Difference between pages "Epsilon Omega" and "Epsilon Mu"

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{{Infobox Fraternity
 
{{Infobox Fraternity
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|Name= Epsilon Omega
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|Name= Epsilon Mu
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|GreekSymbol= EΩ
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|GreekSymbol= EM
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|Image= [[File:Epsilon_Omega.jpg|200px]]
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|Image= [[File:Epsilon_Mu.jpeg|200px]]
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1979|03|10}}
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1970|03|07}}
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|College= [http://www.dickinson.edu/ Dickinson College]
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|College= [http://www.clemson.edu Clemson University]
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|Location= Carlisle, PA
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|Location= Clemson, SC
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|Homepage= [http://www2.dickinson.edu/storg/kappa/ Epsilon Omega Homepage]
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|Homepage= [http://chapters.kappakappagamma.org/epsilonmu/ Epsilon Mu Homepage]
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|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Epsilon_Omega Media related to Epsilon Omega Chapter]}}
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|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Epsilon_Mu Media related to Epsilon Mu Chapter]}}
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'''2,213 initiates (as of June 2017)'''
  
  
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'''Dickinson College established in 1783, Carlisle, Pennsylvania'''
 
  
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'''Charter Members:'''
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Peggy Marie Batson, Donna Marie Brooks, Anna Jean Busby, Susan Elizabeth Callison, Sandra Corley, Catherine L. Cox, Mary Elizabeth Craig, Judith M. DeHoff, Barbara Marie Dieglio, Emily Dupre Donaldson, Nancy Diana Ball Edwards. Nancy Kenyon Fairey, Alexandra John Georgeo, Lucille Coursen Gordon, Sandra Jean Hash, Laurie Anne Holleman, Norma Anne Hudnall, Elizabeth Diane Jameson, Judy Gayle Jameson, Ann Elliott Kester, Margaret Lynn Macauley, Victoria Anne Mattis, Patricia Anne McCuen, Judith A. Nicks, Rebecca Elaine Owens, Sharon Lee Rice, Emily Bennett Warren.
  
  
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'''Epsilon Omega founded March 10, 1979 - 33 charter members'''
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'''Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:'''  
  
  
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'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''
  
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'''1,190 initiates (as of June 2017)'''
 
  
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'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
  
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'''Charter Members:''' Catherine Andriadis, Susan Bacon, Nancy Bauer, Joan Brandonburg, Elise Dagostino, Susan Dague, Shelly Dalrynmple, Cheryl Daugherty, Karen Ford, Lynne Forrey, Janice Friedman, Angela Gelason, Katherine Grant, Elizabeth Gray, Lynette Hewitt, Kathleen Kipp, Darcie Lolo, Sandra Lopatofsky, Ruthann Mamrak, Laura Marshall, Julie McMullen, Susan Miller, Mary Beth Monahan, Wendy Paxton, Kathleen Poole, Yvonne Schirm, Susan Shane, Joan Sommers, Elizabeth Spizzirro, Constance Tambakis, Cynthia Waldron, Donna Weir, Alison Whitmer
 
  
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'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
  
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'''Some Outstanding Epsilon Omega Alumnae:''' (If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
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Nancy Humphries O'Dell, 2010; former co-anchor of NBC's ''Access Hollywood
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''
  
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'''Additional Outstanding Epsilon Mu Alumnae:'''
  
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'''Fraternity Council Members'''
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==The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)==
  
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Wendy Paxton (Alfano), Field Secretary 1981-1982;
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Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma became the second chapter in South Carolina on March 7, 1970, at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.
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Susan Berg (Abbott), Graduate Counselor, 1983-1984
 
  
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The first semester as Kappas was a busy one, with participation in the annual Dixie Day events games competition among the sororities on campus, sponsored by Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. The Kappas won the overall trophy and took other trophies also.
  
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'''Fraternity Loyalty Award'''
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The Kappas participated in an anti-pollution rally. All the sororities and fraternities on campus competed collecting trash around the Clemson area. Epsilon Mu placed first among the sororities.
  
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In 1970-71 the chapter's main goal was to become well known on campus, especially among the independent girls. Also, the girls strove to have better relationships with the fraternities and the other sororities on campus. For Halloween Kappa gave carved pumpkins to the other sororities to put on their floors. Then many of the sisters went pumpkin carving through the three girls' dorms.
  
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Instead of building a Homecoming display, the Clemson Kappas decided to try a Tigerama skit. Tigerama is an annual entertainment presented the night before the Homecoming game. It is produced by Blue Key, and is run entirely by students. The sisters had never planned or participated in Tigerama before, but with everybody working together- writing a skit, practicing parts, making costumes and props, and taping voices- Epsilon Mu nervously entered the try-outs.
  
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When the announcement was made of the accepted skits, the Kappas were overjoyed to be included. The following weeks brought more practicing and polishing, and even rebuilding much of the scenery when a rainstorm on a night before the performance did a great deal of damage. Finally the big night arrived, and the Kappas were proud of a good first try. To their amazement, it was announced that the Kappas had placed first- $250 cash prize, and never-to-be forgotten memories.
  
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'''Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients'''
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In February some of the sisters got together and made Valentine cakes for each fraternity. These were a big hit with the brothers, and the girls received several thank you notes and requests for another cake.
  
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Two distinguished guests visited the chapter in 1970-71. One was Marjorie Gohn (Felsburg), Delta Alpha- Penn State. Epsilon Mu was fortunate to have her help as it complete its first year as a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The other visitor was Louise Little Barbeck, Gamma Phi- Southern Methodist, president of the Fraternity. She spoke with the pledge class of 1971 and they entertained her with a skit portraying "a possible situation in the founding of the Fraternity one hundred years ago". The actives also heard Mrs. Barbeck in a formal meeting as she encouraged hard work in the future to maintain excellence.
  
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During the Magnolia Pageant, the Sorority Sing competition was held. Kappa placed first with a tribute to Walt Disney. Kappas were dressed as Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse, Clubbers, the Seven Dwarfs, Jiminy Cricket, siamese cats, and a bear. Because they won Sorority Sing, the girls presented their program again at Fraternity Sing. Also the presentation was made at Mothers' Banquet in April.
  
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Epsilon Mu combined service with social in a dance for the benefit of a local charity. Contributions taken at the door were donated to the Pickens County United Fund. Independents as well as other fraternities and organizations on campus were invited to join the party with music provided by a band. The chapter was also busy collecting things for a needy family that lived in the Clemson area. The Kappas participated in planting flowers for a garden club in Clemson.
  
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Perhaps the biggest social event of the year was the spring formal in honor of Epsilon Mu's founding on March 7 a year before. The Kappas also sponsored a Mother-Daughter Weekend with a Saturday night banquet and Sunday breakfast. The mothers spent the weekend with their daughters and learned more about Kappa.
  
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Epsilon Mu had two finalists in the Miss Clemson University contest and a runner-up in the Magnolia Beauty Contest. The Tiger Band's solo twirler was a Kappa. A Kappa held the office of commander of the Light Brigade and a Kappa served on the Student Government Election Board.
  
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==Colonization (From The Key, Fall 1978)==
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Again Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma stood out above the other sororities on campus. Its high average enabled it to win the Panhellenic Scholarship Trophy. Epsilon Mu's twenty-six pledges had the highest scholastic achievement of the three pledge classes on campus.
  
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As alive and contemporary as today’s student, Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania is equally endowed with history and proud tradition. The heritage and traditions of Kappa Kappa Gamma blended well with the background of Dickinson as the Fraternity established Epsilon Omega Colony during the first week of October 1979.
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There can be no question in any Clemson Kappa's mind that Epsilon Mu had come a long way on the road to the top this year, and one of the reasons was the guidance and friendship of Graduate Counselor Dale Brubeck, Gamma Kappa- William and Mary.  
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Three years before America declared her independence from England, a grammar school was opened on land given by the Proprietors of Pennsylvania. By 1873, under the direction of Benjamin Rush, its founder, Dickinson College was chartered by the Pennsylvania legislature. Named in honor of John Dickinson, “penman of the revolution” and then governor of the commonwealth, the college has grown from a land purchase costing all of $151.00 to a campus of 117 acres and valued at over $25,000,000. The physical heart of the campus is “Old West,” a national historic landmark designed by Benjamin Latrobe, architect of the capitol in Washington, D.C. At present, part of the campus is a 65-acre recreational area and the college also manages a 3,300-acre wildlife sanctuary and research station.
 
  
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In 1884, women students were admitted to Dickinson, despite opposition from faculty and students, and only three years later the Pennsylvania Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was installed. In addition to a number of honorary fraternities, there are now ten national men’s fraternities on campus and about half of the 800 male students are members. Kappa joins Pi Beta Phi as the only other national sorority on campus, but there are two local groups and about 35 per cent of the approximately 800 women students belong to the three current groups. The men live in college-owned fraternity dormitories, and the women rent apartment meeting rooms.
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In 1971-72, the Kappas participated in a paper drive by the Panhellenic Council. All of the benefits went to Miracle Hill. This year the Kappas undertook a new service project. The Kappa Pickers and other Kappas went to the old folks home in Six Mile, a town close to Clemson. The Kappa Pickers entertained and the others visited with the old folks. This proved a very rewarding experience.
  
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Kappa’s colonization team was headed by Gay Chuba Berry, Penn State, Director of Alumnae; assisted by an adviser to the Delta Phi chapter at Bucknell, the Province Director of Chapters, a field secretary, and a graduate counselor assigned to the new colony. Members of Delta Phi—Bucknell and Delta Alpha—Penn State assisted with rush functions.
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Two of the charter members presented a plaque for the front of the elevator in Manning Hall. It identifies the Kappa floor and is dedicated to the charter members of Kappa Kappa Gamma.  
  
