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'''Housing:''' Beta Xi continued to occupy the chapter house throughout the decade. ==Highlights of 2016==
'''Philanthropy:'''2016 was a year characterized by strength, endurance, and evolution for Beta Xi. Still without our beloved house, the Kappas faced new challenges, bound together by friendship instead of the walls of the house itself. The campus climate was tumultuous. The chapter itself stumbled and fell on a few occasions. But as the year comes to a close, we can look back and say that in spite of all of that, we learned and we grew. We are finishing 2016 stronger, more unified, and better than when we began it. We are excited to move into our house come January! But before we transition into 2017, we want to look back and reflect on all we learned.
Philanthropy was a priority for In January, the new Beta Xi in Chapter Council was eager to continue the twenty-first centurylegacy of great leadership of past officers, as well as accomplishing new goals for out chapter. The chapter maintained traditions such as the Kappa Klassic Pool TournamentFor President, Ellen Crowe served; For Vice President Standards, Anna Wittenmeyer served; For Vice President Organization, Hailey Becker served; For Vice President Academic Excellence, Erin Kreindler served; For Recording Secretary, Ali Purnell served; For Corresponding Secretary, Charlotte Paine served; For Treasurer, Payton Scott served; For Assistant Treasurer, Camille Szelc served; For Registrar, Avery Travis served; For Marshal, Hannah Love served; For Education Chairman, Caroline Smyrl served; For House Chairman, which raised almost $5Sara Shaw served; For Membership Chairman,000 for a charity in 2006. Other philanthropic activities included holding a Chili Cookoff with the Tri-DeltsRiley Longtain served; For New Member Chairman, volunteering with for the SPCA and the Highland Park Elementary Halloween carnivalTai Massimilian served; For Panhellenic Delegate, decorating the Children’s Hospital for various holidaysAlex Page served; For Philanthropy Chairman, hosting Easter and Halloween parties for local childrenBerkley Johnson served; For Public Relations Chairman, and making Christmas cookies for hospitalized children. Children have always been a major focus for the groupKathryn Stouffer served; For Risk Management Chairman, Grace Winston served; and in 2008For Event Chairman, the sisters provided free winter coats to children through Coats for KidsMallory Morris served.
Two new philanthropy traditions Without our trusty senior girls to guide us and without a house to meet in, Chapter Council braved the unknown and began during this decadeto meet. In 2009Ellen Crowe (President) began the year with efficiency and care, Beta Xi hosted its first Kappa Cookoutplanning and leading Chapter Council meetings. They finalized edits on the chapter bylaws and standing rules, an event that invited community members educated themselves on how to join use the sisters for delicious catered food. That yearKappa drive and webinars, and reviewed the proceeds from selling tickets to expectations and responsibilities of Chapter Council members with the event, $7,600, help of Hailey Becker (VP Organization). She went to The Austin Children’s Shelter. The following over goals for the year, the including chapter raised more than $8unity, continuing to revamp philanthropy,000 and donated getting the proceeds to chapter on board with the RIF (Reading is Fundamental)of AustinRisk Management policies, specifically to as well as the Palm Elementary Schoolrules and goals of Standards Committee. Donations were also made Chapter council discussed some ways to hold the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. The other chapter accountable for their actions at events and to reinforce new philanthropic event was a powder puff football game with Pi Beta Phistandards for behavior for everyone. Proceeds We decided to change our buddy system from the tickets were donated “bigs” and “littles,” to a “pick-a-buddy” system, where the Davis Moon Project, girls signed up with a non-profit organization that collects books friend before events to be handtheir accountability partner. Grace Winstonbus-delivered through organized literacy mission trips in Addisriding attendance at events, Ethiopiawhile AnnaWittenmyer (VP Standards) streamlined the way we approach standards decisions.Sara Shaw
'''Convention Awards:''' ==Highlights of 2011-2019== ==Highlights of 2011==In 2011(House Chair) worked tirelessly alongside our House Board, Beta Xi focused as renovations plowed on strengthened sisterhood and encouraging scholarly achievement. A chapter retreat was held for Kathryn Stouffer (Public Relations Chairman) continued to educate members about the benefit GIN system and published yet another great issue of “Round Up”, the members and “get-to-know-you” games were played at the Kappa house. Sisterhood activities included Nightmare on 6th Street, Tri-Delt Ranch, annual Kappa Cocktail, and Monmouthnewsletter. The Vice President-Academic Excellence stressed the importance of good grades with new leaders conducted the new “Smarty Pants” system at first few chapter meetings. Alumnae members are often invited to campus to speak to the chapter about job applications with thoroughness and careers. efficiency, growing more comfortable '''Housing:'''Beta Xi is currently one of only two Greek houses on meeting in the University of Texas at Austin campus Student Union and in whichtheir new positions. 60 members are able to live, most usually live in during their junior or senior The year. Every Mondaystarted off with a bang, the sisters gather for dinner before the chapter meeting, and lunch is provided every day for members. Every two weeks, a delicious Mexican Guest Lunch is held where Kappas can bring a guest from outside of the Fraternity. '''Philanthropy:'''with an Beta Xi continued hosting the spring Easter party and the fall Halloween party for local elementary students every year. In 2011, the Kappa Cookout was again held by the chapter organized Chapter Council and raised $7,800 for the Davis Moon Project, an organization previously supported by Beta Xi’s efforts. Kappa once again faced off in a game excited group of powder puff football against Pi Phi, an event that raised approximately $5,000 for the Austin Children’s ShelterKappas.
==Highlights of 2012==The 2012 calendar year started off In February, Kappas were getting settled in with their classes, and the newly elected officers were beginning to get the hang of the Beta Xi chapter making a smooth transition into their new positionsresponsibilities: planning events, running meetings, and fulfilling their duties more easily. Berkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) took it upon herself to completely revamp Beta Xi’s philanthropic efforts. Chapter Council also kicked off She continued the new partnership with the year by hosting B+ Foundation that the LEAD seminar last philanthropy chair began, combining Kappa’s passion for reading with Kappas from Texas A&M our love of kids.We adopted a B+ Hero named Moriah, who is battling cancer, and Texas Techmade her an honorary “sister. The chapter council” Kappas began visiting Moriah at the hospital, playing games, led by President Erin Weitzeldoing puzzles, met every Sunday evening and when she felt up to plan upcoming meetings it, even having dance parties with our newest little Kappa. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) and Grace Winston (Risk Management) pulled off a great Monmouth formal at Brazos Hall, and everyone had a wonderful time with their dates and events throughout Pi Phi friends. Riley Longtain (Membership Chairman) held a very successful first recruitment workshop with the freshman, teaching them the year. Erin implemented pillars in’s and out’s of organization rush and enthusiasm which set the tone importance of the spring semester for recruiting. While Kappa prepared for the chapter council officersrecruitment, so did Alex Page (Panhellenic Delegate) and Grace Anne McGinnis, a Kappa who served as Vice President of UT’s Panhellenic Council. This was They began a very important wonderful year for Beta Xi of working together and representing Kappa well to other sororities and many improvements were made to better UPC. We rounded out the month with a visit from our chapter this past year. moms, with fun shopping events and a brunch at The officers worked very hard Grove downtown to better the chapter and efficiently and effectively follow out their dutiescelebrate Mom’s Weekend.
Callie WilliamsThen came March, Vice President of Organizationanother great month for Beta Xi, maintained an organized calendar of all as the events throughout the year and communicated with officers spring semester was in full swing. Hannah Love (Marshal) led a successful and efficient ritual workshop to refresh the chapter about what events to put on the calendarritual and history of our organization. Along with Callie Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellence) continued to encourage the Chapter Council put together a great Leadership Action Plan that highlighted the goals of the Chapter for the upcoming year. Callie also assisted girls to study hard, with giving fun Study Snacks events like pizza catering and coffee after chapter members ! Riley continued to hold Rush Workshops with the freshman and the ability older girls to fill out prepare for recruitment and develop a Google Form strategy to indicate which committee they are interested in and would prefer to be inshow girls what Kappa is all about, rather than simply designating members to random committeedespite our lack of a house. This was a big change for our Chapter Committees that made members at large much more dedicated Hailey Becker (VP Organization) worked hard to their committee. Callie also prepared plan for the Leadership Consultant's leadership consultant’s upcoming visit to the the Beta Xi Chapter and hosted her during her stayin April.
Laurel PuglieseApril was a busy month as usual for Beta Xi. Our leadership consultant, Vice President of StandardsKate Burton, worked came and brought some amazing ideas for our chapter with her committee . She hung out with our members, doing fun things around Austin and helped our officers grow in their leadership abilities. Hailey Becker (VP Organization) did an amazing job making Kate feel at home. Berkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) helped plan our fundraiser, Kappa Pi-Phi Carnival, complete with snow cones and live music, raising money for our philanthropy. We love joining forces with another sorority who also cares about supporting literacy, and the event was a blast as usual. She also held a successful RIF event at Wooldridge Elementary. The entire chapter came together and set up stations at the school to perfect the bus system play games, read, decorate bookmarks, and make sure members were upholding get their faces painted. At the standards end of the Fraternity policylaughter-filled event, each child took home a book (or two!). Laurel also organized Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) planned an awesome Dad’s Weekend, with food catered on a fun rooftop venue and the Chapter retreat at Alamo Draft house in January to encourage chapter-wide bondingattending the Spring football game with their dads. All of Beta Xi attended for singing She and dancing to 90's music. Laurel Grace Winston (Risk Management) also planned many events another successful event with our friends in Theta, called Kite & Key. The event was held at a venue downtown and everyone had a wonderful time. A senior Kappa, Kallen Dimitroff ran for Student Body President of the Chapter University of Texas, and despite her campaign’s loss, it wasincredible to increase bonding such as movies at see the house or profit shares at Red Mangowhole chapter gather around her and support her with pride.
Ady WetegroveKappa events slowed and finals approached, as May rolled around. Caroline Smyrl (Education Chairman) conducted Senior Sendoff, a fun event after chapter where we recognize the seniors and hear funny memories from years past, including poems and “twinkies” from some seniors’ parents. These very seniors then became alums after graduation celebrations, Vice President Academic Excellenceand it was made official in Key Reports. Some of them got into top graduate schools to continue their studies, helped our Chapter improve our overall GPA while others headed off to work in cities around the country. They were off into the world! Payton Scott (Treasurer) worked hard to be above set up the All Sorority Average budget for the Spring of 2012. She upcoming school year, and her committee held individuals more accountable for their individual grades while providing them assistancebudget meetings with all of the Chapter Council officers. She also incorporated “office hours” for Tai Massimilian (New Members Member Chairman) and any other members needing further guidance during registration Riley Longtain (Membership Chairman) both worked hard to prepare for recruitment and the Spring 2013 semesternew pledge class coming in August, with the added challenge of finding a home for Spirit and Recruitment weeks without our house. She We talked to event halls and fraternity houses, and we finally found a place to hold the events and welcome our new members…stay tuned below! Riley also organized study snacks at held the house on Tuesday last recruitment workshop and continued began planning for the "Smarty Pants" system from last summer with her incredible team. The girls in dorms, apartments, and houses packed their bags and headed out of Austin, waving goodbye to this school year.
Philanthropy Chairman Margaret Smith Over the summer, Kappa sisters spread out across the globe for internships, jobs, and Assistant Philanthropy Chairs Ellen Perkins and Courtney Catalani worked together to plan all chapter-wide philanthropy eventsstudy abroad programs. Margaret made some changes this year From Spain, to our program with the national philanthropyNew York, Reading is Fundamental. She planned a Reading Festival for the whole chapter to attend Paris, to teach kids Dallas and spend Houston and Galveston, to all the day working with them and having fun with kids. She also planned a book drive so that each kid could take home a book. Margaret also helped plan Kappa Cookout way in Australia, Kappas took the Fall, Pi Phi vsworld by storm. Kappa philanthropy powder puff game in But the springmonths flew by, and got members involved with the Wonderball where we went dressed up as princesses summer always does, and helped with face paint and costumescame to a close. Margaret provided the chapter with many other volunteer activities such as Kisses from By August, everyone was ready to get back to their Kappa on Valentines Day where we took valentine goodies friends, to Austin, and to a retirement homethe University of Texas.
