Difference between pages "Beta Rho Deuteron" and "Beta Phi"

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{{Infobox Fraternity
 
{{Infobox Fraternity
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|Name= Beta Rho Deuteron
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|Name= Beta Phi
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|GreekSymbol= BP<sup>Δ</sup>
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|GreekSymbol= BΦ
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|Image= [[File:Beta_Rho_Deuteron.jpg|200px]]
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|Image= [[File:Beta_Phi.jpg|200px]]
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1885|06|06}}
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1909|03|20}}
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|College= [http://www.uc.edu/ University of Cincinnati]
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|College= [https://www.umt.edu/ University of Montana], formerly State University of Montana; Montana State University
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|Location= Cincinnati, OH
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|Location= Missoula, MT
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|Homepage= [http://chapters.kappakappagamma.org/betarho/ Beta Rho Deuteron Homepage]
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|Homepage= [Beta Phi Homepage]
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|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Beta_Rho_Deuteron Media related to Beta Rho Deuteron Chapter]
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|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Beta_Phi Media related to Beta Phi Chapter]}}
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}}
 
  
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<table><tr><td>
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'''University of Montana (formerly University of Montana; State University of Montana; Montana State University) established in 1893, Missoula, Montana
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'''Beta Rho Deuteron Chapter, University of Cincinnati'''
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'''
  
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'''University of Cincinnati founded 1807, Cincinnati, Ohio'''
 
  
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'''Beta Rho Founded 1885, Closed 1885'''
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'''Beta Phi founded March 20, 1909 with 17 charter members'''
  
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'''Reinstated as Beta Rho Deuteron on May 16, 1914'''
 
  
  
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'''4 initiate as of chapter closing'''
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'''1,954 initiates (as of June 2018''')
  
  
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'''2,277 initiates (as of June 2014)'''
 
  
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-------------------------------------
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----
  
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'''Some of Beta Rho’s Outstanding 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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'''Charter Members:'''
  
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'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''
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Eva M. Coffee, Mary J. Elrod, Ethel Evans, Edna T. Fox, Frances M. Jones, Abbie Catherine Lucy, Margaret Mary Lucy, Maude Brooks McCullough, Mildred Alene McGregor, May Elizabeth Murphy, Mary F. Rankin, Isabel Ronan, Marjorie Lee Ross, Ruth Lenore Smith, Helen M. Whitaker, Lucy Dora Alexandria Whitaker, Ethel Marion Wilkinson.
  
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Mary Turner Whitney, Fraternity President, 1960-1964; National Panhellenic Conference Delegate 1955-1960; Vice President 1954-1956; Director of Chapters 1950-1954; Sally Lemker (Troup), Field Secretary 1983-1985; Robyn Schwartz (Rider), Traveling Consultant 2002-2003
 
  
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'''Fraternity Council Members:'''
  
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Hulda Miller Fields, Fraternity Director of Membership, 1942-1946; Marlys Nelson (Barrett), Field Secretary 1962-1964; Marian Schroeder Graham, Director of Membership, 1966-1970, Director of Personnel 1970-1972, Director of Chapters, 1971-1972, Fraternity President 1972-1976; Lila Isbell, Field Secretary, 1987-1988, Fraternity Executive Director, 2001-2005
  
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'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients'''
 
  
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Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
 
  
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Dr. Susan W. Rockwood, 1968, microbiologist, and
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'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
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Marguerite Wykoff Zapoleon, 1968, economics consultant and author
 
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Bernice Williams Foley, 1974, library director; newspaper columnist; editor
 
  
  
  
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'''Additional Outstanding Beta Rho Deuteron Alumnae'''
 
  
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Carolyn White (Jenkins), Graduate Counselor 1952-1954
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'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
  
  
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==The Early Years  (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)==
 
  
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The Kappa Kappa Gamma charter granted to the second (Beta) Rho on June 6, 1885, had been mysteriously surrendered a few months later. Alpha Phi Psi, a local group, was organized in 1904 and immediately petitioned Kappa Kappa Gamma. Finally in March 1914, after inspection by Florence Burton Roth, Michigan, Grand President, the petition was granted, and on May 19, the Installation of Beta Rho Deuteron was announced in the Cincinnati newspapers.
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'''Additional outstanding alumnae:'''
  
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When Beta Rho Deuteron became a reality, the alumnae—many of whom were married, and often busy with children—registered for classes, became eligible for membership in Kappa, and were initiated. The Cincinnati Alumnae Association was quickly organized, and alumnae opened their homes for meetings, rush parties, teas and even slumber parties. They remembered Alpha Phi Psi, too. and one sentence from that ritual was incorporated in the Kappa ritual that is used today in Beta Rho Deuteron ceremonies.
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Dana Clader (Kleckner), Chapter Consultant 1998-1999; Shawna Gary (Kientz), Chapter Consultant 2000-2001
  
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'''Housing'''
 
  
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“We need a house,” the actives declared. And the alumnae supplied furnishings for a four-room apartment from funds earmarked “to be used for a house when the need arises.” For $15 rent per month in 1930, Beta Rhos stored their belongings, held meetings and competed with Kappa Alpha Theta, until a larger apartment could be found. It was on Stratford Avenue. Then in 1938, the chapter moved to a house on Woodside Avenue. By 1949, the present home on Clifton Avenue, opposite McMicken Hall, became Beta Rho’s home, financed through a second mortgage arranged by a Beta Rho alumna and her husband. It is a three-story red brick, close to campus.
 
  
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After three remodels (1957, 1962 and 1967), and thousands of dollars spent, and untold Beta Rho House Board anguish, it represented a dignified Williamsburg-Colonial façade. Behind black wrought-iron gates, once part of a Paris elevator, a memorial to Pamela Woods from her parents, 30 (of 75) actives lived and the business of Beta Rho was conducted. The house was owned by the Beta Rho House Board Association.
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==The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)==
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The University of Montana was chartered February 17, 1893, by an act of the third legislative assembly. Later legislation changed the name to the State University of Montana, and then to Montana State University. On July 1, 1965, it again became the University of Montana.
 +
Montana, then the third largest state geographically, had a population of 376,053, and the city of Missoula, 5,000. In the mid-1970s, Missoula had 10 times as many residents.
 +
 
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Classes began in 1895 in a rented school house. By 1899, four buildings were completed on 40 acres of donated land at the base of 2,000-foot Mount Sentinel and adjacent to the narrow mountain pass called “Hellgate” by the British, “Port-d-Enfor” by the French Canadians, and “Im-i-sul-etiku” (from which the name Missoula is derived) by the Swalish Indians. A faculty of 27 gathered to teach a student body of 178.
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Kappa Kappa Gamma established Beta Phi chapter on March 20, 1909, indicating great confidence in a school so young and in a group affiliation so remote. From 21 petitioning groups, Beta Phi was the single charter granted in almost four years.
  
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Funds from the Beta Rho Mothers Club and the Cincinnati Alumnae Association to assist in the defrayment of Convention expenses for a worthy undergraduate were at one time diverted to the use of the House Board. Two separate Beta Rho Dads Clubs, not extinct, were once joyous additions to chapter life with no noticeable generation gap. Dads Day was later celebrated with lunch at the house followed by attendance at a football game. A former January open house still exists—with variations.
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Delta Sigma, organized February 24, 1904, the first women’s group on the campus, began when Fay Murray (Gillie), re-enrolled at Montana from Butler, sat with her friend Roxanne Howell (Derge) on the turnstile of a fence to tell about her life at Butler. “Roxy” exclaimed, “Oh, Fay, let us start a sorority here!” Thula Toole (Weisel), Maude Evans, Ted Welch, and Jessie Hailsbach were invited to join the local venture.
  