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Located in an historic area and surrounded by rolling farm lands, Dickinson is only 20 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital, 30 miles from Gettysburg National Military Park, and 30 miles from Hershey, “Chocolate Town, U.S.A.” The grave of Molly Pitcher, heroine of the revolution, is in Carlisle, and the area claims several lovely parks with scenic views, swimming and fishing, not to mention numerous limestone caves for those who enjoy spelunking.
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Epsilon Mu tried out again for the Tigerama skit and was picked to participate. The theme was "1984". The Kappas worked hard and promoted unity among the chapter. The result was another first place, another plaque, and another $250 cash prize.
  
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Life at Dickinson centers on a traditional liberal arts education that is continually sharpened and focused by innovation. On the lighter side, the mermaid atop the ivy-covered walls of Old West presents a challenge to the men. Each fall a male student climbs up and removes the mermaid. Each spring members of the women’s honorary are responsible for putting the weather vane back in place. Tradition takes many forms!
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This semester's graduate counselor was Suzanne Barnett, Gamma Kappa- William and Mary. She helped the chapter to build its leadership. Field Secretary Juliana "J.J." Fraser (Wales), Beta Nu- Ohio State, showed Epsilon Mu the basis of the committee system. This visit was very good for the chapter.
  
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In a more academic vein, the current catalogue presents the philosophy of the college: “Liberal knowledge, learning for its own sake and learning for the cultural enrichment it provides, is the oldest and most fundamental aim of Dickinson education.” A statement from the 1960s encourages Dickinsonians to see their world as one in which they are able, “by virtue of the power gained through knowledge, to influence both their environment and the course of history,’ and thereby to use their power in the service of the human community.”
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Kappa scholarship was again outstanding, with two more Panhellenic Scholarship Trophy wins. Dixie Day came around again. The Kappas did not win the overall trophy, but won two: Sorority Sing and bridge. Since Epsilon Mu won again, the chapter performed at Fraternity Sing, and at Mothers Weekend.  
  
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The ideals of Dickinson College—learning, liberty and virtue, and those of Kappa Kappa Gamma should provide an ideal background for the growth of Epsilon Omega Chapter. Welcome!
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The end of the year was celebrated with a personnel and scholarship banquet. Another year had passed and Kappa Kappa Gamma was still tops. Two Kappas had been Rally Girls who help entertain at half time at the basketball games with a dance routine. Other Kappas were Tiger Belles, official hostesses at the games. The Panhellenic Council president had been a Kappa.  
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FLASH! On October 5th, 33 upper-class women were pledged.
 
  
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Homecoming weekend approached Clemson University and with it Tigerama. Once more the chapter tried out again with the skit, "Claw the Cavaliers". Hard work and preparation paid off as the Kappas triumphed over the other six contestants.
  
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==Installation (From The Key)==
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The social committee had a big year planned for the Kappas of Clemson in 1972-73. The next even was a Hawaiian Luau with the Block C Club, the Clemson honorary club for athletes. The Kappas provided the decorations and the hula dancing while the Block C members provided the band and the roasted pig.
  
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Despite a cool, drizzly day, the atmosphere was warm and spirits high as Epsilon Omega Chapter was installed at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. on March 9 and 10, 1979. A symbol of the enthusiasm and pride of the 33 charter members was the banner hung high on the wall of the Holland Union Dining Room. Months of pledge study and a recent rush period were not enough to weaken the strength or spirit of the girls who stayed up most of Thursday night to create a poster telling the rest of the campus how they felt about becoming Kappa’s 103rd active chapter:
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The last big social event was the formal which has come to be an annual event commemorating the founding of Epsilon Mu Chapter.
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“Sisters you are, sisters we’ll be. Congratulations, Kappa Kappa Gamma; we’ve only just begun.”
 
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Registration in the Mary Dickinson Room on Friday afternoon gave visitors a chance to meet Kappa local and national officers and enjoy refreshments prepared by the Harrisburg Alumnae Club.  
 
  
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Though only 45 in paid membership, these women are delighted to have a chapter nearby and have worked hard to help the colony and make the installation a memorable occasion. Registration and hospitality were headed by a former Beta Province meeting treasurer from 1973, the year Harrisburg was hostess. Handling the checkbook and financial arrangements was a local alumna.
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The Kappas are active in many honorary, professional, and service activities. Kappas are elected to the Senior Staff of TAPS, the Clemson Yearbook, and Kappas also participate on the junior TAPS staff. The Central Dance Association, the organization on campus which plans the entertainment for student government with concerts, annually claims Epsilon Mus. Other Kappas are represented in student government. Sisters also participate in the ski club, and on the fencing team.
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A cheery fire in the lovely home of a Penn State alumna was a welcome setting for Fireside Service. The quiet ritual was soon replaced by a happy din as initiates and visitors became acquainted and enjoyed a reception co-hosted by local alumnae.
 
  
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Carlisle is an attractive town with a rather old-fashioned square at its hub. On one corner of the square is St. John Episcopal Church, site of the initiation. Two Kappas drove from Headquarters in our blue and blue van and performed their customary magic act of setting the scene and arranging the equipment for what proved to be a beautiful initiation ceremony.
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1972-73 saw the development of Fraternity Little Sister Programs on campus. The sisters of Epsilon Mu Chapter represented many of the fraternities on campus. Kappa also claimed the sweetheart of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Chi Psi sweetheart. Kappa was represented in Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity by having the Dream Girl of Pi Kappa Alpha title.
  
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Installing officers Jean Hess Wells, Georgia, Fraternity President, and Gay Chuba Barry, Penn State, Director of Alumnae, were assisted by the installation chairman, Beta Province Director of Chapters, Field Secretary, Alumnae Editor of The Key, and the graduate counselor for Epsilon Omega. It was a proud chapter president who received the charter on behalf of the chapter.
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Epsilon Mu of Kappa Kappa Gamma has come a long way since March 7, 1970. Kappa has become well-established on the campus of Clemson University.
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The new initiates barely had time to change clothes before the formal pledging of 29 terrific freshmen women. The chapter president had excellent practice for her presidency when, as membership chairman, she led the colony through a series of parties based on Kappa facts, making Christmas ornaments which were later given to a nursing home, a “Roaring Twenties”  party, a country theme that included Kappa Pickers, a nightclub theme entitled “Kappakabana” and finally, “Cinderella” for preference party. Although they say that they surprised themselves and others with their enormous success in rush, it seems likely that they had not yet realized the power-potential of Kappa when 33 super colonizers set out to strengthen their group. The dedication with which these girls do everything was evident in the polished was they conducted the pledge ceremony.
 
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Again, there was barely time to catch their breath when everyone congregated in Drayer Lounge for the campus reception. An alumna from Carnegie Mellon was chairman of this event which saw a room crowded with well-wishers. Panhellenic members, parents, faculty and friends joined in welcoming Kappa Kappa Gamma to the Dickinson campus. It was here that the chapter outdid itself by distributing copies of their first newsletter—a beautiful 13-page issue complete with photos and excellent articles on their activities thus far.
 
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In whatever spare moments could be found during the day, visitors dropped in to see the Kappa apartment, just a few blocks from campus and right off the square. Empty and cold when rented last fall, it now shows signs of loving care and looks like home. Under the supervision of two alumnae, including a decorator from the Philadelphia area, the apartment is bright, cheerful and comfortable. Gifts from alumnae included a kitchen shower, and several pieces of furniture from the recently-closed Beta Alpha Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania were welcome additions.
 
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Still riding high on a bubble of excitement, Kappas picked up their long skirts and stepped over puddles to return to campus for the Installation Banquet. A lovely setting and delicious dinner were around by the banquet chairman. The installation chairman provided a warm welcome as toastmistress. A special greeting and toast to the new chapter was given by the president of Delta Phi Chapter, Bucknell, and a gracious response came from the Epsilon Omega president.
 
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Greetings were sent by individuals and groups throughout the province and nation and Gay Barry read many of them to the 200 guests. The Associate Dean of Students and member of Delta Delta Delta welcomed Kappa on behalf of the college. Everyone who was even remotely involved with the colonization and installation knew how helpful she had been and how her personal assistance had helped to smooth the way for us.
 
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==Highlights of the 1980s==
 
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Epsilon Omega grew as a chapter throughout the 1980s and was successful in recruitment as evident by the 35 new members who joined the chapter in 1987. The chapter continued to strengthen its commitment to membership development and sisterhood. Epsilon Omega celebrated the accomplishments of the chapter women by holding a scholarship banquet and the chapter was recognized for their scholastic achievement and high G.P.A. The Kappas were among the leaders of Dickinson’s campus and participated in a variety of activities, including campus clubs and sports teams. The chapter also exuded Panhellenic spirit by having two events with other Dickinson sororities: Monmouth Duo with Pi Beta Phi and Kite and Key with Kappa Alpha Theta.
 
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'''Philanthropy:'''
 
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The Dickinson women were also committed to Kappa’s tradition of philanthropy and embarked on a series of fundraisers, including an All-Greek Car Wash, Sham-o-grams, and an Easter Egg Hunt. The chapter also supported Paraguay Orphans during this period.
 
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Convention Awards:
 
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==Highlights of the 1990s==
 
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The 1990s brought new challenges for Epsilon Omega chapter. In 1990, Dickinson College revised its policies on Recruitment and the sororities transitioned to a fall Recruitment for upper-class women. Although the chapter had to make adjustments, they did so quickly and continued to recruit between 25-30 members each year. The Kappas remained devoted to sisterhood activities and development and continued old traditions such as hosting the scholarship banquet while holding new events like an Initiation banquet. Epsilon Omega also reached out to alumnae members through alumnae receptions held during Homecoming weekend.
 
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The chapter continued to forge strong relationship with the Dickinson College community. A Faculty Tea was held every year to better acquaint the faculty with the Kappa women and the Fraternity’s goals. The chapter was also recognized for having the highest G.P.A. on campus.
 
