Convention Highlights

I have enjoyed the opportunity to travel this summer as NPC Chairman and speak at sorority conventions. It is such a joy to meet active and alumnae members and recognize there is friendship beyond badges. My favorite part of attending any convention is to hear about the remarkable achievements of sorority women.

At Alpha Omicron Pi convention in Los Angeles, I attended the Panhellenic luncheon with a garden party theme. What an impressive setting! It was symbolic to recognize that there are many varieties in the NPC garden, yet we are all grounded with the same soil and grow from similar humble beginnings as values-based women’s organizations. During the luncheon, I heard about Nicole Klibert who attends Northwestern State University. She was awarded the AOPi Mary Louise Roller Award that recognizes a collegiate member for outstanding service and leadership to her Panhellenic, campus and/or community. A proven campus leader, Nicole has served as President’s Leadership Program Association chair and on the Student Government Association election board. For the sorority community, Nicole has served as AOPi Panhellenic delegate, College Panhellenic president and vice president of recruitment — in that order — delegate first, president second and vice president third. When Nicole could have rested on her laurels after serving as Panhellenic president, she stepped up to serve as vice president of recruitment when needed. That speaks volumes about Nicole being a servant leader.

When attending Kappa Delta convention in Orlando, I was swept away with the energy of

the opening night event. At that event, I heard about the top 15 Kappa Delta collegians honored as recipients of the Corre Anding Stegall Collegiate Leadership Award. One woman who was highlighted was Cara Mund a student at Brown University. From Bismarck, North Dakota, Cara is a founding member of her chapter and currently serves as KD chapter president. She excels in the business, entrepreneurship and organization honors program with a 3.8 GPA. This exceptional leader balances her school work and leadership position with other activities, including teaching assistant, tour guide, cheerleader and member of two dance companies. In addition, she is the founder and director of her hometown’s annual Make-A-Wish Fashion Show, which has raised over $48,000 to help make wishes come true for children battling life-threatening medical conditions. Cara is described by a fellow teaching assistant: “Although the school is filled with some of the most accomplished students in the country, she continues to stand out because of her continued academic achievements, campus involvement and personal drive.” Cara clearly puts her values into action.

Outstanding young leaders like Nicole and Cara make us all proud to be sorority women. Our conventions provide opportunities to honor excellence and celebrate the sorority experience.