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Gamma Nu

2021-05-18T02:26:40Z

Cpc: /* Highlights of 2020s: */

{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Gamma Nu
|GreekSymbol= ΓN
|Image= [[File:Gamma_Nu.jpg|200px]]
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1925|04|09}}
|College= [http://www.uark.edu/home/ University of Arkansas]
|Location= Fayetteville, AR
|Homepage= [http://www.arkansaskappa.com/ Gamma Nu Homepage]
|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Nu Media related to Gamma Nu Chapter]}}

'''University of Arkansas established in 1871 in Fayetteville, Arkansas'''

'''Gamma Nu founded April 9, 1925 - 15 charter members'''

'''3,953 initiates (as of June 2018)'''

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'''Charter Members:'''

Geneva Anderson, Marie Cherry, Alice Crenshaw, Dorothy Farrior, Amanda Elizabeth Harms, Hazel Hinds, Hazel Holder, Nina Holder, Lilian Kirby, Cecilia Mulrenin, Ada Phillips, Jeanne Porter, Jimmie Porter, Elizabeth Smith, Emmah Smith.

'''Fraternity Council Members:'''

Julie Butler (McNeill), Traveling Consultant 1990-1991; Katie Stilwell (Bloodworth), Xi West Province Director 2009-2012; Courtney Madden (Ogden), Xi West Province Director 2013-Present; Madison Taylor, Traveling Consultant 2013-2014

'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''

'''Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''

Deborah Oates Erwin, 2008; medical anthropologist
Cynthia Casson Morton, 2010; Director of Cytogenetics

'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Nu Alumnae:'''

Mary Crook (Clark), Graduate Counselor 1945-1946;
Sandra Fergusson (Lunestad), Graduate Consultant 1964-1965;
Julie Morris (Watson), Graduate Counselor 1975-1976;
Katie Stilwell (Bloodworth), Chapter Consultant 2006-2007;

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==The Early Years==

Gamma Nu Chapter officially began on April 9, 1925, when 15 eager young women were initiated by Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Eta—Wisconsin, then Director of Provinces. Installation in Fayetteville, in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, was unique in that apple blossoms were used instead of more formal flowers.

Gamma Nu was the outgrowth of a local sorority founded April 14, 1916 called Kappa Kappa Kappa, for the purpose of developing friendships among girls of similar aims and ideals.

An installation processional honoring the chapter was composed by its good friend Dr. Henry Tovey, head of the fine arts department on campus. This gave an ever-to-be-remembered distinction to the occasion. The music was played by Dr. Tovey from an advantageous but secluded spot at both the Installation and Initiation ceremonies.

Rush in the fall of 1925 was a busy and exciting experience with Kappas eagerly meeting every train to escort “rushees” to the nearby campus. Highlights that year included winning first place in scholarship. The Kappa float also received the top award in the Homecoming parade.

'''Housing'''

The chapter house has had five different locations. In 1930, when the present site was purchased, remodeling began, converting a nondescript 10-room house into a structure with Colonial façade and housing 18 girls. By 1940, as the need for more space was felt, the house was enlarged to accommodate 40 members. A large three-story wing, which included a new kitchen, dining room and bedroom-bath area, was added to the original structure in 1956. This house, which had been painted gray and was fondly referred to as “Old Gray,” accommodated 75 girls, and was always filled to overflowing. Finally, it was admitted that “Old Gray” had outlived its usefulness. In 1964, the house was torn down, except for the 1956 wing. This provided space for the beautiful white colonial mansion that graces the grounds today. This three-story, traditional white brick building, trimmed with charcoal grey shutters, houses 91 members comfortably.

'''WWII Years'''

During World War II, Gamma Nu initiated the first supportive movement on campus by investing money in defense stamps rather than house decorations. Each girl chipped in to buy a bond, and the entire chapter was signed up to roll Red Cross bandages. Gamma Nu raised $7,800 in the 1944–45 War Loan Drive, three times the quota set for the whole campus.

'''Scholarship'''

Kappa’s scholarship record has long been excellent. In spring 1951, Gamma Nu made the highest GPA ever achieved by an organized house. Scholarship rivalry usually centered around Kappa and Chi Omega, whose mother chapter is at this university. In 1962, Gamma Nu again brought home the scholarship trophy, which had been in Chi Omega territory for 13 consecutive semesters. The spring scholarship banquet, at which dinners descend from steak, chicken, hamburger, to beans for the lowest grade point, was an annual tradition.

'''Traditions and Honors'''

Since 1956, there has been a “Granny” Gamma Nu legend. Granny is a rather portly old gal who appears twice a year at the strangest times to announce the Initiation date to new members. Her presence is always a complete surprise to everyone, new members and actives alike. Granny is really an active dressed in some outlandish garb, which, when not in use, is hidden away in a dark, mysterious closet of the chapter room.

Gamma Nu has received the Gracious Living award several times at Fraternity Conventions. Credit was due to the much-loved Ms. Jennings, House Director from 1947–62. Her pleasing personality and gracious manner were drawing cards to friends, dates, the girls and to everyone she met.
Gamma Nus have continued to live up to the high standards set by earlier members. All told, the chapter has produced (prior to 1975) 25 members in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, 32 in Mortar Board, and six in Phi Beta Kappa. Kappa scholars from this chapter were on the General Electric TV College Bowl team and the A and M College Bowl team. There have been many Homecoming Maids and at least one queen. There have been four Miss University of Arkansas winners and one Miss Arkansas. The Kappas have claimed two out of three Miss Sorority Pledge Queens. Gamma Nus have been active as cheerleaders, Associated Women Students officers, Panhellenic officers, majorettes, and student body senators and officers.

Deferred rush, meaning that girls do not pledge until they are at least sophomores, started in 1950 and was re-evaluated in the 1970s. Kappa, Pi Beta Phi, Tri Delta and Chi Omega largely dominated the campus activities. With the help of the outstanding girls who continue to be pledged, Gamma Nu, with its ideals and traditions, will continue to prosper.

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The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
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==Highlights of the 1980s==

The house did not have air conditioning, making Rush (now Recruitment) terribly HOT.
Gamma Nu alumnae say they remember everyone gathered at the house in front of the TV waiting to see the release of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video, doing Jane Fonda workouts in the formal living room, and watching General Hospital. There were formal lunches on Sundays where everyone brought friends and/or boyfriends to eat at the house after church. During these days, the freshman pledge class would chase “Granny” to find out the day and time of Initiation.
Bill Clinton was elected Governor of Arkansas and he beat Governor White, whose daughter was a Kappa at the time.

Gamma Nu was removed from a “period of concern” and the chapter was thriving in many areas. The chapter hosted Province Meeting in February and took home the Most-Improved Chapter Award. When members returned to school in the fall, the house had been redecorated and 30 new members were pledged. The chapter was ranked 5th in grades and worked closely with Chapter Consultant Rene Hedges to improve in all areas of chapter life. The chapter philanthropy was Run for Your Lungs to benefit the Oregon Lung Association. Plans were in the works for a new philanthropy, Balloon Derby, to increase interaction and visibility on the campus. Other philanthropic involvement included an Easter egg hunt for The Children’s House, a local nonprofit agency.

Fall Recruitment resulted in 39 new members who enjoyed running to “the white house on the hill.” Special events included Monmouth Duo with the Pi Phis and the Sigma Nu Relays, which Gamma Nu won.

Fall Recruitment brought 47 new members to Gamma Nu. In the Sigma Chi Derby Day skits, Kappas took first place and enjoyed making a float with the Sigma Nus. On October 31, the chapter celebrated “Owl-o-ween” with Chi Omega. On December 5, they enjoyed the annual Christmas Formal. In the spring, 41 new members were initiated.

The university had been undergoing major renovations and construction on campus. This year, the law building and engineering center were completed. Over the summer, the Gamma Nu House saw air-conditioning in the den and living room and the basement was remodeled. University enrollment was 14,276 with 12 sororities and 21 fraternities on campus. Quota was 47 and chapter total was 135. Gamma Nu finally achieved first in GPA.

Chapter members collected canned goods and donated clothing for the needy and planned an Easter egg hunt for children.

Fall Recruitment resulted in 44 new members. The fall term was full of pep-rallies, brunches, a Founders Day banquet and Halloween activities followed by the traditional Christmas formal before everyone buckled down to study for finals. After the three-week holiday break, a sisterhood event was held at Showbiz Pizza followed by spring formal in February. Before long, “Granny” came to the house to announce that new members would be initiated on February 18. Many alumnae from surrounding areas attended Initiation, making it even more special. Other spring plans included Monmouth Duo, Senior Weekend and the annual scholarship banquet.

The chapter fell from first place in scholarship to third, so a goal was set to increase study hours to regain their top ranking. Thirteen members attended the Province Meeting in Stillwater, taking home the Jean Berry Award for Outstanding Panhellenic Involvement and the Outstanding Membership Award. Members to continue to be leaders on campus, representing Kappa in numerous activities from Razorback pom squad and cheerleading to Greek Week committee and Judicial Board, as well as countless honor societies and clubs.

Gamma Nu remained first in scholarship with a cumulative chapter GPA of 2.96. On August 31,, 45 new members were welcomed. Among the traditional fall activities was Founders Day where three 50-year-members were presented with their special pins. The university started a campaign to raise money to restore Ole Main. The chapter house was furnished with two new leather couches and a new study room among other improvement in the works.

An intramurals chairman was added to encourage more members to get involved in intramural athletics on campus. A faculty reception was held for professors and teachers.

==Highlights of the 1990s==

A total of 39 new members were initiated in the spring. During spring break, several members took trips together. The annual “Lock and Key” date party was enjoyed and shortly after, Monmouth Duo as well. The spring GPA was 3.08. Philanthropy events included the annual Easter egg hunt with Head Start and donating money to multiple sclerosis research and the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The chapter also adopted a section of a highway near campus to clean three times per year. On February 23, five chapter members traveled to Oklahoma University for Xi Province Meeting.

Gamma Nu won awards for scholarship, membership and overall excellence. Gamma Nu returned from summer break to find a new house mother and a redecorated downstairs area. The chapter pledged 37 new members. Gamma Nu held on to first place in scholarship with a chapter GPA of 3.04 for fall. The chapter enjoyed the successful University of Arkansas basketball season watching the team win its conference championship and making it to the Elite Eight in the NCAA tournament. The renovation of Ole Main was complete and the dedication ceremony was held the weekend of September 21.

Among the traditional activities, the chapter again held a party for underprivileged children at the Fayetteville Youth Center and donated items to Operation Blessing. The scholarship banquet was extra special because the chancellor was the guest speaker. The 1991–92 Homecoming Queen was a Gamma Nu member. Two other actives competed in the Miss Arkansas pageant and took first place and runner-up.

Gamma Nu took home several awards at the Panhellenic Order of Omega awards program including the Award of Excellence and Highest GPA Award for a 3.09 cumulative chapter GPA.

Winter formal and “Granny’s” announcement of Initiation were highlights of 1993 when 39 new members were initiated. The annual date party with Pi Beta Phi and winning the Sigma Nu Relays were events to remember as well. Actives received many honors including a recipient of the Razorback Classic award for leadership and campus involvement, and one member of the homecoming court. Several actives were on the cheerleading squad and two were majorettes.

Forty new members were pledged and a new event called Boot Scootin’ Barn Bash was enjoyed with Kappa Delta sorority. High scholarship and increased attendance and participation in chapter and campus activities continued to be priorities. Chapter members participated in Make a Difference Day where nearly 400 University of Arkansas students spread out through the community to volunteer for different nonprofit agencies as well as homes of elderly residents. One elderly home owner said that seeing the Kappas clean her yard helped restore her faith in future generations. Trick-or-Treat on Sorority Row was again a popular event as was the Founders Day banquet and new member Christmas program. The Gamma Nu Pickers performed at a nursing home and some fraternity houses.

The chapter enjoyed the excitement on campus when the Razorbacks won the national championship basketball game in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Province Meeting awards: Chapter Excellence, Most Gracious Living, Outstanding Scholarship
Panhellenic awards: Challenge to Excellence, Highest GPA, Highest Pledge Class GPA, Pledge Class Award of Excellence, Above the All-Sorority GPA, reached Fraternity goal of 3.1 GPA
Gamma Nu pledged 55 new members and won the Sigma Chi Derby Days lip sync contest. The chapter and new member class had the highest sorority GPAs. The new house mother is loved by the chapter. Two social events have been brought back—Kappa Krush and Kappa Kissmas. During Initiation, more than 50 alumnae participated. A faculty appreciation dinner was held as well as a special dinner for the Razorback baseball team. Six Gamma Nu’s represent their chapter well as members of the pom squad.

Chapter unity was strengthened with sisterhood events including TV nights and a skate retreat. One active was named the SEC Woman Athlete of the Year in track and 21 members made the dean’s list. Gamma Nu was selected as one of 16 pilot chapters to conduct a revised new member program. On February 29, the chapter held a Leap Year event with Sigma Chi, Sigma Nu and Pi Beta Phi. Gamma Nu celebrated its birthday on April 8 with cake and decorations. An event called The Tradition was held with Pi Beta Phi to commemorate the founding of both sororities at Monmouth College. A senior farewell picnic was held April 29. The chapter’s spring GPA was 3.482 keeping them in first place.

Two actives were in the Miss Arkansas pageant during the summer. Gamma Nu delegates took home the Chapter Efficiency Award at the 1996 General Convention. The chapter also received the University Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence.

After a busy Recruitment week, Gamma Nu pledged 56 new members who went through the new six-week new member education program prior to Initiation in October. The chapter GPA continued to be strong, topping the other sororities with a fall GPA of 3.205. Gamma Nu is the largest Greek chapter on campus with 182 members—100 of whom live in the chapter house.

The entire chapter participated in Toys for Tots and the sponsorship of Angel Tree at Christmas time. The chapter also sponsored the Northwest Arkansas Senior Olympics in coordination with Springdale Nursing Home. Members also participated in Race for the Cure in Little Rock and volunteered for a battered women’s shelter among the chapter’s other traditional activities.
Twenty members attended the Province Meeting, which was held at Oklahoma State University.
Chapter members participated in Sigma Chi Derby Days, a football pep rally, Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks and the Red Cross blood drive. Members also made Valentine’s cards for a veterans’ hospital and birthday cards for a book donation program to benefit the National Center for Family Literacy. A total of 34 members were in the Booster Club; several were in student government and Panhellenic; 14 belonged to Gamma Beta Phi honor society; 21 were in Golden Key; several were student ambassadors; two members were cheerleaders, 31 were in Campus Crusade for Christ; several were on the Pom Pon squad; two were in Mortar Board and there were members involved in countless other clubs and activities.

Gamma Nu was first in scholarship again and received the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence for the living unit on campus with the highest GPA of 3.31. The chapter hosted Xi Province Meeting and had Kappas from eight other chapters staying at the house that weekend. A Gamma Nu member served as Panhellenic President and participation in campus and chapter events was a main goal for the school year.

'''Highlights of 1999–2000''' include competing in a step show where the Kappas earned third place. The new members enjoyed a sisterhood retreat. Kapppancake raised money for local charities and Kappa’s Holiday Sharing program. The chapter hosted a dinner for the Razorback football team to show support and university spirit. Gamma Nu’s fall GPA was again the best with a 3.269. Many members participated in the Greek 101 seminar.

==A New Millennium - Highlights of 2000-2010==

The Gamma Nus had a successful Recruitment with 74 new members receiving invitations to join the Kappa family. With such a large pledge class, it was crucial for Chapter Council to find ways to help build unity within the new member class and the chapter. In order to achieve this, the New Member Chairman asked Kore groups to participate in three activities with their families: university, philanthropic and Kappa-related. This helped the Kappas to bond not only with their key sis but also with other sisters from each pledge class.

After coming in 2nd place for grade point average by 0.02 points for the spring 2005, Gamma Nu set a goal to once again reign as the top academic chapter. After keeping a close eye on study hall hours and using informative programs in chapter, the Gamma Nus achieved their goal by ranking 1st place in grade point average for fall 2005.

During Homecoming, Kappas were busy preparing for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Unity step show. Their performance was a great representation of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Their devotion and excitement with the blood drive, talent show, fan, float and yard competitions during Homecoming Week helped them earn 3rd place among other sororities and fraternities. The Gamma Nu delegate for the annual Pledge Queen competition represented Kappa with grace and poise winning 2nd-Runner-Up.
Sigma Chi Derby Days, in which sororities compete in food and blood drives and field events, was won by the Kappas. In addition, the prestigious Order of Omega organization awards the distinguished Award of Excellence annually. Once again, the Gamma Nu chapter was an excited recipient.

Gamma Nu upholds its honored reputation for academic excellence, school-wide involvement, and high standards. The respected reputation of Gamma Nu earn can be attributed to its members’ involvement in more than 40 university-wide student organizations.

Gamma Nu members excelled in many areas of campus and Greek life, receiving 2nd place in Homecoming activities, which included making a float for the city-wide parade, a lawn decoration competion between all the Greek chapters on campus, and a campus-wide blood drive. Gamma Nu also took 3rd place in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Annual Unity Step Show. The girls who participated in Step Show spent countless hours each day preparing for their performance. In the annual Lambda Chi Alpha Pledge Queen Pageant, Gamma Nu’s representative proudly took 1st place. Gamma Nu continued to hold the coveted position of the sorority with the highest GPA for the year, 3.257.
Gamma Nu’s Chapter Council set these goals for the school year: Improvement in ritual songs, communication throughout all pledge classes, campus involvement as a unified body, philanthropy, attendance at chapter and campus events, new member understanding of standards, respect for officers, Kappa tradition and history, enthusiasm, bonding between pledge classes, house appearance/cleanliness, new member program and committees. To work on these improvements throughout the year, Gamma Nu held workshops and ritual review was done multiple times. Members were encouraged to meet in large groups at the house before attending a campus-wide activity so that there would be a higher number of attendance and the members would be able to spend more time getting to know one another.

During the 2007 Homecoming activities, Kappas placed 1st in the cook-off, 2nd in the banner competition, and 1st in lawn, float, rowdy fan, and pep rally competitions. Kappas received 1st place in the overall competition against other sororities and fraternities. The Lambda Chi fraternity hosts the Pumpkin Bust in which sororities compete in food drives and field events. Kappas donated 20,000 cans to the food drive and placed in every field event, winning 1st place in the overall competition.

Within Gamma Nu chapter, the term “Kappa Lady” is frequently referenced. With high levels of respect for fellow members and themselves, Kappas uphold the values and goals that the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity has established. Members are well aware of what is expected by such committees as Standards and Scholarship because of workshops and continued referencing.
Gamma Nu gained 74 new members. The entire chapter participated with them in pep rallies and other events to show the new members that Gamma Nu is a close-knit family. Another sisterhood event is the new-member retreat when the freshman new member class goes camping.

Once again, Gamma Nu was an excited recipient of the highest grade point average for spring 2008. Gamma Nu was also involved in the Kappa Sigma relay races to help support Mothers Against Drinking and Driving. We placed first, knowing that our contributions went to a great cause. We also participated in two Phi Gamma Delta events, where we both placed first. The first event was a three-on-three basketball tournament and the second was the Carol of the Greeks competition where the money raised went to their philanthropy. We also participated and placed second in the Greek Sing competition. We participated in Greek Summit, a workshop for all of Greek Life, and Gamma Nu was well represented.

During 2008, Gamma Nus made our involvement well known on campus, placing second in the University of Arkansas Homecoming Week and regaining the first-place title at the Lambda Chi Alpha Watermelon Bust. We participated in the Miss University of Arkansas pageant, and our two-time participant was awarded Miss Congeniality and Highest G.P.A. During Sigma Chi Derby Days, Kappas raised money and participated in field events. After a week of competition, we placed second.

Gamma Nu had a successful Recruitment resulting in 82 new members. We participated in monthly activities with our families. The new members not only participated in their families, but also in groups within their pledge class.

Gamma Nu was honored and excited to host Xi Province Meeting. Kappa Kappa Gamma active members and alumnae from the Province stayed at the Embassy Suites in Rogers, Ark., and were bussed to the Kappa House on the University of Arkansas campus to learn more about Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, the Gamma Nu chapter, and to engage with other Kappa sisters with whom they shared an immediate bond. The Gamma Nus gave a tour of the house, provided lunch, shared Recruitment videos, and exchanged ideas about ways to better Kappa Kappa Gamma members. The Northwest Alumnae Association was crucial in the planning and execution of this privileged event.

The ladies of Gamma Nu have a distinguished reputation for their academic excellence, campus involvement, and high moral standards. Members of Kappa Kappa Gamma participate in numerous registered student organizations, while still excelling academically. This was proven by having the highest GPA in the 2009 fall semester.

The Kappas won the Panhellenic Council Fall 2009 Academic Excellence Award as well as the Panhellenic Council Outstanding Community Service Award. Also our President won Most Outstanding Panhellenic President out of the eight sororities.

During the 2009 homecoming, Kappas were active throughout the week. Preparing for the Alpha Kappa Alpha Unity Step Show kept Gamma Nu members very busy as did collecting cans for Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropy. The hard work payed off as the The Gamma Nus placed first for the third year in a row in Watermelon Bust! Gamma Nu’s 2009 pledge queen showed remarkable poise and talent while capturing the first place spot and the hearts of the audience!

Three Gamma Nu members participated in the Miss University of Arkansas pageant and one of our sisters won Miss Congeniality. In addition, the Gamma Nus were awarded the prestigious the Award of Excellence by Order of Omega. The Gamma Nu chapter was an excited recipient of the highest grade point average for the Fall 2009. Gamma Nu was also involved in the Kappa Sigma relay races to help support the Mothers Against Drinking and Driving. We placed second, knowing that our contributions went to a very great cause. The members of the Gamma Nu were thrilled to win the Pep Rally award for the second consecutive year and they were excited to place first in the first-ever “Pi Challenge” hosted Alpha Omicron Pi and Sigma Pi, which raised money for their philanthropies. The hard work preparing for Greek sing was rewarded by a first place trophy.
Recruitment resulted in 84 new members, the largest pledge class to date on the University of Arkansas campus. The newly pledged Kappas were divided into groups and asked to spend time getting to know their sisters through various outings. The upperclass Kappas were encouraged to spend quality time with their key sisters.

The Gamma Nu House Board joined the actives for Founders Day dinner. To accommodate all of the actives (as well as the 104 new members!) it was held in the Town Center banquet hall on The Square, and our own Chef Jon prepared the meal. All of the girls wore their blue dresses. “The girls had everything planned perfectly. … These young ladies never cease to amaze me with their knowledge, skills, professionalism and enthusiasm,” says one House Board member.

This was the first year without the Alpha Kappa Alpha Unity step show. Kappa still had great devotion and excitement for the blood drive, float and lawn decorations. Kappa participated in the Greek sing and Nelly was the theme. All of the practicing paid off as we won first place! Kappa also took first place in the talent show. At the Miss University of Arkansas pageant, a Gamma Nu won Miss Congeniality. At the annual homecoming pep-rally, Gamma Nus rejoiced at the announcement that one of our own was the 2010 Homecoming Queen.

Kappa collected 20,000 canned goods for Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropy. All of the hard work of collecting and transporting cans paid off as the Gamma Nus won first place in cans for the fifth year in a row! Our Philanthropy Chairman started a new fundraiser called Kappa Klassic, a golf tournament that raised around $4,000. With a successful Recruitment, Kappa made history with the initiation of 104 new Gamma Nu members.

In the spring, “Reading Railroad” was put on in a local elementary school for kindergarteners. All 80 students received a passport to get stamped at each stop along the Reading Railroad. The first stop was a jungle theme and Where the Wild Things Are was read aloud. Afterward, the students made scary monster masks. The next stop was an ocean theme where The Rainbow Fish was read and the students designed rainbow fish. At the next station, There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly was read aloud by an active dressed as an old lady, wig and all! After the book was read, the students played musical chairs to the songs corresponding to the book. The winner of the game won a book lamp to take home with his/her books.

The last station, and the most important, was “Seussville.” The Cat in the Hat greeted the students and they each had their picture taken with him. After the Cat in the Hat was read, students got to pick three books to take home. Many of the students had parents who did not speak English so we were able to provide bilingual books for those students. The looks on the children’s faces when they found out that would be given three books was something that will always be imprinted on our hearts.

This school year, we started “Kappa Acts of Kindness.” A few members would volunteer to pass out lemonade during the summer, hot chocolate in the cold weather and Halloween candy for the season. Another Panhellenic activity, held with Alpha Delta Phi, was called March McMaddness. The event raised money for our philanthropy by selling hamburgers and hotdogs. Anyone could attend for $5 and we set up tents with tables and chairs for attendees to watch basketball games on a big screen TV on the Kappa lawn.

The main goal this year was to keep Gamma Nu traditions going for the 104 new members. While there is great excitement with every new member, the growing membership has made unity and living space a challenge. Formal chapter meetings at the house are cramped, so the House Board has decided to remodel our house as soon as they raise enough money.

To make sure that there were activities to reach out to each girl during initiation week, the New Member Chairman and Marshal created a theme with a different pledge class each night. Also the girls got to spend time with their key sis. Chapter Council decided to start having non-formal chapter meetings on campus in an auditorium classroom. This made chapter meetings more comfortable and efficient.

==Highlights of 2011-2019:==

==Highlights of 2011==

The ladies of Gamma Nu were very involved and active in many areas of greek life and registered student organizations during the 2010 school year. The homecoming activities were slightly different this year. This was the first year without the Alpha Kappa Alpha Unity step show. Kappa still had great devotion and excitement for the blood drive, float and lawn decorations. Kappa participated in the Greek sing and Nelly was the theme. All of the practicing paid off as we won first place! Kappa was also the winner, taking first place in the talent show.

