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Gamma Theta
ΓΘ
Founded	September 10, 1921 (1921-09-10) (103 years ago)
College	Drake University
Location	Des Moines, IA
Homepage	Gamma Theta Homepage
Media related to Gamma Theta Chapter

Drake University established in 1881 in Des Moines, Iowa

Founded April 30, 1921

2,249 initiates (as of June 2015)

Some of Gamma Theta’s Outstanding Alumnae:

Fraternity Council Members:

Florence Tomlinson Myers (Wallace), Grand President (1930-1932), National Registrar (1928-1930; Marjorie Kyes Amend, Director of Membership (1946-1948);

Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:

Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Mary Elizabeth Kelly, 1966, Lieutenant colonel and deputy director of the Women’s Army Corps, fiscal officer; Karen Kolbe Goodenow, 1998, Longtime leader within the National Association of the State Boards of Education; June Braun Bent, 2010, World War II WASP pilot, awarded Congressional Gold Medal;

Additional Outstanding Gamma Theta Alumnae

Margaret Miller (Brucker), Graduate Counselor 1961-1963; Penne Longhibler (Prigge) Graduate Counselor 1966-1967; Michele Starzyk, Chapter Consultant 1999-2000;

The Early Years

The foundations of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, were laid by men of broad vision and liberal culture. When General Francis Marion Drake was appealed to for an initial gift of $20,000, he replied that he could and would do it and to go ahead with the building. A modest frame building was erected, followed immediately by Old Main, which stood at the center of the group of first buildings.

The day Gamma Theta Chapter was installed at Drake University by Sarah B. Harris (Rowe), Northwestern, Grand President of Kappa Kappa Gamma, was one of the most momentous days in the annals of Fraternity history. The date was April 30, 1921. On that day the chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Gamma and Chi Omega were established on the Drake campus. Epsilon Tau Sigma, the petitioning local sorority which had been organized at Drake in February, 1903, was the first of the petitioning groups at the school to receive an answer to its petition. Word had been received on March 14, 1921, that Kappa Kappa Gamma had granted it a charter. Inasmuch as charters were soon granted to the other three local sororities, the national councils of the four fraternities conferred and decided to enter the university on the same day, thereby giving each group an equal start on the campus. This decision doubtless accomplished much in promoting congeniality and a true Panhellenic spirit.

When one looks through the archives and reads through the reports of each year’s activities and the honors won by the chapter and by individual members, it is difficult to decide whether Gamma Thetas are athletes, beauties, activity girls, or bookworms.

In its first year, Gamma Theta won first place in scholarship, and since then the scholarship trophy has often been at the Kappa house.

The Kappas have had, perhaps, more than their share of the homecoming queens, princesses, queen’s attendants, D Club sweethearts and Quax beauties.

When outstanding representative Drake women are elected, Kappas again are winners. In 1924, out of the three girls chosen as Representative Drakes, two were Kappas. In 1943, a member was elected Miss Drake and then caused a great sensation on campus when she was chosen Drake Relays Queen—the first time a Drake woman had been given the honor. Gamma Theta contributed a winner to the Miss Iowa contest in 1953. Fraternity sweethearts, too, were common in the chapter. The athletic awards captured by the chapter read like something from the sports pages. They are good sports and good at sports also.

Each year many Gamma Thetas were elected to the honorary organizations on the campus in recognition of their abilities. Long lists of Kappas’ names were on the membership rolls of Sieve and Shears, Margaret Fuller Club, Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities, as well as music, drama, education and other such organizations.

Gamma Theta leadership was shown through the work done on the campus publications. The Quax was at times been edited by Kappas, and other Gamma Thetas served as business managers. The weekly edition of the Times-Delphic had Kappas on the staff nearly every year. Kappawise, Gamma Theta’s chapter news publication won the award for the best mimeographed paper at the KKG General Convention in 1958, when Julia Brower (Lyon) was editor.

All years have not been a round of social activities mixed in with the academic endeavors. The war years found the Kappas at Drake doing their share of war work and going without. To read their accounts, they went without almost everything—including men. Social activities were limited to small house dances and inter-sorority exchanges. Kappas won some degree of fame, however, through serenades to Army Air-Corps students.

