Laura Kuykendall spent most of her adult life at Southwestern University. In the 1904 Southwestern yearbook, on the Alpha Delta page, she is listed as a member in faculty. It was a local organization established in 1903. On December 5, 1905, it became a chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma. After Tri Sigma chose to limit its chapters to normal schools (teacher training institutions), the chapter became the Theta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Delta Delta in 1911.
1904 Southwestern yearbook
Kuykendall became a member of the Tri Delta chapter in 1914 when she returned to Southwestern. She taught Expression and Physical Training and became the Dean of Women in 1918.
She was known for the elaborate May Fair celebrations she produced. They were a two-day affair starting on the last day of April and continuing through the first day of May. In 1917, 150 women took part in the pageantry and visitors came from the neighboring areas to see the productions. They had the air of a homecoming celebration.
From the Southwestern University archives
In January of 1925, the Ladies Annex which served as a residence hall for the women burned. Kuykendall played a major role in getting the 200 women out of the building during the middle of the night. In 1926, a new building replaced the Ladies’ Annex. It became known as Laura Kuykendall Hall. It was an integral part of campus life until it was torn down in 1996. There is now a Laura Kuykendall Garden to honor the former Dean of Women.
The women who were displaced by the fire stand in front of the shell of the building.
Laura Kuykendall Hall
Kuykendall died on April 30, 1935 after suffering a stroke. Her funeral was held in the Woman’s Building and Dr. C.M. Bishop, President Emeritus, conducted her services. At the time of her death, she was serving Tri Delta as a Province Inspector.
The plaque that was once on Laura Kuykendall Hall.