At the miss University of Arkansas pageant, Katie Costello won miss congeniality. At the annual homecoming pep-rally, Gamma Nu's rejoiced at the announcement that one of our own, Hannah Henson, was the 2010 Homecoming Queen. Kappa collected 20,000 can goods for the Lambda Chi Alpha's philanthropy. All of the hard work of collecting and transporting cans paid off as the Gamma Nus won first place in cans for the fifth year in a row! Kappa's philanthropy chair started the a new fund raiser called Kappa Klassic. The golf tournament raised around $4,000. With such a successful recruitment, Kappa made history with the initiation of 104 new Gamma Nu members. At the annual Order of Omega Award ceremony Kappa was beyond honored to receive so many awards and honorable mentions of Gamma Nu's. Kappa Kappa Gamma won the Panhellenic Council Fall 2009 Academic Excellence Award as well as the Panhellenic Council Outstanding Community Service Award. Also our President, Julianne Graves won Most Outstanding Panhellenic President out of the eight sororities on campus.

II. Describe your campus and chapter (brief description or bullet points). Campus: Gamma Nu has many that participate in Registered Student Organizations on campus. Our chapter has grown very fast within the past years. However, our number creates an even higher reputation of distinguish women at the University of Arkansas. This past year, we started "Kappa Acts of Kindness." A few members would volunteer to pass out lemonade during the summer, hot chocolate in the cold weather and Halloween candy for the season. Another Panhellenic activity that we held was with Alpha Delta Phi was called March McMaddness. The event raised money for our philanthropy by selling hamburgers and hotdogs. Anyone could attend for the price of five dollars and we also set up tents with tables and chairs for those to watch a big screen TV of the basketball games on the Kappa lawn.

Gamma Nu upholds the reputation of academic excellence, school wide involvement, and recognized moral standards. Chapter: At the house of Gamma Nu, you will find girls that exemplify the phrase "Kappa Lady." We uphold characteristics such as academically and morally strong and we set high goals for ourselves. Our chapter is well aware of what is expected of them as a Gamma Nu as well as on campus as a student making the Kappa Kappa Gamma fraternity at the U of A a well respected and established fraternity. III. Chapter Challenges: (Describe them and how the chapter met and overcame them.) The main goal this year was to keep all the tradition of Gamma Nu activities for the 104 new members in our chapter. While there is great excitement with each and every girl becoming a Gamma Nu, the new member number has caused difficulty to keep the pledge class close with one another and the whole house. Also with the growing number in the past years it is getting difficult for many girls to live in the house, and to have enough space for a comfortable formal chapter setting. The house board has decided to remodel our house. It has been in the works for a couple of years now and they are still trying to receive enough funding. To make sure that there were activities to reach out to each girl during initiation week, the New Member chair and Marshal created a theme with a different pledge class each night. Also the girls got to spend time with their keysis. The new members really got to meet more girls this way. Chapter council decided to start having non-formal chapters on campus in an auditorium classroom. This made the environment of chapter more comfortable and spacious.

==Highlights of 2012==

The ladies of Gamma Nu were very involved in several areas of Greek life and Registered Student Organizations on campus and also many events around the community in the year of 2012. In January, Kappa started the year off by winning the first pep rally. In February, Kappa held the annual Reading is Key event where every child was given three books to take home. When the devastating storms hit Joplin, MO, Kappa raised 75 prom dresses to donate to Joplin’s High School. Locally, the chapter raised 250 children’s books to donate to Washington Elementary, the school that Kappa volunteers at weekly. Kappa joined up with another sorority on campus and held the March McMadness event where they raised $3,400 for the Ronald McDonald house. Kappa also competed in the annual Derby Days competition. The month of April was full of events, honors and awards.

The scholarship banquet honored girls with a 4.0 grade point average and the chapter helped our member Katherine Davis support her mother by participating in the MS walk. Emily Halbert was voted Sigma Chi Sweetheart, Lauren Waldrip was voted Most Outstanding Senior, and Julie Sherrill was voted Panhelennic Most Outstanding President! Gamma Nu received the Award of Excellence, the Panhellenic Achievment Award, and 2nd place in Greek Week competitions. Kappa Klassic, which is one of Gamma Nu’s philanthropy events raised $4,000 for our philanthropy. As the end of the school year came around, Kappa held a Groundbreaking Event where the construction of the Gamma Nu house was announced!

This summer, Convention was held and Gamma Nu received many honors and rewards. Reading is Fundamental Award, Philanthropy Signature Event Award, Philanthropy Award, Gracious Living Award, Chapter/Advisory Board Relations Award, House Board Award, Excellence in Chapter Management Award, Academic Excellence Award, Recruitment Award, and Panhellenic Award are the honorary mentions that Gamma Nu received. In 2010, Gamma Nu was nominated for Most Outstanding Chapter, Most Outstanding Panhellenic Involvement, Most Outstanding Recruitment, Most Outstanding Academic Achievement, and Gracious Living and at the 2010-2012 Biennium convention, Gamma Nu won Most Outstanding Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

In the fall semester of 2012, 155 new Kappas were welcomed to Gamma Nu and everyone got excited as the renovation of the Kappa house began! One of our new members’ father passed away and in order to help with her finances, we raised $579. Kappa also competed in Lambda Chi Alpha’s annual Watermelon Bust where we placed second overall, but first in raising canned food for the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank with 40,000 canned food items.

The homecoming festivities were full of fun this year. Three Kappas were in the Top 15 for the Homecoming Court and our very own Katie Waldrip was crowned Homecoming Queen! Kappa also won a Sig Ep’s Kickball Tournament and received $1,000 for our philanthropy. We also placed first in the sorority division flag football intramural championship. Our President, Julie Sherrill was chosen as Greek Woman of the Week! In November, Kappa Acts of Kindness was a blast as we passed out Kool-Aid around campus, and went through different drive thru restaurants and paid of the car behind’s meal.

On November 10th, we initiated 154 Kappas! We ended November with Kappa Con Queso where we raised $4,000 for our philanthropy by selling tickets to our Mexican dinner. The year of 2012 was fun and exciting for Gamma Nu and we look forward to this next year!

The University of Arkansas has been going under a lot of changes this year. As the campus is growing, more buildings for classes and dorm rooms are being built all around. However, the most exciting thing being built on our campus is the new Kappa house! The renovation of our house started in the summer and is to be completed in August of 2013! While not having a house presents challenges to the chapter, the girls of Gamma Nu came together and used our resources. We used buildings around the city of Fayetteville for all of the events we hosted. We are so beyond excited for the new house to be done and we see the progress of it everyday.

==Highlights of 2013==

The ladies of the Gamma Nu chapter were thoroughly engaged in Greek life and Registered Student Organizations on the University of Arkansas campus, as well as several community events in the 2013 year. Kappa Kappa Gamma kick started our year off winning the “Pure Charity” campus-wide competition in January. The chapter was awarded $500.00 to donate to any cause listed on the nonprofit’s webpage. Kappas also took part in a walk in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. in partnership with the Associated Student Government.

As February came along, members attended a mandatory ritual review in order to brush up on our fraternity history. We held a committee night, where members were placed into new committees for the calendar year. Our new members took part in their New Member Sleepover and had the opportunity to further their bond with one another through various games and activities. On the last day in February, members put on a surprise birthday party for our beloved house mother, Mom Shanks, in appreciation for all that she does for our chapter. March approached, and Kappa took home 3rd place in the annual “Greek Sing” competition put on by the University of Arkansas’ New Greek Council. On the 8th, we held our yearly “Reading is Key” event at Grace Hill Elementary School in Rogers, AR. Every child received 3 brand new books to take home. We held our second committee night of the semester and held a sisterhood function at Pratt Place Barn.

At the end of the month Kappa’s own Julia Gardner, a freshman, represented our chapter in Kappa Delta’s Shamrock Talent Show and won 3rd place. The Kappa Alpha Psi Stroll competition rounded out the month. Kappa’s routine impressed all, and we took home 3rd place. In April, Kappa participated in the Lambda Chi Alpha Pledge Queen contest. Our representative, Morgan Farmer, a freshman, won 1st Runner-Up. The next day Kappa held our Monmouth Formal with Pi Beta Phi. On the 18th of April, Mallori Sando, a sophomore, was crowned “Miss Razorback” at the inaugural Razorback Ball which was organized by Amy May West, a sophomore Kappa for the University of Arkansas’ Associated Student Government.

The Order of Omega Awards Ceremony was held the 22nd. Kelly Hudnall, a sophomore, won the award for “Most Outstanding Sophomore”, and Amy May West, a sophomore, won the award for “Model Initiate”, and Brittany Brunson, a freshman won the award for “Most Outstanding Member of New Greek Council”. Kappa Kappa Gamma also won the Gold Level Achievement Award for our chapter’s accomplishments in academics, involvement, risk management, leadership, and philanthropy. Kappa Klassic, our chapter’s signature philanthropy event, was held at Stonebridge Meadows Golf Club on April 27th. We had a record-breaking 140 participants, and raised over $24,000 for Reading is Fundamental. Seniors enjoyed one of their last events as active Kappas at the Senior Picnic on April 28th, and officially became Kappa alumna. On the last day of the month, the chapter held a fundraiser at Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt benefiting our philanthropy.

As the semester winded down in May, Kappa held our semesterly “Kappa Acts of Kindness” event on campus. Members passed out scantrons and pencils to students on their way to take finals on campus.
August came quickly, and members were eager to get a look at our brand new chapter house that was finalized over the summer. Fall Recruitment at the University of Arkansas was held August 18th-24th. On Bid Day, August 25th, Gamma Nu welcomed 107 new members into the 2013 pledge class. Shortly after bid day, Kappa’s new members won the Freshman Pep Rally, starting the school year with a bang. In September, Chapter Council members hosted and served a House Warming dinner at our new chapter house for Greek life Chapter Presidents, the Greek Life Office Staff, and council executive members.

Our 107 new Kappas headed to their first New Member Retreat on September 20th. With such a large pledge class, many of the new members got to become more familiar and begin to bond more with their pledge sisters. September 26th was Bingo Night at the Kappa House. Our sisterhood chairs put on a spectacular sisterhood event that drew in several members for some rousing rounds of Bingo, grandma attire not required. In the month of September, Gamma Nu also held the first Committee Night of the school year. Kappas participated in Lambda Chi Alpha’s Watermelon Bust on September 20th, raising over 34,000 canned foods for Northwest Arkansas food banks, and winning 1st place!

Gamma Nu was busy in October, preparing for the Gamma Nu House Dedication ceremony put on by members of our Renovation Committee and House Board. Over the past 18 months, members, alumnae and supporters have raised nearly $3 million in donations to help fund the effort to complete the $8 million renovation. Hundreds of Gamma Nu Kappas from all walks of life came to celebrate and tour the new chapter house and dedicate it to the many who helped fund the tremendous project. October also saw our “Key Sis” reveal. After weeks of guessing, each new member finally got to find out which older member would be their “Big Sis”. On October 7th, the chapter celebrated Founder’s Day and invited many alumni to join the celebration. The week of October 7th-12th was University of Arkansas Homecoming week. Gamma Nu was thrilled when Maggie Jo Pruitt, a senior, was the 4th Kappa in a row to be crowned Homecoming Queen. October ended with a Kappa win in the Sigma Phi Epsilon Kickball Tournament benefitting Autism Speaks.

November came, and the Gamma Nu chapter held a Scholarship Banquet with many faculty members, professors, and campus officials in attendance. On November 9th, Gamma Nu held Initiation for the first time in our new house. Committee Night was held on November 11th, and Freshman were added to comittees. “Kappa Con Queso”, Gamma Nu’s signature philanthropy dinner, was held on November 13th at the chapter house. Kappa had an outstanding turnout and raised $6,851.00 for Reading is Fundamental and our local philanthropy, Washington Elementary School. Kappa won 1st place in the National Pan-Hellenic Council “Unity Step Show” competition in mid November. December came and the University of Arkansas experienced what many students were calling “Snowmageddon 2013”, classes were cancelled for 5 days in a row. Kappas braved the cold and ended up winning 1st place in the University of Arkansas’ soccer intramurals. It was then time for Phi Gamma Delta’s “Carol of the Greeks” where Kappa’s lovely singers earned 1st place for their performance. On December 12th, Kappas relaxed a bit before finals and celebrated “Kappa Kissmas”, our yearly semi-formal, with our sisters and dates.

2013 was an incredible year for the Gamma Nu chapter at the University of Arkansas. We saw many changes and grew substantially. Our members are excited for the year ahead and cannot wait to see what it entails.
Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
The University of Arkansas’ campus as a whole has been undergoing several of changes this year with the construction of 6 new buildings. The campus saw a 6.7% increase in enrollment during the Spring of 2013, and a 3.2% increase in the Fall of 2013.

The most exciting change at the University of Arkansas is undoubtedly the addition of a brand new Kappa Kappa Gamma house. The renovation of the Gamma Nu chapter house was completed in the summer of 2013. Unveiled to members in early August, the Gamma Nu chapter house now boasts 41,000 square feet, plenty of room for our 400+ members to enjoy each other’s company, study, and hold meetings. With a chapter as large as Gamma Nu’s, it is impossible to have every member live in-house, however, the new house allows as many as 90 members to live in. The addition of our new house has allowed our chapter to flourish, we now have a chapter room large enough to host chapter meetings every Monday at our house. Members are able to bond better with one another with a general meeting area that has plenty of space for everyone to come over throughout the week. Exciting things have been happening for the Gamma Nu chapter. Our morale and spirits are very high as we look forward to the intriguing future ahead.

==Highlights of 2014==

2014 was an incredible year for Gamma Nu! Under the leadership of our president, Kelly Hudnall, and the rest of Chapter Council, plans were made to take the chapter to new heights. We really aimed to improve chapter knowledge of history and ritual, as well as improving member involvement through committee usage. In the month of February, our new members enjoyed playing games, creating dance skits, and getting to know each other better at the New Member Sleepover. We also held our annual Mom's Day brunch, planned special events throughout the weekend for moms and daughters, and our girls competed with KA and Zeta Phi Beta with a Lion King themed performance in Greek Sing.

In March, Gamma Nu hosted the first annual King of the Kourt 3 on 3 basketball tournament that the men of IFC competed in. This event kicked off the beginning of "Reading is Key" week, in which we raised money for RIF and our local philanthropies with various fundraisers. On Friday, we finished the week with our annual "Reading is Key" day at Grace Hill Elementary where members dressed up like characters, read stories to classes, and passed out three books to each child. In total in 2014, Gamma Nu donated $12,650 to our local and national philanthropies and shared hundreds of hours in the classroom with children at Washington Elementary School, our local philanthropy partner.

Also in March, members participated in the annual Sigma Chi Derby Days variety show with a Jungle themed performance, passed out free Keds to students at Washington, and celebrated our academic accomplishments with our Scholarship Banquet. At the Order of Omega awards banquet, Gamma Nu received a number of honors, including: Most Outstanding President (Kelly Hudnall), Most Outstanding Panhellenic Delegate (Ashlyn Cook), Most Outstanding Sophomore (Hannah Birch), and the Award of Excellence Gold Rating. We were thrilled to celebrate these amazing members, as well as our chapter as a whole. The chapter was able to finish out the semester with the highest sorority overall GPA of 3.509, with 118 girls receiving 4.0's. At Kappa Convention that summer, Gamma Nu also had the honor of receiving awards for Most Outstanding Recruitment, Most Outstanding House Board, and Honorable Mention for both Finance and New Member Programming.

After a great summer, members returned back to Fayetteville for work week and formal recruitment. Using the theme "Drafting the Best" to motivate us throughout the two weeks, we were able to extend 108 bids, including 48 legacies, to a great group of women. The fall semester is always an exciting time with coke dates, Owl groups, Razorback football games, and Homecoming. This year we were paired with KA and placed 2nd overall in homecoming, as well as had two representatives on court, Amy May West and Amy Moorehead.

Other fall events included: Watermelon Bust with a second place finish, Big/Little Reveal, and our annual Owl-o-ween function with Chi Omega. In November, Kappa competed in the first annual UGC Latin Ballroom dance competition, again with KA, and took home the first place trophy, and held our annual philanthropy dinner, Kappa Con Queso, with a full taco bar created by our fabulous Chef John. After "Granny" made the announcement of the date, our new members were initiated on November 9th and we were excited to officially welcome them into our sisterhood. As Gamma Nu rounded out the Fall semester, we held our semi-formal "Kappa Kissmas" before members began to prepare for finals. We again ended strong in academics with a 3.496 GPA average and a first place finish in sorority average. Overall, we accomplished a lot as a chapter in 2014 and hope to keep striving to do even more in the following years.

The University of Arkansas has been growing exponentially within the last few years, with the student enrollment reaching 26,237 this year. Constant construction on campus has brought about changes to help with the growing pains. Many new academic buildings, auditoriums, and residence halls have recently been built to help accommodate our large student population. Greek life has also been growing by leaps and bounds, with now 27% of undergrads participating in a greek organization. The Gamma Nu chapter alone has over 430 members and we continually monitor and adjust to maintain such a large chapter. Our diverse base of members are known to be very active on campus within their own colleges, in student government, and various student organizations. Arkansas Kappas have a great reputation at the U of A, as well as in the Fayetteville community. We strive to maintain an awesome relationship with our Greek Life staff and other greek councils on campus. We are also especially proud of our large focus on academics and scholarship: Gamma Nu has held either 1st or 2nd place in all-sorority average GPA for the past five semesters. Overall, Gamma Nu strives to uphold all of the ideals and principles of the Fraternity in all aspects of college life.

After our recent renovations, Gamma Nu is now able to hold chapter meetings in our new chapter room, comfortably seating all 414 active members. We are very lucky to have the opportunity to hold one meeting while fitting the entire chapter in a single space.

Gamma Nu has had five different housing locations, but purchased the property for the current location in 1930. The original house on the property was converted into a 10 bedroom colonial home, housing 18 women. In 1940, the house was enlarged to accommodate 40 members, then later in 1956 a three-story wing addition, including a new kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms, was added to the original structure. This updated house was painted gray, creating the fond nickname "Old Gray", and housed a total of 75 women. In 1964, the chapter had outgrown "Old Gray", and tore down the original structure, except for the 1956 wing. The front of the house was rotated from facing Leverette to facing Maple Street, which is now referred to as "Sorority Row". The traditional 3-story colonial mansion, with white brick and grey accented shutters, was the beloved home of Gamma Nu until 2012.

In 2008, the plans began for Gamma Nu's biggest housing project thus far, using the campaign "Our Legacy-Our Future" to raise money from alumni, active members, and their families. The house was closed after the 2012 Spring semester, torn completely down, rebuilt, and opened back up for the 2013 Fall semester. The $8 million housing renovation created a new 49,000 square foot house for the Arkansas Kappas. The current white bricked, 4-story colonial style mansion was built, complete with three entertainment rooms, a library, an archive room, over ten study rooms, a large chapter room, a wellness center, and art room, and in total houses 92 women and our house mother. The new house is able to provide adequate space for our 400+ members: you can commonly find members studying together in the basement study rooms, practicing for dance competitions in the chapter room, watching the Bachelor in the Orange Couch Room, dining with friends every week at Chicken Finger Friday, and hanging out on the front porch after class. We are truly blessed by our incredible new house and can't wait for new memories and traditions to be made in this new space.

While under renovation, Gamma Nu's created a contracting deal with a new apartment complex to offer a housing alternative for members. Even after the opening of the house, the chapter continued to work with other complexes so that Kappas not living in-house could still live together in a common location. We hope this continues to be a lasting tradition for our members.

==Highlights of 2015==

2015 was another outstanding year for Gamma Nu! Under the leadership of our president, Hannah Birch, and the rest of Chapter Council, plans were made to continue to raise the bar of our chapter. This year we continued to work on chapter history and ritual knowledge, improving the accountability of members, and growing relationships with other Greek Councils. We also implemented a new Transfer Team to help our transfer sisters get accustomed to life at the University of Arkansas. In the month of February, our new members enjoyed spending time with their pledge class at the Miss PC ’14 themed sleepover. We also held our annual Mom's Day brunch on February 20th, which included planned special events throughout the weekend for moms and daughters. During this weekend, our girls competed with Fiji and Phi Beta Sigma with a 90’s themed performance in Greek Sing. In March, our sisterhood girls also planned a fun balloon-pop painting event on the lawn, and we celebrated our House Director, Mom Shanks’ birthday with a surprise party in the dining room.

In the spring semester, Gamma Nu also hosted our signature fundraising event called “Reading is Key Week,” a week filled with fundraising events that led up to our greatest day of service – Reading is Key. Our second annual King of the Kourt basketball tournament was a huge success, with over 20 IFC teams participating. A new event for Gamma Nu this year, as part of the new Reading is Key Week, was a philanthropy event called Blading for Books. Gamma Nu’s 2015 Reading is Key event was held in Rogers, Arkansas, at Grace Hill Elementary, a 91% poverty school. The theme for this year’s Reading is Key event was The Reading Railroad. Each of the 91 students were able take 3 books home that were donated by the Kappas, and new for this year, each child also received a CD recording of a Kappa reading the 3 books aloud. The events held during Reading is Key week and throughout the year helped raise $6,500 to benefit Reading is Fundamental, as well as organizations that are associated with RIF. We were also able to sponsor our community partner, Washington Elementary, in the Backpack for Kids program through the Arkansas Rice Depot. Also in March, members came in first place in the annual Sigma Chi Derby Days variety show with an American themed performance, had a fun sisterhood event at the trampoline park, and celebrated our academic accomplishments with our Scholarship Banquet. At the Order of Omega awards banquet, Gamma Nu received a number of honors, including: Academic Excellence Award, the Award of Excellence Gold Rating, and five sisters received scholarships. We were thrilled to celebrate these amazing members, as well as our chapter as a whole. The chapter was able to finish out the semester with the second highest sorority overall GPA of 3.508.

After a great summer, members returned back to Fayetteville for work week and formal recruitment. Members also welcomed our new House Director, Margie Slagle, into Gamma Nu. Using a Beyoncé theme, as well as the two goals of positivity and efficiency to motivate us throughout the two weeks, we were able to extend 132 bids, including 38 legacies, to a great group of women. This was also the pilot year of the Brunson Bump System, developed by our recruitment chair, Brittany Brunson, and her software engineer parents. This was a game-changer for Gamma Nu recruitment, and will help improve our matching techniques for years to come. The fall semester is always an exciting time with Fraternity coke dates, Owl groups, Razorback football games, and Homecoming. This year we were paired with Kappa Sigma, Farmhouse, and Kappa Alpha Psi as we “Called All Hogs Home” throughout homecoming festivities, as well as had four out of the five representatives on court: Haley Birch, Hannah Birch, Morgan Farmer, and Amy James. After "Granny" made the announcement of the date, our new members were initiated on October 11th , and we were excited to officially welcome them into our sisterhood. Other fall events included: Big/Little Reveal, Dad’s Weekend, our annual Owl-o-ween function with Chi Omega, CFF with Global Greeks, and our philanthropy dinner, Kappa Con Queso.

In November, Gamma Nu hosted its first Girls’ Academy at Owl Creek Elementary School. This event was organized by senior members Sara Bryant and Carly Krieger, and was an absolute success! Our members had a blast mentoring 5th and 6th grade girls with small group led discussions, fun activities, large group meetings, and even a visit and autograph session with Miss Arkansas 2015 Ashton Campbell. Over the weekend, the girls enjoyed choreographing dances, painting nails, and performing a service project around their school as they got to meet other girls in their class. This event was especially close to our hearts because a Gamma Nu Alum is a teacher at Owl Creek, and it was great to hear directly from her how we have impacted the girls at the school! We look forward to mentoring these girls in the years to come and adding Girls’ Academy to our annual philanthropic calendar! Also in 2015, Gamma Nu celebrated 90 years at the University of Arkansas with an Alumni Tailgate held at the chapter house. Alumni and family gathered after the Auburn game for a afternoon filled with great food, live entertainment, a silent auction, and shared stories of fun times as an Arkansas Kappa. Guests and alumni enjoyed flipping through old scrapbooks and many enjoyed seeing the house for the first time since our 2013 renovations.

As Gamma Nu rounded out the Fall semester, we held our semi-formal "Kappa Kissmas" before members began to prepare for finals. We again ended strong in academics with a 3.443 GPA average for the Fall 2015 semester and a first place finish in all-sorority average. Overall, we accomplished a lot as a chapter in 2015 and hope to keep striving to do even more in the following years.

The University of Arkansas continues to grow and expand with 26,754 students enrolled on campus. This year we saw the addition of new buildings on campus, including Champions Hall and the Fred W. Smith Football Center. The University also experienced a change in administration after Chancellor G. David Gearhart retired in July after holding the position for twenty years. Former Chancellor Dr. Dan Ferritor stepped in as interim Chancellor for the Fall 2015 semester. Along with the University, Greek life has also been growing by leaps and bounds, with now 26% of undergrads participating in a Greek organization. With this growth, the Panhellenic Council has also discussed plans for bringing new chapters to campus and we expect to see the addition of new organizations within the next few years. The Gamma Nu chapter is the largest chapter on campus with over 430 members and we continually adjust to maintain such a large chapter. Our diverse members are known to be very active on campus within their own colleges, in student government, and various student organizations. Arkansas Kappa’s have a great reputation at the U of A, as well as in the Fayetteville community. We strive to maintain a strong relationship with our Greek Life staff and other Greek councils on campus. We continue to hold pride in our large focus on academics and scholarship: Gamma Nu has held either 1st or 2nd place in all-sorority average GPA for the past seven semesters. Overall, Gamma Nu strives to uphold the ideals and principles of the Fraternity in all aspects of college life.

==Highlights of 2016==

The ladies of Gamma Nu were very involved and active in many areas of Greek life and registered student organizations during the 2016 school year. This year, Kappa participated in the Greek Life homecoming, which consisted of a large lawn decoration and a Greek life parade. Kappa participated in Carol of the Greeks, the philanthropy event put on by Phi Gamma Delta, and won! They practiced hard to put on a holiday show. At the Miss University of Arkansas pageant, member Bethany Miller represented us beautifully. Two members of Gamma Nu, Madison Cole and our president, Nancy Smith, represented us on homecoming court. Gamma Nu collected 16,000 cans for Lambda Chi Alpha's annual Watermelon Bust, which goes to Lifesource food pantry. Gamma Nu had a very successful recruitment through which we initiated 115 members.

