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| |Image= [[File:Beta_Xi.jpg|200px]] | | |Image= [[File:Beta_Xi.jpg|200px]] |
| |Founded= {{start date and years ago|1902|05|12}} | | |Founded= {{start date and years ago|1902|05|12}} |
− | |College= [https://www.utexas.edu/ University of Texas at Austin] | + | |College= [http://www.utexas.edu/ University of Texas at Austin] |
| |Location= Austin, TX | | |Location= Austin, TX |
− | |Homepage= [https://utexas.kappa.org/ Beta Xi Homepage] | + | |Homepage= [https://chapters.kappakappagamma.org/betaxi/ Beta Xi Homepage] |
− | |Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Beta_Xi Media related to Beta Xi Chapter]}} | + | |Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Beta_Xi Media related to Beta Xi Chapter]}} |
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− | '''4,817 initiates (as of June 2018)''' | + | '''4,369 initiates (as of June 2012''' |
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| ----------------- | | ----------------- |
− | | + | '''Some of Beta Xi’s Outstanding Members:''' (If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.) |
− | '''Charter members:''' | |
− | | |
− | Olatia Crane, Helen Olive Devine, Fanny West Harris, Alma Keturah Jones, Minnie Avelyn Petty, Marian Leigh Rather, Katherine Andrews Searcy, Eva Miriam Sodekson, Josephine Lucile Wathen.
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| '''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:''' | | '''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:''' |
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| Helen Knox, 1952, banker, author, Red Cross volunteer; | | Helen Knox, 1952, banker, author, Red Cross volunteer; |
| Prudence Mahaffey Mackintosh, 1988, author of books and magazines; | | Prudence Mahaffey Mackintosh, 1988, author of books and magazines; |
− | Miley Tucker Busiek (Frost), 1990, sculptor whose work appears on the $50gold bullion coin;Sunny Hare Scribante, 2012, philanthropist; Dorothy Slator Paterson, 2014, international volunteer, breast health awareness advocate; Rosemary Dunaway Trible, 2014, TV host, author, foounder Fear2Freedom Foundation; | + | Miley Tucker Busiek (Frost), 1990, sculptor whose work appears on the $50gold bullion coin; |
− | | + | Sunny Hare Scribante, 2012, philanthropist; |
− | | + | Additional Outstanding Beta Xi Alumnae: |
− | '''Additional Outstanding Beta Xi Alumnae:'''
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− | | |
| Ann Haun (Barlow), Graduate Counselor 1961-1962; | | Ann Haun (Barlow), Graduate Counselor 1961-1962; |
| Nancy Haun (Dozier), Graduate Counselor 1959-1960; | | Nancy Haun (Dozier), Graduate Counselor 1959-1960; |
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− | ---------------------------
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| ==The Early Years== | | ==The Early Years== |
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| ==Highlights of 2000-2010== | | ==Highlights of 2000-2010== |
− | Beta Xi welcomed the new millennium with a variety of new chapter activities. Each year, the sisters gathered at a chapter retreat in the fall to build and restore relationships within the chapter. New sisterhood programs included television nights, a makeover with a make-up artist, a cooking class, a yoga class, manicures, and a ceramics class. To prepare for Recruitment, a Work Week was held in which the entire chapter learned new skits, practiced old songs, and perfected Recruitment strategies. A leadership workshop for the outgoing and incoming officers, and their advisers, to aid in the transition process. The Vice President-Academic Excellence work | + | Beta Xi welcomed the new millenium with a variety of new chapter activities. Each year, the sisters gathered at a chapter retreat in the fall to build and restore relationships within the chapter. New sisterhood programs included television nights, a makeover with a make-up artist, a cooking class, a yoga class, manicures, and a ceramics class. To prepare for Recruitment, a Work Week was held in which the entire chapter learned new skits, practiced old songs, and perfected Recruitment strategies. A leadership workshop for the outgoing and incoming officers, and their advisers, to aid in the transition process. The Vice President-Academic Excellence worked to improve the chapter’s G.P.A. by implementing the “Owl Jar” program, which recognized members for their hard work, and introducing the “Study Fairy,” a magical being who rewarded Kappas found studying on campus. |
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| + | Social events included Kappa Cocktail, Owl-O-Ween, Monmouth Duo with Pi Beta Phi, Kappa/Tri-Delt Ranch, Parents’ Weekend, Mom and Dad Weekends, and Junior/Senior Night. One evening the entire chapter attended a sing-a-long at a local restaurant. Beta Xi also continued the tradition of hosting a Halloween party and trick-or-treating for the children of local alumnae. |
| | | |
− | ==Highlights of 2016==
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| | | |
| + | '''Housing:''' |
| + | Beta Xi continued to occupy the chapter house throughout the decade. |
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− | 2016 was a year characterized by strength, endurance, and evolution for Beta Xi. Still without our
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− | beloved house, the Kappas faced new challenges, bound together by friendship instead of the walls
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− | of the house itself. The campus climate was tumultuous. The chapter itself stumbled and fell on a
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− | few occasions. But as the year comes to a close, we can look back and say that in spite of all of
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− | that, we learned and we grew. We are finishing 2016 stronger, more unified, and better than when
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− | we began it. We are excited to move into our house come January! But before we transition into
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− | 2017, we want to look back and reflect on all we learned.
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− | In January, the new Beta Xi Chapter Council was eager to continue the legacy of great leadership of
| + | '''Philanthropy:''' |
− | past officers, as well as accomplishing new goals for out chapter. For President, Ellen Crowe
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− | served; For Vice President Standards, Anna Wittenmeyer served; For Vice President Organization,
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− | Hailey Becker served; For Vice President Academic Excellence, Erin Kreindler served; For Recording
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− | Secretary, Ali Purnell served; For Corresponding Secretary, Charlotte Paine served; For Treasurer,
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− | Payton Scott served; For Assistant Treasurer, Camille Szelc served; For Registrar, Avery Travis
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− | served; For Marshal, Hannah Love served; For Education Chairman, Caroline Smyrl served; For House
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− | Chairman, Sara Shaw served; For Membership Chairman, Riley Longtain served; For New Member
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− | Chairman, Tai Massimilian served; For Panhellenic Delegate, Alex Page served; For Philanthropy
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− | Chairman, Berkley Johnson served; For Public Relations Chairman, Kathryn Stouffer served; For Risk
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− | Management Chairman, Grace Winston served; and For Event Chairman, Mallory Morris served.
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− | Without our trusty senior girls to guide us and without a house to meet in, Chapter Council braved
| + | Philanthropy was a priority for Beta Xi in the twenty-first century. The chapter maintained traditions such as the Kappa Klassic Pool Tournament, which raised almost $5,000 for a charity in 2006. Other philanthropic activities included holding a Chili Cookoff with the Tri-Delts, volunteering with for the SPCA and the Highland Park Elementary Halloween carnival, decorating the Children’s Hospital for various holidays, hosting Easter and Halloween parties for local children, and making Christmas cookies for hospitalized children. Children have always been a major focus for the group, and in 2008, the sisters provided free winter coats to children through Coats for Kids. |
− | the unknown and began to meet. Ellen Crowe (President) began the year with efficiency and care, | |
− | planning and leading Chapter Council meetings. They finalized edits on the chapter bylaws and
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− | standing rules, educated themselves on how to use the Kappa drive and webinars, and reviewed the
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− | expectations and responsibilities of Chapter Council members with the help of Hailey Becker (VP
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− | Organization). She went over goals for the year, including chapter unity, continuing to revamp
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− | philanthropy, and getting the chapter on board with the Risk Management policies, as well as the
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− | rules and goals of Standards Committee. Chapter council discussed some ways to hold the chapter
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− | accountable for their actions at events and to reinforce new standards for behavior for everyone.
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− | We decided to change our buddy system from “bigs” and “littles,” to a “pick-a-buddy” system, where
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− | the girls signed up with a friend before events to be their accountability partner. Grace Winston | |
− | bus-riding attendance at events, while Anna
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− | Wittenmyer (VP Standards) streamlined the way we approach standards decisions. Sara Shaw
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| + | Two new philanthropy traditions began during this decade. In 2009, Beta Xi hosted its first Kappa Cookout, an event that invited community members to join the sisters for delicious catered food. That year, the proceeds from selling tickets to the event, $7,600, went to The Austin Children’s Shelter. The following year, the chapter raised more than $8,000 and donated the proceeds to the RIF (Reading is Fundamental)of Austin, specifically to the Palm Elementary School. Donations were also made to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. The other new philanthropic event was a powder puff football game with Pi Beta Phi. Proceeds from the tickets were donated to the Davis Moon Project, a non-profit organization that collects books to be hand-delivered through organized literacy mission trips in Addis, Ethiopia. |
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− | (House Chair) worked tirelessly alongside our House Board, as renovations plowed on. Kathryn
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− | Stouffer (Public Relations Chairman) continued to educate members about the GIN system and
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− | published yet another great issue of “Round Up”, the annual Kappa newsletter. The new leaders
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− | conducted the first few chapter meetings with thoroughness and efficiency, growing more comfortable
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− | meeting in the Student Union and in their new positions. The year started off with a bang, with an
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− | organized Chapter Council and an excited group of Kappas.
