Alumnae

Centennial Superlatives

get to know our nominees and cast your vote!

most likely to bleed green and white:

Kristy (Graver) Locklin

My name is Kristy (Graver) Locklin. I pledged Kappa Delta in the fall of 1997. I was an awkward introvert in high school. Almost immediately, the sorority helped me come out of my (nautilus) shell.

Why do I think I was nominated for the Bleeds Green and White Award?

I resided in the Amos Hall suite for three years, so I literally lived and breathed Kappa Delta. I served as secretary and president, QB for our War of the Roses football team and the unofficial 21st birthday chairwoman.

There were 12 KDs present at my wedding in 2006, including my maid of honor. My marriage didn’t last (hooray!) but the friendships I made during those four years will endure forever.

Elizabeth Moles

I can only imagine why I was nominated for this one. I have been pretty active as an alumnae member of KD both as a volunteer with collegiates serving on 2 local CAB’s since 2004 in just about every position from Chair all the way down to Alumnae Relations Advisor, but I’ve spent the most time advising chapter VP-Fs as a CAB-F for over 10 years combined. Last year I joined NLT as the Chapter Accounting Specialist for Division 5 where I continue to support chapter’s with their financial needs. On the Alumnae side I’m involved with my local Alumnae chapter here in Dayton, Ohio where we will be celebrating 95 years next December! I have served in multiple positions on the board there as well including Vice President, President and currently Secretary/Treasurer. I have made my best friends throughout my service to KD and that is what keeps me involved. My proudest moments are seeing the collegiate members that I have the privilege of working with succeed both in KD and their personal lives but one of my proudest personal KD achievements was when I was awarded Kappa Delta’s Order of the Emerald at convention in Houston in 2019. KD has given me so much and I hope that I can give a fraction back.

most likely to yell "AOT" at every KD they see:

Samantha McGinty Dutton

My favorite part of being a Kappa Delta has been all the friendships I've made over almost 20+ years of membership. After graduating, I served as a leadership development consultant, where I visited 30 chapters and was able to establish the Eta Lambda chapter at Franklin and Marshall College. I am still in touch with many KDs I met during that year. I've volunteered consistently since 2008, both locally and nationally. I was part of the recruitment for our Theta Zeta chapter at Lehigh University and served as its first CAB chair. I'm currently still on the CAB there, as well as the House Corp Vice President. Nationally, I've served on committees and various NLT roles, including my current position as a Panhellenic Specialist. These roles have allowed me to meet and work with even more KDs and I still get a thrill when I meet a new sister! And of course, I hold a special place in my heart for Xi and have been so proud to watch the current collegians and young alumnae make our chapter stronger than ever!

Karen Hewitt

I was the original Xi Chapter Charter President of Kappa Delta at Pitt. I really don’t know why I was nominated for this award, except for the fact that I was very enthusiastic back then to make this sorority something DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE compared to what we had available at the time. The loving, lasting sisterhood that has endured the test of time thrills me. So I shout, AOT! CONGRATULATIONS, SISTERS!

Alex Gilardi

During my time in KD, I first became involved as a recruitment chair assistant and worked my way up the ladder for two years behind the scenes of the wonderful VP-M’s until I eventually was elected into the position my senior year. As a dancer, I wanted to get involved in greek sing as well. I became part of the team and was lucky enough to experience the epic win for “The Office”. For two years after, I was co-captain of the team. I had an awesome experience in both positions and I’ll never forget all the life lessons that the challenge of double leadership during the year of covid taught me. I believe I was nominated for this superlative for the countless hours spent being so passionately obsessed with kappa delta during my time at Pitt. Whether it’s saying “hi” from across a crowd or checking in from across the US, to this day, I never pass up the opportunity to go out of my way for my sisters. Needless to say.. AOT!

Michelle Turbanic

Kappa Delta was such a huge and important part of my time at Pitt. Officially -- sure I was on council and hyper-involved in Greek and student life as a whole. The physical awards, my paddles, oh my gosh the t-shirts -- they're all still around in some capacity. I have a giant, king size blanket with my letters and all of our shirts that I treasure. But KD was (and is) about the memories. It was about the late nights up chatting or studying or laughing over take-out in the suite because earlier that day you wrestled two full size couches out of the informal end and into the Panhel office in the union. It was about seeing your sister across the Cathedral lawn and either shouting her name or just feeling comforted you had your people around. Now, it's about watching my sisters succeed in their careers, build families -- have their own little legacies. So if I'm yelling AOT at you from half a block away, it's to get your attention to give you a hug, talk about how jazzed I was for your promotion or how flipping cute your kids are. I'm still so proud to be a KD and love what this organization has given me, even years after we were done having late nights at Hems.

most likely to stay honorable, beautiful, and highest:

Peggy Mercatili

First of all, I am so honored to be nominated! This came as a total surprise because frankly I don’t think of myself that way. Honorable, Beautiful and Highest, three tremendous goals we all strive for and try to live by.

