KAPPAN March 2025

Alpha Delta KAPPAN

Features & Departments

1 International President’s Message

2 Bridging the Gap: How Different Generations Shape Membership Trends

3 Living, Learning and Leading in the Leadership Academy

4 Congratulations to the Golden Sisters of 2025

5 The KAPPAN Congratulates

6 Five Generations’ Views of DEI Challenges and a Solution

7 It’s Going to be a Bright Sunshiny Day

8 Busy Days for A∆KCC Members

10 Amazing Member 11 Altruism

14 #A∆K

16 Keep Austin Weird 17 SPECIAL CONVENTION SECTION

18 Invitation to the 2025 International Convention of Alpha Delta Kappa

19 Weird Days A-Comin’ in Texas

20 Changes in Voting Schedule to Meet Needs of Members

20 Delegates to Choose International Altruistic Project

21 AΔK Men’s Association Has Big Plans for Austin

21 Every Child Has a Chance - It’s You

21 Foundation Promises Evening of Boot Scootin' Boogie

22 Don’t Make the Same Mistake I Made

23 Everything You Wanted to Know About Bats and Were Afraid to Ask

23 World Understanding Program Returns With Changes

24 Help Choose A∆K’s Next World Understanding Project

25 2025 International Convention Voting Schedule

26 Rules Governing an International Convention

27 Two Join Board as Four-Year Members

28 CANDIDATES

32 Omega Chapter

33 A∆K Dates and Deadlines

Front cover: Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas, cover the tracks to a railroad bridge in the Texas Hill Country.

KAPPAN EDITOR

Joanne Grimm, CA Alpha Alpha

KAPPAN TEAM

Susan Pelchat, CT Mu

Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, TN Chi

Betty Sherrod, VA Gamma Omicron

Susan Whelan, NJ Kappa

Julie Kinder-McMillan, TN Alpha Gamma

Gwen Steele, NE Kappa

Daniel LaBorde, Digital Communications Coordinator, Int'l HQ

KAPPAN EDITORIAL BOARD

Ann Marie Brown, International President

Conway Blankenship, International President-Elect

Mollie Acosta, Immediate Past International President

Christi Smith, Executive Advisor

Pam Collins, Headquarters Director

Alpha Delta Kappa empowers women educators to advance inclusion, educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

The KAPPAN magazine is published quarterly by Alpha Delta Kappa, International Honorary Organization for Women Educators. Find the KAPPAN Publishing Guidelines online at www.alphadeltakappa.org.

Alpha Delta Kappa International Headquarters: 1615 W. 92nd St., Kansas City, MO 64114-3210 (816) 363-5525, (800) 247-2311, Fax (816) 363-4010

email: headquarters@alphadeltakappa.org www.alphadeltakappa.org

The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily in conformity with those of Alpha Delta Kappa or the editor.

Submitting Items for the next KAPPAN

The deadline for the June issue is April 1, 2025. What did your chapter do in this biennium that you want to share? In the June KAPPAN, we want to feature the bridge your chapter built to the future and how you crossed over it.

Please include your name, chapter, state, province or nation, your office, and a way we can reach you if there are questions or more information needed.

To submit articles/photos, go to the A∆K website >About>Publications>Submit to the KAPPAN. Follow submission guidelines on the submission form.

International President’s Message

Ann Marie Brown

“It doesn’t matter how strong your opinions are. If you don’t use your power for positive change, you are indeed part of the problem.” Those are the words of Coretta Scott King, ßoften called the First Lady of the Civil Rights Movement.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said, “Not voting is surrender. It is giving up your right to be heard because you think your voice might get lost in the crowd.”

As comedian George Carlin put it, “If you don’t vote, you lose your right to complain.”

Since the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was passed on August 12, 1920, we have heard the vital message, “Your voice is your vote.” Sisters, now is the time to use your voice to make important decisions that will shape the direction of our organization.

All members have a voice in choosing the new World Understanding Project. That is all from the newest initiate to the Platinum sisters. Descriptions of the three worthy projects the International Executive Board finalized for consideration are in this issue and on the International website. I can tell you that the International World Understanding Committee passed on many worthy projects for consideration, and there was discussion before the choice was made. Now it’s your turn. What about setting aside part of a chapter meeting to discuss the projects? Perhaps some members would volunteer to research the projects and report on their research. More information can be found by using the links to the projects in the KAPPAN.

Voting for International officers, the International altruistic project and changes to the Bylaws of Alpha Delta Kappa is open to every member who registers for the convention by May 1. Members who attend the convention either virtually or in person are considered delegates and have a vote. We have outstanding sisters who have offered for International offices for the next biennium. Their biographies are in this issue of the KAPPAN and on the International website. Read about what they have accomplished and what they want to accomplish, and decide on the leadership you wish for A∆K. There will be

an opportunity for you to hear from the candidates in a Zoom meeting on June 14.

A Zoom special meeting to discuss proposed changes to the Bylaws of Alpha Delta Kappa is also planned. The issues will be explained at this meeting, and the pros and cons will be addressed with parliamentary order. If you are a delegate, you need to hear these discussions to make an informed decision when you vote.

The American Heart Association joins St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association as one of the three proposed International Altruistic Projects. The altruistic projects are in pairs on the ballot. Delegates vote for one pair. Information about all three projects is in this issue. Although only delegates will choose, getting the opinion of chapter members is helpful. Even though all members will not have a voice in this selection, all members may want to support the two chosen.

Yes, I understand that voting online can be frustrating. “Where do I find the ballot?” “Which key do I press?” “I don’t know how to fill out a JotForm.” “I forgot my password.” We’ve all been there. The Headquarters staff has done their best to make the process as easy as possible. Consider holding a voting night at a chapter meeting to help members work through the process. Be sure there are refreshments. Nothing calms frustration better than a large slice of chocolate cake and a glass of something with bubbles.

At the 2023 International Convention in Kansas City, there were 1,249 delegates, according to Cvent’s records. Those records also show that fewer than 1,000 took the opportunity to vote. “Every election is determined by the people who show up,” said Larry Sabato, creator of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. Every vote counts in any election, no matter how large or small an issue.

I urge you to show up. Celebrate when 100% of your chapter votes for the World Understanding Project and when all of your delegates cast their ballots. Bring out the cake again. Whether your choice prevails or not, you have spoken.

Your vote is your voice.

Speak up.

Bridging the Gap: How Different Generations Shape Membership Trends

By Kathy Beatty, International Vice President for Membership

In today’s rapidly evolving world, membership organizations face the challenge of engaging a diverse range of generations, each with its own values, preferences and expectations. Alpha Delta Kappa is no different – how do we preserve and honor our history and those sisters who have been members for many years, while also changing and adapting to new technology and ways of doing things to appeal to younger generations?

Since September, state, provincial, national, regional and International officers across our organization have been meeting monthly for a book study of “Membershift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back” by Sarah Sladek. Sladek is the founder and CEO of XYZ University, one of a few firms in the country specializing in generational research, employee engagement, and the creation of inclusive, inter-generational cultures of belonging.

Her premise about membership in organizations is that “… belonging didn’t change. Membership is not dead… Belonging is something we all want and need. It’s human nature to want to feel included and feel you are a part of a community and making a connection and a difference. Membership still matters; it’s the needs and interests of members that have changed.” This supports the focus of the International Membership Committee this past year – build relationships with current and prospective members and support sisters in finding their passion or value in membership. In order to get and keep members, we need to get to know them, help them to find their reason for being a member, and work to have an inclusive community where all feel they belong.

This shift in membership is what she describes as being member-centric. “The only way to engage members is to be membercentric, putting their needs and interests first.” Being membercentric means having members at the center of everything we do. This seems a little counter-intuitive to say a membership organization needs to be more member-centric. Think about your membership in Alpha Delta Kappa; do you feel like the organization or your chapter meets your needs and puts members at the center of any part of planning, decisions, activities and the like?

If Alpha Delta Kappa is to be a member-centric organization, we need to consider how we can connect with all our members. As educators, we tailor our teaching to each student individually, based on their needs, learning styles, background, and other factors. The one-size-fits-all approach is

not ideal when working with students and the same is true with our members. Sladek has done extensive research on generations, why they join, and what they value in membership. Much of her work is with professional organizations which is why she does not discuss the Silent Generation, or those born between 1928 and 1945. In Alpha Delta Kappa, we have sisters who fit into this generation and they are valued as members. The chart below summarizes Sladek’s findings and is a starting point for discussions with members from all generations.

“As the timeline shows, membership value shifted. Not for a moment or even for a few years. Forever. As a result, the question of value is being raised by all age groups and why members now cite the lack of value as a reason for dropping membership. Membership value shifted, and there’s no going back,” according to Sladek. Each of us, as members, has the opportunity to help make our organization and our chapter more member-centric. We can build relationships with sisters in our chapter, help them feel a sense of belonging, remind each other to make decisions and plans that reach all members and help provide different opportunities for our members, so they can find what they are looking for in membership. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can ensure that every generation feels valued and connected, creating a stronger, more vibrant organization for all.

Living, Learning and Leading in the Leadership Academy

By Susan Pelchat, KAPPAN Staff Writer

With a noble purpose, the Alpha Delta Kappa Leadership Academy seeks to help members develop personal, professional and leadership skills. Discovering individual strengths to enhance their leadership skills, maximizing their emotional intelligence, and completing a leadership challenge, members participate in a unique opportunity, that of becoming stronger and better-informed leaders. Lynn Blosser, MO Beta Xi, chairman, Jamie Hawkins, NV Eta, and Emily Castillo, VA Alpha Omicron, serve on the current Leadership Academy Board. Going forward, one member of each graduating cohort will move onto the board to continue to direct activities, promote changes and prepare to be a future chair. The Leadership Academy’s new 2025 cohort of mentors and participants met in December. Ten aspiring leaders and ten mentors discussed time commitments and expectations. This year, the board expanded the criteria for participation, inviting members with 10-40 years of experience who have served no more than once as an elected state officer. Each must be a practicing educator with fewer than ten years in A∆K, and this year’s cohort presents an array of experience from classroom teacher to administrator to educational consultant.

Mentors should have had SPN, regional or International leadership experience beyond the chapter level to support the mentees with a broader set of experiences. They shall have demonstrated skills and leadership qualities within those experiences.

Emily Castillo is the newest member on the academy board that functions similarly to the International Teacher Education Board, where members serve six-year terms; the newest member observes and grows, then leads in the third biennium. She says the focus of the academy is leadership, “wherever you are – in the classroom or at the building level. It has completely revamped how I teach and how I interact with my students.” She found that her strength of “Harmony,” her aversion to conflict and desire to create unity and agreement between individuals, helps her to reach a compromise rather than spending time arguing.

Participants’ responsibilities throughout the program include attendance at various meetings and conferences, completing monthly readings, attending mentor/participant meetings and providing ongoing feedback to their partners.

A capstone project to demonstrate learning has been expanded to fit the needs of participants. A program may be presented at a regional conference, but it may also take other forms.

In the project, participants identify a personal, professional or A∆K goal and develop a program to present at a regional conference, a state convention or in an article for the KAPPAN. Membership and Marketing Specialist Phyllis Robinette, whose strength is as an “Activator,” one who takes charge, speaks up and makes sure others are heard and knows that a good leader uses their passion, knowledge and influence to motivate others to join their team, considers the academy to be a critical program for Alpha Delta Kappa, “not only to grow A∆K leaders, but to support participating members professionally and personally.”

Leadership Academy participant Anna Frasman-Swadinsky, VA Epsilon, spoke of the value of the Academy which impacted her more than she had imagined. Not just for the leader’s insights and connections in A∆K, but the program affected other areas of her life. As an educational leader, she was transitioning out of the classroom into a coaching role which introduced her to other interpersonal skills. Insights gained on emotional intelligence and leadership styles helped her learn how to capitalize on staff skills to best benefit students. “Using resources you have, and not trying to do it all yourself, is so important. You must be willing to use the team around you to help accomplish goals and get the greatest benefit from the team,” she shared. In three different leadership license programs, including the Academy, she found that Strengths Finder skills and tools showed up continuously. The Strengths Finder assessment identifies a person’s top five talents in four over-arching themes: executing, influencing, relationship building and strategic thinking. Author Tom Rath believes that people have more potential for growth when they develop their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses. Anna found that Strengths Finder and other training she has undergone in the Leadership Academy have proven beneficial in her professional life.

Nearing the end of the academy program, members are asked if they might be interested in serving on the academy board. Those who are interested may be considered for appointment to the position, another opportunity to lead and grow in Alpha Delta Kappa.

The 40-hour syllabus includes two book studies: “Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Team and, Why People Follow” by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie and “The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations” by Kouzes and Posner, 6th Edition, 2017.

Hats off to fifty years of sisterhood Congratulations to the Golden Sisters of 2025.