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'''Chapter Traditions'''
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Women’s Hall provided a six-room suite, and Delta Sigma began its life by petitioning Kappa Kappa Gamma. Ruth Worden, Boston, daughter of a founder of Missoula, gave encouragement, as did Jane Evans (Gaylord), Stanford, sister of Maude. Other Kappa friends assured endorsement. The university president wrote to the Grand Secretary saying that the chapter was strong in everything that gives strength. Mary Griffith Canby, Pennsylvania, having moved from Philadelphia to Oregon, made the inspection. On January 22, 1909, she notified the local group that it was to become Beta Phi, with Installation set for March 20. The Missoulian announced the happy event. Mrs. Canby brought with her Kappa badges of Montana nugget gold for the 17 charter members, golden keys for girls of the “Treasure State.”
  
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Once it was the custom for the whole chapter to journey to the bride’s home on the wedding eve, with the bride joining the circle for a “last” sing together. Now the circle is often formed at the wedding reception, and the groom is included. The bride’s pin, a jeweled fleur-de-lis pin, was once worn and then returned to the chapter for the next wedding.
 
  
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There are traditional key badges used by Beta Rho. The diamond key, with which Helen Shoemaker Damus was initiated in 1921, was given by her to the chapter as a President’s badge and was used first in 1945. The Bidlingmeyer key is worn by the sophomore who contributes the most to chapter and campus. The pledge bracelet is worn by the new member with the highest scholastic standing. The Margaret Sanger key is worn by the most recently engaged member. It has a rapid turnover!
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'''Housing and Chapter Traditions'''
  
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In 1914, seven members moved into a rented residence. Up to 1924, 10 subsequent moves were made. When the Building Corporation was organized December 1920, the first steps were taken to purchase a chapter house. This dwelling, 434 East Beckwith Avenue, was too small, and it was sold in 1928. After another period of renting, the home at 1005 Gerald Avenue was purchased from the Toole family. It was a Depression year, only nine actives returned to school in the fall, but 29 were pledged to ensure a continuing chapter.
  
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'''KKG’s 75th Anniversary'''
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For 22 years, Beta Phi was guided by Mrs. Frank P. Keith, whose three daughters and two granddaughters are on the Beta Phi roll. She was saluted on her retirement as the house mother with the longest tenure on Kappa records.
  
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A highlight in Beta Rho Deuteron history was the celebration of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity’s 75th birthday, October 13, 1945. More than 650 parents, husbands, alumnae, actives and friends attended the banquet in the Pavilion Caprice at the Hotel Netherland Plaza. A large committee had planned the evening, which included a dramatic musical pageant with a cast of 100. Alumnae conceived, wrote and directed the historical production.  
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A number of remodelings and additions took place through 1969 with a house holding more than 40. One-third more footage was added at 10 times the cost of the original edifice. This spacious, gracious house was built by pioneer John B. Toole, father of Thula Toole Weisel; grandfather of Thula Virginia Weisel Johnson, author of distinction and past House Board President; and great-grandfather of Thula (Tex) Johnson.
  
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The Montana Alumnae Association, chartered in 1906, has held regular (usually monthly) meetings ever since, providing advisers and officers of the building corporation. Several other alumnae associations are also active in Montana, and keep in close touch with Beta Phi and the Missoula alumnae.
  
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==The WWII Years==
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Beta Phi has enjoyed a strong association with the community and the state. Daughters of pioneers, of early faculty members, and of five governors have become Kappas. There is a sense of interdependence and affection. The 201-acre campus of the mid-1970s had a nine-hole golf course, baseball diamond, track and football field, magnificent student center and a $3 million library, besides 56 buildings including space for 2,500 students and nearly 400 apartments for married students.
  
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The strength of Beta Rho Deuteron is reflected in its participation in local, national and Fraternity affairs. Chapter members and alumnae have aided in French war relief, the Red Cross, USO, blood donations and hospital service. They have also knitted many items for service people and war victims. In peace time, Thanksgiving baskets, children’s parties, hospital visits, and work in youth and rehabilitation centers have been part of the chapter and alumna programs. The university’s endowment fund and the dean’s emergency fund have been special interests of the alumnae association.
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Kappa-related names are found all over the campus. Brantly Hall, named for the grandmother of Lois Hazelbaker Townsend; Elrod Hall, names for the father of Mary Elrod Ferguson, a charter member and former dean of women; Miller Hall, named for the father of Patsy Ann Miller Jewell; Jesse Hall, named for the husband of Lucille Leyda Jesse, Nebraska, and father of Margaret Jesse Fanning; and the science complex named in honor of a former president of the university, father of Lucie Clapp Hagens and Margaret Clapp Smurr.
  
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'''Scholastic Achievement'''
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No history of Beta Phi would be complete without the mention of the 50-year contribution of Mary Rodes Leaphart, Kentucky, whose husband was dean of the Montana School of Law for 34 years. She served as alumnae association President, chapter adviser and warm and loving counselor to many generations of Beta Phis. Her two daughters are Beta Phi alumnae.
  
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Academically, Beta Rho Deuteron has often been first in scholarship among National Panhellenic Conference groups and has earned the Scholarship Cup numerous times. As of 1974, Phi Beta Kappa has the names of 32 Beta Rhos in its files, and Beta Rho members were included in the rolls of 18 other scholarly honoraries. Two members received Geneva Scholarships. Richard and Mary Turner Whitney endowed a scholarship, as did Dr. Kenneth and Helen Wehman Gould, a memorial to her sister, Edith Wehman.
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Beta Phi was hostess to the General Convention of 1922, and co-hostess with Idaho at Sun Valley in 1940, 1948, and 1964, and with Wyoming in 1934. Several Iota Province Conventions have been held in Missoula: 1925, 1939 and 1959, during the observance of the chapter’s golden anniversary, and 1975.
  
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'''The “Singing Chapter”'''
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The active-alumna project, the Missoula Opportunity School for mentally retarded children helped to provide space, volunteer teachers and special needs of the program. Much time and money has been donated to this appealing project, inspired by Adelle Beaman Forbis, Physical therapist, in 1948-49.
  
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The annual Interfraternity Sing on Mother’s Day began in 1923. Beta Rho earned its first win that year, and many other firsts and seconds have been won since. Permanent possession of the sing trophy came in 1945 after three consecutive wins. The “singing chapter” was performing on WLW radio, December 4, 1941, when the concert was interrupted with the news of Pearl Harbor. Original songs by Beta Rho are in the Kappa Song Book, and local musical comedy productions have claimed members’ talents. In 1949, Vaughn Monroe of big band fame chose a Beta Rho original song, “The Toast,” by Helen Beiderwelle Hanselman, in his “Salute to KKG” in a national broadcast. The words of Helen Hanselman’s “Toast” are as follows:
 
  
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Here’s to all who wear a golden key,
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'''Honors'''
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Whoe’er they are, whate’er they be,
 
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Here’s to ev’ry Kappa in the land,
 
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To ev’ry member of our band.
 
