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Personal Reflection/Anecdote

Karen Kinney is KK: When you started teaching, did you know any other female high school
a retired elementary
teacher who lives in band teachers?
Markle, Indiana. She KR: Yes, I found one other older woman, Reba Geist, in the county who taught
became a member of music and band. She engaged me to give private music lessons to some of her
Alpha Zeta Chapter members.
in Indiana State
Organization in 2014. KK: How many years did you teach?
kkinney@myfrontiermail.
com KR: I actually taught only 13 years in the classroom but taught private music
lessons for another 15 years. I had planned to go back to the classroom after my
daughter was born, but we started a business venture and my parents in Ohio
needed help.

KK: What are your memories of your early years in DKG?
KR: When I joined Alpha Zeta Chapter, you needed to teach for 5 years before you
were eligible to join. Because I had just married, I didn’t think that I should spend
the money to join. One day, I saw Bernice Carver, who was the chapter president,
in a dime store, and she convinced me that I should join the organization.
Being a member from the early organization of our chapter, I had the privilege
of knowing and working on various committees with some of our charter members.
I served on the music committee for many years. The program booklet was done
by the second vice president, and I had that duty for 2 years. One year I was on the
finance committee. I remember chairing World Fellowship one time, and we raised
money by each bringing an ornament for a Christmas tree and having a silent
auction. I think working on various committees gives you a better understanding of

The cover of Bulletin the function of the entire organization.
issue 23-2 from 1957, the
year Kathaleen Tigner KK: How has being a member of DKG impacted your life?
Reese joined DKG KR: Being an active member of Alpha Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma
for 65 years has impacted my life in numerous ways. I have
always considered it an honor and privilege to belong to an
organization that promotes professional and personal growth of
women educators.
Our excellent programs provided the means to stimulate
my mind, challenge me to serve on the various committees,
and live up to the ideals set forth in DKG. Music, being my
vocation, allowed me to bring inspiration and joy to our group
through music at all of our meetings.
Attending workshops, conferences, and especially the
international convention in Chicago made me proud to be a
member of DKG and instilled in me to further the work and be
a part of this great organization of women educators. What a
great privilege and inspiration it was to actually know and work
with several of our charter members of Alpha Zeta Chapter.
The relationships, love, care, and support I have received
from my Alpha Zeta Chapter sisters through the years has
touched my heart and will remain a part of my life forever. I
have never entertained the thought of dropping out or even

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