Evelyn Peters Kyle 2020 Award Winner and Finalists
The Evelyn Peters Kyle Angel Award for Club Service is presented to an individual alumna who has served their alumnae club by performing those duties that often go unrecognized but serve to enhance the success of an alumnae club. With 2021 award nominations underway, we are highlighting the 2020 Evelyn Peters Kyle Award winner and finalists.
Winner: Kellee Casebeer, Oregon Gamma
In 2015, Kellee volunteered to lead the Southlake Area Alumnae Club’s literacy program, singlehandedly turning it into a year-round endeavor at Morningside Elementary. She expertly ran the Champions are Readers® program, garnering support from both club members and school staff. The relationships Kellee built with school staff allowed the club to help create and lead a Reading Carnival, which has now become an annual tradition. Kellee was also responsible for overseeing the Founders’ Day Committee and planning the club’s Founders’ Day celebrations. Her initiative and attention to detail created memorable events and a planning model which is still in use today.
Kellee previously served on Pi Beta Phi Foundation’s Emma Harper Turner Fund Committee and Undergraduate Scholarship Committee, and she currently serves as a member of the Development Committee. She shares much of her experience and knowledge with the Southlake club, demonstrating how their support contributes to the work of the Fraternity.
Finalist: Melinda Meyer Blankenship, Texas Alpha
Throughout her 23 years of membership, Melinda has served the Cypress Creek Northwest Houston Alumnae Club as Vice President Membership, Vice President Programming and President. Over the years, she regularly volunteered as a hostess or co-hostess and prioritized serving club members, providing transport service to meetings, food to sick members and even physical help to members whose houses flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Melinda is quick to step in when the club needs support, volunteering to operate the club’s Facebook page and write letters of recommendation.
Melinda is a gifted graphic artist and has shared her talent with the Cypress Creek club, including contributing to their annual yearbook directory, a bookcase donation to a local charity and event centerpieces. In 2020, she hosted a First Responder/Health Care Worker appreciation event in which she provided art materials for members to create more than 100 thank you notes.
Finalist: Linda Stayton Rivetto, Virginia Gamma
Linda has been an engaged member of the Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Alumnae Club for more than 40 years. She has held several positions, including Program Chair, Vice President and President, and she has demonstrated over the years that she can always be counted on to serve. From her two terms as President to sewing book bags, soliciting book donations or handcrafting teddy bears to distribute to local groups, Linda always gives generously of her time and talent.
In her first year as President of the Bloomfield Hills club, Linda instituted the club’s Program Planning Committee which selected the theme for the year and designed programs appealing to members’ interests. The next year, she expanded the number of committee members and launched a member interest survey to gather input on the club’s theme and programming. Although both initiatives have evolved other the years, they remain integral to the club.
Do you know an alumna who is essential to the success of your alumnae club? Nominate them for a Pi Phi Award! Nominations close February 15, 2022. The full list of awards is available here.
Published February 3, 2022