2023 Kappa Spotlight Members
Susan Allred, Pi Chapter, Rho State/NC
Who knows what friendships contribute to the future of Kappa locally, statewide, and nationally?
Susan Hendrick of Pi Chapter, Rho State, NC was a hardworking, dedicated member who always set goals for the promotion of education in Pi Chapter. Before we lost her to cancer in November, 2020, she served as a member, president, secretary, treasurer and committee chair of Kappa Kappa Iota from 1974-2020. In 2019, Susan was inducted into the Rutherford County Schools Hall of Fame.
Susan was a very passionate, selfless person when it came to serving others. She was a lifelong member of Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon, church treasurer, moderator of Presbyterian Women, a circle member and Sunday school teacher. Susan was awarded the Presbyterian Women Life Membership. She was instrumental in raising funds and leading others of the church to build a new fellowship complex where others could praise and serve the Lord.
Susan H. invited Susan Allred to join Kappa Kappa Iota when Susan A. moved to Rutherford County. A Forever Friendship began. She inspired Susan A. to become more involved in Kappa activities, knowing that Susan A’s love for education would begin a legacy for Rho State.
Susan Allred is the daughter of a Presbyterian Minister, one who shares the love of God wherever and whenever the opportunity arises. At 6 years old, she had to stay home from Sunday Worship on Christmas Day because of illness. Her parents found her preaching from Luke 2 from memory and ending by telling the dolls they didn’t have to worry. Her dollhouse, received as a Christmas Gift, would be their inn forever and there would always be a place for them in God’s house. Sharing these memories serve to inspire us to find our place in God’s House also.
Susan Allred is serving as State President this year and asks us to Promote Kappa “For the Good of the Cause”. As the founder of Susan Allred Consulting, LLC, she travels constantly assisting schools, districts, and states in strategic decision making. She is Former Chief Academic Officer at Iredell-Statesville Schools and Former Interim Associate Commissioner at the Kentucky Department of Education. She has served in many capacities in her church.
The best part of knowing Susan is that she is a true friend, ready and willing to do whatever is needed to assist when asked and promote Kappa. Rho State cherishes our Forever Friends, Susan Allred and Susan Hendrick.
Susan Hendrick (left) and Susan Allred (right), Pi Chapter, Rho State/NC
Maria Inzerella, Mu Chapter, Eta State/LA
Maria Inzerella has been a member of the Mu Chapter and Eta State for 20 years. She has held many offices in her local chapter and presently serves as Mu’s Treasurer. This year, Maria has agreed to serve as the Treasurer for the 2023 National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention.
Maria taught various grade levels for 23 years in the Lafayette Parish School System and worked as an adjunct professor for 17 years at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Since her retirement, she has been teaching ballet to ages 3 through adult and truly loves tying the educational part of dance to the creative part. At the same time Maria began working for a lawyer part-time and just recently started doing development work with Catholic Vitality 360 (serving schools, parishes, and dioceses). Maria loves to network with people and enjoys volunteering for local festivals that promote the uniqueness of Acadiana and Louisiana.
Maria Inzerella, Mu Chapter, Eta State/LA
Lynn McNeilly, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC
Lynn McNeilly is a leader, an organizer and one who gets things done. I met Lynn at church and invited her to join Kappa. She is a retired principal from McDowell County Schools of North Carolina and served as a classroom teacher for many years. In her Church she is an active leader serving in areas of personnel, finance and children’s ministry. Lynn has used these experiences and dedication to serve Kappa on all levels. Lynn does not hesitate to volunteer to serve on National, State and Local committees. But what I want to talk about is her service to Rho State in their time of need. On March 12, 2020, we received the news of Covid during a Kappa meeting of our local chapter. Immediately, we began to realize that our lives were about to change. During Lynn’s presidency Covid became a grave issue. As Kappas we were no longer allowed to meet in person or perform our service projects. But being the person she is, this did not stop Lynn from her service and dedication to Kappa. At the time, Lynn was Rho State President. We worried about our meetings, our service projects and our connections with our Kappa sisters. Lynn stepped up. Instead of putting everything on hold, she established Zoom meetings with Rho State. Through this act we were able to carry on the business of Kappa and have contact with our Kappa sisters. In Omicron Chapter, along with others, she orchestrated ways to carry on the service projects that had been established over the years. Sadly, Covid was and is still with us. In Rho State, our State Presidents serves a one or two-year term. Lynn stepped up and served an extra year. Assuming all the responsibilities of the office. She is the only Rho State President to serve a three-year term. Happily, we have returned to semi normality. In North Carolina we have elected a new Rho State President and have returned to normal Kappa business. But we will always be grateful to the Kappa who stepped up during an exceedingly difficult time, Lynn McNeilly.