Beverly Leach ........................Alabama Beta Tau

Sarah R. Keener Alabama Beta Tau

Rebecca C. Smith ............. Alabama Beta Theta

Jane J. Hill Alabama Fidelis Alpha

Margaret H. Feld Alabama Gamma

Sherry Baca Arizona Alpha Alpha

Janet L. Fee Arizona Alpha Epsilon

Shirley Griffiths ................ Arizona Alpha Epsilon

Naoma I.H. Fraiser Arizona Sustaining

Mary E. Whitlow ..................Arkansas Alpha Mu

Kaye Brewer Arkansas Xi

Marilynn Bracelin ................ California Alpha Phi

Virginia Rasnick California Alpha Rho

Carolyn B. Dinelli California Beta Upsilon

Kathleen Holloway California Gamma Eta

Elaine C. Stanger Colorado Alpha Beta

Jilene Cohn Colorado Alpha Delta

Lenore H. Mekeal Colorado Alpha Delta

Mary J. Nichols................ Colorado Alpha Delta

Jane E. Ensor Colorado Psi

Joan B. Nagy ........................ Connecticut Alpha

Mary C. Griffin Connecticut Epsilon

Anne E. Scully ................... Connecticut Epsilon

Judith F. Rutkin Florida Alpha Lambda

Claire L. Taylor Florida Alpha Theta

Helen L. Kinser Florida Beta Rho

Carol A. Builta Florida Fidelis Beta

Glenda L. Waring ........... Florida Fidelis Lambda

Joann Bodree Florida Fidelis Nu

Joyce M. McClelland .... Florida Gamma Epsilon

Diane Groover Florida Gamma Gamma

Jill A. McCauley .........................Florida Lambda

Barbara E. Bush Florida Omicron

Nancy C. Crawford ............................Florida Phi

Nina S. Crowell Florida Sustaining

Betty J. Nordman Florida Sustaining

Billie S. Fauntleroy Georgia Alpha Delta

Nancy L. Wilson Georgia Alpha Phi

Jounida T. Bradley ............... Georgia Beta Delta

Judy B. Slaton Georgia Beta Delta

Margaret W. Simmons .............Georgia Beta Mu

Tharpe Greene Georgia Beta Nu

Laurie C. Dilts ........................ Georgia Beta Rho

Patricia S. Simpson Georgia Beta Rho

Annice M. Saunders ....................... Georgia Iota

Ruth A. Muns Georgia Sustaining

Martha B. King Georgia Tau

Carol Kuroda Hawaii Eta

Ethel S. Murakami Hawaii Theta

Shirley H. Yamada ......................... Hawaii Theta

Anne M. Kimmett Idaho Sustaining

Mary J. McKneight .............. Illinois Alpha Theta

Barbara Tidaback Illinois Alpha Theta

Georgene Lange ........................ Illinois Beta Mu

Karen Mason ............................. Illinois Beta Mu

Loretta Lighthall Illinois Mu

Lisa R. Justus ..............................Illinois Upsilon

Linda George Indiana Alpha Gamma

JoAnn F. Karaffa-Owens ..Indiana Alpha Upsilon

Carol A. Rader Indiana Alpha Upsilon

Jane Boultinghouse Indiana Beta Gamma

Jennifer Butcher Indiana Sustaining

Jo Geiger International Sustaining

Leota Kopp ..............................Iowa Alpha Delta

Linda Ruiter Iowa Epsilon

Kay L. Wielinski .................................... Iowa Phi

Jane McGarry Iowa Upsilon

Jeanine A. Mott ......................... Kansas Epsilon

Jane Haire

Louisiana Alpha Chi

Katherine G. Turner ............ Louisiana Alpha Chi

Lottie H. Wallingsford Louisiana Alpha Chi

Barbara W. White

Louisiana Alpha Chi

Lara Bryan Louisiana Alpha Kappa

Olivia C. McKee

Louisiana Alpha Sigma

Michelle E. Self .............. Louisiana Alpha Sigma

Blanche R. Harvey Louisiana Beta Alpha

Pamela S. Morgan ............

Peggy B. Aime

Louisiana Beta Alpha

Louisiana Beta Eta

Alida B. Casey ...................... Louisiana Beta Eta

Suzanne Robichaux Louisiana Chi

Jimmie L. Gilchrist ........................ Louisiana Mu

Barbara P. Hanson-Norris Louisiana Tau

Irene M. Bryant Maryland Alpha

Edith D. Kozma

Maryland Alpha

Gail E. Towers Maryland Omicron

Pat Clark .......................................... Maryland Xi

Lynn G. Hildenbrand Maryland Xi

Cathy W. Sewell .............................. Maryland Xi

Cynthia Y. Addison Michigan Alpha

Joyce A. Van Dalen ....... Michigan Alpha Kappa

Jo-Ann Gatz

Michigan Alpha Sigma

Sally L. Hurdle Michigan Alpha Sigma

Nancy E. Persinger Michigan Alpha Sigma

Charlene S. McDonald Michigan Beta Iota

Ann M. Ware Michigan Beta Iota

Joyce Lewis Michigan Chi

Mary M. DeLine ........... Michigan Gamma Alpha

Sallie N. Honell Michigan Gamma Zeta

Jayne Visser .................. Michigan Gamma Zeta

Beverley E. Wrubel Michigan Gamma Zeta

Diane Dikin .................................... Michigan Mu

Elaine K. Bosworth Michigan Pi

Janis P. Behrens Minnesota Alpha Alpha

Janice Ring Minnesota Alpha Rho

Phyllis Severson Minnesota Alpha Rho

Grace Beck.................... Minnesota Alpha Theta

Joanne M. Schenck Minnesota Chi

Peggy J. Jacobus ...................... Mississippi Iota

Wanda J. Meyer Missouri Beta Alpha

Dolores C. Conrad Missouri Beta Lambda

Billie Coon ................................ Missouri Beta Xi

Naida M. Fenwick Missouri Nu

Barbara J. Krieger .............. Missouri Sustaining

Gloria Dolton Nebraska Chi

Harriet Tonniges ........................... Nebraska Eta

Marlene G. Koglin Nebraska Lambda

Nancy A. Morris .................... Nebraska Lambda

Yvette Engelhaupt Nebraska Nu

Maydelle Messerschmidt Nebraska Phi

Judy A. Wixson Nebraska Phi

Jeanette R. Kitts Nevada Iota

Kathleen A. Cole ................. New Hampshire Nu

Patricia A. Bacon New Jersey Chi

Signe Signe Lockwood ..... New Jersey Lambda

Linda S. Rissel New Jersey Lambda

Sandra L. Merrill ........................ New Jersey Psi

Clarice S. Day New Mexico Xi

Judy A. Love New Mexico Xi

Louisa R. Martinez New Mexico Xi

Jeannette M. Spicer New York Alpha Beta

Jan K. Tighe New York Alpha Beta

Patricia E. Schofield New York Nu

Joyce C. Sherrill ....... North Carolina Alpha Beta

Nancy B. Floyd North Carolina Alpha Delta

Peggy Quinn North Carolina Alpha Delta

Barbara B. Wilson ....... North Carolina Alpha Nu

Judy A. Smith North Carolina Alpha Phi

Hilda L. Kiser ................North Carolina Beta Chi

Margaret H. Wells North Carolina Beta Chi

Shelby F. Nichols .......... North Carolina Beta Mu

Ruth C. Frye North Carolina Beta Tau

Barbara J. Burton North Carolina Chi

Peggy D. Moore North Carolina Chi

Alma F. Fields North Carolina Fidelis Xi

Betty S. Stephens North Carolina Gamma Lambda

June C. Poole ...... North Carolina Gamma Theta

Myra A. Dickson North Carolina Omicron

Rebecca K. Cook ................. North Carolina Phi

Katie L. Duncan North Carolina Pi

Mary Jo Schill ....................... North Dakota Beta

Linda Jordre North Dakota Gamma

Judith D. Beridon Ohio Alpha

Judith A. Studenka Ohio Alpha Gamma

Ellen Poca Ohio Alpha Lambda

Donna Zoloty .............................. Ohio Alpha Nu

Nancy Imm Ohio Alpha Phi

Darlene B. Moore ....................... Ohio Alpha Phi

Avanelle B. Oberlin Ohio Alpha Upsilon

Eleanore Parker .................................... Ohio Eta

Shirley A. Daniels Ohio Tau

Kathrine Foster Oklahoma Sigma

Continues on next page

The KAPPAN Congratulates

Golden Sister Celebration for Florence Daniels

Interview by Betty Jo Evers, AZ Iota

NC Beta Alpha sisters and sisters from other states gathered recently to celebrate Florence Daniels’ 50 years as a NC Beta Alpha member.

The new Golden Sister joined NC Beta Alpha on October 2, 1974. She taught one year in Pamlico County, one year in Currituck County and 28 years at Havelock High School in Havelock, NC, teaching Health and Physical Education. Flo coached basketball for 13 years, volleyball for 15 years and track and field for 28 years. Sisters surprised Flo eight years ago when they started a scholarship in her name during Beta Alpha’s 50th-year celebration. Her scholarship is awarded to students continuing in education.

Flo has held many office positions in her chapter. She has been president-elect, president, co-president, immediate past president, sergeant-at-arms and historian. She has been chapter president six times. Flo can always be counted on to ensure meetings go orderly and that all A∆K business gets done as it should. She also dedicates time and money to represent Beta Alpha at Interna-

tional and state conventions and regional conferences.

Many NC A∆K sisters fondly know Flo, as she has served in many positions at the state level. Flo has been NC historian, sergeant-at-arms, directory co-chair, District VIII vice-president, vice president, president-elect, president, immediate past president, housing chairman and parliamentarian twice.

Past International President and NC Past State President Connie Cathey, NC Immediate Past State President Craig Norton, Flo Daniels, and NC Alpha Chi sister Marie Hurst.

Flo loves to be with her A∆K sisters all over the country. She enjoys traveling and spending time at conferences and conventions. She has been on the balloting committee three times at the International level and served as both chair and co-chair. One of Flo’s passions is photography, and she has been one of the International and Southeast Region photographers for at least ten years. Sisters love her photos. She sells flash drives of her pictures at conferences, with the money going to the Florence Daniels Scholarship fund.

“Beta Alpha sisters and friends are so excited to celebrate Florence Daniels as a Golden Sister,” said Sue Williams, NC Beta Alpha Treasurer

Judy M. Eagle .................... Pennsylvania Kappa

Karen V. Claypoole Pennsylvania Pi

Florence D. Van Dyke .. Pennsylvania Sustaining

Marie Wardynski Pennsylvania Upsilon

Aida Quiñones-Alejandro ......Puerto Rico Alpha

Mary W. Hull South Carolina Nu

Linda C. Blalock ................... South Carolina Psi

LeAnne K. Meyer South Dakota Alpha

Betty J. Dodds South Dakota Alpha

Linda R. Dupre South Dakota Sustaining

Patricia D. Erwin Tennessee Beta Zeta

Jeannine Alday Grogg ................ Tennessee Chi

Mary J. Dezern Tennessee Iota

Janice C. Baer .............................Tennessee Mu

Marian G. Latham Tennessee Mu

Betty Nan Carroll ................ Tennessee Omicron

Lynda S. Lewis Tennessee Pi

Beverly C. Taylor............................Tennessee Pi

Patricia W. Hall

Tennessee Sustaining

Linda Gray Tennessee Sustaining

Annie S. Weems ...................Tennessee Upsilon

Beverly M. Winters

Cheryl N. Neal .......................

Patricia L. Brodeen

Janet Bruton ..........................

Theresa A. Spivey

Nell M. Bush

Evalyn Durham

Dianne Roznovsky

Geraldine White

Patricia C. Baugh

Ann Carrell ............................

Cassie G. Abbott

Tennessee Upsilon

Texas Alpha Delta

Texas Alpha Eta

Texas Delta Alpha

Texas Delta Alpha

Texas Delta Mu

Texas Delta Xi

Texas Delta Xi

Texas Delta Xi

Texas Gamma Pi

Texas Gamma Tau

Ann Hudson.............................

Donna L. Burnett

Texas Pi

Texas Sustaining

Vermont Beta

Anne T. Madsen .............. Virginia Alpha Lambda

Malinda A. Gordy Virginia Alpha Omicron

Tana Carosella Washington Alpha Nu

Ilene J. Hill ....................... Washington Alpha Nu

Joanne Patrick Washington Beta

Patsy M. Sawa ....................... Washington Beta

Beverley Woo Washington Beta

Theona W. Wall .............. Washington Sustaining

Elaine Burr Washington Sustaining

Diantha K. Hilton ................... West Virginia Beta

Jean Nicholson West Virginia Kappa

Beth A. Mitchell West Virginia Lambda

Nancy Farley West Virginia Mu

Barbara E. Smith

West Virginia Mu

Beverly A. Pertile ........ Wisconsin Gamma Delta

Susan L. Magnuson Wyoming Epsilon

Future listings of Golden Sisters will be on the International website.

Photo: (L to R)

Five Generations’ Views of DEI Challenges and a Solution

By International Marketing and Membership Specialist Phyllis Robinette and International DEI Committee Chair Pat Valle.

As our organization continues to grow and to build a sense of belonging for everyone, it is important to consider how DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ideas, which have been a part of our practicing educators’ repertoire for some time, are perceived by different generations. Each of us is greatly impacted by our own experiences, but consider how the previous generation forms the perceptions of the next.

Our organization is filled with five generations: the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Zers. Our Silent Generation and Baby Boomers created and raised Gen X children and grandchildren with stories of walking to school in the snow barefoot, uphill both ways. This was an example of saying to younger generations, “What’s the big deal? We just sucked it up?” The result is Gen X adults who are independent and seek out the world for themselves. Thus, “What’s in it for me” attitudes have appeared.

Gen X raised Millennials and Gen Zers. A characteristic of Millennials and Gen Zers is their ability to freely discuss their emotions, struggles and challenges. Again, this is a result of their experiences and the influences of previous generations.

In the book “Membershift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back” by Sarah Sladek, online research and member surveys revealed that different generations might have different views on diversity, equity and inclusion in any workplace or any Alpha Delta Kappa gathering:

• Silent Generation: Some say DEI is low on their list of priorities.

• Baby Boomers: Some say DEI is low on their list of priorities.

• Generation X: Some have mixed views.

• Millennials: Some say DEI is important, and 76% said they’d leave a job if DEI initiatives weren’t offered.

• Generation Z: Some say workplace equity is imperative and rank it above flexibility and compensation. They are also known as “digital natives.”

Regardless of which generation you identify with, there are some ways to understand DEI across generations:

• Recognize diverse perspectives: Different generations have different experiences which can influence their values and viewpoints.

• Promote open communication: Ensure that communication across generations is respectful and clear.

• Leverage the strengths of each generation: A diverse membership can lead to a more flexible, agile and adaptable organization.

• Craft targeted recruitment and retention strategies: Understand the core motivations, work preferences and communication styles of the different generations.

• Prepare for demographic shifts: Ensure the organization remains relatable, viable and responsive.

We all desire a sense of belonging. We want to be seen and heard. We want to be a part of something bigger. This is one of the many reasons we belong to Alpha Delta Kappa. We call this connectedness sisterhood.

As Alpha Delta Kappa has evolved and continues to evolve with new generations, we have learned that the key to inclusion is simple: We must listen. We must be willing to hear others’ stories and experiences, not only to show compassion but also to open our arms to a deeper sense of belonging for all. This openness toward all generations will support our sisters’ unique experiences and life lessons. When we support each other’s needs and challenges, we truly get to the heart of inclusion by recognizing everyone’s strengths.

Celebrate your sisters, be they Silver, Platinum, or new to A∆K. Listen to their stories of the current state of education or of the issues from the past. Our stories have changed or will change the perceptions of the listener, no matter their generation. Even when people disagree, if you come to listen, it is going to get better and be better. It starts with you.

It’s Going to be a Bright Sunshiny Day

By Gwen Steele, KAPPAN correspondent

“Ican see clearly now, the rain is gone. I can see all the obstacles in my way/Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind/It’s gonna be a bright (bright)/Bright (bright) sunshiny day.” Bet you’re singing right along with this Jimmy Cliff and Johnny Nash release, aren’t you? And why have I dug through the ancient archives of songs? Read the lyrics again. Focus on ‘rain,’ ‘obstacles,’ ‘clouds,’ and ‘blind.’ Are you puzzled, or have you put the jigsaw pieces together? Well…let me tell you a story.

