Alpha Delta Pi

Hey everyone!

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My name is Megan Newkirk! I am honored to serve as Alpha Delta Pi’s chapter president and equally as honored to introduce you to the chapter that feels like home to me. This chapter and the greater Panhellenic community have been the core of my college experience, and I can’t wait to share a glimpse of what made it so special to me. 

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Growing up as a military child (go Navy!), I had to learn to be adaptable to any new situation but never really had a solid friend group that shaped my childhood and high school years. When I had the opportunity to come to college, I knew that finding a support system and a community was extremely important to me to finally have that opportunity to truly belong. While going through recruitment, my conversations at Alpha Delta Pi felt genuine and warm, and each sister I talked to made me feel welcomed and comfortable, which is how I realized that ADPi would be my home for the next 4 years. What I didn’t know was how much that decision would shape my college experience. From late night study sessions at the Pi house with sisters in my classes, to cheering me on during my highs and crying with me during my lows, to serving our philanthropy together, my sisters have been a consistently incredible presence and created the support system that I always dreamed of growing up.

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Serving our philanthropy, the Ronald McDonald House (RMH), has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my ADPi experience. With biweekly trips to the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Ventura, collecting pop tabs to donate to the organization, and coaching teams in our Diamond Series Wiffleball tournament, I feel more connected to our philanthropy and it makes my heart so full to know that we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves. Hearing other sisters’ personal connections with RMH makes contributing to our philanthropy even more meaningful, and motivates me to continue our dedication to positioning it as a central pillar of Alpha Delta Pi. 

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Another core aspect of my ADPi experience has been the opportunity for me to grow in leadership and confidence. With over 40 officer positions in ADPi, it was easy to assume a role beginning in my first year as the Panhellenic Relations Specialist and slowly assume responsibility in an incredibly supportive environment. With so many leadership roles, there is an opportunity for everyone to thrive in their chosen interests, whether that be social media, mental wellness, event planning, philanthropy, or even accounting and finance–all areas where you can gain valuable experience to grow in confidence and leadership qualities.

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Those skills will absolutely serve me well beyond college, but what I am most proud of is the environment that envelops each ADPi member. This community ensures people feel safe, heard, and truly supported. In a chapter of over 240 members, I’ve never felt like just a number. I’ve always felt like I mattered; and that, to me, is the heart of Alpha Delta Pi- it’s not about being perfect, it’s about being real, being supportive, and growing together.

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If you end up going through recruitment this year, I hope you find the feeling I felt after leaving Alpha Delta Pi for the first time. I hope you find the place that makes you feel like home. ​

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With love and loyalty,
Megan Newkirk

President, Alpha Delta Pi – Gamma Xi Chapter
president.adpiucsb@gmail.com