Difference between revisions of "Zeta Nu"

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Zeta Nu
ZN
Founded	November 23, 1985 (1985-11-23) (39 years ago)
College	University of California San Diego
Location	La Jolla, CA
Homepage	Zeta Nu Homepage
Media related to Zeta Nu Chapter

University of California, San Diego established in 1960, San Diego California

Zeta Nu founded on November 23, 1985

878 initiates (as of June 2012)

Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:

Fraternity Officers:

Julie Love Stonehouse, 1988-89

Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:

Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Founded in the mid-1960s, the University of California, San Diego, known for its high academic standards, offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and sciences. UCSD's programs in marine biology, oceanography, and the health sciences are especially well regarded. In 1985, there were approximately 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students at UCSD, which is located on 1,200 acres of beautiful coastal woodland near the northern limits of the city of San Diego. The university's undergraduate colleges sit high on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography extends the campus to the water's edge and beyond.

Colonization and Installation

After colonization in April 1985, the pledges quickly set about the task of learning what it is to be a Kappa and of forming a cohesive group. When they returned to school in the fall, the charter members took part in UCSD's formal rush and pledged 29 more young women.

Zeta Nus were not the only Kappas who had a busy fall. Members of the five alumnae groups in San Diego were handling the myriad of details and initiation. Mary Barkis Johnson, Kansas State. who served as Installation Chairman, left no stone unturned. Vera Lewis Marine, Colorado College, coordinator for chapter development, an experienced hand with installation and formerly Province Director of Alumnae for Kappa Province, provided Mary with very able assistance. It is hard for those of us who worked with Mary and Vera on installation to imagine anyone else in charge. Both had a steady hand in assuring those of us with less experience in such matters that we could do it. And we did thanks to the Kappa leadership provided by Mary and Vera.

Mary’s committee chairmen were Jan Bullen Wright, New Mexico, and a colonizer of USC, Finance; Cynthia Doughty Davis, USC, Banquet; Mary Jeanne Bahr Schram, Maryland, and Susan Vigil Belger, New Mexico, Installation/Initiation Service; Jane Burbank Wallaston, Nebraska, Fireside; Marilyn Cross Minton, Ohio State, Saturday lunch; Susan Cameron Hoffman, Arizona, Saturday breakfast; Nancy Sauer Miller, USC, Flowers; Sally Jones Glynn, Iowa, Gifts; Karen Byers Mays, Oregon State, Lodging; and Sally Moore, Oregon State, Thursday potluck. Other alumnae helped in countless ways, doing everything from making box lunches to working on the many preparations for initiation and the banquet.

Friday, November 22, dawned bright and cheery, and there was a special excitement among the 46 pledges, soon to be actives, and the alumnae. Tonight initiation would begin with fireside in La Jolla at the beautiful home of Priscilla Lichty Moxley, Colorado. Actives from University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, Riverside; California State University at Northridge; University of Arizona; and Arizona State University were there to participate and make their soon-to-be sisters feel closer within the bonds of Kappa. Punch and cookies were served while Zeta Nus opened many wonderful gifts from active chapters and alumnae groups.

It is hard to say whether the prospective initiates or San Diego area alumnae were more excited Saturday, November 23, 1985, when 46 undergraduates were initiated as charter members of Zeta Nu, Kappa's 114th active chapter, at University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The five active alumnae groups in San Diego County had waited a long time for this day, and no one was disappointed. It was particularly special for those "Chum Alums" who had been "big sisters" to the charter pledges and who had the distinct honor of pinning on their keys.

Zeta Nus installation weekend was the culmination of several months of activity which began in February 1985 when Kappa accepted UCSD's invitation to colonize. Kappa joined three other sororities (Sigma Kappa, Delta Gamma, and Alpha Omicron Pi) and six fraternities on campus. There has been a rapid growth in rush numbers the last few years, which led to UCSD's decision to expand. It is expected that another sorority may follow in 1986 or 1987. With interest in the Greeks currently on the rise, we may see as many as eight sororities at UCSD in the not too distant future.

Saturday arrived cool and overcast, but nothing could dampen the spirits of the 46 Zeta Nus and San Diego alumnae who gathered at the First Methodist Church in San Diego where initiation was to take place. Installing officers Marian Klingbeil Williams, Missouri, Fraternity President, and Kay Smith Larson, Washinton, Fraternity Vice President, were assisted by Marjorie Matson Converse, Purdue, Extension Chairman; Carole Cathcart Siegler, Drake, Kappa province director of alumnae; Molly McKinney Schulze, Colorado, Kappa south province director of chapters; Thelma Muesing Dahlen, Minnesota, Kappa north province director of chapters; Katherine McDonald, Colorado College; Kim Braun Padulo, Riverside, chapter council adviser; and traveling consultants, Mary Sterner, Missouri, and Kimberly Schlundt, Miami (Ohio), as well as the presidents of Kappa south province chapters. Zeta Nu chapter president, Heather Bridgeman, proudly accepted the charter on behalf of her newly initiated sisters.

