The Cambridge Dictionary defines a “doer” as “someone who gets actively involved in something, rather than just thinking or talking about it.” This description perfectly sums up senior Kaitlyn Halamicek of St. Louis.
Halamicek is the recipient of Kappa Alpha Theta’s highest honor: the Founders Memorial Scholarship, named after one of four Theta founders, Bettie Tipton Lindsey. Lindsey is referred to as “The Doer” for the help she offered others and the barriers she broke during her lifetime in the mid- to late 1800s.
Halamicek’s packed do-ing schedule consists of an extremely long list of leadership positions: grand marshal of Skulls of Seven, president of the Alpha Chi Honor Society, captain of the women’s soccer team, a vice president of Kappa Alpha Theta and vice president-external affairs of Student Ambassadors.
She also serves on the Blue Blazers Investment Committee and is a member of the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society and Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society.
Westminster recently caught up with Halamicek when she was doing just a little less than usual. Read the conversation below.
Would you describe yourself as a “doer”?
Yes, I would consider myself a “doer.” Throughout my time at Westminster, I’ve taken on many leadership roles on campus and within my sorority, and each one has pushed me to step up and give my best. I’ve always been excited to get involved, to help out where I’m needed and to do what I can to make each group a little better than it was before. To me, the “doer” title of my scholarship reflects the work I’ve put in and the motivation I’ll carry with me even after I leave Westminster College.
What was your reaction when you learned you were selected for the competitive scholarship?
I was in shock. I felt extremely honored to have been a recipient of this competitive scholarship, especially since it was open to all Theta women in the nation.
This scholarship means so much to me and my family. It has relieved significant financial burdens for me, allowing me to focus on my academics, my sport and my other campus activities. I am forever thankful for Kappa Alpha Theta and their commitment to their Thetas.
How did others react to you receiving the scholarship?
After my scholarship was posted on social media, Anna Koestner from the Class of 2022, who also wrote my letter of recommendation, reached out to me with so much excitement, because she had also received the same scholarship when she was a rising junior at Westminster. This was a full-circle moment and also made me excited to have accomplished something so great.
What is your major and minor?
I am majoring in psychology and mathematical data science with a certificate in human development and family studies.
What are your future plans?
My future plan is to attend graduate school for developmental psychology or human development and family studies. I am hoping to one day become a researcher and eventually a professor!
Who are your favorite faculty and staff members, and why?
There are so many faculty and staff members at Westminster College that have made my academic career so impactful that I simply cannot choose a favorite. However, I would have to say that Dr. Abby Coats, my advisor, has been one of the greatest support systems I have ever had. She genuinely cares about her students and is always willing to go the extra mile to help them, whether they are one of her current students or not.
I would also like to highlight Dr. David Jones, Dr. Eric Jauch, Dr. Mulubran-Haile and Tim Howell for always supporting me and encouraging me throughout my time at Westminster. They’ve never hesitated to stop and help me when I needed it.
What do you like most about Westminster College?
My favorite part about Westminster is the educational opportunities it has given me. With it being a small campus, I have been able to submerge myself in various clubs and organizations while still being able to play my sport, be in a sorority and excel academically. The small class sizes have allowed me to form connections with my advisors and fellow students that I may not have had the opportunity to do so at a larger institution.
What is the best educational experience you have had at Westminster?
The two best educational experiences I have had at Westminster were the Blue Blazers trip to New York City and the opportunity to write my senior thesis.
The BBIC Trip was memorable because it opened my eyes to the world of business, taught me about finance and helped me grow closer to my peers. I will forever be thankful for alumnus Brock Ayers and others who supported this trip!
My senior thesis played a pivotal role in my education here at Westminster. Psychology majors have the opportunity to take Pre-Thesis and Senior Thesis their junior and senior years. In this course, you truly take a deep dive into what it means to be a researcher. You do literature reviews for an entire semester, plan your study, collect your own data, analyze and draw conclusions and also present your work. I have enjoyed this course so much, and it truly sparked my passion for becoming a researcher. I would like to thank Dr. David Jones and Dr. Ryan Brunner for supporting students like myself in this course.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy walking outside, playing with my dog, and cooking.
Sarah Rummel Backer is the Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. A proud Westminster graduate, Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and strategic communications in the areas of higher education, medicine, agriculture, and the private business sector.
