To help commemorate the 100 years that Kappa Delta Pi has honored educators, you are invited to participate in the Centennial Celebration Show & Tell. Please share a KDP or teaching memory in story or photograph. Thank you for celebrating this significant milestone!

Much as I relish all of the Kappa Delta Pi Convocations, the 2007 Convocation was by far one of my most memorable. My husband and chapter treasurer, Stephen, traveled with our three children and me to Louisville, Kentucky, along with several of our chapter officers. Not wanting to deprive Stephen of the fun, I urged him to attend the Closing Banquet while I stayed behind in the hotel room with our children. Stephen generously insisted that I attend instead. Wearing very little make-up and a slightly unkempt hair style, I threw on one of my oldest outfits that I’d bought at a factory outlet on Cape Cod several years earlier. “I look quite a mess, but no one will notice me,” I thought. As I dined with the other officers at the Closing Banquet, Stephen received a mysterious call, asking him, for some unknown reason, to bring the children to the Banquet. The scrumptious dinner finished, it was time for awards. The president described a counselor who had built up her chapter into a very active one, who had served Kappa Delta Pi well for the past 16 years, and who, amazingly, was beginning to sound a lot like me. Then, to my utter astonishment, it was me! My name was called to receive the Lucinda Rose Counselor of the Biennium Award! My beaming family rushed into the Hall to hug and congratulate me. The most wonderful friends and colleagues I have ever met surrounded me. I realized that all of the hard work and years of service were so well worth it. What an evening! What a Fraternity! Susan Trostle Brand Professor of Education, University of Rhode Island

In this photo taken at the Chicago Convo 1964 (I think), I appear as a delegate—all 25 years of me. Who knew that 20 years later I would become president of KDP. E. I. F. Williams attended, and I was so impressed that I made sure I brushed against him in a crowd so that I can say, “I touched E. I. F. Williams.” W. Ross Palmer, Professor Emeritus, College of Education, The University of Alabama

Over the years (I became a member in the early ‘60s), Kappa Delta Pi has meant many things to me. Among the most positive "perks" (and there are many) are the friendships that KDP has afforded me: Laureates, Headquarters staff, officers, former members and “brand new” inductees. I've been impressed by the quality of Kadelpians and those associated with the organization. I cherish our organization, its history, its present, and its future. W. Ross Palmer, KDP President (1984–1986), Professor Emeritus, College of Education, The University of Alabama

As a past KDP president, I really enjoyed visiting many colleges and universities around the country, delighting in the excitement and enthusiasm of the students and faculty.  I was even in touch with many of the new members for a few years after that and most certainly at the Convocation. I remember one of the older KDP members said that it was the most “kissing Convocation” he ever attended, and I feel that he got that impression after seeing all the students I had met during those four years at their installation and initiations. I was fortunate to have a great executive council, each of whom exemplified the outstanding quality and obviously fine example of an educator that surely inspired the members in KDP. Blossom Nissman

KDP members are a dedicated bunch. One of my memorable Executive Council meetings from back in the '80's when one of the members, the Alumni Counselor, had a back injury but still made his way to the meeting. Because of the pain he was in, he could not sit or stand for more than a few moments. However, he could get great relief by being stretched out horizontally.  So we had a lay-a-way bed brought into the meeting room where he could stretch out and still participate. Though I could not see him, from time to time I could see his fingertips waving in the air asking for recognition or to vote on some matter. Occasionally, a disembodied voice arose from the cot as Mack contributed to the discussion. Of course, later we still teased him about napping through portions of the meeting! Jerry Robbins, KDP President (1982–1984)

The highlight of my biennium was serving as a delegate from the United States representing Kappa Delta Pi, along with Morgan Simpson, another former Society President, and Dr. James Banks, a KDP Laureate. All of us made presentations in Beijing at the 4th China–U.S. Conference on Education that July of 2000. As delegates, we learned about the educational methods used in China and exchanged ideas with international colleagues. In fact, I corresponded several times with one of the female principals, thanks to the interpretive help of good Chinese friends from my town. We also exchanged photos of our families and communities, as well as gifts. While the human relationships that we developed were one of the most rewarding parts of the trip, touring the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and Forbidden City, and attending cultural events, were very enlightening. One of the most memorable parts of the trip was the visit to a demonstration primary school in Beijing. Approximately 150 elementary-aged students performed folk music in a children’s orchestra on their native instruments. It was one of the most “professional” performances I have ever heard. We gave the students a standing ovation. It was worth the long trip to China just to see these young musicians perform! I feel blessed to have had, through Kappa Delta Pi, the opportunity to have participated in this wonderful educational and enriching experience. Janette Rogers, KDP Society President, 2000–2002

Helping hold the plaque in this photo of a Columbia Teachers College event is Louisa Anne Oriente, past chapter president and longtime member of KDP for whom the Louisa Anne Oriente Scholarship was named.

Janice Huff, Kappa’s recognized Educator of the Year and keynote speaker, stands with Debra Blonder-Pshtissky at Kappa’s spring initiation on May 4, 2003. At the time Huff was a local weather forecaster and weekend meteorologist for NBC’s Today show who volunteered extensively in the community. Blonder-Pshtissky, a past member of the Board of Directors of the Kappa Chapter was initiated in 1990.

