Vassallo: It’s Great to Have Alpha Delta Pi Back!

Alpha Delta Pi house, photo by Joey Brent

Stacy Bruton has multiple reasons to love her job. The former ADPi at Ole Miss is now directing the sorority at the international level as its President. HottyToddy.com visited with Stacy recently at her home in New Orleans.

HottyToddy.com: It was great to see the sorority’s presence return to the Ole Miss campus. What led to this happening?

Stacy Bruton, courtesy

Stacy Bruton: The Ole Miss Panhellenic decided that its sorority community would benefit from the addition of another group. Alpha Delta Pi participated in a competitive process to open a chapter, and we are THRILLED that we were selected to become part of the Greek community at Ole Miss.

HottyToddy.com: ADPi enjoyed a lengthy history here previously. When did the sorority actually depart from campus?

Stacy Bruton: Our chapter went dormant at the end of the 1994-1995 school year.

HottyToddy.com: The new house is simply beautiful. How many ladies (actives) can be housed there?

Stacy Bruton: Our new home is wonderful. It sleeps 64 sisters. Mike Hug with Hug & Associates designed the house and it was built by Genoa Construction Company. We are very proud of it and love having a place to call home.

HottyToddy.com: The location is interesting as you are now on Rebel Drive. Were there options for the location?

Stacy Bruton: The University offered us a choice of lots on Rebel Drive. The lot selected was well suited for our house design. It is a great location..

HottyToddy.com: It appears the sorority has hit the ground running. Your thoughts.

Stacy Bruton: We are very proud of what the chapter has accomplished in a short amount of time. Our members have embraced ADPi sisterhood, what it means to be an ADPi, and what it means to be a Panhellenic woman at Ole Miss. They are actively involved in campus organizations, have held leadership positions on campus, and have participated in many community service projects. The chapter is off to a great start.

HottyToddy.com: The house is not only beautiful, but quite large. What was the cost to build and how is this compensated?

Photo by Joey Brent

Stacy Bruton: The house represents a $6,000,000.00 investment. We funded the project with donations from ADPi alumnae, friends of ADPi, and a partnership with BancorpSouth.

HottyToddy.com: Greek life at Ole Miss appears stronger than ever. Was this a factor in your decision to regroup here?

Stacy Bruton: Absolutely. Ole Miss has a strong and vibrant Greek community that is well supported by the university administration. Alpha Delta Pi definitely wanted to be a part of the such a system and the great things happening at Ole Miss.

HottyToddy.com: We were pleasantly surprised to learn that you are an Ole Miss Rebel. This project had to be a labor of love!

Stacy Bruton: Learning that ADPi had been selected to colonize at Ole Miss was certainly a highlight of my year. It is always fulfilling to open a new chapter, and particularly so when it involves the reopening of a chapter. > Dozens and dozens of ADPis worked diligently on the project to recolonize this chapter. For all of them, including myself it was a labor of love.

HottyToddy.com: When were you at Ole Miss and how did your career path lead you to your present position?

Stacy Bruton: I was a collegian from 1974-1978. I am a lawyer, and about 20 years ago our chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi invited me to present an educational program on risk management to the chapter which I did. That interaction with collegiate women kindled in me a desire to engage in more activities with ADPi collegians. I have volunteered for ADPi ever since then.

HottyToddy.com: Recolonizing a sorority has got to have its challenges. What were your greatest hurdles?

Stacy Bruton: Starting such a large chapter presented a number of logistical challenges: large spaces to hold events, storage space for all the necessary “things,” e.g. marketing materials and t-shirts, and event planning for hundreds. However, we were welcomed with open arms and an unparalleled level of support from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Ole Miss Panhellenic and other Greek groups..

Photo by Joey Brent

HottyToddy.com: Please tell our readers about Alpha Delta Pi internationally. How many chapters are there?

Stacy Bruton: Alpha Delta Pi is the oldest secret society in the world for women. Established in 1851 at Weslyean Female College in Macon, Geogia, Alpha Delta Pi is committed to sisterhood, values and ethics, high academic standards, and social responsibility. We currently have 155 active chapters. With our return to LSU in Fall 2016, we will be on every SEC campus.

HottyToddy.com: What was your greatest memory from the sorority while at Ole Miss?

Stacy Bruton: I don’t have a single “greatest memory.” I tell everyone that my collegiate experience, both as an ADPi and as an Ole Miss student, was the greatest than anyone could ever have had. I remember an overwhelming sense of sisterhood and feeling at home. It was a fabulous four years!

HottyToddy.com: How often are you able to come back to Oxford?

Stacy Bruton: Not often enough, but now that the chapter is open I get back more often. I have been fortunate to be on campus four times since July, and I look forward to going back soon.

HottyToddy.com: For parents of future actives reading this, what is the number one takeaway (in your opinion) from belonging to a sorority?

Stacy Bruton: Sorority membership provides women with valuable skills and opportunities they can use throughout their lives in all aspects of their lives. Sororities teach and foster conversation skills, leadership development, educational workshops on relevant topics, the importance of striving for excellence in all you do,networking with sisters throughout the country, and life-long friendships.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.

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