Kappa Delta to disband next month

After several years of low member enrollment, the University's Sigma Theta chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority is declaring dormancy, effective the end of this semester. According to a press release, Kappa Delta will not be participating in Panhellenic Formal Rush in January. All initiated members will be placed on early alumnae status. The national organization will ask the Panhellenic Council for the right to recolonize at the University in the future. "Despite the difficulty in making this decision, we know this is in the best interests of all chapter members," College senior and Chapter President Stephanie Kovach said in a statement. "We are all dedicated members who have devoted a lot of effort and worked very hard to increase our membership." Recently Kappa Delta, in coordination with other Greek organizations on campus, organized the second annual AIDS Awareness Week to support the American Red Cross and the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. "We are going to miss Kappa Delta in the ranks of our system," said Tricia Phaup, director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. "They have truly taken an exceptional leadership role in the past." Phaup would not comment on Kappa Delta's disbandment, though. Kappa Delta has been in existence at the University for 73 years and was one of only two sororities to remain continuously on campus from its founding date to the present. "Kappa Delta has contributed positively to the University community and Panhel," said College senior and Panhellenic Council President Suzanne Rosenberg. Members of the sorority have raised funds for Kappa Delta's two national philanthropies, the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse and Children's Hospital of Richmond, Virginia. According to College senior and Kappa Delta sister Melissa Barken, sorority sisters will continue to live in the chapter's house for the remainder of this year. Kappa Delta sisters were unable to comment on the financial status of the sorority. The exact nature of the sisters' living arrangements for next year was similarly unclear as of last night. "We hope that Kappa Delta will be given the chance to make a new, strong showing on campus in the future," Kovach stated. Kappa Delta's disbanding will narrow the number of sororities on campus to eight. None of the presidents would comment about Kappa Delta's decision to disband last night.