This year, the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter initiated 33 new faculty and students. We are excited that our chapter has grown since its inception last year. We hope to continue recognizing outstanding students and committing them to the mission of KDP! Barbara Hong Associate Professor of Special Education Penn State Altoona Celebrates its 2nd Annual Initiation Ceremony

In visiting a class of severely physically handicapped students, one student comes to mind. Johnny suffered from severe lack of mobility, was unable to speak, and wore a diaper. When I passed him, he followed my movement with his eyes so I greeted him with a smile and some kind words. He looked at me but was unable to give a physical or verbal reaction. At this time, my daughter worked at IBM, an innovative company regarding communication with computers. She talked about an experimental device with a headpiece and attached stylus that could spell out words on a keyboard. I excitedly took this to Johnny. After our usual silent greeting, I explained the “crown” to be put on his head and about the pointer and keyboard. I wasn’t sure if he understood, but I felt that he knew much more than anyone realized. To my excitement, he started pushing keys and spelled out these messages to me: “Hello! I am glad to see you when you come! I am sad most of the time because I AM A PRISONER IN MY BODY and no one knows what I have learned or what questions I would like to ask.” After that he wrote and wrote—answering questions and participating in group discussions. He was no longer a prisoner. Unfortunately, he passed away at 15 years old, but at least he had had a few years to become who he was and to share his thoughts with others. Blossom Nissman

I am a lifelong learner, and my education has come full circle—from graduating as high school valedictorian (Manchester 1975) to attaining a doctorate degree in education from Walden University (2010). Ann Weaver Early Intervention Program Teacher

I began teaching after graduating from Texas Tech University in 1976. All of my teaching years, thirty-four of them in three different states, have been in the field of special education. I went back to school in 2008 when my daughter was in college, and completed my master’s degree in cross-categorical special education. I am currently in a doctoral program in educational leadership/curriculum and instruction. One of my favorite stories comes from my years in Chicago. I taught a first grader named Sarah, along with some other really wonderful children. I was blessed to follow my students, so I taught this child for five years. Early in first grade, Sarah told me that her Auntie said that I was Sarah’s school “mama” when she was with me—her “teacher mama.”  Each year she drew me a picture of a boot inspired by the poem “The Old Woman in the Shoe.” She drew windows on the boot with students hanging out the windows. One window had an “old woman” inside. Sarah would point to the woman and say, “That’s you, my Teacher Mama.” Years later I wrote a poem called just that, “Teacher Mama.” I can’t think of a name that could ever make me more proud! Linda Lanier Special Education

REVIVING Sigma Tau Chapter It was 2003. I was in my third year of teaching in the Division of Education at Mount Saint Mary College. Back in Russia, I had been surrounded constantly by students and student-oriented activity. My American experience had so far lacked this enrichment. But that was about to change. The Vice President of the local KDP chapter, Julie Hahn, came to see me. Sent by the Division Chair, Lucy DiPaola, she asked me to become counselor of the Sigma Tau chapter of KDP. The fact that I was unaware of Kappa Delta Pi and had never heard anything about its happenings reflected the chapter's relative inactivity. Dr. DiPaola, who had started the chapter in 1993, sought someone to revive it. After learning more about KDP, I immediately saw the potential to collaborate with the best students in our program. Over a Russian dinner in my home, complete with ice-breaking activities, the officers built bonds and were motivated to revive the chapter. Eight years later, the chapter's membership and activities continue to grow; it has just won the ACE Award. KDP has connected me with wonderful people, talented educators, inspiring leaders, and most importantly, our finest student leaders. Ludmila Smirnova Professor of Education

KDPie In my first year of KDP membership, I was happy enough to serve as an officer for our Eta Zeta Chapter at Texas State University—San Marcos. Among other enjoyable activities, we hosted a faculty appreciation day. The education faculty at TSU were all back on campus one hot summer day for a professional development meeting, and we decided to say “thanks” with some treats. Our counselor, Nathan Bond, stopped at a local pie shop and picked up a few dozen of the best pies in central Texas, and we spent an hour that day serving pie and cookies to our great faculty. It was the first time I’d seen many of these professors outside of class or the halls of our department. I loved the chance to talk with them about the summer, the weather, and of course the pie. We could tell that the faculty loved it too—and not just the tasty treats. As we all know, teachers often don’t get the credit they deserve, and this certainly applies to university faculty. It was a small gesture, handing out dessert, but it really captured one of KDP’s most important goals: recognizing excellent educators. Sandy Pope

KDP members selected age appropraite children's books to Mrs. Boxly third grade classroom library. On hand to witness Lisa receiving her gift from KDP Gamma Lambda Chapter were her principal and co-team teacher. Maureen Simmons Recent Graduate Right - Dr. Martin, Co-Counselor Middle- Lisa, Member Left- Maureen Simmons, KDP President

The Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter has appointed their 2010 officers to take on the 100th year Founders' Day event. This is an energized group of brilliant and outstanding preservice teachers who are ready to lead the chapter to the next level! Congratulations! Barbara Hong Associate Professor of Special Education Penn State Altoona 2010 Officers