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| | | |
− | In February, Kappas were getting settled in with their classes, and the officers were beginning to
| + | '''Convention Awards:''' |
− | get the hang of their new responsibilities: planning events, running meetings, and fulfilling their
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− | duties more easily. Berkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) took it upon herself to completely revamp
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− | Beta Xi’s philanthropic efforts. She continued the new partnership with the B+ Foundation that
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− | the last philanthropy chair began, combining Kappa’s passion for reading with our love of kids.
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− | We adopted a B+ Hero named Moriah, who is battling cancer, and made her an honorary “sister.”
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− | Kappas began visiting Moriah at the hospital, playing games, doing puzzles, and when she felt up to
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− | it, even having dance parties with our newest little Kappa. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) and
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− | Grace Winston (Risk Management) pulled off a great Monmouth formal at Brazos Hall, and everyone had
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− | a wonderful time with their dates and Pi Phi friends. Riley Longtain (Membership Chairman) held a
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− | very successful first recruitment workshop with the freshman, teaching them the in’s and out’s of
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− | rush and the importance of the spring semester for recruiting. While Kappa prepared for
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− | recruitment, so did Alex Page (Panhellenic Delegate) and Grace Anne McGinnis, a Kappa who served as
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− | Vice President of UT’s Panhellenic Council. They began a wonderful year of working together and
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− | representing Kappa well to other sororities and to UPC. We rounded out the month with a visit from
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− | our moms, with fun shopping events and a brunch at The Grove downtown to celebrate Mom’s Weekend.
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− | Then came March, another great month for Beta Xi, as the spring semester was in full swing. Hannah
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− | Love (Marshal) led a successful and efficient ritual workshop to refresh the chapter on the ritual
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− | and history of our organization. Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellence) continued to encourage the
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− | girls to study hard, with fun Study Snacks events like pizza catering and coffee after chapter!
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− | Riley continued to hold Rush Workshops with the freshman and the older girls to prepare for
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− | recruitment and develop a strategy to show girls what Kappa is all about, despite our lack of a
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− | house. Hailey Becker (VP Organization) worked hard to plan for the leadership consultant’s upcoming
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− | visit in April.
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− | April was a busy month as usual for Beta Xi. Our leadership consultant, Kate Burton, came and
| + | ==Highlights of 2011-2019== |
− | brought some amazing ideas for our chapter with her. She hung out with our members, doing fun
| + | In 2011, Beta Xi focused on strengthened sisterhood and encouraging scholarly achievement. A chapter retreat was held for the benefit of the members and “get-to-know-you” games were played at the Kappa house. Sisterhood acitivities included Nightmare on 6th Street, Tri-Delt Ranch, Kappa Cocktail, and Monmouth. The Vice President-Academic Excellence stressed the importance of good grades with the new “Smarty Pants” system at chapter meetings. Alumnae members are often invited to campus to speak to the chapter about job applications and careers. |
− | things around Austin and helped our officers grow in their leadership abilities. Hailey Becker (VP
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− | Organization) did an amazing job making Kate feel at home. Berkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair)
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− | helped plan our fundraiser, Kappa Pi-Phi Carnival, complete with snow cones and live music, raising
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− | money for our philanthropy. We love joining forces with another sorority who also cares about
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− | supporting literacy, and the event was a blast as usual. She also held a successful RIF event at
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− | Wooldridge Elementary. The entire chapter came together and set up stations at the school to play
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− | games, read, decorate bookmarks, and get their faces painted. At the end of the laughter-filled
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− | event, each child took home a book (or two!). Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) planned an awesome
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− | Dad’s Weekend, with food catered on a fun rooftop venue and the chapter attending the Spring
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− | football game with their dads. She and Grace Winston (Risk Management) also planned another
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− | successful event with our friends in Theta, called Kite & Key. The event was held at a venue
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− | downtown and everyone had a wonderful time. A senior Kappa, Kallen Dimitroff ran for Student Body
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− | President of the University of Texas, and despite her campaign’s loss, it was
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− | incredible to see the whole chapter gather around her and support her with pride.
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− | Kappa events slowed and finals approached, as May rolled around. Caroline Smyrl (Education
| + | '''Housing:''' |
− | Chairman) conducted Senior Sendoff, a fun event after chapter where we recognize the seniors and
| + | Beta Xi is currently one of only two Greek houses on the University of Texas at Austin campus in which. 60 members are able to live, most usually live in during their junior or senior year. Every Monday, the sisters gather for dinner before the chapter meeting, and lunch is provided every day for members. Every two weeks, a delicious Mexican Guest Lunch is held where Kappas can bring a guest from outside of the Fraternity. |
− | hear funny memories from years past, including poems and “twinkies” from some seniors’ parents.
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− | These very seniors then became alums after graduation celebrations, and it was made official in Key
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− | Reports. Some of them got into top graduate schools to continue their studies, while others headed
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− | off to work in cities around the country. They were off into the world! Payton Scott (Treasurer)
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− | worked hard to set up the budget for the upcoming school year, and held budget meetings with all of
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− | the Chapter Council officers. Tai Massimilian (New Member Chairman) and Riley Longtain (Membership
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− | Chairman) both worked hard to prepare for recruitment and the new pledge class coming in August,
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− | with the added challenge of finding a home for Spirit and Recruitment weeks without our house. We
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− | talked to event halls and fraternity houses, and we finally found a place to hold the events and
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− | welcome our new members…stay tuned below! Riley also held the last recruitment workshop and began
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− | planning for the summer with her incredible team. The girls in dorms, apartments, and houses packed
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− | their bags and headed out of Austin, waving goodbye to this school year.
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− | Over the summer, Kappa sisters spread out across the globe for internships, jobs, and study abroad
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− | programs. From Spain, to New York, to Paris, to Dallas and Houston and Galveston, to all the way in
| + | '''Philanthropy:''' |
− | Australia, Kappas took the world by storm. But the months flew by, as summer always does, and came
| + | Beta Xi continued hosting the spring Easter party and the fall Halloween party for local elementary students every year. In 2011, the Kappa Cookout was again held by the chapter and raised $7,800 for the Davis Moon Project, an organization previously supported by Beta Xi’s efforts. Kappa once again faced off in a game of powder puff football against Pi Phi, an event that raised approximately $5,000 for the Austin Children’s Shelter. |
− | to a close. By August, everyone was ready to get back to their Kappa friends, to Austin, and to the
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− | University of Texas.
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− | But unlike years past, when Kappas ran into our house on University Avenue to prepare for
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− | recruitment, this year we ran into…the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, another temporary home! The SAE
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− | fraternity boys kindly let us borrow their conveniently located house for a few weeks. And as we
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− | did with the Union, we turned the SAE house into a home. Kappa seems to have an uncanny knack of
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− | making anywhere feel like a loving home. It could be a room in the Student Union, a study abroad
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− | dorm, a cramped apartment full of Kappas working in New York city, or a fraternity house, but if
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− | Kappas are together, it feels like home. It is definitely a skill we are proud of!
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− | Riley Longtain (Recruitment Chair) and her team’s hard work over the past semester culminated at
| + | '''Convention Awards:''' |
− | the end of August. Spirit week was a blast, and the chapter’s hard work during a long week of
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− | recruiting paid off when 68 awesome new members came running to the Littlefield fountain on campus,
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− | to be welcomed by our chapter with open arms. The stresses of a long Recruitment and being without
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− | a real home took a toll on the chapter, however. Our chapter stumbled on Bid Night with some
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− | behavioral issues that we know are unacceptable. Ellen Crowe (President) and the Chapter Council
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− | quickly jumped into action, taking ownership of our mistakes and trying to get the chapter back on
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− | track. We would have been lost without the fearless leadership of Ellen, the patience of Anna
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− | Wittenmyer (VP Standards), the planning of Hailey Becker (VP Organization), and the maturity of Tai
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− | Massimillian (New Member Chairman). We knew there would be consequences and this would be a long
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− | road ahead, but we also knew that changes that needed to occur. We were nervous but excited for how
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− | our chapter would evolve because of this challenge.
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− | In spite of the chaos, September rolled around, and the Kappas were back. With a crazy Longhorn
| + | ==Highlights of 2020s:== |
− | football win against Notre Dame, we began our classes with excitement and our horns up high! We
| + | (From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.) |
− | continued holding chapter meetings in the Student Union, our temporary home. The first meeting ran
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− | smoothly as chapter council got back in the swing of things, and the new members learned the
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− | ins and outs of their new chapter. Following the events of Bid Day, we were visited by Emily
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− | Murdock and Illiana Garcia, our Theta District director and specialist. They helped our Chapter
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− | Council remember the “why?” of our chapter, as well as realign the goals of Beta Xi with that of
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− | the national organization. They inspired our leaders to be better and to lead our chapter out of | |
− | this slump. They began helping us build a strategic plan to improve our chapter and help us
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− | rectify the mistakes of the weeks prior. Weeks passed, with the first formal meeting held by Hannah
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− | Love (Marshal) and program nights like the one featuring Shannon Moody, where we learned about the
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− | Jeremiah Project, a center for single mothers, organized by Caroline Smyrl (Fraternity Education
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− | Chairman). Hailey Becker (VP Organization) revamped committee nights, helping each committee set
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− | goals for the semester. We also had an exciting visit from the Fraternity President Beth Black, | |
− | held at an alumni’s house in Austin. It was incredible for some of our officers to meet such an
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− | inspiring leader of the organization that we love so much. Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellence)
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− | was happy to report that 13 of our chapter members received 4.0 GPA’s in the spring, and the
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− | chapter’s cumulative GPA was 3.47, as the grade report came in. Kappa competed in the second annual
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− | Greek Get Down dance competition—and though we didn’t place like we did last year, we had so much
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− | fun dancing! Much of the team was made up of our new members, so it was a great way for freshmen,
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− | sophomores, juniors and seniors to all get to know one another. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman)
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− | organized our first fun event, Kappa Kidnap, at a dance hall outside of Austin. With cowboy boots
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− | and dresses on, the Kappas danced the night away to country music from a live band. Soon enough the
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− | semester was in full swing.