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'''Housing:'''
 
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In 1991, Epsilon Omega took a bold step and applied for on-campus housing. The request was approved and the chapter received on-campus housing, making Kappa the first sorority at Dickinson to do so. In order to celebrate this milestone, and to make the new house more like a home, the chapter women held a decorating day at the house. In 1995, the chapter, still living in the house on College Street, diligently worked on raising money for new furniture.
 
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'''Philanthropy:'''
 
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Philanthropy remained one of Epsilon Omega’s priorities throughout the decade. Fundraisers included a pole sitting event for cystic fibrosis and a plant sale for Safe Harbor, an organization that assists the homeless. The Kappas with with Phi Psi to host the Rock-a-thon, which raised funds for a scholarship to help a high school senior from Carlisle go to college. The chapter also sponsored a child in India through the United Christian’s Fund, chaperoned a youth dance at a local church, and sent letters to soldiers in Saudi Arabia. In 1998, the chapter and other Greek-letter organizations were involved with the March for Gay Rights and Respect, which was held in response to anti-gay letters on Dickinson’s campus.
 
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Convention Awards:
 
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==Highlights of 2000-2010==
 
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As the twenty-first century dawned, Epsilon Omega remained devoted to membership development and the recognition of personal and chapter achievement. New programs such as “Smart Cookies” and the “Word of the Week” were implemented to encourage Academic Excellence within the chapter. Epsilon Omega still remembered to have fun and held a Kappa Krush party and fall and spring formals each year. The active members also continued to reach out with alumnae members through the annual alumnae brunch. The chapter also retained its relationship with the Dickinson College faculty through hosting the Faculty Tea.
 
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In 2007, Dickinson College’s Panhellenic Association completely reorganized itself and added Recruitment events in the spring to get Potential New Members excited for the recruitment process in the fall in addition to hosting multiple recruitment workshops with the campus sororities. As a result, Dickinson had the most successful sorority Recruitment in college history, and Kappa welcomed a large class of New Members.
 
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'''Housing:'''
 
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The chapter still retains a house where 17 of the second-year members live.
 
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'''Philanthropy:'''
 
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Epsilon Omega remained involved in various philanthropies. The chapter hosted philanthropy activities such as a Lip Sync Contest benefiting Reading Is Fundamental, Kappa Kisses for a local domestic violence shelter, and flag football for research on the Marfan Syndrome. The chapter women also honored the memory of Kappa sisters by organizing Rock 'N Bowl, which raised money for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation in memory of a sister at Virginia Tech, and Run for Steph, held in honor of a sister killed in a car accident after graduation. Epsilon Omega participated in other campus-wide philanthropies such as Up Till Dawn which raised more than $40,000 dollars for Saint Jude’s Hospital.
 
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'''Convention Award:'''
 
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==Highlights of 2011-2019==
 
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==Highlights of 2011==
 
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In 2011, Epsilon Omega focused on working with other organizations on campus to improve life at Dickinson College and Greek Life. The chapter collaborated with Dickinson students, especially Greek women, to strengthen campus policy on sexual assault. The chapter participated in a forum about Greek Life for the entire campus which permitted the women to weigh in on the benefits of membership in a Greek-letter organization.
 
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'''Philanthropy:'''
 
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Epsilon Omega continued to host many of its annual philanthropic events, including Run For Steph and Lip Sync for Literacy. The chapter participated in a variety of activities sponsored by other Greek-letter organizations, including the Nu Factor, which was organized by Delta Nu and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. The chapter also sent volunteers weekly to help out at a local soup kitchen and elementary school.  
 
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Convention Awards:
 
  
 
==Highlights of 2012==
 
==Highlights of 2012==
  
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The past chapter year was a big year of change for the Epsilon Omega chapter. We started the year with a new Chapter Council and our first big philanthropy event was Kappa Kisses for Valentine's Day. Kappa Kisses is our annual event where we create Valentine's Day goodie bags to be sold and put in students' mailboxes. The proceeds raised from our efforts go towards Domestic Violence Services.  
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2012 was a remarkable year for the sisters of Epsilon Mu's chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We continued to excel in service, academics, education and are becoming increasingly involved in all aspects of Clemson's community. Epsilon Mu was recognized for excellence at Convention in 2012 where we were awarded Panhellenic Chapter of the Year.  
  
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Our chapter participated in the college wide Relay for Life and raised money as a team for the American Cancer Society. At the end of the semester we helped fraternity Kappa Sigma with their annual Parkinson's Walk, working with them to raise money, sell t-shirts, and promote the event. In addition to all of these special events, girls volunteered weekly at a local soup kitchen as well as participated in the Homework Club at local elementary schools, LaTorte Elementary and in Grandview Park, an area where there are many underprivileged families who we help mentor, tutor, and just hang out with students after school.
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The following is a list of Epsilon Mu's achievements throughout 2012:
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*Awarded Commitment to Service at Clemson Greek Awards 2012
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*Awarded Kappa Kappa Gamma Panhellenic Award at Convention 2012
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*Honorable Mention Philanthropy Award at Convention 2012
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*Honorable Mention Risk Management Award at Convention 2012
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*Awarded Chapter of Achievement 2011
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*Intramural Volleyball Champions 2012
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*First Place in Moving Division in partnership with Sigma Nu for Homecoming Float  Display 2012
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*Runner Up in Derby Days Dance Competition 2012
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*Kappa Kappa Gamma raised an all time high of $7,000 for The MS Society (which was first overall!)
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*Awarded 1st Place at Dance Marathon 2012 philanthropy competition
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*Placed 3rd Overall in Zeta Tau Alpha and Beta Theta Pi's "Beta Lei" philanthropy competition
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*Placed 3rd Overall in Chi Omega's "Boot Camp" philanthropy competition
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*Raised most amount of money in Alpha Tau Omega's "Viking Week" philanthropy
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*Placed 3rd Place in Greek Week 2012
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*Hosted 6 Sisterhood Events
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*Took Part in 11 Educational Programs
  
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The new academic year began with a wonderful and successful recruitment that gave a new member class of thirty-two new Kappas! Shortly after recruitment, the Northeast experienced Hurricane Sandy which devastated areas across the east coast including several of our own members' homes. In late October we organized bake sale efforts to raise money toward Hurricane Sandy Relief and successfully donated the proceeds to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Next we hosted our annual Lipsync for Literacy event, teaming up with fraternity Kappa Sigma to raise money in support of Reading is Fundamental, an organization that seeks to promote reading and literacy in American youth. We continued our participation this fall with the food banks and soup kitchens of Carlisle as well as our involvement with the elementary schools and homework clubs. We ended the semester with a lovely and heartwarming holiday sisterhood event where we celebrated the holidays as well as wrapped donated books we received that were distributed to Project Share of Carlisle, an organization supporting underprivileged and homeless families.  
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'''Campus:'''
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While minor changes have been made on Clemson University's campus, such as a newly opened Academic Success Center, the feel of the campus remains the same. Clemson students are still among the happiest in the nation and the town is flooded with Tiger Pride every Saturday in the fall. As for greek life in Clemson, many positive changes are impacting the community well. On February 11, 2012, Clemson Greek Life welcomed our newest sorority, Alpha Phi. Kappa's whole chapter joined to celebrate their bid day as we watched their first Clemson chapter "run down the hill" as is tradition. After having tailgating removed from the Greek Quad last year, it returned this year and was a success. The Clemson Greek community bonded together when news of embezzlement by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Director shook the campus.  
  
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'''Chapter:'''
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Epsilon Mu specifically is continuing to improve in our quest for excellence. Our old traditions are holding true, such as the "Oh Pat" function and the "Reading is Key" philanthropy event, but we are also creating new ones along the way. This year, our favorite function of the year changed it's name from "Kappa Kidnap" to "Kappas and Kowboys", and we have started a new philanthropy event called Rent-A-Dog. In this event, we teamed up with the local animal shelter that we have supported for many years, and rented puppies in half hour increments as a stress reliever to all students. It was a huge hit with a great turn-out and will certainly be continued in years to come.
  
 
==Highlights of 2013==
 
==Highlights of 2013==
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This year was a very successful year for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.  We accomplished many wonderful things!  We initiated 63 new members and had 13 legacies join us this year. Our grade point average this year was a strong 3.43.  We strive to do well in academia and this year we proved we could by topping the grade point average for Clemson University woman of a 3.26. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more.  We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday.  We enjoy spending all the time we can together.
  
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Epsilon Omega Chapter found in 2013 one of our happiest and most successful years both philanthropically and personally for our sisters. In January we elected new Chapter Council.  This CC was comprised of new and veteran members who created an atmosphere of well-rounded ideas and opinions for the New Year. This group of girls was especially motivated to help Epsilon Omega work towards the goals and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the national as well as local level. We started the calendar year off with one of our two major philanthropy events, Kappa Kisses. Kappa Kisses is an annual event in which we sell homemade Valentine greeting cards with heresy kisses attached to them. All the proceeds go to Domestic Violence Center.  For 2013 we ended up donating around $650!
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Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. We started a new philanthropy last year called Rent-A-Dog where you are able to rent a dog for 30 minutes for $10.  This year we raised over $2,000 in just a few hours and the money went to Oconee Humane Society. We are excited to support a local business here in Clemson. We also made a decision to bring back the Kappa Malender. This calendar was an old Clemson Kappa tradition and we produced a creative calendar of Clemson University’s men on campus and sold it around the University.  We stayed active with our other philanthropies such as Reading is Key and Kappa Kickoff.
  