During the 1942–43 school year, the chapter voted to donate all but their three most recently won trophy cups to the metal salvage drive. That was the year that Gamma Theta had the honor of having Miss Drake, the Relays Queen and the Editor of the Quax.

A French student from Algeria entered Drake as a Kappa exchange student in 1939. Europe’s war and the Atlantic’s submarine peril prevented an active from being Drake’s exchange student to the University of Toulouse, France.

Gamma Theta claimed “Mrs. America of 1960,” Margaret King Priebe of Des Moines.

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

Highlights of the 1970s

From chapter’s History Report: During the 1970’s Gamma Theta emerged on campus as one of the leading sororities. The had the most improved G.P.A.( exceeding 3.0) as well as being honored for most involved chapter with Honorable Mention at Province in 1976. Gamma Theta’s sisterly bonds grew as it met quota for each fall rush and created bonds of sisterhood that would never be forgotten. Through these years the ladies of the Gamma Theta chapter also participated in the Bulldog Olympics making the Kappa name on campus great.

Housing:

During the 1970’s chapters of other Greek organizations were closing on campus, but Kappa thrived and gained steam through successful Recruitment and an increased emphasis on academics.

Philanthropy:

In 1971, the Revitalization Corps in Des Moines, Iowa had 11-12 Gamma Thetas volunteer to work with the underprivileged of Des Moines by tutoring, serving free meals, counseling former mental patients and supervising youth recreation.

Chapter Convention Awards:

Highlights of the 1980s:

Philanthropy:

Gamma Theta participated in and hosted philanthropic activities that benefited Drake and the Des Moines community. Some events that the chapter held were dance-marathons and a Halloween party for underprivileged first graders in a local school. A favorite event to be involved in was the Iowa Lung Walk-a-thon for the American Lung Association, but the most well know event was the Drake Relays. This is an annual, nationally recognized track-and-field event. During the week leading to the event there are activities and competitions between many campus organizations. Gamma Theta members created floats to proudly show off Kappa to the Drake community!

Chapter Convention Awards:

Highlights of the 1990s

Panhellenic constantly changed the schedule for rush (now called Recruitment) during the 1990’s. By the the end of the decade it was condensed into a three day event. Like Panhellenic, the chapter also had a tradition of frequently changing the themes from year-to-year for their various rush parties. This helped keep the members excited for membership recruitment.

Housing:

In 1991, the Gamma Theta house was renovated which generated a lot of excitement among the actives. There 128 women in the chapter after pledging 34 new members. During the nineties, members of Gamma Theta were the beneficiary of a robust House Board and were the recipients of constant updating and decorating. In the summer of 1998, the House Board restored the house to what it originally looked like when the chapter was founded in 1921.

Philanthropy:

Gamma Theta excelled in their philanthropic spirit and by the end of the 1998 school year they had fulfilled their goal of raising $10,000 for Project 2000. They enjoyed hosting their annual Chili Kook-off to benefit the recipients of Rose McGill and also participated in several other community and Panhellenic philanthropic events.

Chapter Convention Awards:

Highlights of 2000-2010

At Province meeting Gamma Theta received the following awards: Most Improved Chapter, Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Programming, and Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship and Programming. The chapter was also recognized during Greek Week with the Dean of Students Award.

In 2007, the chapter welcomed an incredibly large pledge class. Gamma Theta members were active in other campus organizations such as; Student Senate, American Marketing Association, Drake Magazine, and fraternities of business and pharmacy. Taking it one step further, many of the members also held leadership positions in other campus organizations.

When Gamma Theta incurred standards and financial reporting hurdles, the members quickly took action and developed plans which increased chapter morale and accountability.

Philanthropy:

In the spring and fall of 2005 Gamma Theta won Alpha Phi and Delta Gamma's philanthropy events and placed second in both Sigma Chi Derby Days and the Sig Ep's philanthropy. Kappa Kasino, had the best turn-out in its history during 2007 and raised approximately $3,700 that went directly to the Heart Connection.