A good number of months ago, I was driving home early one evening along a familiar route. I suddenly realized I didn’t see the lane lines, the signs were nearly unreadable and, if the oncoming headlights blinded me one more time… Yup. Raindrops, obstacles and clouds were fuzzy and barely visible once darkness fell; I was night-blind. By day, I was aware of an unrecognizable figure walking down the street holding the leash of some animal. Was it a Chihuahua or what? Exit markings were difficult to read. Thank heavens I have friends; I resorted to begging rides to any meeting or event where the clock chimed at 5:00 pm or later because I was a safe road hazard.

I did figure it out, though: in a word, cataracts. I had dirty, cloudy little lenses and I needed to get them replaced or start the search for a seeing-eye doggo! So, I went to a “visionary” doctor. Surgery was scheduled—four times. Why, you ask? Winter in Nebraska bowed to two blizzards with a couple of additional factors thrown in, but they were too off-track to share in this yarn. And (you may chuckle here), I became the good-natured comedic relief of the office staff. I often wonder if I prompted a bit of off-the-record office betting—was Gwen ever going to get those new lenses?

Time—okay, weeks—marched on. The old military adage “hurry up and wait” is a truism. Since I’m a planner and a doer, I was impatient - with a capital “i.” To add fuel to the fire, let me also tell you in no uncertain terms that if worry were an Olympic sport, there would be no reason for a formal competition.

Escort me to the podium, present me the gold medal and hand me the bouquet. At long last, the day arrived when I actually reclined on a comfy gurney, donned a cute blue bonnet and was needled with a smidgen of something to take the edge off. Don’t tell anyone, but I would have preferred a sip of merlot instead. I was wheeled (fully dressed, by the way) to the surgery suite and the fun began. Yes, it really was fun.

My doc hummed a happy tune as he worked on me from behind my head. For a couple moments, I saw fractals of an icy pond breaking up. Then I heard, “Okay. I’m done,” to which I replied, “What?” “I’m done.” “You mean you’re ready to start.” “No, I’m done.” “No, you’re not.” “Gwen, the new lens is in.”

Good grief, doctors can assume a bit of an attitude when you argue with them. I guess it’s probably not the best time to pick a fight while the surgeon is wielding a laser. “Really? Did I fall asleep? How long did all this take?” “Under six minutes.” “Oh!”

End of story. Well, not quite. After downing a bottle of water—remember, you have to starve and thirst for 24 hours before going under the laser—I happily extolled the miracles of modern medicine all the way home, nonstop—daughter Jenny, the driver, pulled out her earplugs once we pulled into the garage; no wonder she just inappropriately kept nodding in the car; she feigned listening to me as I gleefully pointed out every single tree, leaf, sign, puffy cloud and lane line. Okay. Okay. I could really see again.

Seeing through new lenses is a joy. I know. If or when the time comes, fear not to experience the easiest, fastest surgery on the planet. Then, enjoy waving at and calling friends by name from 40 feet away, reading the TV crawlers while sitting at the far end of the family room and driving after dark where the street signs are once again legible. Now the story is finished. It’s gonna be another bright (bright) sunshiny day. But please excuse me while I round up every single 5-year-old dust bunny in the far corner over there—they’re driving me nuts!

Busy Days for A∆KCC Members

Compiled by Betty Jo Evers, IPIVPM, AZ Iota

Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Clubs (A∆KCC) have been actively engaged in making connections and building relationships as they support the purposes of Alpha Delta Kappa. The fall semester was filled with interesting, worthwhile, engaging, impressive, energetic, fun-filled, and learning activities.

Ouachita Baptist University (OBU)

Let’s hear from them, beginning with a welcome to our latest club, Ouachita Baptist University Collegiate Club in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. With the help of Dr. Rachel Pool, Head of the Education Department, 22 members were initiated on December 2, 2024. Although they are brand new, the Club is actively engaged in organizing and planning their spring semester activities.

Baker University

Early in the fall, the members had a table at the Baker Involvement Fair with the other clubs on campus to get their name out there. Their membership chair made buttons, and they collected the names of interested students.

The Club was involved in the community by participating in their annual Trunk or Treat at Halloween.

The members took part in Friendsgiving on Thanksgiving. One of the professors cooked a turkey, and everyone brought a side dish. Co-sponsor Joyce Perkins, KS Beta Epsilon, Kathy Saving, president Beta Epsilon, and Betty Jo Evers, AZ Iota, attended along with the chapter advisor, Dr. Prosser, and several A∆KCC members. Beta Epsilon sponsors the Club.

The A∆KCC President and advisor attended a celebration with Beta Epsilon to mark the first anniversary of their chartering. The A∆KCC President, Natalie Maxheimer-Rodriguez, presented a slide show used in their student meetings, sharing the Club’s activities from this past year and what they are plan-

ning in the future. Some of the activities the Baker A∆KCC has sponsored are volunteering in the Baldwin community, helping South Central Past Regional President Nancy Thompson with a book drive, holding a spring bake sale, collecting school supplies for Baldwin City Schools, participating in a School of Education “Friendsgiving” and collecting food donated by Baldwin City merchants and taking the donations to a homeless shelter in Lawrence, KS.

The A∆KCC has recently volunteered for “Uplift,” gathering blankets and other supplies, and even climbed on the truck to help.

Four of the Club members will be graduating this spring. Two members have been student teaching and substitute teaching, and at least one already has a teaching job offer.

Ball State

The Ball State University Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club enjoyed a vibrant and productive fall semester. The semester kicked off with a warm welcome for prospective new members, followed by sessions on teacher self-care, a meaningful celebration of Founders’ Day and engaging Fraternity Education workshops.

The club fostered a strong sense of community through fun and fulfilling activities. Members enjoyed a relaxing “Girls’ Night,” crafting tie blankets, a creative Halloween craft night and a valuable First Year Teacher Panel featuring insightful advice from former members and Ball State alumni. Demonstrating their commitment to service, the Club actively participated in the “Secret Families” event, shopping for gifts to bring holiday cheer to local families. The semester culminated with a holiday dinner with the IN Beta Epsilon Chapter, strengthening the bond between collegiate and alumnae members.

In addition, the Club coordinated a guest visit with Linda Stephens (OH Alpha Rho). Linda discussed her experiences in

Alpha Delta Kappa and her current work with the schools in South Sudan. The CC members partnered with Beta Epsilon to celebrate the chapter’s 40th anniversary. The club members created 41 birthday cake kits for the local food pantry.

Rowan University

Rowan University held its new member initiation and officer installation in November. After initiating over 40 new members, a full slate of officers was installed. The new executive board hit the ground running with an Instagram account and partnered with another campus educational organization to present the annual Literacy Alive! event. This year’s event was Olympic-themed games, learning activities, snacks and free books. The club closed the year’s activities with a December bake sale.

University of Arizona (UA)

The University of Arizona Collegiate Club has good support from multiple chapters in Tucson for its activities and events. Their two sponsors from UA, Maria Orozco and Chelsea Bruce, are Alpha Delta Kappa members. Maria is a member of Zeta and Chelsea is a member of Psi. The University provides a meeting room and monthly newsletter announcements for the Club.

In October, three students attended the AZ Southern District Founders’ Day through the generosity of sisters in Tucson who covered their fees. The group welcomed Sophia Culbertson, Ella Joy Henning and Carley E. Cantos, who helped with many things at the Founders’ Day celebration. Students organized a Halloween Trunk Treating event at a Stepstone Foster Care Center with three trunks loaded with candy for children and foster parents.

Students helped with gift wrapping and a Foster Family Holiday Picnic in December. Club member participated in the joint AZ Beta-Zeta holiday party. At this event, the Club honored five students with Arizona Zeta Jean Brady Scholarships. The scholarships are a great example of sisters supporting future educators. These scholarship recipients have been Collegiate Club members for all four years of their studies. Sixteen of the Club’s 21 members are preparing to start student teaching in the spring.

University of Kentucky (UK)

The University of Kentucky Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club members have demonstrated the true “Big Blue UK Wildcat spirit” since their spring chartering ceremony in March 2024. Their enthusiasm for altruism, making connections with sisters across the state and focus on membership while embracing excellence in teaching is heart-warming as we look to them for future leadership.

Club President Kayelyn Strotman and Club Advisor Dr. Hildi Nicksic, a clinical associate professor in the UK Department of Kinesiology and Health, closed the fall semester at the festive December meeting by generating bright ideas for the upcoming year. Several members plan to continue supporting the need in local schools by substitute teaching and volunteering in classrooms. The monthly meetings were informative as panels of active and retired teachers presented experience-based skills valued in successful classrooms. Panel members continue to follow up with support for club members by giving professional responses to their unique questions. A∆KCC members are preparing to move their meetings to community sites and visit the meetings of nearby Alpha Delta Kappa sisters.

Connections have been made with local Alpha Delta Kappa chapter sisters in Lexington and beyond. KY Mu Chapter President and Lizzie Manion, a current kindergarten teacher, served on a panel discussion at a club meeting. Allie Bowman, KY Alpha Theta Chapter and an alumnus of Ball State A∆KCC joined with KY Theta Chapter in Louisville to distribute goodie bags to each club member; Kentucky Alpha Epsilon Chapter President Judy Turner and her sisters in Lexington networked with club members and served refreshments at multiple meetings; KY Gamma Chapter President, Karen Guffey and her sisters in Lexington brought refreshments and provided input during a club meeting; and KY Chi Chapter Co-Presidents Pat Banks and Linda Craft and sisters from Frankfort networked with students, and brought holiday activities and refreshments to the December meeting. Plans are underway for 2025 and the A∆KCC at the UK. They are looking forward to recruiting new members, networking with Alpha Delta Kappa sisters, and expanding their opportunities to serve in the community.

Dr. Gladys M. González Martínez

Honored with Professor Emerita Title

By Mariam Ludim Rosa Vélez, Puerto Rico Delta

The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) has conferred the distinguished title of Professor Emerita upon Dr. Gladys M. González Martínez, a retired professor from the College of Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Gonzalez Martinez is a Puerto Rico Delta chapter member and a Sapphire sister. The prestigious recognition celebrates her extraordinary contributions to education, research and public service over four decades.

At UPRM, the Professor Emeritus distinction honors retired faculty who demonstrate exceptional achievements in teaching, research, creative work and public service. This celebrated educator fulfills each of these criteria, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence agriculture, education and public policy across Puerto Rico.

For 37 years, she served as a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom, including pivotal roles as Dean and Director of the College of Agricultural Sciences. Her efforts shaped programs and policies that advanced agricultural practices and empowered women entrepreneurs throughout the island.

The KAPPAN Congratulates AMAZING MEMBER!

A defining milestone of her career was the establishment of the Entrepreneurial Center for Women in Agriculture in 2004. Recognizing the need for resources and opportunities for women in the agricultural sector, she secured external funding to launch this transformative initiative. The Center provided educational and financial support to female agricultural entrepreneurs, fostering the growth of women-led agribusinesses and promoting gender equity within the field. This visionary effort continues to empower women and strengthen Puerto Rico’s agricultural economy.

Among her most notable achievements is the proposal for an economic indicator that estimates the contribution of Puerto Rico’s agri-food system. Designed to complement Gross Agricultural Income, this innovative metric was approved as law, revolutionizing the way agricultural performance is measured on the island. Her work cemented her reputation as a leader in agricultural policy and economic development.

Her influence also extended into public service. As Chair of the Environmental Quality Board of Puerto Rico and an advisor to multiple governmental boards, her contributions underscore a deep commitment to sustainability, environmental protection and economic progress. These roles reflect her far-reaching impact on public policy.

Dr. Gladys M. González Martínez, third from the left, receives the distinction of Professor Emerita. In the photo, she is accompanied by the Dean of Academic Affairs, Nancy V. Vicente Vélez, the Chancellor of UPRM, Agustín Rullán Toro, and the President of the UPR, Luis A. Ferrao Delgado.

During the ceremony, the honoree expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying “This distinction fulfills a dream held deep within my heart. Over my 44-anda-half years of professional service, the majority and the happiest were dedicated to the University of Puerto Rico, the greatest social project Puerto Rico has ever had. I share this honor with the students, agro-entrepreneurs, peers, collaborators, mentors, staff and my family who made this journey possible.”

She concluded by reaffirming her dedication to UPRM’s mission, stating, “I will continue transcending the boundaries of knowledge and relentlessly pursuing excellence.”

Texas Sisters Named Women of Influence

Congratulations to TX Epsilon Omicron sisters Joan Sipll and Liz Lopez Hatley, who were selected for the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Education Foundation Women of Influence recognition. They and three other community members were honored at a ceremony in December.

Joan, who becomes a Silver sister this year, created the Gifted and Talented program for the district in the 1980s and continues to support Gifted Education. She actively supports the Education Foundation and a scholarship is named in her honor.

Liz has served the district as a teacher, principal, curriculum coordinator and school board member. The newest elementary school is named in her honor. She has been credited as the heart of the Eagle Mountain-Saginaw community. Liz is also a Silver sister and a charter member of Epsilon Omicron.

Information provided by TX State President Shelly Couch.

Pictured (L to R) Joan Sipll, Ken Sipll and Liz Hatley

“Life’s

Altruism

most persistent and urgent question is “What are we doing for others.” ” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kappa Night of Comfort and Joy

After hearing Katie Henderson, a representative of the Richmond, VA, SPCA describe the needs and services of the organization, VA Kappa sisters decided to support the program. They donated food and toys for the animals and made and donated no-sew blankets for the animals awaiting their forever homes. Kathy Smith, VA Kappa chapter president, shared, “The sisters are proud to support the Richmond SPCA and look forward to continuing the partnership. Small acts of kindness like a blanket or a toy, they say, remind them of the impact they can make in the community - one paw at a time.”

Displaying their blankets are (L to R) back row: Christi Gibson, Kami Louth, Eileen Traveline, Cathy Whalen, Gale Manor, Carol Hamrick, Carolyn McIver, Caryn Herman, Martha Ann Atkinson, Jo Ann Marshall, Sharon Condrey and Carolyn Booth Middle Row: Peggy Taylor, Erin Hansard Front Row: Rachel Smith, Kathy Smith, Debbie Bodsford, Cindy Kelly, Sydney Greer, Jenni Grunden

FL Fidelis Beta

FL Fidelis Beta members prepare to deliver gifts to the Savannah Manor Assisted Living Facility residents in Leesburg, FL. Fidelis Beta sisters shown with the gifts are: (L to R) Judy Flood, Shirlynn Dedinsky, Kathy Ferrante, Peggy Douglas, Sandy Mockus, Gayle Bloom and Carol Builta. Irene Clark took the photograph.

WV Lambda

WV Lambda Past President Kelly Petit holds one of the over one hundred Breast Cancer Awareness backpacks containing blankets, slippers, socks, toiletries and feminine hygiene products the chapter donated to the Marshall County Family Resource Network of West Virginia and the Mount Olivet Methodist Church of Wheeling, WV.