Lynn McNeilly, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC
Sherry Read, Epsilon Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Sherry Read is a GREAT Kappa! She has been a Kappa for 34 years. Sherry joined the Epsilon chapter in 1989 in Weatherford, OK. She is also a Kappa legacy! Sherry’s mom joined Kappa’s Beta Nu chapter in 1959 in Oklahoma City. Sherry is a retired math teacher. She taught math at Emerson High School, an alternative school in Oklahoma. One reason Sherry is a notable Kappa is her recent mission to revitalize the Campus/Collegiate Kappas at Oklahoma State University. She works closely with the advisor from the university as well as the members of the group. She models all the qualities that make a Kappa a Kappa. She believes in education as a pathway for students to reach their life goals. She is empathetic to Kappas and others, often reaching out to check in on those who were affected by inclement weather or other curveballs thrown by life. She is philanthropic as she supports and leads activities to give back to her community. Sherry is very involved in her local Kappa chapter, the Tulsa Council, and on the national level. She served as committee chair for Campus/Collegiate Kappas and president of the Past State Presidents. Sherry loves to have a great time with other Kappa members and especially the Young Violets. Sherry, we see you! You are a wonderful Kappa and we’re thrilled to put you in the spotlight.
Sherry Read
Charlotte Sicard, Mu Chapter, Eta State/LA
Charlotte lives in Lafayette, Louisiana, and is very active in Kappa at the local and state levels. Her love of Kappa began when she was a charter member of Mu Chapter in 1995. During the past 28 years, she has served her local chapter as empathy chair, treasurer, secretary, president-elect and president several times each. Charlotte has served Eta State in the offices of first vice president and second vice president. Her organizational skills and being such a people person have served her well as the chair of three state conventions across the years.
After losing her father to Alzheimer’s disease in 2017, Charlotte organized the Kappa Chicks team in 2018, in honor of her father, for the local Alzheimer’s Walk. She and members of Mu Chapter have continued to participate in that walk every year since.
She is now a Sustainer of Jr. League of Lafayette. When she was an active member, she chaired the Homework Hotline and Provisionals. She also served as a Provisional Advisor as well as serving on various other committees.
Charlotte’s enjoyment of reading has led her to a book club where she enjoys discussing books with friends and looks forward to it on a monthly basis.
Charlotte’s church activities at Asbury United Methodist Church are a major part of her life. She has served on the Administrative Board, as trustee, on the Pastor Parish Relations Board, the Nominations Committee, and as chair of the Garden Committee. She has also been an adult Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school director and leader, Eucharistic Minister and on the ACE Team (Adult Activities Planning).
With all these activities Charlotte still finds time for hobbies including gardening, decorating, flower arranging and machine embroidery.
After 30 great years as a Speech Language Pathologist, Charlotte’s greatest love in retirement is spending time at her lake house with husband, Dwight, and her 2 sons, their wives and 5 grandchildren!!!!!
Be sure to look for this active Kappa member at the 2023 Kappa Convention in Louisiana!
Charlotte Sicard, Mu Chapter, Eta State/Louisiana
PNP Lenora Mahan
On Aug 14th our oldest living Past National President, Lenora Mahan, celebrated her 100th birthday. She was our National President in 1982-83.
During her time as president upgrades were needed to be made to the house. Clara Slack, from Kansas, and she started the tradition of selling jewelry at conventions which led to our use of raffle tickets for jewelry donations to raise money. Using donations they were able to purchase new appliances to include a stove, a microwave, a washer and dryer as well as new flooring. Xi State, Florida, donated a new television.