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During the winter months we also held several sisterhood dinners. These dinners always proved to be a great time and never ceased to bring all the girls closer and closer together. Our hard-working Event Committee also organized a beautiful dinner with some of the sister’s favorite Professors and Dickinson Administrators. The room was decorated beautifully, the food was delicious and there was a slide show projecting photos that had been taken throughout the year.  We ended the academic year with a senior send-off dinner to say goodbye to the senior class and have one final sisterhood event before we all went our separate ways for summer vacation. All the senior parents sent in baby pictures and the littles of the senior girls each stood up and recited a funny anecdote about her big. It was a great way to say goodbye to a very memorable group of girls.  
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We pride ourselves on our involvement in other Greek chapter’s philanthropies.  This year we won Greek Week, Sigma Chi’s philanthropy. This was a great win for Kappa!  We put in a lot of work, effort and sisterhood to make sure we came through with the win. We won the Domestic Violence Tournament where our sisters battled hard to raise money for those involved in domestic violence.  We also won a step competition for another sorority’s philanthropy called Stomp like an Elephant. We surprised ourselves with each and every dance move. Additionally, we helped the Greek community raise over $20,000 for Circle of Sisterhood.  
  
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Before we knew it we were back at Dickinson and ready to start a new school year! Recruitment began in late August and all went smoothly. Carly ’15 part of the new member class of 2012 said of her first recruitment, “It brought all the classes closer together which made the whole recruitment process very special”. The New Member class has twenty-six great girls who were all so excited to receive bids from Kappa! Our New Member Education Program was completely re-vamped thanks to our wonderful New Member Educator who worked tirelessly on it making sure it was perfect and succinct. Before initiation current members got a refresher course on ritual and they all said it was beneficial and made the girls feel more connected to Kappa and its rich history. The calendar year concluded with the Kappa sponsored Lip-Sync. We had a great-turn out and all the proceeds went to “Reading is Fundamental”.  
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Our theme for this year was  “Aspire to be Extraordinary.”  We went through every event, rush, and extracurricular activity with this as our mindset. We wanted to make sure we went above and beyond as not just being sisters, but with our community and making our chapter the best it could be. We successfully “Aspired to be Extraordinary” with winning the Province awards Opal Humphrey membership award and the Dottie Harvey award for high chapter standards.  
  
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Our chapter has made great strides this year as individuals, as a group and as a sisterhood. We have faced challenges with maturity and tackled them head-on thanks to exceptional leadership. All the members of Epsilon Omega know that we are an organization that is only as strong as our weakest link. Everyday we strive to be the best fraternity of women as possible and will continue to work together in order to achieve all of our goals.  
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Here at Clemson University, tradition is imperative. We hold the same standards to our chapter. Some of our traditions include our seniors jumping in our reflection pond on bid day, doing Kappa Is during preference round, and doing big/little reveal before initiation.
  
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We faced some difficulties at the end of the year as a chapter but have laid out our goals and plan of action for the upcoming year that we are confident we can accomplish. We plan on making the next chapter year even busier than the last, filling our time with even more philanthropy events, a monthly sisterhood bonding event, and more to propel our chapter to even greater heights! 
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A change that we are currently working on is to implement a Greek Village here on campus.  This would make our Greek community only that much stronger and bigger.  We are working with our alumni and the trustees of Clemson to try and get money and plans for the building of such a big project.  We are hoping that we would be able to have a Greek Village by the fall of 2016. With this as our goal, we will have a house for Kappa Kappa Gamma and a place for more sisters to reside and meet.
  
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With the new year came new changes for the chapter on campus and the college's perspective on Greek Life. While the college created some new challenges governing our role as a Greek organization on campus, it has motivated us to demonstrate even more our role as a group of women supporting women on our campus and all that Kappas contribute to the Dickinon community.  
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The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman.  The 231 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better.  We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs.  Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed.  With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.
  
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Our members are involved in many different areas at Dickinson, whether it be captain of the nationally recognized Mock Trial team, distinguished varsity athletes, Dean's List honor students, and more, the Kappas of Dickinson never cease to impress and truly represent Kappa in every sense of the word.
 
  
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We have outlined plans to become an even closer group of women who support each other every step of the way, regardless of the challenges created by the school. Our plans include strengthening our Chapter Council and making this the brain power and center of our chapter, utilizing each member to their fullest potential and working together to create a great year ahead. Our community service efforts are going to be even stronger and we are already adding multiple events to our schedule, as well as mandatory hours for each member to have completed by the end of the semester. In addition, in order to improve our image on campus we are coordinating with our new faculty adviser who will come and sit in on meetings, have dinner with the chapter once a month, and we hope will give us a new perspective looking in on our chapter. This also includes our greater involvement with the Women's Center on campus as we hope to show both the school and other students that Kappas truly are women in support of other women and the positive effect and role models Kappas can be for women. We look forward to continuing our traditions through the spring and into the fall as well as becoming even better Kappas each and every day.
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==Highlights of 2014==
  
 +
This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 65 new members this year, 12 of which were legacies. Grades have not yet been released for the fall 2014 semester, but as of August 2014 we had a strong 3.47 grade point average. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed third out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average and leaped above the all sorority grade point average of 3.39. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more.  We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday.  We enjoy spending all the time we can together.
  
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==Highlights of 2014==
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Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the spring, and decided to give back to the local schools again in the fall with yet another Reading is Key event. Our sister love going to the local schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. During recruitment we allowed girls to play a small game on philanthropy round and if they won we donated more books to the local schools. In the spring we hosted a successful Kappa Kickoff, which raised more money than ever. In addition, our sisters participated in small service events around the community throughout the semester to continue to give back.
  
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Epsilon Omega Chapter found 2014 to be one of our most successful years, both philanthropically and personally for our sisters.  In January we elected new Chapter Council. This CC was comprised of new and veteran members who created an atmosphere of well-rounded ideas and opinions for the New Year. This group of girls was especially motivated to help Epsilon Omega work towards the goals and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the national as well as local level. We started the calendar year off with one of our two major philanthropy events, Kappa Kisses. Kappa Kisses is an annual event in which we sell homemade Valentine greeting cards with heresy kisses attached to them. The kisses and cards are assembled at a sisterhood event and the cards are made during a rush event. All the proceeds go to Domestic Violence Center.  For 2014 we ended up donating around $750, over $100 more than last year!
+
We pride ourselves on our involvement in other Greek chapter’s philanthropies.  This year we won both Alpha Phifa, a soccer tournament, and Moon Ball, a volleyball tournament put on by other sororities.  These were great wins for Kappa! We put in a lot of work, effort and sisterhood to make sure we came through with the wins. In addition, we won the Greek Week dance competition and had a solid finish overall in the weeklong competition. The Epsilon Mu chapter was awarded the “Global Greek” award by Clemson University, which is given to the sorority with the most involvement in study abroad programs. One of our greatest achievements this year was winning the Homecoming float competition. Our sisters, along with brothers of our partnered fraternity put many long hours into building an outstanding float that represented the past, present, and future of Clemson. Additionally, we helped the Greek community raise over $20,000 for Circle of Sisterhood.
  
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During the fall and winter months we also held several sisterhood events. These events ranged from supporting our varsity athletes at field hockey and soccer games, to helping plan and run in our annual 5k, Run For Steph. These events always proved to be a great time and never ceased to bring all the girls closer and closer together. Our hard-working Event Committee also organized a beautiful dinner with some of the sister’s favorite Professors and Dickinson Administrators. The room was decorated beautifully, the food was delicious and there was a slide show projecting photos that had been taken throughout the year.  We ended the academic year with a senior send-off brunch to say goodbye to the senior class and have one final sisterhood event before we all went our separate ways for summer vacation. All the senior parents sent in baby pictures and the littles of the senior girls each stood up and recited a funny anecdote about her big. It was a great way to say goodbye to a very memorable group of girls.  
+
Our theme for this year was  “Aspire to be Extraordinary.”  We went through every event, rush, and extracurricular activity with this as our mindset. We wanted to make sure we went above and beyond as not just being sisters, but with our community and making our chapter the best it could be.  We successfully “Aspired to be Extraordinary” with winning the Province awards Opal Humphrey membership award and the Dottie Harvey award for high chapter standards.  
  
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Before we knew it we were back at Dickinson and ready to start a new school year! Recruitment began in late August and all went smoothly. Isabel ’17 part of the new member class of 2014 said of her first experience with rush, “It brought all the classes closer together which made the whole recruitment process very special”. The New Member class has thirty-three great girls who were all so excited to receive bids from Kappa! Our New Member Education Program was completely re-vamped thanks to our wonderful New Member Educator who worked tirelessly on it making sure it was perfect and succinct. Before initiation current members got a refresher course on ritual and they all said it was beneficial and made the girls feel more connected to Kappa and its rich history. The calendar year concluded with the Kappa sponsored Lip-Sync. We had a great-turn out and all the proceeds went to “Reading is Fundamental”.
+
Here at Clemson University, tradition is imperative. We hold the same standards to our chapter. Some of our traditions include our seniors jumping in our reflection pond on bid day, doing Kappa Is during preference round, and doing big/little reveal before initiation.
  
−
Our chapter has made great strides this year as individuals, as a group and as a sisterhood. We have faced challenges with maturity and tackled them head-on thanks to exceptional leadership. All the members of Epsilon Omega know that we are an organization that is only as strong as our weakest link. Everyday we strive to be the best fraternity of women as possible and will continue to work together in order to achieve all of our goals.  
+
The Greek community is still working on creating a Greek village on campus.  This would make our Greek community only that much stronger and bigger. We are working with our alumni and the trustees of Clemson to try and get money and plans for the building of such a big project.  We are hoping that we would be able to have a Greek Village by the fall of 2016.  With this as our goal, we will have a house for Kappa Kappa Gamma and a place for more sisters to reside and meet. In addition, the campus is motivated to improve the safety of Greek life and has made major strides in implementing new policies to facilitate an overall healthier lifestyle.  
  
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There have been no significant changes on campus. The overall nature of our chapter is very positive and optimistic. We plan on have just as a successful 2014 as we did a 2013. Our chapter is excited to continue on this progressive path in the year to come.
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The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman. The 231 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better. We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs. Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed.  With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.
  
