Tricia Stumpf
Tricia Cooksey Stumpf missed her Tri Kappa initiation because she had to play in a softball game for Bloomington High School South.
The triple legacy was initiated later that year – Tricia’s mom, grandmother and great-grandmother were members of Tri Kappa. Tricia’s mom, Barb Cooksey, even served as president of the Bloomington chapter.
“Years ago, Tri Kappa was a way to connect with women, to give back to the community,” Tricia says. “Now I see it on a bigger, deeper level. Tri Kappa is really a support system. They’re a different level of women I can turn to.
“Tri Kappa really fosters more meaningful connections with women. I’m proud of the community that’s been built.”
Tricia was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority at DePauw University, where she majored in political science and economics. After finishing her master’s degree in higher education at Indiana University, Tricia began working at the IU Alumni Association. She’s now in charge of outreach and engagement for the association worldwide. Her duties include student programming, scholarships, fundraising, development, alumni communities and alumni programs.
She and her husband, Jeff, who works for the IU Foundation, sat by each other during an IU football bowl game in San Jose, Calif. They started dating soon afterward. Today they share four children, George, Benedict, Madalynn and Jack.
In addition to Tri Kappa, Tricia is on the WonderLab Board of Directors and First United Methodist Church Council.
Tricia says she really enjoys the sorority’s September “Favorite Things” raffle.
“People’s personality comes through,” she said. “There’s always some idea or useful product I learn about.”
However, it’s the sisterhood that keeps Tricia, a Key member, active in the chapter.
“Tri Kappa feels like a stronger bond now,” Tricia says. “I think (former presidents) Amanda Burnham and Trish Smith and so many of our recent leaders have done such a good job fostering that.
“They’ve made it fun again. It’s a moment of fun and laughter and supporting each other that I look forward to.”
More About Tricia:
Loves James Patterson’s “Women’s Murder Club” books
Being White House chief of staff is her dream job
Has traveled to South Africa
Was prom queen at BHSS her junior year
She and her family could dine on Mexican fare every night