After enjoying a box lunch on the patio, the new Kappas and fraternity officers conducted a model chapter meeting. Following this Zeta Nu actives proudly conducted a formal pledging of the 29 young women they had pledged during formal rush this fall. Kappa smiles were everywhere as Zeta Nu actives, fraternity officers, alumnae, and Zeta Nu pledges experienced the spirit of Kappa.

Saturday evening more than 300 Kappas (actives and alumnae), families of Zeta Nu initiates, and friends gathered at the Town and Country Hotel for a lovely banquet arranged by Cynthia Davis. Toastmistress Mary Johnson welcomed everyone. Kim Gelman, president of Arizona, offered a toast to the new chapter. Heather Bridgeman UC San Diego, president graciously responded. Ms. Betty Beckett, Panhellenic Adviser from UCSD, read greetings from Mr. Randy Woodard, UCSD's Director Student Affairs, who was unable to attend. In his letter Randy officially welcomed Kappa as the fourth sorority on campus and said he knew Kappa well having had three Kappa sisters. Marian Williams welcomed the new chapter to the Fraternity and its rich heritage of sisterhood and excellence.

There were many highlights during the evening including all 75 Zeta Nus entertaining with some of their favorite Kappa songs and the presentation to Heather Bridgeman of the president's badge, gift of the San Diego Alumnae Association; presentation to Frances DeCharme of the scholarship key, gift of Betty Schellschmidt Hill, Butler, a member of the La Jolla Alumnae Association; presentation to Kathy Criste (Zeta Nu treasurer) of a special key from USC as the most outstanding senior; Kay Smith Larson and Vera Lewis Marine Spirit Award to Stacie Rowe; and presentation of a 50-year pin to Dorotha Marie Wharton, Utah.

After the traditional singing of the Banquet Song and Passing of the Light Ceremony, the evening came to a close. For Zeta Nus this was the beginning of what will be one of their richest experiences in life. Alumnae leaving the banquet were especially moved because the installation and initiation had climaxed the many years of hoping and dreaming for an active Kappa chapter in San Diego. At long last those dreams had come true with young women who definitely have that special Kappa quality.

Highlights of the 1980s:

Even before they were formally initiated and installed, Zeta Nu chapter had already begun efforts as a whole to join in the Kappa philanthropic spirit. By selling Easter Seal coupon books they were able to donate more than $1,000 to Easter Seals, a division of Children’s Hospital and Health Center in San Diego, and the sponsor of this “Safe Halloween” fundraiser. The coupon books, which had a $10 value for free food and discount savings, solf for $1 each and were a smashing success among students. These charter members, under the direction of the philanthropy chairman continued their service to Easter Seals by helping at the Easter Seals Telethon in the spring.

The Zeta Nu chapter was installed on November 23, 1985, after diligent efforts of the local alumnae groups who were eager to have a Kappa chapter in San Diego .

The Zeta Nus benefited from a Chapter Consultant, Susan Ruckman, from 1986-1988. Zeta Nu members were active in many organizations on UCSD's campus including student government, athletics, on-campus employment opportunities, and student exchange programs.

Some activities that filled the Zeta Nu calendar included theme parties, Sapphire Ball, Panhellenic Scholarship Banquet, spring fling, Greek Week, formal dances, and Parents Weekend. Sisterhood events included officer training, hold-over initiation, spring rush retreat, alumnae picnic, fall rush retreat, senior banquet, and big/little sis events, and Founders Day.

Spring quarter of 1987 the Zeta Nu chapter had the highest GPS of all Greek organizations on UCSD's campus. Scholarship activities included “study buddies.” Many members were selected for honor societies, honor roll, and and scholarship clubs.

In 1987 the Zeta Nu chapter participated in the Inter-Sorority Volleyball Tournament in Zuma Beach near Malibu, California.

Linda Schink, Washington State, a Kappa Traveling Consultant, visited the chapter in 1987. In 1988 the Order of Omega was established on UCSD's campus. This organization honored Greek women with an exceptional GPA, and many Zeta Nus became members.

Rush in 1989 welcomed 45 new pledges. The chapter was now 125 active members, the largest sorority on UCSD's campus.

In 1989 the chapter's goal was "Let Kappa Be Known." Their objectives were to develop, improve and maintain great public relations with the campus, community, and the entire chapter. In 1989 the new student center, the Price Center, opened on the UCSD campus. The facility included Associated Students offices, bookstore, meeting space, and restaurants.

Housing: The Zeta Nus became a housed chapter in 1988, when they leased an off-campus apartment that housed the officers as well as the chapter archives. Chapter gatherings were often hosted here.

Philanthropy:

Some causes that were supported by the Zeta Nus included Easter Seals telethon, Kappa alumna in need, teaching disabled children to swim, Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, volunteer hours at local businesses, San Diego Children's Hospital, and the Rose McGill Fund.