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Here’s to ev’ry chapter in the east or in the west,
 
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Here’s to that Fraternity of them all the best,
 
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Kappa Kappa Gamma, here’s to you,
 
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Here’s to your dark and to your light blue,
 
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Here’s to friendship great and true, Oh Kappa,
 
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Here’s our toast to you!
 
  
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'''Campus Honors'''
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Throughout the life of the chapter, its members have contributed to a splendid record of scholarship, leadership and service to campus and Fraternity. Through two World Wars and the troubles of the past, Kappas have met the challenges and the needs, maintained standards, and supported programs, including the support of a foreign student in 1951-52.
  
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An impressive number of sweethearts, queens, dream girls, and goddesses, including the Missouri Valley Conference Queen and Homecoming Queens (1957 through 1961) have been Beta Rhos. Mystic 13 Chapter of Mortar Board had 110 Beta Rho members. Two Alpha Phi Psis, later initiated into Beta Rho, founded the Mystic 13, in 1913. In 1926, it became the name of the Cincinnati Chapter of Mortar Board, and all alumnae automatically became members.
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Beta Phi members have received many campus honors and awards including honorable mention for the Charlotte Barrell Ware Standards Cup (1940); the Clara O. Pierce Gracious Living Award (1962); runner-up for chapter newsletter, (The Key, 1961). The Missoula alumnae received the Almira McNaboe Award (1960). Hulda Miller Fields was Fraternity Director of Membership and Marian Schroeder Graham was Director of Membership, Director of Personnel, Director of Chapters, and Fraternity President. Marlys Jo Nelson Barrett was a Field Secretary; Florence Horsky Wertz served on the Fraternity Finance Committee; and Judith Latta served on the Rehabilitation Fellowship Committee.
  
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Among outstanding Beta Phis are writers Grace Barnett, Olive Barnett Rice and Thula Virginia Weisel Johnson; and Brenda Farrell Wilson, business professor and dean.
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'''Alumnae'''
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During the early 1970s, the climate on the University of Montana campus was not propitious for women’s social groups. Adequate dormitory space and the university sanction of apartment living off campus meant empty rooms in sorority houses. However, Beta Phi has been a leader in women’s Greek groups and on campus, and the situation seemed to be improving.
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The Cincinnati Alumnae Association was largely a graduate Beta Rho chapter for many years. With a presently lost insularity, there are both gains and losses. The close relationship between chapter and association has lessened, and no longer does a chapter President assume the same role as an alumna, sooner or later. The association gives annually to the House Board, arranges the Founders Day celebration for alumnae and actives, holds an “Over 40” luncheon, meets once a year at the chapter house, contributes time and money to a selected philanthropy, and offers programs of general interest.  
 
  
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The association is well represented in civic affairs. Kappas, whose leadership was developed during undergraduate days in chapters across the continent, are holding offices and have served on the boards of such organizations as the College Club, the Summer Opera Association, the Women’s Symphony Committee, the League of Women Voters, YWCA, Girl Scouts, the Garden Center and the Junior League, to mention a few.
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In May 1974, Beta Phi held a senior-honors-initiates dinner. “Almost a hundred members of Beta Phi were present, and dear Mary Leaphart gave a little talk, saying in her lovely Kentucky accent, ‘Sisters, I have been a Kappa for 63 years, and from girls in their long gowns to you wearing pretty little ruffles for skirts, have known so many dear and true. If you all love Kappa and keep to her ideals, your lives will be enriched as mine has, and you will be strengthened for any task.'
  
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“The 17 initiates were greeted and the seniors bid adieu, the officers were installed, and the seniors inducted into the alumnae association. It was really a concentrated evening. The reaction of the girls was marvelous and the evening gave promise of a real return to the old values.” (From a letter by Hulda Miller Fields)
 
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''The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.''
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The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
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==Highlights of the 1970s -- Campus and chapter trends:==
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On the University of Montana campus, student life was exponentially more outspoken during this period of time than ever before. Protest broke out frequently, often times ASUM Senators participated in these protest. The aftermath of the 60’s was felt very strongly on the campus. The general mood of the campus was quite chaotic. Many students enrolled in college solely to avoid the draft. Even though the Vietnam War ended in 1975 the effects rolled over well beyond the war.
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On campus, approximately 6 sororities and 9 fraternities existed. Overall, the Greek system struggled because of the mood on campus. All of the social activism caused backlash against many organizations. Sororities and fraternities were one of many groups not favored by the general attitude of the student body. This attitude held by the majority of the undergrads did not garner the support of the community. There was much disconnect between students and citizens of Missoula.
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The main challenges the chapter faced were limited communication amongst other Greek organizations and a negative reputation. The sorority system was much more independent between different houses, so little communication took place. By bolstering the Panhellenic Council’s structure, camaraderie between the entire system increased. The united Greek system was able to work more effectively. As mentioned earlier, the social activism cast a negative reputation of the chapter. The general public saw it as simply a social organization. The addition of required philanthropy hours and the public relations chair greatly improved Kappa’s image. After these changes, Beta Phi was no longer limited to a social sisterhood. The chapter also contributed to the well-being of the community. The PR chairman was able to influence reputation as well by overlooking how the Fraternity’s name is portrayed in the media.
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Many significant events were taking place nationally during this era. The community and campus were affected by these national events; for example, the oil embargo caused the United States to be more conservative with resources and money. Reduced spending did not help chapter retention or Recruitment. With less support from the student body, the members found ways to reach out and get involved with the student body. The annual Aber Day Kegger fundraiser helped the Greek system to connect with the rest of the university students The Beta Phi chapter was very involved in this tradition by assisting Sigma Chi raise money at the event each year. The “hippie” vibe of the campus tended to clash with the structured routine of Kappa.
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Beta Phi chapter earned awards based on scholarly merit. There were multiple girls in the chapter who maintained a 4.0 GPA. Academic awards were regularly given to members. Many victories were achieved during Derby Days as well. The ladies of Beta Phi were often a part of Mortar Board. These women kept their mind set on achieving good grades at all times.
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'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
  
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==Highlights of the 1970s==
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1978 Woodman Award, Best Relations with Advisory Board, Second Place
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The Beta Rhos started off 1975 by participating in homecoming with Delta Tau Delta, and attended the annual Founders Day banquet in October. They attended a welcome party for Phi Sigma Sigma, a new sorority on campus, and had their formal at the Cincinnati Club. The Kappas and Delts went to the Miami football game together that year and had a party afterward. They also had many other socials with the other fraternities on campus, including Sigma Chi and Sig Ep, and they enjoyed a Scavenger Hunt Party with Lambda Chi. Beta Rho members participated in Recruitment each quarter and had new members to prepare for Initiation. The theme for Greek Week was “All Together Greek.” They enjoyed a spring formal at the Gaslight Inn and also hosted a Mothers Day brunch. Beta Rho also worked hard to make care baskets for Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
 
  
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During fall Recruitment, 26 new members; chapter voted to participate in Open Rush for the rest of the year but decided to be very selective since they did so well during formal Recruitment. Members participated in a Dance Marathon for MS hosted by the university. A tradition began called “Mom and Dawd”—Kappa mother-daughter skits before formals.
 