If you have been to the Kappa Headquarters, you may have sat on the lovely dining room chairs. Mrs. Mahan’s niece, Peggy McDowell, was a designer and had created a violets design for Designer Laura Ashley. Ms. McDowell had this design stamped on needlepoint fabric and sent several pieces to our Headquarters which some of the Past National President completed to be used as the covers for the dining room chairs.
During Mrs. Mahan’s term rain water was washing soil over the back property. To prevent this a fundraiser was held and members purchased cement blocks at $5.00 each to help build the back wall to prevent this erosion problem. Mrs. Mahan recalls purchasing several blocks, even one in honor of her beloved little dog.
As Mrs. Mahan was working on her counselor degree she saw abused children who needed help. This spiked her interest in the Kempe Foundation. She and Vita McKinty went to visit the original Kempe Foundation, an old square house. Thus began the drive by Kappa to donate to Kempe Foundation in Denver, Colorado, as its national philanthropic donation. Later she and Jane Treat were invited to tour their new facilities which now assists battered children and abused women.
When Jean Terrell was our Executive Director, Iva Dugan’s husband was a car salesman. He assisted the National Executive Board with a purchase of a new car. There were several rules regarding the use of the car. Only the president was allowed to drive the car. There were several interesting tales of trips made with this car- one late night trip was taken to go pick up Mrs. Mahan’s mother.
Before her term as president, Lenora Mahan and the Colorado Kappas had the first Kappa flag designed which she took to President Nanny Whitman as a gift at an NEC meeting. The NEC refused to accept the flag because they had not sanctioned this purchase. A motion was made and passed saying that they would accept it at the next board meeting. So, Mrs. Mahan took the flag home and brought it back to the next meeting.
The idea of post trips began when Jean Terrell would lead a tour at the end of conventions to overseas countries which included Ireland, Scotland, and England. Part of the money from these trips went back into the scholarship funds.
During these years to receive a life membership, the member had to be at least sixty (60) years old. When Mrs. Mahan was close to that age, Jean Terrell and Sara Sunderlin gave this to her as a gift.
At the KKI Convention in Little Rock where she was to be installed as President the fire alarms went off in the middle of the night. A knock at the door brought a hotel representative with orders to evacuate immediately which had Kappas scrambling out of bed. They hurried down the nearest stairs and joined the large group of people quietly waiting for the firemen. You can’t imagine things people wear to bed. Everyone was clutching their purse or Kappa bag. Students on Spring Break had set off the alarms. That was unplanned entertainment!
One of her fondest memories was being a part of a small group of Kappas whose mothers were also Kappas. There were six mother/daughter members which included Dotty Shippy, Jane Treat, and Jean Adams.
When asked what she credits to her longevity, she credits God keeping her safe, always keeping busy, and doing what you love to do. And she loves to do things to benefit Kappa.
PNP Lenora Mahan
Joie Lovelace, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC
Joie Lovelace became a member of Omicron Chapter, Rho/NC on December 31, 1999. Joie is active in all areas of her life. Whether working for her church, family, or Kappa, she gives it her all. From the very beginning she became an active member of Kappa; Joie immediately went to work for Kappa. She has performed duties in many areas of Kappa. She has willingly accepted officers’ duties in her Omicron Chapter, Rho State committees, and National Committees. Joie and her husband, Joe, attend and participate in National Conventions. She loves to sing with the Kappa Choir and Joe is a Kappa Guy who is dependable and always willing to help.
The real story about Joie is how she helped our local chapter continue to grow and stay strong. In 1999 she was invited to become a new member of Omicron Chapter by her own fifth grade teacher and co-worker at Casar Elementary School a devoted Kappa member, Blanche Warlick. Joie worked at Casar Elementary School as a teacher. After she became a member of Kappa, she began telling her fellow teachers about Kappa. As a result, Peggy Earl and Brenda Hope became Kappa members! Following that, twenty-two more teachers and former students from the Casar area were invited to join and became active members.