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− | October was yet another busy month for Beta Xi. The TX-OU football game was a blast, even though
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− | our beloved Longhorns lost. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) planned a fun date event with Tri-Delt,
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− | and ended the month with our traditional Halloween dance, called Owl-o-ween, with Chi Omega. We
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− | absolutely love doing events with our friends in other sororities! But double the girls, means
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− | double the amount of people trying to safely get home. Despite some bumps in the road in our risk
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− | management policies in the past, Grace Winston (Risk Management Chair) and Anna Wittenmyer (VP
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− | Standards) did an amazing job encouraging everyone to follow our policies. The buddy system became
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− | more successful as the semester went on, and as well as bus riding attendance. Hannah Love
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− | (Marshal) did a stellar job planning and executing Initiation, in our second year without a house.
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− | Initiation was held in a different church than the year before, but Hannah was calm in the face of
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− | chaos, and the event ran as smoothly as ever. The newly initiated members had a wonderful morning,
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− | and afterwards joined their parents and friends for a fun brunch at Hotel Ella near campus.
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− | Caroline Smyrl (Fraternity Education Chairman) did an outstanding job planning Founder’s Day. The
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− | event was held at AT&T Conference Center. Actives and alumnae alike enjoyed stories from alums,
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− | songs from the Kappa pickers, and a presentation by the House Board, who has worked so hard on the
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− | house renovations. Hannah Love (Marshal), Kaki Miller (Key Sis Chair), and Tai Massimilian (New
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− | Member Chairman) worked together to organize a “Big Sis, Little Sis” event with photos by the
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− | University Tower, then on to fun event at a trampoline park! Avery Travis (Registrar) planned
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− | composites, and the Kappas “smiled pretty” for their photos. Avery coordinated with the same
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− | company from the year before to have composites taken in the Union. Our temporary home at the Union
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− | was really starting to feel like ours own—we had taken over! Many chapter members said they will
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− | actually miss our makeshift Union “house.”
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− | In November the semester was quickly wrapping up. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) did a great job
| + | '''Housing:''' |
− | planning a fun parent’s weekend and a Kappa Kasual, our last event of the semester. The event was
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− | held at Cedar Street Courtyard downtown, with a fun live band. Then came the tumultuous 2016
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− | Presidential Election that divided our campus. Kappas went out and voted for their choice, but our
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− | nation was not the only thing that was struggling to unify in the face of adversity. Ellen and the
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− | officers continued to edit and work on the Strategic Plan for upcoming year. With Ellen’s great
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− | vision and the help of the national organization itself, our specialists and the chapter members,
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− | we were able to construct a plan that would allow Kappa to grow in the coming years. Avery Travis
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− | (Registrar) was elected slate chairman, and worked extremely hard to conduct meetings with her
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− | dedicated and passionate slate committee to nominate the officers for next year. This year was
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− | tougher than ever, with so many great candidates stepping up for officer positions. The Slate
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− | Committee knew how important these choices were, considering the issues from Bid Day, the strategic
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− | plan, and the new trajectory that Kappa was on—in order to improve and come back stronger. The
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− | committee worked hard to pick the best possible girls for the chapter council of 2017. The
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− | committee gave the slate presentation at meeting in November, and officer transitions began quickly
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− | after, and the new and old Chapter Councils began working together. As usual, Kappas were able to
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− | come together to create a unified group of sisterhood and friendship.
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| | | |
− | November turned quickly into December, with only one week in between Thanksgiving and Christmas
| + | |
− | breaks for some girls. Hailey Becker (VP Organization) planned a wonderful Leadership Day at a
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− | delcicious restaurant, where the new and old officers can get together with their advisors and go
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− | over the expectations and goals for the upcoming year. Our chapter worked hard to get through final
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− | exams and the end of the semester, with Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellance) planning yummy
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− | Study Snack events throughout the weeks of finals! The Kappas wrapped up a long but fun year. 2016
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− | was a challenging but incredible year for growth for the Beta Xi chapter.
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− | Despite challenges from the house renovation, the political and campus climate, and our own
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− | behavioral issues and changes, our chapter grew stronger and closer than ever, evolving to become
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− | the best chapter we can be. We cannot wait to move into our beautiful new home, and we look forward
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− | to taking on 2017, equipped with everything we have learned and the goals we plan to accomplish in
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− | the next year!
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− | Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
| + | '''Philanthropy:''' |
| | | |
− | Campus climate was tense in 2016, as it was much of the world. Yet another Student Government
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− | election occurred on campus in the Spring, this time with a Beta Xi running for office. Racial
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− | tensions and a new campus carry law caused protests and fractured our student body. The year
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− | culminated in one of the most controversial Presidential Elections ever, occurring in November. Our
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− | own chapter faced some of the biggest pitfalls and hardships we have ever faced. We lost loved ones
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− | and made mistakes. But through all of this, Beta Xi Kappa persevered together. We stood up for our
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− | beliefs and for each other, admitted our faults, and grew into a stronger chapter. Our chapter is
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− | well known at the University of Texas for being involved in and well liked by all groups on campus. Kappas are friendly, open-minded, intelligent and active in university life. Kappas are so well integrated and involved in our diverse on-campus commitments, that our main goal in 2016 was to
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− | increase Beta Xi chapter unity. In spite of a rocky campus climate and our own troubles within Beta
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− | Xi, we hoped to increase the bond of sisterhood in our chapter. Doing so without a home during the
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− | house renovations proved to be a challenge, but our chapter did a great job finding ways to unite,
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− | around causes like our philanthropy and each other’s successes.
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− | Chapter Philanthropy:
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− | What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours
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− | to, in your community?
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− | Wooldrige Elementary, RIF, B+ Foundation (new this year)
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| | | |
− | This year, Berkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) completely revamped and re-energized our
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− | philanthropic efforts. Kappa adopted another philanthropy in addition to Reading Is Fundamental.
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− | The B+ Foundation raises money for cancer research and pairs sororities and fraternities nationwide
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− | with a “Hero:” a child battling cancer. We were paired with our Hero, Moriah. She is an
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− | eight-year-old girl with cancer, and the newest and youngest Beta Xi Kappa ever! She gets to wear
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− | our letters, come to some fun events, and be a part of our Kappa family. Beta Xi embraced our
| |
− | newest sister with love and pride. Kappas made visits to her at the hospital, had her over to our
| |
− | apartments, took her to Mozart’s Coffee Shop to see Christmas lights, made her a scrapbook and
| |
− | battled her disease alongside her. And we are thrilled to report that her cancer is in remission!
| |
− | We hoped to be a light in Moriah’s life this year…but it turns out that Moriah remained a shining
| |
− | light for our chapter, uniting us in some of our hardest seasons.
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− |
| |
− | We remained passionate about encouraging childhood reading, as well! From profit shares organized
| |
− | by chapter members to a book drive to our annual fundraiser, we definitely did not let our passion
| |
− | for this issue fall by the wayside. We have a great relationship with Wooldridge Elementary where
| |
− | we have our annual RIF event every spring for the whole chapter. This year, Berkley added an event
| |
− | there in the fall, as well! Half the chapter volunteered at the elementary school on a Saturday,
| |
− | while the other half gave their time to Neighborhood Longhorns tutoring program.
| |
− |
| |
− |
| |
− | While we await the opening of our newly renovated house on University Avenue, we have been renting
| |
− | rooms in the UT Union building for chapter meetings and for our chapter lunches. It is usually a
| |
− | large meeting room with screens and dining space in the back.
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− |
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− | Oral History
| |
− | Are there any current members, alumnae or advisers from your chapter that you recommend for the
| |
− | Fraternity’s oral history project? We are looking for Kappas with stories to tell – funny chapter
| |
− | memories, great professional achievement stories, heartwarming stories of how Kappa has helped
| |
− | them, etc.
| |
− |
| |
− | Kathryn Stouffer, current member, outgoing PR Chair Sarah Shaw, current member, outgoing House
| |
− | Chair Tricia Cury, former president and recent alum Chandler Foster, recent alum
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− | Hannah Meehan, Beta Xi Chapter Council advisor
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− |
| |
− | ==Highlights of 2017==
| |
− |
| |
− | The Beta Xi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had an excellent year of growth and bonding in
| |
− | 2017. In January, a new group of Chapter Council members began meeting and carrying on the
| |
− | legacy of excellent, cooperative leadership our chapter has had in recent years. Hannah Love was
| |
− | President, Tai Massimilian was VP Standards, Kaki Miller was VP Organization, Payton Scott was
| |
− | VP Academic Excellence, Lauren Fisher was Recording Secretary, Emily Parnell was
| |
− | Corresponding Secretary, Cameron Shepherd was Membership Chairman, Sarah Gregory was New
| |
− | Member Chairman, Camille Szelc was Treasurer, Jennifer Harbour was Assistant Treasurer,
| |
− | Emma Riddle was Philanthropy Chairman, Hallie Smith was Event Chairman, Caroline Smyrl was
| |
− | Registrar, Grace Winston was House Chairman, Charlotte Fitzpatrick was Marshal, Audrey
| |
− | Halbrook was Risk Management Chairman, Regan Ewing was Panhellenic Delegate, Tessa
| |
− | Lauritzen was the Public Relations Chairman, and Allison Ainsworth was Education Chairman.
