Alpha Phi members and their families on Folsom field, celebrating Beta Gamma chapter's 100th anniversary.
An Olney Medalist Karen Kitterman Leonas (Delta Mu-Purdue) has built a remarkable career advancing the global textile industry through research, innovation and teaching. This past year, her impact was celebrated on a national stage when she was named the 2025 Olney Medalist by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. The Olney Medal is the organization’s highest honor and recognizes outstanding scientific contributions to textile chemistry. Karen was initiated into the Delta Mu Chapter at Purdue University in 1976 and later transferred to North Carolina State University, where she affiliated with Epsilon Phi Chapter in 1978. Her interest in textile sciences sparked at Purdue, leading her to pursue deeper study at North Carolina State, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in textile chemistry. She began her professional journey with Burlington Industries, contributing to projects involving aerospace, protective apparel, parachutes and advanced materials like Kevlar. She later earned a master’s degree in clothing and textiles and a Ph.D. in textile chemistry, textile physics and polymer engineering before entering academia as a professor. Karen has served at several major universities, including the University of Illinois, the University of Georgia and Washington State University. She ultimately returned to North Carolina State’s Wilson College of Textiles, serving as the department head before continuing her work as a faculty member. Throughout her career, Karen has made significant scientific contributions in areas including protective apparel, polymer degradation in complex environments and sustainability across the global textile supply chain. Today, much of her work focuses on circularity, textile recycling and emerging legislation impacting the textile industry. She also stands as a trailblazer in her field as only the second woman to receive the Olney Medal since the award’s establishment in 1944. Karen accepted the award and delivered a keynote address on October 6, 2025, surrounded by peers who recognize the depth of her contributions. Her passion for innovation and education continues to shape the future of textiles, and Alpha Phi is proud to celebrate her achievements.
honored the women who moved from the original “castle” home, those who made 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. a landmark on The Hill and the sisters who carried the chapter’s legacy to its final home at 1015 15th Street. One of the most heartwarming elements of the evening was its multigenerational spirit. Families filled the venue, with children witnessing their mothers and grandmothers celebrate a shared Alpha Phi legacy. The gathering illustrated bonds that transcend graduation and span generations. The evening concluded with the entire group gathering on Folsom Field for commemorative photos, capturing this historic moment against the iconic backdrop of the stadium and the Flatirons. As the celebration drew to a close, one message resonated clearly: for 100 years, Beta Gamma has been a place where bold, bright women extend their hands in friendship and transform each other’s lives. That legacy has been cherished, strengthened and passed forward, and it will continue to inspire generations of sisters to come.
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