Sara Beth TunnelBut unlike years past, Event Chairman, worked hard when Kappas ran into our house on University Avenue to plan and schedule all of the social events prepare for the recruitment, this yearwe ran into…the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, another temporary home! The SAE fraternity boys kindly let us borrow their conveniently located house for a few weeks. She worked very closely And as we did with Risk Management to plan events that would be safe and uphold the Fraternity standardsUnion, we turned the SAE house into a home. She found fun and unique venues Kappa seems to host events with other sororities or parents have an uncanny knack of Kappasmaking anywhere feel like a loving home. In 2012 she planned Kappa Pi Phi Monmouth It could be a room in the Student Union, Kappa Mom's Weekenda study abroad dorm, Kappa Dad's Weekenda cramped apartment full of Kappas working in New York city, Kappa Date Dashor a fraternity house, Kappa Chi O Owloweenbut if Kappas are together, Kappa Tri Delt Ranch, Kappa Parent's Weekend, Kappa Kidnap, and Kappa Cocktail. These events were fun, safe, organized, and help brought the chapter closer togetherit feels like home. It is definitely a skill we are proud of!
Kelsey Koentges, Pubic Relations Chairman, did a great job of helping keep members active Riley Longtain (Recruitment Chair) and bridged her team’s hard work over the gap between past semester culminated at the chapter, university, parentsend of August. Spirit week was a blast, and alums. She created the chapter’s hard work during a monthy newsletter long week of recruiting paid off when 68 awesome new members came running to send out the Littlefield fountain on campus, to parents be welcomed by our chapter with open arms. The stresses of Kappas a long Recruitment and being without a real home took a toll on the Beta Xi chapter, however. Our chapter stumbled on Bid Night with some behavioral issues that we know are unacceptable. She also planned Ellen Crowe (President) and the Easter Chapter Council quickly jumped into action, taking ownership of our mistakes and Halloween party, both were held at trying to get the house for alumni and their childrenchapter back on track. She helped organize We would have been lost without the babysitting list and fearless leadership of Ellen, the Kappa Chirstmas card which was sent out to other UT sororities and families patience of Beta Xi members. Kelsey also kept Anna Wittenmyer (VP Standards), the system planning of Hailey Becker (VP Organization), and the "Round Up Newsletter which summarized the year maturity of Tai Massimillian (New Member Chairman). We knew there would be consequences and sent it out this would be a long road ahead, but we also knew that changes that needed to the Chapteroccur. We were nervous but excited for how our chapter would evolve because of this challenge.
Kathryn UeckerIn spite of the chaos, September rolled around, Fraternity Education Chairmanand the Kappas were back. With a crazy Longhorn football win against Notre Dame, we began our classes with excitement and our horns up high! We continued holding chapter meetings in the Student Union, was our temporary home. The first meeting ran smoothly as chapter council got back in charge the swing of planning program nights at things, and the new members learned the ins and outs of their new chapter. Following the houseevents of Bid Day, we were visited by Emily Murdock and Illiana Garcia, our Theta District director and specialist. She provided They helped our Chapter Council remember the “why?” of our chapter , as well as realign the goals of Beta Xi with fun speakers that of the national organization. They inspired our leaders to be better and to lead our chapter out of this slump. They began helping us build a strategic plan to improve our chapter and programs such as Zumbahelp us rectify the mistakes of the weeks prior. Another large improvement was made Weeks passed, with the first formal meeting held by Kathryn Hannah Love (Marshal) and program nights like the one featuring Shannon Moody, where we learned about the Jeremiah Project, a center for single mothers, organized by re-implement Senior Programming – a once a month program night Caroline Smyrl (Fraternity Education Chairman). Hailey Becker (VP Organization) revamped committee nights, helping each committee set goals for Seniors the semester. We also had an exciting visit from the Fraternity President Beth Black, held at an alumni’s house in place Austin. It was incredible for some of our officers to meet such an inspiring leader of the organization that we love so much. Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellence) was happy to report that 13 of meetingour chapter members received 4.0 GPA’s in the spring, and the chapter’s cumulative GPA was 3.47, as the grade report came in. Kathryn also planned Founders Day Kappa competed in October where the Beta Xi chapter recognizes second annual Greek Get Down dance competition—and though we didn’t place like we did last year, we had so much fun dancing! Much of the founding team was made up of our new members , so it was a great way for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and hosts an seniors to all get to know one another. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) organized our first fun event for alumni , Kappa Kidnap, at a dance hall outside of Austin. With cowboy boots and dresses on, the Kappas danced the night away to country music from a live band. Soon enough the semester was in the Austin areafull swing.
Mary Beth BurgherOctober was yet another busy month for Beta Xi. The TX-OU football game was a blast, Membership even though our beloved Longhorns lost. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) planned a fun date event with Tri-Delt, assisted by Sullivan Franklinand ended the month with our traditional Halloween dance, called Owl-o-Mitchellween, with Chi Omega. We absolutely love doing events with our friends in other sororities! But double the girls, means double the amount of people trying to safely get home. Despite some bumps in the road in our risk management policies in the past, Isabel DannGrace Winston (Risk Management Chair) and Anna Wittenmyer (VP Standards) did an amazing job encouraging everyone to follow our policies. The buddy system became more successful as the semester went on, Molly Henson and Kat Schindler succesfully prepared for Recruitmentas well as bus riding attendance. Hannah Love (Marshal) did a stellar job planning and executing Initiation, in our second year without a house. They Initiation was held 3 recruitment workshops in a different church than the spring to plan for recruitment year before, but Hannah was calm in the fallface of chaos, and the event ran as smoothly as ever. They also implemented new fun ways to celebrate recruitment such as having The newly initiated members talk about had a wonderful morning, and afterwards joined their favorite parts of recruitment during chapter meetingsparents and friends for a fun brunch at Hotel Ella near campus. Caroline Smyrl (Fraternity Education Chairman) did an outstanding job planning Founder’s Day. The event was held at AT&T Conference Center. They set up different committes Actives and helped implement new change. Beta Xi greeted alumnae alike enjoyed stories from alums, songs from the largest pledge class in Kappa history pickers, and we celebrated a presentation by the new members House Board, who has worked so hard on Bid Day the house renovations. Hannah Love (Marshal), Kaki Miller (Key Sis Chair), and Tai Massimilian (New Member Chairman) worked together to organize a “Big Sis, Little Sis” event with photos by taking them the University Tower, then on to Abel's on fun event at a trampoline park! Avery Travis (Registrar) planned composites, and the Lake Kappas “smiled pretty” for a fun dinnertheir photos. Avery coordinated with the same company from the year before to have composites taken in the Union. Our temporary home at the Union was really starting to feel like ours own—we had taken over! Many chapter members said they will actually miss our makeshift Union “house. ”
Katie SatterwhiteIn November the semester was quickly wrapping up. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) did a great job planning a fun parent’s weekend and a Kappa Kasual, our last event of the semester. The event was held at Cedar Street Courtyard downtown, New Member Chairmanwith a fun live band. Then came the tumultuous 2016 Presidential Election that divided our campus. Kappas went out and voted for their choice, worked hard alongside Avery Walker but our nation was not the only thing that was struggling to integrate unify in the new members into face of adversity. Ellen and theofficers continued to edit and work on the chapterStrategic Plan for upcoming year. They organized many different activities for With Ellen’s great vision and the help of the national organization itself, our specialists and the new chapter members , we were able to construct a plan that would allow Kappa to grow in the coming years. Avery Travis (Registrar) was elected slate chairman, and helped bring them together as a pledge class worked extremely hard to conduct meetings with her dedicated and as a chapterpassionate slate committee to nominate the officers for next year. This year was tougher than ever, with so many great candidates stepping up for officer positions. They taught The Slate Committee knew how important these choices were, considering the new members issues from Bid Day, the traditions strategic plan, and history of the new trajectory that Kappawas on—in order to improve and come back stronger. They The committee worked alongside Caroline Cooper our Marshall hard to teach pick the New members best possible girls for the rituals chapter council of Kappa 2017. The committee gave the slate presentation at meeting in November, and officer transitions began quickly after Initiation. They made Inspiration week fun for , and the new members and helped Caroline with Initationold Chapter Councils began working together. As usual, Kappas were able to come together to create a unified group of sisterhood and friendship.
Kelly BowmanNovember turned quickly into December, House Chairman, served as a liason with only one week in between the in house Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks for some girls. Hailey Becker (VP Organization) planned a wonderful Leadership Day at a delcicious restaurant, staff, where the new and old officers can get together with their advisors and go over the expectations and Miss Judigoals for the upcoming year. She helped organize Our chapter worked hard to get through final exams and clarify the house points system and selecting 60 members end of the semester, with Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellance) planning yummy Study Snack events throughout the weeks of finals! The Kappas wrapped up a long but fun year. 2016 was a challenging but incredible year for growth for the Beta Xi chapter to live in .Despite challenges from the house. She met with renovation, the staff political and Miss Judi campus climate, and our own behavioral issues and changes, our chapter grew stronger and closer than ever, evolving to make sure become the house was running smoothly best chapter we can be. We cannot wait to move into our beautiful new home, and we look forward to taking on 2017, equipped with everything we have learned and attended house board meetings. Kelly provided gifts for the staff throughout goals we plan to accomplish in the next year. She also organized Sunday dinners for in house girls that were provided from local Austin restaurants. !
Sarah Snelling, Treasurer, was in charge Describe the recent changes on handling the chapters finances. She worked extremely hard to make sure that your campus and describe the new Bill Highway system was working well and that members could understand how to use it. She was in charge overall nature of the dues, budget for Chapter Counci, and any other charges that needed to be made. She also worked to reinburse members and offiers and worked with favors to bill members through bill highwayyour chapter.
Ksenia KolesnikovaCampus climate was tense in 2016, Panhellenic Delegate, served as it was much of the liason between Panhellenic and world. Yet another Student Government election occurred on campus in the Spring, this time with a Beta Xi. She represented the chapter by voting running for Panhellenic initativesoffice. She also attended meetings each week Racial tensions and reported back to the Chapter about a new policies set by Panhelleniccampus carry law caused protests and fractured our student body. The year This was a big year culminated in one of the Nation's historymost controversial Presidential Elections ever, occurring in November. President Obama was reelected as President Our own chapter faced some of the United States biggest pitfalls and hardships we have ever faced. We lost loved ones and Kappas gathered made mistakes. But through all of this, Beta Xi Kappa persevered together. We stood up for our beliefs and for each other, admitted our faults, and grew into a stronger chapter. Our chapter is well known at the University of Texas for being involved in the living room to watch the events unfold and watch the weekly debates between candidateswell liked by all groups on campus. Many Kappas donated to the different campaigns are friendly, open-minded, intelligent and almost every Kappa participated active in votinguniversity life. Another big event Kappas are so well integrated and involved in 2012 our diverse on-campus commitments, that our main goal in 2016 was the London Olympics. A few to increase Beta Xi members actually attended events at the Olympicschapter unity. In spite of a rocky campus climate and our own troubles within Beta Xi members were involved , we hoped to increase the bond of sisterhood in many different organizations worldwide from volunteering in South Africa our chapter. Doing so without a home during the house renovations proved to traveling be a challenge, but our chapter did a great job finding ways to South America unite, around causes like our philanthropy and each other’s successes.Chapter Philanthropy:What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for mission work. , or donated hours to, in your community?Wooldrige Elementary, RIF, B+ Foundation (new this year)
CampusThis year, Berkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) completely revamped and re-energized our philanthropic efforts. Kappa adopted another philanthropy in addition to Reading Is Fundamental. The B+ Foundation raises money for cancer research and pairs sororities and fraternities nationwide with a “Hero: Beta Xi ” a child battling cancer. We were paired with our Hero, Moriah. She is very involved an eight-year-old girl with cancer, and the University of Texas. We try newest and youngest Beta Xi Kappa ever! She gets to promote members of the chapter wear our letters, come to some fun events, and be involved in different organizations on campus. Many Kappas are members a part of honors societies such as the Dean's list or Order of Omegaour Kappa family. A few Kappas participate in Student Government Beta Xi embraced our newest sister with love and the Texas Athletic programpride. There were a few changes that were Kappas made visits to her at the hospital, had her over to our campus in 2012 such as adding new buildingsapartments, banning smoking on campustook her to Mozart’s Coffee Shop to see Christmas lights, made her a scrapbook and having the library open 24 hours battled her disease alongside her. And we are thrilled to report that her cancer is in remission! We hoped to be a light in Moriah’s life this year…but it turns out that Moriah remained a dayshining light for our chapter, uniting us in some of our hardest seasons.