  
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In 1977 the girls had a chapter retreat on January 28 at the chapter President’s home. During informal winter Recruitment the girls hosted three parties: Valentine’s Day Party on Feb 15, Movie Party on Feb 18, and a formal brunch on Feb. 20. The committee for Greek Week was chosen and more Kappas than from any other sorority were selected to be on the committee. The Beta Rhos were so proud of their sisters for representing the chapter so well. Initiation was held April 1–2. The Kappas hosted a TGIF party with Theta Chi and participated in Sigma Chi Derby Days as well. Three Beta Rhos got the chance to participate in Buddy Week, where three girls from each chapter had exchange dinners all week and went to the other sororities to eat dinner.
 
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Also in 1977, Kappa participated in “Safe and Free Escorts” along with the other sororities and fraternities on campus. Any woman could call this phone line, which the sorority women answered, and the fraternity men were sent to walk with them to make sure they got home safely.  Kappa Kappa Gamma won songfest during Greek Week with “Pacific Moon” that spring. The Kappas placed first in academics as well.
 
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In 1978, the chapter Marshal planned a trip to visit Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio. The girls also hosted a Mothers Day Sing on April 9 and had a tea party with the Kappas from Miami University on April 23. For a philanthropy, some of the girls joined Little Sisters of the Poor. The Registrar started passing around a book she named the “Owlie Book” where the girls could write what they had been doing that week.
 
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The 1978 homecoming saw an active nominated for Homecoming Court, and she represented Kappa well as the first runner-up. Partnering with the men of Delta Tau Delta, the ladies designed and built a float centering around the theme “The Good, The Bad and The Bearcat,”  which came in first place during the parade.
 
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In 1979 the girls of Beta Rho attended Province Meeting April 27–29. There was also a scholarship fund establish by the UC Foundation for a member of Beta Rho Deuteron. Many of the girls were active in Greek Week including one who was the publishing chairman and another who served as chairman. Another active was declared Lambda Chi Alpha Sweetheart in 1979.
 
  
  
 
==Highlights of the 1980s:==
 
==Highlights of the 1980s:==
  
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The Kappas won Mothers Day sing, the Greek Week competition in 1981, as the rest of the Kappas cheered on their singing sisters! They proudly supported Kappa Kidney Camp* and had the opportunity to send girls to visit this summer camp for children dealing with kidney disease. The 1981-1982 chapter president was Homecoming Queen, and the chapter won Sigma Chi Derby Days yet again!
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The 1980’s ushered in a renewed interest in Greek Life and Beta Phi was home to women from Montana, across the country and Canada. The chapter emphasized strong academic programming. It utilized study buddies, recognized members for an “A” on a test or paper, and classes competed for the highest grade-point each term. This programming helped the chapter earn top honors on campus. Beta Phi was recognized at Iota Province Meeting and the 1988 Convention for the Most Improved Scholarship Award.
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Member retention was a focus area for the chapter. Formal and informal rush parties kept members social skills honed throughout the year. Filling the house was of utmost importance so the chapter participated in formal rush and Continuous Open Bidding throughout the year. 
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Social events had themes ranging from the 60’s to beach parties. The annual pledge class functions were creative and fun for all when chapter members could dress in Black and White, go on a Russian adventure complete with sleigh rides and BBQ or let out their inner-Nerd. Formal functions included the Kite-and-Key Formal with Kappa Alpha Theta and The Sapphire Ball.
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Kappa Beach was a favorite hangout in the spring with the occasional water balloon battle with Sigma Nu. The chapter participated in Sigma Chi Derby Days, Sigma Nu Gopher Days, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Olympics and Greek Week. Members perfected lip-sync routines, created unique posters and participated in numerous athletic competitions with other UM sororities.
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Homecoming brought float competitions and alumni returning to 1005 Gerald Avenue. The annual Parent’s Brunch was the finale to an exciting weekend of events.  The chapter celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1984 with a festive dinner and diamond shaped cake enjoyed by pledges, actives and alumnae.
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Beta Phi’s had a busy campus profile with members serving on ASUM Senate, UM Advocates, Mortar Board, SPURS, Grizzly Women’s Basketball, Tennis and Track, UM Cheerleading and Dance Team, UM Band, Choir, Drama and MontPIRG.
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'''Housing:'''
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In 1983 the chapter house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was due to efforts of the dedicated Missoula alumni who formed The John R. Toole Preservation Society as a non-profit organization to maintain the house and grounds and reduce the financial burden for chapter members. Fundraising efforts by the group helped to pay for extensive exterior and interior repairs to the nearly century old chapter house. The first floor was completely redecorated with carpeting, wallpaper, floor restoration and reupholstered furniture. The second floor bedrooms received fresh paint, bunk beds were added to the sleeping porch and the library was redecorated as well. The Beta Phi House Board worked hand-in-hand with the John R. Toole Society to redecorate and furnish the house in manner befitting the grace of the building and the functionality needed by 30-young women on a daily basis.
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In the fall of 1982, Kappa took second place in the Homecoming float competition, with the help of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In the spring, Kappas ran in the Kappa Run for Fun, which was a Saturday morning event during Greek Week. In addition to participating in this event, which helped raise money for the chapter’s philanthropy, Kappa continued to be an active presence during all of the Greek Week events. Kappa participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days Philanthropy and from the years 1982–1984 Kappa’s won the week- long competition taking first place. A Beta Rho members was Sigma Chi’s Sweetheart in 1982.
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'''Philanthropy:'''
  
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On November 4, 1983, the Kappas sent 1,300 balloons into the sky to raise money for the Shriner’s Burn Institute. Each balloon had Kappa’s address on it and the owner of the balloon that reached the farthest distance that was returned won $50. The balloons were sold for $1 each. Funds went to the Shriner’s Burn Institute.
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Beta Phi was active in philanthropy by supporting the fundraising efforts of other UM Greek group’s philanthropic activities to participating in many hands-on activities ranging from clothing collection for a local women’s shelter to the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon. The chapter also participated in rehabilitative therapy for Matt Bittany, a UM student with cerebral palsy and son of a Kappa.
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'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
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1984 History/Heritage Commendation
 +
1988 Finance Excellence, Housed Chapters-Honorable Mention
 
   
 
   
−
The Fall of 1984 saw Cathy Cunningham nominated to be on Homecoming Court. The chapter enjoyed serenades, where the new members from the fraternities serenade the new members of the sororities. The Kappas also won Sigma Chi’s Derby days again, and winter of 1985 brought excitement for Kappa’s Formal at the Cincinnati Club.  
+
 
 +
 
 +
==Highlights of the 1990s==
 +
 
 +
As the last decade of the century rolled into Missoula, Beta Phi hopped on board with a determination to build chapter participation, increase chapter scholarship and maintain a positive community and campus image. Members emphasized communication and recognition to build unity and encourage members to give their best back to Kappa. The “Century Club” was established to challenge sisters to attend 100 classes in a row.
 +
 
 +
Alumnae support from the Advisory Board and House Board provided stability and help through several difficult situations. Alumnae and active members celebrated Beta Phi’s 90th birthday with a dinner and “historical” skit about the chapter through the years. Another joyful celebration took place during Homecoming on the front lawn when the mortgage was burned.
 +
 
 +
Beta Phi partnered with fraternities on several successful Homecoming floats winning top honors in the Greek Division. Founders Day, Senior Banquet, Scholarship Dinners, House Board and House Boy Appreciation Dinners were traditional events for the chapter to gather and celebrate various aspects of chapter life.
 +
 