At the annual Order of Omega award ceremony Kappa was beyond honored to receive so many awards and honorable mentions. The ceremony was led by the president of Order of Omega, Gamma Nu Sara Bryant. The new president of Order of Omega was announced, which was Gamma Nu Madison Cole. Gamma Nu won many awards, including the Academic Excellence award and the Award of Excellence. Gamma Nu Hannah Birch won Outstanding Chapter President, Gamma Nu Josie Dubois won Model Initiate, and Gamma Nu Sara Bryant won Outstanding Senior. It was a great night for Kappa to be honored by the Greek Life community.

This fall, Delta Gamma came to the University of Arkansas. Gamma Nu volunteered to allow their new members to use our lawn on their Bid Day, which held place in September. This was a great opportunity for Kappa to be able to give back to the Panhellenic community and welcome a new chapter to campus. We also held a luncheon at our weekly "Chicken Finger Friday" for the international students who are on campus this year. They came and ate with our members and were given tours by some of the Gamma Nus.

This spring, we had 106 members receive 4.0s. It was an incredible feat because many of our members are in challenging majors, as well as being involved all over campus.

This year, homecoming was completely different for University of Arkansas greek life. In the past each sorority was combined with a fraternity, and the pairing worked to create lawn decorations, a float for the parade, and competed for the most amount of people to donate to the blood drive, to dance in the step show, and to play in the intermural football game. This year, Panhellenic and IFC voted as a whole to not participate in any of these activities as a competition, but the whole group would create a lawn decoration, a float, and the donations would not be a competition.

In years past, there were five women on homecoming court. This year, there were women girls on homecoming court, as well as seven men. We were proud to see Kappa represented on the court.

Overall, our chapter holds ourselves to the highest standards. We are known on campus for being "Kappa ladies", which means that we are consistently pushing ourselves to be better and to do the right thing. We are a sorority that is very proud of our sisterhood, our morals, and our accomplishments.

Kappa's philanthropy chair hosts our annual event at Grace Hill elementary school in which we donate three books to each student in Kindergarten at the school. Gamma Nu continues our weekly philanthropy of donating our time at Washington Elementary School, in which we assist teachers, students, and the school as a whole.

Gamma Nu chose Grace Hill because it is an underprivileged school in our community. It has a lot of students below the poverty level whom may not have the opportunity to own their own books to read at home. Students who have their own books to read at home learn to read faster and are more likely to develop a lifetime habit of reading. Many of these students do not own any books of their own, and through our philanthropy, we were able to aide these students.

Washington Elementary school is a weekly tradition that our philanthropy chair coordinates. Through this, Gamma Nus sign up for a classroom to visit once a week for a semester. They go and assist the teacher in whatever way he/she needs. This can include making copies, running errands, reading to the children, testing the children with flashcards, making crafts, keeping the children from misbehaving, and many more activities. This has proved to be a wonderful program. The principal of Washington, Mrs. Ashley McLarty, was a Kappa. She has told us time and time again how much the school benefits from Gamma Nus going and helping the school.

Our chapter meets in our chapter room that is in the basement of our house. It can hold the entire chapter, which has 431 members.

==Highlights of 2017==

[[File:Gamma Nu Bid Day 2017.jpg|thumb|Gamma Nu Bid Day 2017]]

Our members of Gamma Nu have had such a great year, and it truly has showed with many different accomplishments and involvements around campus. This year, we were awarded the Intramural Cup among all the other sororities. Kappa participated in a Greek Life Gives Back Day, which we placed first. Our chapter's involvement included donating cans and participating in a community service project. Our members spent a day picking up trash around the streets of our campus. Gamma Nu participated in Carol of the Greeks, which is a philanthropy event put on by Phi Gamma Delta. Our members practiced for numerous weeks, and they placed 2nd. In addition, we have been extremely excited for all of our girls that have participated in recent pageants. This year we were honored to follow our very own, Former Miss America, Savvy Shields on her journey with the crown. She is truly someone that embodies all the qualities of a Kappa woman. Also, we have recently had a member, Lauren Weaver become Miss Arkansas USA. She will be competing in Miss USA next year. Three of our members, Landri McGregor, Ali Ezell, and Natalie Counce represented Kappa on the homecoming court. At the Order of Omega
Ceremony, Kappa was represented with great honor. Kappa was honored to receive Outstanding Service Award and Panhellenic Award of Excellence. Karen Thompson received Advisor of the Year, and Madison Cole received Most Outstanding Senior. Also, Kate Truitt was awarded the Most Outstanding Freshman New Greek Council. Kappa had the highest GPA on campus at a 3.506 with 114 4.0s among our members. Gamma Nu was so thankful to have such an incredible recruitment where we initiated 126 wonderful new members. Our very Own President of Gamma Nu, Landri McGregor, received the 2017 Presidential Scholar award last semester. This prestigious award is given to one student from each college annually by the Provost. This year our campus was led by two Gamma Nus on ASG Exec, Natalie Counce as Vice President and Macarena Arce Vega as Secretary. It was amazing to watch how every member supported them throughout this whole year. Kappa paired with Beta and Phi Gamma Delta to put on a self-defense class for any girl on campus. This allowed for the whole campus to come together and be united for a wonderful cause. This class opened the eyes of many girls around campus above the need for safety and awareness on any college campus.

The most recent change that played a major part on our new campus dynamic was adding a new sorority to our greek life system. Delta Gamma was welcomed with open arms onto our campus. It was so amazing to watch how the greek life system went above and beyond to reenact a very memorable Arkansas Bid Day. Kappa was selected to be the location for all the celebrations that took place after. The lawn was full of support, smiles, and excitement. However, the support that was shown to this chapter was here far after their first few months. Our campus has exceeded all expectations to make Delta Gamma feel right at home. In addition, Kappa has gone above and beyond to show these girls what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself. This year we have continued to show them love by having them join in some of our Chicken Finger Fridays. In addition, we helped them this year for preparing for recruitment. Also, just a couple weeks ago, we were working with them for homecoming. We were able to build bonds with them while helping the members learn to enjoy the fun hours of pomping. These moments are the times that truly displays Gamma Nu’s character. This sorority is full of girls going above and beyond to make others feel confident, loved, and valued on this campus.

'''Philanthropy'''

Kappa has done numerous events to build a better community. Our philanthropy chairs lead our annual Reading is Key week. During this week, we not only donate books but have members go to Grace Hill Elementary. Members are able to read stories to the classes, and help participate in crafts. Also, Kappa continues to spend time at Washington Elementary School to help assist the teachers and students. In addition, we try to motivate 5th and 6th grade girls to be confident in who they are by participating in Girl’s Academy. We have the weekend retreat at Owl Creek Elementary School. It is amazing to see how one weekend can make such an impact in these girls’ lives.

Gamma Nu chose to take part in facilitating Girls Academy at Owl Creek because it is an underprivileged school in our community. It has many students who are struggling financially whom may not have this amazing opportunity. Gamma Nu decided to take part in philanthropy events helping Washington Elementary, Owl Creek, and Grace Hill because they are underprivileged schools in our community. For Grace Hill, numerous of these students are living in poverty. Some of the children may not even have books of their own. By giving the children books it allows for them to not only progress in learning, but to get to escape from reality. We all have those childhood books that take us into this whole new magical place. We are able to provide for these kids more than just a book, but something that will be cherished a lifetime. Washington Elementary is a weekly opportunity for girls to help in the classroom. The members will sign up early in the school year to pick which classroom they would like to be through that semester. Members are able to help with not only doing tasks for the teachers , but also get to interact with the students. This has been such a successful event that continues to happen every year.

[[File:Gamma Nu Chapter Room.jpg|thumb|Gamma Nu's chapter room]]

Our chapter meets in our chapter room, which is in the basement of our house. We are able to have enough room for all 444 girls to have a seat.

[[File:Gamma Nu Archives Room.jpg|thumb|Gamma Nu Archives Room]]

==Highlights of 2018==

The Gamma Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has had a successful and eventful year as
shown through the level of accomplishments and involvement on campus as well as within
the community. This year at convention, Gamma Nu was honored to receive several awards.
Our Chapter Council members graciously received the Philanthropy Award and Heritage
Award. We also received Honorable Mentions in Risk Management, Academic Excellence, and
Panhellenic. Our chapter was the most proud to be recognized as a Top 5 Finalist for the Most
Outstanding Chapter. Winning these awards at convention was incredible, but being
surrounded by our fellow Kappa chapters and sisters was inspiring, encouraging, and
worthwhile. Gamma Nu was also recognized heavily through Order of Omega in which our
chapter received the Award of Excellence. One of our members, Layne Winn, was recognized
as an Outstanding Executive Board Member for her commitment to Panhellenic Exec. Order of
Omega also recognized Landri McGregor as the Outstanding Chapter President for her
leadership of Gamma Nu. In Spring 2017, KKG received Academic Excellence for the highest
GPA on campus. Grace Wewers was also recognized as Outstanding Junior by Order of Omega.
Kappa was also fortunate to have our very own, Lydia Fielder, serve as the 2018 Homecoming
Queen for the whole university. Gamma Nu holds the Intramural Cup Champs award for our
athletic teams. We also won Derby Days, a dance competition between all sororities. KKG also
placed first in Carol of the Greeks, which is a singing competition between all sororities. SOOIE,
a registered student organization on campus, recognized KKG as the 2018 Student
Involvement Academic Award winner. Overall, Gamma Nu came together to have a very
successful year. Although awards are not the sole reason we set high goals for our members,
their hard work has paid off with these recognitions.

Gamma Nu is very fortunate to have a beautiful house in which members can meet and spend
time. This year, many sororities were in the process of rebuilding their houses. Therefore,
there was not a meeting place for their sorority members during the rebuilding process.
Therefore, Gamma Nu decided to welcome them into our house! We invited Alpha Chi Omega
members to a Chicken Finger Friday meal at our house. It was great to offer them a place to
share a meal and to get to know members from a different sorority in a casual setting! We also
hosted the ladies of Tri Delta to eat a meal at our house, when they were unable to provide
meals for them one week during the finishing reconstruction of their house! Being able to help
our fellow University of Arkansas sororities is something that our chapter loves to do. There is
a special sense of unity and community among Panhellenic members at Arkansas and Gamma
Nu does an especially good job of fostering this!

Gamma Nu took part in philanthropy events helping Washington Elementary and Owl Creek
because they are underprivileged schools in our community. Through Girls Academy and
weekly tutoring in the classroom, our members are able to make a difference in the lives of
these children by helping them learn to read, but more importantly instilling a new sense of
confidence in them. It is unifying for the chapter to come together in support of these
worthwhile organizations!

Our chapter meets in our chapter room which is in the basement of our house. We are able to have enough room for all members as there are around 500 seats available.

Savvy Shields was a Gamma Nu and served as Miss America 2017. She represented our chapter so well
on a national platform. Chelsey Churchill serves as the Chapter Council Advisor and was the president of the chapter when she was an active member. Landri McGregor was the Gamma Nu president last year and currently works for Nestle in Cleveland, OH.

==Highlights of 2019==

The Gamma Nu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has soared to new heights in the 2019
calendar year. The Spring semester was filled with philanthropic events, special activities,
and multiple honors given to the exceptional women that make up our chapter. Reading is
Key week was held in March this past year and Emily Kohring, Gamma Nu’s philanthropy
chairman, managed to raise over $1000 in support of Reading is Fundamental. Our
members volunteered their time during that week at local elementary schools and
throughout campus to raise awareness for children’s literacy.
Gamma Nu's academic achievements are evident in the vast number of senior members
that were recognized in April. Josie Dubois, Emma Buckner, Gracie Engelkes, Lydia Fielder,
Fallon Freeman, Madeline Mays, Alex Otwell, Sophia Vincent and Abigail Walker all
received the Seniors of Significance award. These women were selected by the University
based on academic achievement, leadership skills, and community outreach. Emma
Buckner and Lydia Fielder also received the title of Razorback Classics for the impact they
made on fellow students during their time at the University. As a chapter Gamma Nu
received multiple awards from Order of Omega. They included Academic Excellence,
Outstanding Junior: Katherine Gilbrech, and Model Initiate: Lindsey Jetton. Overall, Gamma
Nu came together to have a very successful semester. Although awards are not the sole
reason, we set high goals for our members, their hard work has paid off and is shows through these
recognitions.

Gamma Nu's excellence continued into the Fall semester. Panhellenic Recruitment was
held at the beginning of August and we welcomed 118 new members into our home on
August 24, 2019. In October, Gamma Nu celebrated Founders Day to kick off the year long
celebration of Kappa's sesquicentennial. The pledge class of 1969 all returned to Gamma
Nu to receive their 50-year pins and bestow their wisdom upon the active members. Our
annual Scholarship Banquet was held in November and 147 members were recognized for
maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Initiation was held on November 16, 2019 and 117 members were
initiated. This past year has brought Gamma Nu great success and we look forward to
another remarkable year

Gamma Nu is fortunate to have a beautiful house in which its members can gather for
fellowship. Construction on our fellow Panhellenic sister’s homes finally came to a
completion and Maple Street has never looked more beautiful.

This year Gamma Nu focused on improving the sisterhood nature within our chapter. Our
grand size of over 400 members makes it that much harder for women to meet and form
genuine relationships. Gamma Nu aids in cultivating these friendships by putting on
sisterhood events. Sisterhood events held this past year included trips to trampoline parks,
movie nights, roller skating, and watercolor painting.

Gamma Nu takes part in philanthropic events for Reading is Fundamental, Washington
Elementary, SOAR and Girl's Academy. Gamma Nu takes part in philanthropic events helping Washington Elementary and Owl Creek because they are underprivileged schools in our community. Through Girls Academy and weekly tutoring in the classroom, our
members are able to make a difference in the lives of these children by helping them learn
to read, but more importantly instilling a new sense of confidence in them. It is unifying for
our chapter to come together in support of these worthwhile organizations! This past year
Gamma Nu officially added a new organization to its chapter’s philanthropy. SOAR is an
after school program that provides a safe and affordable place for kids to learn, build
healthy relationships with peers and practice leadership skills they will need for future
success. This new addition provides more opportunities for members to make a difference
in our local community!

Founders Day was bigger and better than ever this year at Gamma Nu. Our chapter held its annual Founders
Day dinner and ceremony, but this year we had a special group of women join us. The
Pledge Class of 1969 all returned to participate in the festivities and received their 50 year
pins.

Gamma Nu is excited to head a year long celebration in anticipation of Kappa's sesquicentinnial! This year we kicked off the party
with Founders Day and have since been visited by the Minnie Stewart Van. The van was a
hit among the members of Gamma Nu. Sisters were lined up outside waiting for a chance
to see the archives and this mobile museum brought all the way from Headquarters! In 2020, our executive board
will travel to Convention to continue the celebration. The women of Gamma Nu are excited
and looking forward to celebrating 150 years of Kappa Kappa Gamma all year long!

==Highlights of 2020s:==

This year was undeniably unlike any year Gamma Nu has ever experienced. Despite the challenges that we faced, we were still able to make do with what we were given. At the Kappa Convention, Gamma Nu was proudly awarded multitude of awards including: Heritage Award, Panhellenic Award, Risk Management Award, and Most Outstanding Chapter Award. We also received Honorable Mention for Philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), Recruitment, Academic Excellence, New Member Program, Ritual and Excellence in Chapter Management. The year started off with a great deal of excitement for involvement. January 13th, kicked off Gamma Nu’s first chapter of the year with budget meetings held by the Director of Finance following shortly after. February was our last full month of in-person meetings. Our last in-person formal chapter was held on the March 3rd. We celebrated Valentine’s Day on the 12th with a sisterhood event, and Valentine’s Day was celebrated on the 13th with our ‘Lock and Key’ date function. Gamma Nu’s Mom’s Weekend kicked off March and was the 6th through the 8th. Food Network star, ‘The Pioneer Woman’, came and hosted a cooking class for moms and daughters. That same weekend we hosted our first full house recruitment practice with all members classes. Soon after ‘Mom’s Weekend’, the University of Arkansas closed down due to COVID-19. All in-person classes were held via Zoom as well as chapter meetings, but all in-person functions were cancelled. April, May and June were very odd times where the nation was under a lockdown, but our recruitment team was preparing for an incredible, online recruitment. It was brought up in June that we should do videos interviewing each Chapter Council member, so the potential new members could get a good look of what Kappa is all about, as they were registering for recruitment. August 8th was the start of work week where we learned the ins and outs of zoom. Recruitment week quickly approached with Bid Day, where Gamma Nu received 125 New Members. School started the following Monday, August 24th, with a hybrid plan of partial online classes and partial in-person classes. September started off with Formal Pledging and ending with a virtual initiation training with the Ritual History team on the 22nd. Gamma Nu’s President and I attended a virtual mock initiation presented by Kappa’s Ritual History team on October 6th to prepare us for our own initiation on the 24th. My Ritual History Specialist, Mindy, and I had another zoom call to discuss how initiation would look for a larger chapter like Gamma Nu on the 8th. The New Members could participate, if willing, in one of the few in-person events at the Big/Little Reveal on the 14th. There was an initiation dress rehearsal on the 18th with all speaking parts to go through and eliminate any hiccups for the following Saturday. The President, Mary Larkin, and I set up for initiation on the 21st and got it approved by my specialist, and on the 24th, Gamma Nu got 125 New Members! November consisted of the transition of positions with our President being Amy Truitt! We are so excited for her to do wonderful things to this chapter! Although this year has been challenging to our physical and even emotional health, I am incredibly proud of the Gamma Nu Chapter for their love of giving. We were able to donate 2,427 books to Reading Is Fundamental from our book drive as well as $4,926 and 500+ hours. COVID-19 has impacted every person in some form or fashion. Gamma Nu did a wonderful job of transitioning to virtual chapter meetings and standard meetings. Recruitment was the first main event that was all virtual. Members made a great impression on the potential members by being genuine and caring about everyone’s situations. There was a technology team of roughly five girls that made sure videos and zoom calls were running smoothly. Initiation, being another big event, had a lot of pressure to be as special and noteworthy as it was when it was in-person. My team and I had a lot of meetings and calls to brainstorm ways to make every new member understand how incredible the sorority is. My Advisor and Specialist helped a great deal in making sure I knew how Initiation would play out and giving me feedback on ideas to make the New Members feel special. Virtual Initiation was so smooth running and impactful to New Members and even alumnae.

Gamma Nu supports the SOAR Organization First, it was brought to the chapter by a current member at the time. Second, RIF is Kappa Kappa Gamma’s philanthropy, so SOAR pairs nicely with that, as it’s an afterschool program to help children with homework and play games.

Gamma Nu used social media as a platform to reach out and spread awareness for racial injustice as well as encouraging others during the pandemic to ‘mask up.’

We celebrated the 150th Anniversary by hosting a virtual celebration after chapter meeting showing the significant events throughout Kappa’s history.

Gamma Pi

2021-05-18T02:16:59Z

Cpc: /* Highlights of the 2020s */

{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Gamma Pi
|GreekSymbol= ΓΠ
|Image= [[File:Gamma_Pi.jpg|200px]]
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1927|06|02}}
|College= [http://www.ua.edu/ University of Alabama]
|Location= Tuscaloosa, AL
|Homepage= [http://kkgalabama.com/ Gamma Pi Homepage]
|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Pi Media related to Gamma Pi Chapter]}}

'''University of Alabama established in 1831, Tuscaloosa, Alabama'''

'''Gamma Pi founded June 2, 1927 - 14 charter members'''

'''3,669 initiates (as of June 2018)'''

------------------

'''Charter Members:'''
Margaret Cora Allman, Alberta Inge Austin, Mildred Gaston Beale, Dorothy Ellen Curtis, Alexina Anderson Demouy, Ruth Judson Elliott, Alice Adeline Gardiner, Katie Nell Holmes, Ninette Huffman, Margartia Lopez-Trelles, Estella Keith Masters, Edna Lee McDonald, Mary George Smith Robinson, Susye Katherine Wilkins.

'''Fraternity Officers:'''

Jennie Miller Helderman, Vice President, 1988-1990, Director of Chapters, 1990-1992; Cynthia McMillan Lanford, Director of Membership, 1984-1988, Editor of The Key; 1988-1993’ Miriam Austin Locke, National Panhellenic Conference Delegate, 1951-1954, Fraternity Fellowship Chairman, 1954-1956, 1974-1985; Constance Schmid (Torre-Tasso), Field Secretary 1957-1959; Carolyn Carlisle (Phelan), Field Secretary 1966-1968; Margaret Hayes (Burnstad), Field Secretary 1972-1974; Leah Yelverton (Simpson), Field Secretary 1980-1982; Rev. Deanie Walburn (Strength), Traveling Consultant 1993-1994

'''Fraternity Loyalty Award:'''

Miriam Austin Locke, 1974

'''Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''

Jennie Miller Helderman, 2012, author of the award winning book, a true story, As the Sycamore Grows

'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Pi Alumnae:'''

Annie Ragsdale (Parker), Graduate Counselor 1947-1949; Constance Schmid (Torre-Tasso), Graduate Counselor 1955-1957; Angelyn Sanders (Chandler), Graduate Counselor 1958-1958; Carolyn Hines (Mikell), Graduate Counselor 1979-1981; Lorrie Favret (Anderson), Graduate Counselor 1988-1989

-----------------------------

==The Early Years (from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870-1976)==

On June 2, 1927, Gamma Pi chapter was installed at the University of Alabama with a charter membership of 14 and 11 returned alumnae initiated on June 3. Installing officers were Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Wisconsin, Grand President; Virginia Rodefer Harris, Indiana, Vice President; and Minnie Royce Walker, DePauw, president’s deputy. Beta Omicrons was the installing chapter, and alumnae and actives from other chapters assisted.

A firmly organized local, Pi Alpha had, from its inception in June 1922, the goal of Kappa affiliation. A lone faculty wife, Aline Pelphrey Christian, Oklahoma, was a wise guide. With her help the Pi Alphas gained the interest of other Alabama Kappas. By 1926, this outstanding local, which had held the Panhellenic Scholarship Cap for three years, was allowed to petition formally. Among the first initiates of the chapter were eight members of Phi Beta Kappa, and for 15 uninterrupted years, the Panhellenic Cup was a chapter achievement.

Sponsoring the petition was Esther C. Freeman (Masters), Indiana. Her future mother-in-law, Estella Keith Masters, a law faculty wife, had become an active member of the petitioning group and had interested Esther in Pi Alpha. Estella Masters became a charter member of Gamma Pi, and later served as Finance Adviser and as house building chairman for more than two decades. Other faculty wives gradually arrived on the campus and formed the nucleus of the Advisory Board. Jessie McCulloch Kaufman, Pennsylvania, gave particular interest and inspiration. There were no Kappas among the townspeople at this period.

The capable and helpful Hazel Scott Mauck, Indiana, was the first House Director, in a quaint, temporary rented house on Caplewood Terrace. It had a precipitous stairway and a sloping attic ceiling, which collapsed during the midnight solemnities of one Initiation. Its basement rooms, knows as “The Cavity” were accessible to both animal and human prowlers. These hazards must have influences the visiting young Executive Secretary, Clara O. Pierce, The Ohio State University, who decided that the chapter must have a house of its own. Later she admitted that she had been over-bold to launch a penniless chapter on a staggering building project.

A handsome white Colonial house was built with $18,000 of borrowed money, and was semi-ready for fall of 1929. Some features had been economized on, and the President remarked that the columns needed fattening up on a cream diet.

“Rushees” that fall were entertained in tea rooms, but by Founders Day, a formal dedication and a reception were held, followed by a tea dance during which the new floors were so marred that they required refinishing. At first, 20 members were accommodated; two more rooms were completed in 1937; and a new chapter room installed in 1941. Gamma Pi was first on campus to provide meals for all new members and others unable to live in, and this continuing practice helped build chapter unity.

Mildred Gaston Beale, president of Pi Alpha as a sophomore, was the remarkable first chapter President of Gamma Pi, and continued to hold office for four years, through her graduate year. To her strong leadership, perception and charm, Gamma Pi owes much of its early and continuing strength.

More than 60 members of Phi Beta Kappa and an even larger number of Mortar Board members attest to the chapter’s reputation for leadership and scholarship. During 1933-34, five of nine presidents of campus leadership organizations, and the Honorary Cadet Colonel, were members of Gamma Pi.

Very early, the chapter began to receive recognition at General Conventions: Fraternity Scholarship Award, 1934; first recipient of the Minnie Royce Walker Scholarship Award, 1936 and again in 1944; two-time recipient of the Clara O. Pierce Gracious Living Award; Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones Scholarship Improvement Award, 1958; Charlotte Barrell Ware Standards Award, 1968; and the Fraternity Appreciation Award, 1970. In 1937, one of the six newly established undergraduate scholarship came to Phebe Bibb (Thomas), and since then a number of members have held scholarship and fellowship awards.

Gamma Pi was installing chapter for Delta Upsilon, Epsilon Eta and Epsilon Nu. It has assisted at Installation and Recruitment at Delta Rho and Epsilon Zeta. Annie Laurie Ragsdale (Parker) went to Georgia as a Graduate Counselor and helped establish the chapter there, serving as first President. Mary Constance Schmid (Cobb), Graduate Counselor and Field Secretary, established the nucleus for Epsilon Epsilon at Emory, and Angelyn Sanders (Chandler), also a Graduate Counselor and Field Secretary, joined her the following year. Other Gamma Pi Field Secretaries have been Carolyn Carlisle Phelan and Margaret Hays, former chapter President and daughter of a chapter President. (Her two sisters were also Gamma Pis.)

Gamma Pi entertained at the Province Meeting of 1931, 1941, 1945 and 1947 … The House Corporation was set up during a visit from Rheva Ott Shryock, Pennsylvania, Grand President, in 1937. The Tuscaloosa Alumnae Club (now association) was formally chartered during the 1941 Province Meeting. Gamma Pi members have been active officers in alumnae associations from Philadelphia to Dallas and from Pasadena to Miami.

Gamma Pi has maintained a strong Panhellenic spirit, lending its house to other groups for such occasions as installations and recruitment parties. For many years, all campus new members were entertained at an annual Halloween party. Starting in 1929, Christmas parties for underprivileged children were held. Later, patients from a local institution for disabled or troubled youth were entertained in a cooperative fraternity venture.