When I was a KD at Pitt I held many positions from Song Leader to VP - Pledge Education. Whatever the role I played I always tried to do my best, but my favorite was working with the new pledges! In fact I am still in touch with many of them today! I love how our KD friendships can span the test of time!

I tried to always be honorable and to live my life that way! After leaving college, my life took many different turns, some which were exciting and beautiful and some that brought sadness and grief. Through it all I always tried to see the positive side of things. I’ve learned that life is way too short and I try and not take a second of it for granted.

Living a life that is Honorable, Beautiful and Highest may not always be that easy, but taking small steps each day can lead to big outcomes. Outcomes that can impact your life and the lives of others around you in the simplest, easiest way possible!

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Natalie Jacobs

I am honored to have been nominated for the “Most likely to stay honorable, beautiful, and highest” award! I truly loved my time in Kappa Delta, especially being VP of Member Education in Spring 2020. I still cherish friendships with the Spring ‘20 crew and am always excited to hear and see the great things they are doing for not only our chapter, but the university as a whole. I am so happy that we all get to come together (finally!!) for an event like this - here’s to 100 more years!

Gemma Messina

I am a member of the Fall 14 pledge class and Bonanza family! I served as Vice President Operations in 2015, Vice President Member Education in 2016, and was head of ritual committee in spring 2017 before I graduated. As you can probably tell from that long list of positions, I love being a KD and I worked as an active member to lead by example. I was known for being obsessed with our rituals and values – specifically the chambered nautilus poem. I believe I was nominated for this position because I cherish KDs values and strive to live by them. I want every new pledge class to be as proud to be a KD as I am, and I think that all begins with staying honorable, beautiful, and highest. AOT!

Beth Hornak

I truly have no idea why I was considered as "most likely to stay honorable, beautiful and highest" - especially among those who were by my side as we recolonized this chapter. I do know those qualities were important to us as we re-established Xi Chapter at Pitt. Throughout, we continued to hold these standards in high regard. I am certain every single sister has carried those qualities into their chosen professions. There are many more deserving of this superlative.
As a collegian, I served as Standards Board Chair and Historian. My KD alumna involvement was before all of my children became involved in activities of their own. They included Alumnae Advisory Board, Gamma/Gamma West Province President & member of Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter.

most likely to build confidence and inspire action:

Mina Durosko

My name is Mina Stephanou Durosko. I pledged Xi Chapter of Kappa Delta in 1985. I pledged as a junior and made the most of my shorter time in the chapter. I have been fortunate to continue to enjoy being part of Kappa Delta after graduation – as a chapter advisor in the late 1980s and into the 1990s as well as the opportunity to serve as Collegiate Province President for two years, overseeing multiple chapters and meeting and working with many very inspiring national officers of Kappa Delta. It was a privilege to be able to work with chapters and their leaders to help guide them and their chapters to building their own confidence within KD and to their professional work in the future. More recently, I have worked as a Girl Scout Leaders and Sunday School teacher. So much of who we are and who we become is influenced by how we learn to be leaders and the opportunities that we pursue during our college years. Kappa Delta was a huge influence for me and gave me the confidence to pursue more opportunities in the future., in organizations as well as professionally. I see such a benefit to continuing to inspire others and hope that I have made a difference with those who I have had the privilege and opportunity to know within Kappa Delta. AOT

Elizabeth McGrady

Hi everyone, my name is Elizabeth McGrady and I am so honored to have been nominated! When I first pledged Kappa Delta in Spring 2018, I had no idea the ways in which this organization would impact my life. Throughout my time as a collegiate member, I served as a member of the slating committee and from there progressed to Vice President Operations and finally, President during my senior year. Serving as President in the midst of a pandemic was a humbling and incredibly special opportunity that allowed me to witness the resiliency of Kappa Delta’s sisterhood in a whole new way. It was my Kappa Delta sisters who encouraged me to pursue passions, grow in confidence, and generously serve others. Now as an alumna, taking what I learned while in Xi chapter, I try to embody what it means to be a Kappa Delta each and every day and encourage others in the same way. I am so grateful for this sisterhood and the ways it continues to impact my life as an alumna. With love in AOT, Elizabeth

Becky Snyder

It's an honor to be nominated for “Most Likely to Build Confidence and Inspire Action”

As
a teacher, volunteer youth leader, and mother of three I do seem to spend a lot of time trying to build confidence in others. Watching a child grow and gain the skills they need to succeed is very rewarding.

