Mary Pat Rooney
Mary Pat Rooney, Gamma Theta, Drake (1986 - )
Mary Pat Rooney, the 53rd President of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity from 2022–24, was initiated at Gamma Theta, Drake University, in 2004.
She believes that Kappa’s impact on its members and their communities is limitless.
"Kappa is always here, in ways big and small. Kappa is constant and loyal like our jewel describes. Kappa is kind and generous. Kappa is bold and forward thinking. Fearless, smart and steeped in history. Kappa is varied, diverse and complex—it’s not just an organization, not just a set of bylaws nor a collection of history books. It is a living, breathing being—created and nurtured by each of us. It is ours to shape, to mold, to sustain. We each endeavor to do our little perfectly in support of our mission, bringing our own experiences and talents to the table."
–Mary Pat at Convention 2024
Throughout the 2022–24 Biennium, Kappa saw both challenge and success. As Fraternity President, Mary Pat led with optimism and integrity. She faced each challenge with an unwavering belief in the power of the Kappa experience and the necessity of maintaining fraternal spaces well into the future. She brought her business acumen, communications strengths, and strategic thinking skills together to help lead the organization during post-pandemic recovery and while the organization faced litigation. She worked collaboratively with Fraternity Council, the Foundation Board of Trustees, the Fraternity Housing Corporation Board of Directors, and Kappa Headquarters staff to develop a strategic plan to lead Kappa Kappa Gamma in the years to come, focusing on collegiate member retention, alumna engagement, workforce management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Before serving as Fraternity President, Mary Pat served Kappa in a number of ways. She has been a Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Trustee and was Fraternity Vice President from 2018–22. She was a member of the Fraternity Governance Structure Review Committee, Alumna Ambassador Committee, and Finance Committee.
She started her volunteering with Kappa right out of college, an experience she said was particularly transformative and helpful as she continues to volunteer for the Fraternity. She served Eta Lambda Chapter, Loyola, in a variety of roles, including as a Facility Adviser and as House Board Treasurer and President. Mary Pat was also an Academic Excellence Director from 2015–18. She has been part of Leadership Academy and, since 2010, has been a Kappa Education Trainer as well. Her vast array of volunteer work gives her an understanding of the Fraternity from many different perspectives.
“I believe that Kappa is learning, with a net. It is a place all our own to solve problems, make mistakes and figure things out. It is not just a chapter room or a space on campus but rather an opportunity to dream boldly and then figure out how to live fully. Ask hard questions, dream big, think critically and, above all else, offer support, guidance and encouragement to your sisters who are doing the same.”
While at Drake University, Mary Pat served as Corresponding Secretary and Vice President Standards for her chapter while also being involved in many other campus activities.
Mary Pat has a B.A. in history and a B.S. in secondary education from Drake University as well as a Master of Nonprofit Management from DePaul University. Professionally, Mary Pat is the associate vice president of development at United Way of Metro Chicago, where she leads major gifts, foundation giving, and stewardship of high-net-worth donors. She has more than 15 years of experience as a development professional, including fundraising for human service, cultural, and educational organizations in both Denver and Chicago. Mary Pat specializes in organizations with complex approaches to engaging with the communities around them, and delights in collaborating with donors to ensure their giving has an impact and aligns with their families’ priorities. Mary Pat is also an active champion of organizations that support and develop women leaders, including Kappa and the Junior League of Chicago.
Mary Pat lives in Chicago with her golden retriever, Stanley, and is an avid reader.
