Phoenix Award & Chapter Stories

At the start of the year, Ashland University’s Kappa Nu Chapter was running on empty with just six members. Fast forward a few months, and the chapter is thriving with 20 active students, a packed calendar of events, and major recognition across campus.

Members built momentum with creative events like a Valentine’s “Bracelets, Hugs & Kisses” fundraiser and a popcorn-bar recruitment night that drew in future teachers. They teamed up with Aspiring Educators to run a holiday service project that collected donations and sent handwritten notes to military families—an effort that won Ashland University’s 2025 Service Project of the Year. They also reached 500 kids with a balloon-powered car race at a STEAM day and surprised every single teacher in the district with a gift bag for Teacher Appreciation Week.

What started as a struggling chapter turned into a student-powered movement that brought energy, service, and celebration back to campus. Kappa Nu showed how quickly a chapter can rise when students lead with heart and creativity, making them a standout Phoenix Award winner.

In just their first year, Auburn University’s Alpha Phi Chapter hit the ground running with energy and purpose. They built a close community by starting meetings with fun activities like KDP Bingo and personal nameplate painting, making it easy for members from different majors and class years to connect. They also made sure everyone knew how to take advantage of KDP benefits, from study resources like 240 Tutoring to national opportunities for growth.

The chapter quickly made an impact on campus and in local schools. Their Care Closet Drive brought in clothing, toiletries, and supplies for a partner school, and members even organized the donation space to make it more useful for staff and students. On the professional side, the POWERFUL Teaching series gave preservice teachers hands-on support with the Science of Reading, helping them feel more confident about teaching literacy—especially for multilingual learners and students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Looking ahead, Alpha Phi Chapter is dreaming bigger. They plan to expand the Care Closet project to more schools and add more social events so members can connect even more. They’ve already shown what a strong, supportive KDP chapter can do in just one year—and they’re just getting started.

The Chi Beta Chapter at Chapman University is living proof that a small spark can reignite into something powerful. Just a few years ago, the chapter was working to rebuild after losing momentum during the pandemic. This year, their leaders and members transformed Chi Beta into a thriving, welcoming community of 47 active members.

From hosting s’mores nights and bonding after meetings to diving into service projects like reading with kids at Higher Ground Orange County, Chi Beta found ways to make KDP feel like home. They launched a points system to encourage involvement, celebrated teaching with school supply baskets for local educators, and created space for every member to contribute in their own way. Faculty seminars, officer mentoring, and shout-outs on Instagram all added to the energy.

With new leadership positions, stronger connections to their college, and nearly all members returning next year, Chi Beta is soaring. Their story is about resilience, teamwork, and building a chapter where students support each other—and where the future of teaching feels bright.

The Zeta Chapter at the University of Cincinnati came back in a big way this year. What started with just five members turned into a packed room of 33 by spring. From handing out flyers and showing up at campus events to bringing friends along, their hustle paid off—26 new members joined in one year!

They didn’t just grow in numbers, though. Members jumped into service by teaming up with Crayons to Computers Cincinnati, collecting more than 300 school supplies for local teachers and kids. Their spring initiation was a highlight, welcoming 16 new members with crafts, laughter, and plenty of time to connect.

And the best part? They’re building something that lasts. Leaders set up a shared resource drive, created small check-in groups for members, and are even planning to bring alumni back for mentoring panels. The energy, creativity, and teamwork in Zeta Chapter make it clear why they earned the Phoenix Award.

Talk about a phoenix rising from the ashes! The Alpha Zeta Alpha Chapter at Averett University has staged an epic comeback that’ll make you believe in the power of determination and teamwork.

From Zero to Hero

Imagine this: Fall 2023 rolls around, and the chapter finds itself with zero members. Yep, you read that right. But did they throw in the towel? No way! Instead, they kicked off a rejuvenation plan that would make even the most ambitious startup jealous.