 +
Campus participation highlighted the interests of members serving as UM Advocates, on the Honors Student Association, University Symphonic Wind Orchestra, UM Flute, Peer Advisers, UM Cross Country Track, Mortar Board, Order of Omega and SPURS.
 +
 
 +
Leadership development was a key element of chapter life. Members participated in Lead to Succeed a national leadership skills development program developed by Kappa Kappa Gamma and Alpha Tau Omega, chapter retreats featured team building opportunities such as a low ropes course. Many officers attended Iota Province Meetings and Convention to share ideas and bring back new ways to improve chapter life. Tiffany Finley, Colorado, served as a Chapter Consultant to Beta Phi helping the chapter to develop its identity and build on strong qualities of chapter life. The Fraternity selected two Beta Phi’s, Dana Clader and Shawna Gary, to serve as Chapter Consultants.
 +
 
 +
Beta Phi has a long standing belief in Panhellenic and held the Presidency and other offices several times throughout the decade. Greek Woman of the Year honors were bestowed on Shannon Frantzick and Dana Pickrell. In addition the chapter received Awards for Improved Scholarship, Campus Involvement and Most Improved Sorority from Panhellenic.  
 +
 
 +
The chapter was recognized at Iota Province Meetings with awards in the areas of Outstanding Alumnae Participation, Improved Scholarship and Overall G.P.A. It was a thrill and tremendous honor for the chapter to receive the Greatest Improvement Award at the 1998 Convention.  
 +
 
 
   
 
   
−
In the Spring of 1985, the Kappas won Mother’s Day Sing for the fifth year in a row! Throughout 1984 and 1985, Kappa Kappa Gamma held philanthropies to support Kappa Kidney Camp* in Bellefountaine, Ohio.
+
'''Housing:'''
  
−
At this time, the University of Cincinnati had more than 25,000 students, the majority of whom were commuters. The Greek system included just less than 10 percent of enrolled students with 10 sororities and 14 fraternities on campus. Beta Rho Deuteron had 100 members, making it one of the largest chapters on campus. The chapter continued to win contests including Greek Week, Mother’s Day Sing and intramural championships. It pledged its largest new member class—44 members! Founders Day was celebrated with alumnae during a banquet at Carousel Inn. Two members were selected for Homecoming Court.
+
The House Board aided by the John R. Toole Preservation Society performed miracles with limited funds to maximize upkeep on the nearly century old chapter house. Projects included: painting on the second floor, new window treatments in the House Director suite, new carpeting on the back stairs, planning for a sprinkler system, wall-to-wall carpet in the dining room, replacing siding and painting the exterior of the building, preventative maintenance on the roof, painting the back stairwell and chapter room, updated wiring and a new computer for the chapter Treasurer.  
  
  
−
==Highlights of the 1990s==
+
'''Philanthropy:'''
 +
 
 +
Philanthropy projects changed throughout the 1990’s based on campus and community needs and interests of the chapter. For several years members helped the Big Brothers and Sisters with fundraising by participating in the Bowl-a-Thon, they also raised funds for Wiggle for the Y and Missoula Children’s Theatre. Members volunteered for the cleanup of the Clarkfork and Bitteroot riverbanks and collected over 500 pounds of trash.  Camp-Make-A Dream, a camp for children with cancer, was a long-term commitment of love from the chapter whether fundraising or volunteering for the camp itself. The chapter was recognized for their service as morning playground supervisors at Roosevelt Elementary School. Kappas were a part of “Rid Missoula of Graffiti” clean-up and spent several years decorating a tree at the Southgate Mall Festival of Trees.
  
−
Sisterhood event: canoe trip the week before school started. Annual golf tournament a success.
 
−
Placed second in scholarship; 24 new members, ranked first academically; 89 chapter members; eight sororities on campus; annual golf tournament raised $1,400 for Kappa Kidney Camp, a program of the National Kidney Foundation of Ohio*; a chapter sisterhood event was held at the Indiana, chapter house; chapter members worked with Adopt-A-School.
 
  
−
Beta Rho hosted Gamma Province Meeting April 4–5, 1997, where the chapter received the Membership Award and an honorable mention for Advisory Board, Philanthropy and Most Improved Scholarship. Founders Day was celebrated at the UC Alumni Center with dinner and the presentation of pins to 50- and 65-year members. In addition to intramural sports and the annual golf tournament fundraiser, which raised $2,000 for Kappa Kidney Camp*, the chapter teamed with Phi Delta Theta for the homecoming float competition. The chapter was ranked second in scholarship and won Derby Days. The chapter had 85 members and was the largest chapter on campus.
+
'''Convention Awards:'''
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Kappa Klassic golf tournament raised more than $2,500 for Kappa Kidney Camp* in 1991; sisterhood events including Initiation sleepover and ice cream social; four officers attended the General Convention in Scottsdale, Ariz.; intramural teams placed first; chapter worked hard to successfully meet the criteria of a Letter of Concern; an anti-hazing workshop was put on for all Panhellenic new members; chapter pride and cohesiveness increased throughout the year; the chapter worked to adjust to the changes in the New Member Program.
 
  
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Spring quarter 1999: The chapter placed fourth in Greek Week; first place in Greek Week Mother’s Day Sing competition. A chapter member won the Greek God and Goddess talent show by singing opera and Shania Twain songs. Members participated in the annual Clean Up Clifton event, held another successful Kappa Klassic golf tournament and the traditional Senior Night dinner. The chapter won the Outstanding Risk Management Award at the Greek awards banquet.
+
1998 Greatest Improvement
  
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Fall quarter: Beta Rho moved up in grade ranking from seventh to second place and pledged 21 new members. The chapter enjoyed a mentoring presentation by a professor and held an adviser appreciation event. Members worked at a Cincinnati Bengals game as a fundraiser, held a date party and teamed with Sigma Phi Epsilon to win the Homecoming float competition. They also won intramural flag football and volleyball championships.
 
  
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Winter quarter: pledged eight new members; won intramural basketball championship; worked closely with advisers to get chapter finances back on track; 22 members named to dean’s list, improved attendance by 33 percent (a chapter goal).
 
  
  
 
==Highlights of 2000-2010==
 
==Highlights of 2000-2010==
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On Saturday, October 3, 2009, Beta Rho Deuteron introduced a new event to the UC community, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault and Gender Violence. More than 100 individuals signed up to quite literally walk a mile in a pair of women’s high-heeled shoes! The walk participants traveled down McMicken stairs to Clifton Ave., marched down the MLK hill, and finished the walk by dancing their way up Mainstreet back to McMicken Commons. The proceeds benefitted Women Helping Women, a local crisis center.  
+
 +
Beta Phi had much to celebrate in this decade from Panhellenic and Iota Province awards to the Centennial Gala for the chapter. The chapter worked diligently on their academic standing and public relations image. Use of creative programming in scholarship resulted in top rankings on campus. Study tables and an honor roll posted for everyone to see helped to focus members on the importance of academics.
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 +
Member retention was a constant buzzword in the chapter. Flucuating campus Recruitment numbers and only four National Panhellenic sororities on campus made Formal Recruitment a challenge. New member classes reflected the diversity of the chapter and added to the strong base of sisterhood within Beta Phi.
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Panhellenic sisterhood took on new meaning when the Kappa Alpha Theta chapter house was damaged during Christmas break and the chapter had to move-out while repairs were completed. Beta Phi graciously opened their house and the two chapters lived together learning how to share everything from shower and laundry time to observing privacy for chapter meetings. The experience brought the two chapters closer together and exemplified the spirit of Panhellenic cooperation.
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 +
For years leading up to 2009, Beta Phi alumnae began planning a Centennial Gala for alumnae and the undergraduate chapter. Homecoming 2009 was set on the calendar for the celebration and several committees planned the weekend of events culminating in a dinner at the Red Lion Inn. More than 250 members and guests gathered to celebrate 100 years of memories and Kappa friendships. Special Fraternity guest, Suzanne Van der Hayden, Washington State, Director of Alumnae gave the Keynote address and helped to pin the women receiving their 50-, 65- and 75-year pins. Former Fraternity Executive Director, Lila Isbell, Montana, served as Toastmistress and the program featured special music by The Kappa Keys, recognition of each class in attendance, a history of the John R. Toole house and presentation of Outstanding Alumnae to Marlys Barrett.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
'''Housing:'''
  