The Gamma Pi pre-Christmas faculty reception was for many years one of the most heralded social events of the city. In later years, the chapter entertained alumnae and their children at a holiday party. Advisers enjoy many chapter courtesies. This has preserved and developed active-alumna relationships. For many years, parents have come from afar for the famous Parents Weekend, scheduled often to coincide with a special sport event or following Sigma Chi Derby.

'''World War II Years'''

During World War II, there was the USO entertaining and the visiting of wounded servicemen—there were nurse’s aide courses, blood drives, and house dances for service personnel enrolled on the campus. In 1945, Gamma Pi won a war bond drive by selling $23,000 of the $60,000 in bonds sold by the entire student body. During this same period, scholarship was above a B average, brining commendation from officials of the university and Fraternity.

'''Housing Changes'''

As the university expanded and the enrollment of women increased, the houses became inadequate and an impressive building program emerged in the 1950s. After long planning, saving and effort, Gamma Pi moved into a new, red brick Colonial style house during the icy January of 1963. Delays, disappointments and unexpected expenses had tried the wits and patience of the Housing Committee. Only Fraternity encouragement and the visits of the Kappa official architects, Herbert and Frances Sutton Schmitz, Michigan, enabled the local committee to realize its plans.
The chapter had moved out of the old house the morning after fall pledging in 1961, and for a year and a half, 20 members occupied a rented university-owned house with inadequate facilities, peeling wallpaper and leaky pipes. The entire chapter trudged a long distance to take meals together under conditions defying all rules for “gracious living.” Meals were served buffet style and trays were carried to empty spots. Recruitment in Alabama’s September heat in the Presbyterian Center next door did not daunt the good spirits or the ingenuity of the chapter, and the Recruitment season was unexpectedly successful—two pledges above the quota because of a Panhellenic computer error.

Never were there such enthusiasm and such cooperation as in the Recruitment of 1962. Hiring a bus to carry the “rushees” was later imitated by other groups. Never were there happier girls than those who returned after Christmas to a beautiful new house—and never was there a wearier Housing Committee.

Formal dedication was October 15, 1963, with Clara O. Pierce, Ohio State, Catherine Kelder Walz, Michigan, and Frances Schmitz, Michigan, present. In the fall of 1973, the last payment was made on the loan, and Gamma Pi burned the mortgage while receiving commendation from university officials for being the first group to remove indebtedness on a new house.

The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
--------------------------------
==Highlights of the 1970s:==

A major event of fall 1973 was the Cancer Run-a-thon with Kappa Alpha Fraternity in competition with Epsilon Eta Kappas and Delta Chi Fraternity at Auburn. Together, the group raised more than $25,000.

Gamma Pi’s Miriam Austin Locke (affectionately known by many as “Doc Locke”) became well known as a Kappa leader and role model. Besides being Mu Province president from 1940-43, she served as National Panhellenic Alternate Delegate, 1947-51; National Panhellenic Delegate, 1951-54; Fraternity Fellowships Chairman, 1954-1985; Loyalty Award recipient, 1974 and in 1965, a faculty reception was given in her honor and a large silver tray was presented to her. It was announced at Convention in 1968 that a $500 graduate fellowship in her name would be given by Gamma Pi members from all over Alabama. Then at the Centennial Founders Day celebration at Gamma Pi, the chapter unveiled a life-size head-and-shoulder portrait of her to hang in the chapter living room. She had been chairman of the building committee for the chapter house that was occupied in 1963. Golden anniversary in 1977 …

==Highlights of the 1980s==

The Gamma Pi chapter remained one of the largest on campus. In 1985 the pledging of 47 women brought the chapter total to 142 Gamma Pi members. A huge success was the rising from 15th position scholastically in 1984 to number two in 1985. This resulted in a letter of congratulations from a faculty member which was published in the Crimson White newspaper.

Changes were afoot in concerns for the environment and awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse and underage drinking. This led to challenges for the chapter in adjusting to these concerns.
Gamma Pi took pride in leading other Greeks with such changes as the new drinking policies and in looking out for one another. They also set a successful goal of unifying the chapter through fraternity education and Kappa fun facts including extensive reviews of Kappa history. The pledges also participated by having weekly pledge tests.

On campus Kappas were involved in student government organizations, honor societies and various other leadership positions.

'''Convention Awards:'''

Housing: Gamma Pi’s were proud of the changes to their house: lovely new furniture for the den and living room, renovating the basement to make the study atmosphere more pleasant. Thirteen houseboys helped serve at dinner and ate with the members.

'''Philanthropy:'''

Gamma Pi noted an increase in participation in philanthropy projects. A traditional event was the annual Balloon Derby during Homecoming in October. In 1985 $5,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society. However, wildlife concerns were coming to the forefront at this time and the balloons were a problem so Gamma Pi looked for another fund raiser. Other philanthropies included trick-or-treating and bowling with the single-parent underprivileged children of Tuscaloosa, a Christmas party with the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity for underprivileged children, working at the “Hands On” Museum, participating in the campus-wide blood drive and helping with a tennis marathon for Tuscaloosa’s Soup Kitchen. The members were especially proud of the pledges as they helped a needy family at Christmas time by collecting clothes, food and other necessities.

==Highlights of the 1990s==

During the nineties, Gamma Pi continued their tradition of outstanding Recruitment by consistently welcoming pledge classes of approximately 40 women. New members came from California, Texas, Virginia and obviously, many from the hometown of Tuscaloosa. In the mid-1990’s, Panhellenic incorporated new Bid Day policies that required the new members to do activities with their chapter until midnight of Bid Day. This turned out to be a wonderful experience for everyone as it allowed the new members to bond with their pledge class and get to know other members of their Gamma Pi chapter.

Gamma Pi members were active on campus and always participated in Homecoming and many other campus activities. In 1996 they took third in the Homecoming house decoration event and a group of actives took second place in the Road and River Race.

Gamma Pi members were strong academically and continually had one of the highest All-Sorority G.P.A. on campus.

A consistent challenge during the 1990’s was participation. This was generally part of the chapter’s goal for the year. The officers came up with creative ideas each year to encourage members to participate and find the perfect balance of social, campus involvement and scholarship.

'''Convention Awards:'''

1996 – Honorable Mention for Gracious Living

'''Housing:'''

'''Philanthropy:'''

In the early 1990’s Gamma Pi created a Kappa Cookbook to sell. Proceeds from the cookbook were donated to the American Cancer Society. Gamma Pi’s also volunteered their time at organizations such as the Soup Bowl and Big Oak Boys and Girls Club. In 1996 they participated in a Walk-a-thon and the proceeds raised supported Child Abuse Prevention Service.

==Highlights of 2000-2010==

During 2003-2004 the chapter enjoyed participating in sisterhood events as well as activities on campus. Homecoming was a main event on campus and Gamma Pi was proud as a peacock when their chapter president was elected Homecoming Queen. New members were involved with the parade, dance competition, and quad games. The chapter was also involved with Greek Week and the annual Beat Auburn Beat Hunger food drive.

Maintaining high academic achievement became a challenge for Gamma Pi during this decade. Historically, the chapter prided itself on maintaining one of the highest All-Sorority GPAs. In the 2003-2004 school year the new members met the academic challenge, ranking third highest out of fifteen sororities in grades.

Many Gamma Pi members were affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2004 since their homes were in New Orleans, Mobile, and Mississippi. Many members came together with other sororities, fraternities, and the Student Government Association to volunteer their time and supplies to hurricane evacuees located at the University of Alabama Recreation Center.

In 2007 president, Frankie Mohylsky, was voted as the best sorority president.

Gamma Pi celebrated its 80th birthday in February 2008. Active and alumna members enjoyed the festivities. The chapter initiated in memoriam two new members, Virginia and Becca, who were tragically killed in a car accident in the beginning of the 2008 school year. It was an emotionally hard time for the chapter, but by honoring their memories, it helped unify the entire chapter.

'''Convention Awards:'''

'''Housing:'''

Gamma Pi was one of the largest sororities on campus with more than 200 members during this decade.

'''Philanthropy:'''

The chapter won a jean's sale in 2006 and were awarded $500 towards its philanthropy. During parent's weekend in 2007, the chapter held a charity walk/run. "Kappas for a Kure" raised more than $5,000 for cancer and in honor of a Gamma Pi member who passed away from cancer.

==Highlights of 2011==

In a year of discussion about global warming, blizzards and storms, April of 2011 found a tornado sitting down just five blocks from the Gamma Pi house. Members were shaken by the storm, had no electricity and classes were cancelled. Fortunately none of the members was injured and the house was secure.

With technology changing the world, Gamma Pi decided to change the way it supported Kappa’s national philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental. In 2011 for the first time they decided to use frendo, the first-ever fee-free donation platform because it is the only online platform for donors, fundraisers and charities that eliminates all fees to charities.

Gamma Pi furthers the ideals of RIF by frequently visiting Mathews Elementary, an elementary school in Tuscaloosa. Gamma Pi Kappas participate in service activities at Matthews through tutoring, live reading, and in an after school mentoring program. They participated in school supplies and book drives for Mathews, and encourage other sororities and fraternities to do the same.

In 2011 Delta Kappa Epsilon and Kappa Kappa Gamma began the first annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Kick off for a Cure. Delta Kappa Epsilon and Kappa Kappa Gamma organize this event to raise money and awareness for JDRF in the Tuscaloosa community.

Kappa for a Kure is an annual fundraiser that raises money for the American Cancer Society. This philanthropy was created in honor of a member, Carleton Parnell. The event is held every spring during parent’s weekend.

Gamma Pi hosts a cookout each fall in honor of two members, Virginia Gray Bailey and Rebecca Bettis. This cookout raises money for a scholarship that goes to a member who exemplifies the outstanding qualities of Virginia Gray and Becca.

==Highlights of 2012==

'''Events:'''

'''Kappa Kappa Gamma Leadership Day'''-
January 2012: Each year the outgoing and incoming Chapter Council Officers and the advisory board host Leadership Day at the Kappa house. This is a whole Saturday dedicated to the betterment of our chapter and development our council members. Leadership exercises, goal setting, recap meetings, are a few of the many important agenda items each year. Each year our chapter invites a guest speaker to lead a discussion on ways to improve our chapter from an external point of view. This program has received recognition from the Fraternity nationally. Because of this events great success, our agenda and materials from our 2012 Leadership Day were sent out to Kappa chapters around the country for them to emulate the structure.

April 2012: Our chapter celebrated the retirement of Gamma Pi alumnae Dr. Kathleen Cramer from the University of Alabama Office of Student Affairs. Dr. Cramer served as president of Gamma Pi as a sophomore and has never ceased to support our chapter in all of its endeavors. The students were always her first priority, especially members of Gamma Pi. It is because of her mentorship and guidance that our chapter is where it is today. She has helped remind our current chapter members of our rich legacy and guided us in a way that will help us continue that legacy. During her time at Alabama, Dr. Cramer served our campus in multiple facets and won countless prestigious awards. Because of her selfless nature, she has made a lasting impact on our chapter that will last for many years to come. We continue to look back at our chapter’s past outstanding achievements as we continue to build our chapter’s legacy on campus.

'''Philanthropy:'''

Nationally, Kappa Kappa Gamma’s philanthropy is Reading Is Fundamental. RIF works to build a literate nation by helping young people discover the joy of reading. Locally, Gamma Pi furthers the ideals of RIF by frequently visiting Mathews Elementary, an elementary school in Tuscaloosa. Gamma Pi Kappas participate in service activities at Matthews through tutoring, live reading, and in an after school-mentoring program. We participate in school supplies and book drives for Mathews, and encourage other sororities and fraternities to do the same. The past year and a half has been an exceptionally exciting one at the Kappa house and it started in the middle of the summer. After the April 27th 2011 tornado, we realized the abundance of helping opportunities at hand.

Since our national philanthropy is Reading Is Fundamental, it seemed only appropriate to look first at the elementary schools in the Tuscaloosa area. One of these schools, Alberta City Elementary, was completely destroyed in the tornado. We felt that this was the perfect place to begin. Alumni helped us coordinate with Jack Summersell, president of Educator’s Resource in Mobile, and so our adventure began. Mr. Summersell helped us to gather and spread the word that we were raising money to help Alberta Elementary. In no time, $4,000 had been donated and we were able to purchase a large amount of school supplies from Educator’s Resource. Some of our other events include our annual cookout in honor of Becca Bettis and Virginia Gray Bailey; during this event money is raised and donated toward a Kappa scholarship fund in honor of the two former members. Kappa for a Kure occurs every year during parents weekend in which money is raised in support of the American Cancer Society, this event is also in memory of a former Kappa, Carlton Parnell.

'''Other Awards/Achievements:'''
• 2012 Active Hallie Majure Phillips, Order of Omega Most Outstanding Junior
• 2012 Active Laura Ying, Vice President of Order of Omega
• 2012 Actives Natalie Coleman, Hallie Majure Phillips, Laura Ying, and Kara Galloway, Order of Omega Honor Society
• 2012 Active Hallie Majure Phillips, Blue Key Honor Society President
• 2012 Actives Hallie Majure Phillips and Ellie Friedman, Mortar Board Society
• 2012 Actives Ellie Friedman and Hallie Majure Phillips, Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society
• 2012 Gamma Pi had 11 members of Homecoming Executive Board and Committees
• 2012 Actives Natalie Coleman and Hallie Majure Phillips, recipients of the Miriam Locke Scholarship
• 2010- 2012 National Kappa Kappa Gamma Recruitment Award
• 2012 Academic Improvement Award for Xi Province from the National Fraternity
• 2012 Alumni Support Award for Xi Province from the National Fraternity

We also had members on the Executive Council of Order of Omega and Blue Key Honor Society, as well as members of Mortar Board, the Alabama Panhellenic Association Executive Council, Omicron Delta Kappa, and many more prestigious organizations.

'''Chapter Goals, Challenges, and how they were overcome:'''

Our chapter faced some complications accommodating for our largest pledge in history but we were so thrilled to have so many new members who would contribute only the best to Gamma Pi; therefore, the officers on Chapter Council came together to help each other do whatever needed to be done to be sure that the needs of every member in the chapter was accounted for.

'''Changes on Campus:'''

Our University and Greek community are expanding greatly and so is our chapter. With strong participation and attendance at chapter meetings and programs, our chapter is in need of more space to accommodate its growing number of women. Ritual and sacred ceremonies that take place in our chapter house are of the upmost importance to us. Keeping the sisterhood of Kappa Kappa Gamma alive through ceremonies that were conducted by our founding sisters 142 years ago is one of the most cherished traditions of our fraternity. New member classes are only going to get larger from here. It is very important that we have enough space to conduct our initiation ceremonies in the future when pledge classes are over one hundred women. We are so appreciative of the overwhelming amount of alumnae support that our chapter receives, especially for events such as recruitment and initiation. In recent years we have actually had to limit the amount of alumnae that can attend because our facility cannot currently hold everyone who would like to be in attendance. We are hoping to have renovation and expand our house by the year of 2014.

'''Overall Nature of the Gamma Pi Chapter:'''

“Aspire to be.” That is the motto of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The Gamma Pi Chapter strives more and more every year to give back to our sisters and to our community. We aspire to grow in our friendships and leadership through our chapter programs and sisterhood activities. We aspire to make the community around us a better place through our philanthropic efforts. Below we highlight some of our annual programs and service projects.

==Highlights of 2013==
The year of 2013 proved to be another successful year for the Gamma Pi chapter. We have several members that hold leadership positions and are in honor societies on campus. Increased involvement of our members on campus is a goal for our future.

In January, we hosted our annual Kappa Kappa Gamma Leadership Day, a day where incoming and outgoing officers and advisers set goals for the new year and sought to make improvements where needed. Our slogan for this year was “Let’s Get R.E.A.L!” Each letter in the word “REAL” stands for something: “R” for recruitment, “E” for effort, “A” for academics, and “L” for leadership. At this meeting we planned to devote the most attention to these four areas for the upcoming year.

In February, we had eleven members of chapter council attend the Xi Province Meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Our members were very excited to have the opportunity to meet other Kappas from around the country. Our chapter won two awards, one for academic improvement and the other for outstanding support from the Tuscaloosa alumni.

In August we worked very hard to pledge our largest pledge class yet with 117 incredible new members! We had the best return rates we have ever had and were very pleased to add such an outstanding pledge class.

Throughout the year, Kappa participated in and held several philanthropy events.

In January we supported the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters organization of West Alabama with their Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge. This event consisted of a 2.5-mile race where participants received a dozen donuts halfway through the race. On our leadership day, the CEO of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters West Alabama came to speak us about leadership.

During our annual Parents Weekend in March, we hosted a cookout at the Kappa house with barbecue and a piano band. There was a five-dollar donation given by everyone in attendance. The proceeds went to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation.

In September the Kappas helped with the Thomas Plott Foundation’s annual golf tournament to raise awareness and funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We focus several of our philanthropy efforts towards cystic fibrosis because one of our current members suffers from it.

In October, we held our first annual Kappa Karnival to serve the underprivileged children of our Tuscaloosa community and to collect books benefitting our national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We first asked other sororities and fraternities to donate books for our cause. We then hosted a carnival for underprivileged children in the Tuscaloosa area. We had a great time with the children and felt good about the impact we had on our local community.

In November we held our annual Virginia Gray Bailey/ Becca Bettis Memorial Scholarship fundraiser in conjunction with Alumni Weekend. Alumni and actives gathered on the Kappa lawn to enjoy live music, eat hamburgers and hotdogs, hear about the plans for the new Kappa house, and support the cause. The scholarship goes to a deserving active of Gamma Pi who exemplifies the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

There have been several changes on campus this year.

The fall of 2013 proved to be a time of great controversy for the Greek community. National attention was focused on the campus and its lack of diversity within sororities. Panhellenic worked with the administration of the University of Alabama to implement Continuous Open Bidding (COB) whereby all Panhellenic sororities were encouraged to recruit new members throughout the year. Bids were offered, and we were fortunate to pledge several new members at different times during the year.

One of the areas we continue to focus on improving is academics. Every year we strive to increase our sorority’s academic average, and this year we were successful in doing so. We are proud of the improvements that we continue to make, and we hope to continue our efforts to become an even stronger chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

==Highlights of 2014==

In the past year the Gamma Pi Chapter has achieved many things. Throughout the year, many members of the Gamma Pi chapter have been involved in not only sisterhood events but academic events and achievements as well. Many of the members have help leadership positions and are in honor societies on campus at the University of Alabama. We continue to strive for goals such as increasing involvement on campus, academics, and sisterhood.

In January, we hosted our annual Kappa Kappa Gamma Leadership Day. This day is where incoming and outgoing officers and advisers meet and set goals for the new year and discuss areas which need improvement. The slogan for this year was “ REAL. Bold the A”. Each letter in slogan represented a different word from our previous years’ Leadership Day. The main point was to place emphasis on the “A”, which stood for academics, accountability, and appreciation, all areas our chapter needed improvement on.

In August we had another outstanding rush, with yet another, outstanding large pledge class of 115 incredible new members. Gamma Pi, once again, has the best return rates throughout recruitment. With our increasing numbers, we were pleased to add a unique and outstanding pledge class.

During the year we had had many members attend different conferences and events hosted by Kappa Kappa Gamma. Two of our members attended convention and one member attended leadership academy.

Throughout the year, Gamma Pi help and participated in several philanthropy events around campus.

In January, we were involved in the Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge, helping Big Brothers/ Big Sisters organization of West Alabama. This event is a 2.5- mile race where participants run a little over one mile to pick up a dozen donuts, then run back to the start of the race. The catch here is, the participants must eat the entire dozen donuts before returning to start to win the race. Throughout the year, the CEO of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of West Alabama came to speak to our chapter.

At our annual Parents Weekend in March, we held a cookout at the Kappa House with a barbecue and a band. There was an offer to give a five-dollar donation for everyone in attendance, where the proceeds went to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation.

In March during spring break, a group of Gamma Pi members travelled to Haiti for our first ever Spring Break mission trip to Haiti. Kappa collected over 500 t-shirts to send with the members who went to Haiti for the children. We also collected other supplies and funds that the members needed for the trip and to give to the Sozo Children of Haiti. This is new a tradition that is continuing on for many more Spring Breaks to come.

In October, we held our second annual Kappa Karnival to serve the underprivileged children of our Tuscaloosa community. This events helped us collect books benefiting our national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We asked other sororities and fraternities to donate books for a cause. Afterwards, we hosted the carnival for the children in the Tuscaloosa area. This was Halloween themed since it was around Halloween and in October. The kids had many games and activities to participate in, including a bounce house, pumpkin painting, and different carnival games. We had a wonderful time with the children and felt great about the imp at we had on our local community.

In November, we head our annual Virginia Gray Bailey/ Becca Bettis Memorial Scholarship fundraiser in conjunction with Homecoming and our Alumni Weekend. Alumni and actives gather on the Kappa lawn and driveway to enjoy live music, have a cookout, and head about the plans for our new Kappa house while supporting the cause. A donation of five dollars a person was taken for the Scholarship fund in honor of two of our kappa sisters who died a few years ago. This is not only a great way to support our sisters in need of a scholarship but to show support to our actives who were sisters to and friends of Virginia Gray and Becca. This scholarship goes to a deserving active of Gamma Pi who exemplifies the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Throughout the year, Gamma Pi members have improved in the area of academics, sisterhood, and involvement around campus and within Kappa. We hosted many events for actives to bond more with their sisters, including Zumba for all grades on Monday nights twice a semester, ice cream get-togethers, movie nights, and pizza parties. We also had bible studies for members who wanted to come together and worship God. Many of our actives are on the Dean’s List, President’s List, and many different academic honor societies. We have many members of Gamma Pi in leadership positions of SGA at the University of Alabama. We are proud of the improvements that we continue to make, and we hope to continue our efforts to become an event stronger chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

==Highlights of 2015==

The year of 2015 proved to be another successful year for the Gamma Pi chapter at the University of Alabama. We have had several members that have held leadership positions and are in numerous honor societies on campus. We continue to strive for increased involvement of our members on campus now and in the future.

In January, we hosed our annual Kappa Kappa Gamma Leadership Day. This day is where incoming and outgoing officers and advisers come together and set goals for the new year. This is also a time where previous plans are reviewed and areas are looked at for where improvements could be made. We continue to have an action plans of focusing on Recruitment, Effort, Academics, and Leadership.

In February, we had numerous members of chapter council attend Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Our members were very excited to have the opportunity to meet with other Kappas from around the country.

In April, we held a memorial weekend and ground breaking ceremony for our new Kappa house. The event was filled with hundreds of alumni and actives at the Kappa house to walk through the old house and share memories from years of Gamma Pi members. The ceremony also was a ground breaking event for our new house, where we shared plans of the future of Gamma Pi.

In August, our current members worked very hard to pledge our largest pledge to date. The pledge class had 140 incredible new members! We, yet again, had the best return rates we have ever had and were very excited to add such an amazing pledge class.

Throughout the year, Kappa participated in and held several philanthropy events.

In January, we supported Big Brothers/ Big Sisters organization of West Alabama with their annual Krispy Kreme Challenge. This event consisted of a 2.5 mile race where participants received a dozen donuts halfway through the race. In order to win the race, participants must eat all of the donuts before finishing the race. On our leadership day, the CEO of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters West Alabama came to speak to us about leadership.

In April, we held our annual our annual Parents Weekend, we hosted a pancake breakfast at the Kappa House. There was a five-dollar donation given by everyone in attendance. The proceeds went to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation.

In September, the Kappas held a philanthropy dinner for Molly Remmert Rossell. A native of Tuscaloosa who was battling cancer. The event was to raise awareness for cancer and support Molly in her fight.

In October, members helped with the Thomas Plott Foundation’s annual golf tournament to raise awareness and funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We focus several of our philanthropy efforts towards cystic fibrosis because one of our current members suffers from it. We also held our third annual Kappa Karnival. This is to serve the underprivileged children of our Tuscaloosa community and to collect books benefitting our national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We asked other sororities and fraternities to donate books for our case. We hosted a carnival for the children at our house. Also in October, we held our annual Virginia Gray Bailey/ Becca Bettis Memorial Scholarship fundraiser cookout to remember two members who passed away. Alumni and actives gathered on the Kappa Lawn to enjoy live music, eat hamburgers and bbq, hear more plans for the New Kappa House, and support the case. The scholarship goes to a deserving active of Gamma Pi who exemplifies the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

In November we held a fundraiser at a local restaurant for “Amazing Grace”. Grace is a young girl from Birmingham, Al who had cancer. The event held was to raise money to donate to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, Al in Grace’s name. We sold cups with “Amazing Grace logo” for 5$ a piece so that anyone who bought the cup could get free sodas, all afternoon at the restaurant. We had an outstanding attendance rate from not only our members of Gamma Pi but also from locals in Tuscaloosa.

One of the areas we continue to focus on is improving academics among all members. Every year we strive to increase our sorority’s academic average, and this year, like previous year, we were successful in doing so. We are proud of the improvements that we continue to make, and we hope to continue our efforts to become an even stronger chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

The overall nature of our chapter is a happy and friendly chapter. We have no had many changes on campus except for our new University of Alabama President being named. This has not changed many things for the Kappas of Alabama. We are one of the most liked sororities on campus with other students and with the University.

Chapter Philanthropy:

What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?

We participate in many different organizations in our community. The above organizations are what we normally give time and money to within the community.

Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?

We choose to support different organization due our chapter’s voice in what organization we should promote. If a member has a philanthropy we should support, our philanthropy chairman will review the cause and decide if we have time and money to get involved with the given event.

==Highlights of 2016==

This year, the Gamma Pi chapter focused on increasing our involvement in philanthropic activities and the community while also improving communication within the chapter and chapter council. The Gamma Pi chapter collaborated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama for the Krispy Kreme Challenge, and the whole chapter participated in the 5K walk/run in February.

Furthermore, our chapter was honored at the University of Alabama's Greek Excellence Banquet in February for our service and dedication to the campus. In March, we planned and implemented a successful parent's weekend with over 750 attendees (both parents and members). We also held a successful tie dye sisterhood event at the chapter house in March and participated in the university's homecoming week, including a bowling and dodgeball competition.

