Dear readers,
Happy Sunday! We hope you enjoyed our first Presidential Spotlight — next up is Heidi Lynn Chapin, the president of Alpha Delta Pi! Heidi is from Houston, Texas and is a rising senior in AC ‘23 double majoring in Honors Government and Political Communication with a minor in Journalism and Media at UT. She leads her chapter of nearly 350 members and works with an executive board of 12 members. Keep reading to get to know Heidi Lynn!
Blog Editors: What else are you involved in at UT?
Heidi Lynn: I am a Texas Ambassador for the UT Office of Admissions, where I give tours to prospective students. I also teach Sunday School at St. Austin’s Catholic Church and am a part of Running Start, a nonprofit that promotes women in politics — this past fall, I even traveled to Iceland with them for a United Nations conference!
Blog Editors: What inspired you to serve as president in your chapter?
Heidi Lynn: I served as VP Panhellenic last year, and I have just loved ADPi — it’s my place on campus that made me feel super comfortable and at home. It has truly been the most defining part of my time at UT. I was inspired by the women around me who constantly challenged me to grow, and I really wanted to step up and serve the sisterhood that has given me so much.
Blog Editors: What goals do you have for your presidency, and what legacy do you want to leave on your chapter?
Heidi Lynn: My main goal is to lead with all of our core values and make sure that each sister feels empowered and motivated to do her best. I also really want to lead in faith, so I hope my legacy is continuing to build a community and sisterhood rooted in care and love.
Blog Editors: What’s the most rewarding thing that’s come out of your term?
Heidi Lynn: The most rewarding thing has been working with my executive board. Seeing them grow and work through challenges has been so fulfilling. My main job is to support all of the women on exec, and they have been so amazing — I think is our best board yet. Seeing how motivated and passionate they are is incredible and so rewarding to see all of their hard work pay off.
Blog Editors: How would you describe an ADPi in 3 words?
Heidi Lynn: Compassionate, Loyal, and Driven.
Blog Editors: What is your favorite tradition?
Heidi Lynn: My favorite ADPi tradition is anything that has to do with jumping in our pool. Our seniors do a senior splash after their final chapter meeting and it is so sweet because for most of them, it is the last time they will be in the house as a collegian. I also absolutely loved jumping in the pool after our final preference ceremony last year — even though I probably ruined my dress.
Blog Editors: What’s your “must-see” when you have visitors in Austin?
Heidi Lynn: I love walking people around the Capitol — I’m going to intern there, so it feels extra special getting to show them where I’ll work. And every time my parents are in town, we take a mandatory trip to Matt’s El Rancho.
Blog Editors: What is the best thing ADPi has given you?
Heidi Lynn: All of my friendships. The girls I have met in ADPi are like no other. They have shaped my experience at UT tremendously and I could not imagine my time here without them. My best friends challenge me to do better and be better. They have been the biggest support I could ask for.
Blog Editors: What is your favorite activity to do with your sorority sisters?
Heidi Lynn: I have loved living in the house with my sisters the past couple of years. It’s the little things, like tanning on the house deck an insane amount. Last fall, when Sabrina Capernter’s new album came out, we had a listening party on the deck and it was such a fun, silly moment.
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about UT?
Heidi Lynn: How quickly everything goes! I can’t believe I’m about to be a senior, and there’s so much I wish I had gotten involved with freshman year that I just don’t have time for now. I would tell freshmen to do a million things and get involved as much as possible!
Blog Editors: What’s one thing you wish you knew about recruitment as a PNM?
Heidi Lynn: That I didn’t have to have it all figured out. I really feel like God has a hand in everyone’s journey that day, and the right sorority can shape your experience at UT in the best way possible. I wish I hadn’t stressed myself out as much and had just gone with the flow a little more.
Blog Editors: Any general advice you have for girls on the fence about going Greek?
Heidi Lynn: Honestly, it can feel overwhelming at first — I was on the fence myself, and it felt like something out of reach. But it is the best way to gain a whole network of women who want to see you succeed, and the best path to service and leadership opportunities. Even just knowing you’ll see all your friends every Monday night at chapter is the best feeling. So even if it feels overwhelming, try it and see how it feels — it really can be the best choice.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Heidi Lynn as much as we did! Check back soon for the next edition of our Presidential Spotlight Series.
All my love,
Madi