Becoming a Kappa Delta, helped me build my own confidence and definitely inspired me into action.

most likely to show up when searching "girl boss":

Danielle Dietrich

I pledged KD in fall of 1999 as a sophomore and immediately became very involved. I served as Treasurer and Assistant Treasure (Asst. Treasurer was a council position then), Cathedral Award Chair, Parliamentarian and anything else that needed to be done. I had the pleasure of attending two Conventions- one as a collegian and one as an alumna. After graduation, I served as President of the Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter and worked to revitalize it. For a few years I served as CAB-Standards.

I believe that I was nominated because so much of who I am and what I do is devoted to helping women and minorities. I’m a shareholder (aka partner) at a Pittsburgh law firm and serve as its Chief Diversity Officer. A large portion of my legal practice is focused on working with women and minority-owned businesses to help them grow and succeed. I am on the board of the Allegheny County Bar Association, where I also served as chair of the Women in the Law Division and have served on numerous committees, including those decided to the progress of women and minorities in our profession. I also serve on the board of SHIM, an organization dedicated to helping those in need in the South Hills.

Devon Fox

PITT: While I was at Pitt, I served as Secretary.

CURRENT: I'm involved with Kappa Delta on LinkedIn through the group there and actively participate as a mentor with a newly graduated young woman who is in a similar line of business. We meet every week to talk about her future, difficulties she has in her workplace, her strengths and skills, and I share wisdom and experience with her when it makes sense. Also, I’m also a participating member of the LGBTQ+ Nautilus Chamber group!

ABOUT ME: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonfox/
You can also take a look at my LinkedIn to see what I've been up to over the years.

Regards,
Devon

Taylor Warywoda

I believe that I was nominated for biggest girl boss given my experience in Kappa Delta – being on Council, holding various positions within the Chapter and always being a helping hand. Currently – I am working for Deloitte as a Senior Audit Assistant and am pursuing my CPA License. In my free time – I am going to be auditioning to be a spin cycle instructor at a studio in Pittsburgh!

Sarah Braza

First, thank you to whoever nominated me. After pledging to Kappa Delta in Spring ‘17, I knew that I wanted to help our chapter become our campus home. So I ran for council. I served as VP of Finance beginning in December 2017 for two terms. In this role, I focused on maintaining the requirements of the position while expanding the financial literacy of our chapter’s women. In addition to Council, I had the privilege to serve as a SET leader, Gracious Living Chair, and one of my most cherished roles as a lucky member of an amazing family of special sisters -Little/Big/G Big/etc. According to studies, 80% of women feel unprepared to make wise financial decisions. While in KD, I worked to increase the financial literacy of our sisters through weekly financial tips and literacy presentations to our chapter. I exemplify being a “girl boss” by striving to uplift women and share tools and confidence to achieve their goals, whether they be personal, career-oriented, or financial. I try to lead by example because as women, we must lift as we climb. I work as a technology consultant implementing information systems for the federal government. Being in a heavily male-dominated field has taught me that women cannot make it if we try to alone; so we must go together. Luckily, Kappa Delta (Xi Chapter and beyond) is full of empowering leaders and we are stronger together. Let’s shatter those glass ceilings sisters! AOT!

two peas in a pod, most memorable duo:

Beth Ann Hornak & Barbara Leger

Beth and I were among the initial re-installation pledge class. I served as Vice President our first year and treasurer our second year. Beth and I were juniors our first year in ΚΔ. We were good friends and roomed together in the suite. We were both in nursing school and had the same schedules. As a result we were most often together and even answered to each other’s names!
We thoroughly loved participating in Greek Sing, as well as other Greek Week activities, rush parties, formals, and, of course, ΚΔ meetings and activities. We enjoyed spaghetti dinners and pizza parties in the suite.
Thank you so much for the honor of this nomination. -Barbara