Our chapter awarded the Miriam Locke scholarship to four of our members in March. These members demonstrated dedication and excellence to both Kappa and academics. We also participated in a Secret Meals For Hungry Children project, an organization dedicated to feeding children who have been identified as going without nutrition over the weekend. Our chapter decorated a backpack for the project, and we were selected as the winners. Other philanthropic involvement included a sisterhood event for Relay for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama banquet, attending the LHON's foundation cookout in honor of a university student, Bright Minds Reading, and the Virginia Gray and Becca cookout our chapter hosts every year. We also completed construction of our new chapter house and opened its doors in August 2016.

The house is home to 60 members and provides a great location for every one to get together. We also hosted an alumni event in September to showcase the new house. Our chapter overcame the challenges of a large chapter size by bettering communication through providing our members with frequent updates and planning numerous sisterhood events, like movie night or cookie decorating at the house, where members could spend time together. In addition, academics is a challenge our chapter has faced, but by holding members more accountable for their GPAs through mandatory study hours and "major heads" we provided our members with the resources necessary to achieve academic success.

Recent changes on our campus include the construction of new sorority houses and renovation of other campus buildings. Increased focus on GPAs and the need for sororities to meet these standards has also increased. The Gamma Pi chapter has 442 active members. With a chapter this large, we are thankful to have a diverse mix of members and strive to create and facilitate a bond between all members. Our chapter encourages our members to pursue leadership roles within the chapter, campus organizations and the community. Our members are involved in numerous organizations in addition to Kappa. We place an emphasis on academics and philanthropic involvement. Our chapter's officers strive to create a welcoming environment in which every member has the necessary tools to achieve success.

The Gamma Pi chapter has supported Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama, Bright Minds reading program through United Way, Reading is Fundamental, and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

Gamma Pi seeks to better the community and our members by making a difference in the lives of those around us. We partner with Reading is Fundamental due to the organization being Kappa's national philanthropy and also because of our chapter's vision of making a difference in children's lives. We host an annual event called "Kappa Karnival" in October to benefit RIF and Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama, our chapter's local philanthropy. We also encourage our members to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters through participation in their mentor program where each member is matched with a "little brother" or "little sister" (a child from an underprivileged background).

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, our chapter is able to make an impact on children's lives around us and give back to the community. Big Brothers Big Sisters holds a special place in all of our member's hearts. In addition, our members also participate in Bright Minds reading program through United Way where we send members into local schools to read to elementary children for an hour.

This organization is important to our chapter due to the opportunities to make a difference and experience hands on philanthropy. United Way recognized us in their newsletter for our partnership with the reading program and the dedication our members have shown this past semester.

We also donate to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation as our chapter wants to give back to the organization that is the reason of our existence. Without Kappa, our members would not have the opportunity to experience the bond and sisterhood we all share. Without the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, our chapter would not exist; for this reason, it is important to give back and recognize our origins.

We hold chapter meetings in our new chapter house on campus. The house opened in August 2016 and has been of great use to our chapter.

==Highlights of 2017==

We began our year in January with our Kappa Leadership day, where we outlined important dates and set our individual and chapter goals. One of our major goals this year was to implement committees to encourage involvement from all members within Gamma Pi. In review, the committees allowed chapter council officers to accomplish more and allowed each member of Gamma Pi to show her leadership ability and increase her involvement with the chapter. In February, we partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama in their biggest fundraiser, the Krispy Kreme Challenge. The whole chapter was able to participate in the 5k fun run/walk and give back to a philanthropy that is important to our chapter. We also were honored at the Alabama Greek Excellence Award's Banquet for our impact on campus. In March, we hosted our annual Parents' Weekend and receive record-breaking feedback of its success. The event catered to 700+ people (parents and members), and was our time to show our immense gratitude to our parents for the opportunity to be involved with Gamma Pi. In April, we hosted a blood drive on Alabama's campus in partnership with Red Cross; this was the largest blood drive on campus this year. Over the summer months, we worked hard for the upcoming recruitment in August. In August, we had amazing success pledging 145 new members to Gamma Pi. Our Marshal worked hard to organize and emphasized the importance of Kappa's Ritual during special education session which we were then able to share with 143 new members during Initiation in October. Throughout the year, our chapter has strengthened our bond with monthly sisterhood events such as baseball games, educational speakers, and ice skating that gave the members time to spend with each other. With such a large chapter, sisterhood events are imperative and truly strengthen our relationship, in addition to being fun activities. As chapter council, we have worked hard to make Gamma Pi an exemplary Kappa chapter. We have made major changes such as implementing committees, strictly holding members accountable, increasing communication with each other and members, and working to increase our chapter GPA, just to name a few examples. But all of this could not have been done without the help and encouragement of each other and our loyalty to our Kappa sisters.

Major changes on our campus include construction of new sorority houses. Our house was just completed August 2016; we are lucky to have such a wonderful house! Our chapter consists of 438 active members. We are thankful for the diverse mix of members and the bond Gamma Pi has allowed us to make. Not only is Gamma Pi a source of friendship, but it is also a source of encouragement. We encourage our members to be involved and pursue leadership roles in our chapter, Alabama's campus organizations, and Tuscaloosa's community. We strive for academic excellence and philanthropic involvement within Gamma Pi and individually. Overall, Gamma Pi is a source of encouragement, friendship, and memories that will last a lifetime.

'''Philanthropy'''

The Gamma Pi chapter's major philanthropy, locally in Tuscaloosa, is Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. We also spend time with Bright Mings reading program through United Way, in addition to Reading is Fundamental. Gamma Pi seeks to better the community and our members by making a difference in the lives of those around us. With such a large chapter, we feel we have a huge opportunity to make a difference in the community locally and nationally, with our donations to Reading is Fundamental. We partner with Reading is Fundamental because it is Kappa's national philanthropy and we notice the importance of child literacy. To promote RIF, we organized a Reading is Key event. During this event, our members volunteered with a local elementary school's kindergarten class, spending time reading and creating crafts. Each child received a book and a supply box filled with crayons, glue, scissors, and stickers. The teachers also received 10-15 books to have for the class. This impacted the children of Northington Elementary tremendously and spread the importance of child literacy. In addition, we are also involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentor program where qualified mentors are matched with a "little brother" or "little sister", of an underprivileged background. We highly encourage our members to become mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters as it is a gratifying experience and opportunity to make a difference in someones life. Each member of our chapter is able to volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters during one of our biggest philanthropy events, and Big Brothers Big Sisters main fundraiser, the Krispy Kreme Challenge. This event is a 5k fun-run to raise money for the philanthropy held annually in February. Big Brothers Big Sisters holds a special place in all of our members' hearts. In addition, our members also participate in Bright Minds reading program through United Way where we send members into local schools to read to elementary children for an hour. We also donate to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation as our chapter wants to give back to the organization that is the reason of our existence. Without Kappa, our members would not have the opportunity to experience the bond and sisterhood we all share. Without the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, our chapter would not exist; for this reason, it is important to give back and recognize our origins.

[[File:Gamma Pi Chapter Facility.jpg|thumb|Gamma Pi Chapter House opened in 2016]]

We hold our chapter meetings in our chapter house on campus. It was opened August 2016, so it is still fairly new. We are so grateful for this amazing house and the time we spend together inside.

==Highlights of 2018==

We began our year in January with a beneficial leadership seminar that allowed the newly elected Chapter Council to meet as a unit, and brainstorm ideas to improve the chapter in the upcoming year. We outlined important dates and set individual and group goals, as well as learned valuable leadership skills. One major goal was to increase chapter participation in Gamma Pi, which we did by giving chapter council committees more responsibilities, allowing them to get more involved. In February, we partnered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters in their biggest fundraiser, the Krispy Kreme Challenge. The entire chapter was able to participate in the 5k run and support the philanthropy that is so important to Gamma Pi. In March, we hosted our annual Parent’s Weekend, which was huge success. We hosted over all of the members of our chapter and their parents, with a total of over 700 people. We host this event every year to express our gratitude for all of the parent’s involvement and support of our chapter. In April, we partnered with Red Cross to host a blood drive on campus, the largest blood at the University of Alabama this year. Over the summer, we continued to work hard to prepare for our upcoming recruitment. In August, we had tremendous success, and recruited 112 new members. Throughout the next several weeks, our marshal worked with them in the new member education program to teach them the importance and significance in Kappa rituals. In October, the new members were initiated, which was a special occasion for the entire chapter as well as the dozens of alumni who were also in attendance. Having such a large chapter, it is important to keep connected through sisterhood events which were held every month, including movie nights, spa days, catered food trucks, and educational speakers to help strengthen our bond as a chapter. Overall, our chapter council has worked hard to preserve the Kappa standards and bring our chapter closer together. Our implementation of committees as well as increase in accountability for all members seems to have boosted morale and increased participation. All of this said, none of this could be possible without the love and dedication from our Kappa sisters and alumnae.

We are so blessed to have such a beautiful house that we all respect and share. Our chapter, being so large, is blessed to have such a diverse and interesting group of women who love and encourage each other every day. There is such a strong sense of community and friendship throughout the entire chapter. We encourage our members to be leaders in their community, the classroom, and role models to those around them. Overall, Gamma Pi is a source of love and sisterhood that we are confident will last far beyond our years at the University.

One of the most important goals of Gamma Pi is striving to better the community by impacting the lives of those around us. Being such a thriving chapter, we have an incredible opportunity to donate our time and resources to our philanthropies. We partner with Reading is Fundamental, which is our national philanthropy because we see the need in this country to greatly improve child literacy. One way we contributed, was by hosting our annual Reading is Key event, during which our members volunteered at a local elementary school’s kindergarten class. Each class received books and supplies for all of the children. Our members stayed with the children, reading to them and making arts a crafts. In doing this, we believe we made a positive impact on the teachers and students of Northington Elementary, as well as spread the importance of child literacy. In addition to Reading is Fundamental, we also support Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama as our local philanthropy. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentor program in which qualified mentors are paired with a “little brother” or “little sister” from an underprivileged family. We highly encourage all of our members to take part in this program, as it is very rewarding for both our members and the children they mentor. We also support Big Brother Big Sisters by partnering with them in their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Krispy Kreme Challenge, which is a 5k held in every year in February. We, as a chapter, have formed very strong bonds with the leaders of Big Brothers Big Sisters and are honored to be able to give back. Our chapter also participates in the Bright Minds reading program, through which our members volunteer to read to local elementary students for one hour. We also donate to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Organization to support or national chapter. Without Kappa, many of us would not have the opportunities we have today, and for that we are extremely grateful.

Madeline Turner, a Gamma Pi current member and legacy, in addition to newly elected Vice President of Education for the 2019 year, has deep Kappa history. She can be reached at mturner@crimson.ua.edu.

==Highlights of the 2020s==

This year was a year of challenges and changes for our chapter and every Kappa chapter. However, I truly believe that Gamma Pi came together and worked hard to make this semester the best that it possibly could be for our members.
Scholarships: Due to COVID-19, we were unable to host our annual Virginia Gray and Becca Scholarship Fundraiser, which provides funds to give two of our members scholarships to help pay their chapter dues. McLean Moore, our Director of Philanthropy, had plans to have a book drive at the fundraiser to support Reading is Fundamental, as well as the Virginia Gray and Becca Scholarship. We hope to be able to continue our tradition of having this fundraiser in the coming years. Despite not being able to have the fundraiser, we were still able to give two of our members the scholarship this year! In addition, we are so proud that many of our members have scholarships from UA and other organizations.

Convention Awards: National Philanthropy Award – Large Chapter

Traditions: This year we did not get to do many of our traditions such as the end of Recruitment Workshop Waterslide and Snow Cone Party and the Virginia Gray and Becca Cookout. The Virginia Gray and Becca Cookout is an annual event in memory of two Gamma Pi members who we unexpectedly lost in a car accident a few years ago. The money raised in their honor at the cookout goes toward a scholarship fund that is awarded by the girls’ parents to a member of the Gamma Pi chapter. With the purchase of a $5 wristband, attendees could come into the house to enjoy a barbeque lunch and a live band on the Saturday of the Homecoming game! At our last cookout, we had over 700 people attend. Hopefully, we can continue this tradition in the future. One tradition that we were able to keep, was our annual ‘fancy’ dinner on the night of Founders Day. Our House Mom always gets cakes from her favorite local bakery and our kitchen pulls out all the stops for the special day. Usually, the dining room is full with people sitting on the ground as well as a long line to the kitchen. This year, our socially distanced line to get our food, wrapped around the house, and most people took their meals home or back to their dorms, but we still felt the love from our kitchen staff and House Mother! Everyone was so excited that we didn’t lose that tradition to COVID.
Special Events: Obviously, COVID kept us from doing a lot of events that we usually love. However, we were still able to go to our favorite event, which is the Krispy Kreme Run. This is a philanthropy event that benefits the BBBS of West Alabama, which is our local philanthropy. Our chapter advisor, Whitney Jamison, is heavily involved in BBBS, so we love helping her at the event. It is always on a Saturday morning, and we always have a huge turnout of Kappas. We were so lucky that this year’s Krispy Kreme Run was in February, the weekend before we were sent home for COVID. It was the last in-person event that we got a chance to attend and while we were sad to leave Tuscaloosa, we were glad we didn’t miss it!

Philanthropic Involvement: This year we were incredibly limited in what we could do
hands-on for our philanthropy. With the majority of the kids that we work with doing school from home, we could not visit or read to them like we usually do. We usually have many ‘Reading is Key’ events, where we send our members to local elementary schools in the Tuscaloosa area to read to their classes and help them with their work. The kids absolutely love when we get to come and our members really love it too. We can’t wait to be able to start ‘Reading is Key’ events back up when it is safe to do so. We did get to have one ‘Reading is Key’ event in February before we were sent home. This event was held at Matthews Elementary. Over 90 books and pencil pouches filled with erasers, stickers, and colored pencils were given to four 3rd grade classrooms at the school. The book "Whoosh!", which is about a boy who grows up to become an inventor of a very popular toy, was read aloud to the classrooms. An activity followed where the students were to draw and share their own invention on using the materials we provided in the pencil pouches, and share them with the class afterwards. Each student went home with the book "Whoosh!" and their pencil pouches and were excited about reading when they got home. The extra books and materials we brought were donated to the classrooms. We had plans of having another ‘Reading is Key’ event in April and two in the Fall, but they were unable to happen due to COVID-19 restrictions. In February and September 2020, we held percentage days at Juice Bar and South Boutique for RIF, where a percentage of purchases by members of Gamma Pi went to our philanthropy. Due to the unfortunate circumstances over the past year, we were not able to have percentage days that were scheduled in the Spring at other local businesses, and raise money at our Parents’ Weekend. In addition, Gamma Pi is donating $1500 to RIF from our philanthropy budget. We are optimistic for the coming year and are in the works of planning COVID-friendly ways to fundraise for RIF. Despite the circumstances this past year, our chapter was able to accomplish a lot. We were able to donate to many wonderful organizations in 2020, and one that sticks out the most is the ‘Reading Allies’ program. ‘Reading Allies’ is a reading proficiency program for K thru 3rd grade elementary school students. The program was developed to help address the serious reading deficiency of Alabama elementary school students. The ‘Reading Allies’ program is based on the highly successful UA Honors College reading proficiency tutoring program. Their program, which uses Honors College developed teaching materials and Honors College students and community volunteer reading tutors, has proven it can help our state address its serious reading proficiency challenge. This fits everything that Kappa's philanthropy stands for, and we supported and became involved with the program by donating $1000. We have also shown continuous involvement with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of West AL, our local philanthropy, this past year. In February 2020, they hosted their annual Krispy Kreme Run and ALL of our members attended - Gamma Pi has the largest involvement of any group that participates! At this run, we ran with the children and others in the Tuscaloosa community and were honored to donate $5000 to them. A large number of our members continue to be "Bigs" to underprivileged children in the Tuscaloosa school system with this organization, and many of our members are waiting to be "matched" with a "Little"! The playroom at the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of West AL office in Tuscaloosa (a room for Bigs and Littles to study, read and play) is still in progress of being completed, with one of our members finishing up a mural on one wall of this room. Once the mural is complete, the tutoring program that was set up last year will kick off, with many of our members setting up "office hours" to go and help students with their studies in this room. Fingers crossed that this will be able to happen in 2021. In addition, we are sponsoring one of our member's "Little" and her siblings to get them presents for Christmas after learning that her family cannot afford it this year. $600-$700 will be spent on their gifts. In November 2020, we learned that many students in the Tuscaloosa area do not have water bottles to bring to school and water fountains are not allowed to be in use at this time. Gamma Pi members were able to gather and drop off over 30 cases of water to TCTA school last month.

Chapter Goals: This year our main goal remained to be chapter involvement. I do believe that we did increase chapter involvement due to the fact that everything was online. It was much easier for our members to participate and come to events when they were using zoom. Coming off of our Focus Letter last year, this was one of our main goals, and I believe we did well encouraging participation.
Chapter Operations under COVID-19: Our entire semester looked different due to COVID- 19. We started off with a completely virtual Recruitment. While we were worried about our conversations being awkward or weird through zoom, we got great feedback from the PNMs. Our pledge class this year has been amazing. They are so understanding about the limitations of this semester, and they never complain about them. Bid Day was done virtually with the girls coming to the house to pick-up their Bid Day bags after the virtual Bid Day was over. Formal Pledging and Initiation were also done virtually via zoom. We had a virtual Inspiration Period with tabs at our local coffee shop and a Big-Little Reveal via zoom as well. Even though we would have wanted to have these ritual events in person with alumnae coming into Tuscaloosa to participate, many people liked being able to see all the initiates’ faces. The members all said that they really got to listen to what was being said. They were both different than usual, but successful! In general, the house was incredibly different this semester. The first week of school, we had an outbreak in our chapter with many of our members testing positive for the virus. Thankfully, no one was in critical condition and all the members affected are healthy now. During this time, the only people permitted in the house were the people who lived there. Food was served out the back door, so that no one came inside, and we had a group of members at the doorstep of the people who had tested positive or were quarantined. Our members really worked to keep everyone safe during this time, and we all came out of it healthy. We also had some Sisterhood events held over zoom! We had a trivia night that was a hit and the prizes were great. We are planning another for next semester!

Chapter Philanthropy
What organization does the chapter support? Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Alabama
Why did the chapter choose this organization? We support BBBS of West Alabama because we want to impact children near us in the Tuscaloosa community. We give financially, but with BBBS, many of our members are also able to give their time. Members of Gamma Pi are able to be matched with a “Little” and volunteer their time to helping a child reach their full potential. We also have the flexibility and support to start more programs like tutoring services. By supporting BBBS, we are able to make an impact directly in our local community.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
How did your chapter include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in your
programming this year? (e.g., adding a DEI officer, philanthropy events, social media
awareness campaign, chapter training, etc.). This year we were so excited to add a DEI
officer to our Chapter Council. Our new Director of DEI, Molly DiMarino is so excited to be a part of Chapter Council and work with our entire chapter in her DEI efforts. At UA, our SGA recently started an initiative in which people can be DEI Certified. In this process, individuals can participate in open table talks, literature, and forums with people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community to make our campus a more inclusive environment for everyone. This year, everyone on Chapter Council and many of our members who were interested in the topic started this process in September and will be getting DEI Certified in February. We are so excited about this program and the future of what it could do for our members.

Sesquicentennial Celebration
How did your chapter celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary? Share what you have done this
year. This year for our 150th Anniversary, our chapter had a fancy dinner to celebrate. This steak dinner is a tradition to Gamma Pi that our kitchen is always so excited to do for us, but they especially were this year, since it was our 150th. We also had a history review at chapter to remind our members of our founding the day before Founders Day.

Epsilon Phi

2021-05-17T23:23:55Z

Cpc: Highlights of the 2020

{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Epsilon Phi
|GreekSymbol= EΦ
|Image= [[File:Epsilon_Phi.jpg|200px]]
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1978|03|04}}
|College= [http://www.ufl.edu/ University of Florida]
|Location= Gainesville, FL
|Homepage= [http://kkguf.com/ Epsilon Phi Homepage]
|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Epsilon_Phi Media related to Epsilon Phi Chapter]}}

'''University of Florida established in 1853 -- Moved to Gainesville in 1905'''

'''Epsilon Phi Chapter founded March 4, 1978 -- 32 charter members'''

'''2092 initiates (as of June 2018)'''

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'''Charter Members:''' Victoria Barnett, Linda Birchfield, Patti Branch, Cheryl Bricker, Heidi Cranford, Julia Cirssinger, Janice Curren, Brenda Duffey, Lee Fenton, Elizabeth Fifer, Kathryn Hayes, Catherine Henderson, Susan Koon, Degeen Liston, Judith Macon, Mary Macauley, Debra McMillan, Lisa Miller, Stephanie Munz, Catherine O'Brien, Elizabeth Ogden, Ann Alszewski, Jennifer Overstreet, Maureen Pitsurdakis, Anna Prevost, Jill Richter, Stacy Scott, Amy Silverman, Jillian Spangler, Aimee Steele, Barbara Swan, Patricia Timm, Ann Trebble, Amanda Youngblood

'''Some outstanding Epsilon Phi Alumnae:''' (If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)

'''Fraternity Officers'''

'''Fraternity Loyalty Award'''

'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award'''

'''Additional Outstanding Epsilon Phi Alumnae'''

Gina DiPaolo, Chapter Consultant 1991-1992; Juliet Stroud (Singletary), Chapter Consultant 1993-1994;

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On January 6, 1853, Florida Governor Thomas Brown signed the bill that provided public support to higher education. East Florida Seminary in Ocala was one of the first schools to use this funding, but it soon closed due the Civil War. In 1866, EFS reopened in Gainesville, beginning a journey to become one of the largest, most prestigious schools in the world.

The University of Florida (commonly referred to as Florida, UF or U of F) is an American public land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant research university located on a 2,000-acre campus in Gainesville, Florida. The university has operated continuously on its present Gainesville campus since September 1906. It is regarded as a “Public Ivy” university—a category of the top public universities in the United States

==Establishment:==

The bright yellow posters proclaiming Colonization Rush Week for Epsilon Phi at the University of Florida said, “We need a special kind of girl!”

And the colonization team found 40 very special young women….each one enthusiastic, outstanding and eager to be a part of the colonization of a Kappa chapter. “Excitement” was the key word for the week. Excitement shared by the chapters from Rollins and Florida State and the alumnae from Gainesville, Tallahassee, Winter Park and Tampa.

Additional members of the colonization team were Barbara Laitner, Colorado, graduate counselor for the chapter; Gayle Gianniny, Allegheny, field secretary; Marsha Scheipbach Lowe, Iowa State, colonization chairman and Dorothy Colvin Harvey, Pittsburgh, membership chairman; Province officers Carolyn Jones Laure, Ohio Wesleyan, and Juli Warner Deeds, Ohio State; Rush Team Captain, Sally Moore Nitschke, Ohio State, director of membership; Colonization/installation Chairman, Caroline Cole Tolle, Miami, director of personnel.

Parties were held at the Delta Delta Delta, Delta Gamma and Alpha Delta Pi chapter houses. Epsilon Phi’s colonization rush was truly a Panhellenic affair.

==Installation:==

Kappa Kappa Gamma and Greek Week arrived on the Florida campus the same weekend. March 3-5, 1978, was a weekend long-remembered for Epsilon Phi chapter which was installed with the love and support of so many alumnae, actives and parents and then the chapter went on to win a second place trophy for Field Day and a first place trophy for their participation in the blood drive.
The activities began Friday evening with the Fireside being held at Bellamy Forge in Gainesville. The unique feature was the round, free-form fireplace which lent itself to a very warm, intimate service. Gail Burgess Zavelson, Duke, planned a lovely reception following Fireside. It gave the alumnae coming from all across Florida and the actives from Mu Province chapters an opportunity to become acquainted with the members of the colony, a lovely way to start the weekend.

Registration was held throughout the weekend at the Holiday Inn across from the campus. The warm and friendly greeting showed the feelings of the Gainesville Alumnae Club which was formed 30 years ago for the express purpose of establishing a Kappa chapter on the campus and their enthusiasm hadn’t waned. The happiness was clearly reflected in the faces of the new chapter members who dearly loved their alumna.

Trinity Methodist Church was the perfect setting for Installation. The installing officers were Jean Hess Wells, Georgia, Fraternity president, and Caroline Cole Tolle, Miami.
Approximately 200 people attended the Installation Banquet held in the Holiday Inn. Votive candles flickered on the tables and lent a festive air to the occasion. For the first time parents were invited to attend the banquet and the turnout of parents and grandparents was impressive and thrilling. The room was alive with joy and excitement.

Carol Engles Harmon, Miami, delighted everyone as the Toastmistress. The program included a welcome from the Gainesville Alumnae Club, a toast from the Florida State chapter president and the response from the new chapter’s president. Tom Dougan, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, welcomed the new chapter on behalf of the University with an original poem which included the name of each chapter member and the Fraternity officers present. An unusual and creative presentation enjoyed by everyone. Jean Hess Wells delivered the banquet address.

The first official chapter meeting was held on March 5th and a campus reception was held that afternoon at the Gainesville Garden Center, a lovely setting on a sunny afternoon, the perfect ending of a memorable weekend.

==Highlights of 1970s==

In 1979 the lot for the future Kappa house was purchased. Fall rush and Family Weekend took place there. Though not ideal, Kappas, of course, made the most of it, while they waited for a house.

Epsilon Phi faced the obvious challenges of a newly chartered chapter: growing numbers, fostering sisterhood, and increasing campus involvement. Impressively, in just the first two years on campus, Epsilon Phi's numbers swelled to 134 women.
Although rush and numbers were not a huge issue for this newly formed chapter, they faced some issues: fostering sisterhood, increasing campus and chapter involvement, and getting all budgets in check. Remarkably, they were able to get involved in various campus organizations and even had a few members accepted into Order of Omega.

==Highlights of the 1980s==

Gator Growl, an annual homecoming pep rally was hosted by Robbin Williams in 1982 and by Bill Cosby in 1984.

On April 12, 1981, the Space Shuttle Columbia took flight from Cape Canaveral’s Kennedy Space Center and becomes the first reusable shuttle to successfully orbit the earth and return back to earth in a traditional touchdown just two days later.