Joie continues to be active in Kappa. Joie knows something that we all should know and remember. Kappas should take to heart a Girl Scout song. “Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold.” We need to remember to cherish our present Kappa sisters but always be open to new Kappa members. Remember one is “silver” and the other “gold.” Both are precious to Kappa Kappa Iota.
Joie Lovelace, Omicron Chapter, Rho/NC
2022 Kappa Spotlight Members
Henrietta Hamilton, Xi Chapter, Nu State/CA
As treasurer, Henrietta Hamilton is a strong member of Xi Chapter as well as President of Nu State/ CA, and the Registrar of the National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention 2022. In her spare time, she volunteers at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA as a docent, and was selected to receive a pin honoring her service as one that is always ready to help. She brings the smile of happiness to each of the meetings, and is always willing to help when called upon. Henrietta retired from 16 years as a Librarian in San Jacinto and then another seven years at Vista Heights Middle school in Moreno Valley, teaching Mathematics. Over the years, whenever anyone asks Henrietta to help, she agrees and gives her all. She also takes classes at Riverside City College in jewelry and Taiichi. You may be wearing a piece of jewelry that she made and donated for our sale at the Centennial Convention. Be sure to introduce yourself to her at the Palm Springs Convention.
Henrietta Hamilton, Xi Chapter, Nu State/CA
Anne Davis, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Theta State/AL
Kappas around the world are known as caring people, and Anne Davis in Alabama is a shining example of such a person. Anne, who has been a Kappa for over 20 years, is the chair of a group known as Kidz Eatz. As Alpha Gamma Chapter was seeking to find a project to benefit their area, they contacted the guidance counselors in 4 schools asking about the needs of their students. The chapter learned of about 100 elementary students who were in need of meals to get them through the weekend. The chapter had about $510 in their account and decided to spend $500 of that to purchase items that would provide those 100 children with low sugar meals, fruit and snacks that they would receive every Friday. Along with these meals is always a note that says, “God loves you, and so do we.” In addition to the food packs, Anne and other Alpha Kappa members took on a project of purchasing 85 pairs of shoes for some of these students. Included with the shoes are socks, a Bible Story coloring book and new crayons. Anne stated, “We just have to let these children know that someone loves them”. Fortunately their chapter is now receiving assistance from some local churches in funding and locations to gather as they pack up the packages of weekend blessings. On their Facebook page you will find this scripture, “Matthew 25:40 Truly I say unto you, as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto me”.
Anne Davis, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Theta State/AL
Joan Moore, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC
Joan has been a Kappa member for 14 years. She has been the Kappa member that you wouldn’t know her name. You wouldn’t stand up and applaud when she entered the room. Joan works behind the scenes and helps make Kappa Kappa Iota successful. She expects no recognition and frankly would like to keep her good works quiet.
Joan retired from teaching after 30 years of service in the North Carolina school system. She was an art teacher and an elementary teacher. She is a member of Omicron Chapter and Rho State/NC. Joan has put her talent of being an art teacher to use for Omicron and Rho. She has designed and produced scrap books for two state presidents and one national president. She is the photographer for the local and state chapter. She decorates the meeting area for different Kappa gatherings. Joan is the empathy person for Omicron. She designs and creates her own cards that she mails to fellow Kappa sisters with words of encouragement or congratulations. Joan is on numerous committees and has cheerfully accepted any challenges that they may have. Joan assumes most of the expense that they produce on her own and does not ask for reimbursement.
We all have Joan Moores in our chapters. We should stand up and applaud them and remember if we didn’t have these unsung heroes, we would no longer have the great organization that we know as Kappa Kappa Iota.
Joan Moore, Omicron Chapter, Rho State/NC
Nancy Johnson, Xi Chapter, Iota State/NE
Nancy is one in a million. She was National President 2006-2007. She served as Laurie Konrad’s Parliamentarian 2015-2016. She has served on just about every national committee and chaired many of them. She volunteers at her church, serves as an officer in many of her community organizations and even volunteers at the Omaha Orpheum theater and the Holland Center.