Chapter: The Beta Xi We remained passionate about encouraging childhood reading, as well! From profit shares organized by chapter has many strengths and some weaknesses that members to a book drive to our annual fundraiser, we improved on in 2012definitely did not let our passion for this issue fall by the wayside. As We have a chapter great relationship with Wooldridge Elementary where we are extremely unified. Throughout all grades girls are friends and spend lots of time together. Every day you can see many girls across campus wearing Kappa shirts. We are extremely proud of have our Chapter and members are very dedicated to Beta Xiannual RIF event every spring for the whole chapter. We lacked This year, Berkley added an event there in communication between the Chapter and Chapter Council and we worked very hard fall, as well! Half the chapter volunteered at the elementary school on a Saturday, while the other half gave their time to fix that and now have clarity between the twoNeighborhood Longhorns tutoring program.
==Highlights of 2013==
The While we await the opening of our newly elected officers were very excited to get into their positions for the 2013 calendar year. After completing triplicate meetings renovated house on University Avenue, we have been renting rooms in December, the officers all felt that they were ready to continue the great leadership that was in place before them. Our first order of business as Chapter Council was to create a Google Drive UT Union building for us to share. We were astounded by previous the chapter councils’ ability to work without the technology we have today. As a chapter, we communicate much of our information through emails, Google documents, meetings and the Kappa website. We also employed the use of the Gin system to provide all for our information to the entire chapterlunches. Our improved use of technology allowed for clearer channels of communication between officers It is usually a large meeting room with screens and dining space in the chapter as a wholeback.
In our first Chapter Council meeting we created our 2013 Leadership Action Plan. We spent time working on a plan Oral HistoryAre there any current members, alumnae or advisers from your chapter that would guide us to chapter improvement and would help us hold each other accountable in our various offices. Our first area was Self-Discovery and Intellectual and we chose our focus to be to support future career endeavors. We made 3 goals you recommend for this area: implement Owl of the Week (an time Fraternity’s oral history project? We are looking for a chosen Kappa to describe her internship), host a resume workshop and mock-interview session, and offer additional resources such as networking and internship lists. Our second area was Interpersonal Development and our focus was to increase chapter unity. Our three goals were family (plan 2 spring family events), fitness (encourage weekly workout classes at the Kappa house), and film (feature a “Rom-Com” of the Month after study snacks at the house). Our third area was Leadership and Skill Building Kappas with a focus on clarity and transparency. Our four goals were stories to increase tell – funny chapter usage of the Gin system, make house points viewable and update them monthlymemories, keep a detailed record of the budgetgreat professional achievement stories, and present information in a comprehensible and entertaining manner. Our fourth area was Understanding and Appreciation heartwarming stories of how Kappa and we wanted to emphasize Kappa Then and Now. Our three goals were to promote better understanding of formal meeting, ritual, and the history of Kappa, expand the size of Pickers and increase their involvement, and look to alumni for opportunities and guidance after college. We are proud to say that all of these goals had a clear presence throughout 2013has helped them, and we successfully followed through on them to make sure they will be implemented in the future as welletc.
In JanuaryKathryn Stouffer, the chapter was in the midst of getting adjusted to the new semester and Chapter Council. We received 2 new affiliatescurrent member, Ella Coffey and Danielle Fensonoutgoing PR Chair Sarah Shaw, and voted to accept them into our chapter. Molly McConncurrent member, Membership Chairmanoutgoing House Chair Tricia Cury, immediately got started on the recruitment process by recruiting freshman to become Area Rush Captains. She also held a meeting for the freshman in order to start teaching them about the rush process. Willa Jolink, Education Chairman, planned a cooking class for the seniors to replace one of the meetings that they are required to attend. Willa also planned the program night for January former president and brought in Kendyl Richards from Austin Smiles to speak about her non-profit and the importance of volunteering. Peyton Bivinsrecent alum Chandler Foster, Public Relations Chairmanrecent alumHannah Meehan, worked on the January newsletter. The officers also made a fun video for the chapter that introduced the new leaders and explained their positions. It was a fun way to get the New Year started!Beta Xi Chapter Council advisor
February began with our first “Rom-Com” ==Highlights of the month on February 5th. All of the girls came to the house to watch a fun movie after study snacks. There was a huge turnout and made for a fun night of bonding at the house. On February 10th we held “Rookie Rush” at the house for the freshman. They were taught the basics of recruitment, and all of the recruitment team worked with them to learn chants, the stack, and the general recruitment process. All of the freshmen were so excited to meet the new girls that could potential be our new Kappa members. Additionally, every year we participate in Kisses for Kappa. We donate and make goody bags of Hershey’s kisses to give to a local elderly home on Valentine’s Day. Catherine Wilson, Philanthropy Chair, helped lead the chapter in making goody bags and delivering them to their lucky recipients. It brightened the day of the people living in the home and made Valentine’s Day special for all of the Kappa members that participated. Later in the month, our biggest event of the year, Monmouth, was held on February 16th with Pi Phi. The party was at the Hyatt Regency with huge success! We had a face painter, photo booth, food, and a band. It succeeded due to a lot of work from Isabel Dann, Social Chairman, and Julie Parma, Risk Management Chairman. The chapter took buses to and from the event and safely enjoyed the evening. On February 18th, Chapter Council met with the Alpha Xi Delta Chapter Council as a part of a Panhellenic sisterhood event that Sara Holl, Panhellenic delegate, planned and organized. Chapter Council also went through the Standing Rules and By-Laws during their February Chapter Council meetings and made sure they were up to date and correct for each position. February 21st was our Chapter Retreat at Jump Street. The chapter rode buses out to the event and had a blast jumping on all of the trampolines and playing dodge ball. February was a busy month!2017==
March opened with The Beta Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had an excellent year of growth and bonding in2017. In January, a new group of Chapter Council members began meeting and carrying on the Province Retreat legacy of excellent, cooperative leadership our chapter has had in Lubbockrecent years. Hannah Love wasPresident, Tai Massimilian was VP Standards, Kaki Miller was VP Organization, Payton Scott wasVP Academic Excellence, Lauren Fisher was Recording Secretary, Emily Parnell wasCorresponding Secretary, Cameron Shepherd was Membership Chairman, Sarah Gregory was NewMember Chairman, Camille Szelc was Treasurer, Jennifer Harbour was Assistant Treasurer,Emma Riddle was Philanthropy Chairman, Hallie Smith was Event Chairman, Caroline Smyrl wasRegistrar, Grace Winston was House Chairman, Charlotte Fitzpatrick was Marshal, AudreyHalbrook was Risk Management Chairman, Regan Ewing was Panhellenic Delegate, TessaLauritzen was the Public Relations Chairman, and Allison Ainsworth was Education Chairman. 2017’s Chapter Council got on a bus has worked tremendously hard to implement our strategic plan to get ourchapter back in good standing with both Kappa nationals and the A&M Kappa university.By far the most exciting thing for our chapter council in 2017 has been being able to be back in our newlyremodeled house! We have been so grateful for the Beta Xi House Board and all the time, money,energy, and headed out thought that they put into the plans to remodel our historic chapter house. Before thebeginning of school, the House Board hosted an open house for alumnae, donors, families, andmembers to meet with view the amazing changes to the house. It was such a special time for Beta Ximembers of all ages to come together and share in the excitement of the opening. The very nextday, active members moved in, and the house immediately sprang to life. It has been such ablessing for the chapter to have a common meeting grounds again and to share meals together,study together, and have our meetings as a chapter in the other Kappa chapters house.Also in January, Hannah (President) began Chapter Council meetings by having all of ChapterCouncil read the Strategic Plan for our chapter’s Warning of Probation and review the goals andcalendar we had set for the semester. Some of our provincegoals included improvement in chaptermanagement, recruitment, new member experience and programming, standards and riskmanagement, and panhellenic leadership. We Hannah also scheduled and coordinated a meetingbetween Chapter Council and Katherine Latta, our Leadership Development specialist, for aStrategic Plan workshop and a discussion over Start With Why , a book that all of Chapter Councilhad read over Christmas break. During our first Chapter meeting of the semester, Hannah wentover the strategic plan, emphasizing its importance for all members, and reading our ChapterMission Statement. Tai (VPS) also went over standards behavioral expectations during the firstmeeting and also held elections for the new Standards Committee members. Grace (House Chair)organized an Orientation for the in-house girls from House Board to explain the rules andorganization of the house. Grace and Tai also gave a presentation to the chapter during the firstmeeting about respecting our newly remodeled house. Cameron (Membership Chair) also held aworkshop for the freshmen on a Sunday at the end of the month to teach them the ins and outs ofrecruitment on the other side and to emphasize the importance of our strategic goals for therecruitment process.February began with a visit from our Leadership Consultant, Maddy. Kaki (VPO) organized agreat week in Austin for her, and chapter council enjoyed spending time with her at the house andmeeting with her individually to discuss ways to improve each office. Hallie (Event Chair) andAudrey (Risk Management) planned a great Monmouth formal with the Pi Phis at Palm Door.Everyone had a great night with their dates, dancing with the band all night and taking pictures inthe photo booth. Emily (Corresponding Secretary) also gave a presentation to the chapter on theGIN system, which the officers have been using more effectively throughout the year tocommunicate information to the chapter. Sarah (New Member) also finalized the plans for the newmember bid day retreat in Lubbock talking the Fall, which was something that our chapter had never done before.She did an excellent job planning and communicating to Chapter Council, and Reagan(Panhellenic) discussed our exciting plans with other chapters , who followed Kappas lead inimplementing an off-campus retreat in their bid day plans rather than releasing the girls aftermidnight.March was another exciting month for Beta Xi with lots of events and learning activities for our actives to allbond. Cameron (Membership) hosted another recruitment workshop for the freshmen where shebegan to teach them the songs and dances. Her and her team began to familiarize the freshmenwith more about leadership details of recruitment week. They also met with the newly appointed area assistant todevelop strategies. In the middle of the month, the doors of Kappa locked and the chapterdispersed across the country and the world for a fun-filled Spring Break! As soon as everyonereturned from their trips, Emma (Philanthropy) began getting everyone excited for the upcomingphilanthropy opportunities. In the week after Spring Break, she encouraged the entire chapter toget their families and friends to participate in the B+ Campaign. The campaign was acampus-wide competition before the Round Up weekend, and Kappa proudly raised around$4,000. Emma also planned our annual Pi Phi KappaKarnival event, hosted at the Pi Phi housewith live music, snow cones, face painting, and a petting zoo. Our Beta Xi raised $6,000 from Karnival todonate to RIF! During April, we said goodbye to our house mom, Ms. Judi. We are so grateful forthe years she spent making sure the Beta Xi house felt like a home for all the members. Hallie(Events) wrapped up the month by planning an awesome Dad’s Weekend. The chapter received enjoyeddinner with their dad’s at Dirty Martin’s on Friday, and the next day everyone got to enjoy a tour ofthe Kappa house and a private tour of the award for Best RitualDarrell K. Royal Memorial Football Stadium! We alsohad very productive chapter meetings during March. OverallIn fulfillment of our probation terms with theUniversity, we had an informative and interactive alcohol awareness presentation from UniversityHealth Services. Although it was a required program, the entire chapter found it interesting andhelpful to understand the best way to socialize responsible in a college environment. Kaki (VPO)also continued to work on making Committee Chapter Meetings a fun way for every member tofeel like they contribute to our chapter. She restructured the Committee Night schedule to makesure that committees completed their agendas.In April, the semester was in full swing and we had another great bonding month for Beta Xi. At thebeginning of the month, we welcomed our new house mom, Ms. Sherri to the Beta Xi house! Wehave loved the life, love and warmth she has brought to her house with her constant cheeriness andfamous shortbread. Nicole