The gender barrier was crossed on September 21,1981, when Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female Supreme Court Associate Justice in history. There was another first for women on June 18, 1983 when Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel into space. As Epsilon Phi continued to grow and learn as a chapter, the rest of the world was in an amazing time for exploration and discovery

Although still a fairly new chapter, the women of Epsilon Phi showed the University of Florida that they were there and ready to be seen. They were recognized on campus when several chapter members were named students with outstanding leadership on campus, winning the Intramural Championship for Softball and members slated with the USA party. Kappa also represented itself in the Panhellenic community when chapter women held Panhellenic rush positions, Kappas served on every committee in Panhellenic and a member was elected secretary of Panhellenic council. The chapter also showed its support for theie sisters when they congratulated a Kappa who was accepted into medical school at the University of Miami.

'''Chapter/Individual Honors:'''

1985: Panhellenic Most Improved Chapter; Monika Nevergold elected to student senate in college of business; Melissa Parker elected to student senate college of education;
1986: Second place in overall GPA in Panhellenic; Laureen Trussler was chief justice of student traffic court;
1987: Won Social Graciousness Award at Mu Province Meeting;
1988: National Personnel Award; Panhellenic Sorority Personal Relations Award; First in Scholarship for fall semester;
1989: Panhellenic Program of the Month Award (October); Angie Effinger Hall of Fame

==Highlights of the 1990s==

Epsilon Phi was still a fairly new chapter at the University of Florida during the years of 1985 to 1995. It did not face challenges of increasing chapter numbers, but increasing campus involvement seemed to be a continuing challenge. To improve this situation, the members started to be involved socially which in turn helped them to move up the scale to become more well known and offered more opportunities of involvement. Additionally, the chapter faced the challenge to raise its overall grade point average, which in turn improved each year.

During this time period, many olympic records were broken as well as many new technological advances developed. The 1990's brought many things such as the first satellite Skyphone. The University improved in all aspects and became a well known state university based on academics. The chapter increased its overall grade point average, thus contributing to the university's success and continued to improve its overall functioning within the modern society.

'''Chapter/Individual Honors:'''

1990: Received the Panhellenic award for Most Outstanding Sorority for Community Service and for Most Outstanding Sorority in Campus Involvement; Kappa National Convention Honorable Mention for Outstanding Chapter/Advisory Board Relations. Greek Week- 4th place; Pledge Olympics- 3rd place; UF Panhellenic Francis Reitz Community Service Award;
1991: Intermural Champions in football and tennis, Third place in track; UF Francis Reirz Award for Fraternal Excellence; Outstanding Achievement in Gracious Living at the Mu Province meeting; Dottie Harvey Award for High Chapter Standards at the Mu Province Meeting;
1992: Most Improved Scholarship at General Convention; Outstanding Advisory Board at General Convention; Outstanding Pledge Program-UF; Most Improved Chapter-UF; Runner-Up for Fraternal Excellence-UF; Stacy Parks won Phi Sigma Service Award; President, Juliet Stroud won Outstanding Greek Woman;
1993: President’s Cup-First place overall in intermurals; Kara Thompson won Panhellenic Best Sorority President; Panhellenic Best Programming Award; Jane Hamper won Communications Award;
1994: Epsilon Phi Sister was producer of Gator Growl;
1995: First place in Dance Marathon

The chapter goal in 1995 was USA (Unity, Scholarship, Attitude) with the hope of strengthening bonds and promoting a great image on campus. The chapter continued with the goal to increase its scholarship ranking on campus. It was fourth in the spring out of all sororities based on grade point average.

Due to extenuating circumstances initiation was held after only eight weeks but all turned out well. The new members learned as much about Kappa as the members who had a longer pledge periods.

Chapter members participated in many different events on campus. There was an Easter party for the Boy's Club, Bi-weekly volunteering at a Nursing Care Center, a Halloween party for the Girl‘s Club and visitation with 50-year old Kappas in Gainesville. Members were also involved in many philanthropies on campus including Chi Omega's Sandblast, AD Spies, Phi Sig Slam, and University of Florida’s first ever Dance Marathon with Epsilon Phi. The chapter took first-place.

Within the community the chapter donated funds to the American Cancer Society and the Gainesville Police Department. Many members were involved with various organizations on campus, including Student Government, Celebration, and many other Directors and Assistant Directors for various events on campus. The member’s were proud to say that the Producer of Gator Growl, the largest student run pep-rally, was a Kappa. Chapter members volunteered throughout the community, working everywhere from hospitals to elementary schools.

The biggest challenge in 1995 was initiating after only eight weeks. Many were afraid that the new members would not learn all there was to learn within this time frame. There was a big sister workshop to educate the big sisters of how to help the new members. The other big challenge faced was that of the much needed house renovation. Several attempts to raise funds were unsuccessful which left the chapter without an addition.

In 1996 the goals of focusing on academics, community and campus relations and a positive attitude, the chapter strengthened its bonds and its status on campus through participating in many activities. The chapter was involved in much philanthropy that year winning or placing in many of them.

Chapter members were involved in different organizations on campus from student government to the Miss University of Florida pageant where Kappas placed first and second. In spite of all the renovations going on at the Epsilon Phi house during fall formal rush, making it all the more hectic than usual, the chapter prevailed and pledged a terrific class to show for their efforts.
Epsilon Phi was able to maintain the “pie-a-la-mode” category with a grade point average above the required 3.14 both fall and spring semesters.

The year of 1997 was an exceptional one for Epsilon Phi chapter. The chapter set goals that included more involvement on the campus and in the community. Kappa started off the year celebrating by winning Greek Week for the second year in a row, showing the rest of the Greek community that the Kappa spirit remains the best again. The chapter also participated and placed in several philanthropies during the year. Through all the fun and excitement, scholarship made an amazing jump up seven positions between spring and fall to become above the all-sorority average.

Epsilon Phi put forth tremendous effort in achieving high campus involvement. The chapter hosted an Easter and a Halloween party to benefit children from the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County, as well as participated in Jail and Bail for The American Cancer Society as well as many others. Many members were involved in various campus organizations such as Senate, Dance Marathon, and ACCENT and also held various leadership positions on the Gator Growl/Homecoming staff and Panhellenic

One of the biggest challenges for Epsilon Phi chapter this year was the change from tradition and adapting ourselves to the “New member Program.” The chapter participated in piloting this program that was proposed at the 1998 General Convention. The New member Program promotes involvement and interaction between the new members and the sisters from day one. The new members were invited to participate in all chapter activities except for those that used ritual. In addition, there were changes that came from Panhellenic regarding rush.

During this year, the Regional Directors presented the Challenge to Excellence to Epsilon Phi. The Challenge to Excellence set guidelines concerning several areas of chapter operation. Each chapter evaluated its own performance in fulfilling these guidelines, finding its strengths and weaknesses. Epsilon Phi ranked very well in many categories and areas in need of improvement were noted and stressed. The chapter continues to Strive for Pi surpassing this goal both in the spring and the fall, receiving the Pie-a-la-mode Award in Mu Province.

In 1998, members were involved in many activities and leadership positions on campus, showing the chapter’s dedication to the university community. This involvement promoted the chapter goal of 100% participation in all campus and community activities.

Within the Greek community, Epsilon Phi demonstrated its dedication by winning Greek Week for the third consecutive year. The chapter held its own philanthropic event, the Kappa Klassic in partnership with the fraternity men of Kappa Alpha. The chapter also supported the philanthropies sponsored by the other sororities and fraternities on campus. Many members were involved in various organizations including ACCENT, Dance Marathon, Student Senate, Cicerones and Order of Omega. Members also served as Directors or Assistant Directors of Panhellenic Council and Gator Growl.

While maintaining leadership, involvement on campus and in the community, the chapter sustained academic excellence with a grade point average of 3.265.

The women continued to participate in all areas of campus and community in 1999. The chapter continued to hold Kappa Klassic, its own philanthropy fund raiser. It also supported all the other Greek organizations philanthropic efforts. Through all this involvement, academic excellence remained a priority. The chapter grade point average rose to a 3.305, well above the All University GPA.

A main focus for the chapter this year was sisterhood. Increasing sisterhood and participation of sisters at events was promoted by holding monthly sisterhood events. These events resulted in spending more time together and creating closer relationships with each other.

==Highlights of 2000-2010==

The women were proud of the many accomplishments the chapter achieved in 2005. The chapter goal of increasing its level of service was accomplished. Epsilon Phi won the Panhellenic Service Award and participated in service on and off campus. The chapter had the record of winning the Blood Bowls for the past four years consecutively.

Epsilon Phi continually participated in the philanthropies campus-wide but in 2005 the chapter increased its level of participation. Kappa Kappa Gamma had a strong showing at the University of Florida’s annual Dance Marathon benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. The majority of the Fall 2004 member class and some older members represented Kappa at Dance Marathon. Kappa raised money for Dance Marathon by pairing with Pi Lambda Phi.

The members were involved in several university organizations such as: Student Senate, Florida Cicerones, Savant UF, various honor societies, University of Florida’s Housing Staff and Homecoming Week Staff.

As a chapter, the women decided to improve the level of service to the University of Florida and the Gainesville community. A philanthropic event, Too Hot to Handle, benefitting Reading is Fundamental was held. Epsilon Phi’s members increased participation in various fraternity and sorority philanthropies this year. Kappa’s dedication to service did not go unnoticed. Kappa won the Panhellenic Service Award for 2005.

The chapter also worked to improve relations with the house board and to make improvements to the chapter house. Through this effort items were purchased such as a new couch for the informal room, new wooden flooring in the informal and formal living rooms, lighting fixtures, redecorated the study room and formal and informal living rooms. These improvements were completed before Recruitment 2005 to show Kappa at its best. Epsilon Phi active members worked with the house board to prepare for the Spring 2006 renovation of the house. Chapter members moved from the house into the vacant Kappa Alpha Order house on campus and returned to the newly renovated Kappa house by Fall Recruitment 2006.

'''Chapter Honors''': Panhellenic Service Award, 1st place in Junior Panhellenic’s Ghouls, Goblins and Greeks, First Place in Blood Bowl, Basketball Intramural Champions

Epsilon Phi had a very successful 2006. The chapter raised $2,500 from Too Hot to Handle, our annual philanthropy. The women also participated in a number of other service events, like the Greek Blood Drive, the Lymphoma Awareness Committee Date Auction, Relay For Life, and Greek Service Day. Smaller service projects included assisting the Ronald McDonald House with its holiday luminary project, and sorting clothes for a clothing drive at a hospice. On October 14, the chapter initiated a fantastic and promising new member class.

Epsilon Phi sisters were very active around campus. New members and upper class members alike did an excellent job representing Kappa at the University of Florida's annual Dance Marathon benefiting Children's Miracle Network. The chapter raised money for Dance Marathon by pairing up with Lambda Chi Alpha. Other Greek philanthropies that the women took part in include: Phi Sigma Kappa Spike, Phi Kappa Tau Midnight Madness, Sigma Phi Epsilon Surf Frenzy, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Cajun Cookout, Zeta Beta Tau Kickball, and Alpha Gamma Rho Buckoff. Chapter women were active throughout campus, participating in university organizations such as Florida Cicerones, Pi Chi, ACCENT Speaker's Bureau, and various honor societies.

In 2006, Epsilon Phi was challenged to maintain an active and cohesive sisterhood without living together in its house. During the Spring semester, chapter members moved into the vacant Kappa Alpha order house. Upon returning from summer vacation, they learned that there had been some unexpected delays with the construction of the Kappa house. The women really put a lot of effort into keeping the sisterhood together. Members made an effort to gather for dinner or just spend time with each other. Council worked with the University of Florida to find alternate locations for chapter and New member meetings.

Epsilon Phi's chapter had a wonderfully successful 2007 year. The chapter goal of increasing sisterhood and campus involvement was a success. The spring sisterhood retreat helped the chapter hold true to the meaning of Kappa by allowing the women to grow closer in the bonds of sisterhood through various games and bonding activities.

Epsilon Phi increased involvement in campus organizations such as Student Government, Panhellenic, and the Harn Museum. The chapter won the fall Blood Bowl in order to keep Epsilon Phi's tradition of winning the past five years alive. However, the greatest accomplishment was the initiation of the 2007 New member class in October.

With the introduction of a new Epsilon Phi program, "Owls, Keys, and Fleur-de-lis", Epsilon Phi found a new and fun way for the chapter to increase participation in Philantropies campus-wide. The women participated in Sigma Phi Epsilon's Surf Frenzy, Pi Kappa Phi's Linedance, Phi Kappa Tau Midnight Madness, Delta Tau Delta's Miss Greek, Theta Chi kickball, Delta Chi Earthball, Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Cajun Cookout, Alpha Gamma Rho's Buck-off, Alpha Omicron Pi's Mr. UF, and Alpha Epsilon Phi's basketball

The chapter faced a lack of participation, whether it be playing or spectating, in various philanthropies and events on campus and in the Greek community. Two very successful campaigns in the chapter were implemented to increase attendance. During the Spring semester, "Owls, Keys, and Fleur-de-lis" was put into place.

Towards the end of the Spring 2007 semester, Chapter Council created "Project Blue" to be voted on by the chapter, and was enacted with an overwhelming majority. The program was strictly rewards based, and no penalty was assessed if a goal was not met. Rewards such as parking spots and a pizza party were just a few of the incentives for members to get out there and support their sisters. Project Blue also helped to foster a greater sense of sisterhood and helped the chapter as a whole.

The women wanted to raise the level of campus involvement, and Project Blue helped to achieve this goal. Project Blue, in addition to giving points for event attendance, also gave points for becoming more involved on campus, whether it be in Student Government, Panhellenic Council, The Leukemia society, etc. Sisters found this to be an effective as well as enjoyable solution to raise involvement, and it showed tangible results with the result of two new student Senators and various other positions on campus. A Campus Involvement book was created and put in the TV room to help the members see who was involved in organizations on campus. It was hoped the book would be a useful tool for the members and a means of helping them find members who were involved in organization in which they were interested. They could then ask questions of those members.

'''Chapter Honors:''' Best Off Row House for Ghouls, Goblins, and Greeks and First Place in Blood Bowl.

Many of our primary goals were achieved in 2008, including increasing pledge class bonding as well as sisterhood as a whole. At the spring sisterhood retreat at Ginnie Springs, quality time was spent as a chapter participating in activities which allowed us to grow and deepen the bonds of sisterhood to unite every Kappa. The chapter also proceeded to fulfill its goals of increasing scholarship and involvement on campus.

A Kore Groups Study Challenge was implemented to enable sisters to meet other sisters that they might not know as well, while positively competing against other groups to log the most study hours.

In both the spring and fall the chapter won first place in the campus-wide Greek Blood Bowl, continuing Epsilon Phi's tradition as champion for the past six years. Additionally, the chapter participated in two of the university’s largest philanthropic events: the March for Dimes Gator Walk and the Children's Miracle Network's Dance Marathon. During the Gator Walk March for Babies 2008, not only did Epsilon Phi have a large number of sisters participate, but the chapter received the award for Top Fundraising Sorority. Dance Marathon paired the chapter with Pi Lambda Phi fraternity to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network benefiting Shands Hospital at the University of Florida. The 2009 Dance Marathon Captains were chosen in fall 2008, and Kappa has the most captains from any single chapter of the Greek community. The chapter women were particularly proud to initiate the spring 2008 pledge class in March and the fall new member class in October.

While continuing to be challenged with chapter and campus involvement, Epsilon Phi Kappas further enhanced the chapter’s campus presence by becoming involved in many of the campus organizations and Greek philanthropies. They continued to implement their Project Blue which has helped with increases involvement of chapter members. In addition to extracurricular accomplishments, thirty chapter women earned 4.0 grade point averages for spring 2008.

'''Chapter Honors:'''

• Delta Tau Delta’s Miss Greek – Event Winner
• Phi Delta Theta/Kappa Alpha Theta’s Dodgeball – 3rd Place
• Theta Chi’s Kickball – 3rd Place
• Alpha Gamma Rho’s Buck-Off – Event Winner
• Spring and Fall Blood Bowl – Event Winner
• Gator Walk – Top Fundraising Sorority

Epsilon Phi achieved many of our primary goals in 2009, including increasing pledge class bonding as well sisterhood as a whole. The chapter also proceeded to accomplish the goals of increasing scholarship and involvement on our campus. The GPA was raised to 3.45, and continued to set high goals for academics. In both the spring and fall the chapter continued its involvement in Greek and campus philanthropies. While supporting another Greek council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the chapter participated and won first place in Stroll Off, winning $1,400 for Kappa's philanthropic beneficiary, Reading is Fundamental.

The chapter women were particularly proud to initiate the spring 2009 new member class in March and the fall new member class in October, which is an exciting and diverse group of women who promise to continue Kappa's successes in involvement on campus and in the community.
Epsilon Phi again had thirty women earn 4.0 grade point averages for spring 2009.

'''Chapter Honors:'''
• Sigma Lambda Beta's Stroll Off – 1st Place
• Chi Phi Capture - 3rd Place
• Delta Tau Delta's Miss Greek - 2nd Runner Up
• Alpha Gamma Rho’s Buck-Off – Event Winner
• Spring and Fall Blood Bowl – Event Winner

The chapter worked on and achieved many of its primary goals in 2010. This was accomplished by spending quality time as a chapter participating in activities which allowed the women to grow and deepen the bonds of sisterhood which unite every Kappa. Epsilon Phi also fulfilled the goal of improved scholarship and involvement on campus. They continued to hold the study groups Study Challenge, which allowed sisters meet others members they may not know very closely, while positively competing against other groups to log the most study hours. The fruits of our goal of increasing campus involvement are clearly seen in 2010. Kappas further enhanced our campus presence by becoming involved in many other Greek and campus organizations.

Epsilon Phi was proud to initiate the spring 2010 new member class in March and and the fall new member class in October, which was once again an exciting and diverse group of women who promised to continue Kappa's successes in involvement on campus and in the community.
In addition to these extracurricular accomplishments, seventy-two Epsilon Phi women earned a 3.5 grade point averages or higher for spring 2010.

'''Chapter Honors:'''

• Lambda Chi Watermellon Bust – Event Winner
• Alpha Gamma Rho’s Buck-Off – Event Runner-Up and Best Banner Award
• Spring Blood Bowl – Event Winner
• Fall Blood Bowl – Event Runner-Up
• Phi Kappa Tau Midnight Madness – Best Attendance Award
• Sigma Lambda Beta Stroll Off– 3rd Overall

==Highlights of 2011==
The year 2011 brought a rebuilding year to the history of Epsilon Phi chapter. The members achieved many of its primary goals, including increasing new member class bonding as well sisterhood as a whole. At the fall rock climbing event, quality chapter time was spent participating in activities which allowed everyone to grow and deepen the bonds of sisterhood which unite every Kappa. New members met and began to build relationships with older members as well as members within their new member class. Epsilon Phi also proceeded to fulfill its goals of increasing scholarship and involvement on our campus.

Epsilon Phi continued to be proud of the new member class which was initiated in October. Recruitment was newly tailored to meet the needs of chapter quota requirements and the chapter successfully met the University quota, becoming one of the largest Panhellenic chapters on the University of Florida'a campus.

The fruits of the goal of increasing campus involvement were clearly seen in 2011. Epsilon Phi participated in numerous campus-wide and Greek philanthropies. In addition to extracurricular accomplishments, Epsilon Phi earned a 3.3 grade point average for spring 2011.

'''Chapter Honors:'''
Delta Chi Earth Ball- First Place
Sigma Lambda Beta Stroll Off- First Place
Alpha Gamma Rho Buck Off- Runner Up
Junior Panhellenic Ghouls, Goblins and Greeks- Best Banner
Pi Lambda Phi Flag Football- Second Place
2011 Blood Bowl- First Place

== Highlights of 2012==
The year of 2012 was another successful year for Epsilon Phi Chapter. We achieved many of our primary goals by creating more sisterhood events as well as new member class bonding experiences through a New Member Retreat off –campus. New Member bonding immediately started on Bid Day and our retreat, which was that very same weekend. Our main Fall Sisterhood event was a trip to SeaWorld where everyone really bonded with their families, since Big/Little Reveal had recently taken place. Our time on the buses getting to know other sisters we may not have encountered before was an unforgettable experience, and there is nothing quite like sitting in the Splash Zone of Shamu with your sisters! Other goals that we achieved include being more involved on campus and scholarship.

For Academics, we continued our tradition with New Member Study Hours as well as Geek of the Week and Smarty Pants, which allows sisters to shine by logging study hours and recent A’s on exams.

We also participated in two of the biggest philanthropic events at the University of Florida, March of Dimes’ Gators March for Babies and Children’s Miracle Network’s Dance Marathon. In Dance Marathon 2012, many older sisters held captain positions while younger members stood for 26.2 hours for the kids. At this event, we paired with Phi Sigma Pi to raise money for our very own Shands’ Children’s Hospital. Overall, we placed 3rd and raised over $26,000. This philanthropy let sisters bond in an unusual way because of aching feet and tired eyes with dancer buddies and piggy back rides.

Above all else, we were extremely proud to initiate our Fall 2012 new member class in October on the same weekend of Founder’s Day. These new members are a very diverse, yet close group of women who will surely continue Kappa’s success in the years to come through involvement not only on campus, but also in the community. In the Fall of 2011, it came to our attention that Epsilon Phi had fallen below the standards of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity. Since then, newly elected council members and all members have been working to increase sisterhood and return to higher standards that the Fraternity deserves. Even though we are still on the Focus Letter, we are working hard to increase unity and sisterhood through more meaningful and frequent events. Throughout these past years, we have continued to rise to the occasion, and we hope to get off the Focus Letter by Spring 2013. The implementations that we have made have only made us stronger, and we will continue to complete these tasks in the future. Epsilon Phi Chapter is on its way to maintaining positive, ethical principles and consisting of members who are both womanly and true.

The challenges of 2012 have left Epsilon Phi with the responsibility of improving many aspects of our chapter. Some of these challenges include Philanthropy involvement and sisterhood support. As a whole, not many members are willing to give up their free time to participate in philanthropies, and as a result, not many of our members are willing to support the women who do participate. This challenge has been overcome by the installation of our “Chapter +1” system that was implemented in 2010 as well as a very willing and enthusiastic Fall 2012 New Member Class. Now, we see that many women are actually going above and beyond and participating in multiple “+1” events throughout the week. Another challenge that we have faced is exposure of Epsilon Phi to the University of Florida campus. We want to create a positive image of our chapter and our members, so we continue to wear our badges on Mondays and our letters on Wednesdays. We are still facing the challenge of the Focus Letter that was brought to our attention in October 2011. Meredith Hardage visited us Fall 2012, and she is extremely impressed with how far we have come, and we are working towards being taken off the letter by Spring 2013. All in all, the letter has made us reevaluate some of our systems, but in the end, it has made us stronger in sisterhood through bonds of friendship and teamwork.

Our goal of increasing campus involvement throughout 2012 is clearly seen. Kappa’s further enhanced our campus presence by becoming involved in the following organizations: Florida Cicerones, CRU, Doulos, Navigators, Panhellenic Executive Council, Junior Panhellenic Council, University of Florida Women’s Water Polo, Dean’s List, Teaching Assistants, Florida Bright Futures Scholars, Women’s Student Association, Florida Equestrian Team, ACCENT, AWARE, FLA, AMSA, UF Women’s Chorale, Model UN, College Youth in Government, Campus Diplomats, Warrington College of Business Diplomats, Dance Marathon, Floridance, Danza, Student Government Senate, Action Student Government, Gators March for Babies, honor societies, and many more. In addition to these extracurricular accomplishments, Epsilon Phi earned a 3.498 grade point average in the spring of 2012, which ranks fourth among all sixteen Panhellenic chapters.

Epsilon Phi participated in the following campus-wide Greek philanthropies:
Beta Bring It On, SigEp Surf Frenzy, AEPi Bake-Off, Kappa Sig Black Top Beach, PIKE Carnival, Theta Chi Kickball, ATO Build-a-Bear, KA’s Rock, Paper, Scissors, Chi Phi’s Chi Phactor, Phi Tau's Safe Sets, Delta Tau Delta's Miss Greek, Lambda Chi Alpha's Watermelon Bust, Alpha Gamma Rho's Buck-Off

'''Chapter Goals 2012:'''
Increase sisterhood and new member class bonding events; Increase lettering throughout campus; Improve relations with Alumni and Advisory Board; Increase the number of Ritual Reviews; Increase Education Programming at Chapter; Uphold established GPA goal; Unite the chapter and improve standards of Epsilon Phi to match accordingly with Fraternity Bylaws while improving and maintaining the overall positive morale of our members; Utilize committees more effectively and regularly hold committee chapters; Increase campus and Greek-community involvement

'''Chapter Philanthropies:''' Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, March of Dimes’ Gators March for Babies, Kappa Kasino benefiting Reading is Fundamental

'''Socials:''' Throughout the year, we had various socials with Phi Kappa Tau, Alpha Gamma Rho, Kappa Sigma, Delta Chi, and Delta Tau Delta

Date Functions: Bowling Grab-a-date, Formal, Semi-Formal, Harry Potter World

Dinner Events: Epsilon Phi Birthday, Founder’s Day Brunch, Senior Dinner

Other Events: Father-Daughter Weekend: Baseball Game, Sisterhood Event at SeaWorld, Fall Family Weekend, Senior Programming

'''Chapter Honors:'''
Lambda Chi Alpha Watermelon Bust – First Place
Alpha Gamma Rho Buck-Off – Second Place
Miss Greek: Shelbi Steers – 2nd Runner-Up
Kappa Alpha Order Rock Paper Scissors – Third Place
Chi Phi Chi Phactor: Alice Sykes – Top Five
University of Florida Homecoming Pageant: Victoria Hunter – Top Six

==Highlights of 2013==

The year of 2013 was another successful one for Epsilon Phi Chapter. We achieved many of our primary goals by creating more sisterhood events as well as new member class bonding experiences through a New Member Retreat off –campus. New Member bonding immediately started on Bid Day and continued to Initiation. We were extremely happy to welcome our Fall 2013 new member class into Epsilon Phi. These new members are a great group of girls eager to get involved and represent our chapter in the upmost fashion on campus and within the community.

