Kappa Delta at the University of Florida: A Legacy of Excellence and Sisterhood

Chapter History

Kappa Delta was founded on October 23, 1897, at the University of Virginia. The University of Florida chapter, Beta Zeta, was chartered on March 4, 1928, and has been a vibrant part of the campus community ever since.

Chapter Values

Kappa Delta’s core values are:

• Positivity: We believe in the power of a positive attitude and strive to create a welcoming and uplifting environment.
• Leadership: We empower our members to develop their leadership skills and make a difference in their communities.
• Sisterhood: We foster a close-knit community where our members can support and encourage each other through life’s challenges and celebrations.

Academics

Kappa Delta members at the University of Florida are committed to academic excellence. The chapter maintains a high GPA and has consistently been recognized for its academic achievements. In recent years, Kappa Delta has been awarded the President’s List Award for Academic Excellence from the university.

Scholarships

Kappa Delta offers a number of scholarships to its members, including:

• The Kappa Delta Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to outstanding Kappa Delta members who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and service to their community.
• The Beta Zeta Chapter Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to Kappa Delta members at the University of Florida who are actively involved in the chapter and demonstrate financial need.

Involvement on Campus

Kappa Delta members are actively involved in various campus organizations and activities, including:

• Student Government: Kappa Delta members have served in leadership roles in the Student Government Association, including president, vice president, and senator.
• Honor Societies: Kappa Delta members have been inducted into prestigious honor societies such as Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, and Mortar Board.
• Student Media: Kappa Delta members have been involved in student media organizations such as The Independent Florida Alligator and WUFT-FM.
• Community Service: Kappa Delta members volunteer their time to a variety of charitable organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Club, and the American Red Cross.

Philanthropy

Kappa Delta’s national philanthropy is Prevent Child Abuse America. The Beta Zeta chapter actively supports this organization through fundraising events and volunteer work. In recent years, the chapter has raised over $100,000 for Prevent Child Abuse America.

Sisterhood

Kappa Delta prides itself on its close-knit sisterhood. Members enjoy a variety of social and educational events, including:

• Sisterhood Retreats: Kappa Delta members attend annual retreats to build strong bonds and engage in meaningful discussions.
• Study Breaks: Kappa Delta members regularly host study breaks to provide a supportive environment for their members.
• Formal and Informal Gatherings: Kappa Delta members socialize at formal events such as the KD Ball, as well as informal gatherings like movie nights and game days.

Notable Alumni

Kappa Delta’s Beta Zeta chapter has produced a number of notable alumni, including:

• Dr. Judy Genshaft: Former president of the University of South Florida and the University of Colorado Boulder.
• Rep. Gwen Graham: Former U.S. Representative for Florida’s 2nd Congressional District.
• Dr. Nancy Zimpher: Former chancellor of the State University of New York system.
• Mary Lou Marzian: CEO of the breast cancer organization, Bright Pink.

Conclusion

Kappa Delta at the University of Florida is a dynamic and vibrant organization that has been making a positive impact on the campus community for over 90 years. With its commitment to academic excellence, involvement on campus, philanthropy, and sisterhood, Kappa Delta empowers its members to reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.