AZ Psi

AZ Psi sisters have been busy with altruistic projects. The chapter participated in the 2024 Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoe Box Campaign, filling 12 shoe boxes with toys, art supplies, books, personal hygiene products and other items for children in third-world countries. According to the Samaritan’s Purse website, “For many children, this is the first gift they will ever receive. The unexpected gifts delight and spark hope in the life of a child.” “Psi is proud to be a part of changing a child’s life a world away,” said Psi President Ann Fullerton.

Jenny Warren and Jill Leon, second-grade teachers at Soleng Tom Elementary School in Tucson, helped collect over 1,000 pieces of plastic for the Tucson Recycling Center, earning the school credit enough to purchase two new Buddy Benches. Jenny is a Psi member, and Jill is a prospective member. Jill and Jenny say it was a team effort. They are grateful to the students and parents who participated and are excited to create two safe places where students who are feeling lonely can sit and find a buddy.

(L to R) Jenny Warren, Psi member, Jill Leon, Prospective member

FL Delta

FL Delta chapter adopted two fifth-grade students from Oak Park Elementary School in Tampa as its holiday altruistic project. One is an ELL student from Puerto Rico who is learning English and acclimating to America. The other student is living with an aunt after the death of her mother last year. Delta President Stevonia Allen said that both students were “overwhelmed and appreciative of the kindness from the Delta sisters who always strive to bring hope and make a difference in the lives of our youth.”

CT Alpha members assembling the cards (L to R) Linda Dalidowitz, Holly Miotke, Christine Veilleux, Nancy Piccione, Pam Muraca, Dena Tompkins, Bev Pelletier, Sid Pelletier, Amy Pestka, Laurie Bruno. Seated: Betsy Francischelli, Bev Peronace CT Alpha

“Creating Cards for Veterans Day” was the activity at a meeting of CT Alpha chapter. Beverly Pelletier and her husband, Sid, designed six different greeting cards and created kits with ten cards in each kit. Sid is a Vietnam veteran. Sisters assembled greeting cards at the meeting and added a personal message. The cards were delivered to the Newington Campus of the Veterans Administration.

MD Beta

MD Beta members (L to R) Janet Burton, Mathy Downing, Terry Melo and Kay Caviness packed backpacks at Comfort Cases for children entering foster care. Comfort Cases are backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items. Typically, children are handed a trash bag for their belongings when they are removed from their homes. Comfort Cases is working to end this practice while providing the essentials for a child’s first few days in care. Although Comfort Cases is local to the MD Beta area, backpacks are provided to children in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.

NC Beta Sigma

To bring joy to community members, NC Beta Sigma sisters decorated and delivered about 30 mini-Christmas trees and mini-wreaths during the holiday season. At the chapter’s November meeting, sisters added lights, ornaments, ribbons and bows to the trees and wreaths. They delivered trees and wreaths to a sister in a physical rehabilitation center, the local hospice facility, nursing homes, and shut-ins. Beta Sigma member, Julie Smith, used her decorating skills on one of the trees.

Size is Just a Number

CA Tau may be small in numbers, but is mighty in heart and altruism, according to Tau President Judi Nowlin. In January 2022, the chapter in San Bernardino County had eight members and was on the verge of disbanding, which would mean that Alice Wuerch, the chapter’s Sapphire sister, for the first time in her 60 years of continual service to A∆K, would be without a chapter. The sisters decided that was unacceptable, and with a modified board, they moved forward. In January 2024, the chapter had grown to ten members, and they decided to focus on altruism and social activities. They began the year donating over $300 in food, office, and cleaning supplies to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House. In May, the sisters awarded a $250 scholarship to a student going to college to earn a degree in elementary education. Jeans, backpacks and suitcases were collected in September and donated to organizations that feed and clothe homeless students and provide suitcases for students in foster care. During October, the Ronald McDonald House received pumpkins and Halloween door hangers decorated by the chapter. In December, gifts were provided for a family that included a mother, grandmother and three girls.

On behalf of Florida A∆K sisters, FL State President Caroline Gilmore said, “I would like to thank everyone who provided financial and emotional support to our sisters who suffered a loss in 2024 from Hurricane Helene in September and Hurricane Milton in October.”

Between the two hurricanes, 165 members participated in the October Leadership Seminar for Committees and Membership in Ocala, FL. During the meeting, attendees met with state committees and officers, provided financial support to the Marilyn Sharp Textbook Fund for students in the A∆KCC House at Florida State University and enjoyed fellowship activities.

Pictured:

Pictured with Ronald McDonald and their contributions are (L to R) Susan Meeks, Tau secretary, Judi Nowlin, Tau president, Deb McKenzie, Penny Robinson, Trinity Nowlin, a guest, Ronald McDonald, Judith Sotelo, Tau treasurer, Carolyn Davis, Brandii Brunson, Barbara Hurlburt, Christina VanHulle.

NE Beta

The Lincoln YMCA Giving Tree project was a recent altruistic endeavor for the members of NE Beta chapter. The program provides holiday gifts for children at two local Title I elementary schools. Beta members Susan Pozehl and Coleen Shepler are shown with full carts of items purchased by the sisters. Beta members donated over $500 worth of gifts to the project. “Members enjoyed this program so much that it was suggested that our chapter make this project an annual tradition,” said Allysa Diehl, Beta President-Elect.

OH Alpha Beta

Each year, OH Alpha Beta chapter awards a $1,000 scholarship to a local graduating high school senior who will be pursuing a degree in education. The group has participated in many types of fundraisers, but this year, the chapter collaborated with the local Culver’s Restaurant for an evening fundraiser, during which a portion of all sales would be donated to the chapter’s scholarship fund. Members greeted guests, delivered meals to seated guests, ran deliveries out to drive-thru orders and cleaned tables. For their effort, the group earned over $700 for their scholarship fund and also received some tips. Pictured (L to R) are members Leslie Phlipot, Leah Finke, Dawn Ocke, Judy Young and Annette Johnson. They took turns serving Culver’s customers.

New Mexico and Arizona Sisters Work Together

In June, Ruidoso, NM, was devastated by fires that burned over 500 homes in the area. When school started in August, a teacher in Ruidoso gave her students an assignment to read for 20 minutes at home. One of the students raised her hand and said, “All my books burned.” Immediately, the sisters of New Mexico Eta responded by gathering books to distribute to students who had lost their homes. Eta chapter sisters all live in Lincoln County, NM, which includes Ruidoso. When Arizona chapters Zeta and Psi heard of this need, they joined the collection of books for students in Ruidoso.

NM Eta President Rosemary Schafer accepts books from AZ Zeta President-Elect Brenda McDowell.

SC Lambda

SC Lambda members show some of the toys, books and other items they donated to Country Santa, a local organization that provides gifts for children who might otherwise be forgotten during holiday time. This is the fourth year the chapter has partnered with the organization. Lambda members celebrated Founders’ Month with a skit featuring members acting as the Founders discussing the changes in A∆K in the last 75 years. They also donated to the A∆K Disaster Relief Fund and the Piedmont District Workshop Altruism projects.

PA Alpha

PA Alpha members show the baby baskets they created and donated to the two babies born first in two local hospitals on the chapter’s 70th anniversary, October 9. The families of a boy at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown, PA, and a girl at St. Luke’s Hospital–Anderson Campus, Easton, PA, received the baskets.

The KAPPAN Congratulates A∆K

PA Sisters Honored As “Educators of Distinction”

PA Gamma named three educators in the Philadelphia School District “Educators of Distinction” at a recent luncheon.

PA Gamma members Lila King and Mary Ann Smith, as well as retired President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Union, Jerry T. Jordan, received the award. They were recognized for their years of service to the children, teachers and the general school community. Altogether, the trio has 120 years of service.

The chapter’s major fundraiser is the award luncheon attended by chapter members, honorees and their families, friends, colleagues and prospective Gamma members. The proceeds are used for scholarships for prospective educators, mini-grants for classroom teachers and awards to young writers in grades six through twelve.

The Educator of Distinction Award event occurs every other year. Chapter members nominate sisters from within the Gamma chapter and educators who are not A∆K members. Nominees must have worked in the field of education for at least five years and shown dedication, exemplary professional knowledge, a high level of professional achievement and been an innovator and have had success in educational pursuits. Nominees should also be respected members of the profession and recognized by staff, peers and the community. Sisters nominated should be active chapter members and have served in different capacities in the chapter.

Information provided by Eleanor Smith, PA Gamma, Past PA State President

MO Beta Xi

The sisters of MO Beta Xi raised over $800 at their first-ever Cosmic Bingo Night. Sixty participants, including adults, children and even the local Chief of Police, played Bingo and “Minute to Win It” challenges, won prizes and enjoyed refreshments. Enjoying the evening’s blacklight ambiance were (L to R in the back) Karen Loyal, Gayle Joiner, Susan Richmond and Jeanne Messina. Shelley Smith is in front.

NC Alpha Nu

NC Alpha Nu Diamond Sisters (L) Jean Wilson and (R) Jean Weathington look at the certificates, plaques and flowers they received to commemorate their sixty years of service to A∆K. The pair grew up five miles apart, became friends in school and continued their friendship as teachers in the Pitt County school system and in Alpha Nu.

“These outstanding educators shared their sparkle and support with their sisters for sixty years. As dedicated members of the telephone committee, they established a rapport with all the sisters they contacted each month through the years. They are truly Alpha Nu treasures,” said Alpha Nu Publicity Chair Debra Kornegay.

OH Psi

The newest members of OH Psi (L to R) Frances Mallonn, Grace Ewing and Allyssa Miller, smile with pride following their recent initiation.

Picture: L to R Mary Anne Smith, Jerry T. Jordan, and Lila King

OH Alpha Eta

Celebrating OH Alpha Eta Member Virginia Prucha, as she turned 100 in January, started the year for the chapter, which recently had its 60th anniversary; she was a music teacher in the Defiance Public School System in Defiance, OH, for 30 years. Virginia joined A∆K in May of 1973. She held many leadership positions, including Ohio A∆K State Music Chair, Alpha Eta Co-President in 2010-2011, Alpha Eta President in 2011-2012 and Immediate Past President in 2012-2013. For 12 years, she was the chair and facilitator of the Rada knife sales, the chapter’s scholarship fundraiser. Past Co-President Judy Dally said, “Virginia is pleased there is interest in her. She still lives on her own and drives a little. There’s always a twinkle in her eye, and she is aware of all that is happening around her. She is an inspiration for us all.”

Monetary support for women majoring in education at Defiance College, OH, is one of the chapter’s altruistic projects. The members award the Joan Gerken A∆K Scholarship to a junior majoring in education and the A∆K Award to a senior education major at the college.

Participating in the chapter’s anniversary celebration were (L to R) Past Ohio State President Carla Hartz, Ohio State Vice President for Membership Deborah Weagley, Northwest District President Paula Wozniak, and Alpha Eta Co-President Monica Kanouh.

WA Beta Beta

WA Beta Beta chapter recently initiated four new members. These active educators teach in a variety of areas. Paige Frazier teaches English at Charles Francis Adams High School, locally known as Clarkson High in Clarkson; Barbara Graham teaches third grade at Heights Elementary. Cami Browne is the agricultural teacher at Clarkson High School, the FFA advisor and serves as Career and Technical Education director for the Clarkson School District. She also has a 4H group. Daelynn Knoll is an Asotin High School music teacher. “Their diversity and talents will be a great asset to WA Beta Beta,” said Beta Beta President Sharon Hoseley.

AL Beta Phi

Attendees at AL Beta Phi meetings not only get home cooking, they also get the recipe for the dish.

Copies of the recipe are placed beside each dish so members can collect them and add them to their recipe collections. The chapter keeps a master copy of all the recipes in an album, making adding new ones easy. “Who knows, you might see a newly published recipe book in stores near you,” says Beta Phi Co-President Leigh Hudon.

OH Alpha Beta

OH Alpha Beta chapter members participated in the annual Winter Wonderland Parade, a night-time event held in Sidney, Ohio, welcoming in the holiday season. The event requires all entries to be lit. The banner used by the chapter was designed and donated by graphic arts students at the Upper Valley Career Center for high school juniors and seniors. Alpha Beta members, decked out in purple glow-stix, lighted necklaces and holiday glasses, waved to parade-watchers, including some of their students and families.

Alpha Beta paraders pictured (L to R) are Leslie Philipot, Patti Moore, Leah Finke, Dawn Ocke and Ann Huffman.

OH Southwest District

The Ohio Southwest District chapters were challenged by their district chairperson to use puzzle pieces in some way to tie in with the district theme of “A∆K sisters are the essential pieces that make a difference in our world, our nation, our state, our region and our district.” OH Alpha Beta members used “Piecing Together the Past With the Future” to showcase the community organizations and agencies they have donated to and continue supporting, such as the local food pantry, the Women’s Shelter and the public library.

Keep Austin Weird

By Convention Chair Robin Miller, TX Gamma Nu

The 2025 International Convention in Austin, Texas, is going to be a fabulous, wild time. So, get prepared for a fun-filled adventure in the town of Austin.

You’ll hear and see the slogan “Keep Austin Weird” all along the streets of Austin. Why, you ask? Well, consider the street art that you will see throughout the city.

Then there’s the music scene. Live music is everywhere in Austin. You’ll find musicians performing all over town, from the airport terminal to grocery stores. They play outdoors at seasonal live music series and world-famous festivals. Nightly, you’ll find Austin musicians at clubs, coffeehouses, bars, taquerias, sporting events and concert halls.

Much like the live music scene, Austin takes eating and drinking very seriously. While visiting, you should too. Austin’s culinary and cocktail scene has exploded over the past few years, allowing visitors to delight in various cuisines and experiences. BBQ is the food of choice for many who visit the town.

No Austin visit is complete without a park-and-eat experience at any of the many personality-plus food truck and trailer venues. From gourmet donuts at Gourdough’s to savory sensations from East Side King, mobile food trucks and trailers have an experience for every taste. Art isn’t just a tourist attraction in Austin. It is part of Austin’s soul and creative spirit. So, tour a gallery, take in a local film and marvel at some yard art that you just happen to pass. However you choose to do it, make sure to experience as much art as you can during your stay.

Austin is a city with no shortage of history or legend. In fact, both are very much alive throughout Austin. But as you go exploring, take note that history isn’t just found in our architecture, monuments and museums; it’s in the array of people who have called Austin home. From authors to activists, artists to athletes, musicians to politicians, they were all drawn to this unusual oasis.

Last, but definitely not least, are the bats of Austin. Starting in late March and continuing through early fall, North America’s largest urban bat population calls Austin home. The bats begin to wake up and start their night flight around sunset when the first few bats begin to trickle from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. After the sun sets, the show really begins and hundreds to thousands of bats pour out and cascade east over Lady Bird Lake. The best time to witness the bats is around sunset, but the nightly show can take place anywhere from 7:30 to 9:45 p.m. It can take as long as 45 minutes for all of the bats to exit the bridge for the night. Plan to arrive early in order to find parking and claim your spot. However, from the pool deck at the JW Marriott, you will be able to witness the bats from afar.

