In 2019 Kappa Delta Sigma will celebrate its’ 50th anniversary as a local sorority which continues to uphold the beliefs and goals that it was founded upon in February 1969. On May 31, 2019 KDS will celebrate the anniversary with a weekend full of traditions and reconnecting.
During the Spring 1969 rush process, the sisters of Kappa Delta loved Lydia Minatoya, an Asian student who wished to pledge KD. Aware that Kappa Delta would most likely not accept Lydia’s bid because of the color of her skin, the sorority sisters voted to extend her a bid anyway. Former president of KD, Lynda Croker Moran ’69 described the process she went through to transition into a local sorority.
“Wende Butler Brock ’70 and I went to speak to the Dean of Women, Joanne Laird, who helped us through the very quick transition to a local sorority,” she said, “enabling us to extend bids to those of our choosing.” St. Lawrence supported the new sorority. Now called Kappa Delta Sigma, they were given housing by ultimately purchasing 53 Park St. as a university building.
Throughout its 49 years, KDS’ beliefs and goals have remained the same. Moran saw these beliefs and goals being kindness, friendship, strength and diversity. In multiple interviews, sisters have reiterated these same ideals. Current Alumni Chair Abigail Bourcy ’19 felt strongly about these beliefs and goals.
“I see faith in friendship and support for one another and our community as being some of our strongest goals and values,” she said. Multiple other current members and alumni also made note of the strong friendships that KDS women have with each other. Audrey Milazzo ’17, president of KDS in 2016, explained the friendships she made in KDS.
“My KDS sisters are still my best friends,” she said, “and we pride ourselves on standing for what is right and push each other to become better all the time.” As many interviews noted, sisters of KDS are young women with many personalities and backgrounds. Moran described the first members of KDS.
“I felt that the members of our sorority were independent, caring and proud women of many types,” she said. Current Vice-President Alex Godfrey ’18 had a similar view when describing her fellow members.
“All of our sisters come from different walks of life,” she said, “Bringing a lot of diversity into our sorority.” The value of diversity has been carried out throughout its nearly 50 years of establishment. The organization currently has five sisters of color and prides themselves on their inclusivity. Members from the last 49 years are eager to gather once again.
“I have met so many wonderful older KDS ladies in my time in Boston,” said Milazzo, “I can’t wait to see what happens when we come together in May.”