  
 
==Highlights of 2015==
 
==Highlights of 2015==
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Epsilon Omega Chapter started off 2015 with a bang when we welcomed 26 new Kappas into our fraternity. This is the first time the school has done recruitment in the spring of students’ first year at Dickinson, and it was a great success! We also gave out COB bids to two very special and deserving girls.
 
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We started the year with philanthropy in mind when we held our annual Kappa Kisses fundraiser. We made Valentine’s Day cards, attached chocolate kisses to them, and students were able to send notes to friends. We raised $740 for the Domestic Violence Services in the area. Our Kappas also assisted in serving a Pancake Breakfast for the local Children’s Center. It was extremely rewarding and we have continued our relationship with the coordinator there. We also sent Kappas to the Winter Carnival at North Dickinson Elementary School. The volunteers ran games, sold refreshments, and overall had an amazing, energetic afternoon!
 
  
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Other highlights of the spring semester include the college’s Relay for Life. Many of our sisters have witnessed the horrifying effects of cancer, so we all walked that night in letters to support them and everyone else who has battled cancer. We ended the year with the Senior Brunch. This was an incredibly sentimental morning, as we wish our seniors could stay with us, but it was great to have one last sisterhood event with them.
 
  
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We began the new academic year volunteering for the annual 5K, Run for Steph. This is an event on campus that is very close to our hearts and helps to bring us closer together. We hosted Lip Sync in October. There was an impressive turnout—we raised around $3,725 as well as collected many books. The money and books were donated to our national philanthropy Reading is Fundamental. Our sisters continue to volunteer for Homework Club, which is an after school program at two local elementary schools. This is an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience for them, and many girls continue their volunteer work there all throughout their time at Dickinson. Our chapter attended a gender based violence prevention workshop with Kelly Wilt, the Violence Prevention Coordinator at Dickinson. It was an engaging and eye opening presentation. We can’t wait to work with Kelly again!
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This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 64 new members this year, 12 of which were legacies. We average a 3.49 grade point average for the spring semester and expect our fall average to be just as impressive. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed third out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average, fifth in all of greek life and leaped above the all sorority grade point average of 3.39. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more. We had 6 members accepted in to the Tour Guide Association this fall, bringing our tour guide total to 10. We have 11 members inducted into Order of Omega, the top Greek Honors Society. We had 8 pi chis for Fall 2015 recruitment. For Fall 2016 recruitment, a member was named head pi chi, and we have 9 members selected to be Panhellenic Counselors. One of our members was recognized during the Boston College Game, by President Clements, as the Student of the Game on October 17th. We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday. We enjoy spending all the time we can together.
  
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The Epsilon Omega chapter named Lauren Gessner ’16 as the recipient for the Kauffman Key. She was voted by her sisters as demonstrating a true and joyful love of learning, of friends, and of Kappa that serves as an inspiration and model to all chapter members. We also started polished sister awards this semester. Sisters can nominate other Kappas who have been working hard and have been in good spirits, as well as have been put together. The “polished sisters” receive a bottle of Essie nail polish as a prize. This has been a fun way to recognize those who have represented Kappa well.
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The Greek community is still working on creating a Greek village on campus. This would make our Greek community only that much stronger and bigger. We are working with our alumni and the trustees of Clemson to try and get money and plans for the building of such a big project. We are hoping that we would be able to have a Greek Village by the fall of 2017.  With this as our goal, we will have a house for Kappa Kappa Gamma and a place for more sisters to reside and meet. In addition, the campus is motivated to improve the safety of Greek life and has made major strides in implementing new policies to facilitate an overall healthier lifestyle. In addition, the Greek community has voted to welcome a new chapter in to our Greek family.
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This calendar year, our chapter has faced a few challenges but has worked tirelessly to overcome them and improve. In response to our focus letter, we implemented Round Robins for the Chapter Council. In response to our chapter’s mediocre GPA, Kate Eby ’18, our Vice President of Academic Excellence, has initiated changes within the chapter to encourage our sisters to improve their academics. We are implementing a period of concern for 2016, sisters with ‘U’s on their roll call grades are required to meet with the VPAE and President, etc. While our LC was here, she listed officer training and leadership as one of Epsilon Omega’s weaknesses. To fix this, all members of Chapter Council updated their leadership binders and included extra tips for the next girl to hold the position. We also are bringing in a leadership trainer and having a leadership workshop when we get back to school in January 2016. A challenge we foresee in 2016 is a large group of girls going through recruitment. To be proactive with this issue, it is now mandatory for all seniors to attend every night of recruitment. We are bursting with excitement to meet our next class of Kappas and see what 2016 has in store for us!
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The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman.  The 249 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better. We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs.  Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed. With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.  
  
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Our campus has continued to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Greek life on campus. We have worked with the other Greek organizations on campus to support each other and the college, showing all that Kappa and Greek life in general add to campus life. The Blue Ribbon Project was started to evaluate Greek life from a third party perspective. This is a great way for us to voice our opinions of Greek life. In order to unify the sororities on campus with administration and faculty, we held a Teacher Appreciation night. We are motivated to continue working with the college to improve the impression of Greek life on campus!
 
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The nature of the Epsilon Omega chapter in general is one of extreme pride, sisterhood, and optimism. We are looking forward to continuing to make a difference on campus and in the community. All the members of Epsilon Omega know that we are an organization that is only as strong as our weakest link. Everyday we strive to be the best fraternity of women as possible and will continue to work together in order to achieve all of our goals!
 
  
 
Chapter Philanthropy:
 
Chapter Philanthropy:
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What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
  
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What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
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Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the fall. We split up our chapter into two groups and went to two local elementary schools’ after school program. We donated 280 books to Clemson Elementary (valued at $1380) during our philanthropy event Reading is Key. Our sister love going to the local schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. In the fall we hosted a successful Kappa Kickoff, which raised $2,840 for the MS society and Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. We donated $556 to the Multiple Sclerosis Society through one of our member’s start up company, Electric Ink. Electric Ink is a line of gold, game day, temporary tattoos. With every purchase a percentage is donated to the MS Society. In addition, We donated $261.21 and a little under 200 books to the Clemson literacy initiative striving to fill our young alumnus' classrooms with books. Finally, This past summer, we had two members travel on the circle of sisterhood service trip to Senegal, Africa.
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We support our national philanthropies, Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Organization. We also support the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland County and Perry County.  
 
  
 
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?  
 
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?  
  
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Our chapter has a devotion to literacy and education. We also love children and try to involve them in our philanthropy efforts whenever we can!
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We chose the MS society because a former Epsilon Mu chapter member’s family was effected by MS. We wanted to support her and her family while they were struggling and continued this organization after she graduated. We decided this year to help with the Reading Initiative because of our strong connections with helping develop strong readers in elementary aged children.
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==Highlights of 2016==
  
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==Highlights OF 2016==
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The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman.  The 247 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better.  We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs.  Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed.  With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.
  
 +
This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 69 new members this year, 9 of which were legacies. Grades have not yet been released for the fall 2016 semester, but as of August 2016 we had a strong 3.50 grade point average. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed third out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average and rose above the all sorority grade point average of 3.45. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more.  We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday.  We enjoy spending all the time we can together.
  
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Epsilon Omega Chapter started off Fall 2015 as we welcomed 36 new Kappas into our
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Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the spring, and decided to give back to the local schools again in the fall with yet another Reading is Key event. This year, we decided to do different events for each grade at a local elementary school, so we could spend more individualized time with the children.  Our sister love going to the schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. During recruitment we allowed girls to play a small game on philanthropy round and if they won we donated more books to the local schools. In the spring we hosted a successful Kappa Kickoff, which raised more money than ever. In addition, our sisters participated in small service events around the community throughout the semester to continue to give back.
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fraternity. This was the second time we ever had Spring recruitment in the Spring instead of the fall
 
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and we were so excited about having such a large class!
 
  
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We started the year with philanthropy in mind when we held our annual Kappa Kisses fundraiser.
+
We pride ourselves on our involvement in other Greek chapter’s philanthropies.  This year we won both Alpha Phifa, a soccer tournament, and Sigma Nu Powder Puff, a flag football tournament put on by a fraternity on campus that donates to Dabo’s All In Foundation. These were great wins for Kappa!  We put in a lot of work, effort and sisterhood to make sure we came through with the wins. In addition, we placed second in the Greek Week dance competition and had a solid finish overall in the weeklong competition. One of our greatest achievements again this year was winning the Homecoming float competition. Our sisters, along with brothers of our partnered fraternity put many long hours into building an outstanding float that represented the past, present, and future of Clemson. Additionally, we helped the Greek community raise over $20,000 for Circle of Sisterhood.  
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We made Valentine’s Day cards, attached chocolate kisses to them, and students were able to send
 
−
notes to friends. We raised a lot money for Domestic Violence Services in the area. Our Kappas also
 
−
assisted in serving a Pancake Breakfast for the local Children’s Center. It was extremely rewarding
 
−
and we have continued our relationship with the coordinator there. We also sent Kappas to the
 
−
Winter Carnival at North Dickinson Elementary School. The volunteers ran games, sold
 
−
refreshments, and overall had an amazing, energetic afternoon! Other highlights of the spring
 
−
semester include the college’s Relay for Life. Many of our sisters have witnessed the horrifying
 
−
effects of cancer, so we all walked that night in letters to support them and everyone else who has
 
−
battled cancer.
 
  
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We began the new academic year volunteering for the annual 5K, Run for Steph. This is an event
+
Our theme for this year was  “Aspire to be Extraordinary.”  We went through every event, rush, and extracurricular activity with this as our mindset. We wanted to make sure we went above and beyond as not just being sisters, but with our community and making our chapter the best it could be.  
−
on campus that is very close to our hearts and helps to bring us closer together. We hosted Lip
 
−
Sync in October. We raised over 3000 dollars and the money and books were donated to our
 
−
national philanthropy Reading is Fundamental. Our sisters continue to volunteer for Homework
 
−
Club, which is an after school program at two local elementary schools. This is an incredibly
 
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rewarding and memorable experience for them, and many girls continue their volunteer work there
 
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all throughout their time at Dickinson. We also did an event this fall we called Kappacinos. We sat
 
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outside on our academic quad and handed out free coffee to all the faculty and staff that walked by.
 