Covert, our Recruitment Advisor, received the award for OutstandingAdvisor from University Fraternity and learning experience Sorority Life. Nicole is more than deserving of this award.Not only does she put in countless hours of work for our chapter council , but she is an outstanding mom,friend, and volunteer. We are so proud and thankful to have her as part of our amazing advisoryboard! Tessa (PR) also planned an Easter Party at the Kappa house, with an Easter egg hunt,cookie decorating, pictures, and more fun. Hallie (Event Chair) planned two great events duringApril. We had another fun semi-formal, Kite and Key, with Theta at the Summit. She also plannedan awesome Mom’s Weekend, with a shopping event at Adelante on Friday, a dinner at Max’s, and helped kick start brunch at the house on Saturday. Cameron (Membership) closed out the month with achapter-wide recruitment workshop, the last workshop of Marchthe semester. In accordance with ourStrategic Plan, the recruitment team updated the members on Panhellenic and Kappa NationalsrulesIn May, things at the Beta Xi house started to quiet down as all the members began to prepare fortheir finals and the semester came to an end. Before everyone dispersed for the summer. Allison(Education) conducted the Senior Sendoff, a humorous and sentimental event where the seniorsget to share funny memories from their college years and share what their next chapter has in storefor them as they leave UT and Kappa. The first Alumnae Board also gave a presentation to the seniorsto tell them about the opportunities the Kappa alumnae network has for them. Caroline (Registrar)also put them on alumnae status on Key Reports. Chapter Council ended the spring by settinggoals and preparing for the upcoming semester. Grace (House) worked with the Sophomores toget roommate requests for the upcoming year. Sarah (New Member) and Cameron (Membership)continued to make plans for recruiting new members and making their experience in Kappa thebest ever.Over the summer, the members of Beta Xi parted ways for summer school, internships, and studyabroad experiences. Tessa (PR) collected photos from all the different adventures to post on ourchapter’s Tumblr, Instagram, and other social media accounts. Cameron, her team, and the areaassistants worked extremely hard all summer to prepare for recruitment week, and all of their effortpaid off. We had a fun and successful work week and recruitment week in March August. We happilywelcomed 73 new members to their home at 2001 University Avenue on Bid Day! Sarah’s plan forthe new member bid day retreat at Camp Balcones Springs was very well received, and all the newKappas had an enjoyable and safe time playing games and getting to know their new sisters intheir pledge class.In September, school came in full swing, and the chapter enjoyed spending time together, eatingmeals at the house, studying together, and attending football games. Chapter Council worked tomake sure that the New Members really felt that the Beta Xi house was also their home on campus.Grace (House Mother Appreciation week) got all of their fingerprints in our lock system, and Emily (CorrespondingSecretary) and Caroline (Registrar) entered their contact information into Key Reports and the GinSystem to make sure they received all chapter correspondence. After a post-recruitment meetingwith Panhellenic, Tai was happy to report to the chapter that we had significantly reduced our fines from previous years! Before the first date event, Tai also gave a presentation to the entirechapter during meeting of to lay out expectations and the month standards that we all wrote notes hold each other to insocial settings. Hallie and Audrey planned our House Motherfun destination date event, Kappa Kasual, at theOasis. Although the event was cut short by the event staff for behavioral problems, ChapterCouncil took the opportunity as an experience to make a better Risk Management plan for themembers before date functions. Tai, Miss JudiHannah, and Hallie gave a presentation at chapter meetingthe following week to re-emphasize the importance of safety during social events and the privilegeit is for us to be able to have these functions. We also used our Committee Night to express to get feedbackfrom the entire chapter and brainstorm ideas about how we can improve our appreciation date events to makethem as safe and enjoyable as possible! It was an excellent way for our members to come togetherand resolve a chapter-wide problem. Payton (VPAE) recognized the members who had received a4.0 GPA the previous semester during chapter and gave them a goody bag. Her and her dedication committeealso decided to give goody bags to members who had made a 3.8, deciding that their hard workshould also be noted. Caroline (Registrar) also scheduled the composite photos for the chapter atthe end of the month.October was a busy month with many exciting chapter events to celebrate our heritage and history!Tai (VPS) and Audrey (Risk Management) continued to work on Risk Management policies forthe chapter and gave presentations before TX-OU Football weekend and our Owl-O-Ween Dateevent on safety and behavior. The members had a fun weekend in Dallas for the football game,spending time with each other and rocking all of their new Kappa t-shirts and gear made byFavors. Allison (Education) also planned a wonderful Founder’s Day dinner. The event was hostedat AT&T Conference center, and it was a great time for the chapter and Austin alumnae tocelebrate the history of our fraternity. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together, presentations fromthe advisors and houseboard, and music from Pickers. AdditionallyCharlotte (Marshal) and Emma(Philanthropy) rallied a group of our members to participate in Greek Get Down, a dancecompetition fundraiser hosted by AEPhi to support the B+ Foundation. The members whoparticipated had so much fun getting to know each day Macy Barnettother and representing Kappa at the event.Charlotte (Marshal) did an amazing job planning and coordinating Inspiration Week at the end ofOctober. The new members were put in their new Kappa families on big-little on Tuesday, Fridaywas Fireside, and on Saturday we happily initiated all of our new members as actives! Sarahplanned a brunch for the new actives and their families at AT&T following the ceremony. Beforeour Owl-O-Ween date event with Chi-O, Audrey put a new wristband process and bus buddysystem into place to make sure that we did not repeat the same problems we had at Kasual. Hallie(Events) planned the event at Clearport and the night was a huge success. Tessa also planned aHalloween Trick-Or-Treat party at the house for alumnae to bring their kids. The in-house girlsdecorated their rooms, put out candy, played with all of the kids, and had a great time!Nothing slowed down in November, with many events and lots of time together for the chapter tobond! Kaki hosted the Leadership Consultant, Casey, at the Kappa house and all of the officersenjoyed meeting her and hearing the ways that she thought we had improved within the last year.Hallie organized a fun Parent’s Weekend, with desserts on Friday night at Concrete Cowboy andBar-B-Que at the house before the football game on Saturday! Hallie finished her term as EventsChairman with a bang by planning our last semi-formal of the semester, Kappa Klassic, atSpeakeasy, House and the chapter danced all night to the jazz band. Regan (Panhellenic) continued tomeet with Panhellenic to discuss changes to the bylaws and did an outstanding job of respectfullypresenting our chapter’s stance on the proposals. Our chapter also elected Riley Longtain as SlateChairmanat the beginning of the month, and her and her committee put in so many hours pouringover applications and nominating officers for 2018. Elections were held, and we are so proud of andexcited for the upcoming Chapter Council! We know they will carry on the legacy of hard work andthoughtfulness that Beta Xi officers are known for!In December, the semester began to wrap up as the weather changed and finals approached. Kakiplanned something special a leadership brunch at the house for Miss Judithe old Chapter Council, the new Chapter Council,and their advisors. Spring Break It was March 11a wonderful time to share all of the accomplishments of the past year andto transition the new officers into their positions. Emma also planned the final Philanthropy eventfor RIF at Wooldridge Elementary. The upperclassmen contributed to a book drive that Kappadonated to the school. The underclassmen got to spend a Saturday morning at Wooldridge,playing basketball with the kids, painting their faces, and getting them excited about their newbooks. 2017 has been a great year of unity and growth for Beta Xi. We have so enjoyed being ableto spend time in our beautifully newly-17 renovated house, and we are excited for all the Kappas traveled across memoriesthat will come there in 2018!Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.We welcomed a new football coach, Tom Herman, in 2017, and it has been an exciting time for ourteam as they continue to improve. There were also several emergency incidents on campus thisyear, causing the campus to unify and rally around support for mental health and campus safety.Our chapter is known on campus for being a well-rounded and open minded group of youngladies. We are proud to have so many members involved in other organizations and makingimportant changes on our campus and in Austin. Beta Xi allows its members to be the nation bestversions of themselves, and abroad we love that those things are reflected in our house as well as on ourcampus!Chapter Philanthropy:What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, inyour community? Wooldridge Elementary, B+ FoundationWhy did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?We have had a great relationship with Wooldridge Elementary School throughout the years. Severalof our members enjoy our RIF events so much at Wooldridge that they volunteer independentlythere as mentors. Our chapter even received an award from the Wooldridge Elementary School forour outstanding volunteer work with their school.Several sororities and fraternities on campus have also adopted B+ heroes, who are kids battlingcancer. Beta Xi has adopted a sweet little girl, named Moriah, who comes to the house about oncea week off from school. We feel like Moriah is one of our sisters, and it has been such a joy for our chapter tosupport her and her family as she goes through her journey. Moriah is one of the reasons ourchapter has been so passionate about fundraising for the B+ Foundation, and we are proud of themoney we have raised for such an awesome organization!Chapter Facility:In what kind of a facility does your chapter meet? Please attach a clear photo of where you typically holdchapter meetings – whether in a classroom, chapter house or elsewhere.We have a beautiful newly renovated house. We use our main dining room as the chapter room,where hold meetings throughout the year.
When we got back from Spring Break, our Leadership Consultant, Kristi Watts, came to visit our chapter from the 17th to the 22nd. She had a presentation and activities for the chapter at our meeting on Monday. We also had a program night where Willa Jolink, Education Chairman, brought the Ransom Notes (an on campus a cappella group) to sing for our chapter. On April 19th, Kristi Watts held a Zumba class for the chapter before study snacks, and Lea Edwards, Registrar, hosted the “Rom-Com” of the month for the chapter. March 22-24 was Round-Up weekend and all of the fraternities and sororities hosted fun philanthropy events and concerts throughout the weekend. On March 25th the freshman had another recruitment event where each Area Recruitment Captain told the chapter about the incoming freshman that they were excited about. The girls made cute posters and signs to help people remember their names. On March 27th Peyton Bivins, Public Relations Chairman, hosted our Easter party for alumni and their kids. We had face painting, games, candy, and an Easter Bunny at the party. Many Kappa alumni brought their kids to the party, and it was a huge success.
April 1st started off with a resume workshop to help prepare for the upcoming round ==Highlights of job interviews. Caroline Cooper, VP Academic Excellence, hosted the event and everyone found it very helpful and informative. On April 5th Catherine Wilson, Philanthropy Chair, hosted our annual Kappa Pi Phi Powder-Puff game at the intermural fields to raise money for RIF. It was a huge success with a snow cone maker, prizes, and a raffle. Kappa won the game for the 3rd year in a row! On April 6th we had our annual Reading is Key party at Zavala Elementary School. Our chapter brought books for every kid hosted an afternoon party, complete with games, crafts, and face paint. On April 7th we had our third recruitment workshop with the freshmen and sophomores. The sophomores demonstrated their rush skills by helping them with the songs, dances, and noise level. Nancy Ellison, our PDC, who was regularly updated by Sullivan Franklin-Mitchell, Recording Secretary, attended our Chapter Council meeting on April 7th. It was fun for Chapter Council to chat with her and get to update her in person rather than through email. 2018==
On April 9th we had our “Rom-Com” of the month, which was right after study snacks and was a fun break for everyone. Soon after, Junior/Senior night was on April 11th. It was a special night where the upperclassman had dinner together at Iron Cactus and talked about all the fun memories they’ve had at Kappa. April 12-14 was our annual Mom’s Weekend. Isabel Dann, Social Chair, planned a fun weekend with a happy hour at a local store, Adelante, and a brunch at The Driskill Hotel. It was a great weekend spent showing our mom’s Austin and the Kappa house. On April 18th we had our very own, Kappa Kasual, as our second date party of the semester. It was a fun party at a local Austin venue called Haven, and girls invited dates and danced to the band. The next day we kicked off Dad’s weekend with dinner at Serrano’s. We ate fajitas on a patio and enjoyed live music under the stars. The next night we paired up with the Texas Cowboys to have an event at a local venue called The Stage. Overall it was a great weekend with our Dads.