Austin is quite an unusual city with something for everybody. What better way to experience all the fun than with your Alpha Delta Kappa sisters? So, come to Austin to help us Keep Austin Weird at the 2025 International Convention. Robin and Convention Vice Chair Betsy Ruckman, TX Epsilon Sigma, are hosts for all things Austin.

Dear Sisters,

The time may be spring, but soon it will be summer, a season of countless energy, renewal and connection. As we look ahead, I invite you to join us for an extraordinary gathering at the 2025 Alpha Delta Kappa International Convention in the dynamic city of Austin, Texas. Together, we will celebrate, discover new opportunities, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of this remarkable city. This is more than just a convention; it’s an opportunity to connect, grow, and celebrate the incredible impact we’ve made together.

Austin is not just a destination, it’s an experience. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the city offers a rich tapestry of sound, from soulful blues and energetic rock to traditional country music. Its creative energy, diverse culture, and warm hospitality make it the perfect place for Alpha Delta Kappa to come together. Whether strolling along Lady Bird Lake, exploring historic sites, or enjoying live performances at iconic venues, Austin will leave you inspired and uplifted.

The 2025 International Convention promises to be an inspiring, fun-filled event that highlights the essence of Alpha Delta Kappa’s mission. Here’s a sneak peek at what awaits you:

Keynote Speakers and Workshops: Engage with renowned thought leaders and visionaries in education, leadership, and community building. Gain new perspectives and insights that will enhance your personal and professional journey.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPENS

Registration for the 2025 International Convention, “A Bridge to the Future,” July 10 through 13 at the J.W. Marriott in Austin, TX, opens March 3. Information and registration forms are available on the International website under Membership>Events>International Convention. All registration is online.

The Marriott’s room rate is $199 plus taxes a night. Reservations are part of the Convention registration process. Members with special needs should make needed requests when making reservations.

The special room rate for A∆K members ends July 16.

Convention section cover: Lady Bird Lake reflects the downtown area of Austin, TX. Daniel LaBorde, International Headquarters digital communications coordinator, designed the cover.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with members from across the globe. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and strengthen the bonds that make Alpha Delta Kappa such a powerful network of educators.

KAPPA

Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the charm and creativity of Austin. From local food tours to visits to the Texas State Capitol, you’ll experience the city’s unique character while forging lasting memories with your Alpha Delta Kappa sisters.

Celebration of Achievements: Together, we will honor the incredible accomplishments of our members and celebrate how far we’ve come as an organization. Prepare to be inspired by the stories of impact and dedication from across our international community.

Fun and Fellowship: What would a convention be without fun? Expect lively socials, exciting events, and plenty of opportunities to relax, laugh, and bond with your fellow members.

This convention is more than a meeting, it’s an investment in you. It’s about stepping into a space where growth is nurtured, new ideas flourish, and you are surrounded by women who share your passion for education and service. It’s about rejuvenating your commitment to Alpha Delta Kappa and returning home ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference.

We are incredibly grateful to the Convention Planning Committee for their tireless work organizing this event. Their dedication and vision have been instrumental in crafting an experience that reflects the spirit of Alpha Delta Kappa. They have worked tirelessly to ensure that the 2025 International Convention will not only meet but exceed your expectations. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be embraced by the warmth and hospitality Texas is known for, and you’ll leave with renewed inspiration, lifelong connections, and cherished memories.

So, mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready to join us in Austin, Texas, a place where the melodies of the city and the strength of our community will come together to create an unforgettable experience and remind you why being a part of Alpha Delta Kappa is so special.

I can’t wait to see you there!

Christi Smith

Christi Smith Executive Advisor, Alpha Delta Kappa

Weird Days A-Comin’ in Texas

By Susan Pelchat, KAPPAN Writer

The old song “There’ll Be Some Changes Made” might be referring to the 2025 International Convention.

International President Ann Marie Brown explained the changes. “We reviewed every evaluation from Kansas City and got a feel for what members enjoyed about conventions and what could be modified to make their experiences more meaningful. The changes we made reflect our members’ input and I hope they find them worthwhile. I’m so excited to share Austin with our sisters this summer.”

Earlier this biennium, leaders put out a call to members seeking speakers for this summer’s convention. What was that all about? For one thing, it will spice up general sessions. Rather than sit and listen to reports being read aloud, members will witness a new presentation format. Speakers will address a relevant topic, after which written reports will be highlighted on screens in the general session and later, on other strategically placed screens. Prepare for a variety; that’s the best way to describe the offerings. Speaker submissions were abundant and there’s still a waiting list.

The process for registering and making hotel reservations differs this year to ensure that all rooms in the hotel block are used efficiently. Attendees must register for the convention before reserving a room at the special convention rate. Discuss with your roommate what kind of room you desire, then go to the moneysaving reservation link at the end of the registration process after hitting the submit button. Rooms in the block are king or queen for $199 plus taxes and fees. A limited number of suites may be available. Be prepared for Western Wear Day. Convention branding will feature Texas at every turn, including the savory flavors of Tex-Mex food.

The Educational Symposium will take place in one packed day of professional learning and leadership sessions.

How will you know, with all these changes, that you’re attending an A∆K convention? Many traditional components will be

Two Opportunities to Serve at International Convention

there, including: sergeants-at-arms, general sessions, leadership parade, regional lunches, memorial service, chorus and tee shirts. The altruistic project and A∆KA’s golf tournament will be there too. “The Lamp of Alpha Delta Kappa” will conclude the formal banquet experience before the DJ raises the roof with energetic music and members’ fancy footwork.

Cvent, an event planning software program, will coordinate registrations, on-site name tags and program distribution. It will also help manage meetings, learning sessions, schedules and room numbers. Maps will be included to help navigate the “stacked hotel,” two or three floors that reduce the required steps to reach the next location. Technology will be ever-present and incorporated throughout.

Tours will take place before and after the convention. Historical tours, music-centered tours, food and wine focus tours - there’ll be something for everyone.

Did you know that a bat can consume 3,000 mosquitoes in a night? Be sure to attend the sunset cocktail party, where you can see the Mexican freetail bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge.

“Texas Sunsets” will be the signature cocktail featured at the event.

Paula Henry, A∆K Event Planner and Executive Assistant promises, “We’ll have time for fun and fellowship, mingling with sisters and a warm Texas welcome.” Convention Chair Robin Miller and Convention Vice Chair Betsy Ruckman agreed, “You must experience Austin in person to understand the expression, ‘Keep Austin Weird.’ Live music everywhere, creative artists, history, the LBJ Presidential Library, the University of Texas, all kinds of food, great BBQ and, from the rooftop pool deck, you have a grand view of the Congress Avenue Bridge where the Austin bats take flight every evening. Austin offers something for everybody. It’s a unique and unusual town.”

Here are two opportunities to share your special talents at the International Convention. If you like helping others, serving as an assistant sergeant-at-arms is your job. During registration, interested members can sign up for either the position of assistant sergeant-at-arms or to join the chorus.

International Sergeant-at-Arms Debbie Boswell, GA Beta Gamma, is looking for volunteers to answer questions, check members into sessions, luncheons and the banquet and help the convention run smoothly. There will be a meeting before the Convention to explain the responsibilities.

International Music Director Lori Carnine, GA Alpha Rho, wants singers for the International Chorus. The group rehearses during the convention. Signups can be made on the Convention Registration form.

Changes in Voting Schedule to Meet Needs of Members

Changes have been made to the voting schedule for the 2025 International Convention by the International Executive Board (IEB) as a result of suggestions made by members attending the ZOOM meetings of the Ad Hoc Committee on Voting.

Proposed bylaw amendments, the bylaw revision, and proposed resolutions will be available on the International website on March 7. On Saturday, June 7, delegates will consider, discuss, and vote on the bylaws in a special online session.

“This session will enable working educators to participate without continuously monitoring online comments during busy weeks at the end of the school year. It may last two or three hours, like a business session at an in-person meeting. Delegates should clear their schedules so they can participate fully in the session, “ said International President Ann Marie Brown.

All delegates are encouraged to attend an informational ZOOM meeting led by a parliamentarian on May 17.

Candidates will present their statements in a live ZOOM meeting on Saturday, June 14. Voting will be open for one week. The voting schedule also allows for a second round of voting for candidates and altruistic projects if necessary.

Members who register for the Convention by May 1 are delegates and eligible to vote. “We urge delegates to put the dates of these important ZOOM sessions on their calendars. We want everyone to be informed voters,” said President Ann Marie.

An IEB Bylaws workgroup researched ways other organizations have successfully held virtual meetings to adopt bylaws and conduct business. These studies guided the development of the Convention Voting Schedule. “The plans for the voting schedule reflect the recommendations from the Bylaws workgroup and the Ad Hoc Committee on Voting while following the 2023 “Bylaws of Alpha Delta Kappa.”

Ad Hoc Committee on Voting members include Ann Quinlan, Chair, Roberta Casabon, Kathy Learn, Barbara Stanfield, Barbara Nore, and Lauren Balint. IEB Bylaws’ workgroup includes Mary Ey, Chair, Roberta Casabon, Terry Peyton, Conway Blankenship and Ann Quinlan.

Registration required for Delegate Status

In order to vote, a member must be fully registered for the convention by the May 1, 2025 deadline, for either in-person or virtual attendance.

March 3 - REGISTRATION OPENS

May 1 (11:59 PM CDT) - REGISTRATION for DELEGATE STATUS CLOSES

Delegates to Choose International Altruistic Project

The American Heart Association joins St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Alzheimer’s Association as a choice for the International 2025-2027 Altruistic Project. Delegates to the convention will choose two of the organizations. International President Ann Marie Brown said that the International Executive Board received many recommendations from members and decided to offer the American Heart Association as a choice.

www.stjude.org

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has consistently been an Alpha Delta Kappa International altruistic project since it was adopted as a project in 1981. Support to children with cancer and their families is provided entirely free at the Memphis, TN, research hospital. Cutting-edge research is developed and shared at no charge with worldwide medical providers.

www.alz.org

The Alzheimer’s Association was voted the second altruistic project in 2013 by delegates. Alpha Delta Kappa members have supported The Longest Day as a global leader of the association. This project conducts research and support for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.

www.heart.org Since the American Heart Association’s founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. Donations to the association fund research education and community outreach to fight heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest voluntary health organization.

AΔK Men’s Association Has Big Plans for Austin

The A∆K Association Board has been busy preparing for the International Convention. The Board has had several Zoom board meetings to discuss ways to make the activities for the men who attend the convention exciting and interesting. There will be the usual golf scramble, but rather than the one-day 18-hole event, it will be a two-day nine-hole event. Jim Johnson from Washington is making arrangements for the courses, which will be announced closer to convention time.

We will offer A∆KA caps for sale at the convention, and golf shirts will be available for preorder. Sherrill Carroll, from Tennessee, is working on these items. A∆KA caps will be sold at the convention. A∆KA President-Elect Ron Spriggs is working on a fundraising opportunity.

Dave Sadler, the immediate past president of A∆KA, is organizing tours for the Association. Some opportunities being explored are visits to the LBJ Presidential Library, the Texas State Capitol building and a day trip to San Antonio to visit the Alamo. There is also an opportunity for a trip to the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco. Further planning will be made based on interest.

Ron has been working on growing A∆KA membership. Thanks to his hard work, the Association gained 13 new A∆KA members, two renewals at the Gulf Regional Conference, and seven new members at the Southeast Regional Conference, for 22 new and returning members.

“Thank you, A∆K wives and significant others who worked with Ron to grow our membership. So, when registration is available for Austin, please remember to become a part of the Men’s Association,” said A∆KA President John Lawrence. He added that further information about Association activities will be available closer to convention time.

Information provided by John Lawrence, AΔKA President.

Every Child Has a Chance - It’s You

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Travis County, TX, is the 2025 International Convention Altruistic Project. As stated on their website, “CASA promotes and protects the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect by empowering volunteers to advocate for their safety, well-being and opportunities to thrive.” Convention delegates may donate during registration or at the Foundation table at the convention. Members may also donate on the International website using Foundation>Donate>Convention Altruistic Project. CASA is also known as CASA/GAL or the Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem Association for Children. The organization has been advocating for children since 1977 and has programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia. “Texas CASA provides local programs with access to information and technical assistance along with crisis communication assistance, data management, fundraising support and needed tools and resources for all areas of operation,” according to the Texas CASA/GAl website.

Foundation Promises Evening of Boot Scootin' Boogie

Whether Willie, Dolly, or Fleetwood Mac is your choice, the Gone to Texas band will play them all at the A∆K Foundation’s Evening of Entertainment on July 11 at 8 p.m. in the Grand Salon. Tickets are $30. The event is a fund-raiser for the work of the Foundation.

Austin is known as “The live music capital of the world.” Gone to Texas is considered one of its favorite cover bands. The band promises to get the audience boot-scootin.

Tickets may be purchased during registration. The Evening is open to in-person and virtual convention attendees.

The proceeds from ticket sales support A∆K’s many scholarships, grants and International altruistic projects.

Attendees who purchase tickets can view the evening live on their agendas on the Cvent app on their devices or the Cvent Attendee

Hub on their computers. Attendees can access the live stream from their hotel or living rooms. Virtual delegates can interact with others online using the chat function.

The Foundation Board has scheduled the Evening’s opening to give members enough time for dinner after the conclusion of the convention’s Friday session at 4 p.m.

“The Evening of Entertainment is always a highlight of our International Convention, and this one promises to be fun and exciting. Bring your Western wear, boots, hats, and jeans to enjoy this evening in style. Boots and Bling, it’s an Alpha Delta Kappa thing,” Foundation Chairman Sandy Wolfe said. “Boot Scootin Boogie” is a popular country-western number sung by Brooks and Dunn.

Information provided by Foundation Chairman Sandy Wolfe.

Don’t Make the Same Mistake I Made

By Julie Kinder-McMillan, KAPPAN Correspondent

Seven years ago, I visited Austin, TX, for the first and only time in my life. At the time, I had zero clue that “North America’s largest urban bat population calls Austin home.” Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m no particular fan of bats. After all, I have been raised on a steady stream of bat disdain served up by pop culture: Hollywood movies featuring vampire bats as portents of evil, idioms connecting bats to losing control (“going batty,” “bats in the belfry,” and a few other choice phrases I won’t mention here!) and Halloween decorations depicting bats as frightening, ugly creatures to be avoided.