Chapter Convention Awards:

6/30/08 Standards Honorable Mention 6/30/06 New Member Program Honorable Mention 6/30/06 Sally Moore Nitschke Lifelong Education Honorable Mention 6/30/06 Standards Honorable Mention 6/30/00 Panhellenic Honorable Mention

Highlights of 2011-2019

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.:

Highlights of 2012

2012 was a year of growth for the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Not only did our chapter grow as a whole, but individually as well. This personal growth as a chapter lead us to win the "Overall Most Improved Chapter" at the National Convention. We also received the Greek Gala award "Outstanding Chapter President" for our previous president Jessica Reisig. We tremendously increased our participation in greek life. We did the best we could to become more involved in other Fraternities' philanthropies. This increase in participation resulted in us taking first place in Delta Gamma's "anchor splash." We were noted for having many women in our chapter participate in Sigma Phi Epsilon's philanthropy. We ended up placing second for their "queen of hearts" softball tournament. We also took second place in Alpha Phi's "Fast Phi't" and FIJI's "FIJI Island."

Our switch of philanthropy from Kappa Kasino to Kappa Klassic was a huge success. We had a great turn out and raised over $4,000 for our local philanthropy and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This fall we had a very memorable sisterhood event. All the women in our chapter were invited to unite in the kitchen where we watched the inspiring documentary "Finding Kind." This sisterhood was such a bonding experience for us and encouraged everyone to look deep within themselves. This sisterhood was one that made a lasting impression on the women. I foresee it being talked about years from now.

We also started a new tradition of creating scrapbook pages for every big sister and little sister. We are very excited to be able to look back at these pages and remember all the fond moments. As well as being involved within our chapter, many of our members are involved with different organizations on campus. This year we had 4 members who served as a PMAC on campus and 2 members who served as student ambassadors on campus. We also have a member who is the president of the finance club and a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of Man Up Magazine.

In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. This semester alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of service to our local community. All of our chapter members took part in the Belize Dance Marathon this year, which raised money for building primary schools in Belize. The leader of this foundation, James Albert, was extremely thankful that the Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and was especially fond of the women of Kappa. Additionally we keep improving our GPA and our academics even though the street is hard competition. During the spring we participated heavenly in the Drake Relays with street painting which dozens of girls participated in to make a painted square devoted to Kappa. Overall 2012 was a year to remember for Gamma Theta. It will be a year to look back on and feel proud of all the improvement we made. We are looking forward to what 2013 will bring.

Campus: Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.

Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Chapter Convention Awards: 2012- Most Improved Chapter

Highlights of 2013

Not only was 2013 a year of growth for the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, but individually as well. Since winning the award of the “Overall Most Improved Chapter” at the National Convention, and also receiving the Greek Gala award “Outstanding Chapter President,” I feel that we have held ourselves to a very high and positive standard. Since then, we tremendously increased our participation in greek life and with Drake University as a whole.

This year, our chapter had very high participation with all chapters philanthropies. We did the best we could to win in each by helping everyone raise money, and also by having fun! This competitive fun and participation resulted in us taking first place in Alpha Phi’s “Fast Phi’t” and Phi Gamma Delta’s “Fiji Island.” This year we have taken high placement in all Sororities and Fraternities philanthropies and our participation was nearly doubled since last year. This year with Kappa Klassic, not only did we have wonderful weather, but we raised over $5,000 for the Children’s Cancer Connection, Rose McGill fund and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This amount raised was absolutely amazing and was the best we have ever done. Not only was Kappa Klassic the only thing we did this year to raise money for a foundation, but we were involved in the Belize Dance Marathon. This was a very memorable and touching sisterhood event experience. We had one hundred percent participation and we raised nearly $2,000. The money went to the James Arthur Albert foundation which provided money for Belize children to go to high school. This was an amazing bonding experience for us and we are involving ourselves to continue to do it annually.

The leader of this foundation, James Albert, was extremely thankful that the Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and was especially fond of the women of Kappa. As well as being involved within our chapter, many of our members are involved with different organizations on campus. This year we had many members who served as a PMAC on campus and also 3 members were elected to sit on Panhel, one being the new Panhel President.

We have a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of the new Drake Honors Magazine, The Annual. In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. This semester alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of service to our local community. Additionally we keep improving our GPA and our academics even though the street is hard competition. During the spring we participated heavily in the Drake Relays with street painting which dozens of girls participated in to make a painted square devoted to Kappa. Overall 2013 was a year to remember for Gamma Theta. It will be a year to look back on and feel proud of all the improvement we made. We are looking forward to what 2014 will have in store.

