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LEGACY | Kay Durden 1950-2010Remembering KayA Tribute to Dr. Kay Durden -- a PCT Leader, Mentor and FriendIn December 2010, Phi Chi Theta lost an amazingwoman, a dedicated member, a mentor and a friendto a myriad of students, fellow members and faculty.Dr. Kay Durden, professor emeritus of informationsystems, was actively involved in Phi Chi Theta andthe University of Tennessee family for over 50 years.In 2008, she retired from the University of Tennesseeat Martin. Kay was an animated teacher, advisor, mentorand friend who set high standards and expectationsand who always encouraged those aroundher to do their best. As a Phi Chi Thetamember, Kay joined the Beta Chichapter at UT Martin and aftergraduation, remained activelyinvolved in the Martin AlumniChapter. In addition, Kayserved in many local and nationalpositions, includingNational VP of Internal Affairsand National President.In 1992, I had the privilegeof meeting Kay at the NationalMeeting in Atlanta, where I waselected Central-Western RegionalDirector. From the minute I metKay, I thought she was a neat and wonderfullady. We quickly became friends and I instantlyrealized she would always be one of my supporters.At the meeting, Kay was elected National Vice Presidentof Internal Affairs, which meant she would bethe direct liaison to all the regional directors. Eachtime I ran into a road block or had something to celebrate,I would call Kay. She was always there with asmile on her face and words of encouragement for meand every Phi Chi Theta member who sought her out.In 1995, Kay was elected National President at the NationalMeeting in Dallas and served in that positionuntil 2000. Being National President of Phi Chi Thetafor five years definitely shows the dedication Kay hadfor her beloved fraternity! She was one ofthe most dedicated members to PhiChi Theta that I have ever known.During her last year as NationalPresident, Kay was diagnosedwith breast cancer. She foughtbreast cancer, or “the beast,”as she called it, with totalclass. Kay never let cancerget her down and in fact, sherelied on her amazing senseof humor to wage her battleagainst cancer. If you were talkingto Kay and she forgot something,she would always blame iton her “chemo brain.” She never let thecancer get in the way of her work, Phi ChiTheta or her family. At the 2000 National Meeting inNashville, Kay was honored with a travel gift certificatefrom her Phi Chi Theta brothers and sisters to honor herfor her dedication to our fraternity and for her courageousbattle with cancer. Additionally, she was awardedthe Naomi L. Satterfield Alumni Achievement Award.In 2000, I became National President and was honoredto continue working with Kay in her position as ImmediatePast National President. Kay was always there forme and was a mentor during my tenure as National Presidentand again during my time as Past National President.My most challenging year as a national officer wasduring my term as Immediate Past National President.Even though Kay was no longer serving on a nationallevel, she was always a phone call away. She never turnedme away when I needed advice and was always there withwords of encouragement to tell me what a great job I wasdoing as a national officer. Although Kay was no longerserving on the national level, she remained extremelyactive in many capacities. She graciously served for fouryears as the Chairperson of the By-Laws Committee.he Phi Chi Theta Educational Foundation ishonored to announce that a memorial fund hasbeen established in memory of Dr. Kay Durdenfor her many years of support and service as a leader,teacher, mentor and friend to many students, membersand faculty in Phi Chi Theta Fraternity and the Universityof Tennessee community. The Board is pleasedto be able to honor this remarkable woman, who hasmade significant contributions and an impact on a myriadof members including alumnae, students and businessprofessionals who she has touched over the years.The Foundation is raising funds now so that theycan begin awarding scholarships from this from memorialfund at the 2012 National Chapter Meeting.Make your pledge today Memorial ScholarshipIn August of 2010, unfortunately I received an emailfrom Kay just prior to the National Meeting in Orlando.Kay told me that she wasn’t feeling well andwould not be attending the meeting, but to give everyoneher love and to please send her photos. Evenwhile Kay was sick, she had Phi Chi Theta on hermind and worried about us. This was the first nationalmeeting that Kay had missed in many years.In October of 2010, we learned, with much sadness,that Kay had been diagnosed with stomach cancer.As I look back at all my Phi Chi Theta scrapbooks, Ithink of all the great times I had with Phi Chi Theta,especially with Kay. She was a wonderful, kind and aloving friend who will be missed dearly. Kay was notonly a Phi Chi Theta Sister, but she was a true friendto me and I am extremely honored to have servedon the Phi Chi Theta board with her for 14 years.Kay, I want to thank you for all your love, compassion andsupport for me and our Phi Chi Theta family. Your guidanceand care will never be forgotten. You will be missedby all of your Phi Chi Theta brothers and sisters and by everyonewhose life you have touched. God Bless you, Kay.Kim Gary, Alpha Nu, is a Life Member of Phi Chi Thetaand has been involved in Phi Chi Theta at the local,regional and national level for almost 20 years, includingserving as National President (2000-2002). Gary isa Senior Agency Field Specialist with State Farm in Dallas,TX. She can be reached at kimgary@gmail.com.Fund by going to www.phichitheta.org and donateunder the Educational Foundation tab. You can alsouse your credit card to make a secure 100% tax-deductibleonline donation through JustGive at www.justgive.org/nonprofits/donate.jsp?ein=31-1672618.Your contribution to the Dr. Kay Durden MemorialFund will ensure that her spirit, dedicationand impact that Kay made to Phi Chi Thetaand its members will never be forgotten.89