To the Parent: Who Doesn’t Trust Greek Life

I initially had reservations about my daughter joining a sorority. My concerns were due to my lack of experience with Greek life and sorority stereotype misinformation. I went as far to forbid my daughter from rushing during her freshman year. She rushed her sophomore year and it has been a positive experience that I have enjoyed witnessing.

The leadership opportunities available within her chapter and the Panhellenic Council have empowered her to step into roles that will benefit her throughout her personal and professional future. Socially, the bonds she formed with her sisters are incredibly beneficial. The supportive community she found in her sorority provides her with a network of friends who uplift and inspire one another. Equally impressive is her commitment to philanthropy and community service. Far from the negative sorority lifestyle stereotypes, my daughter and her sorority sisters are deeply dedicated to giving back. In hindsight, my concerns about Greek life were rooted in misconceptions.

My daughter’s involvement in her sorority has enriched her college experience in ways I never anticipated. She is thriving academically and personally, equipped with invaluable skills and friendships that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for the positive influence of Greek life and the sense of community. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to keep an open mind—sometimes, the reality is far more rewarding than the stereotypes.

Missy Clark

To the Parent: Who Always Worries

As parents, we worry, it’s just something we do! Each chapter of our daughters’ lives brings new worries. Sending our oldest daughter to college, naturally we worried. Nothing about our daughter had given reason to expect anything other than 100% effort, and we had no personal worries about the character of the young lady we raised.  As an honest, diligent, kind, and generous young lady, she was an overachiever in high school with a positive attitude while involved in extracurriculars and a 4.2 G.P.A. Despite being described as a “social butterfly,” a two-sport varsity athlete, a Captain on the Cheerleading team and having a part-time job; making friends, and finding like-minded people never came easy…  It is for that reason alone that I had concerns about her transition to college. We wondered if a large college would swallow up the kind-hearted hard worker that we admired so much. We were concerned that her time at school may introduce her to a crowd that would alter her path. Life is about choices, and we understand the value of being surrounded by positivity, opportunity, and encouragement. 

We will never forget the Saturday afternoon during rush when our daughter Facetimed us beaming with joy. She was smiling from ear-to-ear as she was walking back to her dorm while describing her day of “interviews” that had just wrapped up on Charlotte’s campus. She was so enthusiastic, so happy, and even more INSPIRED by what she encountered. We were so happy to hear her describe the unique qualities in several of the sororities along with the traits of some girls she met. We were particularly attentive when she said that one sorority impressed her so much, that was her clear “number 1”!  We were so excited to hear her describe how these women inspired her by their dedication to philanthropy, sisterhood, and compassion and were proud to hear her describe their commitment to each other and themselves. We could not have been happier when we heard her say that “they inspired her to be a better version of herself”! That is a statement we have used at home while she was growing up, and it was the first time we heard her re-state it as something she sought. This moment was priceless!

Our daughters Panhellenic experience has proven to be so much more than only her sorority. She has taken the opportunity PHA has provided to embrace new challenges, learn from diverse experiences and absolutely become a better version of herself. Greek life at Charlotte has afforded our daughter the opportunity to evaluate and improve herself in many ways while improving student-life and raising money for deserving charities. She has embraced leadership roles, experienced high-level conflict resolution, built confidence, made wonderful friendships and relationships that will carry on long past her college days. Life is not about what you get, it is about what you “give,” -and Arden’s time with ADPI and PHA has blessed her with the opportunity to experience the joy of giving, growing, and achieving. 

Tim & Cheri Pegelow     

To the Parent: Who Wants Their Daughter to Have a Bright Future

As parents, we are incredibly proud of the growth our daughter has experienced through Kappa Delta. First as Vice President of Recruitment and Marketing and now as President, she has gained a tremendous amount of leadership opportunities. Whether it’s been through organizing events, mentoring, or chapter leadership, these experiences have shaped her into a confident, capable young woman. These skills will serve her well, both in her career and personal life.

The sorority’s focus on philanthropy and community service has deepened her sense of empathy and social responsibility, helping her make a real difference in the community. Through volunteer work and charity events, she’s learned the importance of giving back and using her strengths to help others.

Beyond leadership and service, the bonds of sisterhood have given our daughter a strong support system and a sense of belonging. She’s learned to balance her academic, social, and personal life in a way that promotes growth and confidence.

We’ve seen firsthand how sorority life has enriched her college years and prepared her for a bright future. We highly recommend this experience to other families—it’s a life-changing journey that empowers young women for success in college and beyond.

Tara Kramling 

To the Parent: Who Wants Their Daughter to be the Best Version of Themselves

Joining Kappa Alpha Theta has been a transformative experience for Gracie. Through this sisterhood, she has gained confidence and leadership skills, stepping out of her comfort zone. The opportunities for personal growth, from leading events to organizing philanthropic initiatives, have enhanced her ability to inspire and uplift others.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her Theta experience has been giving back to the community, particularly through philanthropy efforts supporting children in need. These moments have deepened her sense of purpose and reinforced the power of service. Additionally, the lifelong friendships and unwavering support from her sisters have made her college years unforgettable.

Gracie is profoundly grateful for the leadership, personal development, and lifelong connections she has gained through Kappa Alpha Theta. This organization has enriched her college experience and prepared her to step into the future with confidence, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference.

Elizabeth Link 

To the Parent: Who Thinks it is “Too Late”

I am delighted to write this testimonial for my daughter Nivitha, who has shown remarkable growth and development since becoming a Kappa Delta. She has been extremely involved and loves the best friends she’s met along the way. Nivitha has shown exceptional leadership qualities, getting involved in Exec, membership committee, and banner committee. 

Apart from her involvement with Kappa Delta and other college activities, she has shown a big change towards her family members. Leading and advising family members in various areas has been a great turning point for her.

Her education is important to her, and her sorority encourages that. Nivitha says that joining a sorority has undoubtedly been the best last-minute decision she's made. I am proud to have witnessed her growth and success.

Mohan Vairakkannu