Other goals we achieved were being more involved on campus and scholarship. For academics, Epsilon Phi’s GPA average dropped a minuscule amount, but here at the University of Florida, the GPA is already so high because of the selectivity of the school.

Spring 2013, we maintained a 3.42 GPA, but we strive to improve that number in years to come. We hold study hours and make challenges such as Geek of The Week and Smarty Pants to encourage academic achievement.

We participated in Dance Marathon again, the largest philanthropy on campus where you stand for 26.2 hours in place of the kids that can’t. We raised about $27,000 which contributed to the total of $1.1 million raised. All of our sisters participated whether it be by donations, holding staff positions, or dancing on the floor. We bonded in so many ways throughout those 26.2 hours and we placed in fundraising and spirit points.

In the Fall of 2011, it came to our attention that Epsilon Phi had fallen below the standards of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity. Since then, newly elected council members and all members have been working to increase sisterhood and return to higher standards that the Fraternity deserves. In Spring 2013, Epsilon Phi was taken off the focus letter. Since then, a challenge in our chapter was how to run things smoothly with our new freedom of being on our own again but while also still implementing many things that we started as a result of the focus letter. Even though we were initially upset about the focus letter, it actually proved to provide much more help than hurt. After its removal, we continued to implement things like more sisterhood bonding events and much better chapter/adviser communication through round robins and visits.

Only with the help of all these changes within our chapter were we able to attain Panhellenic Chapter of the Year at the University of Florida; an accomplishment we are most proud of. Epsilon Phi Chapter certainly has improved in many ways and strives to maintain positive and ethical principals and continue to initiate members who are uphold these standards and are womanly and true. Though we have done an excellent job of improvement, there is room to grow and we still face challenges.

Philanthropy involvement and overall sister support have been two struggles that we try to overcome. Last year we added a “+1 system” which proved to be a hindrance to our chapter because we have extremely busy girls who have many commitments and focuses. Forcing them to attend something during particularly busy weeks resulted in tension. Now girls can choose to attend as many or as few events as their schedules allow and they will actually want to attend these events because they are free and not being forced.

We continue to push involvement on campus, in the community, and within our chapter as well. Especially now we are off the focus letter, we are striving to create a positive image of our chapter and members. We wear our letters proudly, increase our exposure to the greek and Florida communities, and we have plans to expand our house and improve its presentation in the coming year. Epsilon Phi has faced, and overcome, many challenges and we are all excited about our new changes and additions. This year was a building year and the years to come should be a success as a result of that. Through teamwork, friendship, and mutual goals Epsilon Phi has become a stronger chapter and our sisterhood is thriving.

Our goal of increasing campus involvement throughout 2013 is clearly seen. Kappa’s further enhanced our campus presence by becoming involved in the following organizations: Florida Cicerones, CRU, Doulos, Navigators, Panhellenic Executive Council, Junior Panhellenic Council, University of Florida Women’s Crew Team, UF Water Polo Team, Dean’s List, Teaching Assistants, Florida Bright Futures Scholars, Women’s Student Association, Florida Equestrian Team, ACCENT, AWARE, FLA, AMSA, UF Women’s Chorale, Model UN, College Youth in Government, Volunteering at Shands Hospital Campus Diplomats, Warrington College of Business Diplomats, Dance Marathon, Floridance, Danza, Student Government Senate, Action Student Government, Gators March for Babies, honor societies, and many more. In addition to these extracurricular accomplishments, Epsilon Phi earned a 3.498 grade point average in the spring of 2012, which ranks fourth among all sixteen Panhellenic chapters.

Epsilon Phi participated in the following campus-wide Greek Philanthropies:
Beta Theta Pi Bring It On, Sigma Lambda Beta Stroll Off, Alpha Epsilon Pi’s Bake –Off, Sigma Chi’s Derby Days, Delta Zeta’s Turtle Tug, Phi Tau Safe Sets, Pi Kappa Alpha/Theta Carnival, Pi Kappa Phi’s Tour de UF, Delta Chi’s Earthball, Kappa Sigma’s Blacktop Beach, Theta Chi Kickball, Pike Halftime, Zeta Beta Tau Kickball, Kappa Alpha Order Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lambda Chi Alpha’s Watermelon Bust, Alpha Gamma Rho’s Buck-off.

Chapter:
Chapter Goals 2013:
-Increase sisterhood and new member class bonding events
-Increase lettering throughout campus
-Improve relations with Alumni and Advisory Board
-Increase the number of Ritual Reviews
-Increase Education Programming at Chapter
-Uphold established GPA goal
-Unite the chapter and improve standards of Epsilon Phi to match accordingly with Fraternity Bylaws while improving and maintaining the overall positive morale of our members
-Utilize committees more effectively and regularly hold committee chapters
-Increase campus and Greek-community involvement
-To increase morale and enthusiasm to do service for others by encouraging the chapter and giving them an incentive for participating in so many events

Chapter Philanthropies: Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon with Zeta Beta Tau, Kappa Kasino benefitting Reading is Fundamental, Reading Is Key Event at Terwilliger Elementary School with Pi Kappa Phi, , Lambda Chi Alpha’s Santa’s Visit for the Boys and Girls Club.

Socials: Phi Kappa Tau Mad for Plaid, Kappa Sig Mardi Gras, Pi Kappa Alpha Letter of Your First Name, Alpha Gamma Rho Kentucky Derby, Kappa Sig Redneck Yacht Club, Phi Tau British Invasion Social, Pi Kappa Phi Bayou Best/Mardi Gras Mess, Delta Tau Delta 7 Deadly Sins.

Date Functions: Busch Garden’s Grab-a-date, Formal, Bucs/Saints Game Grab-a-Date, Semi-Formal Kappa Cabaret.

Dinner Events: Sigma Nu Exchange Dinner, Alpha Gamma Rho Exchange Dinner

Events With Sister Chapters: Kappa Delta exchange movie night, Alpha Chi Omega exchange dinner, Alpha Delta Pi ice cream float/cookie night.

Other events: Mother-Daughter Tea, Alachua County Sorority Water Challenge, Sisterhood Trip to Aquatica, Fall Family Weekend, Founder’s Day Brunch, Senior Dinner, Professor Dinner.

Chapter Honors:
Mu Province Convention:
Jan Stamper Communications Award
Improvement in Standards Performance
Felice Wood Pralle House Board Relations Award – Honorable Mention
Robert Lee Nowell Award for Scholastic Improvement – Honorable Mention
Jean Hess Wells Heritage Award – Honorable Mention
PIKE/Theta Carinval – 1st place Sorority, won $250 towards our philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental
Pi Kappa Phi’s Tour de UF – 2nd place
Dance Marathon – 2nd in spirit points overall, 3rd in fundraising in Green Bracket
Going Going Greek Baseball Competition – 2nd place
Dance Marathon Greek Blood Drive – 3rd place Sorority
Lambda Chi Alpha Watermelon Bust – 1st place
Alpha Gamma Rho’s Buck-Off – 1st place
Alpha Tau Omega’s Build a Better Holiday – 3rd place bear
Homecoming Cup with Pi Kappa Phi
Panhellenic Council Chapter of the Year

==Highlights of 2014==

The year of 2014 brought a rebuilding year to the history of Epsilon Phi chapter. Not only did we rebuild our chapter sisterhood by achieving our goals, but we also rebuilt our home by adding on an extension. We are proud to say that we successfully added on a $1.7 million 5,000 square foot addition to our chapter house before the 2014 Recruitment process started. We are thrilled to welcome our Fall 2014 new member class into Epsilon Phi. We were shocked to receive such a large new member class, consisting of 90 girls. These new members are a group of promising girls who are already representing our chapter in the best way possible by becoming involved in the chapter, and on campus.

We also rebuilt our sisterhood by creating more opportunities for our sisters to learn more about our campus, the Greek governing body, and our chapter's philanthropy. Every Monday during chapter, we would inform our sisters on any and all opportunities for them to flourish, such as applications, service opportunities, and fun events. We improved education of our chapter by providing informational sessions during the New Member period to explain the system and develop more support for the Panhellenic community.

Epsilon Phi even improved education of our chapter by encouraging our sisters to study more. Each year, our academics are continuing to improve. For Spring 2013, our chapter GPA was 3.42. By Spring 2014, our chapter GPA was an amazing 3.51. You can see how hard we worked on academics in 2014 by comparing our GPA with the 3.47 average GPA for all sororities on campus. We worked extremely to have our girls focus on academics above all. We hold weekly study hours and make challenges such as Geek of the Week and Smarty Pants. In these challenges, girls can earn prizes to encourage academic achievement. We even have plans to re-design our study room to make it more useful for our chapter.

We even raised awareness of our philanthropy by having our Philanthropy Chair explain Kappa Kasino and Reading Is Fundamental more thoroughly throughout the semester with reminders and fun facts. In 2014, we raised $1,000 dollars and collected over 300 books for RIF through Kappa Kasino and our book drives. We participated in Dance Marathon again, the largest philanthropy on campus where you stand for 26.2 hours in place of kids that can't. We raised about $26,000 as a chapter, and we are hoping to increase that amount in the upcoming years. All of our sisters participated by giving donations, holding staff positions, or dancing in the event. Even though we all worked together to raise all of this money for these philanthropies, we faced a serious challenge on philanthropy and chapter involvement overall. Our sisters are extremely busy and have many commitments outside of Kappa. We understand this, but continue to push involvement in our chapter, on campus, and in the community as well. We have created more chair positions under our executive board and positions on committees so that more girls can become active in the improvement and functioning of our chapter. We highly encourage girls to come out to all the Kappa events, especially the philanthropies we participate in. We try to give the girls a greater notice of when events are coming up, and more information about them, so that girls will be more likely to attend. By the end of 2014, more of our chapter was participating in Kappa events, which positively increased our exposure to the Greek and University of Florida community. Throughout 2014, we worked on having our chapter become more involved, and our chapter is thriving because of it. Even through all the challenges we faced, our chapter has remained strong. We continue to persevere and work together to improve Epsilon Phi. We are all thankful for the help of our wonderful advisors, who guide us through difficult times. By overcoming the obstacles we encounter, Epsilon Phi has become and maintained a chapter of positive, ethical principals with members who will always be womanly and true.

Our goal of increasing campus involvement throughout 2014 is clearly seen. Kappa’s further enhanced our campus presence by becoming involved in the following organizations: Florida Cicerones, CRU, Doulos, Navigators, Panhellenic Executive Council, Junior Panhellenic Council, University of Florida Women’s Crew Team, UF Synchronized Swimming Team, UF Water Polo Team, Dean’s List, Teaching Assistants, Florida Bright Futures Scholars, Women’s Student Association, Florida Equestrian Team, ACCENT, AWARE, FLA, AMSA, UF Women’s Chorale, Model UN, College Youth in Government, Volunteering at Shands Hospital Campus Diplomats, Warrington College of Business Diplomats, Dance Marathon, Floridance, Danza, Student Government Senate, Action Student Government, Gators March for Babies, honor societies, and many more. In addition to these extracurricular accomplishments, Epsilon Phi earned a 3.51 grade point average in the spring of 2014, which ranks fourth among all sixteen Panhellenic chapters.

Epsilon Phi participated in the following campus-wide Greek Philanthropies:
Sigma Lambda Beta Stroll Off, Beta Theta Pi-“Beta Bring It On”, Pi Kappa Phi Rose Queen Pageant, Alpha Tau Omega Red, White, and Pull, Pi Lambda Phi Powderpuff, Phi Kappa Tau Safe Sets, Delta Zeta Turtle Tug, Alpha Epsilon Pi Bake-Off, Delta Chi Earthball, Delta Tau Delta Miss Greek, Phi Delta Fever, Theta Chi Kickball, Alpha Tau Omega Build a Better Bear, Alpha Gamma Rho Buck Off, Phi Sig Spike, Delta Zeta Clay Classic, PIKE Halftime, Phi Tau Safe Sets, KA American Gladiator

Chapter Goals 2014:

-Improve committee involvement

-Improve the chapter's understanding of Epsilon Phi and Kappa Kappa Gamma history

-Improve the knowledge of our campus Greek governing body

-Create information sessions during the New Member Period

-Improve our understanding of the Standards policies

-Improve our home by creating an interior decorating committee

-Create a positive and lasting experience for all members during Recruitment

-Increase morale and enthusiasm to do service for others

-Raise awareness of our philanthropy

-Improve our graciousness to each other and guests through sisterhood events

-Improve chapter image, both internally and externally

Chapter Philanthropies: Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, Kappa Kasino benefitting Reading is Fundamental, and All Greek Service Day.

Socials: Alpha Gamma Rho PinUps and PushUps, Pi Kappa Phi What Happens In Sochi, Pi Kappa Phi 90s, Phi Tau Jurassic Park After Dark, AGR Margaritaville

Date Functions: Be My Date Grab-a-Date, Halloween Horror Nights

Dinner Events: Tau Epsilon Phi Exchange dinner, Alpha Tau Omega Exchange dinner, Chi Phi Exchange Dinner, FIJI exchange dinner, Lambda Chi Exchange dinner,

Events With Sister Chapters: Delta Gamma exchange dinner, Alpha Omicron Pi Valentines FTK, Chi Omega Yoga Class, Kappa Alpha Theta Cookie Decorating, Yoga with Kappa Delta

Other events: Ghouls, Goblins, and Greeks, New Member Lip Sync with Kappa Sigma, Homecoming Pageant, Kickboxing sisterhood event, Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event, Kappa Kafe Registration Party sisterhood event, New Member retreat Rock-climbing, Dads Weekend, New Member retreat to Crescent Beach, Family Weekend, Founders Day/Ribbon Cutting, Homecoming with Kappa Sigma, Kappa Kafe Registration Party sisterhood event, The Best of Me Sisterhood Event, Disneyworld Sisterhood Trip, Professor Dinner, Kappa Kappa Gatsby Semi Formal

Chapter Honors:

ATO Red White & Pull 4th place

Phi Tau Safe Sets 3rd place

Greek Water Challenge 2nd Place

AEPi Bake-Off 1st Place

Won $1000 from the Pepsi Challenge for RIF

Delt Miss Greek Top Fundraiser

4th highest GPA for the semester

3rd KA American Gladiator

3rd ATO Build a Better Bear

Outstanding Anti-Hazing Initiative Florida Greek Award

Individual Accomplishments:

• Valerie Crum- President of the Journalism College Council

• Emily Dennis- Student Program Assistant at UF Levin College of Law, Intern at Williams and Co. Events/Gainesville Fashion Week, Intern at Visit Gainesville, Linda “Dr. T” Thornton Scholarship award recipient

• Anna Dosev- Debutante for the Pensacola Charity Cotillian Ball

• Kathryn Dowling- Assistant Director of Panhellenic Service, Member of Jr. Pan Service Committee, Selected Outstanding Member in Service

• Sarah Falls- UF Anderson Scholar with High Distinction, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Scholarship, UF Housing and Residence Education Peer Mentor, Teaching Assistant, Employee of the Month at Cracker Barrel

• Kristin Fields- Customer Service Specialist at College Manor Apartments, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, Florida Rural Rehabilitation Scholarship

• Meghan Hettenbach- St. Francis House Homeless Shelter Volunteer, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Student Occupational Therapy Association, Volunteer at Achieve Pediatric Therapy

• Marissa Kappus- Assistant Director of Leadership Development, Director of Freshman Leadership, Assistant Director of Scholarship on Panhellenic, Campus Representative for Headbands of Hope, Volunteered with Color Run

• Francesca Leeds- SAILE

• Kaitlyn Mamak- UFCC Fundraiser Chair

• Meghan Mapes- Floridance Dance Company Member

• Bridget Parr- Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Internship with Hartfield Insurance

• Meg Rivera- Florida Leadership Academy, Warrington Welcome Peer Leader

• Jaclyn Ryan- Internship with UF's Social Media Division, Paid Internship with GE Foundation, Doulos PR Leadership, Kappa's PR Twitter Chairperson

• Delaney Sagul- Girl Scout Gold Award

• Carly Salomon- Nova Southeastern

• Rachael Schaaf- Lee County Panhellenic Alumnae Association Scholarship, Helen Cashatt Drais Memorial Scholarship, St. Francis House Homeless Shelter Volunteer, HerCampus UFL Blog Editor, CLAS Dean's List and Anderson Scholar, Kappa Vice President of Oraganization, UF English Department Lipsky Scholarship

• Angela Sengupta- CLAS Dean's List, Started LLTGators as Secretary

• Brittany Stolzenberg- Florida Blue Key, Director of Sales for Gator Growl and UF Homecoming

• Catie Switalski- Internship with two NPR affiliate public radio stations

• Sarah Vititoe- Studied abroad in the Dominica Republic, Volunteered in the Clinica del Primer Nivel, Volunteered at Shands, Laboratory Assistant, Extreme Dance Company, Project Mascot Mentor, CLAS Dean's List, Junior Pan Committee of Philanthropic Events

• Amanda Wald- Macy's Store Management Internship, Macy's EDP Program

• Olivia Warren- Debutante for the Pensacola Charity Cotillian Ball

In Epsilon Phi, we hold chapter meetings in our new addition to the house. The new addition is an extended space to our dining room. In between the dining room and the chapter room, we have a privacy wall that can be closed off, or opened for even more room. Because the chapter room is inside of our house, the chapter room is owned. Our house is on the University of Florida Campus, but it is owned by our house board which is run by volunteer Kappa Alumni who come from all over the state of Florida to run our house board.

Currently, we have a chapter house that houses 52 girls. Before our renovation last year, the house could only hold 40 girls. Our new addition added not only 6 extra bedrooms, but also an extended dining room area, designated chapter room, additional bathroom, and a second laundry room. The funds for the addition came from every active member from the past and present. This is the third renovation of our Epsilon Phi chapter home since we purchased it in the mid-1980's. We needed the addition to the house to accommodate the growing presence we have at the University of Florida with over 200 members.

==Highlights of 2015==

In 2014, it was Epsilon Phi’s mission to rebuild our chapter. Not only did we rebuild our house, but we also moved toward rebuilding our sisterhood, education, and philanthropy. In 2015, we focused on truly remodeling the function and effectiveness of our chapter on the inside, to match the beautiful house we now live in. Our main goals of 2015 included improving our philanthropy, campus leadership, committee involvement, ritual knowledge, and recruitment.

Our first goal as a chapter was to improve awareness about campus leadership opportunities and events. Epsilon Phi is already extremely involved on the UF campus, representing Kappa Kappa Gamma in multiple leadership positions. However, we wanted to make sure that every member of our chapter had the opportunity to get involved on the University of Florida campus. We decided to keep a running list of all available opportunities and upcoming events that is easily accessible. During chapter every week, the council members would present to the chapter any and all opportunities to get involved inside and outside of Kappa. Then, those opportunities would be available in the chapter minutes for anyone who missed the information. We also began online groups containing girls from each major so they could be reminded about upcoming events and opportunities specific to their schools. Epsilon Phi has flourished with this new system and we are continuing to become involved.

Next, we focused on improving our committee involvement. In the past few years, Epsilon Phi has not taken full advantage of our large committees. We made sure that this year, each officer had a folder with the name of each person on the committee, and an area to write down what was brainstormed, planned, and delegated. We also ensured that each committee member was aware of the expectations and obligations of their chosen committee. We even developed committee expectations and obligations worksheets. Our committees are now running smoothly, making the operations of our chapter more effective.

We also wanted to improve our chapter’s understanding of Epsilon Phi, Kappa Kappa Gamma fraternity history, and our bylaws. We believe that as a Kappa Kappa Gamma, every member should have an understanding of our history and ritual. We decided to implement more frequent ritual reviews, that is not necessarily associated with upcoming events. These ritual reviews are merely to help every girl remember what Kappa stands for. We also conducted these reviews with each pledge class to maximize efficiency. During chapter, our Marshal started a segment of her report called “ritual reminders”, where she would present small ritual facts. We even tried to draw attention to the open access of the bylaws and standing rules online, so that every member could be more educated about our fraternity’s structure.

Last but not least, we strived to improve the effectiveness of our recruitment preparation. As a chapter, we wanted to feel more prepared and organized for the upcoming recruitment process. We conducted more in depth small group discussions on what we wanted to achieve as a chapter during Fall 2015 Recruitment. We completed more run-throughs, conversation discussions, and ended with in-depth overviews of each day. We are thrilled to welcome our Fall 2015 new member class into Epsilon Phi. These new members are a promising group of girls who are already representing our Epsilon Phi chapter in the best way possible through involvement in our chapter, and on campus.

Our goal of increasing campus involvement throughout 2015 is clearly seen. Kappa Kappa Gamma has further enhanced our campus presence by becoming involved in the following organizations: Florida Cicerones, CRU, Doulos, Navigators, Panhellenic Executive Council, Junior Panhellenic Council, University of Florida Women’s Crew Team, UF Synchronized Swimming Team, UF Water Polo Team, Dean’s List, Teaching Assistants, Florida Bright Futures Scholars, Women’s Student Association, Florida Equestrian Team, ACCENT, AWARE, FLA, AMSA, UF Women’s Chorale, Model UN, College Youth in Government, Volunteering at Shands Hospital Campus Diplomats, Warrington College of Business Diplomats, Dance Marathon, Floridance, Danza, Student Government Senate, Action Student Government, Gators March for Babies, honor societies, and many more. In addition to these extracurricular accomplishments, Epsilon Phi earned a 3.486 grade point average in the Spring of 2015, which ranks eighth among all seventeen Panhellenic chapters.

Epsilon Phi participated in the following campus-wide Greek Philanthropies:
Sigma Lambda Beta Stroll Off, Beta Theta Pi-“Beta Bring It On”, Pi Kappa Phi Rose Queen Pageant, Alpha Tau Omega Red, White, and Pull, Pi Lambda Phi Powderpuff, Phi Kappa Tau Safe Sets, Delta Zeta Turtle Tug, Alpha Epsilon Pi Bake-Off, Delta Chi Earthball, Delta Tau Delta Miss Greek, Phi Delta Theta Fever, Theta Chi Kickball, Alpha Tau Omega Build a Better Bear, Alpha Gamma Rho Buck Off, Phi Sig Spike, Delta Zeta Clay Classic, PIKE Halftime, Phi Tau Safe Sets, KA American Gladiator

Chapter:

Chapter Goals 2015:

-Improve committee involvement

-Improve the chapter's understanding of Epsilon Phi and Kappa Kappa Gamma history

-Improve our understanding of the Standards policies

-Create a positive and lasting experience for all members during Recruitment

-Increase morale and enthusiasm to do service for others

-Raise awareness of our philanthropy

-Improve our graciousness to each other and guests through sisterhood events

-Improve chapter image, both internally and externally

Chapter Philanthropies: Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, Kappa Kasino benefitting Reading is Fundamental, and All Greek Service Day.

Socials: Emoji, Why is this in my closet?, Construction, Wolf of Wall Street, Hollywood, Golf and Tennis

Date Functions: Florida State Fair, Kappa Kabana, Dinner Cruise Formal, Winter Semi Formal, Latitude 360 in Jacksonville

Events With Sister Chapters: Phi Mu ice cream social and wrote welcome letters to Gamma Phi Beta, Alpha Epsilon Phi fitness marshall hip hop fitness Youtube Videos, Zeta Phi Beta cupcake decorating for breast cancer month, Zeta Tau Alpha holiday cookie decorating

Other events: Ghouls, Goblins, and Greeks, New Member Lip Sync with Delta Tau Delta, Homecoming Pageant, Kappa Kafe Registration Party sisterhood event, Dads Weekend, New Member retreat to Camp Crystal Lake, Family Weekend, Founders Day, Homecoming with Alpha Epsilon Phi, Kappa Kafe Registration Party sisterhood event, Islands of Adventure Sisterhood Trip, Kappa Kappa Gamma Semi Formal

Chapter Honors:

1st place Alpha Gamma Rho Buck Off

2nd place FIJI Fastball

3rd place Alpha Tau Omega Build a Better Bear

Outstanding Anti-Hazing Initiative Florida Greek Award

Chapter Philanthropy:

What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?

Epsilon Phi works with several different charities throughout the year. As an organization, Kappa Kappa Gamma partners with Reading is Fundamental, an organization that helps underprivileged kids discover the joy of reading and books. Epsilon Phi supports this partnership and raised over $2,500 in 2015 towards the organization. We raised this money through our annual philanthropy, Kappa Kasino. Not only did we raise money, but we also raised over 1,000 books for children in our area. We decided to give back to our local community by volunteering at an elementary school and reading books to children. We even volunteered at a local food bank called Bread of the Mighty, where we helped restock the shelves. Epsilon Phi also participates in UF Dance Marathon every year, where we beat our goal of fundraising $30,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?

As a chapter, we chose to support these organizations and charities because we see the good that they do. We support Reading is Fundamental because we understand that children are our future, and reading books as a child is one of the first steps of a solid education. We volunteer at Bread of the Mighty because we understand how difficult the economy can be on local families. It is wonderful to actually see the impact we are making in our community by hands on volunteering. And finally, we support Dance Marathon because helping the Children’s Miracle Network is so close to our hearts, as we also help underprivileged children through Reading is Fundamental. We love to help give kids the best opportunity to succeed, just as Kappa Kappa Gamma gives us the skills and tools we need to be successful women.

==Highlights of 2016==

The year of 2016 was another successful one for Epsilon Phi Chapter. This year it was Epsilon Phi’s mission to enhance the unity of our chapter and enhance the chapter experience for our members. Our main goals for this year were to increasing member motivation to get involved on campus, and to make our service, involvement, and image more well-known on campus.

We started working on the goal of enhancing chapter unity and making our image more well known on campus as soon as the year started off by having a great Spirit Week, Recruitment, and Bid Day that sparked a newfound enthusiasm in the chapter and reinvigorated our love for Kappa and our sisters. We also started two new annual philanthropy events to raise money for Reading is Fundamental this year which also increased chapter enthusiasm.