However, I have also become a huge fan of unusual experiences and would rather collect those than tangible souvenirs when traveling. After all, the popularity of Batman (in all his various iterations) and the tender picture book “Stellaluna” have surely raised the approval rating of bats, haven’t they? Today I would jump at the chance to observe the nightly bat exodus for which Austin’s Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge has become famous. If you agree, perhaps a few tidbits I collected will help you make that happen when you visit Austin for the 2025 International Convention.

The first and best news is that the convention hotel, JW Marriott Austin, is only one short block from the bats’ home (if you find bats distasteful, please do not allow this to deter you from attending the convention!). Mapquest measures the distance from the hotel to the bridge as .1 mile. The Visit Austin website recommends bringing a blanket (or hotel towel?) to the grassy hillside of the nearby Statesman Bat Observation Center, which is adjacent to the bridge. People also simply line up along the bridge to await the bats’ exit. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even take a bat-watching tour on a kayak or riverboat. No matter your approach, come early and be prepared to wait.

My friend Michelle Doss said she and her daughter waited “literally two and a half hours for the bats to emerge,” but they did not mind the delay as they “love to talk to people and [met] so many unique individuals while waiting.”

No one knows the exact time the bats will begin their nightly show. Sunset is considered the best time, but a general range of 7:30 - 9:45 p.m. is possible – and the phenomenon can take up to 45 minutes for all the bats to make their move (austintexas.org). Since time is at a premium during the convention, I suggest you visit the Austin Bat Refuge>Congress Avenue Bridge website. This site tracks the bats’ movements

daily, and you may be able to make a more educated guess about when to venture toward the bridge

While humans cannot pinpoint a specific departure time, these nocturnal creatures do not share that problem. “It’s so amazing that at a precise moment, all the bats know it’s time to vacate and find their food for the night!” shared my friend Colleen Powell, who lives in Texas and has seen the bats fly multiple times. According to Visit Austin, “on their nightly flights, the bats eat anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects, including mosquitoes and harmful agricultural pests.”

The International Convention dates land squarely in the middle of bat season. The time frame for this colony of an estimated 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats lasts from late March through early fall. Texas Parks and Wildlife identifies the Congress Avenue Bridge as a maternity colony where an estimated 750,000 pups are born yearly.

Exactly how does a colony of bats exceeding one million come to occupy a downtown bridge in Austin, Texas? A renovation of the four-lane bridge in 1980 resulted in crevices .751.5 inches wide and 16 - 18 inches deep, which “created, quite unintentionally, an ideal home for the bats, which seek dark, warm, narrow roosts in which to sleep during the day and to nurse their pups, born in late May or early June,” according to Mark Bloschock of the Texas Department of Transportation (austinbats.org/history). At first, the city considered eradicating the bats, but conservationist Melvin Tuttle convinced city officials that the ecological value of the bats, the consumption of thousands of insects every night, including destructive moths and corn earworms, made them worth saving. In addition to natural pest control, the bats help attract millions of tourists every year.

Of my 1,000+ Facebook friends, though, only about five claimed to have seen the bats in person. According to my extremely non-scientific observation of this very low percentage, you will be in an elite minority if you are able to witness the bats’ exodus while in Austin! While all my friends seemed to agree that in general, bats are “creepy,” they also concurred that the experience was “cool” and “awe-inspiring.” Doss recalled that “the moment it started, everyone went silent… it was so magical.”

If nothing else, perhaps you can view the bats from the comfort of your hotel room or the Marriott’s bar which apparently has a large window perfect for bat-viewing. If you do, at least you’ll be able to say – unlike me – that you did not miss out on this incredible natural phenomenon.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Bats

Bats have lived on Earth for more than 50 million years. There are about a thousand different species of bats and two distinct groups. The Megachiroptera are flying foxes that eat fruit and nectar and live in tropical regions. The Microchiroptera are small bats that mainly eat insects and are found everywhere except the polar regions. Bats are mammals because they give birth to live young, and the mother produces milk to feed her young. Unlike other mammals, bats can fly and actively search for insects at night. They fly by flapping their wings, thin layers of skin stretched across the bones of the hands and arms. Bats are beneficial because some insect populations might grow large enough to harm the environment without them.

Bats use their wings like a swimmer doing the butterfly stroke. The wings carry a bat’s small body easily and quickly through the air. Wings are thin, tough and stretchy. Since the skin is so thin, blood is visible, moving through their blood vessels.

Bats have a thumb and four long jointed fingers that are enormous compared to the size of their bodies. They also have hooked claws on their wings and toes. This enables them to hang by their feet and climb along a wall or tree trunk. Most bats spend the day hanging upside down from a roost, where they rest, groom themselves, communicate, mate and hibernate.

Bracken Cave, on the northern outskirts of San Antonio, is home to the world’s largest bat colony, with more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats. Females congregate there each year to give birth and rear their young. Austin, TX is the city with the world’s largest bat colony.

While visiting the Alpha Delta Kappa International Convention in Austin this summer, be sure to experience the thrill of seeing millions of bats flying like a huge dark cloud.

Information compiled by Shannon Lorenzo-Rivero, KAPPAN correspondent.

World Understanding Program Returns With Changes

By International World Understanding Chairman Joyce McAloon, CT Alpha Gamma

The World Understanding (WU) program is back and waiting for a new project to be selected. All members will have the opportunity to choose that project.

The World Understanding project program is not new to Alpha Delta Kappa. Over the years, sisters have been making a difference here in the United States and across the waters of our world. Our initiatives to promote world understanding have been affected throughout our world with different changes that have occurred throughout the different lands. This caused Alpha Delta Kappa to stop and take a closer look at the process of choosing a World Understanding project.

The International World Understanding committee has been busy for the past two years working on ways to improve the commitment to being involved with projects here and around the world. The committee has worked through many different changes, which now are incorporated into our World Understanding purpose, application and adjudication process.

We are committed to our sisters to bring forth World Understanding projects for all to be part of as well as being proud to help.

A few changes that have occurred are that we are announcing the World Understanding project at the International Convention, not at Regional Conferences. Another change is that our projects cannot be affiliated with religious or political beliefs or groups. All submissions need to be a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization or be affiliated with a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization in the United States.

Our timeline has changed, too. The committee received applications and adjudicated the proposals in October. Once all scores were collated, the top five proposals were submitted to the International Executive Board (IEB) in November. In December, IEB chose the three proposals to be presented to the membership for voting.

All sisters will have the chance to vote for the World Understanding project before the International Convention. The selected project will be announced at the International Convention in Austin, TX.

Your World Understanding committee is composed of the following regional members, IEB liaison, and HQ staff: Joyce McAloon, CT Alpha Gamma World Understanding Chairman; Linda Rissel, NER chair; Annie Evans, SER chair; Karen Evans, Gulf chair; Adelina Christensen, SCR chair; Jean Hyrich, NCR chair; Shirley Bruns, SWR chair; Karen Santos, NWR chair; Ann Quinlan, IEB Liaison; and Pam Collins, HQ Liaison.

“We thank our regional chairs for their hard work in reviewing, updating and getting the World Understanding program back on its feet. It was a long process with many ups and downs, but we are confident that we are ready. As we get closer to introducing our 2025 World Understanding project, we hope it will be supported with donations and sisterly love around our regions. As always, Alpha Delta Kappa stands tall as we make a difference in the world around us.”

Help Choose A∆K’s Next World Understanding

The International World Understanding Committee has updated the guidelines, application and adjudication process for the World Understanding project. These updated changes have provided more information for our chapters and S/P/Ns to submit applications for consideration by the membership.

The World Understanding Committee evaluated each application submitted by the deadline. From the five projects presented to them in December, the IEB selected three to be presented to the membership. All members may vote for one of the projects.

Project Sol y Luna Resplandor

Project Sol y Luna Resplandor International has been keeping a community in central Mexico bright, brilliant and in balance. Project Sol y Luna is all about education. An immediate goal is to develop more consistency in the after-school and extended programs for families and children at Resplandor International Center. The center has been able to sustain an after-school program with international volunteers from a platform called Workaway. This program requires that they provide housing to the volunteers and they have not been able to provide housing directly at Resplandor. The most important goal for Project Sol y Luna would be to provide funds to design and build a multi-use facility to also include a place where program volunteers can stay. Additionally, with more funding, Resplandor could provide extra after-school support to the primary schools and pre-schools in the immediate area during the regular school year. This community center is all-inclusive and designed to promote education, arts and wellness. The amazing aspect is that Resplandor serves the needs of all ages, including the promotion of higher education opportunities where women are encouraged and assisted to attend university in their own country. Website---- https://resplandorinternational.org

Success for the Lost Boys Support Unifying Community Commitment to Educate South Sudan

Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for the Lost Boys stands for Support Unifying Community Commitment to Educate South Sudan.

Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will bring hope to families who lost their homes and schools from floods and now live in a displacement camp. Providing education for children ensures brighter futures and freedom from poverty. Classrooms will be built that

use technology to enrich learning. Offering teacher training to improve literacy instruction and enrolling girls in school are priorities. South Sudan is one of the most food-insecure countries in the world. Providing agricultural training for the students and women to grow their own gardens and fruit trees will empower them to improve their food security and the health of their community. Promoting tailoring businesses for women will help them become self-reliant in providing for the needs of their families and community. Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s vision for these displaced families is to transform their lives through education. This will give them the skills for a successful future. This ensures they become self-sufficient as they are rebuilding their lives and their community. Website --- https://LStephens9.wixsite.com/success

Kadanso Schools

Schools for Salone (SfS)’s mission is to advance quality education in Sierra Leone through local partnerships. In 2020, SfS built a primary school in Kadanso, a rural farming community in Sierra Leone’s Koinadugu District. The school serves students in grades 1 to 6. In 2021, the community added a preschool/nursery school for children aged 3 to 5. Ensuring students have options to continue their education beyond primary school is crucial. The Kadanso community started building a secondary school using local resources and volunteer labor. In the 2023-2024 academic year, students attended JSS1 and JSS2 in Kadanso. Another structure is currently under construction to hold Senior Secondary School (SSS) classes. This is a significant step for the community as it ensures that kids can complete their entire educational journey from preschool to high school in Kadanso. We are applying for funding to help the Kadanso community finish their Junior and Senior Secondary School buildings. This secondary school will ensure that all children have equitable access to education, eliminating the need for families to send their children to Bafodia, a town 15 miles away, to complete their secondary education. Without this school, only children with financial means can leave Kadanso to continue their education.

Website --- https://schoolsforsalone.org

Information compiled by International World Understanding

2025 International Convention Voting Schedule

Registration Required for Delegate Status

In order to vote, a member MUST be fully registered for the convention by the May 1, 2025 deadline, for either in-person or virtual attendance.

March 3 REGISTRATION OPENS

May 1 (11:59 PM CDT) REGISTRATION for DELEGATE STATUS CLOSES

March 1 Rules Governing an International Convention posted on the International website and in KAPPAN

March 1 World Understanding Project Proposals in KAPPAN and on the International website.

March 1 Candidates’ bios and International Altruistic Projects in KAPPAN and posted on the International website.

March 7 Bylaws Revision and Proposed Amendments and Resolutions posted on the International website.

May 17 at 2 pm CT

Zoom Meeting - open to all members “Robert’s Rules of Order” to prepare for Proposed Bylaws Amendments or Resolutions Debate and Voting. Guest Speaker: Richard Rosenblatt, Attorney and Convention Parliamentarian.

June 7 at 2 pm CT

Special Meeting Called to Order for Consideration of A∆K Bylaws Revision and Proposed Amendments and Resolutions. LIVE ZOOM DEBATE AND LIVE VOTING for Bylaws Revision and Proposed Amendments and Resolutions - Delegates Only. Live results announced.

June 7 The First Session of the International Convention Called to Order immediately following the Special Meeting for Consideration of A∆K Bylaws Revision and Proposed Amendments and Resolutions.

June 7 LIVE ZOOM VOTING for Rules Governing an International Convention (not debatable) - Delegates Only.

June 10 Results of Rules Governing International Convention announced and posted on the International website.

June 10 Results of Bylaws Proposed Amendments and Resolutions announced and posted on the International website.

June 14 at 2 pm CT

The Second Session of the International Convention Called to Order - All Candidate LIVE ZOOM. Candidates respond to question(s) from MC live on Zoom. The responses will be recorded - no questions or answers from the audience.

June 14-19 DELEGATE Voting for Candidates and International Altruistic Projects. (JotForm link emailed to delegates)

June 14-19 All members voting for World Understanding Project proposals. JotForm ballot sent via email and posted to the International website. Announced at International Convention.

June 16 Video of June 14 Candidate LIVE ZOOM added to the International website.

June 24-26 DELEGATE Voting for Candidates and International Altruistic Projects. (JotForm link emailed to delegates) - SECOND ROUND IF NEEDED.

June 30 (or earlier) Election Announcement – Special International News and Website.

Rules Governing an International Convention

CONVENTION BUSINESS

1. New business shall be brought before the convention by motions that have been processed by the proper committee. Such motions may be reported to the Convention by the committee chairman or a designee with one of the following recommendations: that the motion is “adopted,” or, “not adopted,” or, “considered without committee recommendation.”

2. All motions shall be captured in written form during the live debate, including the names, S/P/N, and chapter of the originator and seconder, prior to consideration of the motion. All motions must be clearly stated and offer a rationale.

3. Voting shall be done electronically. Voting for Candidates, Bylaws Revision and Proposed Amendments, Resolutions, International Altruistic Projects and the International World Understanding Project will be conducted to comply with the current Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Delta Kappa.

4. Applications for International office must be completed online and received by the Chair of the Candidate Qualifications Committee by the published deadline. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of this office. The Candidate Qualifications Committee must certify the applicant’s eligibility before her name may be added to the ballot.

DELEGATES

1. The Alpha Delta Kappa International Executive Board determined that Convention delegates are any member fully registered for the convention by the May 1, 2025 deadline, for either in-person or virtual attendance.

REGISTRATION

1. All Registration will be ONLINE ONLY. Once Registration for delegates is closed, there will be no additional opportunities to register as a delegate. NO EXCEPTIONS & NO REFUNDS. Registration for non-delegates begins on May 2.

2. All attendees will register via the International website online Cvent registration form.

DEBATE

1. All Bylaw Revision and Proposed Amendments debate will be held on one day, via Zoom.

2. Any registered delegate may participate in the debate.

3. Out of respect for other members, all online members will be muted unless they have been recognized by the Chair to speak.

4. Discussion on each question shall be limited to two minutes per delegate with alternate discussion between those favoring and opposing the question, as possible.