| |
− | 2017’s Chapter Council has worked tremendously hard to implement our strategic plan to get our
| |
− | chapter back in good standing with both Kappa nationals and the university.
| |
− | By far the most exciting thing for our chapter in 2017 has been being able to be back in our newly
| |
− | remodeled house! We have been so grateful for the Beta Xi House Board and all the time, money,
| |
− | energy, and thought that they put into the plans to remodel our historic chapter house. Before the
| |
− | beginning of school, the House Board hosted an open house for alumnae, donors, families, and
| |
− | members to view the amazing changes to the house. It was such a special time for Beta Xi
| |
− | members of all ages to come together and share in the excitement of the opening. The very next
| |
− | day, active members moved in, and the house immediately sprang to life. It has been such a
| |
− | blessing for the chapter to have a common meeting grounds again and to share meals together,
| |
− | study together, and have our meetings as a chapter in the house.
| |
− | Also in January, Hannah (President) began Chapter Council meetings by having all of Chapter
| |
− | Council read the Strategic Plan for our chapter’s Warning of Probation and review the goals and
| |
− | calendar we had set for the semester. Some of our goals included improvement in chapter
| |
− | management, recruitment, new member experience and programming, standards and risk
| |
− | management, and panhellenic leadership. Hannah also scheduled and coordinated a meeting
| |
− | between Chapter Council and Katherine Latta, our Leadership Development specialist, for a
| |
− | Strategic Plan workshop and a discussion over Start With Why , a book that all of Chapter Council
| |
− | had read over Christmas break. During our first Chapter meeting of the semester, Hannah went
| |
− | over the strategic plan, emphasizing its importance for all members, and reading our Chapter
| |
− | Mission Statement. Tai (VPS) also went over standards behavioral expectations during the first
| |
− | meeting and also held elections for the new Standards Committee members. Grace (House Chair)
| |
− | organized an Orientation for the in-house girls from House Board to explain the rules and
| |
− | organization of the house. Grace and Tai also gave a presentation to the chapter during the first
| |
− | meeting about respecting our newly remodeled house. Cameron (Membership Chair) also held a
| |
− | workshop for the freshmen on a Sunday at the end of the month to teach them the ins and outs of
| |
− | recruitment on the other side and to emphasize the importance of our strategic goals for the
| |
− | recruitment process.
| |
− | February began with a visit from our Leadership Consultant, Maddy. Kaki (VPO) organized a
| |
− | great week in Austin for her, and chapter council enjoyed spending time with her at the house and
| |
− | meeting with her individually to discuss ways to improve each office. Hallie (Event Chair) and
| |
− | Audrey (Risk Management) planned a great Monmouth formal with the Pi Phis at Palm Door.
| |
− | Everyone had a great night with their dates, dancing with the band all night and taking pictures in
| |
− | the photo booth. Emily (Corresponding Secretary) also gave a presentation to the chapter on the
| |
− | GIN system, which the officers have been using more effectively throughout the year to
| |
− | communicate information to the chapter. Sarah (New Member) also finalized the plans for the new
| |
− | member bid day retreat in the Fall, which was something that our chapter had never done before.
| |
− | She did an excellent job planning and communicating to Chapter Council, and Reagan
| |
− | (Panhellenic) discussed our exciting plans with other chapters, who followed Kappas lead in
| |
− | implementing an off-campus retreat in their bid day plans rather than releasing the girls after
| |
− | midnight.
| |
− | March was another exciting month for Beta Xi with lots of events and activities for our actives to all
| |
− | bond. Cameron (Membership) hosted another recruitment workshop for the freshmen where she
| |
− | began to teach them the songs and dances. Her and her team began to familiarize the freshmen
| |
− | with more details of recruitment week. They also met with the newly appointed area assistant to
| |
− | develop strategies. In the middle of the month, the doors of Kappa locked and the chapter
| |
− | dispersed across the country and the world for a fun-filled Spring Break! As soon as everyone
| |
− | returned from their trips, Emma (Philanthropy) began getting everyone excited for the upcoming
| |
− | philanthropy opportunities. In the week after Spring Break, she encouraged the entire chapter to
| |
− | get their families and friends to participate in the B+ Campaign. The campaign was a
| |
− | campus-wide competition before the Round Up weekend, and Kappa proudly raised around
| |
− | $4,000. Emma also planned our annual Pi Phi Kappa Karnival event, hosted at the Pi Phi house
| |
− | with live music, snow cones, face painting, and a petting zoo. Beta Xi raised $6,000 from Karnival to
| |
− | donate to RIF! During April, we said goodbye to our house mom, Ms. Judi. We are so grateful for
| |
− | the years she spent making sure the Beta Xi house felt like a home for all the members. Hallie
| |
− | (Events) wrapped up the month by planning an awesome Dad’s Weekend. The chapter enjoyed
| |
− | dinner with their dad’s at Dirty Martin’s on Friday, and the next day everyone got to enjoy a tour of
| |
− | the Kappa house and a private tour of the Darrell K. Royal Memorial Football Stadium! We also
| |
− | had very productive chapter meetings during March. In fulfillment of our probation terms with the
| |
− | University, we had an informative and interactive alcohol awareness presentation from University
| |
− | Health Services. Although it was a required program, the entire chapter found it interesting and
| |
− | helpful to understand the best way to socialize responsible in a college environment. Kaki (VPO)
| |
− | also continued to work on making Committee Chapter Meetings a fun way for every member to
| |
− | feel like they contribute to our chapter. She restructured the Committee Night schedule to make
| |
− | sure that committees completed their agendas.
| |
− | In April, the semester was in full swing and we had another great month for Beta Xi. At the
| |
− | beginning of the month, we welcomed our new house mom, Ms. Sherri to the Beta Xi house! We
| |
− | have loved the life, love and warmth she has brought to her house with her constant cheeriness and
| |
− | famous shortbread. Nicole Covert, our Recruitment Advisor, received the award for Outstanding
| |
− | Advisor from University Fraternity and Sorority Life. Nicole is more than deserving of this award.
| |
− | Not only does she put in countless hours of work for our chapter, but she is an outstanding mom,
| |
− | friend, and volunteer. We are so proud and thankful to have her as part of our amazing advisory
| |
− | board! Tessa (PR) also planned an Easter Party at the Kappa house, with an Easter egg hunt,
| |
− | cookie decorating, pictures, and more fun. Hallie (Event Chair) planned two great events during
| |
− | April. We had another fun semi-formal, Kite and Key, with Theta at the Summit. She also planned
| |
− | an awesome Mom’s Weekend, with a shopping event at Adelante on Friday, a dinner at Max’s, and
| |
− | brunch at the house on Saturday. Cameron (Membership) closed out the month with a
| |
− | chapter-wide recruitment workshop, the last workshop of the semester. In accordance with our
| |
− | Strategic Plan, the recruitment team updated the members on Panhellenic and Kappa Nationals
| |
− | rules
| |
− | In May, things at the Beta Xi house started to quiet down as all the members began to prepare for
| |
− | their finals and the semester came to an end. Before everyone dispersed for the summer. Allison
| |
− | (Education) conducted the Senior Sendoff, a humorous and sentimental event where the seniors
| |
− | get to share funny memories from their college years and share what their next chapter has in store
| |
− | for them as they leave UT and Kappa. The Alumnae Board also gave a presentation to the seniors
| |
− | to tell them about the opportunities the Kappa alumnae network has for them. Caroline (Registrar)
| |
− | also put them on alumnae status on Key Reports. Chapter Council ended the spring by setting
| |
− | goals and preparing for the upcoming semester. Grace (House) worked with the Sophomores to
| |
− | get roommate requests for the upcoming year. Sarah (New Member) and Cameron (Membership)
| |
− | continued to make plans for recruiting new members and making their experience in Kappa the
| |
− | best ever.
| |
− | Over the summer, the members of Beta Xi parted ways for summer school, internships, and study
| |
− | abroad experiences. Tessa (PR) collected photos from all the different adventures to post on our
| |
− | chapter’s Tumblr, Instagram, and other social media accounts. Cameron, her team, and the area
| |
− | assistants worked extremely hard all summer to prepare for recruitment week, and all of their effort
| |
− | paid off. We had a fun and successful work week and recruitment week in August. We happily
| |
− | welcomed 73 new members to their home at 2001 University Avenue on Bid Day! Sarah’s plan for
| |
− | the new member bid day retreat at Camp Balcones Springs was very well received, and all the new
| |
− | Kappas had an enjoyable and safe time playing games and getting to know their new sisters in
| |
− | their pledge class.
| |
− | In September, school came in full swing, and the chapter enjoyed spending time together, eating
| |
− | meals at the house, studying together, and attending football games. Chapter Council worked to
| |
− | make sure that the New Members really felt that the Beta Xi house was their home on campus.