Our goal of increasing on campus involvement is clearly seen through our members involvement on campus through the following organizations: Florida Blue Key, Florida Cicerones, CRU, Doulos, Navigators, Panhellenic Executive Council, Junior Panhellenic Council, University of Florida Women’s Crew Team, UF Synchronized Swimming Team, UF Water Polo Team, Dean’s List, Teaching Assistants, Florida Bright Futures Scholars, Women’s Student Association, Florida Equestrian Team, ACCENT, AWARE, FLA, AMSA, UF Women’s Chorale, Model UN, College Youth in Government, Volunteering at Shands Hospital, Campus Diplomats, Warrington College of Business Diplomats, Dance Marathon, Floridance, Danza, Student Government Senate, Action Student Government, Gators March for Babies, several academic honor societies, and many more. In addition to these extracurricular accomplishments, Epsilon Phi earned a 3.486 grade point average in the Spring of 2015, which ranks eighth among all seventeen Panhellenic chapters.

Convention Awards included the House Board Award and an Honorable Mention for Best Chapter Management.

Special Events:

Socials: Alpha Gamma Rho, Phi Kappa Tau, Delta Chi, Alpha Epsilon Pi

Date Functions: Woodser Date Function, Dynamic Duos, Tampa Rays v Boston Red Sox Game, Kappa Kaberet

Other Events: Ghouls, Goblins, and Greeks, New Member Lip Sync with Pi Kappa Phi, Homecoming Pageant, Dads Weekend, New Member slumber party retreat, Family Weekend, Founders Day, Homecoming with Phi Kappa Tau, Aquatica Sisterhood Trip, Kappa Kappa Gamma Semi Formal at Jolie, Kappa Kappa Gamma Formal at the Hilton.

Epsilon Phi also participated in the following organizations’ philanthropy events on campus: Sigma Lambda Beta Stroll Off, Delta Tau Delta Miss Greek, ATO Red White and Pull, Phi Gamma Delta Obstacle Course, Beta Bring It On, Sigma Chi Derby Days, KA American Gladiator, Delta Chitanic, Phi Kappa Tau Sorority Feud, TEP Hoops, Pi Kappa Phi Bubble Bowl, Pi Lambda Phi Powder Puff, Alpha Epsilon Pi Color Wars, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Cajun Cookout, Lambda Chi Alpha Watermelon bust, Kappa Sigma Black Top Beach, Delta Upsilon Sets on the Beach, Theta Chi Dream Girl, Phi Sigma Kappa Spike, Chi Phactor, Sigma Nu Slam, Alpha Gamma Rho, Pi Kappa Alpha Halftime & Dream Girl.

Group Honors/ Awards:

-Kelly McGurk won “Best Risk Manager” from University of Florida Panhellenic

-Sigma Lambda Beta Stroll Off – 3rd place

-Delta Tau Delta Miss Greek – Top 6

-ATO Red White and Pull – Top 5

-Phi Gamma Delta Obstacle Course – 2nd place

-KA American Gladiator – Top 4

-Delta Chitanic – Top 3

-TEP Hoops – 1st Place

-Kappa Sigma Black Top Beach – Top 3

-Alpha Gamma Rho "Buck Off" – 1st Place

Philanthropy:

Epsilon Phi continued its support for Reading is Fundamental this year with two new philanthropy events. In the spring semester we hosted our first annual "Kappa Kickball" in place of our "Kappa Kasino" event in order to cut costs, raise more money, and create a morelively event to raise money for Reading is Fundamental. Organizations across campus made teams and donated funds and books to Reading is Fundamental up until the event. In the fall semester we hosted our first annual "Kappa Con Queso" as a new fall philanthropy to raise more money for RIF. The event consisted of a nacho and taco bar, where guests paid a presale ticket fee to enjoy the food. We received a lot of support from the University of Florida community, and the event was sold out.

Epsilon Phi also participated in Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, and throughout the year, our ongoing philanthropy projects in the Gainesville community were volunteering at the Alachua County Humane Society and the local Terwilliger Elementary School. We support Reading is Fundamental and volunteer at Terwilliger Elementary School because we understand how important it is to educate children and ensure they are confident readers. Working with the children at Terwilliger is a very rewarding experience for our chapter. We volunteer at the Humane Society because we feel that all animals should be loved and cared for. It is wonderful to actually see the impact we are making in our community by hands on volunteering. And finally, we support Dance Marathon because helping the Children’s Miracle Network is so close to our hearts. We love to help give kids the best opportunity to succeed through this great event.

==Highlights of 2017==

The year of 2017 was definitely a successful one for Epsilon Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma! We achieved many of our primary goals of increasing chapter unity, and motivation to increase campus involvement, service and improve our image around the school. Our chapter is growing and evolving with each New Member class that comes in. We are working continuously to improve ourselves by working towards our goals and always keeping the chapter morale and spirit high. We maintain positive, ethical principles and pledge members who are both womanly and true.

We achieved our goals by creating more sisterhood events as well as new member class bonding experiences through additional sisterhood events primarily in the Fall semester after recruitment. Our main Fall sisterhood event was a trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the same day as Big/Little reveal so our new families could spend time together. Throughout the entire year, we strengthened the bonds of our sisterhood with a variety of sisterhood events such as Total Body workout classes, yoga classes, Kappa Kafe, Kappa Kappa Jamma Key Sister event, and movie nights. For Academics, we continued our tradition with New Member Study Hours as well as Smarty Pants, which allows sisters to shine by logging study hours and recent A’s on exams. We also continued with group study sessions called Kappa Kafe at the house with lots of coffee and snacks. Epsilon Phi holds its chapter meetings in our chapter room in our house. The room was a part of the new addition added to the house in 2014. Epsilon Phi is very grateful for the addition to the house that gives them so much space to hold chapter meetings. When we are not holding chapter, the chapter room functions as a living room where sisters get together for sisterly bonding.

Our goal of increasing campus involvement throughout 2017 is clearly seen. Kappa’s further enhanced our chapter’s presence by becoming involved in the following organizations: Florida Cicerones, CRU, Doulos, Navigators, Panhellenic Executive Council, Junior Panhellenic Council, University of Florida Women’s Water Polo, Dean’s List, Teaching Assistants, Florida Bright Futures Scholars, Women’s Student Association, Florida Equestrian Team, ACCENT, AMSA, Model UN, College Youth in Government, Campus Diplomats, Warrington College of Business Diplomats, Dance Marathon, Danza, Student Government Senate, Action Student Government, Gators March for Babies, honor societies, and many more.

'''Chapter Honors/Awards'''

3rd Place in Sigma Nu dodgeball, 1st place in TEP hoops (3rd year in a row!), 2nd place in Sigma Chi Derby Days, Morgan Kendrick won campus involvement award at Miss UF pageant, Gabby Torres won Delta Tau Delta’s Miss Greek Pageant, Grace Downey, Natalie Barkat, Kathryn Dowling, Erin Sweeney, Morgan Kendrick, and Ali Bowlby were tapped into Florida Blue Key, Shelby Buchannan became the Director of ACCENT speaker’s bureau.

'''Special Events'''

Socials: Phi Kappa Tau, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Gamma Rho, Delta Chi.

Date Functions: Roaring 20’s, Woodser Date Function, “Be My Date”, Tampa Bay Lightning Game, 90’s Dave and Busters.

Other events: Ghouls, Goblins, and Greeks, New Member Lip Sync with Sigma Chi, Homecoming Pageant, Mom’s Weekend, New Member slumber party retreat, Family Weekend, Founders Day, Homecoming with Kappa Sigma, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Big/Little Trip, Kappa Kappa Gamma Semi Formal at The Warehouse, Kappa Kappa Gamma Formal at Jumbolair.

'''Philanthropy'''

Historically, our chapter always raises money and participates in Children's Miracle Network Dance Marathon and raises money for our philanthropy Reading is Fundamental, as well as finding some local charity to volunteer at. Epsilon Phi continued its support for Reading is Fundamental this year with two philanthropy events. In the spring, we hosted our first annual "Kappa Kickball" in place of our "Kappa Kasino" event to cut costs, raise more money, and create a livelier event to raise money for Reading is Fundamental. Organizations across campus made teams and donated funds and books to Reading is Fundamental up until the event. In the fall, we hosted our second annual "Kappa Con Queso" as a new fall philanthropy to raise more money for RIF. The event consisted of a nacho and taco bar. We received a lot of support from the University of Florida community, and the event was sold out. Epsilon Phi also participated in Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon and throughout the year, our ongoing philanthropy projects in the Gainesville community were volunteering at the Alachua County Humane Society and the local Terwilliger Elementary school. We support Reading is Fundamental and volunteer at Terwilliger Elementary School because we understand how important it is to educate children and ensure they are confident readers. Working with the children at Terwilliger was a very rewarding experience for our chapter.

==Highlights of 2018==

We are so excited to share some of our accomplishments as we have worked very diligently to unify our chapter, increase our bond, serve our community and increase campus involvement.

We have achieved many of our goals this year including unifying our chapter through many sisterhood events such as our Big/Little trip to Busch Gardens, yoga classes, Kappa Kafe's and movie nights.

In the academic area, we have strengthened our drive through our Kappa Kafes, which are held in the dining room of the house with snacks and coffee. We have also created academic mentor among sisters by pairing older girls and younger girls together as mentors. We also have continued smarty pants where girls write down and log exams/tests/quizzes they are proud of. We were able to increase our campus involvement throughout the year as well. Kappa has the honor of being a part of the following organizations: College Ambassadors, UF Cicerones,Campus Diplomats, CRU, Doulos, Panhellenic Executive Council, Junior Panhellenic Council, Deans Lists, UF Equestrian Team, Florida Bright Future Scholars, Dance Marathon, Danza, Student Government, Gators March for Babies, Project Makeover, honor societies, Young Leaders Conference, Florida Greek Ambassadors and many more.

Chapter Awards/Honors:

Ali Bowlby was awarded Panhellenic President of the Year, Sabrina Impresso got 3rd place in Chi Phactor, Ali Bowlby was a finalist in the UF Homecoming Leadership Pageant, 1st Place in Alpha Gamma Rho's Buck Off, 1st Place in Sigma Kappa Shootout, and 2nd place in Delta Tau Delta Miss Greek (Sabrina Impresso).

Socials: Phi Kappa Tau, Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Gamma Rho

Other Events: Ghouls, Goblins and Greeks, Homecoming with Sigma Phi Epsilon, New Member Lip Sync, Founders Day, Dad's Weekend, Family Weekend, Semi formal, and Busch Gardens Big/Little Trip.

Recently on campus we have had one of the large libraries closest to Kappa's house announced its 24/7 status; this is the second study space to do this and we are definitely taking advantage. We consistently every year work towards improving and growing as much as we can. We maintain a positive nature and encourage our sisters to hold our values close and dear to our hearts making our atmosphere warm, loving and welcoming.

'''Philanthropy'''

Historically, our chapter always supports and works hard to raise money for Dance Marathon's Children's Miracle Network and for our philanthropy Reading Is Fundamental. We also take part in and volunteer with numerous community charities. As a chapter we continue to support Reading is Fundamental for year with two philanthropy events. One in the Fall called Kappa Con Queso which is a taco and nacho bar held at our house where guests could either purchase presale tickets or one at the door to enjoy this event. This was our 3rd annual Kappa Con Queso and it was so successful it succeeded our goal. We got so much support and participation from not only the greek community but the University community as well. We also hosted our annual Kappa Kickball Tournament benefitting RIF as well. Again the participation was incredible and we were so proud to be able to give back to Reading is Fundamental.

Our chapter also participated in Dance Marathon benefitting the Children's Miracle Network crushing our goals as a chapter and university as a whole. We continued our ongoing volunteering in the Gainesville community with volunteering for JJ Finley Elementary School. We support this elementary school to help educate and emphasize the importance of reading in their lives. This experience is brightening and extremely rewarding to our chapter.

==Highlights of 2019==
Epsilon Phi and its members won the following awards this year: Director of the Year. Dallas Hampton was awarded the Naomi Stevens Award for her major. Sammie Green was a finalist in the Florida Associated Press College Broadcasters contest.

Throughout the year, Epsilon Phi was able to continue many traditions that bring the members joy and create a greater sense of sisterhood. One of the most anticipated events is our Big/Little Reveal, where Big sisters create big/little baskets for their Little sisters throughout the week, while keeping their identities a secret until the day of the reveal. Families often have matching outfits with a fun theme and many families celebrate getting a new member to the family by going out to dinner together.

Epsilon Phi has added a ceremony following the Fireside ceremony that we call the "Senior candle Passing", where seniors in the chapter are able to say a few words to their sisters, as they reflect on their time in the chapter and they give their sisters words of advice for college. We officially end the Fireside ceremony and then open it up to the seniors. New and older members alike enjoy the chance to hear some words of wisdom from other girls and it is a cherished tradition.

Every year, we have a weekend in the fall, Family Weekend, where sisters’ family members are invited from Friday to Sunday to participate in various events together. This year, we had a night at a restaurant in town, watched the football game, and had brunch at the house. It was exciting for families to be able to see the friendships and impact that Kappa has had on their family member’s life.

Our Chapter had the opportunity to participate in many philanthropies and support the Greek community on campus both financially and by competing in their events. Below are the various philanthropies we participated in, and how many hours and funds we were able to contribute to their cause. Also listed is any awards we won during the philanthropies.
Alpha Epsilon Pi Superbowl - 3 hours of participation $35; Beta Theta Pi’s Beta Bring It On - 3 hours of participation $555; Delta Tau Delta’s Delt Miss Greek - 2 hours of participation $305; One of our new spring members, Isabella Carlin, represented the Epsilon Phi chapter proudly and won 1st place in this fundraising pageant. Bella was able to raise $3,007 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Delta Tau Delta brother Ryan Hinterleiter. Delta Tau Delta’s Crawfish Boil - 2 hours of participation $28; Phi Kappa Tau’s Safe Sets - 2 hours of participation $50; Our team won 1st place in this volleyball tournament benefiting the SeriousFun Children’s Network. Chi Omega’s Sandblast - 2 hours of participation $25; Tau Kappa Epsilon’s Takedown - 2 hours of participation $25; Gamma Phi Beta’s Moonball - $25; Kappa Alpha Theta’s Capture the Kite - 3 hours of participation $25; Panhellenic Council’s Around the Row - 2 hours of participation $50;
Phi Gamma Delta’s FIJI Field Day - 2 hours of participation $25; Delta Sigma Phi’s Delta Dunks - 5 hours of participation $25; Lambda Chi Alpha’s Lambda Chi Watermelon Bust - 4 hours of participation $25; Our team won 2nd place in this watermelon activity competition benefiting Feeding America. Kappa Sigma’s Kappa Sigma Splash - 2 hours of participation $25; Sigma Chi’s Derby Days - 4 hours of participation $105; Alpha Omicron Pi’s Strikeout Arthritis - 3 hours of participation $50; Delta Phi Epsilon’s Deepher Dude - $35; Alpha Chi Omega’s Purple Rain - $35; Phi Mu’s Tailgate Invitational - $25; Pi Beta Phi’s Down N’ Dirty - $25; Delta Zeta’s DZ Mac and Deezy - 2 hours of participation $25; Zeta Tau Alpha’s Paint Me Pink 5K - $25; Alpha Epsilon Phi’s AEPhi Hoops - $25; Kappa Delta’s KD Shamrock - $25; Delta Upsilon’s Sets on the Beach - $25; Pi Kappa Phi’s War of Roses - $25; Sigma Nu’s Sets N Nets - 2 hours of participation; $25; Our team won 1st place in this volleyball tournament benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dance Marathon- Member of Epsilon Phi chapter independently fundraised for Dance Marathon benefiting University of Florida Shands Hospital Children’s Miracle Network. Epsilon Phi was able to raise total funds of $26,536 for various philanthropies, something for which our chapter takes great pride.

Our chapter participated in Spring Recruitment for the first time this year. Spring Recruitment is a very different process from formal Fall Recruitment, so the chapter had to do some adjusting in order for it to go smoothly. Our recruitment chairs and members of council worked very diligently together, and our chapter put in some late nights to ensure that Kappa was being represented as the best it could be on campus to potential new members. We were fortunate to get eight wonderful new members and they made the process absolutely worth it! Another goal of the chapter was for our members to become more involved on campus and invest more deeply into UF. Our members definitely succeeded, by creating new organizations, being elected into leadership positions, and becoming inducted into prestigious honor societies.

Our chapter has been fortunate to have so many involved and dedicated sisters. Below listed are organizations that we participate in this year and held leadership positions in.

Dance Marathon
* Captains: 12
* Assistant Director: 2
Student Government
* AD for Chomp the Vote
* Director of Finance and Affordability Cabinet
ACCENT Speakers Bureau
* Vice chair of digital communications
* Director
* Assistant Director of Research and Feedback
March of Dimes
* Venue Director
* Social media director
* Personnel director
Florida Blue Key
* Assistant Director for Individual Events
* Florida’s Future Leadership Program Member
Cicerones
* 2 members
Pre-health Student Organization
* 15 members
Study Abroad Locations
* Madrid, London, Berlin, Paris, Prague, Florence
Warrington Goes Green
* Co-Founder
* VP of External Relations
Pi Chi
* 15 members, 5 second years
Study Edge
* 3 Real Life 101 interns in 2019
Equestrian Team and Awards
* 4 members
Florida Leadership Academy
* 3 Mentors and 1 mentee
Global Business Society
* Vice President of Communications
* Previous global gator guides
Center for Undergraduate Research Ambassador
* Undergraduate Research Liaison to the College of Journalism
Engineers without Borders, Peru Team
* 3 members , one on design team, two on fundraising team
Warrington Diplomats
* Events Committee Head
Heavener Leadership Challenge
* 4 Participants
Business Undergraduate Mentorship Program
* 2 Mentors
UF LitiGators Competitive Mock Trial
* 1 attorney
Florida Greek Ambassadors
* 2 members
Volunteering
* Shands
* All Women’s Health Center of Gainesville
* Habitat for Humanity
* Ronald McDonald House of North Central Florida
* Baby Gator Child Development and Research Center

This past year, there was the addition of a new Panhellenic chapter, Alpha Phi, to our campus. The Greek community has grown closer with this addition. There has been lots of support for other chapters on campus, with philanthropy participation being a time to celebrate the opportunity to raise money for organizations and to come together as a community on campus. Our Epsilon Phi chapter in particular has fostered a greater sisterhood bond for one another through various sisterhood events, participating in philanthropies and volunteering at JJ Finely together, and participating in recruitment and initiation twice this year.

The Epsilon Phi chapter supports local elementary school JJ Finley, where members are able to volunteer and see Reading is Fundamental's direct impact on children in the communities around us. Members work with students to complete homework and assist with activities at the after school care program. Our chapter chose this organization to work with because not only does it support the improvement of children’s literacy in local schools, but it also provides members with the opportunity to interact with the children and see how their time spent volunteering makes a positive and lasting impact on their educational experiences.

This year we celebrated our Founder’s Day on October 20th with a brunch at our house for our members. This day was a celebration of not only our Fraternity history and the founding of Kappa, but also the history of the Epsilon Phi chapter. We looked back at pictures and events that our sisters in years previous have done and honored our founders and the founding principles of Kappa. Overall, this day served as a way for our chapter to celebrate Kappa’s history and founding members, as well as kicking off Kappa's sesquicentennial celebration!

The chapter has felt a deeper connection to Kappa as a whole, and has been able to truly appreciate that this group of women is not just at UF, but present internationally and has had an impact through the decades. During Initiation and Founders Day, women reflected on the significance of the Fraternity and how the women before us have set an example for us to follow and a place from which to build. Having alumnae present during initiation was special and gave solid proof that our Fraternity goes beyond the four years in college.

==Highlights of the 2020==

2020 was a very eventful year for Epsilon Phi. Although this year has looked different than years past, our chapter continues to look forward with a positive mindset and cherish the year we have had. This year Epsilon Phi was able to achieve great success, being awarded Most Outstanding Risk Manager Award for the work of Lyndsey Kleinman, our Risk Management Director, as well as a UF Greek Outstanding Scholarship Award. Epsilon Phi was also recognized as the most improved chapter by the Fraternity.
Two big events that were impacted this year by COVID-19 were Formal Recruitment and Initiation. The largest change for both was the transition to becoming entirely virtual events, rather than the typical in-person. Between many summer meetings with both the Panhellenic Council and Kappa Fraternity reps, we were fully prepared to train current members and recruit potential new members virtually in August 2020. During a successful spirit week via Zoom, our members learned how to speak with potential new members and generate excitement for this new chapter in their lives with leadership from our Vice President of Membership Allison Wehle and Primary Recruitment Director Alexandra Baker. Recruitment began with the viewing of round one submission videos. Potential new members submitted one minute videos of themselves and gave a brief background of who they are and what they were looking for in a sorority and college in general. In turn, we provided a short video of Kappa, which included a house tour and open conversations between current members about our values and why Kappa is special to us. Rounds two and three were held virtually over Zoom as well and gave current members and potential new members an opportunity to get to know each other on a deeper level. The traditional preferential ceremony was pre-recorded and viewed online before potential new members spoke with current members over Zoom. The entire chapter was able to close out Recruitment with a Bid Day celebration that was socially distanced outside and in small groups.

Natalie MacDougal, our Ritual/History Director, planned our first-ever completely virtual initiation. Even through zoom, we were able to host current and alumnae members, Kappa Fraternity representatives and legacy parents to experience a beautiful ceremony to initiate our New Members. We were very happy to be able to welcome 77 New Members into our chapter.

This year we celebrated our Founders Day on October 18th with a virtual zoom celebration. Our All Member Director Gaby Rodriguez put together a wonderful presentation with interesting facts and stories of the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We also held a brief Founders Day ceremony that spoke of the women who founded our Fraternity 150 years ago and how they have impacted our lives. While we were planning on hosting an in-person brunch at the house as we typically celebrate, we were still very fortunate to be able to see each other via zoom and spend time reflecting on our membership in this Fraternity.

Our Chapter was able to support the Greek community on campus by participating in other chapters’ philanthropy events before the pandemic such as Beta Theta Pi’s ‘Bring It On’, Delta Tau Delta’s ‘Miss Greek’, Alpha Chi Omega’s ‘Purple Rain’, Kappa Sigma’s ‘Splash’ and Chi Omega ‘Sandblast’, and through financial contribution after many chapters adapted their events to accommodate for the pandemic.
Money we raised:
$7,340.96 raised from Kappa Kickball
$3,929 raised from Raffles for RIF
$4,200 donated to RIF
$2,100 to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation
$500 to the Alachua County Days for Girls
Remaining $500 was received in physical checks and sent directly to Kappa Kappa Gamma Headquarters to be apportioned at their discretion. The money raised from Raffles for RIF has not yet been distributed.

The Epsilon Phi chapter supports local elementary school Carolyn Beatrice Parker, formerly known as JJ Finley, where members are able to volunteer and see Reading is Fundamental's direct impact on children in the communities around us. Our chapter works with this school because it provides members with the opportunity to interact with the children and see how their time spent volunteering makes a positive and lasting impact on their educational experiences. This is important because our members really value feeling like they made a tangible difference outside of fundraising and donating money. We were able to complete 356 hours of service at Carolyn Beatrice Parker before COVID-19 impacted our opportunity to volunteer.
We were able to host Kappa Kickball at the beginning of the spring semester with 31 teams participating. Through the event, we raised $7,340 for Reading is Fundamental and we collected books to donate to Carolyn Beatrice Parker Elementary School’s Extended Day Enrichment Program. Although we normally host an in-person event for our fall philanthropy event, this year we held our first-ever fully virtual fundraiser instead! ‘Raffles for RIF’ was a two-day event, where items were raffled off to participants who purchased tickets. This event generated $3,929 for RIF.

Over the past year, Epsilon Phi has also taken the critical step of bringing diversity, equity, and inclusion to the forefront of our conversations and actions as a chapter. Over the summer, we implemented our first-ever Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director, which we promptly integrated into our Chapter Council structure to ensure continual work towards these goals for years to come. In addition to our new director position, we created a committee of five women to oversee and direct programming based on the five pillars of diversity we have chosen: LGBTQIA+ inclusion, women empowerment, mental health, accessibility, and racial and ethnic diversity and linguistics. Throughout the fall semester, this committee has created programming for the chapter covering a range of topics from inclusive recruitment practices, ableism, cultural appropriation, and racial slurs. In addition to presentations, we have been taking feedback from the chapter to ensure that every chapter woman feels safe and supported. Finally, Epsilon Phi has been working with DiversiPhi, a diversity and inclusion initiative that connects all Panhellenic chapters at the University of Florida to create intentional changes, within our community as a whole, to ensure that everyone feels like they have a place within it.

To reflect on the year as a whole, we would like to recognize our member’s achievements and involvement. This year we had 12 Pi Chis involved in Formal Recruitment. Olivia Galler was chosen as Head Pi Chi for recruitment in 2021. We will also have four second year Pi Chis and seven first year Pi Chis in 2021. This fall we had two Florida Blue Key Taps, our President Sarah Bartolomei and member Faith Allen. One of our New Members, Angelina Deltoro, will be a Preview Staffer in 2021. Ally Mattia and Caroline Labrit are members of the Florida Future Leaders Program. Our VP of External Affairs, Mia Forsman is a Student Government Cabinet Chair and we have many Assistant Directors serving in Student Government. We also have sisters working for Florida Blue Key’s Speech and Debate as Directors and Assistant Directors. As well as involvement in ACCENT. Gracie Overstreet was an Assistant Supervisor of the 2020 Student Government Election. Hallie Richards and Jordanna Hermann are Assistant Directors for Dance Marathon, and we have 19 Captains this year. As well, we have Jordan Spira serving as Intramural Programming Assistant Director and Emily Lampi serving as Scholarship Assistant Director for the Panhellenic Activities Board.
This year the chapter experienced the sudden passing of a sister, Maggie Paxton, Member Class ’20. While grieving her loss, the sisters have learned to rely on each other for support, help out sisters in need, and remember to tell their loved ones how much they are loved.
Overall, we were very happy to celebrate Kappa’s 150th anniversary this year. Epsilon Phi has continued to deepen our bonds of sisterhood even while facing a global pandemic. Although most of our events for the year were held virtually, our sisterhood persevered and is looking forward to the future to continue to strengthen these bonds.