On April 24th The 2018-19 school year began with a new Beta Xi Chapter Council ready to work hard and continue the amazing work of the previous council. The new Chapter Council was comprised of many new members, as well as some returning faces. Camille Szelc advanced from the role of Treasurer to President, and Jennifer Harbour took her place, moving up from Assistant Treasurer. Helen Williams took over the role as Assistant Treasurer, the only sophomore position on Chapter Council. Emma Riddle and Tessa Lauritzen returned to their respective positions of Philanthropy Chairman and Public Relations Chairman for the second year in a row. Carter Pittman was VP Standards, Charlotte Fitzpatrick was VP Organization,Peyton Travis was VPAE, Emily Parnell was Recording Secretary, Linda Castranova was Corresponding Secretary, Caroline CooperCannan was Membership Chairman, Cameron Crawford was New Member Chairman, Madison Rigby was Event Chairman, Cameron Shepherd was Registrar, Katie Bell was House Chairman, Lexie Alexander was Marshal, Sarah Boatwright was Risk Management Chairman, Kate Kaiser was Panhellenic Delegate, and Paige Nelson was Education Chair. As the year began, Camille (President) got the Chapter Council in order by determining a set time for weekly meetings. She efficiently created an easy way for all Council members to communicate, set up a Google Drive folder for notes and forms, and reviewed the necessary expectations and responsibilities of Chapter Council officers. The Council discussed their personal and group goals for the semester, focusing mostly on encouraging attendance and bolstering chapter morale throughout the year. To build a stronger community within the chapter, Carter (VP Academic ExcellenceStandards) created a Kappa Kompliments box where members could leave encouraging notes to fellow Kappas to be read out at chapter. Cameron (Registrar) made sure Key Reports was in order and allowed access to the new officers. Jennifer (Treasurer) worked with the Chapter Council to set budgets for the 2018 spring semester and continued with billing of the chapter for the new semester. Linda (Corresponding Secretary) introduced her goal of moving everything over from the ListServe system to GinSystem and began the switch. Peyton (VPAE) started off the year by creating a consistent schedule of study snacks, available every Tuesday as a place for chapter members to take a mental break and grab a cookie or two. At the first chapter of the year, Camille (President) did a great job of welcoming everyone back and introduced transfers. The chapter voted on a new Standards Committee and AE Committee. To begin the process of recruitment, Caroline (Membership) sent out Area Rush Captain Applications to be due at the end of the month. Sophomores are encouraged to apply to be an Area Rush Captain as a fun way to get more involved in recruitment and assist the rush team in the busy months to come. In early February, the first formal chapter of the year was held. Camille (President) and four other officers attended Ladder of Risk, a workshop designed to introduce the FIGP policy and build a community between fellow sorority and fraternity leaders. Emma (Philanthropy) began the application for GIRLS Academy, an opportunity for Kappa chapters to partner with and mentor young girls from a local middle school. As a chapter, Beta Xi raised over $1,000 for RIF at an event held by Outdoor Voices and was named one of the 20 highest donating KKG chapters. Charlotte (VPO) did a great job of placing chapter members into their respective committees, based off of their requests and needs of the officers. Kate (Panhellenic Delegate) sought to build better relationships between the Beta Xi chapter and Panhellenic by encouraging members to apply to be a Rho Gam for the following year’s recruitment. Cameron (Registrar) planned “Rom Com of the Month” around Valentine’s Day, featuring a networking night with popcorn, candy, and cheesy movies. The Kappas joined Pi Beta Phi for Monmouth, a wonderful formal event held at The Belmont. Everyone had a blast at the Masqueradethemed party, spending the night dancing to the band, posing for photo booth pictures, or coming up with a crazy design to request from the face painters. Paige (Education) planned an interesting and informative program night about self-defense, focusing on what we can do as women if we are placed in a threatening situation. The past two years of rush teams met with Caroline (Membership) and her rush team at a triplicate meeting, allowing them to impart their advice and wisdom. Caroline (Membership) also began meeting with Panhellenic at bimonthly Recruitment Roundtables as a way to learn the house rules and routines of recruitment and led her first rush workshop with PC’ 17. On the last chapter of February, Alumnae Relations Specialist for all Theta District, Amy Sutton, visited to announce to the chapter that the Warning of Probation had been lifted. The month ended with a Ritual Workshop held by Lexie (Marshall) as a way to refresh the chapter’s memory of important Kappa history. March came and went quickly with the nice week of Spring Break to give everyone a break from school. Emma (Philanthropy) invited the founders of the B+ Foundation to come speakto the chapter. They educated the chapter about their mission and main goals, while also introducing their Roundup fundraising campaign. Peyton (VPAE) held a wonderful Professor Dinner at the Kappa house, giving the membersof our chapter a chance to get to know their esteemed professors in a more intimate setting. She brought designed coffee cups as a party favor so that each professor would remember the hospitality displayed by each girl. Before Spring Break, the Not On My Campus committee gave a brief but informative presentation on staying safe and watching out for your sisters during the break. The next week, Kappas set off all over the country, exploring new places, relaxing at home, or visiting friends studying abroad in various foreign countries. After Spring Break, the chapter nominated Avery Campbell as the new Nominating Committee Chair Representative. Emma (Philanthropy) also joined forces with Pi Phi to throw Kappa Pi Phi Karnival. The event was held in the front yard of the Pi Phi house with cotton candy, face paint, and even a mechanical bull! Chapter members sold wristbands to their friends, encouraging them to stop by as a kickoff party for Roundup Weekend. Tessa (PR) invited alumni form different industries and friends to the house that Sunday for a fun Easter party. Alumni were welcome to bring their children for a fun afternoon of cookie decorating and egg hunting. Cameron (New Member) began discussing Bid Day with Chapter Council, throwing around ideas and asking for the opinions of the chapter. Madison (Event) planned a completely new event, naming the party “Kappa Krush”. Chapter members secretly invited dates for their friends, but the girls did not find out until their date found them wearing their tie at the party! Everyone was excited to try something new, and the event held Vulcan was a huge success. April was another busy month for the Beta Xi chapter as the school year began wrapping up. Camille (President) and Kate (Panhellenic Delegate) presented the new Diversity and Inclusion Statement written by Panhellenic to the chapter and encouraged members to apply for the new Diversity and Inclusion committee. Katie (House) sent out new room assignments to the sophomores eagerly awaiting their year living in the house. To continue boosting morale, Carter (VP Standards) and the standards committee planned a night at the baseball park for fun sisterhood event in early April. The Kappas took over the stands, eating hot dogs and cheering on the UT baseball team as they took on the Baylor Bears. Peyton (VPAE) recognized girls in the chapter who received a 4.0 in the fall and also announced that the chapter had moved up in the UPC GPA rankings to talk the 7th position! The new members advanced even higher, ranking 3rd. Chapter members visited Wooldridge Elementary for their biannual Reading is Key event, engaging the students through basketball, bracelet making, and of course, dance parties! Each student got to leave with a few books donated by the members of our chapter. Cameron (Registrar) planned this month’s “Rom Com of the Month” around The Bachelor, having a fun night of snacks and gossip as chapter members gathered together to watch the finale. Caroline (Membership) held two recruitment workshops this month, re-familiarizing the entire chapter with the songs, chants, and strategies soon to be used. The recruitment team spent endless amounts of time meeting with the ARCs and taking on their respective roles to prepare for the summer months. They did a great job of introducing new changes and getting the chapter excited about future careersa new season of recruitment! Paige (Education) planned a final wrap up event for the seniors at Painting With a Twist. On April 26th we The seniors got to visit a studio to recreate their own painting to take home, and they had a blast! Madison (Event) was busy this month, planning both the last date event of the year, Kite and Key, with Kappa family night Alpha Theta and Parent’s Weekend. The date event featured a fun band Cedar Street Courtyard. Instead of doing separate Mom’s and Dad’s weekends, Madison combined the two into one big Parent’s Weekend at the end of April. On Friday, chapter members attended a joint shopping event and Happy Hour between Adelante and Santa Rita. To show off the new house, Kappa hosted a local brunch for all parents before the UT baseball game. Towards the end of the month, the chapter welcomed back Casey, a Kappa Leadership Consultant. Each Chapter Council officer met with Casey to get advice and set goals for the next semester. Charlotte (VPO) did a great job in planning activities for Casey to introduce her to more of Austin movie theatre drive. As a whole, the chapter was so grateful that Casey was able to make time to come back and visit again. The school year came to an end in May as Kappas began making their summer plans. Paige (Education) brought back the tradition of Chapter Awards, much to the surprise and excitement of the chapter. Outstanding Freshman went to Gigi Hanna, Outstanding Sophomore went to Risk Management Chair Sarah Boatwright, Outstanding Junior went to Peyton Bertram, and Outstanding Senior went to Hannah Love. Hannah was also presented the Eleanor Niggli-Tyler Award for outstanding contributions to Beta Xi Chapter Kappa Kappa Gamma. Kristen Graham won Lillian Lurker, a comedic award presented to a house girl who spent hours in the Lillian, our beloved living room. For outstanding contribution to the University of Texas and Kappa Kappa Gamma, senior Riley Longtain received the Braun-Maynard Award. Last, Sally Cisarik won the Heather Lynn Dealy Award, nicknamed the “Sunshine Award”. Paige (Education) also planned Senior Sendoff to honor those leaving us. Each senior received a small present from the chapter and announced their future plans. Jennifer (Treasurer) explained payment plans to the chapter, as she would begin billing for the Fall semester in August. During the summer months, Beta Xi Kappas set off to do wonderful things all over the world. Several members studied abroad, becoming familiar with the lifestyles inSpain, Italy, Croatia, and more. Older Kappas began internships and summer jobs, hoping to gain experience and make connections. Other members entered summer school or attended summer camps. To keep in touch, Tessa (PR) kept up the chapter’s various social media accounts, gathering pictures from everyone’s exciting summer experiences. Camille (President) and Emily (Corresponding Secretary) took off to Denver to attend the Kappa Convention. They showed had an incredible time getting to know Kappa chapters from all over the film Grease country and developing stronger relations with the advisors who attended as well. Beta Xi was lucky enough to win the advisory board of the year award for the chapter connections with the advisors. The most notable part of their trip was the presentation by Lawrence Ross, who came to UT this past Fall as well to discuss race relations in Sororities and Fraternities. Caroline (Recruitment) and her rush team stayed busy reviewing letters of recommendation, planning out the fun days of work week, and creating a strategy to use in the upcoming weeks. Chapter members moved back to Austin in early August to participate in a week of preparing for recruitment. Caroline (Recruitment) and her team even surprised the chapter with a swimming barge as a way to cool off in the hot summer heat. A great work week led into an even better recruitment week. Beta Xi was proud to show off the their unique personalities, and on Bid Day, we welcomed 68 amazing new girls into our chapter! The festivities planned by Cameron (New Member) included dinner at Matt’s El Rancho, a dance party, and a sleepover at the house for all new members. The girls loved getting to know their future sisters in a more intimate setting. The school year started up again in September. Kappas welcomed the fall semester with open arms, entering new classes and cheering on the Longhorns football team. Chapter Council gathered together again on Sundays to communicate their semester goals and plan for how to achieve them. After an orientation put on by Katie (House), PC’ 16 moved into the house, enjoying the comfort of living so close to campus. The New Members eagerly explored their new home, eating meals together, studying in the basement, and showing off the house to their friends during guest lunches. They attended a New Member Orientation put on by Panhellenic to learn all of the policies and responsibilities expected of newmembers. Within Kappa families carpooled together ,Cameron (Registrar) and Linda (Corresponding Secretary) worked with Cameron (New Member) to gather all of the New Member information