| |
− | Grace (House) got all of their fingerprints in our lock system, and Emily (Corresponding
| |
− | Secretary) and Caroline (Registrar) entered their contact information into Key Reports and the Gin
| |
− | System to make sure they received all chapter correspondence. After a post-recruitment meeting
| |
− | with Panhellenic, Tai was happy to report to the chapter that we had significantly reduced our
| |
− | fines from previous years! Before the first date event, Tai also gave a presentation to the entire
| |
− | chapter during meeting to lay out expectations and the standards that we hold each other to in
| |
− | social settings. Hallie and Audrey planned our fun destination date event, Kappa Kasual, at the
| |
− | Oasis. Although the event was cut short by the event staff for behavioral problems, Chapter
| |
− | Council took the opportunity as an experience to make a better Risk Management plan for the
| |
− | members before date functions. Tai, Hannah, and Hallie gave a presentation at chapter meeting
| |
− | the following week to re-emphasize the importance of safety during social events and the privilege
| |
− | it is for us to be able to have these functions. We also used our Committee Night to to get feedback
| |
− | from the entire chapter and brainstorm ideas about how we can improve our date events to make
| |
− | them as safe and enjoyable as possible! It was an excellent way for our members to come together
| |
− | and resolve a chapter-wide problem. Payton (VPAE) recognized the members who had received a
| |
− | 4.0 GPA the previous semester during chapter and gave them a goody bag. Her and her committee
| |
− | also decided to give goody bags to members who had made a 3.8, deciding that their hard work
| |
− | should also be noted. Caroline (Registrar) also scheduled the composite photos for the chapter at
| |
− | the end of the month.
| |
− | October was a busy month with many exciting chapter events to celebrate our heritage and history!
| |
− | Tai (VPS) and Audrey (Risk Management) continued to work on Risk Management policies for
| |
− | the chapter and gave presentations before TX-OU Football weekend and our Owl-O-Ween Date
| |
− | event on safety and behavior. The members had a fun weekend in Dallas for the football game,
| |
− | spending time with each other and rocking all of their new Kappa t-shirts and gear made by
| |
− | Favors. Allison (Education) also planned a wonderful Founder’s Day dinner. The event was hosted
| |
− | at AT&T Conference center, and it was a great time for the chapter and Austin alumnae to
| |
− | celebrate the history of our fraternity. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together, presentations from
| |
− | the advisors and house board, and music from Pickers. Charlotte (Marshal) and Emma
| |
− | (Philanthropy) rallied a group of our members to participate in Greek Get Down, a dance
| |
− | competition fundraiser hosted by AEPhi to support the B+ Foundation. The members who
| |
− | participated had so much fun getting to know each other and representing Kappa at the event.
| |
− | Charlotte (Marshal) did an amazing job planning and coordinating Inspiration Week at the end of
| |
− | October. The new members were put in their new Kappa families on big-little on Tuesday, Friday
| |
− | was Fireside, and on Saturday we happily initiated all of our new members as actives! Sarah
| |
− | planned a brunch for the new actives and their families at AT&T following the ceremony. Before
| |
− | our Owl-O-Ween date event with Chi-O, Audrey put a new wristband process and bus buddy
| |
− | system into place to make sure that we did not repeat the same problems we had at Kasual. Hallie
| |
− | (Events) planned the event at Clearport and the night was a huge success. Tessa also planned a
| |
− | Halloween Trick-Or-Treat party at the house for alumnae to bring their kids. The in-house girls
| |
− | decorated their rooms, put out candy, played with all of the kids, and had a great time!
| |
− | Nothing slowed down in November, with many events and lots of time together for the chapter to
| |
− | bond! Kaki hosted the Leadership Consultant, Casey, at the Kappa house and all of the officers
| |
− | enjoyed meeting her and hearing the ways that she thought we had improved within the last year.
| |
− | Hallie organized a fun Parent’s Weekend, with desserts on Friday night at Concrete Cowboy and
| |
− | Bar-B-Que at the house before the football game on Saturday! Hallie finished her term as Events
| |
− | Chairman with a bang by planning our last semi-formal of the semester, Kappa Klassic, at
| |
− | Speakeasy, and the chapter danced all night to the jazz band. Regan (Panhellenic) continued to
| |
− | meet with Panhellenic to discuss changes to the bylaws and did an outstanding job of respectfully
| |
− | presenting our chapter’s stance on the proposals. Our chapter also elected Riley Longtain as Slate
| |
− | Chairman at the beginning of the month, and her and her committee put in so many hours pouring
| |
− | over applications and nominating officers for 2018. Elections were held, and we are so proud of and
| |
− | excited for the upcoming Chapter Council! We know they will carry on the legacy of hard work and
| |
− | thoughtfulness that Beta Xi officers are known for!
| |
− | In December, the semester began to wrap up as the weather changed and finals approached. Kaki
| |
− | planned a leadership brunch at the house for the old Chapter Council, the new Chapter Council,
| |
− | and their advisors. It was a wonderful time to share all of the accomplishments of the past year and
| |
− | to transition the new officers into their positions. Emma also planned the final Philanthropy event
| |
− | for RIF at Wooldridge Elementary. The upperclassmen contributed to a book drive that Kappa
| |
− | donated to the school. The underclassmen got to spend a Saturday morning at Wooldridge,
| |
− | playing basketball with the kids, painting their faces, and getting them excited about their new
| |
− | books. 2017 has been a great year of unity and growth for Beta Xi. We have so enjoyed being able
| |
− | to spend time in our beautifully newly-renovated house, and we are excited for all the memories
| |
− | that will come there in 2018!
| |
− | Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
| |
− | We welcomed a new football coach, Tom Herman, in 2017, and it has been an exciting time for our
| |
− | team as they continue to improve. There were also several emergency incidents on campus this
| |
− | year, causing the campus to unify and rally around support for mental health and campus safety.
| |
− | Our chapter is known on campus for being a well-rounded and open minded group of young
| |
− | ladies. We are proud to have so many members involved in other organizations and making
| |
− | important changes on our campus and in Austin. Beta Xi allows its members to be the best
| |
− | versions of themselves, and we love that those things are reflected in our house as well as on our
| |
− | campus!
| |
− | Chapter Philanthropy:
| |
− | What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in
| |
− | your community? Wooldridge Elementary, B+ Foundation
| |
− | Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
| |
− | We have had a great relationship with Wooldridge Elementary School throughout the years. Several
| |
− | of our members enjoy our RIF events so much at Wooldridge that they volunteer independently
| |
− | there as mentors. Our chapter even received an award from the Wooldridge Elementary School for
| |
− | our outstanding volunteer work with their school.
| |
− | Several sororities and fraternities on campus have also adopted B+ heroes, who are kids battling
| |
− | cancer. Beta Xi has adopted a sweet little girl, named Moriah, who comes to the house about once
| |
− | a week. We feel like Moriah is one of our sisters, and it has been such a joy for our chapter to
| |
− | support her and her family as she goes through her journey. Moriah is one of the reasons our
| |
− | chapter has been so passionate about fundraising for the B+ Foundation, and we are proud of the
| |
− | money we have raised for such an awesome organization!
| |
− | Chapter Facility:
| |
− | In what kind of a facility does your chapter meet? Please attach a clear photo of where you typically hold
| |
− | chapter meetings – whether in a classroom, chapter house or elsewhere.
| |
− | We have a beautiful newly renovated house. We use our main dining room as the chapter room,
| |
− | where hold meetings throughout the year.
| |
− |
| |
− |
| |
− | ==Highlights of 2018==
| |
− |
| |
− |
| |
− | The 2018-19 school year began with a new Beta Xi Chapter Council ready to work hard and
| |
− | continue the amazing work of the previous council. The new Chapter Council was comprised
| |
− | of many new members, as well as some returning faces. Camille Szelc advanced from the role
| |
− | of Treasurer to President, and Jennifer Harbour took her place, moving up from Assistant
| |
− | Treasurer. Helen Williams took over the role as Assistant Treasurer, the only sophomore
| |
− | position on Chapter Council. Emma Riddle and Tessa Lauritzen returned to their respective
| |
− | positions of Philanthropy Chairman and Public Relations Chairman for the second year in a
| |
− | row. Carter Pittman was VP Standards, Charlotte Fitzpatrick was VP Organization,Peyton
| |
− | Travis was VPAE, Emily Parnell was Recording Secretary, Linda Castranova was Corresponding
| |
− | Secretary, Caroline Cannan was Membership Chairman, Cameron Crawford was New Member
| |
− | Chairman, Madison Rigby was Event Chairman, Cameron Shepherd was Registrar, Katie Bell
| |
− | was House Chairman, Lexie Alexander was Marshal, Sarah Boatwright was Risk Management
| |
− | Chairman, Kate Kaiser was Panhellenic Delegate, and Paige Nelson was Education Chair.
| |
− | As the year began, Camille (President) got the Chapter Council in order by determining a set
| |
− | time for weekly meetings. She efficiently created an easy way for all Council members to
| |
− | communicate, set up a Google Drive folder for notes and forms, and reviewed the necessary
| |
− | expectations and responsibilities of Chapter Council officers. The Council discussed their
| |
− | personal and group goals for the semester, focusing mostly on encouraging attendance and
| |
− | bolstering chapter morale throughout the year. To build a stronger community within the
| |
− | chapter, Carter (VP Standards) created a Kappa Kompliments box where members could leave
| |
− | encouraging notes to fellow Kappas to be read out at chapter. Cameron (Registrar) made sure
| |
− | Key Reports was in order and allowed access to the new officers. Jennifer (Treasurer) worked
| |
− | with the Chapter Council to set budgets for the 2018 spring semester and continued with
| |
− | billing of the chapter for the new semester. Linda (Corresponding Secretary) introduced her
| |
− | goal of moving everything over from the ListServe system to GinSystem and began the switch.