Yes, Barb & I were two peas in a pod because we truly were always together. We shared so many things - we were roommates, in nursing classes, plus other activities at school. But this started even before we pledged Kappa Delta as sophomores. We would often answer things similarly and knew to respond to either of our names - because that happened often! Barb was one of my first friends at Pitt and remains my "bestie". We have the type of friendship that we can pick up where we left off no matter how much time has passed.
As a collegian, I served as Standards Board Chair and Historian. My involvement as an alumna came before all of my children were involved in activities - Alumna Advisory Board, Gamma/Gamma West Province President & member of Pittsburgh Alumnae Chapter. -Beth

Lisa Camp Helm & Laini DeLawter

Our best friendship has stood the test of time and distance. We have been best friends and big/little for over 3 decades. Inseparable at Pitt and in KD, we were roommates in Amos & wherever one was, there was the other. We have held each other up in good and in bad, been each other’s maids of honor & Godmother to Lisa’s oldest. We make time for girl’s trips nearly every year. When we see each other, it’s like no time has passed at all. The love and friendship we share is cemented through our KD bonds.

Alyssa Smith & Haley Maher

We were happily surprised to see that people noticed the strong friendship we made because of KD. Soon after meeting on bid day, we recognized each other in our freshman year Bio 1 class. We sat together for the rest of the year, and spent many late nights in the library switching between studying, talking, and eating. We truly shared the college experience after managing to take six classes together. KD also gave us friends we will have for life – from recruitment to mixers to PDM to spring break trips to many sleepless nights, KD has given
us our most memorable experiences. After graduation, we even decided to move across the country to Colorado to continue making lasting memories together. Despite being two broke post-grads, we’re still flying across the country to Pitt this weekend to see the
chapter that we already miss.

seeing double, best alumnae look a-likes:

Casey Gudenburr & Erin Scott

During my time as an active member of KD, I served as one of the social chairs. This position was a really nice balance between lighter fun, but it also required some pretty intense planning, time management, and overall responsibility. It made everything even better that I got to do it with my best frand miss Erin Cowell.

To be truthful I’m not really sure why I was nominated for this superlative lol
Erin Scott and I are both fake blondes, we are besties, and we live together with Erin Cowell too (s/o to my Erin sandwich). So based solely on how similar we look I don’t think we deserve to win, but miss Erin is beautiful so I’ll take this as a huge compliment hahaha

AOT,
Casey

During my time in KD, I got to serve as VP - Public Relations. I loved working with girls in the chapter on our various social media pages, and had a great time running Cocoa & Kisses my sophomore year! I think that the chapter’s public relations efforts were a really fun creative outlet that also helped us improve our campus presence.

I have to agree with Casey that I don’t think we look too much alike except for both being fake blondes haha, but I also think that my bestie roomie is stunning, so I’ll take it!

AOT,

Erin

Alexandra Ecoff & Kathryn Ecoff

I loved my time in Kappa Delta! I joined as a sophomore in the fall 13 pledge class. I loved participating in recruitment and spending that time bonding with sisters (and even the new ones that were to come!). One of my most favorite memories is participating in recruitment and having my biological sister Kathryn, join KD as well. It makes our bond even more special. The cocoa and kisses and KD Thanksgiving were always one of my favorite events. I participated in Greek Sing, the year that we performed as the Kappa Delta Chi Spy Academy. I have so many fond memories of that time, and I'm so glad I tried out for it! -Alexandra

Pearl Honor Award

Michelle Kotsagrelos

It is an honor to be nominated for the Pearl Honor Award.

I have been involved on Ξ’s CAB since 2002 starting as CAB-Efficiency, when a Sister (Michelle Smith) asked me to join.

A year later in 2003, I became Chair, and have never looked back. I am also the CAB-Finance and (co)CAB-Standards.

I have seen the chapter grow to be a top tier sorority. They continuously Recruit to Quota/Above Ceiling, are First or Second Academically in Panhel/Greek Life, win Pitt awards (Cathedral Award of Excellence, individual awards, etc.) and have been a National Merit Chapter the last two (2) Bienniums.

I believe I had a hand in helping the Chapter overcome their trials and tribulations, as well as, their successes, by mentoring the Sisters in the chapter to achieve and rise to be Honorable, Beautiful and Highest.

But this could not be done without my fellow CAB members, whom I thank.