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At the annual campus Greek awards banquet in April, Beta Rho Deuteron received the designation of Gold Chapter, the highest honor, in all four categories, which included: Chapter Management, Policy Compliance, External Relations and Membership Development. The former chapter president was named Sorority President of the Year.
+
Refurbishing the foyer floor and painting projects along with replacing 57-year old boilers.
  
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At Greek Week 2010, the Greek system granted the wishes of seven children by raising $40,000. Kappas placed first in Step, first in Lip Sync, second in God and Goddess, and second in Greek Games. Combined with chapter attendance for all of the events and the money the chapter was able to raise, Beta Rho Deuteron placed second overall for sororities.
 
  
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Kappa Krush Semi-Formal, Sapphire Ball and Spring Fling and a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo for the festival of lights was part of Beta Rho’s sisterhood and social program. Members joined Kappa Alpha Theta in renting a theater at Newport on the Levee for the movie “Remember Me.” The year 2010 marked another year of success and improvement for Beta Rho chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma along with its 125-year anniversary.
+
'''Philanthropy:'''
  
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Classes began on January 4 with Inspiration Week and Initiation on January 26, 2010, welcoming 29 new members. On February 4, the chapter went to the Ronald McDonald House to host the annual Reading Is Fundamental philanthropy event where they read to children. played games, ate popcorn and made bookmarks. On February 22, a group of Kappas danced the night away in the first ever Cincinnati Dance Marathon hosted by the University of Cincinnati. The 24 hours of nonstop dancing raised money for Children’s Hospital. On February 20, chapter members dressed up in gowns and went to The Newport Aquarium for Sapphire Ball. Kappa was honored to accept the award of Chapter of the Quarter from Panhellenic.
+
Chapter members helped with riverbed cleanup along the Clarkfork and Bitteroot rivers and volunteered for projects with Big Brothers and Sisters. In addition, the members partner with a local Boy Scout troop to clean Grizzly Stadium following football games. The Foresters’ Ball is a long-standing tradition at the U of M and Beta Phi hosted a booth performing “marriages” the last the night of the event. Money raised was contributed to Camp Make-a-Dream.  
  
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After a relaxing spring break, during the week of April 12 the chapter participated in many events in support of Greek Week collecting awards of 2nd in God and Goddess, 1st place Lip Sync, 1st Step-Off, and 2nd place overall sorority in Greek Week. The chapter’s quarterly philanthropy event, Kappa Dog Night, raised $500. Beta Rho also won these Greek Excellence Awards: Designated “Gold Chapter”, the highest honor, by University of Cincinnati Greek Life Office. Amy Dulle, President for 2009-2010, received President of the Year Award in our Panhellenic Community.
 
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On April 17 the chapter welcomed parents to the house for a dinner. April 20 marked the Greek Life Excellence Retreat, and two actives represented the chapter very well.  On April 30, two new members were initiated and they welcomed a sister who transferred from the University of Akron.
 
  
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The chapter held its spring semi-formal at Leapin’ Lizard in Covington on May 14. They participated in an inter-sorority Campus Clean Up and enjoyed interacting with members from other chapters. May 8 was the NPC “Something of Value” program where a few Chapter Council officers met with other members of the Greek Community to discuss a value-based approach to risk-management education for collegians. Beta Rho hosted its fourth annual Kappa Kup on May 22. Many teams signed up to participate in this soccer tournament in order to raise money for Kappa Kidney Camp.* The event brought in $1,000. Many Beta Rhos wrapped up the month by participating in Relay for Life on campus and had a great time getting to know each other more and helping support cancer patients in their fight against cancer. Kristen Holtahaus sang during the opening ceremony in honor of her mother who lost her battle with cancer.
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'''Convention Awards:'''
  
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Beta Rho teamed up with the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House every Friday of the quarter. The Chapter Council voted to make one of the chapter meetings a country-western theme. Members came dressed in their favorite western attire and prizes were awarded for the best dressed!
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2000 Standards Honorable Mention;
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2002 Greatest Scholarship Improvement Award;
 +
2006 Academic Excellence Honorable Mention;
 +
2008 Greatest Improvement Honorable Mention; Ritual Honorable Mention; Academic Excellence Honorable Mention; Recruitment Honorable Mention
  
  
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==Highlights of 2011-2019:==
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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.)
+
==Highlights of 2011-2019==
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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.:
  
 
==Highlights of 2011==
 
==Highlights of 2011==
  
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Beta Rho members returned from summer break to newly renovated restrooms on the second floor. Members returned a week early for Fleur-de-lis Week, which was held September 13–17. The chapter participated in Recruitment workshops and sisterhood activities to get members prepared for formal Recruitment. At the end of September many of the girls attended a Meet the Greeks Cookout. Julie Chase was selected as an emerging leader to attend Leadership Academy as Beta Rho’s representative.
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The Beta Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has enjoyed a rich history endowed with all that you would expect: Joy, struggle, hysterical laughter and above all the founding of bonds so strong that they far surpasses the term friendship and evolves into sisterhood. Despite how cliché this phrase has become, the Kappa’s of UM do indeed “hold the key to klass”. During Greek Week held in the autumn semester, Kappa teamed with Sigma Nu and Kappa Sigma took first place overall obliterating the other teams with victories in events such as Capture the Flag on Greek Row, a god and goddess competition (Where one of our members was deemed the champion) as well as a float competition. The float built by Kappa and the two other fraternities was clearly the best, a judgment made with absolute objectivity. A gigantic bear head that was furry and absolutely adorable par oozed the streets of downtown Missoula, greeted by mouths that gaped so widely that small animals contemplated taking refuge there. It was indeed a proud day for Kappa Kappa Gamma.
  
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Classes began on September 22. On Saturday, October 2, the Kappas held their second Walk a Mile in Her Shoes: The International Men’s March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault, and Gender Violence event. Campus and community participants walked a mile through campus in high heels. Q102’s Jeff and Jenn Morning Show broadcast live from the walk. All proceeds benefited Women Helping Women, a crisis center in Cincinnati, and Kappa was able to donate approximately $2,100.
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Another proud endeavor for us Kappa’s at UM would be our academic achievement during the autumn semester. Kappa had been struggling academically prior to last semester. However, we emerged with the highest GPA average of all the sororities and second highest average in the entire Greek system. It was a major accomplishment and improvement. Also, the chapter has done great work on behalf of philanthropic causes. Kappa has raised thousands of dollars for Camp Make a Wish as well as aided in “Diva Days” which supported finding the cure for breast cancer. Also, another source of pride for Kappa occurred when Jessica Mounts was named Outstanding New Member and Alyissa Canady was named Greek Woman of Year. It was quite a prosperous couple of semesters.  
  
