MARY CLAIRE REYNOLDS
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
MEET MARY CLAIRE REYNOLDS
Home chapter – Mu Delta @ Western Michigan University
Initiation period – Spring 2011
Graduation date – May 2014
Major or study concentration – Music Education
Main Instrument – Clarinet
Current profession – Director of Bands @ Beal City Public Schools
Current city – Mt. Pleasant, MI
Why did you join KKPsi or what drew you KKPsi? - “When I entered college as a freshmen in the Bronco Marching Band, I immediately felt welcomed by the environment and atmosphere. I think most individuals who come across this spotlight will understand the incredible and indescribable connections you create in college marching band, and among this uplifting group of people, I found the Brothers standing out above the rest. In the Brothers I met before taking my own membership journey, I found kindness, friendship, and a willingness to help. I realized that if I wanted to get the most out of my collegiate experience, that I should do my best to surround myself with those people. I wanted to be like them.”
What positions or responsibilities did you hold in your chapter? - “I served the Mu Delta chapter in many capacities, including spending 4 years on the Membership Education committee. Positions I have held include Assistant Membership Educator, Music Director, Recording Secretary, Relations Officer, 2014 District Convention Delegate, and Vice President for Membership. I thoroughly enjoyed serving in a variety of ways throughout my time in the chapter, but the positions I loved most were my time as the Relations Officer and Vice President for Membership. As Relations Officer, I grew a passion for traveling the district, meeting new Brothers, and shared that passion with my chapter. As Vice President for Membership, I taught the 12 members of the Iota class the ways of the Fraternity, and shared in their eagerness to serve and strive.”
Name a favorite memory from your Active membership. - “My favorite memory from my Active membership would absolutely have to be the 2014 NCD Convention in Dayton. I served the Mu Delta chapter as delegate, gained more insight on the workings of our Fraternity on a larger level, and learned from other chapters and Brothers. This convention came at the end of my year serving as Relations Officer, in which I had encouraged my chapter to engage in district travel more than they had in several years; we were even strong contenders for the Golden Gas Can! Furthermore, at this convention I was chosen as a Student Conductor for the District Reading Band and was thrilled to conduct the ensemble through "Kentucky 1800" after receiving valuable one-on-one feedback from Dr. Richard Suk. This opportunity really ignited my passion for conducting, am I am still participating in experiences of this nature today.”
How has KKPsi helped you in the "real world"? (professionally or personally, or both) - “My time in Kappa Kappa Psi has helped me both professionally and personally. As I mentioned before, the Fraternity has given me ample opportunities to hone my craft in a manner that benefits my professional life, and has provided me numerous networking opportunities. Furthermore, being a Brother of Kappa Kappa Psi has helped me become the best version of myself. Learning the ideals of the Fraternity, serving in a variety of leadership positions, and working with other Brothers helped me become the person I need to be for my students. For me, being a Brother was not always easy. When I was younger, I struggled to see the bigger picture, and how I fit into the chapter dynamic. There were times that I questioned my worthiness, but my Brothers were always there to help me be strong. I experienced a great deal of personal growth in college that I attribute to my time and service in Kappa Kappa Psi.”
Name one thing you want to get out of the NCDAA. - “I would really love to make more connections with alumni brothers. During my Active years, I did not branch out and meet Brothers from other chapters until I was nearing the end of my college career, but those were some of my best times as an Active, and they brought me closer to my own chapter as well. I believe I'm not alone among alum when I say that life after college can be lonely and isolating if you let it. Having this avenue to reach out and meet others that share my interests will be invaluable for my personal and professional life.”
What are you most looking forward to as a member of the NCDAA? - “I am looking forward to being able to continue to serve in any capacity I can. Being an Active collegiate member was so inspiring, and I hope to continue to be energized by the organization by communicating with other alum and attending programming. I find that I am a better educator when I engage in things outside of school that excite me. I'm thrilled that I have the opportunity to still be involved with the Fraternity that afforded me so many opportunities and experiences.”
Name any of your personal social media accounts that you would like people to connect with you. - “Anyone is welcome to add me on Facebook, Twitter: @MsReynoldsBC, Instagram: mcreyn76, or Snapchat: murclurr.”
Name any other contact information that you are willing to share.
“If anyone needs any assistance to how to brand themselves professionally, how you can use KKPsi in any job market/resume, assistance with budgeting and finance, or resume work, I can help!”
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