AOT

Wendy Ridgway

While I do not know who would have nominated me I am honored that someone did. I am sure there are others who have done more for Xi Chapter and Kappa Delta than I have. I have never served as a National Officer. I was on the Chapter Advisory Board immediately after college graduation in 1983 until 1985. We did not have many alumni at that point in time. I have been involved with Xi Chapter for the last several years, but in reality it is more of an in-name only position so I do not feel I can take much credit. What I can say is I have been a cheerleader for Xi Chapter, National Kappa Delta, and Greek Life. I have tried to support Xi Chapter whenever I can. I have written many references for girls I know that are going through recruitment at Pitt as well as other universities. I have attended the Pittsburgh Panhellenic Scholarship banquet whenever possible. Both of my children are part of the Greek community. I have been a strong advocate of Greek life whenever I have the chance, both in person and in online social groups. Most importantly, I have tried to live my life representing the ideals of the Kappa Delta Creed. - I always have been and will always be proud to be a Kappa Delta. AOT

Lisa Camp Helm

I’m so very proud to be a Pitt Kappa Delta. My collegiate time brings back amazing memories of recruitment, mixers, formals, big/little sisters, Greek sing, dance marathon, living in the suite, serving on Council as President, Panhellenic Delegate & Recruitment Chair and so much more. The leadership skills learned were so invaluable and the lifelong friendships are priceless. But serving on the Chapter’s Advisory Board for the past 15 years has been the greatest reward. I have loved serving as VP Member Education & getting to know each new member class, as Alumnae Relations & helping with alumnae events and connecting the generations of Xi KDs, and as Housing Corp & helping with multiple renovations to our Amos 7th floor. I’m honored to give back & to help Xi Chapter continue to grow & uphold high standards of excellence. KD is truly not just 4 years, it’s for life.
Ever Loyal in AOT💚

Natalie Simmons

Hi, I’m Natalie! I am extremely honored to be nominated for the Pearl Award, and I am beyond humbled to be considered alongside such incredible co-nominees. Of everything I have given to Kappa Delta, KD has gifted me more than double as much in return. Articulating just how much both Xi and the greater KD organization mean to me feels like an impossible task, but I promise to do my best to reflect what’s been a continually life-changing experience.

My life trajectory changed the day I met Xi. In the four years that followed, I was extremely lucky to experience collegiate chapter leadership and life—from a new member serving as Junior Panhellenic Delegate, to a sophomore suite-dweller serving as Secretary, to a junior serving as Panhellenic Chapter President of the Year, and to a senior serving as convention delegate and Merit Award acceptor, my undergraduate KD experience was beyond anything I could have dreamed it to be.

As my collegiate experience came to a close, I was honored to be offered the job of being one of KD’s seven national Leadership Development Consultants. While my LDC year was eventually cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, KD swiftly stepped in to remind me that the best was yet to come. I was offered a position as a Collegiate Experience Associate at KD’s national headquarters—a job that came with invaluable and endless opportunity to affect our beloved organization from the national level. As a CEA, I directly advised 18 chapters with over 2,000 collegians and volunteers, wrote diversity equity and inclusion policy, created new member education onboarding and programming, managed presidential operations, developed risk management crisis procedure, and helped create and film Virtual Ritual. But, of all projects I am honored to have been a part of, I must say the one closest to my heart is my former project area—managing KD’s national Confidence Coalition platform. KD has helped me build and grow my own confidence, so owning the responsibility of steering the organization’s confidence vision will always be a “pinch-me” experience and honor.

Soon enough, the bittersweet time came for me to leave KDHQ to attend law school. Now, you can find me pursuing my dream of advocating for gender equity under the law. A dream, you guessed it, that KD helped build. I used to wonder how everything we recited in chapter meeting, everything we sang in Preference Ceremony, and everything we felt in Ritual, could be truer than anything else I had known. Now, I know the secret—Kappa Delta, in its simplest form, is the purest form of love. A love that sees us through our darkest of nights, our brightest of days, and our most uncertain of futures. Love for our organization, love for each other, and even love for ourselves. There will never be words for what it means to me to have been gifted this priceless gift of love, and to experience such a gift with all of you. I am deeply touched by this nomination, but I am even more touched by the love that each of you have shown me—past, present, and future. With a lifetime ahead of continuing to serve, I know that KD will always remind us that the best is yet to come. For always and forever, AOT