| |
− | Peyton (VPAE) started off the year by creating a consistent schedule of study snacks, available
| |
− | every Tuesday as a place for chapter members to take a mental break and grab a cookie or two. At
| |
− | the first chapter of the year, Camille (President) did a great job of welcoming everyone
| |
− | back and introduced transfers. The chapter voted on a new Standards Committee and AE
| |
− | Committee. To begin the process of recruitment, Caroline (Membership) sent out Are
| |
− | a Rush Captain Applications to be due at the end of the month. Sophomores are encouraged to apply
| |
− | to be an Area Rush Captain as a fun way to get more involved in recruitment and assist the rush team in
| |
− | the busy months to come.
| |
− | In early February, the first formal chapter of the year was held. Camille (President) and four
| |
− | other officers attended Ladder of Risk, a workshop designed to introduce the FIGP policy and
| |
− | build a community between fellow sorority and fraternity leaders. Emma (Philanthropy) began
| |
− | the application for GIRLS Academy, an opportunity for Kappa chapters to partner with and
| |
− | mentor young girls from a local middle school. As a chapter, Beta Xi raised over $1,000 for RIF
| |
− | at an event held by Outdoor Voices and was named one of the 20 highest donating KKG
| |
− | chapters. Charlotte (VPO) did a great job of placing chapter members into their respective
| |
− | committees, based off of their requests and needs of the officers. Kate (Panhellenic Delegate)
| |
− | sought to build better relationships between the Beta Xi chapter and Panhellenic by
| |
− | encouraging members to apply to be a Rho Gam for the following year’s recruitment.
| |
− | Cameron (Registrar) planned “Rom Com of the Month” around Valentine’s Day, featuring a
| |
− | night with popcorn, candy, and cheesy movies. The Kappas joined Pi Beta Phi for Monmouth,
| |
− | a wonderful formal event held at The Belmont. Everyone had a blast at the Masquerade
| |
− | themed party, spending the night dancing to the band, posing for photo booth pictures, or
| |
− | coming up with a crazy design to request from the face painters. Paige (Education) planned an
| |
− | interesting and informative program night about self-defense, focusing on what we can do as
| |
− | women if we are placed in a threatening situation. The past two years of rush teams met with
| |
− | Caroline (Membership) and her rush team at a triplicate meeting, allowing them to impart
| |
− | their advice and wisdom. Caroline (Membership) also began meeting with Panhellenic at
| |
− | bimonthly Recruitment Roundtables as a way to learn the rules and routines of recruitment
| |
− | and led her first rush workshop with PC’ 17. On the last chapter of February, Alumnae
| |
− | Relations Specialist for Theta District, Amy Sutton, visited to announce to the chapter that the
| |
− | Warning of Probation had been lifted. The month ended with a Ritual Workshop held by Lexie
| |
− | (Marshall) as a way to refresh the chapter’s memory of important Kappa history.
| |
− | March came and went quickly with the nice week of Spring Break to give everyone a break
| |
− | from school. Emma (Philanthropy) invited the founders of the B+ Foundation to come speak
| |
− | to the chapter. They educated the chapter about their mission and main goals, while also
| |
− | introducing their Roundup fundraising campaign. Peyton (VPAE) held a wonderful Professor
| |
− | Dinner at the Kappa house, giving the members of our chapter a chance to get to know their
| |
− | esteemed professors in a more intimate setting. She designed coffee cups as a party favor so
| |
− | that each professor would remember the hospitality displayed by each girl. Before Spring
| |
− | Break, the Not On My Campus committee gave a brief but informative presentation on staying
| |
− | safe and watching out for your sisters during the break. The next week, Kappas set off all over
| |
− | the country, exploring new places, relaxing at home, or visiting friends studying abroad in
| |
− | foreign countries. After Spring Break, the chapter nominated Avery Campbell as the new
| |
− | Nominating Committee Chair Representative. Emma (Philanthropy) also joined forces with Pi
| |
− | Phi to throw Kappa Pi Phi Karnival. The event was held in the front yard of the
| |
− | Pi Phi house with cotton candy, face paint, and even a mechanical bull! Chapter members sold wristbands
| |
− | to their friends, encouraging them to stop by as a kickoff party for Roundup Weekend. Tessa
| |
− | (PR) invited alumni and friends to the house that Sunday for a fun Easter party. Alumni were
| |
− | welcome to bring their children for a fun afternoon of cookie decorating and egg hunting.
| |
− | Cameron (New Member) began discussing Bid Day with Chapter Council, throwing around
| |
− | ideas and asking for the opinions of the chapter. Madison (Event) planned a completely new event, naming
| |
− | the party “Kappa Krush”. Chapter members secretly invited dates for their
| |
− | friends, but the girls did not find out until their date found them wearing their tie at the party!
| |
− | Everyone was excited to try something new, and the event held Vulcan was a huge success.
| |
− | April was another busy month for the Beta Xi chapter as the school year began wrapping up.
| |
− | Camille (President) and Kate (Panhellenic Delegate) presented the new Diversity and Inclusion
| |
− | Statement written by Panhellenic to the chapter and encouraged members to apply for the
| |
− | new Diversity and Inclusion committee. Katie (House) sent out new room assignments to the
| |
− | sophomores eagerly awaiting their year living in the house. To continue boosting morale,
| |
− | Carter (VP Standards) and the standards committee planned a night at the baseball park for
| |
− | fun sisterhood event in early April. The Kappas took over the stands, eating hot dogs and
| |
− | cheering on the UT baseball team as they took on the Baylor Bears. Peyton (VPAE) recognized
| |
− | girls in the chapter who received a 4.0 in the fall and also announced that the chapter had
| |
− | moved up in the UPC GPA rankings to the 7th position! The new members advanced even
| |
− | higher, ranking 3rd. Chapter members visited Wooldridge Elementary for their biannual
| |
− | Reading is Key event, engaging the students through basketball, bracelet making, and of
| |
− | course, dance parties! Each student got to leave with a few books donated by the members of
| |
− | our chapter. Cameron (Registrar) planned this month’s “Rom Com of the Month” around The
| |
− | Bachelor, having a fun night of snacks and gossip as chapter members gathered together to
| |
− | watch the finale. Caroline (Membership) held two recruitment workshops this month, re-
| |
− | familiarizing the entire chapter with the songs, chants, and strategies soon to be used. The
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− | recruitment team spent endless amounts of time meeting with the ARCs and taking on their
| |
− | respective roles to prepare for the summer months. They did a great job of introducing new
| |
− | changes and getting the chapter excited about a new season of recruitment!
| |
− | Paige (Education) planned a final wrap up event for the seniors at Painting With a Twist. The seniors
| |
− | got to visit a studio to recreate their own painting to take home, and they had a blast!
| |
− | Madison (Event) was busy this month, planning both the last date event of the
| |
− | year, Kite and Key, with Kappa Alpha Theta and Parent’s Weekend. The date event featured a fun band
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− | Cedar Street Courtyard. Instead of doing separate Mom’s and Dad’s weekends, Madison
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− | combined the two into one big Parent’s Weekend at the end of April. On
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− | Friday, chapter members attended a joint shopping event and Happy Hour between Adelante and Santa Rita.
| |
− | To show off the new house, Kappa hosted a brunch for all parents before the UT baseball
| |
− | game. Towards the end of the month, the chapter welcomed back Casey, a Kappa Leadership
| |
− | Consultant. Each Chapter Council officer met with Casey to get advice and set goals for the
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− | next semester. Charlotte (VPO) did a great job in planning activities for Casey to introduce her
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− | to more of Austin. As a whole, the chapter was so grateful that Casey was able to make time
| |
− | to come back and visit again. The school year came to an end in May as Kappas began making their summer plans.
| |
− | Paige (Education) brought back the tradition of Chapter Awards, much to the surprise and
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− | excitement of the chapter. Outstanding Freshman went to Gigi Hanna, Outstanding
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− | Sophomore went to Risk Management Chair Sarah Boatwright, Outstanding Junior went to
| |
− | Peyton Bertram, and Outstanding Senior went to Hannah Love. Hannah was also presented
| |
− | the Eleanor Niggli-Tyler Award for outstanding contributions to Beta Xi Chapter Kappa Kappa
| |
− | Gamma. Kristen Graham won Lillian Lurker, a comedic award presented to a house girl who
| |
− | spent hours in the Lillian, our beloved living room. For outstanding contribution to the
| |
− | University of Texas and Kappa Kappa Gamma, senior Riley Longtain received the Braun-
| |
− | Maynard Award. Last, Sally Cisarik won the Heather Lynn Dealy Award, nicknamed the
| |
− | “Sunshine Award”. Paige (Education) also planned Senior Sendoff to honor those leaving us.
| |
− | Each senior received a small present from the chapter and announced their future plans.
| |
− | Jennifer (Treasurer) explained payment plans to the chapter, as she would begin billing for
| |
− | the Fall semester in August. During the summer months, Beta Xi Kappas set off to do wonderful things all over the world.