5. Only delegates may make or second a motion.

6. The election results may be announced either prior to or during the Convention.

ONLINE VOTING

1. Delegates will receive notice of the live Zoom sessions as well as voting links via email.

2. Bylaws, Resolutions and Amendments Voting: each delegate will vote electronically during the live Zoom debate.

3. Candidate Voting and International Altruistic Projects: following the live Candidate Presentation, a Jotform voting link will be sent to each delegate for voting by a published deadline.

4. International World Understanding Projects Voting: a Jotform voting link will be sent to each member for voting by a published deadline.

Convention 2025

Two Join Board as Four-Year Members

The International Executive Board is pleased to announce the election of Mary Ann Englehart, CA Xi and Julie Kidd, VA Beta Gamma, as Four-Year Members of the International Executive Board of Alpha Delta Kappa. Their terms will begin at the close of the 2025 International Convention.

Mary Ann Englehart

S/P/N and Chapter: CA Xi

Year Initiated: 1996

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2003, 2001, 1997

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2002, 2000

Chapter President: California Xi 2010-2012, 2004-2006, 1998-2000

Leadership Experience International Level: International Convention Co-Chair 2023, Candidate Qualifications Committee 2019-2021, Innovation Grant Committee 2015-2017, Educational

Symposium Presenter 2019, 2017, 2015

Leadership Experience Regional Level: SW Regional President 2023-2024, SW Regional President-Elect 2022-2023, SW Region Secretary 2021-2023, 2019-2021

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: CA Retired Teachers Association 2013-Present, Coarsegold/Yosemite Teachers Association, Chapter President, Secretary 1994-2013

Julie Kidd

S/P/N and Chapter: International Year Initiated: 1988

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002

Chapter President: Virginia Beta Gamma 2002-2004, 2018-2022

Leadership Experience International Level: International Executive Board (2023-2025),

International Resolutions Committee (20152017), International Convention Sergeant-atArms (2019-2021), International Convention Presenter (2007)

Leadership Experience Regional Level: Southeast Region Sergeant-at-Arms (2013-2015), Southeast Region Scholarship Committee (2012), Southeast Region Conference Presenter (2002, 2006)

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers H.B. Herr Outstanding Contributions to Literacy Education Award (2024), Albert J. Mazurkiewicz Special Services Award (2020), Vice President, President-Elect, President, Past President, Past Past President (2013-2018); International Literacy Association Diversity Committee Member (2011-2014); College of Education and Human Development at George Mason University Scholarly Achievement Award (2011)

Convention 2025 INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT-ELECT

3 CANDIDATES

MARY EY

S/P/N and Chapter: International Year Initiated: 1986

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1991, 1989

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1990, 1988, 1986

Chapter President: Ohio Lambda 1990-1992

Leadership Experience International Level: International Executive Board (2021-2025), International Vice President for the Northeast Region (2019-2021), International Resolutions Committee (Chair, 2013-2015), International World Understanding Committee (Chair, 2011-2013; Member, 2009-2011), International Membership Committee (2005-2007 and 2003-2005), IEB Sergeant-at-Arms (20212025), International CONNECT Committee (Chair, 2021-2025), Liaison to the International Bylaws Committee (2021-2025), International Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms (2019-2021), International Chapter Professional Development & Communications Committee (Chair, 2019-2021),

International Chapter IVP Guidelines, Handbook and Ceremonies Committees (Member, 2019-2021), Educational Symposium Presenter (2023, 2021, 2013 and 2011), Educational Symposium Tri-Chair (2007-2009), Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms at International Convention (1995 and 1991)

Leadership Experience Regional Level: International Vice President for the Northeast Region (2019-2021), Northeast Region Membership Consultant (2005-2007, 2003-2005), Northeast Region Conference Co-Chair ((2002), Northeast Region Chaplain (19992001), Northeast Region Sergeant-at-Arms (1989-1991)

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: St. Vincent Family Center Board Member (2023-2022), Columbus Special Olympics Board Member (2012)

Essay: As an International leader, I will focus on the mission, vision and purposes of Alpha Delta Kappa. Our organization was formed to recognize and empower women educators while honoring our guiding principles. Throughout the last 77 years, we have adapted to changes in the education profession and the world. Together, we have made difficult decisions to ensure our organization continues to grow and thrive. I am committed to listening to and valuing members, the very foundation of our organization. Together, we will build on our legacy as we continue to support an inclusive community of educators.

CHARLENE ANN LAURIA

S/P/N and Chapter: Connecticut Kappa Year Initiated: 1985

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1993, 1991

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1992, 1990

Chapter President: Connecticut Kappa 1990-1992

Leadership Experience International Level: Vice Chairman, International Executive Board (2021-2023), Four-Year Member, International Executive Board (2019 – 2023), International Vice President for the Northeast Region (2013 – 2015), International Sergeant - at- Arms (2009 – 2011), Two-Year Member of the International Executive Board (2007 – 2009), Educational, Professional and Leadership Development Committee (Chairman, 2021 – 2023), Resolution #2 Committee (member, 2021-2022), Leadership Development Committee (member, 2019-2022), Funding and Business Sponsorship Committee (Chairman, 2019 - 2021), Resolution #1 Committee (member, 2019 - 2021), Resolution #2 Committee (member, 2019-2021), International Archives Committee (Chairman, 2017-2019), International Standing Committee (member, 2009 -2011)International Executive Board Meeting Minutes Review Committee (member, 2021 – 2023), International Chapter Meeting Minutes Review Committee (member, 2021- 2023), International Altruistic Committee (liaison, 2019-21), International Bylaws / Resolutions Committee (member, 2013 – 2015), International Electronic Communications and Media Committee (Chairman, 2013 – 2015), International Membership Committee (member, 2013 – 2015), International Strategic Plan Committee (member, 2007 – 2009), International Chapter Leadership Development Committee (member, 2007 – 2009)Ad Hoc Committee for Mentoring Topics (member, 2024), Leadership Academy (board member and instructor, 2021 – 2023), International Executive Board Representative to S/P/N Conventions (Minnesota, 2022; Pennsylvania, 2022 & 2008; North Carolina, 2020, Ohio, 2020, Indiana, 2008), International Executive Board Representative to North Central Regional Conference (2022), International Executive Board Representative to South Central Regional Conference (2008), International Convention Credentials Committee (Chairman, 2005; member, 2003)

Leadership Experience Regional Level: Northeast Regional Technology Chairman (2024 – present; 2011- 2013), Northeast Regional Newsletter (Editor, 2021 – 2023), Open Forum Panelist for the South Central and Northeast Regional Conferences (2008), South Central Regional Conference Workshop Presenter (2008), Northeast Regional Conference Workshop Presenter (2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006), Northeast Regional Conference Co-Chairman (Hartford, CT, 2001 – 2004)

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Team Participant (2022-present), The Gnome That Lives at Home Organization Founder (2022-present), Friends of the Enfield Public Libraries Member/Contributor (2016-present), A Walk in the Woods for Parkinson’s Event Booth Coordinator (2012-present), American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Team Captain (2010-2022)

Essay: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said, “Membership of an organization is good as long as you can make yourself heard,” a sentiment that speaks to Alpha Delta Kappa. Providing avenues for members to openly express their feelings on major issues which affect our organization before decisions are made is critical, and I would work to bring that back. Organizing regional town hall Zooms and returning Communication Central to conferences and conventions would be priorities to gather the ideas and opinions of members. Crafting our future depends on everyone’s voice being a part of the action.

ANN QUINLAN

S/P/N and Chapter: Nebraska Beta Year Initiated: 1982

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1988

Chapter President: Nebraska Beta 1988-1990

Leadership Experience International Level: Four-year member, International Executive Board (2021-2025), Two-year member International Executive Board (2017-2019), A∆K Foundation Board (Vice-chairman, 2021-present), Excellence in Education Committee (Chairman, 2003-2005), Ad Hoc Committee on Voting Chairman (2023-2024), IEB Liaison to World Understanding, Resolutions, and International Members Committees; Strategic Plan Chairman (2023-2025), 2023-25 Theme and Logo Committee Chair, Leadership Development Committee Co-chairman, Strategic Plan Chairman (2021-2023), Leadership and Professional Development Committee, Rotating Chaplain, Minutes Review Committee (2019), A∆K Foundation Evening of Entertainment (Co-chairman 2023), A∆K Foundation Tour of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2019), Project TEACH Delegation (Dedication of classrooms in Haiti, 2018), Page for International Executive Board Chairman (2015), Educational Symposium (Presenter, 2011)

Leadership Experience Regional Level: North Central Regional Excellence in Education Award (2010), North Central Regional Secretary (1999-2001)

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Conference on English Leadership Executive Committee Member/Executive Secretary (2009-present), Friendship Force of Lincoln, Nebraska Secretary (2020-present), Journalism Education Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), Lincoln Southeast High School Brent Toalson Leadership Award (2013), National Council of Teachers of English Secondary Section Steering Committee (2014-2018)

Essay: I will search for ways to promote and publicize Alpha Delta Kappa as a premiere professional organization offering value to our members and to our communities. By encouraging membership growth in our chapters and collegiate clubs and continuing our connections with The Longest Day and St. Jude initiatives, we can build dynamic partnerships. Providing resources like scholarships, grants, and the Educational Symposium will enable our current educators to strive for excellence for themselves and for their students as they enhance their own leadership skills. Maintaining Alpha Delta Kappa as a viable and vibrant organization is the ultimate goal.

FOUR-YEAR MEMBER INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

3 CANDIDATES

GINGER GREENE

S/P/N and Chapter: West Virginia Alpha Tau Year Initiated: 2002

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008

Chapter President: West Virginia Alpha Tau 2006-2008

Leadership Experience International Level: International VicePresident of the Southeast Region 2021-2023, International Membership Committee member 2021-2023; International Handbook Committee Chairman 2021-2023, Alpha Delta Kappa CONNECT committee member 2023-2025; Future Educators Scholarship committee member 20232025; International Vice-President of the Southeast Region 2021-2023; International Convention Educational Symposium presenter 2019, 2017

Leadership Experience Regional Level: International Vice-President of the Southeast Region 20212023; Southeast Region Sergeant-At-Arms 2019-2021; Southeast Region Conference Educational Symposium presenter 2016; Southeast Region Conference Courtesy Committee Chairman 2014

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: First Christian Church Vice-Chairman Church Board (2018-2022), First Christian Church Secretary of the Elders (2014-present), First Christian Church Discipline Women Member (2023-present), Hancock County Retired School Employees Member (2019-present)

Essay: Having served from the chapter to the International chapter, my experiences have shown me that we must be flexible and open-minded when making decisions. We have found that what works for one group might not be a viable option for another. Therefore, we embrace change, encouraging thinking “outside of the box” to create leadership structures that provide workable solutions based on the needs of the group. Shared leadership provides options that not only keep our chapters, states and regions strong but also afford more members the chance to develop their own leadership skills.

LOTTIE ROY

S/P/N and Chapter: Florida Epsilon Year Initiated: 1992

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998

Chapter President: Florida Phi 1996-1998; 1998-2000

Continued on next page.

Convention 2025

Leadership Experience International Level: Gulf Regional President (2023-2024), Gulf Regional President-Elect (2022-2023), International Membership Committee (2022-2023), Regional Council (20232024), Presented at Educational Symposium at all attended International Conventions except 2021, Presented Learning sessions at all Gulf Regional conferences attended with the exception of 1998 and 2024 (my own conference)

Leadership Experience Regional Level: Served as Gulf Conference Chair for the 2022 Gulf Regional Convention. Developed and designed the conference program and all scripts for the 2024 Gulf Conference Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Marine Corps League Adjutant Paymaster, Associate member, Toys for Tots Chairman (2010-2024), American Legion Auxiliary President (2016-2020), Leon Wakulla Retired Educators Association Secretary (2020-present), Wakulla County Coalition for Youth Community Member, Liaison to the retired educators (2024-present)

Essay: As a member of state and regional executive boards, I have experienced the many diverse facets of Alpha Delta Kappa. Living in many different states and visiting many provinces and nations has also given me firsthand, diverse experiences and knowledge. Being adaptable, personable, willing to listen and willing to question are my strong points. As our leadership structure changes, I will learn, adapt, and nurture others to do the same because that is what the leaders before me have done for me!

RACHEL SHANKLES

S/P/N and Chapter: Arkansas

Alpha Epsilon

Year Initiated: 1982

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005, 2003

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002

Chapter President: Arkansas Alpha Epsilon 2002-2004; 1986-1988

Leadership Experience International Level: International Chapter (2019-2021), IVP SCR (2019-2021), International Professional Development Scholarship Committee (2023-2025), Leadership Academy Cohort (Mentor 2022-2024), International World Understanding Committee (Chairman 2019-2021; Member 2017-2019), IMC (2019 -2021), International Pres Elect Logo Committee 2023, Distinguished Service Award Sub Committee 2021, Presenter Educational Symposium (beginning to 2023), Attended ITE weekend, Newsletter Committee at Convention when Judy Ganzert was chair of committee.

Leadership Experience Regional Level: SCR Joyful News editor (2024-2026), SCR IVP (2020-2022), SCR Conference Technology/ Educational Symposium Chair replacement (2024), SCR Page to International President (2024), SCR Conference Chair (2022), Developed SCR logo for Cheryl Sigel RP (2024), SCR RMC (2013-2015, 20152017), SCR Secretary (2008-2010)

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Arkansas Library Association President, Francis P Neal Award 2023 and 2024, Conference Committee Chair of School Librarian Division (2022), Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Pat McDonald Award, Parliamentarian, Honorary Life Membership, Conference Presenter (2021), Garland County

Retired Teachers Web Page Developer (2023), Lakeside Alumni Association Executive Board (2014-2015), First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Elder, Christian Women’s Fellowship President, Worship Committee Chair, Pastoral Search Committee Chair (2023-2024)

Essay: I have always loved to volunteer for Alpha Delta Kappa because I believe in giving back to those who helped us be more successful on our life’s journey. I have been really involved since that first nudge from Bobbie Thompson of Grand Chapter who said that I should step up in service to our sisterhood. I feel my participation in all three levels of service has prepared me to help Alpha Delta Kappa cross the bridge to the future. My experiences are varied and will guide my decision making for the good of the organization.