She stepped up to be Convention Chair at this late date when we needed someone that not only understood the process but also the timeline, and the need to organize the upcoming convention activities. She demonstrates the Ideals of Kappa with quiet accuracy. She said “yes” to the need because she is a beautiful “purple” through and through.
Nancy Johnson, Xi Chapter, Iota State/NE
Janice Luce & Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Cathe and Janice stepped up to volunteer in the Headquarters office to answer phones and be a presence at the Kappa House while Executive Director Teri Poreda recovered from back surgery, chemo and radiation. These two ladies have also done this in the past for our former Executive Director Marilyn Bridges. They also work around the House as needed. We appreciate their sacrifices and willingness to serve!
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- Janice Luce, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
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- Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Jane Otradovec, Lambda Chapter, Zeta State/MO
Jane Otradovec is one of the long-serving Kappas and continues to be active as a co-chair of the Ad Hoc Headquarters Enhancement Committee. She is a Past State President of Ohio State, and a strong supporter of her local chapter, as well. She often comes to Tulsa to help with the inventory of our antiquities, and whatever she can do to assist. This year she made the trip to report to the NEC the variety of ways that her Committee had recommended for approval. Over the years, she has been found in the Kappa kitchen, helping to prepare food, or offering to put together booklets if needed. Her history with Kappa is long, but her memory is clear.
Jane Otradovec, Lambda Chapter, Zeta/MO
Tina Konrad Oliver, Webmaster for Kappa Kappa Iota
Christina (Tina) Konrad Oliver is starting her second full year as the Webmaster of Kappa Kappa Iota’s site. Tina is a full-time Web page Designer and Media Consultant who works from home while caring for her 4-1/2 year old daughter, Cassidy.
When Kappa put out a request for someone who could be an editor for the national website, Tina entered a bid. Her bid was far below what she makes at her regular job because she believed in supporting the organization. The reason for that is she is the daughter of PNP Laurie Konrad.
Tina is never too busy to take comments, suggestions and requests for the website, which she designed two years ago. She looks forward to continuing to work with Kappa Kappa Iota.
Renee Spencer, Mu Chapter, Eta State/LA
Renee Spencer is currently serving as Secretary/Philanthropic/Public Relations chair for the state. Renee was awarded a $200 Classroom Grant at the Eta State Convention in West Monroe, LA, April 8-9, 2022. She will use this money to purchase classroom supplies that allow her to provide hands-on learning opportunities for her students at Martial Billeaud Elementary School.
Renee has been a member of Mu Chapter for fourteen (14) years and has served as Mu Chapter’s treasurer, secretary, and president. This year, Renee has volunteered to serve as the Registrar for the 2023 National Kappa Kappa Iota Convention that will be held in Baton Rouge, LA, at the Embassy Suites, June 26-30, 2023.
Renee is married to Tom Spencer and they have a son, Ben. Ben is married to Jennifer and they have two daughters. Renee and Tom are very active in the community. They volunteer with the United Way of Acadiana and Second Harvest Food Bank. She walks with Mu’s Kappa Chicks every year in our local Alzheimer’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Ben and she love to travel the United States to visit our National Parks.
Renee Spencer, Mu Chapter/Eta State/LA
Brenda Morrison, Rho State/NC
As the old saying goes, if you want anything done, ask a busy person. Brenda Morrison is that person. She is busy in all forms of activities. Brenda is a Deacon in her church, an officer of the Eastern Star, a volunteer for the local museum, works at Casar Elementary School this coming school year as a second grade teacher; the list goes on and on. But what I want to speak about is her life with Kappa Kappa Iota. Brenda has been a devoted Kappa member since November 10th, 2000. Since that first date she has not said no to Kappa. Brenda has answered yes to all sorts of Kappa committees, local, state, and national. She has answered yes to serve on all levels of offices for her local Omicron chapter, for her Rho State Chapter, for the National Executive Committee. Finally, reaching the honor of being the National President of Kappa Kappa Iota.