to input them into the various systems. Linda (Corresponding Secretary) also gave a presentation on Ginsystem as the chapter officially moved over from ListServe. Carter (Standards) elected a new member to the Standards committee to replace the senior who graduated in May. Once again, Charlotte (VPO) worked on organizing committees in time for the first committee night. Peyton (VPAE) proudly announced that our chapter moved from 8th place to see 4th place out of 14 sororities in the movieUPC GPA rankings with an average GPA of 3.5581. On April 28th Cameron (New Member) began the entire New Member meetings before chapter participated each week to educate the New Members on various aspects of Kappa, introduce them to the Chapter Council officers, and answer any questions they had. The Kappas attended their first date event in another Rookie Rush late September, a fun, ranch style joint date eventwith Tri Delta. We Our chapter was approved for GIRLS Academy, so Emma (Philanthropy) began working on those details. Tessa (PR) gathered pictures and stories from the summer to publish the summer newsletter. As October came around, energy in the house was at an all time high with the excitement of Halloween, the Texas-OU game, and our date event with Chi Omega. The month began with chapter composites planned by Cameron (Registrar). Avery Steen worked together closely to pair the sophomores and New Members for Key Sis dates, giving the newer members a chance to spend time with their older sisters. Emma (Philanthropy) scheduled a bat tour for girls in the chapter to spend time with Moriah, our B+ Hero. In preparation for recruitment before the summerbig game in Dallas, Sarah (Risk Management) worked with the NOMC leaders to give a helpful presentation on the risks of party weekends and how to stay safe. Our last meeting She also organized a list of girls going to the semester was game by fraternity so that all Kappas knew who to turn to if they needed help. On Friday, Kappas loaded up buses and cars to head to the Red River Rivalry. After a nerve-wracking game, the Longhorns came out on April 29thtop with a 48-45 win. To celebrate Halloween, Madison (Event) planned our annual Owl-o-ween with Chi O. From Ghostbusters to movie stars, everyone enjoyed dressing up with their date. Tessa (PR) hosted a Halloween party at the house for alumni and their children. In-house girls participated by handing out candy in a mock trick-or-treat activity. Towards the end of the month, Kappas went back to Wooldridge Elementary to host their fall Reading is Key event. Everyone loved seeing the children again, which included and we even saw some returning faces! The month culminated with a sisterhood hangout with Kappa Delta. Kate (Panhellenic) invited the Senior SendKDs into our house to build ice cream sundaes and socialize. November kicked off with a fun-Off filled Parent’s Weekend, featuring a great brunch at the house before a big football game against West Virginia. The following week was an amazing Inspiration Week planned by Lexie (Marshal). Casey the Leadership Consultant returned that week to act as a guide and mentor through all of the Initiation rituals. Chapter Council was so fortunate to have someone who knew our chapter so well to be there during this special week. The week began with Big-Little reveal as the meetingnew members were welcomed into their new families, dressing up and eating Amy’s ice cream. On Friday, Fireside was held at the house. After bonding all night, the new members were finally initiated early Saturday morning. To celebrate, Cameron (New Member) planned a wonderful brunch for the new actives and their families. The weekend culminated with Founder’s Day, a special event held each year to embrace our Kappa history and celebrate our esteemed alumni. This includes year, Paige (Education) planned Founder’s Day at the Kappa House as a way to show off our beautiful home and make the event more intimate. Kappa also participated in Greek Get Down, a dance competition put on by AEPhi to raise money for their philanthropy. Peyton (VPAE) held another Professor Dinner, giving the new actives a chance to talk to the people who led their classes each day. On the last Thursday in November, Kappas attended Kappa Klassic, a semi-formal held at Summit. Everyone had a blast, and Kappa commends Madison (Event) for the wonderful job she did planning events all year. The Slate committee worked endless hours, pouring over Chapter Council applications and debating who would be the next leaders of Kappa. After long nights, they presented their nominations to the chapter, which were warmly received. Kappa thanks Slate for the seniors sharing wonderful job they did, and we are all very excited for the new Chapter Council to lead us into next year. As the year came to a funny memory from close, December was an important time for transitioning. New Chapter Council members met with those who held their four years positions currently to learn the ins and outs of being each job. As a wrap-up and official transition day, Charlotte (VPO) planned the Leadership brunch at the house. Old and new Chapter Council members gathered with their advisors to celebrate everything that has been accomplished in the past year and discuss goals for the semester to come. Chapter Council members also attended the State of Panhellenic dinner to present what Kappaachieved in the last year. It was As a bittersweet way to end treat, Carter (VP Standards) and the Standards committee replaced the semester by saying goodbye last chapter with a sisterhood party. The house transformed into a Winter Wonderland as chapter members took a break from studying to our beloved seniorsenjoy free massages, cookie decorating, and a chocolate fountain. Overall, 2018 was a remarkable year for Kappa as we transitioned off of a Warning of Probation, introduced a wonderful new pledge class, and grew stronger together. We are very fortunate to have had such an exciting year, and we anticipate that 2019 will be even better!
Over This year,the Texas Longhorns played a fantastic season and played against the Oklahoma Sooners in the summer, Kappa members took jobs all across Big 12 Championship at the worldAT&T Stadium. Some traveled This was the first year since 2009 that the Longhorns madeit to the Big 12 Championship,and studied abroad, while others took classes it was the first time since 1903 that the two teams played eachother twice in Austin or worked one season.The Longhorns will go on to play the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl on New YorkYear's Day. From diving with sharks After a long campaign season and a runoff,Colton Becker and Mehraz Rahman were electedas the new student body president and vice president. Our chapter is known throughout campusfor being very involved in South Africa multiple school functions and clubs.The traditional "Kappa"girl is known for being respectable,responsible,and true to spending an afternoon at Barton Springsherself.Our house is a landmark on campus, Kappa was represented all around the worldand we take pride in welcoming people to see thisspecial place. Our chapter supports Reading Is Fundamental,B+ Foundation
August 12th kicked off Work Week Our chapter has been raising money and gathering books for RIF over the chapter in preparation for recruitmentlast few years. The week was filled with fun events along We partner with Wooldridge Elementary to host a RIF event there twice a lot of time spend preparing. The Recruitment Teamyear, led by Molly McConn, planned fun events for invitingstudents from the chapterschool to come play games, such as a petting zoo in the key gardeneat snacks, while also organizing slide shows and bump group practicesget their faces painted.Each child leaves with books donated by our members. Throughout the week year,chapter membersvolunteer as mentors for some of the seniors had fun skits that they presented to students at the chapter and the rush team gave out fun prizesschool. August 15th was We received our Date Dash party that was planned by Isabel Dann at RecessB+ Hero,Moriah, a local venue. It was a fun break during Work Weekfew years ago, along with many other sororities and some fraternities on campus.Moriah has become part of the previously graduated Kappas joined sisterhood, and she is well loved by everyone in on the funchapter. August 21-27 was Recruitment Week for the Kappas. It was an extremely successful year with a new pledge class We spend lots of 71 members. Everyone at Kappa was so excited time taking her and her friends to participate in things around Austin as wellas hosting them to see all of the new members running down University Avenue toward the house when they got their bidsto paint,sing,or play hide-and-go-seek. Tatum Jolink Throughout the year, New Member Chairman, planned a great Bid Night wealso raise money for the new pledge class with dinner at Abel’s on the Lake and a face paintingB+ Foundation through fundraising campaigns. They got decked out in all new Kappa gear and As Moriah grows older,we are so lucky to have had a great night meeting their new Kappa sisters. And quickly after, the next morning was back chance to get to school for a new semesterknow her and her family.
September started out with our first meeting back from school and formal pledging for Our chapter meets every Monday at 6 pm in what we call the new pledge class. Lea Edwards, Registrar, put "Great Room" in the information for all of the new members into Key Reportshouse. Tatum JolinkAt 5pm, New Member Chair, started holding pledge meetings after we offer chapter meetings on Mondays. She planned out a full semester of appearances from each Kappa officer dinner to enhance understanding of the inner workings of Kappaentire chapter. Macy Barnett As dinner comes to an end, our House Manager, updated Boys assist us in moving the Gin system, improving the house point system. Margaret Smith, VP Standards, scheduled meetings tables and chairs from a dining room setting to meet individually with each new member. It was also more of a nice surprise when Caroline Cooper, VP Academic Excellence, was one of six invited to attend the Academic Excellence conference at the Kappa headquarters. She had an excellent time strategizing with other VPAEs about grade improvement in each chapter and learning ways to promote academic excellencepresentation-style setting.
Our meeting on September 9th was program night; it was special because a member of Every year,we have multiple girls from our chapter, Barbara Gass, discussed her experience biking from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska apply to raise money ride for cancer research in Texas 4000. Kappa Kidnap was our second event of the year on September 12th. It Texas4000 is a very exciting event in which the chapter is unaware non-profit organization that hosts one of the location of longest bicycle rides in the event until we arriveworld. This The Kappas who apply and are accepted raise thousands of dollars, training all year it was hosted about an hour outside of for their ride from Austin at the famous Coupland Dance Hallto Alaska. Girls wore cowboy boots Our chapter assists these members by postingon social media, selling t-shirts, and dresses and danced the night away. Parent’s Weekend was September 20th and 21sthelping raise money. On the 20th Not only are we hosted a fun party with the Texas Fiji’s at a local venue called The Stage. There was a fun band and games. On Saturday night Catherine Wilson, Philanthropy Chairincrediblyproud of our girls who take on this task, planned Kappa Cookout. Every year we have barbecue at the house and invite also commend our parents and friends to come by after the football game to raise money chapter for Reading is Fundamental. It was a huge success with a band playing in the key garden outpouringlove and the house set up in a football themesupport they provide. On September 27th Tatum Jolink, New Member Chair, planned the new member retreat. She hosted it at the house Summer 2018 Riders:PeytonBertramand cleared out all of the furniture. The new members played games and watched movies and all got to know each other even better. September was a full month of fun and educating new members.LindaCastranova;Summer 2019 Riders:JulieDeLaRosa
October started with our annual TriDelt/Kappa Ranch Date party on October 3rd. It was held at a new venue called Brazos Hall and people danced all night in cowboy boots. On October 7th the new members had an orientation with all of the new members in the UT Panhellenic system. On October 12th the Kappas headed north to Dallas for the annual TX/OU weekend. This was the first year in 3 years that Texas pulled out a win and everyone was very excited! On October 14th we had program night during our meeting and Willa Jolink invited the UT Slam Poetry team to come perform for us. It was a great way for the chapter to see a different side of campus. Lea Edwards, Registrar, planned composites pictures to be taken on October 15-16. Everyone dressed up in black to take pictures in the side living room. On October 16th Chapter Council had a fun dinner with all of their advisors at Santa Rita. It was a great way for everyone to hang out with their advisor and meet the other advisors who do so much for our chapter. We celebrate Kappa Founder’s Day on October 21st. Willa Jolink, Education Chairman, planned a wonderful event at the AT&T Conference center across from the Kappa house. We honored Kappa alumni and remembered our founders. We even had an appearance from the Pickers! On October 29th Peyton Bivins, Public Relations Chairman, planned the alumni Halloween party. All of the local alumni brought their kids dressed up for Halloween, and our chapter hosted a party with trick or treating, face painting, and games. On October 31st we had our annual party with Chi Omega called Owloween. It was at a local venue downtown and was a great way to celebrate Halloween as a chapter.