INTERNATIONAL VICEPRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP 1

CANDIDATE

KATHY BEATTY

S/P/N and Chapter: Virginia Gamma Epsilon Year Initiated: 2002

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2011, 2007, 2005

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2012, 2010, 2006, 2002

Chapter President: Virginia Gamma Epsilon 2004-2006 and 2012-1014

Leadership Experience International Level: 2023-2025 International Vice President for Membership, 2021-2023 International Membership Committee, 2011-2013 International World Understanding Committee, 2011 International Balloting Committee, 2021-2023 International Membership Committee, 2021-2023 Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club Board, Presented at Educational Symposium 2023 and 2021

Leadership Experience Regional Level: Presented learning sessions at SER Conference in 2024, 2022, 2020, and 2012, Southeast Region Membership Consultant 2021-2023, Southeast Region World Understanding Chairman 2011-2013

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter President (2002-present), American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Captain (2005-present), American Cancer Society Road to Recovery (2023-present), Northern Virginia Athletic Directors, Administrators, and Coaches Association (2024-present), Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2014 High School Educator of the Year (2014)

Essay: This past year, the International Membership Committee and I have learned that building relationships with prospective and current members is critical to chapter growth and sustainability. Through relationshipbuilding conversations, we find out what current and prospective members are looking for in membership. Once we know what members value, we can get them engaged and connected. To keep new members, chapters will utilize onboarding and mentoring techniques. I will continue to work with the International Membership Committee to educate sisters about this way of working with members and will encourage chapters to put what they learn about membership into action.

TWO-YEAR MEMBER

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD

3 CANDIDATES

MARLA HAYDEN

S/P/N and Chapter: Kansas Rho Year Initiated: 2008

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2013

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020

Chapter President: Kansas Rho 2024-2026, 2026-2018

Leadership Experience International Level: International Council of Presidents (member 2020-2026), International Convention Assistant SAA (2013), Presenting at Educational Symposium (2023 “Deconstruct to Reconstruct,” 2013 “Students to Careers”)

Leadership Experience Regional Level: South Central Conference Planning Committee (member 2022-2024), South Central Local Host Committee (member 2018-2022), Presenting at South Central Educational Symposium (2024 “2.0 Deconstruct to Reconstruct”, 2022 “Deconstruct to Reconstruct”), South Central Conference Co-Secretary (2024), South Central Conference Speaker (2022), South Central Conference Newsletter Editor/Publisher (2024), South Central Excellence in Education Award Recipient (2012)

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Kansas Scholastic Press Association Kansas Administrator of the Year (2018), Kansas Association for Careers and Technical Education President, 1st President-Elect, 2nd President-Elect, Membership Chair, Budget Taskforce (2014-2017), Daughter’s of American Revolution RL Chapter Recording Secretary (2023-2024), DECA and BPA International Wichita Kansas District Advisor 2015-2023, Kansas Executive Board 2015-2020, Member 2000-2023 (2015-2023), Navy Recruiting Command 2021 Certificate of Achievement for charing the 1st in Nation E-Sports Event, 2017 Certificate of Achievement for Advancement of Student Career Exploration throughout the state of Kansas (2021 and 2017)

Essay: If you are looking for someone who has experience in managing change, look no further! I believe that my collective experiences as a business/finance entrepreneur [18 years], Career and Technical Education teacher/leader [25 years], along with sorority leadership [since 2008], have come together at a time in which our organization asks for help. I want to assist as we navigate Alpha Delta Kappa through an everchanging world then make adaptations which will make our organization healthier and stronger to thrive. Long Live A∆K!

LESLIE KOENCK

S/P/N and Chapter: Louisiana Alpha Sigma Year Initiated: 1992

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2017

Convention 2025

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2014, 2012, 2008, 1998

Chapter President: Louisiana Alpha Sigma 2010-2012

Leadership Experience International Level: 2021-2023 Committee Member of Future Educator Scholarship, 2023 Presenter at the Ed. Symposium; 2021 Presenter at the Ed. Symposium

Leadership Experience Regional Level: 2023-2025 Gulf Altruistic Chairman; 2023-2024 Gulf Sergeant-at-Arms; Workshop presenter at Gulf 2024, 2012

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Louisiana Curriculum Supervisor Association Sergeant-at-Arms 2014-2016 (20022019), Lutheran Women in Mission National Informational Technology Committee 2020-2022, Louisiana-Mississippi District President 2024-present, Zone Treasurer 2023-present and 2015-2019 (1990-present), Court Appointed Special Advocate CASA Spotlight Advocate 2024 and 2022 (2019-present), Trinity Lutheran Church Music Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher, Church Council Officer, VBS Teacher and Superintendent (1987-present)

Essay: My experiences at multiple levels within the education system and leadership roles in various organizations nurtured my ability to listen, connect with others, and collaborate. My top five CliftonStrengths of achiever, learner, discipline, positivity, and communication will assist our organization’s leadership team in successfully achieving our member-focus goals. With passionate leadership qualities of curiosity and desire to serve others by placing membership needs first and communicating our values of Alpha Delta Kappa, I will help the leadership team continue to build a strong organization. By working together, we can share our love and commitment to Alpha Delta Kappa.

GENA RICHARDSON

S/P/N and Chapter: Kentucky Kappa Year Initiated: 2001

International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017

Regional Conferences Attended: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016

Chapter President: Kentucky Kappa 2014-2016

Leadership Experience International Level: Excellence in Education (member 2024)

Leadership Experience Regional Level: Sergeant-at-Arms(2023-25)

Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: State of Kentucky Colonel Award (2024), Western Kentucky Blood Center Fifteen Gallon Donor (2018), Owensboro Board of Education Teacher of the Year (2004), Owensboro Parks Department Corporate Challenges (2001), City of Owensboro Volunteer of the Year (1974)

Essay: As a leader, I have been taught the importance of the art of listening. I must listen to other’s perspectives by validating them and being transparent. When I was state president, the final decisions rested on me, but it took the guidance of others for success. Together, we made our state meetings to be informative, affordable and fun. I know we must create an environment that communicates a welcoming and meaningful experience like a community-a family. I love serving because it comes from my heart. I believe I could be a vital part by serving in this capacity.

Joy H. Thornhill

Grace Little ................................................

Omega Chapter

MEMBERS ADDED SINCE LAST ISSUE

Alabama Alpha Phi

Alabama Beta Theta

Wendy W. Usry .......................................... Alabama Beta Theta

Jane J. Hill

Jean W. Lake

Katie W. Stacha

Mary E. Whitlow

Patricia J. Allen

Alabama Fidelis Alpha

Alabama Fidelis Alpha

Alabama Fidelis Alpha

Arkansas Alpha Mu

California Alpha

Rita M. Liston California Alpha

Valda C. Tormey .................................. California Alpha Lambda

Carol Aguirre ................................................. California Gamma

Marilyn Renna California Gamma

Ellen C. Champlin California Phi

Adena M. Miller California Phi

Barbara J. Lewis

Leatrice S. Campbell

Colorado Epsilon

Colorado Sustaining

Sylvia B. Stanio............................................Connecticut Kappa

Mary A. Fitzgerald .................................. Connecticut Sustaining

Nancy A. Waters............................................. Florida Alpha Eta

Marian C. Dickson

Josephine Strong-Simons

Margaret M. Fisher

Greta G. Barry

Malissa Baum

Florida Beta

Florida Delta Gamma

Florida Gamma Tau

Florida Nu

Florida Theta

Janet K. McCabe..................................................

Florence Renton ...................................................

Janice H. Dixon

Cenci C. Suber

Andye G. Moss

Barbara A. Bagwell

Betty R. Copeland

Jacqueline Meyer

Florida Theta

Florida Theta

Georgia Alpha Alpha

Georgia Alpha Eta

Georgia Alpha Nu

Georgia Alpha Psi

Georgia Alpha Tau

Georgia Beta Beta

Joann McDonald ............................................. Indiana Omicron

Cynthia K. Schrodt ..............................................Indiana Sigma

Ethel V. Ward Iowa Alpha

Ruth G. Hiddleson Iowa Tau

Beverly J. Smith Iowa Tau

Lois M. Dollar Kansas Iota

Ruth A. Green Kentucky Alpha Epsilon

Barbara K. Braun.....................................Kentucky Alpha Theta

Nora E. McCarty ................................................... Kentucky Chi

Deborah L. Ruth .............................................. Kentucky Kappa

Lois Hatfield Kentucky Tau

Patricia H. Rucker Kentucky Tau

Barbara A. Howard Kentucky Theta

Pamela O. Reid Kentucky Theta

Diana S. Barry Louisiana Alpha Alpha

Judy W. Nickens ........................................... Louisiana Beta Eta

Barbara M. Caiazzo ................................................. Maine Beta

Rosalie B. Mosher Maine Beta

Christine F. Sawyer Maine Beta

Cheryl F. Schaefer Michigan Alpha Sigma

Sue A. Schellig Michigan Beta Gamma

Mary L. Zubal Michigan Beta Nu

Rosemary A. Morbitzer Michigan Beta Theta

Marguerite A. Higgins ............................ Michigan Gamma Zeta

Sallie N. Honell ...................................... Michigan Gamma Zeta

Bethany Anne Burns Michigan Pi

Gwen Turnquist Minnesota Alpha Alpha

Phyllis M. Weigel Minnesota Alpha Lambda

Louise Heino Minnesota Alpha Theta

Carol Lewis Minnesota Alpha Theta

Harriet Olson ......................................... Minnesota Alpha Theta

Mary E. Sorum ................................................... Minnesota Chi

Charlotte Collins ..........................................

Georgia Beta Delta

Jean H. Irvin ................................................... Georgia Beta Eta

Grace H. Adkins

Barbara D. Knight

Sharon Newman

Frances C. Portwood

Nancy M. Flanagan

Georgia Beta Rho

Georgia Fidelis Lambda

Georgia Fidelis Lambda

Georgia Phi

Georgia Sustaining

Elaine S. Okazaki .................................................... Hawaii Beta

Shirlee Olson ...................................................

Joan M. Jackson-Turner .............................

Mary L. Boettger

Sharon K. Stevens

Ardis E. Shuman

Judith A. Zimmerman

Janet S. Keating

Kathleen L. Robbins ................................

Sheryl K. Shepherd..................................

Linda L. Gibbs

Idaho Sustaining

Illinois Alpha Kappa

Illinois Eta

Illinois Mu

Illinois Sustaining

Illinois Theta

Illinois Xi

Indiana Alpha Upsilon

Indiana Alpha Upsilon

Indiana Omicron

Doris M. Thamert ................................................ Minnesota Chi

Elizabeth Starcevic Minnesota Phi

Betty J. Hughes Mississippi Lambda

Sheila A. Bailey Missouri Alpha Iota

Marie Scruggs Missouri Alpha Iota

Mary E. Folkerts Missouri Beta Alpha

Sherry Quigley ................................................ Missouri Gamma

Sidney A. Rames ........................................... Nebraska Upsilon

Elaine S. Bishop Nevada Beta

Mary Douglas Nevada Beta

Barbara C. Tolleson Nevada Gamma

Albina D’Alessio New Jersey Alpha Epsilon

Sue Medley New Mexico Sustaining

Ninette Hobbs .................................................... New Mexico Xi

Mary Ann A. Moriarty .......................................... New Mexico Xi

Sue B. Honeycutt ............................ North Carolina Alpha Alpha

Joyce C. Sherrill North Carolina Alpha Beta

Kristy C. Garrison

North Carolina Alpha Mu Continues on next page

Lou Ray W. Etchison

Tanya H. Larose

North Carolina Beta

North Carolina Beta Delta

Mary A. Straughan North Carolina Beta Phi

Ruth S. Cross

Carol H. Rabon

North Carolina Sustaining

North Carolina Sustaining

Naomi S. Weaver............................... North Carolina Sustaining

Marsha Hrabak-Zegeer ............................................ Ohio Alpha

Janet E. Ruple

Barbara A. Carter

Joanne S. McCraley

Janis L. Westfall

Ohio Alpha Lambda

Ohio Beta Alpha

Ohio Beta Alpha

Ohio Beta Alpha

Julie A. Campbell Ohio Epsilon

Kay E. Thompson ................................................... Ohio Sigma

Nancy A. Blume................................................ Ohio Sustaining

Elizabeth C. L’Italien .......................................... Ohio Sustaining

Glenna S. Taubert Ohio Sustaining

Doris A. Todd Pennsylvania Alpha

Marguerite Townsend Pennsylvania Eta

Lisa E. Meyerhuber Pennsylvania Pi

Dilia Luciano Mojica Puerto Rico Alpha Gamma

Dorothea J. Grivers......................................... Rhode Island Eta

Joyce C. Abbott ................................. South Carolina Alpha Phi

Geraldine B. Shackelford Tennessee Alpha

Fayla W. Briley

Tennessee Alpha Rho

Marjorie W. Grant Tennessee Beta

Helen E. Neal Tennessee Beta Theta

Sue Brown Tennessee Eta

Frances K. Lofton .................................... Tennessee Sustaining

Bobbie A. Owen .......................................... Texas Delta Epsilon

Dorothy Jeffcoat

Texas Delta Lambda

Lynda S. Trichel Texas Epsilon Gamma

Sue Ann A. Schwantes Texas Epsilon Sigma

Lynn Pearson Texas Gamma Kappa

Janet McWhirter Texas Gamma Nu

Geniel B. Rasmussen Utah Delta

Ann H. Brown ........................................... Virginia Beta Gamma

Karen W. Denny.................................. Virginia Gamma Lambda

Jane W. Painter Virginia Lambda

Kimberley S. Beuerle Virginia Phi

Avis L. Wright Virginia Sustaining

Karle L. Warren Washington Beta Beta

Shirley W. Nuttall West Virginia Alpha

Jean Stout .................................................... West Virginia Delta

Martha A. Phipps ............................................. West Virginia Phi

Jane D. Pawlak .................................. Wisconsin Gamma Delta

Edithe L. Johnson Wisconsin Sustaining

A∆K Dates and Deadlines

MARCH

March 1 .... Future Educator Scholarship Applications deadline (for A∆KCC Students only)

March 1 ......................... Making a Better World Initiative deadline

March 1 .................................. Suspension for nonpayment of dues (if not received at HQ by 3/1)

March 15 ..... Volunteer Applications for International Committees and Boards deadline

March 15 ........... Chapter and S/P/N Altruistic Report submission deadline

March 15 ........... Chapter Bylaws or Policies & Procedures Official Statement to S/P/N Bylaws Chairman deadline

To Err is Human

APRIL

April .................. Chapters and S/P/N teams to revisit CNA goals –NO FORM IS DUE (Spring/Summer timeline)

April 1 ............... KAPPAN submissions deadline (June publication)

April 15 ..... Regional Mini Spring Scholarship application deadline

MAY

May 1 ........... Early Bird Registration for International Convention and delegate status deadline

May 26 .............................................................HQ Closed Holiday

The sisters identified on page 24 in the December KAPPAN as Golden Sisters are Diamond Sisters.

The photographs of Jamie McInerney and April Bridwell were reversed on page 8 of the December issue, in the article “Meet the

Regional Excellence in Education Recipients.“ Gayle Tacchini was misspelled in the article on page 9 of the December issue. The correct spelling is in the headline and the caption. ITE scholar Daw Sing Nue Marma is from Bangladesh not Indonesia.

North Central: April Bridwell, NE Zeta Northeast: Jamie McInerney, NJ Alpha Iota