Campus:Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.

Chapter:'A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Highlights of 2014

2014 was a great year for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Members were not only actively involved within the Gamma Theta chapter, Drake Greek life, and campus organizations, but they were also able to excel academically.

One of the most important aspects of creating a strong chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is having a successful recruitment. Our chapter was honored to have received an honorable mention Kappa Kappa Gamma Recruitment Award at Convention in the summer of 2014. Gamma Theta proved to be deserving of this award in the spring of 2014 when we initiated 4 members after informal recruitment, and in the fall, when we initiated 36 members after formal recruitment. Our newly initiated members have been exceptionally involved within the chapter, as well as on Greek street and in campus organizations. They have proved to be role models to the rest of the chapter, and ensure that the future of Gamma Theta will be in good hands.

Gamma Theta became more philanthropic in 2014 through the incorporation of sisterhood and service. One member of our chapter created Little Ladies Leading; a sisterhood event focused on empowering young girls in Des Moines public elementary schools. Members of the chapter spent the duration of the event partnered with the a "little lady," and led by example what a strong woman leader looks like. Gamma Theta also became actively involved with Graham's Gift; a non-profit organization founded by the brother of one of our members. We spent sisterhoods making rainbow loom bracelets to be sold to raise money for childhood cancer research. This aligned closely with our local philanthropy, Children's Cancer Connection. Gamma Theta also had the privilege of being nominated for the ALS Bucket Challenge. We willingly participated and donated, as well as nominated the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapters at Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Simpson College.

As for involvement in philanthropies within Drake University Greek life, Gamma Theta proved to be actively engaged. In the fall of 2014, we won Theta Chi's philanthropy week, as well as Kappa Alpha Theta's serenades. Not only did this prove to encourage participation among the chapter, it also proved to be a great way to unite as sisters. Sisterhood also flourished during our chapter's philanthropy week for Kappa Klassic, when we raised $3,500 for our local philanthropy and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. There were several new aspects to Kappa Klassic in 2014 that enhanced the week. We sold cups and mason jar mugs that sold remarkably well. We also had a book drive that collected 300 books to be given to the children battling cancer at Blank Children's hospital. Gamma Theta is continually adapting to make sure that we are hosting the best possible philanthropy that we can.

Gamma Theta also spent 2014 focused on making improvements to our academics. In 2014 alone, we improved our GPA by .1, had 25 women obtain 4.0s, and had 56% of our returning members improve their GPA from the spring to fall semester. We also had 3 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the Drake University pharmacy program.

Gamma Theta has also been actively involved in organizations outside of Kappa Kappa Gamma. This year, we had three members serve on the Panhellenic Council (one as president), as well as have two women elected into Panhellenic positions for the 2015 year. Additionally, we had 5 members act as recruitment counselors for formal recruitment in the fall of 2014. Our involvement, however, branches into other aspects of campus life as well. We have 7 student-athletes, Drake University's College of Arts and Sciences senator, the editor-in-chief of our university news paper, the Times Delphic, and have 70 women involved in clubs, organizations, and business fraternities. Some of our accomplishments on campus include getting first place in "Yell Like Hell," (a Drake homecoming tradition), and being intramural soccer champions. We are very proud to have women that excel within the classroom, on Drake campus, and of course, within Kappa.

Campus: Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.

Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Gamma Theta holds chapter meetings in the dining room of our chapter house. The women of Gamma Theta reside in the Millie Y. and Frank P. Mattes House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1910, this building was originally a farm house, and was converted to a sorority house in 1959, when it was purchased by the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Since its purchase, the house has undergone two expansions to accommodate for the growing chapter. Our house has 19 sleeping rooms and can hold 50 women, and has been the home of Kappa Kappa Gamma women since its purchase.

Highlights of 2015

2015 was a positive year for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Through academic and philanthropic success, as well as active involvement on campus and within Kappa, 2015 proved to be an influential year for Gamma Theta.

It is important, as a chapter, to place an emphasis on recruiting women to uphold the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In 2015, Gamma Theta initiated 2 women following informal recruitment, and 28 women following formal recruitment. The new actives have proven to be actively involved within the chapter and on campus. We are excited to see where these women will take Gamma Theta throughout the upcoming years.

