorority buy T-shirts and buttons. Delta Sigma Phi won most spirited fraternity for also having 10 percent of their members purchase shirts. Delta Gamma won the overall award for Greek Week coming in first place in the appetizer/dessert competition and for participating in the raffle held among the chapters.

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Delta Alum seeks sponsorships

Stephanie Valenzuela, Delta Alum seeks donations for her "Up with People" project!
A personal letter from Stephanie to her KDChi sisters:

Dear Sisters,

As a young girl, I knew very little of the program Up with People; however, that changed a couple of years ago when I crossed paths with an old friend who shared her experience as a former cast member of Up with People. She raved about the adventure of travel, the friendships she cultivated worldwide, the opportunity for service, and the cultural diversity. I left her intrigued and with a desire to know more. I thought, “That’s something I would like to do someday.” Now, years after my brief introduction as a child and a friend’s testimonial, I find myself a part of the wonderful international leadership program that is Up with People.

I have been accepted to travel with Up with People as part of Cast B 2010. This adventure begins in Denver, Colorado with a month of staging and orientation. Our tentative itinerary takes us from the Western states of the USA to Taiwan, Japan, back to the states for a stop in Texas and eventually Mexico.

Up with People (UWP) is a non-profit organization that provides an opportunity to Travel with a purpose, Perform for thousands and Impact communities. UWP provides a unique combination of performing arts, community service, international travel and a host family exchange to create a positive impact in each community and break down cultural barriers. UWP uses music to communicate with and inspire people while also infusing a sense of social responsibility and dedication to community service as part of their core elements. The program offers a chance to gain a global perspective and a better understanding of other cultures and social

issues. UWP fosters leadership skills and opportunities for professional development and personal growth.

I am thrilled to be a part of such an organization. I have a degree in Psychology and I am currently working on my Masters in Human Relations. I also volunteer at Tu Nidito as a grief support facilitator. I love working with and for people. Connecting to each community through the participation of various community service projects, performing a dynamic musical show and experiencing global education curriculum during my UWP adventure will allow me to develop necessary life skills and broader perspectives making me a better leader and global citizen. I enjoy traveling and welcome the opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures and find myself eager to learn through new and rewarding challenges.

In order to help make my experience with UWP a reality I am seeking your financial assistance. The program fee for my tour from June through December is $14,250 and includes nearly all costs associated with the program. Although this is a large sum, it is a worthy investment in my future. I am asking for your help to attain my goal. My trip is 150 days.

If you would be interested in sponsoring one day of my travels at $93 dollars, I will be successful in my attempts to secure funding. On a day of your choosing, I will send you a post card detailing my day’s adventure.

To help sponsor my participation, simply make your check payable to Stephanie Valenzuela and include Up With People in the memo line. Your much appreciated contribution can be mailed to the address below. You may also visit my myspace page to make an online donation via PayPal and to track my fundraising efforts and future travels.Any assistance you can provide will go directly toward my program costs and will be of great value in helping me achieve this opportunity of a lifetime.

If you have any questions about Up with People, please contact myself or my Admissions Counselor, Ellen Enebo. She can be reached by email: eenebo@upwith people.org .

If you are interested in learning more about Up with People, please visit the official Up with People website. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,
Stephanie Valenzuela
734 W. Calle Garcia
Tucson, Arizona 85706
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Phone: 520-429-3308

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KDChi Alpha Kappa wins Deans Award of Excellence

KDChi Alpha Kappa awarded Deans Award of Excellence at Univ of Wisconsin-Madison

2009-2010 Buckys Award Winners

The Buckys is an esteemed awards banquet that recognizes outstanding student leaders and student organizations. Awards are given to those organizations that go above and beyond, and work hard to constantly serve the campus and community.

For more information on the Buckys and how to apply for the 2010-2011 awards, please contact the Organization Development Consultants at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Dean's Award of Excellence

The Dean’s Award of Excellence is presented to the organization that excels in three pillars, Wisconsin Experience, Discovery, and Innovation. Therefore, this organization actively works to incorporate, effective program planning, innovation, leadership service, valued membership, and social justice into their mission and the events and programs they host each year.

This year the award goes to Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. at the University of Wisconsin - Madison

The Purpose of Kappa Delta Chi is to promote the values of Unity, Honesty, Integrity and Leadership among women at colleges and universities. Through numerous service events, sisterhood retreats and academic and cultural workshops, KDChi’s learn more about themselves and each other. They sprout into impacting leaders and help guide the next generation to success. KDChi is a non-traditional sorority full of diverse members and eager young ladies ready to make a difference in their communities. With your sisters, anything is possible.

To see all of the chosen Buckys winners you may view the entire article here.

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KDCHi has 1000 Facebook Friends!

Happy Cesar Chavez day!

Si Se' Puede sisters!

On a sad note, Jaime Es