Explosive Growth

In just one academic year, Alpha Zeta Alpha:

• Recruited and inducted 12 new members
• Established a rock-solid leadership team of 4 officers
• Sparked interest in 6 more potential members

Events That Pack a Punch

These go-getters didn’t just rebuild their numbers; they created a buzzing hive of activity:

• Hosted a week-long “Sweets Week” fundraiser that had the whole campus craving more
• Spread joy with their “Angel Tree Initiative,” bringing smiles to local children
• Crafted inspiring care packages for student teachers (because who doesn’t need a pick-me-up during their teaching practice?)
• Launched a campus-wide “Teacher Appreciation Initiative” that had students flooding prior educators with gratitude

Professional Development with Pizzazz

Alpha Zeta Alpha didn’t just focus on fun; they got down to business too:

• Organized a killer professional development workshop on job searches, resumes, and interview skills
• Celebrated members’ successes with two grand “Celebration of Success” events

Community Impact That Matters

These future educators showed they’ve got hearts of gold:

• Honored a beloved faculty member with a touching memorial presentation
• Used creative fundraisers like a “Friendship Bracelet” sale and “Pitching Contest” to fuel their service projects

The Secret Sauce?

What made this incredible turnaround possible? A perfect blend of:

• Passionate student leadership
• Unwavering support from advisors
• A commitment to making every event both meaningful and fun

Alpha Zeta Alpha has shown that with vision, hard work, and a sprinkle of creativity, any chapter can transform itself into a powerhouse of impact and engagement. Who’s ready to follow in their footsteps and write their own comeback story?

The Eta Tau Chapter at the University of Lynchburg has risen from the ashes like a true phoenix! In just one academic year, this once-dormant chapter transformed into a vibrant hub of activity for future educators.

Under the leadership of new faculty advisors and an energetic student officer board, Eta Tau went from having only 5 members to boasting 22 active participants. They didn’t just grow in numbers—they erupted with enthusiasm and innovation!

The chapter launched a full rebrand, complete with custom t-shirts and a social media presence that keeps members connected and engaged. They’ve taken over the College of Education’s TV screens with “Meet Your Officer” spotlights and enthusiastically shared the KDP message in classrooms across campus.

But it’s not all about looking good—Eta Tau is doing good too! They’ve embraced fundraising with creative flair, from supporting a major literacy event with renowned author Jan Brett to selling handmade jewelry at a local rodeo. These efforts raised over $600 to support local schools and students in need.

The chapter is also focusing on professional development, hosting events like “Sips with Student Teachers” to help ease anxieties about entering the field. They’re not just preparing teachers; they’re building a community of educators ready to make a difference.

With plans to adopt a local elementary school, expand their reach across campus, and continue growing their impactful programs, Eta Tau is setting the bar high for what a KDP chapter can achieve. They’ve proven that with passion, creativity, and teamwork, any chapter can rise to new heights!

Talk about a comeback story! The Lambda Zeta Chapter at West Virginia State University has truly embodied the spirit of the Phoenix, rising from near extinction to become a vibrant, student-centered powerhouse in just one semester.

Facing a “permanent hiatus” in early 2024, this determined group of future educators refused to let their chapter fade away. With fresh leadership and a renewed sense of purpose, Lambda Zeta members rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They modernized operations, created interactive meetings, and launched creative initiatives like their annual chapter periodical.

The results? Membership skyrocketed, engagement soared, and the chapter’s impact on campus multiplied. From hosting a wildly successful hot dog fundraiser (complete with mouthwatering Appalachian-style slaw dogs!) to supporting their local community at the Salvation Army, Lambda Zeta proved that when passionate students come together, anything is possible.

Some key highlights of their transformation:

• Membership grew from just 3 active members to over 20 in one semester.
• Launched new committees to give every member a sense of purpose.
• Created a Google Classroom to enhance communication and collaboration.
• Established an annual publication to connect with alumni and celebrate chapter history.
• Partnered with local schools to bring STEM education to middle schoolers.

The Lambda Zeta chapter’s journey shows that with dedication, teamwork, and a little creativity, any KDP chapter can reinvent itself and make a lasting impact on campus and beyond. Way to go, Lambda Zeta—you’re an inspiration to KDP chapters everywhere!