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We had a sign out explaining our philanthropy and asked for donations if anyone felt generous and
 
−
wanted to donate. Overall, it was very fun and a great success.
 
  
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We continued polished sister awards this semester. Sisters can nominate other Kappas who have
+
Here at Clemson University, tradition is imperative. We hold the same standards to our chapter. Some of our traditions include our seniors jumping in our reflection pond on bid day, doing Kappa Is during preference round, and doing big/little reveal before Initiation.
−
been working hard and have been in good spirits, as well as have been put together. The “polished
 
−
sisters” receive a bottle of Essie nail polish as a prize. This has been a fun way to recognize those
 
−
who have represented Kappa well. We also have “Standards Standouts” that the standards
 
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committee nominates to reward in front of the chapter. This could be anyone who has been an
 
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exemplary student, and an exemplary Kappa. They get a little goodie bag with all fun Kappa gifts.
 
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We also have “Officer of the Month.” This is something similar where we acknowledge a girl on
 
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our chapter council who is doing her job successfully. It is nice to be recognized in your chapter
 
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and feel rewarded for the job you are doing.
 
  
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This calendar year, our chapter has faced a few challenges but has worked tirelessly to overcome
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The Greek community of Clemson grew this year by adding a new sorority, Pi Beta Phi. We were so excited to help welcome our sister sorority to our beautiful campus. We had a movie night with Pi Phi in October to get to know our new Panhellenic sisters better. Additionally, the relationship between Greek life and the university is bettering each day and it is very exciting to watch the progress we as a community are making. We were able to have more events on campus and to work with the university more closely about policies regarding our community.
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them and improve. In response to our focus letter, we have continued to implement Round Robins
 
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for the Chapter Council. In response to our chapter’s mediocre GPA, Maddie Vance ’19, our Vice President of Academic Excellence, has initiated changes within the chapter to encourage our sisters to improve their academics. We are implementing a period of concern for 2016, sisters with ‘U’s on their roll call grades are required to meet with the VPAE and President, etc. She also has started a “smartie panties” reward system where members nominate other sisters for their good grades. Maddie picks a few girls to recognize throughout our chapter and gives them little rewards for their hard work. We just recently had a Kappa trainer come in and work with our leaving and coming in chapter council. It was a very productive and meaningful way for our chapter’s leaders to come together and work with each other to figure out how to better our sorority as a whole for next semester. We spoke about ways to positively run recruitment and ensure we give bids to the best possible group of girls next semester.
 
  
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Our campus has continued to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Greek life on campus. We have worked with the other Greek organizations on campus to support each other and the college, showing all that Kappa and Greek life in general add to campus life. The Blue Ribbon Project was started to evaluate Greek life from a third party perspective. This is a great way for us to voice our opinions of Greek life. In order to unify the sororities on campus with administration and faculty, we held a Teacher Appreciation night. We are motivated to continue working with the college to improve the impression of Greek life on campus!
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==Highlights of 2017==
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The nature of the Epsilon Omega chapter in general is one of extreme pride, sisterhood, and optimism. We are looking forward to continuing to make a difference on campus and in the community. All the members of Epsilon Omega know that we are an organization that is only as strong as our weakest link. Everyday we strive to be the best fraternity of women as possible and will continue to work together in order to achieve all of our goals!
 
  
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We have a new President as of this past fall so it has been our chapter and all of Panhel's goal to make a good impression and have him support Greek life. It is very important to us to ensure that our administration sees all the good we do for our school as a whole. Since Dickinson College is relatively small, we have a smaller chapter in size comparison to many other chapters nationwide. This allows us to be not only know every individial member's name, but also formulate relationships with our sisters beyond our weekly chapter meetings. We all see eachother every day, multiple times a day, on campus and because of this, our chapter is a strong cohesive unit.
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This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 68 new members this year,. Grades have not yet been released for the fall 2017 semester, but as of August 2017 we had a strong 3.43 grade point average. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed seventh out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average. Overall Panhellenic continues to have a higher GPA than nonaffiliated students. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Tour guides, Order of Omega, and many more.  We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday.  We enjoy spending all the time we can together.
  
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'''Chapter Philanthropy'''
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The Greek community of Clemson grew last year by adding a new sorority, Pi Beta Phi. We were so excited to help welcome our sister sorority to our beautiful campus. Additionally, the relationship between Greek life and the university is bettering each day and it is very exciting to watch the progress we as a community are making. We were able to have more events on campus and to work with the university more closely about policies regarding our community. On campus, Clemson is currently building a new business college Douhit Hills, and continues to expand housings.
  
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We support our national philanthropies, Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Organization. We also support the Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland County and Perry County.
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'''Philanthropy'''
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Our chapter has a devotion to literacy and education. We also love children and try to involve them in our philanthropy efforts whenever we can.
 
  
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Kappa continues to have a house where 17 members live. However due to the large size of our chapter we meet in a large classroom in one of our academic buildings known as "Denny."
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Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the spring, and decided to give back to the local schools again in the fall with yet another Reading is Key event. This year, we decided to do different events for each grade at a local elementary school, so we could spend more individualized time with the children.  Our sister love going to the schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. We had our first donut eating competition that raised over 2,000 for Habitat for Humanity called Krispy Kreme Grabbers. We won the curtsy competition to have 500 dollars donated to RIK. Also, we won a Panhellenic philanthropy event circle of sisterhood that raised over 20,000 for a school in Nepal. In addition, our sisters participated in small service events around the community throughout the semester to continue to give back ranging from being animal shelter volunteers to volunteering at soup kitchens. Our sisters, along with brothers of our partnered fraternity put many long hours into building an outstanding float that represented the past, present, and future of Clemson for the homecoming week float in which we placed second overall. We participated locally in adopt a classroom where we provided gifts to low income elementary age children for Christmas in the Clemson community.
  
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==Highlights of 2020s:==
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==Highlights of 2020s:==
  
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(Information from the 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.)
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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:'''  
 
'''Housing:'''  
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'''Convention Awards:'''
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'''Chapter Convention Awards''':
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
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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.  
 
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!
 
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!

Revision as of 13:10, 17 January 2018

 

Epsilon Mu
EM
Epsilon Mu.jpeg
FoundedMarch 7, 1970 (1970-03-07) (56 years ago)
CollegeClemson University
LocationClemson, SC
HomepageEpsilon Mu Homepage
Media related to Epsilon Mu Chapter

2,213 initiates (as of June 2017)


Charter Members: Peggy Marie Batson, Donna Marie Brooks, Anna Jean Busby, Susan Elizabeth Callison, Sandra Corley, Catherine L. Cox, Mary Elizabeth Craig, Judith M. DeHoff, Barbara Marie Dieglio, Emily Dupre Donaldson, Nancy Diana Ball Edwards. Nancy Kenyon Fairey, Alexandra John Georgeo, Lucille Coursen Gordon, Sandra Jean Hash, Laurie Anne Holleman, Norma Anne Hudnall, Elizabeth Diane Jameson, Judy Gayle Jameson, Ann Elliott Kester, Margaret Lynn Macauley, Victoria Anne Mattis, Patricia Anne McCuen, Judith A. Nicks, Rebecca Elaine Owens, Sharon Lee Rice, Emily Bennett Warren.


Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:


Fraternity Council Officers:


Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:


Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Nancy Humphries O'Dell, 2010; former co-anchor of NBC's Access Hollywood

Additional Outstanding Epsilon Mu Alumnae:

The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)

Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma became the second chapter in South Carolina on March 7, 1970, at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.

The first semester as Kappas was a busy one, with participation in the annual Dixie Day events games competition among the sororities on campus, sponsored by Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. The Kappas won the overall trophy and took other trophies also.

The Kappas participated in an anti-pollution rally. All the sororities and fraternities on campus competed collecting trash around the Clemson area. Epsilon Mu placed first among the sororities.

In 1970-71 the chapter's main goal was to become well known on campus, especially among the independent girls. Also, the girls strove to have better relationships with the fraternities and the other sororities on campus. For Halloween Kappa gave carved pumpkins to the other sororities to put on their floors. Then many of the sisters went pumpkin carving through the three girls' dorms.

Instead of building a Homecoming display, the Clemson Kappas decided to try a Tigerama skit. Tigerama is an annual entertainment presented the night before the Homecoming game. It is produced by Blue Key, and is run entirely by students. The sisters had never planned or participated in Tigerama before, but with everybody working together- writing a skit, practicing parts, making costumes and props, and taping voices- Epsilon Mu nervously entered the try-outs.

When the announcement was made of the accepted skits, the Kappas were overjoyed to be included. The following weeks brought more practicing and polishing, and even rebuilding much of the scenery when a rainstorm on a night before the performance did a great deal of damage. Finally the big night arrived, and the Kappas were proud of a good first try. To their amazement, it was announced that the Kappas had placed first- $250 cash prize, and never-to-be forgotten memories.

In February some of the sisters got together and made Valentine cakes for each fraternity. These were a big hit with the brothers, and the girls received several thank you notes and requests for another cake.

Two distinguished guests visited the chapter in 1970-71. One was Marjorie Gohn (Felsburg), Delta Alpha- Penn State. Epsilon Mu was fortunate to have her help as it complete its first year as a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The other visitor was Louise Little Barbeck, Gamma Phi- Southern Methodist, president of the Fraternity. She spoke with the pledge class of 1971 and they entertained her with a skit portraying "a possible situation in the founding of the Fraternity one hundred years ago". The actives also heard Mrs. Barbeck in a formal meeting as she encouraged hard work in the future to maintain excellence.