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Formal Recruitment was held October 15–18, and ended in a “Notorious KKG” themed Bid Day where 50 new members were welcomed—the largest new member class in the chapter’s history! The chapter was excited to welcome back their five members who served as Rho Gammas (Recruitment Guides).
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The University Of Montana has dealt with a great deal of change this year. Most prevalent, accusations of sexual assault have served as a constant thought in the back of everyone’s mind. The school has been increasing awareness as well as initiating new security measures. The whole ordeal has most definitely changed the carelessness with which students treat their outings and social gatherings. Trends such as long boarding and floating the river have also become popular activities. Independent music has become very popular; nobody having heard of any of the bands anyone else is listening to. Trends change with time and the University of Montana is no exception.
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Recent changes that Kappa has undergone, includes a large bundle of new members from recruitment in the fall of 2011. The new dynamic of the new member’s is a wondrous thing. The diversity is simply astounding, a diversity that penetrates straight to the heart. Think of a rainbow, but not one that follows the traditional six layer structure, one that shows the obscure colors no one has ever heard of, such as arsenic, chartreuse or a romantic candy apple sunrise. Also a somewhat unusual obsession has overtaken the fraternity. Cats. Oddly enough, cat paraphernalia is abundant. Honestly, it is quite strange however it is a unifying element bonding the sisters closer that before. Security has also been increased ensuring that only members of this fraternity can enter the house.
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A challenge that the chapter has dealt with was the academic focus plan that we were put on for our prior performance academically speaking, was less than wonderful. Each member was required to complete a certain amount of study hours each week depending on prior academic performance although never less than five. The program was greeted with a great deal of eye rolling and sighing but eventually the chapter’s GPA was raised to above a 3.0. It was really a fantastic outcome. Another event that the chapter was put through would be a break in and theft of many prized possessions. Trophies, plaques, composites and food were taken. This was an ordeal that was hard to overcome, for many of the girls felt their safety was not a guarantee. The items were thankfully returned however anger was abundant. In response to the theft and trespassing, the door locks have been changed, and codes have been renewed. For a while, in house life was dealt with more cautiously and eventually we have reached a level of security that comforts each and every member.  
  
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Homecoming was October 30 with the theme of “Transforming Bearcats.” Beta Rho teamed up with Sigma Alpha Epsilon to create a float, which came in third place. The Friday before homecoming some girls participated in the 5K walk to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. On the Saturday of homecoming, the chapter hosted a brunch for actives, alumnae, and their families at the house in order to watch the parade. Chapter President, Sarah Stenger, was chosen for Homecoming Court.
 
  
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The annual Founders Day luncheon was held at The Cincinnati Women’s Club on November 6.  The chapter also carved pumpkins with Sigma Chi, and later hosted another Kappa Dog Night at the Kappa house. They raised $745 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Throughout the week the ladies of Beta Rho also participated in Sigma Chi’s annual Derby Days fundraiser for the Huntsman Cancer Institute. They teamed up with the men of Sigma Chi to drive the Nightwalk van once a week. Each Wednesday two Kappas and two Sigma Chis were in charge of taking the Nightwalk calls and driving around campus to make sure everyone who needed it got a safe ride home. Another philanthropic event that Kappas got involved in was Special Olympics. Chapter member Porshea Monnin organized an event one Saturday each month for the Kappas to team up with another fraternity or sorority to help out with the special Olympics Program.
 
  
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A Kappa Trainer facilitated an image-management workshop at a chapter meeting. The annual fall semi-formal, Kappa Krush, was held at a venue called “Bartini” and the theme was “Kappa Kaberet.” A week later many members drove to Anna Leverone’s house for the new member retreat on November 14. On November 18, members gathered on the front porch to listen to the gentlemen of various fraternities serenade the chapter. Kappas also attended a Tacky Christmas Sweater Social with the men of Phi Kappa Alpha at Longworth’s in Mt. Adams.
 
  
 
==Highlights of 2012==
 
==Highlights of 2012==
  
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The year for the ladies of the Beta Rho Deuteron chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma began with the installation of new officers. With the new officers came new ideas for improving the chapter! In the beginning of February we went with our Dads to Stone Lanes Bowling Alley for an afternoon of bonding and getting a couple strikes and spares! In the month of February we also teamed up with Sigma Phi Epsilon to create a team for Cincinnati Dance Marathon, a 24 hour dance philanthropy raising money for Children’s hospital. Though our legs were sore we were honored to have so many of our sisters on CDM’s executive board and morale team. At the end of February we held our annual Sapphire Ball at “The Syndicate” in Newport, Kentucky. The ball was Masquerade themed and after a delicious dinner, we danced the night away with our newly crowned Sapphire Man, David Clark. We were also able to hold our Reading is Key week-long event with the Cincinnati Boys & Girls clubs. We read books, played games, had snacks and laughed with the little kids.
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2012 was a full year of philanthropy for the Beta Phi chapter. A few of the activities participated in are mentioned as follows:
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- 30 Kappa women volunteered at the Missoula Children's First Museum Halloween Bash and provided activities and entertainment for 800 children.
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- The women of Kappa assisted with the annual Run Wild Missoula Diva Dash by forming their own running team and helping with set up. This event was held at the Community Medical Center and raised awareness for breast cancer.
 +
- $1400 was raised at the 2012 Forester's Ball Marriage Booth to contribute funds for Camp Mak-A-Dream, which is Beta Phi's local philanthropy.
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- KKG volunteered at multiple tables during the International Cultural Festival on campus to celebrate diversity at the University of Montana
 +
- 10 Kappas assisted the new fraternity on campus, Pi Kappa Phi, with their Bike-a-thon by biking in hour increments and donating the money received to Push America
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As a whole, the Beta Phi chapter received awards that recognized different aspects of the chapter's activities and processes:
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- 2011-12 Outstanding Alumni Relations and Chapter Development
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- Most Improved Academic Excellence Award, 2010-2012
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- The University of Montana Panhellenic Award for Chapter Involvement for 2012
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- Honorable Mention for Standards - at Convention, 2012
  
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With springtime came Greek Week, Relay for Life and a jam-packed Kappa calendar! At this year’s “Hollywood” themed Greek Week, the Beta Rho chapter placed 1st in belly flop, 1st in Lipsync (three years in a row), 1st in Greek Sing and 1st in Dodgeball. We also placed 2nd in volleyball and 3rd in Step. The Beta Rho chapter placed overall runner-up and overall philanthropy runner-up. With Greek Week over we focused on Relay for Life teaming up with Sigma Alpha Epsilon to raise money by selling deep fried Oreos and other baked treats! In the month of April we were also able to squeeze in an amazing parents weekend! We attended a Cincinnati Red’s game with our families and cheered on the Red legs (in our adorable matching Parent’s Weekend shirts). We also treated our Moms to a brunch and Lilly Pulitzer trunk show! The trunk show was such a hit we opened up our house to the Panhellenic community! We ended our Spring quarter with a “Garden” themed dance outside at the Theodore M. Berry Friendship Pavilion on the river. With better than perfect weather, everyone enjoyed taking pictures and hitting the dance floor for a night full of great memories. We also held our annual soccer tournament Kappa Kup at the end of May where we had 20 teams sign up to play as well as received team t-shirts, were coached by our awesome soccer moms, and shared lunch and refreshments with the ladies of KKG. All the proceeds went to Kappa Kidney camp.
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- Greek Advisor of the Year 2012 was awarded to Marcy Hossle, who was a Beta  Phi herself, and is actively involved in the Missoula Alumna Chapter.
  