During Brenda’s year as serving as National President, was the year that Covid invaded the nation. Covid affected not only the Nation, but it also affected Kappa Kappa Iota. Brenda had to cope with an unusual year. She was the first National President to be installed in a Zoom meeting. She held Zoom meetings with the NEC to meet the goals that had been established that year for Kappa. She met not only with the NEC, but with the State Presidents. Brenda established the “State Presidents’ Monthly Koffee Breaks”. She felt there was a need to have more contact with the State Presidents. She wanted to hear from them monthly about their hopes and concerns for Kappa.
Brenda Morrison is now a Past National President, but that won’t slow her down. She will still be serving the needs of Kappa Kappa Iota with Kappa love and saying yes!
Brenda Morrison Rho State/NC
Kathy Russell, Lambda State/GA
Kathy Russell taught primary/elementary school in Calhoun City Schools for 30 years, working mostly with at-risk students, before retiring in 2009. Since retiring, she has been a CASA volunteer with the Juvenile Court System and serves as one of the Librarians at First Baptist Church in Dalton. She is actively involved in Calhoun-Gordon County Retired Educators, having served as president and chair of several committees.
Kathy joined Kappa in 1985, but took a break while raising children in the 1990’s. She rejoined Tau Chapter in the early 2000’s, serving as secretary, vice-president and president at various times. She has always been active on Lambda State committees and executive committee. In fact, she served as state president three times. She began attending National Conventions regularly in 2011 when she was installed as Lambda State President, only missing a couple since then. Kathy has also served on several national committees. She currently serves as co-chair of the National Music Committee.
Linda Hilton, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Gamma State/KS
Every Kappa has a heart for children, or they wouldn’t be an educator. Past National President Linda Hilton, Alpha Gamma Chapter/Gamma State, has such a heart having been a classroom teacher for 48 years. She was on staff for the State and Regional Reading Conferences in 2003. Then in 2006 she received the Kansas Reading Association Outstanding Reading Educator Award. Linda continues to be active in her church having, worked for many years on the Vacation Bible School Team. She currently is the President of the United Women in Faith and has been an active member of her church serving on numerous committees: Board of Trustees, Nurturing Committee and Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee.
Linda became a registered leader with the Boy Scouts of America and worked as a Trainer leading the local Wood Badge course which instructs leaders how to provide a quality program for the youth. She was one of the first women in her council to lead this course. For many years she went to a Boy Scout Camp and worked with the boys to publish the Camp’s newspaper. She has continued to be involved with Pack 64 in Junction City by working behind the scenes and encouraging Scouts to “Do your best”. She was awarded by her local council with the Silver Beaver Award, and is a Vigil Honor Member with the local Order of the Arrow. She received the CONVERSE-RIES AWARD in 2021 for her outstanding leadership and dedicated service to Scouting.
Having been a Kappa Member for over 45 years, Linda was the National President in 2009-2010 when the Convention was held in Oklahoma City. With her national theme being “Kappas Reach for a Rainbow to Bear Your Hopes and Dreams”, the State Presidents that year were called the “Teddy Bears”. She has served on numerous National Committees and continues to encourage Kappas to “Do Their Best” at supporting other Kappas, showing that she has a heart for children and those who give of themselves to others.
Linda Hilton, Gamma State/KS
2021 Kappa Spotlight Members
Chris Hockert, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN
2019-2020 National President Chris Hockert has ‘Reached for the Stars’ during National President Brenda Morrison’s 2020-2021 presidency and has definitely made a difference for Kappa Kappa Iota. Several projects that Chris has been involved with include; Kappa’s Five Year Strategic Plan, Kappa’s Grant Writing Committee, and the National Emergency Catastrophic Plan Protocol. Chris is also a whiz at looking over the monthly financials!
Chris Hockert, Gamma Chapter, Psi State/TN
Diane Cox, Iota State/NE and Helen Silversmith, Beta State/NM
Diane and Helen have been very busy sewing – masks! They both share patterns with each other; adult size and child size. Both ladies have made and given away over 8,000 masks to EMTs, Law Enforcement, Elderly, Kappa Friends, and many others.