During the Magnolia Pageant, the Sorority Sing competition was held. Kappa placed first with a tribute to Walt Disney. Kappas were dressed as Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse, Clubbers, the Seven Dwarfs, Jiminy Cricket, siamese cats, and a bear. Because they won Sorority Sing, the girls presented their program again at Fraternity Sing. Also the presentation was made at Mothers' Banquet in April.

Epsilon Mu combined service with social in a dance for the benefit of a local charity. Contributions taken at the door were donated to the Pickens County United Fund. Independents as well as other fraternities and organizations on campus were invited to join the party with music provided by a band. The chapter was also busy collecting things for a needy family that lived in the Clemson area. The Kappas participated in planting flowers for a garden club in Clemson.

Perhaps the biggest social event of the year was the spring formal in honor of Epsilon Mu's founding on March 7 a year before. The Kappas also sponsored a Mother-Daughter Weekend with a Saturday night banquet and Sunday breakfast. The mothers spent the weekend with their daughters and learned more about Kappa.

Epsilon Mu had two finalists in the Miss Clemson University contest and a runner-up in the Magnolia Beauty Contest. The Tiger Band's solo twirler was a Kappa. A Kappa held the office of commander of the Light Brigade and a Kappa served on the Student Government Election Board.

Again Epsilon Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma stood out above the other sororities on campus. Its high average enabled it to win the Panhellenic Scholarship Trophy. Epsilon Mu's twenty-six pledges had the highest scholastic achievement of the three pledge classes on campus.

There can be no question in any Clemson Kappa's mind that Epsilon Mu had come a long way on the road to the top this year, and one of the reasons was the guidance and friendship of Graduate Counselor Dale Brubeck, Gamma Kappa- William and Mary.

In 1971-72, the Kappas participated in a paper drive by the Panhellenic Council. All of the benefits went to Miracle Hill. This year the Kappas undertook a new service project. The Kappa Pickers and other Kappas went to the old folks home in Six Mile, a town close to Clemson. The Kappa Pickers entertained and the others visited with the old folks. This proved a very rewarding experience.

Two of the charter members presented a plaque for the front of the elevator in Manning Hall. It identifies the Kappa floor and is dedicated to the charter members of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Epsilon Mu tried out again for the Tigerama skit and was picked to participate. The theme was "1984". The Kappas worked hard and promoted unity among the chapter. The result was another first place, another plaque, and another $250 cash prize.

This semester's graduate counselor was Suzanne Barnett, Gamma Kappa- William and Mary. She helped the chapter to build its leadership. Field Secretary Juliana "J.J." Fraser (Wales), Beta Nu- Ohio State, showed Epsilon Mu the basis of the committee system. This visit was very good for the chapter.

Kappa scholarship was again outstanding, with two more Panhellenic Scholarship Trophy wins. Dixie Day came around again. The Kappas did not win the overall trophy, but won two: Sorority Sing and bridge. Since Epsilon Mu won again, the chapter performed at Fraternity Sing, and at Mothers Weekend.

The end of the year was celebrated with a personnel and scholarship banquet. Another year had passed and Kappa Kappa Gamma was still tops. Two Kappas had been Rally Girls who help entertain at half time at the basketball games with a dance routine. Other Kappas were Tiger Belles, official hostesses at the games. The Panhellenic Council president had been a Kappa.

Homecoming weekend approached Clemson University and with it Tigerama. Once more the chapter tried out again with the skit, "Claw the Cavaliers". Hard work and preparation paid off as the Kappas triumphed over the other six contestants.

The social committee had a big year planned for the Kappas of Clemson in 1972-73. The next even was a Hawaiian Luau with the Block C Club, the Clemson honorary club for athletes. The Kappas provided the decorations and the hula dancing while the Block C members provided the band and the roasted pig.

The last big social event was the formal which has come to be an annual event commemorating the founding of Epsilon Mu Chapter.

The Kappas are active in many honorary, professional, and service activities. Kappas are elected to the Senior Staff of TAPS, the Clemson Yearbook, and Kappas also participate on the junior TAPS staff. The Central Dance Association, the organization on campus which plans the entertainment for student government with concerts, annually claims Epsilon Mus. Other Kappas are represented in student government. Sisters also participate in the ski club, and on the fencing team.

1972-73 saw the development of Fraternity Little Sister Programs on campus. The sisters of Epsilon Mu Chapter represented many of the fraternities on campus. Kappa also claimed the sweetheart of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Chi Psi sweetheart. Kappa was represented in Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity by having the Dream Girl of Pi Kappa Alpha title.

Epsilon Mu of Kappa Kappa Gamma has come a long way since March 7, 1970. Kappa has become well-established on the campus of Clemson University.

Highlights of 2012

2012 was a remarkable year for the sisters of Epsilon Mu's chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We continued to excel in service, academics, education and are becoming increasingly involved in all aspects of Clemson's community. Epsilon Mu was recognized for excellence at Convention in 2012 where we were awarded Panhellenic Chapter of the Year.

The following is a list of Epsilon Mu's achievements throughout 2012:

  • Awarded Commitment to Service at Clemson Greek Awards 2012
  • Awarded Kappa Kappa Gamma Panhellenic Award at Convention 2012
  • Honorable Mention Philanthropy Award at Convention 2012
  • Honorable Mention Risk Management Award at Convention 2012
  • Awarded Chapter of Achievement 2011
  • Intramural Volleyball Champions 2012
  • First Place in Moving Division in partnership with Sigma Nu for Homecoming Float Display 2012
  • Runner Up in Derby Days Dance Competition 2012
  • Kappa Kappa Gamma raised an all time high of $7,000 for The MS Society (which was first overall!)
  • Awarded 1st Place at Dance Marathon 2012 philanthropy competition
  • Placed 3rd Overall in Zeta Tau Alpha and Beta Theta Pi's "Beta Lei" philanthropy competition
  • Placed 3rd Overall in Chi Omega's "Boot Camp" philanthropy competition
  • Raised most amount of money in Alpha Tau Omega's "Viking Week" philanthropy
  • Placed 3rd Place in Greek Week 2012
  • Hosted 6 Sisterhood Events
  • Took Part in 11 Educational Programs

Campus: While minor changes have been made on Clemson University's campus, such as a newly opened Academic Success Center, the feel of the campus remains the same. Clemson students are still among the happiest in the nation and the town is flooded with Tiger Pride every Saturday in the fall. As for greek life in Clemson, many positive changes are impacting the community well. On February 11, 2012, Clemson Greek Life welcomed our newest sorority, Alpha Phi. Kappa's whole chapter joined to celebrate their bid day as we watched their first Clemson chapter "run down the hill" as is tradition. After having tailgating removed from the Greek Quad last year, it returned this year and was a success. The Clemson Greek community bonded together when news of embezzlement by the Fraternity and Sorority Life Director shook the campus.

Chapter: Epsilon Mu specifically is continuing to improve in our quest for excellence. Our old traditions are holding true, such as the "Oh Pat" function and the "Reading is Key" philanthropy event, but we are also creating new ones along the way. This year, our favorite function of the year changed it's name from "Kappa Kidnap" to "Kappas and Kowboys", and we have started a new philanthropy event called Rent-A-Dog. In this event, we teamed up with the local animal shelter that we have supported for many years, and rented puppies in half hour increments as a stress reliever to all students. It was a huge hit with a great turn-out and will certainly be continued in years to come.

Highlights of 2013

This year was a very successful year for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things! We initiated 63 new members and had 13 legacies join us this year. Our grade point average this year was a strong 3.43. We strive to do well in academia and this year we proved we could by topping the grade point average for Clemson University woman of a 3.26. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more. We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday. We enjoy spending all the time we can together.

Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. We started a new philanthropy last year called Rent-A-Dog where you are able to rent a dog for 30 minutes for $10. This year we raised over $2,000 in just a few hours and the money went to Oconee Humane Society. We are excited to support a local business here in Clemson. We also made a decision to bring back the Kappa Malender. This calendar was an old Clemson Kappa tradition and we produced a creative calendar of Clemson University’s men on campus and sold it around the University. We stayed active with our other philanthropies such as Reading is Key and Kappa Kickoff.

We pride ourselves on our involvement in other Greek chapter’s philanthropies. This year we won Greek Week, Sigma Chi’s philanthropy. This was a great win for Kappa! We put in a lot of work, effort and sisterhood to make sure we came through with the win. We won the Domestic Violence Tournament where our sisters battled hard to raise money for those involved in domestic violence. We also won a step competition for another sorority’s philanthropy called Stomp like an Elephant. We surprised ourselves with each and every dance move. Additionally, we helped the Greek community raise over $20,000 for Circle of Sisterhood.

Our theme for this year was “Aspire to be Extraordinary.” We went through every event, rush, and extracurricular activity with this as our mindset. We wanted to make sure we went above and beyond as not just being sisters, but with our community and making our chapter the best it could be. We successfully “Aspired to be Extraordinary” with winning the Province awards Opal Humphrey membership award and the Dottie Harvey award for high chapter standards.

Here at Clemson University, tradition is imperative. We hold the same standards to our chapter. Some of our traditions include our seniors jumping in our reflection pond on bid day, doing Kappa Is during preference round, and doing big/little reveal before initiation.

A change that we are currently working on is to implement a Greek Village here on campus. This would make our Greek community only that much stronger and bigger. We are working with our alumni and the trustees of Clemson to try and get money and plans for the building of such a big project. We are hoping that we would be able to have a Greek Village by the fall of 2016. With this as our goal, we will have a house for Kappa Kappa Gamma and a place for more sisters to reside and meet.

The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman. The 231 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better. We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs. Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed. With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.


Highlights of 2014

This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 65 new members this year, 12 of which were legacies. Grades have not yet been released for the fall 2014 semester, but as of August 2014 we had a strong 3.47 grade point average. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed third out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average and leaped above the all sorority grade point average of 3.39. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more. We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday. We enjoy spending all the time we can together.

Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the spring, and decided to give back to the local schools again in the fall with yet another Reading is Key event. Our sister love going to the local schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. During recruitment we allowed girls to play a small game on philanthropy round and if they won we donated more books to the local schools. In the spring we hosted a successful Kappa Kickoff, which raised more money than ever. In addition, our sisters participated in small service events around the community throughout the semester to continue to give back.

We pride ourselves on our involvement in other Greek chapter’s philanthropies. This year we won both Alpha Phifa, a soccer tournament, and Moon Ball, a volleyball tournament put on by other sororities. These were great wins for Kappa! We put in a lot of work, effort and sisterhood to make sure we came through with the wins. In addition, we won the Greek Week dance competition and had a solid finish overall in the weeklong competition. The Epsilon Mu chapter was awarded the “Global Greek” award by Clemson University, which is given to the sorority with the most involvement in study abroad programs. One of our greatest achievements this year was winning the Homecoming float competition. Our sisters, along with brothers of our partnered fraternity put many long hours into building an outstanding float that represented the past, present, and future of Clemson. Additionally, we helped the Greek community raise over $20,000 for Circle of Sisterhood.

Our theme for this year was “Aspire to be Extraordinary.” We went through every event, rush, and extracurricular activity with this as our mindset. We wanted to make sure we went above and beyond as not just being sisters, but with our community and making our chapter the best it could be. We successfully “Aspired to be Extraordinary” with winning the Province awards Opal Humphrey membership award and the Dottie Harvey award for high chapter standards.

Here at Clemson University, tradition is imperative. We hold the same standards to our chapter. Some of our traditions include our seniors jumping in our reflection pond on bid day, doing Kappa Is during preference round, and doing big/little reveal before initiation.

The Greek community is still working on creating a Greek village on campus. This would make our Greek community only that much stronger and bigger. We are working with our alumni and the trustees of Clemson to try and get money and plans for the building of such a big project. We are hoping that we would be able to have a Greek Village by the fall of 2016. With this as our goal, we will have a house for Kappa Kappa Gamma and a place for more sisters to reside and meet. In addition, the campus is motivated to improve the safety of Greek life and has made major strides in implementing new policies to facilitate an overall healthier lifestyle.

The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman. The 231 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better. We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs. Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed. With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.


Highlights of 2015

This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 64 new members this year, 12 of which were legacies. We average a 3.49 grade point average for the spring semester and expect our fall average to be just as impressive. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed third out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average, fifth in all of greek life and leaped above the all sorority grade point average of 3.39. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more. We had 6 members accepted in to the Tour Guide Association this fall, bringing our tour guide total to 10. We have 11 members inducted into Order of Omega, the top Greek Honors Society. We had 8 pi chis for Fall 2015 recruitment. For Fall 2016 recruitment, a member was named head pi chi, and we have 9 members selected to be Panhellenic Counselors. One of our members was recognized during the Boston College Game, by President Clements, as the Student of the Game on October 17th. We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday. We enjoy spending all the time we can together.

The Greek community is still working on creating a Greek village on campus. This would make our Greek community only that much stronger and bigger. We are working with our alumni and the trustees of Clemson to try and get money and plans for the building of such a big project. We are hoping that we would be able to have a Greek Village by the fall of 2017. With this as our goal, we will have a house for Kappa Kappa Gamma and a place for more sisters to reside and meet. In addition, the campus is motivated to improve the safety of Greek life and has made major strides in implementing new policies to facilitate an overall healthier lifestyle. In addition, the Greek community has voted to welcome a new chapter in to our Greek family.

The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman. The 249 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better. We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs. Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed. With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.


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

Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the fall. We split up our chapter into two groups and went to two local elementary schools’ after school program. We donated 280 books to Clemson Elementary (valued at $1380) during our philanthropy event Reading is Key. Our sister love going to the local schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. In the fall we hosted a successful Kappa Kickoff, which raised $2,840 for the MS society and Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. We donated $556 to the Multiple Sclerosis Society through one of our member’s start up company, Electric Ink. Electric Ink is a line of gold, game day, temporary tattoos. With every purchase a percentage is donated to the MS Society. In addition, We donated $261.21 and a little under 200 books to the Clemson literacy initiative striving to fill our young alumnus' classrooms with books. Finally, This past summer, we had two members travel on the circle of sisterhood service trip to Senegal, Africa.

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

We chose the MS society because a former Epsilon Mu chapter member’s family was effected by MS. We wanted to support her and her family while they were struggling and continued this organization after she graduated. We decided this year to help with the Reading Initiative because of our strong connections with helping develop strong readers in elementary aged children.

Highlights of 2016

The Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is a group of caring, fun, intelligent and motivated woman. The 247 of us work together to make sure we all meet our goals and always striving to be better. We are a very tight knit group of woman and we always have one another’s backs. Clemson Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the most well rounded chapters on the Clemson University campus with the involvement each sister has, the grades we make, and the excitement we have to make Kappa the best it can be. Every woman in Epsilon Mu makes an effort to know one another and make sure everyone feels welcomed. With such a large number sometimes it can be hard to feel connected, but as a Clemson Kappa, you feel more united with this group of girls than any other smaller organization.

This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 69 new members this year, 9 of which were legacies. Grades have not yet been released for the fall 2016 semester, but as of August 2016 we had a strong 3.50 grade point average. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed third out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average and rose above the all sorority grade point average of 3.45. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Varsity Athletics, and many more. We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday. We enjoy spending all the time we can together.

Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the spring, and decided to give back to the local schools again in the fall with yet another Reading is Key event. This year, we decided to do different events for each grade at a local elementary school, so we could spend more individualized time with the children. Our sister love going to the schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. During recruitment we allowed girls to play a small game on philanthropy round and if they won we donated more books to the local schools. In the spring we hosted a successful Kappa Kickoff, which raised more money than ever. In addition, our sisters participated in small service events around the community throughout the semester to continue to give back.

We pride ourselves on our involvement in other Greek chapter’s philanthropies. This year we won both Alpha Phifa, a soccer tournament, and Sigma Nu Powder Puff, a flag football tournament put on by a fraternity on campus that donates to Dabo’s All In Foundation. These were great wins for Kappa! We put in a lot of work, effort and sisterhood to make sure we came through with the wins. In addition, we placed second in the Greek Week dance competition and had a solid finish overall in the weeklong competition. One of our greatest achievements again this year was winning the Homecoming float competition. Our sisters, along with brothers of our partnered fraternity put many long hours into building an outstanding float that represented the past, present, and future of Clemson. Additionally, we helped the Greek community raise over $20,000 for Circle of Sisterhood.

Our theme for this year was “Aspire to be Extraordinary.” We went through every event, rush, and extracurricular activity with this as our mindset. We wanted to make sure we went above and beyond as not just being sisters, but with our community and making our chapter the best it could be.

Here at Clemson University, tradition is imperative. We hold the same standards to our chapter. Some of our traditions include our seniors jumping in our reflection pond on bid day, doing Kappa Is during preference round, and doing big/little reveal before Initiation.

The Greek community of Clemson grew this year by adding a new sorority, Pi Beta Phi. We were so excited to help welcome our sister sorority to our beautiful campus. We had a movie night with Pi Phi in October to get to know our new Panhellenic sisters better. Additionally, the relationship between Greek life and the university is bettering each day and it is very exciting to watch the progress we as a community are making. We were able to have more events on campus and to work with the university more closely about policies regarding our community.

Highlights of 2017

This year was incredibly eventful and successful for the Epsilon Mu chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We accomplished many wonderful things and are proud of the progress we have made over the past year! We welcomed and initiated 68 new members this year,. Grades have not yet been released for the fall 2017 semester, but as of August 2017 we had a strong 3.43 grade point average. We strive to always focus on academics and encourage each member to shine in this area. Due to our hard work in academia we were placed seventh out of twelve sororities in highest grade point average. Overall Panhellenic continues to have a higher GPA than nonaffiliated students. We continue to raise our standards for academics and hope to rise higher on the grade point average scale. Our sisters are involved in various clubs outside of Kappa including Office of Admissions, Student Alumni Association, Student Government, Honor and Business societies, Tour guides, Order of Omega, and many more. We find ourselves gathering together on Sunday nights at chapter and taking pictures together on Letter Shirt Tuesday. We enjoy spending all the time we can together.

The Greek community of Clemson grew last year by adding a new sorority, Pi Beta Phi. We were so excited to help welcome our sister sorority to our beautiful campus. Additionally, the relationship between Greek life and the university is bettering each day and it is very exciting to watch the progress we as a community are making. We were able to have more events on campus and to work with the university more closely about policies regarding our community. On campus, Clemson is currently building a new business college Douhit Hills, and continues to expand housings.

Philanthropy

Philanthropy has always been an important part of our chapter and this year was no exception. This year we had an extremely successful Reading is Key program in the spring, and decided to give back to the local schools again in the fall with yet another Reading is Key event. This year, we decided to do different events for each grade at a local elementary school, so we could spend more individualized time with the children. Our sister love going to the schools and getting to spend the afternoon reading and playing with the children. We had our first donut eating competition that raised over 2,000 for Habitat for Humanity called Krispy Kreme Grabbers. We won the curtsy competition to have 500 dollars donated to RIK. Also, we won a Panhellenic philanthropy event circle of sisterhood that raised over 20,000 for a school in Nepal. In addition, our sisters participated in small service events around the community throughout the semester to continue to give back ranging from being animal shelter volunteers to volunteering at soup kitchens. Our sisters, along with brothers of our partnered fraternity put many long hours into building an outstanding float that represented the past, present, and future of Clemson for the homecoming week float in which we placed second overall. We participated locally in adopt a classroom where we provided gifts to low income elementary age children for Christmas in the Clemson community.

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!

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