By Katlin Sweeney
Editor-in-Chief
KPDL features a multidimensional college experience that allows its members to prosper as individuals, community members and students.
KDPL, a sorority interest group that has been on campus since 2009, has been moving towards their goal of establishing the first Asian Pacific Islander sorority at CSUSM. The group has been working with Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Nicki Croly, and the existing Greek community in order to achieve this goal. According to KPDL President, Trisha Llanes, this dream is transitioning towards becoming a reality, approximately in 2015.
Reflective of its name, which stands for Knowledge, Perseverance, Diversity and Legacy, KPDL works to instill aspects of each of these four “pillars” in their members. To incorporate Knowledge, the group hosts a weekly, three hour “Study Hours” session at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, where members meet up to do homework together. Members are required to attend at least three sessions so that KPDL can make sure that all individuals are prioritizing their course work.
Knowledge and Diversity are represented in events such as their weekly Hulu and Tahitian classes, which are open to all members of the campus community. Four-year KPDL member, Heaven Quiban, teaches these classes at 5 p.m. every Thursday in Arts 101. KPDL tries to get as many student orgs. as possible to learn at least one dance for the end of the year luau as a way to come together and celebrate while teaching others about API culture.
KPDL also participates in events like the Breast Cancer Walk, beach cleanups and Friendship Games. They often collaborate with other orgs. at CSUSM as a way to network and make more friends within the larger campus community.
KPDL aims to include all students in their meetings and events, not limiting themselves to those who identify as API.
“One of the biggest misconceptions about joining a culturally specific org. is that you have to be fit into that to be part of that group,” Quiban said. “A lot of people have asked us if they can join even though they are not Asian and don’t know anybody that is API. [With KPDL], we’re highlighting diversity and we’re trying to break down the differences between us. Uniqueness makes us special, but together we are complete.”
KPDL President Trisha Llanes explained that having the group on campus has made her experience at CSUSM more enjoyable and increased her friend base.
“I joined the spring of my freshman year and liked it immediately,” Llanes said. “The past presidents and members are the ones that have really motivated me to get where I am now. I would like to see KPDL expand so that it inspires other API women to come onto this campus. We need to bring that diversity on campus, and we’re here to make a statement.”
Quiban joined KPDL the fall of her freshman year, and expressed how much the members rely on one another. She explained that when KPDL is established as a sorority, it will help the campus community become even more diverse.
“I hope that new members will always learn the roots of where KPDL came from and how hard it has been for us to earn Greek letters,” Quiban said. “I want them to have an appreciation for what they will have when they become a sorority because we have worked on this for so long.”
KPDL meets every other Tuesday, the next meeting taking place during U-Hour on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in Academic Hall 205. Those interested in the group can like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/csusmkpdl or follow them on Instagram at KPDL_sororityinterest.