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- Diane Cox, Iota State/NE
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- Helen Silversmith, Beta State/NM
Debbie Witt, Nu Chapter, Epsilon State/AR
Mary Lou Hughes, Alpha/Beta Pi Chapters, Eta State/LA
Melinda Sams, Tau Chapter, Lambda State/GA
Kat Rhoads, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Kat volunteers to help the Executive Director with basic and special tasks (such as preparation for Convention). She works hard, and Kat is always ready to lend a hand if needed.
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- Kat Rhoads, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Marilyn Bridges, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
We are extremely fortunate to have had an employee of Marilyn Bridges’ caliber to work at Kappa Kappa Iota National Headquarters. She was the Executive Director for ten years until 7/31/2021, when she retired and moved to Florida with her husband to be near her daughter and granddaughter. Her strengths lay in her positive communications with others and her willingness to assist with any task she was asked to undertake, often multitasking amongst many interruptions. She was the perfect person to make that “first impression” of Kappa Kappa Iota, as she was usually the first contact made when communicating with Headquarters.
Marilyn Bridges, Zeta Eta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Carolyn McElveen, Iota Chapter, Eta State LA
Carolyn is very active in her church and community, but she is known by her Kappa sisters as the
go-to lady to get things done! Carolyn is a Sunday School teacher for the Circle of Joy class at First Baptist Church in Franklinton. She is the photographer for the church’s Vacation Bible School. Also, she serves on a Sunday night supper team. Carolyn is chairperson for the Mile Branch Spelling Bee for fifth and sixth grade students at the Washington Parish Fair Association. She is currently the secretary of the Washington Parish Retired Teachers, and a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers’ Association. Also, she is the president of Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. She has served as State President of Kappa Kappa Iota – Eta State Louisiana, a State and National photographer and also is still serving as a substitute teacher in the Washington Parish School System.
Carolyn McElveen, Iota Chapter, Eta State/LA
Judith Goodin, Epsilon Beta Chapter, Alpha State OK
Judy has retired after teaching 37 years in the OKC Public Schools. Judy knows how to coupon, and she uses her knowledge to get extra items to give to those who are without. She belongs to a Facebook group, “Down on Your Luck” where she finds people in need and coordinates donations, or provides the items that people are needing. She has made her garage the place where she organizes and dispenses the donations to others.
Judy and her daughters help the homeless through donations to “SISU–a Homeless TeenShelter” and “the Church Under the Bridge”. She crochets hats and scarves to help keep the homeless warm. Her Epsilon Beta sisters have helped her with projects, too. We filled pill bottles with shampoo and donated other items at a meeting for the “Church Under the Bridge.” We collected socks for “Socks of Love” and books for “Little Read Wagon,” and Judy delivered them to those charities. We donated items for Christmas bags for the SISU group. Judy and her chapter sisters have donated to Passageways, as well, which is a shelter for abused women and children for many years.
Judy always has a giving project going. She has helped many organizations and individuals. Other donations of love have been given by Judy to “Jordan’s Crossing,” “Kaleo Foundation,” “Crisis Nursery,” and “Pine Box Around OKC”. Judy has taken on a retirement job of helping others. So, for all of the things she does,we, her Epsilon Beta sisters, hope you will honor Judy for her many philanthropic deeds. Judith (Judy) truly deserves to be highlighted for Making a Difference in the lives of many people.
Judith Goodin, Epsilon Beta, Alpha/OK
Teri Poreda, Zeta Eta, Alpha State Oklahoma
Teri Poreda has had a different kind of teaching career. She taught within the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement settings. Once she retired, Teri worked for Tulsa Public Schools in the Police Department.
Teri has served as President and Secretary of her Chapter, Zeta Eta. In addition, she has served as the Tulsa Area Council President. She has also served in all levels of the Alpha State Executive Board, including President. She has volunteered on many committees in the local, council and state level. She has also volunteered at the National Headquarters, assisting former National Director Marilyn Bridges in daily tasks, as well as in preparation for special events, such as National Convention. When she took the job as National Executive Director, she only had a “crash course” in the many duties of her position. Teri has risen to the occasion and is not only learning “on the job,” but performing her duties well.