| |
− | Several members studied abroad, becoming familiar with the lifestyles in Spain, Italy, Croatia,
| |
− | and more. Older Kappas began internships and summer jobs, hoping to gain experience and
| |
− | make connections. Other members entered summer school or attended summer camps. To
| |
− | keep in touch, Tessa (PR) kept up the chapter’s various social media accounts, gathering
| |
− | pictures from everyone’s exciting summer experiences. Camille (President) and Emily
| |
− | (Corresponding Secretary) took off to Denver to attend the Kappa Convention. They had an
| |
− | incredible time getting to know Kappa chapters from all over the country and developing
| |
− | stronger relations with the advisors who attended as well. Beta Xi was lucky enough to win
| |
− | the advisory board of the year award for the chapter connections with the advisors. The most
| |
− | notable part of their trip was the presentation by Lawrence Ross, who came to UT this past
| |
− | Fall as well to discuss race relations in Sororities and Fraternities. Caroline (Recruitment) and
| |
− | her rush team stayed busy reviewing letters of recommendation, planning out the fun days of
| |
− | work week, and creating a strategy to use in the upcoming weeks. Chapter members moved
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− | back to Austin in early August to participate in a week of preparing for recruitment. Caroline
| |
− | (Recruitment) and her team even surprised the chapter with a swimming barge as a way to
| |
− | cool off in the hot summer heat. A great work week led into an even better recruitment week.
| |
− | Beta Xi was proud to show off the their unique personalities, and on Bid Day, we welcomed 68
| |
− | amazing new girls into our chapter! The festivities planned by Cameron (New Member)
| |
− | included dinner at Matt’s El Rancho, a dance party, and a sleepover at the house for all new
| |
− | members. The girls loved getting to know their future sisters in a more intimate setting.
| |
− | The school year started up again in September. Kappas welcomed the fall semester with open
| |
− | arms, entering new classes and cheering on the Longhorns football team. Chapter Council
| |
− | gathered together again on Sundays to communicate their semester goals and plan for how to
| |
− | achieve them. After an orientation put on by Katie (House), PC’ 16 moved into the house,
| |
− | enjoying the comfort of living so close to campus. The New Members eagerly explored
| |
− | their new home, eating meals together, studying in the basement, and showing off the house to
| |
− | their friends during guest lunches. They attended a New Member Orientation put on by
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− | Panhellenic to learn all of the policies and responsibilities expected of new
| |
− | members. Within Kappa,Cameron (Registrar) and Linda (Corresponding Secretary) worked with Cameron (New
| |
− | Member) to gather all of the New Member information to input them into the various
| |
− | systems. Linda (Corresponding Secretary) also gave a presentation on Ginsystem as the
| |
− | chapter officially moved over from ListServe. Carter (Standards) elected a new member to the
| |
− | Standards committee to replace the senior who graduated in May. Once again, Charlotte
| |
− | (VPO) worked on organizing committees in time for the first committee night. Peyton (VPAE)
| |
− | proudly announced that our chapter moved from 8th place to 4th place out of 14 sororities in
| |
− | the UPC GPA rankings with an average GPA of 3.5581. Cameron (New Member) began the
| |
− | New Member meetings before chapter each week to educate the New Members on various
| |
− | aspects of Kappa, introduce them to the Chapter Council officers, and answer any questions
| |
− | they had. The Kappas attended their first date event in late September, a fun, ranch
| |
− | style joint date event with Tri Delta. Our chapter was approved for GIRLS Academy, so Emma
| |
− | (Philanthropy) began working on those details. Tessa (PR) gathered pictures and stories from
| |
− | the summer to publish the summer newsletter.
| |
− | As October came around, energy in the house was at an all time high with the excitement of
| |
− | Halloween, the Texas-OU game, and our date event with Chi Omega. The month began with
| |
− | chapter composites planned by Cameron (Registrar). Avery Steen worked closely to pair the
| |
− | sophomores and New Members for Key Sis dates, giving the newer members a chance to
| |
− | spend time with their older sisters. Emma (Philanthropy) scheduled a bat tour for girls in the
| |
− | chapter to spend time with Moriah, our B+ Hero. In preparation for the big game in Dallas,
| |
− | Sarah (Risk Management) worked with the NOMC leaders to give a helpful presentation on
| |
− | the risks of party weekends and how to stay safe. She also organized a list of girls going to the
| |
− | game by fraternity so that all Kappas knew who to turn to if they needed help. On Friday,
| |
− | Kappas loaded up buses and cars to head to the Red River Rivalry. After a nerve-wracking game,
| |
− | the Longhorns came out on top with a 48-45 win. To celebrate Halloween, Madison
| |
− | (Event) planned our annual Owl-o-ween with Chi O. From Ghostbusters to movie stars,
| |
− | everyone enjoyed dressing up with their date. Tessa (PR) hosted a Halloween party at the
| |
− | house for alumni and their children. In-house girls participated by handing out candy in a
| |
− | mock trick-or-treat activity. Towards the end of the month, Kappas went back to Wooldridge
| |
− | Elementary to host their fall Reading is Key event. Everyone loved seeing the children again,
| |
− | and we even saw some returning faces! The month culminated with a sisterhood hangout
| |
− | with Kappa Delta. Kate (Panhellenic) invited the KDs into our house to build ice c
| |
− | ream sundaes and socialize.
| |
− | November kicked off with a fun-filled Parent’s Weekend, featuring a great brunch at the
| |
− | house before a big football game against West Virginia. The following week was an amazing
| |
− | Inspiration Week planned by Lexie (Marshal). Casey the Leadership Consultant returned that
| |
− | week to act as a guide and mentor through all of the Initiation rituals. Chapter Council was so
| |
− | fortunate to have someone who knew our chapter so well to be there during this special
| |
− | week. The week began with Big-Little reveal as the new members were welcomed into their
| |
− | new families, dressing up and eating Amy’s ice cream. On Friday, Fireside was held at the
| |
− | house. After bonding all night, the new members were finally initiated early Saturday
| |
− | morning. To celebrate, Cameron (New Member) planned a wonderful brunch for the new
| |
− | actives and their families. The weekend culminated with Founder’s Day, a special event held
| |
− | each year to embrace our Kappa history and celebrate our esteemed alumni. This year, Paige
| |
− | (Education) planned Founder’s Day at the Kappa House as a way to show off our beautiful
| |
− | home and make the event more intimate. Kappa also participated in Greek Get Down, a
| |
− | dance competition put on by AEPhi to raise money for their philanthropy. Peyton (VPAE) held
| |
− | another Professor Dinner, giving the new actives a chance to talk to the people who led their
| |
− | classes each day. On the last Thursday in November, Kappas attended Kappa Klassic, a semi-
| |
− | formal held at Summit. Everyone had a blast, and Kappa commends Madison (Event) for the
| |
− | wonderful job she did planning events all year. The Slate committee worked endless hours,
| |
− | pouring over Chapter Council applications and debating who would be the next leaders of
| |
− | Kappa. After long nights, they presented their nominations to the chapter, which were warmly
| |
− | received. Kappa thanks Slate for the wonderful job they did, and we are all very excited for
| |
− | the new Chapter Council to lead us into next year.
| |
− | As the year came to a close, December was an important time for transitioning. New Chapter
| |
− | Council members met with those who held their positions currently to learn the ins and outs
| |
− | of each job. As a wrap-up and official transition day, Charlotte (VPO) planned the Leadership
| |
− | brunch at the house. Old and new Chapter Council members gathered with their advisors to
| |
− | celebrate everything that has been accomplished in the past year and discuss goals for the
| |
− | semester to come. Chapter Council members also attended the State of Panhellenic dinner to
| |
− | present what Kappa achieved in the last year. As a treat, Carter (VP Standards) and the
| |
− | Standards committee replaced the last chapter with a sisterhood party. The house
| |
− | transformed into a Winter Wonderland as chapter members took a break from studying to
| |
− | enjoy free massages, cookie decorating, and a chocolate fountain. Overall, 2018 was a
| |
− | remarkable year for Kappa as we transitioned off of a Warning of Probation, introduced a
| |
− | wonderful new pledge class, and grew stronger together. We are very fortunate to have had
| |
− | such an exciting year, and we anticipate that 2019 will be even better!
| |
− |
| |
− | This year,the Texas Longhorns played a fantastic season and played against the Oklahoma Sooners in the
| |
− | Big 12 Championship at the AT&T Stadium. This was the first year since 2009 that the Longhorns made
| |
− | it to the Big 12 Championship,and it was the first time since 1903 that the two teams played each
| |
− | other twice in one season.
| |
− | The Longhorns will go on to play the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day.
| |
− | After a long campaign season and a runoff,Colton Becker and Mehraz Rahman were elected
| |
− | as the new student body president and vice president. Our chapter is known throughout campus
| |
− | for being very involved in multiple school functions and clubs.
| |
− | The traditional "Kappa"girl is known for being respectable,responsible,and true to herself.
| |
− | Our house is a landmark on campus, and we take pride in welcoming people to see this
| |
− | special place.
| |
− | Our chapter supports Reading Is Fundamental,B+ Foundation
| |
− |
| |
− | Our chapter has been raising money and gathering books for RIF over the last few years.
| |
− | We partner with Wooldridge Elementary to host a RIF event there twice a year, inviting
| |
− | students from the school to come play games,eat snacks,and get their faces painted.
| |
− | Each child leaves with books donated by our members. Throughout the year,chapter members
| |
− | volunteer as mentors for some of the students at the school. We received our B+ Hero,
| |
− | Moriah,a few years ago,along with many other sororities and fraternities on campus.
| |
− | Moriah has become part of the sisterhood, and she is well loved by everyone in the chapter.
| |
− | We spend lots of time taking her and her friends to participate in things around Austin as well
| |
− | as hosting them to the house to paint,sing,or play hide-and-go-seek. Throughout the year,we
| |
− | also raise money for the B+ Foundation through fundraising campaigns. As Moriah grows older,
| |
− | we are so lucky to have had the chance to get to know her and her family.
| |
− |
| |
− | Our chapter meets every Monday at 6 pm in what we call the "Great Room" in the house.
| |
− | At 5pm, we offer chapter dinner to the entire chapter. As dinner comes to an end,our House
| |
− | Boys assist us in moving the tables and chairs from a dining room setting to more of a
| |
− | presentation-style setting.
| |
− |
| |
− | Every year,we have multiple girls from our chapter apply to ride for Texas 4000. Texas
| |
− | 4000 is a non-profit organization that hosts one of the longest bicycle rides in the
| |
− | world. The Kappas who apply and are accepted raise thousands of dollars, training a
| |
− | ll year for their ride from Austin to Alaska. Our chapter assists these members by posting
| |
− | on social media, selling t-shirts, and helping raise money. Not only are we incredibly
| |
− | proud of our girls who take on this task, we also commend our chapter for the outpouring
| |
− | love and support they provide.