On November 1st we had Big/Little Reveal. Tatum Jolink planned something new and fun for the girls. We had a barge out on Lake Austin and the girls dressed up in a costume to match their bigs. It was so much fun and everyone enjoyed adding a new member to their Kappa family. On November 4th we had reverse pledging for the new members and started Inspiration Week. Throughout the week we had fun events planned for the new members leading up to Initiation. We had a House Buddy reveal party and many other fun things to celebrate their transition into official members of Kappa. On November 8-9 we had Initiation at the house. This year, 47 alums and over 200 actives took part in our best initiation yet. Both the actives and alumnae were eager to participate; all felt a strong sense of renewal afterward. Our white room was 18’ x 32’ larger than in years past due to the extensive efforts of the Marshal, her adviser and her committee. We added an extra Red Room along with 12 Runners and four Marshals to help run the Red Room process. Everyone participated and alumni from around the country came to initiate girls they know and love. After initiation on November 9th we had an Initiation brunch for all of the girls and their moms. On November 14-17 we had a Kappa trainer come visit our chapter. She taught us about risk management and the importance of Kappa’s reputation. It was extremely helpful for our chapter to have her help us improve. On November 19th we had a sisterhood event at the house. We all brought supplies and participated in a fun event that helped boost self-esteem and demonstrate our appreciation for one another. On November 21st we had our last event of the year, Kappa Cocktail. We had a great semi-formal at a local venue Buffalo Billiards. It was a great way to end a semester!
In December we finished up with our last meeting ==Highlights of the year and the old officers handed down their positions. We all participated in Triplicate meetings and were very excited to pass off our positions to a great new Chapter Council. 2019==
This has been Several members of Kappa are a big year part of the peer buddy in Best Buddies. They ar epaired with an adult with an intellectual disability and he’s their"buddy"at all the events for the Beta Xi Chapter rest of Kappa Kappa Gammathe school year. Every year our chapter It is expanding at a much faster rate than the previous year, and great way for our chapter is learning to adjust members to stay involved in the community as well as make an impact in someone's life. I would say that all our new large numbersmembers involved in Best Buddies have learned more from the program than they expected. Overall Our members are also involved in our philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. There is an event at Wooldridge Elementary School where members go hang out with the Greek system children at the University of Texas is growing at school, paint their faces, make bracelets, draw pictures, play basketball and everyone's favorite, play musical chairs.There are also other events we are involved in such as an extremely rapid rateonline fundraiser for B+ Foundation, Girls Academy (middle school girls retreat on leadership, service, and men and women across respect), book drives, participated in Phi Psi Stuff the country are realizing the value in joining a sorority or fraternityTruck, DG Desserts, Alpha Phi's Mac N' Phis, Pi Phi's Pi Burger's & Phries, ADPi's PiHop, won SDT EAT your way around competition, Kappa Pi Phi carnival, fundraising for Texas4000, donated menstrual products to PERIOD. As we grow, we Each of our members are adding many new facets dedicated to their success and have achieved incredible things while at the personality University of our chapterTexas. Reflecting on the nature One of our chapter brings to mind members was awarded a collection $1500 grant for thesis research, she is the co-president of different girls with different strengthsPlan II student association, such as biologywas also awarded the AJ and Lynda Hare Scribante Scholarship for $3000, guitar, or computer programming. Our chapter is very close due to our diversity. When studying or interacting with other students on campus it and is always a proud moment to meet someone who has previously worked with a Kappacounselor for Dell Medical Summer Science Camp. We have a lot going on but we are all eager there to represent Kappa on campus support each other and we hold ourselves to the highest standardshelp out when someone could use another hand.
This year UT has experienced many changes. Our head coach of the football team, Mack Brown, retired from coaching after members are involved in certain programs and clubs on campus and a very successful tenure at UTmajority hold officer positions in those organizations. A few of the things they have worked to accomplish include improved transition for freshman Plan II students by creating new coach from Louisville, Charlie Strongactivities and opportunities for involvement, replaced him. It will be interesting contributed to see his success at UT over the next few years. The UT Board enrichment and closeness of Regents has been eventful Greek community, donated 300 books to follow—with some members disagreeing Bill PowersWooldridge Elementary, and provided support, education, the president of UT. The City of Austin has also been growing at a very fast rate over the past few years. There are many new buildings added and leadership to the skyline each year Wooldridge students, B+ hero, and Austin summer camp kids. We support Reading is becoming a destination for people around the world. OverallFundamental, Kappa Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation We chose RIF because it is adapting our national philanthropy and we want to UT participate in the core values of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Hosting RIF events and Austin’s development and growth book drives connects us with ease, our sisters within the chapter and throughout the nation. We chose the B+ Foundation because it is a local philanthropy that we are excited to see what happens can participate in with other sororities and fraternities on the years to comeUniversity of Texas campus.
Upon electing Beta Xi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had a great year! Multiple members were awarded KKG foundation academic scholarships. Ashley Duester (PC ’17) was awarded the new officers for 2014UT Sorority and Fraternity Life Office Outstanding Member of 2020 award. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the new we were lucky enough host a sisterhood basketball game in February and old Chapter Council wasted no time in preparing for the year aheadMonmouth date event on March 2nd, 2020. After completing triplet meetings in Decemberlife started to change, the officers all felt that they were ready sisterhood events began to continue look more socially distant. On November 10th, 2020 we held a sisterhood ice cream event at Zilker Park and a hot chocolate event in the great leadership that was key garden during finals week in place before themDecember. Our first two orders of business were We continued to get everyone up stay philanthropically involved by hosting a chapter drive-in donation to speed on EJI in Spring 2020. Because of the pandemic, we created operation plans for managing chapter facilities in the Kappa Google Drivemidst of COVID-19. We conducted a virtual work week, recruitment, and to create a 2014 Leadership Action planbid day. Chapter Council completed these two items with outstanding efficiency All new member meetings, formal and thoroughnessreverse pledging ceremonies, which set all and formal chapter meetings were held virtually through zoom (informal chapter meetings consisted of a PowerPoint made by the members of chapter council and sent out to the new officers up for a very successful year!entire chapter). Further, initiation was completely virtual and combined into one ceremony.
In January, all the new officers had The Chapter celebrated Founders Day with a great beginning to brunch at the new year. Willa Jolink (President) spent much of her time organizing and leading Chapter Council and Chapter meetings every Sunday and MondayBeta Xi KKG House. Her organizational skills and heart for Kappa helped everything run smoothly in Alumni were invited to come celebrate the first month of her office. The chapter also welcomed two new transfers from Texas Tech and Alabama, which Willa Jolink (President), Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) exciting day and Leigh Robinson (Registrar) helped usher in. Tatum Jolink organized share with each other the first Sisterhood event power of the semester, bowling at the underground alley on campus, which Kappa women.There was a huge success! Becca Johnson (VPAE) also implemented speaker who presented a new system of gauging little bit about Kappa and the academic success history of the new members, which ultimately led to one of our best overall GPAs yet! Madalyn Brim (Membership) organized it and everyone had a successful first Rush Workshop to prepare for recruitment great time in the fall and began the process of preparing for a new pledge class! Meghan Lowenfield (Chapter Education) treated the Chapter to a Zumba Workout during the first program nighteach others company. Overall, the 2014 year was off to a great start!
In February, the new officers began to get the hang of their positions and The chapter began brainstorming ways to make this the best year of Beta Xi yet! Becca Johnson (VPAE) received the grade reports from the Fall 2013 semester and was pleased to see that we had raised our GPA significantly above the all sorority average and was ranked 6th overall! The chapter celebrated celebrate Kappa’s 150th anniversary with a cake Founders Day. Customized cups and Kappachino party that Julie Parma (House Chairman) and Miss Judi put on! Leigh Robinson (Registrar) also held the first RomCom of the Month on napkins were made for the week guests of Valentines Founders Day, and partnered with Meghan McGowan (Philanthropy) to hold Kisses from Kappa, an event where as well as for the chapter writes Valentines active members to hospitalized children. It was a huge success, with use throughout the biggest turnout that both events have ever seen. Tricia Curry (Marshal) also held a Ritual Workshop to teach the entire chapter the Kappa rituals. This was extremely helpful to the new members especially. Last, Kappa had their first formal of the semester, Monmouth, with the PiPhis in late February. It was at a new venue on 6th street, and all the girls had a fun time with their dates thanks to a lot of planning from Mimi Richardson (Events Chairman) and Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management)year.
March was a big month for the Beta Xi Kappas. Julie Parma (House Chairman) began the month by analyzing House Points and assigning roommates in the house for the 2014-2015 school year. She also revamped the Lillian, a lounge on the second floor that had begun to look outdated. With the House Board’s helpFor our philanthropy we support B+ Foundation, the new Lillian Reading is now a favorite hangout spot for the girls in the house! Beta Xi also had House Mother Appreciation weekFundamental, where the girls honored Miss Judi and all the amazing work she does for our chapter. Peyton Bivins (VPO) also worked hard on preparing the chapter for the Leadership Consultant to visit various COVID relief organizations: Fuel Our Heroes, Communities in late March. The LC helped us so muchSchools of Central Texas, Boys and we were so happy to get to gain wisdom from an older, wiser Girls Club. RIF is our Kappa! Becca Johnson (VPAE) also went above affiliate philanthropy and beyond by compiling a “Majors List”, a new resource for Kappas to find others who share the same majorB+ supports children battling cancer. Becca also planning a Registration Party, with older Kappas helping younger girls navigate the perils of registering As for classes. Barbara Gass (Corresponding Secretary) took a lot of time in March to inventory and label all the resources in the basementCOVID relief participation, making it much easier for we felt that the chapter to access. Meghan Lowenfield (Fraternity Education) also organized two fun events for the chapter: a senior yoga class and a Keys Overseas presentation! Both made meetings interesting and fun! In the end pandemic was one of March, the girls went on Spring Break, many going on trips with other Kappas. The Kappas traveled all over the world and took advantage greatest crisis of a whole week off from school! Upon returning back, Beta Xi held our biggest philanthropy event during Round Up, Fajita Fiesta, with PiPhi! This was the first year lifetime and we needed to do this, and Meghan McGowan’s (Philanthropy) hard work on it paid off!help in any way possible.
In April, Beta Xi did not slow down one bit in preparing The chapter fund raised for the end of the semester. Mimi Richardson (Social) worked with Theta to plan Kite and KeyEqual Justice Initiative, started a beloved date party with the Thetas. Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management) did summer anti-racism book club, established a ton of work with the bus policy for this event, and spent many hours contacting the bus company Diversity and thinking Inclusion position of new, innovative ways to take roll on the buses. Additionally, Mimi Richardson helped plan fun Mom's and Dad's Weekends in April. The chapter loved getting to hang out with each other families in group dinners council and events. Alex Collins (Panhellenic Delegate) helped run Greek Grub, an awareness event that helps Greeks meet each other on campuscommittee for recruitment. She also organized a profit share with our sister sorority, AEPhi, at Red Mango. The turnout was great, All Diversity and all the proceeds went to One Million for Anna, a charity that Meghan McGowan (Philanthropy) has developed a relationship with. Michelle Nash (Public Relations) threw the annual Easter Party, one the of the chapter’s favorite opportunities to meet alumni! Michelle put on an incredible party with Easter egg hunts Inclusion positions and even the Easter Bunny committees were made an appearance. Julie Parma (House Chairman) also assigned parking spots in the Kappa lot based on preference forms for the 2014-2015 school yearpermanent.
May signaled a slow down in To celebrate 150 years of Kappa events as finals approached and the semester came to an end. Meghan Lowenfield (Education Chairman) conducted Senior Sendoff, a fun event after Chapter where we recognize the seniors our education chair made gift packages and hear funny memories from their at KKG. Leigh Robinson (Registrar) also worked hard in obtaining all the graduating seniors’ contact information and put sent them on alum status in Key Reports. Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) also helped in getting the seniors to comply with the Senior Agreement, and she believes that the seniors were more aware of the requirements than in years past. Maggie Hood (Treasurer) worked hard in setting up the budget for the next school year. She met with all the officers individually and looked at past bills to determine the correct amount to allocate to each of the officer accountsalumnae being honored. Maggie Hood (Treasurer), Willa Jolink (President) and Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) also worked hard to ensure that all accounts In these gift packs were cleared and everything was organized and squared away nicely for the chapter. Catherine Anne Prideaux (New Member) and Madalyn Brim (Membership) both worked hard to prepare for the recruitment and the new members coming in August! Catherine Anne finalized Bid Day plans and worked closely with Caroline Wallace (Favors Chairman) to design fun t-shirts and gear for the new girls to wear. Madalyn held the last recruitment workshop personalized Yeti cups and began planning for the summernotes. Lastly, Mimi Richardson (Social Chairman) and Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management) planned a fun End of the Year Party on a barge on Lake Travis for the Kappas! It was a huge hit and a great end to the school year!