Sue Hagan, Alpha Chapter/Upsilon State SC
Sue Hagan joined Kappa in 1992. After an invitation by long-time supporter and mentor Pete Johnston to transfer to her chapter, Sue became very active in her State. She served on many committees, worked up to State President and later ran for National Recording Secretary. She was National President during the year 2013-2014. Lately, Sue has been helping out with replacing and updating the computers at Headquarters in Tulsa. She is always willing to go to Tulsa to help.
Sue is extremely tech-savvy, working for her district for many years in that capacity. She is currently her church’s part time secretary, and is involved with Work with Women in Missions. Sue also sings in the choir.
In her community, she is a volunteer with a local food bank called Feed Berkeley. Sue also calls bingo for the Bonneau Civic Club.
Sue’s favorite past time is Traveling. In fact, “Go” is her middle name, according to her family! She is always ready for a trip and a new adventure!
Carolyn Wilkins, Zeta/Alpha Beta; Xi State FL
Carolyn has been a member of Kappa for 18 years. She joined Zeta chapter and later founded Alpha Beta after realizing a need in the community for younger teachers to have a supportive group of educators. Carolyn has been chapter president of both Zeta and Alpha Beta Chapters. She has served as State President of Xi State, as well as State Committee Chair for Philanthropy, Empathy, Scholarship, and History. Carolyn has served on national committees for those same committees.
Several years ago, she prompted the National Executive Board to consider tracking professional development in order to enable us to report on our core mission at national conventions. Through her work with Kappa, Carolyn has helped raise funds (using yard sales, raffles and sold items) for many Kappa programs while also helping to generate funds to support the philanthropic goals in the annual plans. Additionally, she organized a toy drive for local children in foster care for the last 10 years. Recently, Carolyn led Kappa groups, Zeta and Alpha Beta, to join forces and become a sponsor of Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast.
Carolyn currently serves as Vice President of Xi State and is working on implementing a Five Star Chapter Award. She sees it as a way to motivate chapters to set and reach goals. Through these goals, Carolyn sees opportunities for more engagement.
In her community, Carolyn also is part of her local Woman’s Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Girls on the Run Board, and Treasure Coast Blue Star Mothers. She frequently pairs the work of one organization with another to capitalize on the philanthropic goals in common. For the DAR, she partnered with a local Assisted Living Facility to revamp their library using collected donations from the Woman’s Club, DAR and Blue Star Mothers. Carolyn was able to add approximately 500 books to the library and organize it alphabetically.
2020 Kappa Spotlight Members
Linda Reutlinger, Beta Omicron, Alpha State/OK & Kappa Guy Danny Reutlinger
Betty Craig, Zeta Eta, Alpha State/OK
Linda is serving as Chair on the National Building and Grounds Committee. Both Linda and her Kappa Guy, Danny, have worked non-stop on the grounds and it is really paying off! The Kappa Grounds are thriving and look beautiful! This husband and wife team were born with “green thumbs”!
Betty Craig is pictured below with Linda Reutlinger helping to host a State Presidents’ Dinner on the Kappa Grounds. Betty is a Master Gardener and enjoys getting “down and dirty”. She is a young 85…swims and goes to yoga class everyday!
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- Linda Reutlinger, Beta Omicron, Alpha State/OK and Kappa Guy Danny Reutlinger
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- Betty Craig pictured with Linda Reutlinger
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- Betty Craig, Zeta Eta, Alpha State/OK
Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Cathe Kehe is a very creative Kappa and super hard worker! She is a regular fixture at the Kappa House…always willing to serve in any capacity…as a Butterfly Hostess for a State Presidents’ Dinner at Kappa Headquarters (pictured below), always singing in the Kappa Choir, and serving everywhere needed! She is currently serving on the Centennial Convention Committee – approaching June 2021!
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- Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
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- Cathe Kehe, Gamma Beta Chapter, Alpha State/OK
Ann Burnette, Alpha Chapter, Upsilon State/NC
Peggy Earl, Rho State, Omicron Chapter.