About one year ago, Alpha Delta Pi came to our campus looking for a group of outstanding girls to start the new Theta Lambda chapter. As the newest addition to F&M’s Greek life, ADPi needed a strong leader to guide them through their first year on campus. With an impressive resume and a bubbling personality, Kaitlin Kines was the one to take on that role.
Where are you from?
Philadelphia, PA
What is your major?
I am a double major in Art History and Government.
Other than Alpha Delta Pi, what are you involved with on campus?
I do the Life After College Success Program, I sit on the executive board of .08 as secretary, I am a member of the John Marshall Pre-Law Honor Society, and I work for the government department.
When ADPi first came on campus, what were your thoughts on it?
I was interested at the idea of a new sorority. I hadn’t really thought about sorority life as a freshman or sophomore, but I was really impressed by the international organization’s presentation. I liked the idea of something new. Starting something from scratch was exciting and I knew that it wouldn’t happen again at my time at F&M. I also thought that there was something special about being a founding member, so I decided to jump on it. Â
Why did you decide to run for president?
At the end of the colonization period I saw how great the women in the chapter were and I wanted to have a stronger influence on the future of ADPi. I thought that would be best achieved by running for president. It has been the best thing that I have done in my four years as a student, besides my academic achievements. I also wanted more national connections to other chapters. That’s one of the things that I really liked about it – that it was something more than F&M; that it connects me to thousands of people across the country and it is something bigger than just here.
How has your experience as president been?
It has been really amazing. I think it is the most rewarding experience I have had as a student and it has been an honor. It has also helped me gain professional connections and gain a stronger connection to the women who comprise the chapter. And I’m happier. I’m a happier person. I also feel more tied to F&M than I ever did before because I met so many different kinds of people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
What are you most proud of as president?
I was most proud of our recruitment. We extended bids to really exceptional women who are the future of the chapter and they are just everything that would make the whole international organization proud. They are smart and they want to lead. They are examples of leadership not just for ADPi, but also for F&M. I’m excited about seeing what the underclassmen will do in the future so that when I come back as an alum I can see all of their hard work.
Do you have any regrets as president?
Not being able to secure a house within the first year. I think it would have helped to create a common space for all of the sisters to use.
What are your plans for the rest of your term?
I plan to make sure that the women who are running for positions represent the best possible leaders and to help them transition into their new roles. I’m really excited to see fresh, new leaders in ADPi and see where they take it.
What hopes do you have for the future of ADPi?
I hope that when I come back and visit in a couple of years, ADPi has established a reputable image and presence at F&M and that they are continuing to maintain high standards of excellence. I want to be able to look at someone and say, “That girl is definitely in ADPi.”
Do you have any words of wisdom for the next president?
It is an honor to serve Alpha Delta Pi as president. Never take that for granted. It has helped me be a better person and it is truly just the most rewarding experience you can have as a member of the sorority.Â