Over the summer, the Kappas parted ways to do internships, study abroad, hang out at home or take classes in Austin. All the girls, especially the officers, kept up Here is a strong line of communication and continued link to uphold the Kappa name all around the world. Five members of Chapter Council attended Convention over the summer with all of the Kappa chapters in our region. The girls gained a lot of great tips in how to better Instagram that was run by our chapter! Madalyn Brim (Membership) PR chair. It features pictures posted following public health guidelines and how we handled the rest social media aspect of Recruitment Team stayed in Austin over the summer, and attended parties and events where they could meet some of the girls who would be going through recruitment in Augustpandemic. https://www. The team did a ton of hard work for the rest of the chapter, but also had a ton of fun in Austin! However, in August everyone was ready to get back to the Kappa house for another fun year of Recruitment, new members, date parties, meetings, and sisterhood eventsinstagram. com/texaskkg/?hl=en
In August, Madalyn Brim’s officer position kicked into high gear when she led an extremely successful Spirit Week and Recruitment Week. All of the chapter’s hard work paid off when 78 new Kappas ran to the house on Bid Day! Everyone was so pleased with the girls we had gotten, and Catherine Anne Prideaux (New Member Chairman) was ready to begin integrating the New Members into the chapter!
September marked the first week of school and the first football game. This year, long time football coach, Mack Brown, left the University and Coach Charlie Strong was hired as the new Longhorns head football coach! This football season looked promising for the Longhorns, and the Kappas were excited to begin attending football games again. At Beta Xi, September was a very busy month. Unfortunately, Bid Night behavior posed some challenges that Chapter Council had to discuss how to move forward with this yearly celebration of the new members. Willa Jolink (President) led these discussions and worked as the communication between the House Board and Chapter Council. The Kappas handled this situation very well and implemented extra service events and programs to put our chapter back in good standing. We are very proud of the progress we have made! Also in September, the New Members had their retreat at the KKG house, where they played games and bonded at a pledge class. Peyton Bivins (VPO) diligently constructed the calendar for the upcoming semester and implemented a new system for Committee Night. Now, all officers have a committee and the girls have a bigger hand in choosing a committee for the semester. Becca Johnson (VPAE) also made a fun new game out of Smarty Pants, which puts the 4 grades into competition to see who can get the most As. Overall, September was a busy and challenging semester, but very rewarding overall!
In October, Beta Xi was brought the news that the house would officially be undergoing a major renovation in the 2014-2015 school year! The girls were all very excited about the prospect ==Highlights of a new and improved house, but many challenges did arise in terms of housing everyone in the chapter during the year that the house cannot be used. House Board and Chapter Council worked together to form a relationship with 2400 Nueces to get a block of rooms for the Kappas, find a house for Miss Judi and locate potential new meeting and recruitment spaces. Overall, the strong team mindset in Kappa made these challenges easy to overcome. Beta Xi also had another visit from the LC, Riley. Peyton Bivins (VPO) ensured she had a wonderful stay and the chapter benefitted from the news ideas that the LC had to bring. Meghan Lowenfield (Fraternity Education) planned and implemented Founders Day, a time to celebrate and commemorate the founding and history of Kappa. The tradition is beloved by the Kappas. On October 25th, Tricia Curry (Marshal) officially initiated all 78 of the pledges in a beautifully run ceremony. Tricia organized everything with ease and made it the most efficient Initiation Ceremony in the past years. Initiation marks the end of an 8-week education process of the new members. Michelle Nash (PR) held another successful holiday event, the annual Halloween Party at the House. Mimi Richardson (Events Chairman) and Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management) worked hard to plan and throw Kappa Kidnap and OwlOween on two back-to-back weekends, which were both fun ways to end the month of October!2021==
November marked continued efforts to organize and communicate updates from House Board about the new upcoming renovation. Willa Jolink (President) and Julie Parma (House Chairman) worked for a very long time to make sure this process ran smoothly. Leigh Robinson (Registrar) coordinated the Composite pictures and signed a contract with a different Composite company for the next school year. She hopes to save money and increase composite quality with this switch! Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) Meghan McGowan (Philanthropy) and Alex Collins (Panhellenic Delegate) worked together to organize a Sisterhood event. At the event, girls decorated Thanksgiving cookies with Kappa Delta and wrote holiday cards to Dell Children’s Hospital. Mimi Richardson (Events Chairman) planned Parents Weekend and Kappa Cocktail. Kendall Sealy (Recording Secretary) worked with all the officers to revise the Bylaws and Standing Rules for the next officers. Then in mid November, Beta Xi began officer transitions, led by Peyton Bivins (VPO). Julie Parma (House and Slate Chairman) and the Slate Committee had elected new girls to serve on Chapter Council, and the groups began working together to transition all positions over smoothly. The 2014 Chapter Council is extremely excited to see what the new Chapter Council will do in 2015!
Campus: Recent changes on our campus have made it increasingly important to be technologically savvy. With the influx of media and technology that has come about in the past couple years, students must utilize these avenues to be successful at the University of Texas. In other news, in 2014 we hired a new football coach, Charlie Strong. The students has have begun to call themselves "Stronghorns" and all have made an incredible effort to stand behind and support this new football era. We are hoping for some big football wins in 2015!
We hold The chapter meetings in the large downstairs living room of the KKG House on University Drive. We normally move the furniture and bring in chairs to ensure that everyone has had a comfortable place walk to sit. The chapter owns our House, which maintains a Historical Landmark status in Texasraise money for NEDA and fundraised for the Jed Foundation.
We have had our red brick house on University for decades now. The girls have the opportunity to live in the House both their junior and senior years, if they choose. The House has 60 spots, and the House Chairman generally fills them with half junior and half seniors, based on House Points that can be earned throughout the school year. In our history, we have had one other chapter owned house, which was formerly on the corner of 24th of Rio Grande, the current site of a gas station. The chapter is looking forward to a massive renovation of our house in 2015 and 2016, a 15 month project to update it and revamp it. This will cause member s to not be able to live in the house in the 2015-2016 school year.
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.
Your efforts will ensure Operating in a complete PandemicHow did your chapter operations change due to COVID-19 (e.g., how did it affect recruitment, initiation, etc. Were events/activities held virtually?). Share what you have done this year. Chapter operations were impacted by COVID-19. During the spring, chapter and chapter council meetings were held virtually, and sisterhood and philanthropy events were usually outside in smaller groups. Work week and recruitment were a hybrid environment. Many work week activities were in-person, wearing masks. Recruitment was virtual until the preference round, which was split into two days, socially distanced, and accurate history masked. In the fall, the chapter saw a return to many more in-person events. The initiation ceremonies were once again in-person, although Fireside was split into two groups to facilitate social distancing. The chapter also elected to use the combined service for initiation, per the recommendation of your chapter Kappa nationals, to limit close contact between initiates and alumnae. The white room had less draping to allow for future generations better ventilation, and seniors were not required to enjoy!attend so that the room was less crowded than it would have been in a pre-pandemic initiation.
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|Image= [[File:Beta_Xi.jpg|200px]]
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1902|05|12}}
|College= [httphttps://www.utexas.edu/ University of Texas at Austin]
|Location= Austin, TX
|Homepage= [https://chaptersutexas.kappakappagammakappa.org/betaxi/ Beta Xi Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Beta_Xi Media related to Beta Xi Chapter]}}
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'''4,602 817 initiates (as of June 20152018)'''
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'''Some of Beta Xi’s Outstanding MembersCharter members:''' (If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categories Olatia Crane, please list them with the date(s) of recognitionHelen Olive Devine, Fanny West Harris, Alma Keturah Jones, Minnie Avelyn Petty, Marian Leigh Rather, Katherine Andrews Searcy, Eva Miriam Sodekson, Josephine Lucile Wathen.)
'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
Helen Knox, 1952, banker, author, Red Cross volunteer;
Prudence Mahaffey Mackintosh, 1988, author of books and magazines;
'''Additional Outstanding Beta Xi Alumnae:'''
Ann Haun (Barlow), Graduate Counselor 1961-1962;
Nancy Haun (Dozier), Graduate Counselor 1959-1960;
==Highlights of 2000-2010==
Beta Xi welcomed the new millenium millennium with a variety of new chapter activities. Each year, the sisters gathered at a chapter retreat in the fall to build and restore relationships within the chapter. New sisterhood programs included television nights, a makeover with a make-up artist, a cooking class, a yoga class, manicures, and a ceramics class. To prepare for Recruitment, a Work Week was held in which the entire chapter learned new skits, practiced old songs, and perfected Recruitment strategies. A leadership workshop for the outgoing and incoming officers, and their advisers, to aid in the transition process. The Vice President-Academic Excellence worked to improve the chapter’s G.P.A. by implementing the “Owl Jar” program, which recognized members for their hard work, and introducing the “Study Fairy,” a magical being who rewarded Kappas found studying on campus. Social events included Kappa Cocktail, Owl-O-Ween, Monmouth Duo with Pi Beta Phi, Kappa/Tri-Delt Ranch, Parents’ Weekend, Mom and Dad Weekends, and Junior/Senior Night. One evening the entire chapter attended a sing-a-long at a local restaurant. Beta Xi also continued the tradition of hosting a Halloween party and trick-or-treating for the children of local alumnae.
==Highlights of 20142020==
In December2021, the semester began to come Beta Xi chapter continued to thrive despite the complex environment of the evolving pandemic, and the chapter was a closeplace of refuge for its members. In the early spring, with only one week chapter members stayed connected through virtual chapters and outdoor sisterhood events including a coffee bar in between Thanksgiving the KKG courtyard and Christmas breaks a profit share with a delicious ice cream sandwich truck to raise money for someour philanthropies. Later in the semester, the chapter had its first semi-formal in over a year. The girls worked really hard event was split up by grade level and members and their dates were COVID tested prior to get their schoolwork done and finish with great GPAsthe event. 87 members had 4. Slowly but surely0s in the spring semester, girls began to move out and the chapter raised thousands of the house to return home dollars for the winter break philanthropies including RIF, B+, Allies Against Slavery, and holiday seasonNational Coalition against human trafficking. OverallIn the summer, 2014 has been Recruitment week was an incredible year exciting time for Beta Xithe chapter. It was the first time the entire chapter was able to be together since early 2020, and new bonds were formed while old bonds were strengthened. In the fall, chapter events and we could not be happier with meetings were once again in-person. The return of Kappa lunch was welcomed by the challenges we have overcome chapter, as members were once again able to spend time together eating and studying at the changes we have implementedKappa house.
Chapter: The nature of our PhilanthropyIn the spring, the Beta Xi chapter is something raised money to help Austin’s homeless during the winter storms and raised $20,000 for two organizations that we are most proud of . We are known as campus as being friendly, welcoming and brightcombat human trafficking. We still maintain a highly admired reputation among both Greeks and non Greeks, and we wear Throughout the Kappa name with pride. Our biggest accomplishment this year was overcoming some disciplinary issues with alcohol in the house. It was a long road to work with , our chapter supported the House Board, advisorsB+ Foundation, and Miss Judi to enforce which supports the rules surrounding this. We began doing room sweeps families of the House to ensure than no one was keeping alcohol against the ruleschildren who are fighting cancer. We are happy to say that the This fall, Christiane, an honorary Kappa who has Batten disease, joined our chapter has been properly educated on this rule and all . She frequently visits the girls have completely supported our Standards Chair Beta Xi house for Kappa lunch where she eats and President in this challenge, and our socializes with chapter members. The chapter is now stronger a wholealso had several canned food drives.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2021 was the first full year of the Beta Xi chapter having a DEI chair on chapter council. She promoted university-wide diversity and inclusion seminars, speeches, and student organizations. DEI presentations were given during chapter meetings that included promoting national heritage holidays. The DEI chair also gave a DEI presentation during work week to promote inclusivity during recruitment.