Awards:

1988 – First place for philanthropy award and honorable mention for Chapter/Adviser relations at Convention; 1989 Province Meeting – Honorable Mention awards for Chapter/Advisory Board Relations, Outstanding Achievement in GPA, and Chapter Excellence.

Highlights of the 1990s

The chapter continued their participation in campus activities and organizations. Panhellenic honored the Zeta Nus in 1991 with the Outstanding Chapter of the Year Award.

The chapter continued to host sisterhood events for actives and pledges, and these events often included alumnae and parents as well.

In 1990 the Zeta Nus mourned the loss of one of their members, Miriam Haque, who was killed in a car crash.

UCSD's Panhellenic Association approved of the expansion of sororities on the campus. Chi Omega was invited to join the system in 1991, Alpha Chi Omega was approved for 1992, and Kappa Alpha Theta was colonized on campus in 1994.

Founders Day in 1990 honored 120 years of Kappa Kappa Gamma history. Alumne and actives joined together for a brunch and celebration of our sisterhood. The Zeta Nus incorporated in new scholarship program in 1998, the Smart Apples weekly award for outstanding academic achievement.

Gina de Pallo, Kappa South Province Director of Chapters, visited the Zeta Nu chapter in 1998.

Housing: The Kappa Kondo was remodeled in 1990. Improvements were made to the kitchen, hallway, bathroom, laundry room, and dining room. By 1998, the Zeta Nu Kappas moved from the Kappa Kondo into a house located off-campus.

Philanthropy: Philanthropy continued to be a stong area of focus for the chapter. Efforts included events at Children's Museum of San Diego and supporting the United Cererbral Palsy Association.

Awards 1990 – Standards Award at Convention in Dallas, TX

Highlights of 2000-2010

Morale was high for the Zeta Nu chapter, and the members continued to strengthen their ties of sisterhood. Their focus was on organization, communication with their advisers, maintain strong archives, involvement in campus activities, and good relations among the Panhellenic members. The chapter observed three minutes of silence alongside more than 500 others on the UCSD campus to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001. There was also a candlelight vigil held on campus.

In 2004 there were approximately 20,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students on the campus of UCSD. Biology, economics, political science, and engineering were some of the strongest majors on campus, and the university was structured on a quarter system.

The chapter continued to showcase its efforts on UCSD's campus through scholarship, philanthropy, and participation in athletics and other school organizations.

The chapter displayed Zeta Nu's archives at the alumnae holiday party, new member recruitment, as well as Founders Day. The chapter is committed to improving the storage of items for archival purposes, a challenge that the chapter faced when they lost their house in 2004.

The Zeta Nus hosted the 2005 Province Meeting in San Diego, and the chapter hosted a Leadership Consultant that same year.

In 2005, the Zeta Nu members participated for the first time in Kappa's Leadership Academy. In 2008, UCSD was ranked the 7th best public school institution in the nation. In 2008, there were a total of nine sororities on campus. Zeta Nu had 110 active members which made the chapter one of the largest sororities at UCSD.

In 2009, the chapter mourned the loss of one of one of their active members, Gisele Holvik. An ongoing challenge for the chapter was strengthening sisterhood. Some events that helped bring the chapter members together included a beach day, potluck dinner, movie marathons, Sapphire Sister events, group yoga class, Padres game outing, and teamwork development games. Also successful was the start of "Fleur-de-lis Friends" that matched members with similar interests to encourage getting to know members better.

Housing:

The chapter lost its house in June of 2004 due to changes in the city's ordinance of student housing. This created an opportunity for the chapter to find some different and creative ways of functioning as a chapter. They began hosting recruitment, meetings, and events on campus.

Philanthropy:

The chapter members shared their time and fundraising with book drives, prom dress drives, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society, Reading is Fundamental, and Erikson Elementary School. The most successful fundraiser for the chapter was the Kappa Kup soccer tournament. Money raised from this event went to the San Diego Center for Children. Over time, the Kappa Kup made way for the Kappa Klassic 5k run/walk, still supporting the San Diego Center for Children.

Awards: 2008 Convention –Honorable mention for Best Chapter Management and New Member Program’ first place Best Finance award; 2010 Convention – Second place for Chapter Management and Risk Management.

Highlights of 2011-2019

The chapter continued its focus on strengthening sisterhood.

Philanthropy:

In 2011 the Zeta Nu chapter started the first ever Kappa Karnival philanthropy, raising more than $6,000 for the San Diego Center for Children. With the help from other sororities and fraternities, as well as UCSD clubs, the event hosted carnival booths and food for children at the Center.

Awards:

2011 Province Meeting – Most Improved Chapter Award

Highlights of 2020s:

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.:

Housing:

Philanthropy:

Chapter Convention Awards:

Note to Chapter Registrar: Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.

Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!