Name: Katie Gennusa aka “KG”
Year: Junior
Hometown: Port Washington, Long Island
Major: Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Business Administration
Katie, far right, with her sorority sisters
Junior Katie Gennusa became a part of Kappa Delta Sorority the fall of her freshman year. During her first year as a KD, she was selected to be Formal Chair Assistant of her chapter. Her sophomore year, she was chosen to be the Vice President of Community Service, where she essentially planned all of her chapter’s philanthropic events. This year, now a junior at Sacred Heart University, she has been elected President of Kappa Delta Sorority. As a friend who has watched how hard Katie has worked to reach this point, I could not be happier to write this article. Her achievements deserve to be recognized and, better yet, honored!
Q&A:
CO: Let me just start out by saying congratulations on being elected PRESIDENT of Kappa Delta Sorority! This is an incredible accomplishment. How has the transition from Vice President of Community Service to President been thus far? Have there been any major challenges that you’ve found difficult to conquer?
KG: It’s been the most unbelievable and crazy transformation. I have already learned so much about myself and leading others. I honestly still think of myself as a little freshman in Kappa Delta, so it’s totally surreal to be here! Ever since becoming a part of council last year, I have grown so much as a person, and I am so happy to be where I am today. I am lucky to have learned from Gina and Rochelle prior to me, and I am so thankful that Gina is still here to support me as I begin my first ever term as the President of Kappa Delta Sorority. She has guided me throughout the transition process and has been a huge influence on me. Being elected President of Kappa Delta was honestly a dream come true and a blessing. Kappa Delta has given me so much over the past three years here at Sacred Heart that giving back to my sisters, as well as the organization nationally, is the most incredible opportunity. Working together as a team with over one hundred girls is the most amazing experience so far, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store. As for challenges, I would say maintaining a balance between being a friend and being a leader has been the most difficult to conquer.
CO: I am sure your sisters are so proud of you. Keep up the good work! Now, it’s almost February, which means March is on the way, which means ShamRock The Runway is just around the corner! Tell us a little about the event and how it supports your chapter’s philanthropy.
KG: ShamROCK the Runway is my favorite event of the year (and I am not just saying that because I planned it last year!). ShamROCK The Runway is a fashion show hosted here at Sacred Heart University every March in the Edgerton Theater. At ShamROCK, students from Sacred Heart participate in the fashion show as models. Those who come to watch pay five dollars for the opportunity to watch their friends walk down the runway, strutting their stuff to great music played by a student DJ. The fashion show consists of three categories: casual wear, swimwear, and formal wear. Local stores such as LF, Alexander’s Tux, and Swim ‘n Surf, all donate clothes for students to wear during the show. The show is a fundraiser to support one of our main philanthropies, Prevent Child Abuse America. Eighty percent of the proceeds from the fashion show and any donations we have collected prior to the show are given back locally to the Center for Family Justice in Fairfield, Connecticut. The remaining twenty percent is given back nationally to Prevent Child Abuse America. It’s really cool because each Kappa Delta chapter nationwide hosts a different event to support the same cause. At SHU, our tradition is the fashion show. The show never ceases to amaze– it seems to become an even bigger success each year. ShamROCK the Runway is really a great way to get Sacred Heart University and surrounding communities involved in a fun way– all while raising money and awareness for Prevent Child Abuse America!
CO: Agreed! I’m excited for the show myself– and it’s such a great cause! Needless to say, with the event quickly approaching along with taking on new responsibilities as chapter president, you must have a lot on your plate this semester. However, though it’s hard to believe, I know Kappa Delta isn’t the only organization you are involved in on Campus. What else are you involved in this semester?
KG: In addition to KD, I am a member of the Public Relations Club and the Fashion Club here at SHU. I am also a writer for Her Campus Sacred Heart. I have an internship with a marketing company in Westport where I work at least twelve hours a week as well. With my internship, course load, and campus involvement, I must say my days are usually pretty booked. You will normally see me running around campus on my phone– frequently stressed out! I never thought I was a procrastinator but, looking back now, I must have been my freshman and sophomore year! Now that I’m super busy, I am constantly keeping on top of my work.
CO: It’s amazing that you’re able to be so involved on campus while staying on top of your studies. How do you manage your time so well? Please share some tips!
KG: I am an avid “to-do” list writer. I am constantly making to-do lists and checking off each item listed as soon as it’s completed. I usually make one in the morning and one at night. My planner is also my life. I write all of my homework and upcoming events in my planner. Furthermore, I use a big calendar that rests across my desk. I also go to bed pretty early. Getting a good night’s sleep (I try for 8 hours) definitely helps me with everything I need to get done the following day. I would rather wake up early to finish everything as opposed to staying up late and finishing it. I do always like to have a plan and a schedule, so this definitely works best for me by helping me stay on top of everything!
CO: I think everyone reading this is taking notes. You are so driven! What are your plans for after graduation?
KG: This is definitely tough. I am not sure yet what exactly I want to do after I graduate because I honestly know that I could be happy doing a lot of things. I know that I need human interaction and a job that does not entail sitting at a desk behind a computer all day. Ultimately, a job that entails helping others would be ideal. That being said, I hope to work for a company or business that I am passionate about or even open my own business.
CO: You’re only twenty years old. There’s no rush! Now, tell us a little bit about you! What are your hobbies/interests outside of school?
KG: I started SoulCyle this summer, and I am disgustingly addicted. It’s sadly my obsession, and I hope to one day be able to take at least one or two classes a day, EVERY day. Other than Soul, I love being with my friends and family. The summer is my favorite time of the year. I live on the water so I generally do a lot of activities based around that such as going to the beach, reading at the docks, taking walks around town along the water, and so on. I enjoy going to the Hamptons, Montauk, and Fire Island during the summer. I am from Long Island so these are all really fun trips that make for great adventures with friends and family!
Kappa Delta Sorority, Recruitment Weekend 2014
Congratulations, KG! Your friends, family, and sisters are all very proud of you. We cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish as the new President of Kappa Delta Sorority here at Sacred Heart University.