In 2015, Gamma Theta worked hard to create a successful philanthropy week for our local philanthropy, Children’s Cancer Connection, and for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. As a result, our chapter was able to raise $5,500. This year, our philanthropy week included new additions and some traditions. In addition to Kappa Klassic, our fundraising golf tournament where 120 golfers participated, Gamma Theta sold 300 t-shirts, held a mini putt-putt competition, and arranged a Graham’s Gift bracelet making event where chapters of Drake’s Greek life community produced 2,000 bracelets to be donated and sold for childhood cancer research. Graham’s Gift is a non-profit organization founded by the brother of one of our members. Although Graham’s Gift is not our traditional philanthropy, we find that the mission of the organization is relevant to our mission of supporting childhood cancer research, and in addition, is supporting one of our sisters and her family.

Gamma Theta is proud to have our passion for philanthropy expand beyond our philanthropy week. In addition to Kappa Klassic, we had sisters create a Love Your Melon campus crew and MEDLIFE chapter at Drake University in 2015. We are proud to have these organizations led by Gamma Theta women, and to have them actively advocating for our philanthropy and the overall healthcare of individuals outside of our chapter and in the Des Moines community. Also, our chapter continues to work with Little Ladies Leading, an event founded by one of our members, where women of our chapter focus on empowering elementary aged girls in the Des Moines community. Gamma Theta was proud to win the Outstanding Community Service Award in 2015 at the Drake Greek Gala as a result of our active involvement.

Scholarship continues to be a focus for Gamma Theta. We are proud of the improvements that we have made regarding our academics, but continue to strive for excellence. In 2015, the academic committee was proactive in creating a positive learning environment for Gamma Theta. They implemented a Scholarly Sister of the Week, weekly Nerd Herds, Owl Pals (academic mentors for new members), and continuous support for all members, regardless of GPA or personal situation. As a result, 22% of our chapter held 4.0s in the Spring of 2015. We also had 10 women study abroad throughout the calendar year, and 2 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the Drake University pharmacy program.

To support a high morale within the chapter, Chapter Council implemented a positive incentive program called Kappa Kash. Women in the chapter received Kappa currency throughout each semester for exhibiting behaviors that go above and beyond what is expected of them. For example, women received Kappa Kash for attending intramural events, supporting sisters at presentations and concerts, getting exemplary grades, and holding leadership positions in campus organizations. At the close of each semester, Gamma Theta holds an auction, where Kappa gear and gift cards are auctioned off. So far, Gamma Theta is proud of how well the program is being received, and is excited to see how it will develop over the coming years.

Although Gamma Theta is always proud of our members’ involvement within Kappa, 2015 proved to be a year of leadership for Gamma Theta members throughout the Drake community. We had 2 members hold positions on the Panhellenic Council for the 2015 year, and 1 member inducted in as president for the upcoming year. We also had 6 recruitment counselors during formal recruitment in the Fall of 2015. Some additional examples of our involvement outside of Kappa include, but are not limited to: Drake Dance Team Captain, Mortar Board President, members of Order of Omega, founder of TedxDU, resident hall president and executive council members, journalists for campus publications, Greek FOCUS executive council members, and professional fraternity members in executive council positions. Gamma Theta members continue to seek involvement throughout the Drake community, strive for academic excellence, and of course, pursue the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Campus: Drake University is a small, private university that has ample opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school. Recently, the campus as a whole has become actively aware of global and domestic issues that face our generation. With the presidential election coming up in the next year, Drake University was proud to hold a nationally televised Democratic Presidential debate.

Chapter: Gamma Theta is a well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Chapter Philanthropy:

What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community? Gamma Theta’s local philanthropy is Children’s Cancer Connection. We support this organization and its cause in various ways. In addition to raising funds for Children’s Cancer Connection through our main philanthropy event, Kappa Klassic (a golf tournament), Gamma Theta provides fundraising opportunities for the Drake University community throughout the week of our philanthropy.

Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support? Cancer is a disease that has impacted everyone in one way or another. It is our goal, at Gamma Theta, to bring light to this issue and support the many children who are battling for their life every single day. Children’s Cancer Connection provides hope for children and their families, and as Kappa Kappa Gamma women, we want to make sure that that hope is in ample supply.

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!