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− | Summer 2018 Riders:
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− | Peyton
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− | Bertram
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− | and
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− | Linda
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− | Castranova;
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− | Summer 2019 Riders:
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− | Julie
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− | DeLaRosa
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− |
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− |
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− |
| |
− | ==Highlights of 2019==
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− |
| |
− | Several members of Kappa are a part of the peer buddy in Best Buddies. They ar epaired with an adult with an intellectual disability and he’s their"buddy"at all the events for the rest of the school year.It is a great way for our members to stay involved in the community as well as make an impact in someone's life. I would say that all our members involved in Best Buddies have learned more from the program than they expected. Our members are also involved in our philanthropy,Reading is Fundamental. There is an event at Wooldridge Elementary School where members go hang out with the children at the school, paint their faces, make bracelets, draw pictures, play basketball and everyone's favorite, play musical chairs.
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− | There are also other events we are involved in such as an online fundraiser for B+ Foundation, Girls Academy (middle school girls retreat on leadership, service, and respect), book drives, participated in Phi Psi Stuff the Truck, DG Desserts, Alpha Phi's Mac N' Phis, Pi Phi's Pi Burger's & Phries, ADPi's PiHop, won SDT EAT your way around competition, Kappa Pi Phi carnival, fundraising for Texas4000, donated menstrual products to PERIOD.Each of our members are dedicated to their success and have achieved incredible things while at the University of Texas. One of our members was awarded a $1500 grant for thesis research, she is the co-president of Plan II student association, was also awarded the AJ and Lynda Hare Scribante Scholarship for $3000, and is a counselor for Dell Medical Summer Science Camp. We have a lot going on but we are all there to support each other and help out when someone could use another hand.
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− |
| |
− | Our members are involved in certain programs and clubs on campus and a majority hold officer positions in those organizations. A few of the things they have worked to accomplish include improved transition for freshman Plan II students by creating new activities and opportunities for involvement, contributed to enrichment and closeness of Greek community, donated 300 books to Wooldridge Elementary, and provided support, education, and leadership to Wooldridge students, B+ hero, and summer camp kids. We support Reading is Fundamental, Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation We chose RIF because it is our national philanthropy and we want to participate in the core values of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Hosting RIF events and book drives connects us with our sisters within the chapter and throughout the nation. We chose the B+ Foundation because it is a local philanthropy that we can participate in with other sororities and fraternities on the University of Texas campus.
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− |
| |
− |
| |
− | ==Highlights of 2020==
| |
− |
| |
− | Beta Xi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had a great year! Multiple members were awarded KKG foundation academic scholarships. Ashley Duester (PC ’17) was awarded the UT Sorority and Fraternity Life Office Outstanding Member of 2020 award. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were lucky enough host a sisterhood basketball game in February and the Monmouth date event on March 2nd, 2020. After life started to change, sisterhood events began to look more socially distant. On November 10th, 2020 we held a sisterhood ice cream event at Zilker Park and a hot chocolate event in the key garden during finals week in December. We continued to stay philanthropically involved by hosting a chapter drive-in donation to EJI in Spring 2020. Because of the pandemic, we created operation plans for managing chapter facilities in the midst of COVID-19. We conducted a virtual work week, recruitment, and bid day. All new member meetings, formal and reverse pledging ceremonies, and formal chapter meetings were held virtually through zoom (informal chapter meetings consisted of a PowerPoint made by the members of chapter council and sent out to the entire chapter). Further, initiation was completely virtual and combined into one ceremony.
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− |
| |
− | The Chapter celebrated Founders Day with a brunch at the Beta Xi KKG House. Kappa Alumni were invited to come celebrate the exciting day and share with each other the power of Kappa women.There was a speaker who presented a little bit about Kappa and the history of it and everyone had a great time in each others company.
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− |
| |
− | The chapter began to celebrate Kappa’s 150th anniversary with Founders Day. Customized cups and napkins were made for the guests of Founders Day as well as for the active members to use throughout the year.
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− |
| |
− | For our philanthropy we support B+ Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, and various COVID relief organizations: Fuel Our Heroes, Communities in Schools of Central Texas, Boys and Girls Club. RIF is our Kappa affiliate philanthropy and B+ supports children battling cancer. As for COVID relief participation, we felt that the pandemic was one of the greatest crisis of our lifetime and we needed to help in any way possible.
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− |
| |
− | The chapter fund raised for the Equal Justice Initiative, started a summer anti-racism book club, established a Diversity and Inclusion position of chapter council and committee for recruitment. All Diversity and Inclusion positions and committees were made permanent.
| |
− |
| |
− | To celebrate 150 years of Kappa, our education chair made gift packages and sent them to all of the alumnae being honored. In these gift packs were personalized Yeti cups and notes.
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− |
| |
− | Here is a link to our Instagram that was run by our PR chair. It features pictures posted following public health guidelines and how we handled the social media aspect of the pandemic. https://www.instagram.com/texaskkg/?hl=en
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− |
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− |
| |
− |
| |
− | ==Highlights of 2021==
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− |
| |
− |
| |
− | In 2021, the Beta Xi chapter continued to thrive despite the complex environment of the evolving pandemic, and the chapter was a place of refuge for its members. In the early spring, chapter members stayed connected through virtual chapters and outdoor sisterhood events including a coffee bar in the KKG courtyard and a profit share with a delicious ice cream sandwich truck to raise money for our philanthropies. Later in the semester, the chapter had its first semi-formal in over a year. The event was split up by grade level and members and their dates were COVID tested prior to the event. 87 members had 4.0s in the spring semester, and the chapter raised thousands of dollars for philanthropies including RIF, B+, Allies Against Slavery, and National Coalition against human trafficking. In the summer, Recruitment week was an exciting time for the chapter. It was the first time the entire chapter was able to be together since early 2020, and new bonds were formed while old bonds were strengthened. In the fall, chapter events and meetings were once again in-person. The return of Kappa lunch was welcomed by the chapter, as members were once again able to spend time together eating and studying at the Kappa house.
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− |
| |
− |
| |
− | Chapter Philanthropy
| |
− | In the spring, the Beta Xi chapter raised money to help Austin’s homeless during the winter storms and raised $20,000 for two organizations that combat human trafficking. Throughout the year, our chapter supported the B+ Foundation, which supports the families of children who are fighting cancer. This fall, Christiane, an honorary Kappa who has Batten disease, joined our chapter. She frequently visits the Beta Xi house for Kappa lunch where she eats and socializes with chapter members. The chapter also had several canned food drives.
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− |
| |
− | The chapter had a walk to raise money for NEDA and fundraised for the Jed Foundation.
| |
| | | |
| + | '''Convention Awards:''' |
| | | |
− | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
| |
− | 2021 was the first full year of the Beta Xi chapter having a DEI chair on chapter council. She promoted university-wide diversity and inclusion seminars, speeches, and student organizations. DEI presentations were given during chapter meetings that included promoting national heritage holidays. The DEI chair also gave a DEI presentation during work week to promote inclusivity during recruitment.
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| | | |
| + | ------------------------------- |
| + | '''Note to Chapter Registrar:''' |
| + | Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance. |
| | | |
− | Operating in a Pandemic
| + | Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy! |
− | How did your chapter operations change due to COVID-19 (e.g., how did it affect recruitment, initiation, etc. Were events/activities held virtually?). Share what you have done this year. Chapter operations were impacted by COVID-19. During the spring, chapter and chapter council meetings were held virtually, and sisterhood and philanthropy events were usually outside in smaller groups. Work week and recruitment were a hybrid environment. Many work week activities were in-person, wearing masks. Recruitment was virtual until the preference round, which was split into two days, socially distanced, and masked. In the fall, the chapter saw a return to many more in-person events. The initiation ceremonies were once again in-person, although Fireside was split into two groups to facilitate social distancing. The chapter also elected to use the combined service for initiation, per the recommendation of Kappa nationals, to limit close contact between initiates and alumnae. The white room had less draping to allow for better ventilation, and seniors were not required to attend so that the room was less crowded than it would have been in a pre-pandemic initiation.
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