A Message From Your 2025 Student Body Presidential Candidate - McKenna Dowell

Dear Beta Psi,

Words cannot fully express my gratitude to all of you. Your unwavering love, support, and belief in me has shaped me into the woman I am today. The strength, confidence, and drive I carry with me are a reflection of the incredible impact this chapter has had on my life. I will forever be indebted to you all.

Sisterhood Round, Fall 2022. I sat across from a girl who asked, "Who do you want to be in 4 years?" I had no idea. It was my second week at a university that felt like a universe away from home. I had no idea what being in a sorority even entailed, nor what college life was like, since no one in my family had attended a university before. I sat there, thinking about the struggles generations before me faced—homelessness, health issues, and financial instability. My family has always been (and still is) my backbone; they are the reason I had the opportunity to be the first in my family to attend the university I had always dreamed of. I wanted to give back. I wanted to advocate for those who felt they were never worthy enough or capable of fulfilling their dreams. I responded quietly, almost as if I were convincing myself more than her: "My dream has always been to run for office, and I think I’d like to run for student body president one day." She looked me in the eyes and said, "If you want to be student body president, then you WILL be student body president." It was the first time I felt empowered, seen, and genuinely supported in chasing and achieving my ambitions.

As someone who rarely gets emotional, I cried leaving that day, praying that I would have the chance to be part of a chapter that puts others' goals and dreams at the forefront of its purpose. My prayers were answered on September 6, 2022, when I opened my bid day card with my two teammates who would become my sisters, best friends, and biggest role models—Maddy Phelps and Mary Kate Miesner.

To my Maddy—my twittle, my roomie, my best friend—thank you. Words can hardly express how fortunate I am that God made us teammates our freshman year. You always say that I saved you, but the truth is, you saved me. You’ve wiped tears from my eyes when I was down and jumped up and down screaming when I received good news. You are my soul-tie, my future bridesmaid, and the aunt to all my future kiddos. As we always say, “I loveses chyou.”

To my Sav, Ella, Kiley, Selena, and MK—thank you for being my role models since the moment I met you. You embody grace, selflessness, and everlasting love. Watching you all lead in both ADPi and on campus has inspired me to lead with the same heart. Without all of you, I wouldn't know what servant leadership truly looks like.

To my Gracie, Cami, Lizzy, Hadley, and Hailey—thank you for being the joy of my college days. I can’t recall a TV night, Spring break, or a moment when I haven’t laughed until my stomach hurt. You five have helped me embrace my authentic self and appreciate the little things in life.

To my Sarah and Maye—who are more like sisters than friends—thank you for being my rocks. You always listen to my endless rants and respond with love and support. You are my calm in the storm, my lifeline when I feel like I’m drowning, and the friends I always dreamed of.

To my 8 roommates—Sabrina, Stephanie, Mackenzee, Maddy, Brooke, Whitlee, Liv, and Saanjh—if I could live with you all for the rest of my life, I would sign a 60-year lease today. You’ve been the backbone of this year. From folding my laundry and making me dinner on tough days, to arranging a band to perform for my campaign—you never fail to amaze me with how committed you all are to supporting me and my endeavors. You’ve given me the true friendship I always dreamed of.

Looking back to my freshman self—a timid, shy, insecure girl with a heart for service—I know she would be amazed at who I have become and the people who have shaped me into the woman I am today. I could never have imagined women as incredible as the women of Beta Psi. They are selfless, genuine, passionate, determined, resilient, and, most of all, world changers. I accredit every opportunity I have had and every accomplishment I’ve achieved to the confidence, security, and assurance that these women have instilled in me since the moment I walked through the baby blue door at 476 Rose Street.

Words cannot express my gratitude for this chapter and the women who make it remarkable. ADPi has been transformative to my college career. Without the women of this chapter, I would not have the confidence to run for Student Body President—a dream I’ve held since my first day as a Beta Psi. I cherish every moment I have spent as a member of ADPi and cannot imagine my life without it. Thank you, Beta Psi, for everything.

Loyally, McKenna R. Dowell