The Quill of Alpha Xi Delta - Spring 2012

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Remembering Lois Kopper Stump Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity is deeply saddened by the passing of Lois Kopper Stump, National President 1971-1974. Initiated into Alpha Kappa Chapter, Kansas State University, in 1937, Lois was to receive Alpha Xi Delta’s Order of the Diamond recognizing 75 years of membership this spring. “Lois was strong, forward-thinking and gracious. She exhibited the life-long loyalty and service we hope all members will have.”—Mary Ruth Snyder, Alpha Eta ’50, Foundation Trustee. Lois served on the National Scholarship and Loan Committee and two terms on National Council prior to serving as National President from 1971-1974. She was Alpha Xi Delta’s Second Alternate Delegate to the National Panhellenic Conference and appointed to the Research and Education Committee. She was Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Chair from 1980-1982. In 1987, she received the Edna Epperson Brinkman Award recognizing devotion and meritorious service to Alpha Xi Delta Fraternity. As a member of Alpha Xi Delta’s Society of 1893, Lois left an unrestricted bequest to Alpha Xi Delta Foundation. In her keynote address at Alpha Xi Delta’s 31st National Convention in 1974, Lois said, “Our horizons are only the barriers that we establish when we choose to seek no new adventure in our efforts toward reality and vision.” Alpha Xi Delta moved in new directions during her tenure providing greater educational leadership opportunities for our collegians and alumnae, identifying a new national philanthropy focusing on the prevention of juvenile delinquency, purchasing the Founders Road property in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Fraternity Headquarters would be relocated and completing the separation of the Fraternity and Foundation governing boards. Lois was an inspiration to our Sisters in the Pikes Peak Alumnae Association of which she was a founding member. “Words from our Symphony describe her well—‘steadfastness of soul’—‘gracious and kindly heart’. We could count on Lois. She attended almost every meeting, and was always coiffed and elegant. Since I met her in 1994, she was always involved as a volunteer, whether at her senior living facility, as a docent at the Fine Arts Center, staffing the Thrift Shop at Grace Episcopal Church, P.E.O. and in Alpha Xi Delta. She served in all areas with efficiency,

enthusiasm and grace, as it would not be in her nature to do otherwise.”—Susan Miskinis Bigus, Ohio ’76, Pikes Peak Alumnae Association “The thing I appreciated most about Lois was her forthrightness. One did not have to guess where Lois stood on issues. She also believed in acting out her beliefs. If she belonged to something, she was an active participant. At age 94, despite failing eyesight and hearing, she believed in living a full life and did not miss anything if she could help it.”—Frances Tomlin Dudenhoeffer, Texas State ’65, Pikes Peak Alumnae Association “Lois was always very proper and expected the very best. I was so happy to spend time with her at the 2009 National Convention in Denver, Colorado. Lois always had a twinkle in her eyes and a quiet sense of humor.” Beverly Case Rorer, Pennsylvania ’49, Past National Council In every way, Lois was the finest representation of an Alpha Xi Delta woman, and she will be missed greatly by the entire Alpha Xi Delta family. Our deepest condolences are with her son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Linda Stump, and their family.

www.alphaxidelta.org

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