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Over the summer, the Beta Rho chapter took no breaks! Hannah Motz and Liz Stoner attended the 2012 National Convention in Jacksonville, FL. They attended many sessions to teach about Standards, Finance, Recruitment, New Member Programs, etc. and bring what they learned back to the chapter. They also learned a lot from meal-time guest speakers, in particular GIRLS Academy. Because of the impact that GIRLS Academy had on Liz and Hannah, the Beta Rho chapter applied and were honored to be 1 of 6 chosen. Our event will be held the first weekend this upcoming March. Convention for Beta Rho was a fun time meeting Kappa's from all over the United States as well as interacting with members from our region. At the conference we got Honorable Mentions for Risk Management and Philanthropy Signature Event. We were also recognized for Legacy Recruitment.
 
  
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We ended our summer days with a Fleur de Lis Week that went down in the Beta Rho chapter history books! Our membership chair Maddie put together a fabulous week filled with Kappa history lessons, proper recruitment etiquette, and we had fun bonding with our sisters while making our first ever Recruitment video, with many thanks to our sister Christa Seta for dragging 130 girls around UC’s campus for pictures, songs, and testimonials. With FDL weeks fresh in our minds, the Beta Rho chapter participated in Panhellenic Formal recruitment. We were so excited to show our amazing house and sisterhood to so many potential new members. We ended the two weekend recruitment with a “Reeling in the Finest since 1870” bid day complete with nautical bracelets, porch dance parties, and welcoming our 39 newest members. We also were thrilled to welcome back our 6 amazing Rho Gammas who were disaffiliated during their times serving our Panhellenic community.
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The University of Montana is a thriving place--constantly, there are new opportunities made available to students. This year, there were a few new additions on campus: 
  
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Our new members joined right in time for Homecoming which UC themed this year “I Love Lucy” for Lucy the Bearcat! The Beta Rho chapter teamed up with the men of Alpha Chi Rho and our Homecoming chair Courtney planned a fun filled week with Hawaiian, Neon, and Disney themed nights! We ended the week with our annual Homecoming brunch, catered by Maggiano’s Italian restaurant. We shared spaghetti and desserts with alumni, friends and family and watched the Homecoming parade from our front porch where we saw our float, and our President Liz Stoner and VPAE Sarah Chant on the Homecoming court! The turnout was great, the Bearcats took home a victory against the Miami Redhawks!
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The men of Pi Kappa Phi created a chapter at the UM this year, and the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma were obliged to help them in their recruiting endeavors and establishing their philanthropy by assisting with their annual Bike-a-thon.
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With a win under the Bearcats belt, we celebrated Founder’s Day at the Cincinnati Women’s Club. The Beta Rho chapter and local alumni enjoyed a healthy brunch of quiche and fruit while listening to presentations of Kappa songs, poems, and updates. Several alumni received 65- and 50- year anniversary pins. A special guest from Columbus gave an interesting presentation on GIRLS Academy, and got everyone excited to participate in such a wonderful event. Junior Sarah Clem was awarded the Gloria Gehrig award and received the honorary pin. We also had a leadership consultant with us this semester. During Kimberly's visit to the University of Cincinnati she was able to meet many of the women of Beta Rho, as well as experience many of the wonderful perks that our beautiful city has to offer. She enjoyed delicacies such as Graeters and Skyline and also attended a hot yoga class with Kathleen Grace (Risk). Her time spent with us was short but we were able to learn so much from her during her stay.  
 
  
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The ladies of Beta Rho visited the Niederman Family Farm in the end of October for a Fall themed sisterhood. We began the day at the Kappa house, where we enjoyed some pinterest –inspired apple pie muffins then headed off to the farm. We spent the day roasting marshmallows, taking hayrides, exploring the corn maze, and hanging out in the petting zoo. Besides a little rain at the start of the event (and some directionally challenged drivers), the sisterhood went off without a hitch. Even more exciting, this was our first sisterhood with our New Members. It was so nice to get to mingle with the different pledge classes and break out of our typical groups of friends. The event reaffirmed that any Saturday afternoon is better with your sisters. We also held a Halloween Date Party where we dressed up and skated at SkateTown USA!
+
The University of Montana is constantly striving to instill a global mindset in its students and  encouraging them to reach for perfection in any endeavor they pursue. The newly founded Global Leadership Initiative was created to reflect these mantras. The program is meant to facilitate student teamwork and the motivation to solve global issues, and has a strong following of students.
  
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We unfortunately had to end this year with a loss of a sister, friend and inspiration. Not only was she the most positive, free spirited person you would have ever met; she was always there for you to brighten your day. Throughout our lives with Ellen Garner we learned that we have to live life to the fullest, not care about what others think and most importantly to take chances because you never know what great story can come from it. Throughout this time we have learned the true meaning of sisterhood and appreciate this gift that Kappa Kappa Gamma has given us.
+
The women of the Beta Phi chapter mirror the campus attitude in their desire to cultivate and learn in their areas of interest. They wish for their chapter to grow along with the University and to continue to promote KKG as a group of dedicated and hardworking women with outstanding moral character.
  
 
==Highlights of 2013==
 
==Highlights of 2013==
  
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The year 2013 for the ladies of the Beta Rho Deuteron chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma began with some hard losses. We returned from Winter Break to some very difficult news – our sister Ellen Garner had been injured in a house fire on New Year's Day and was in the hospital in a medically-induced coma. Despite endless prayers and good thoughts, she left us on January 14, 2013. In the days and weeks following her death, our chapter became stronger than ever. We came together with a true appreciation for each other and it made me even more proud to be a Kappa.  Ellen truly was all that was beautiful and good.
+
Formal recruitment for the Beta Phi chapter for 2013 was very successful and had a total of 35 New Members who were initiated on November 9, 2013. Many members of our chapter received the LAS award in scholarship and also the Bright Future Award for incoming freshman students. During the Spring and Fall semester of 2013, 5 of our members received a 4.0 GPA, one of them being a freshman. Unfortunately, we did not receive any Province awards for the 2013 year.
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One of our traditions in this chapter is to do a “Snap Cup” at the end of every meeting. This allows us to say something positive about one another or the entire chapter about anything that was good for that week. Special events that we held during 2013 included Sapphire Ball, which was held at the Carousel, Forester’s Ball and Kappa Krush.
 +
 
 +
The Beta Phi chapter takes pride in our philanthropic involvement around the community and has proudly demonstrated our commitment and perseverance in helping others. We took the initiative to start early and made great communication with many organizations. Within the Spring semester alone for 2013, our chapter has generated 874 hours of community service and volunteered in events such as Forester’s Ball and the Missoula Public Library. During the Fall semester, we increased our total hours from the previous semester which resulted of 913 hours of community service. This included volunteering in events such as Diva Days, Halloween Bash, Up til Dawn, and Dress for Success which were a huge hit for the community and our chapter. Our main goal as a chapter was to remove ourselves from the Academic Focus Plan and we, as a chapter, set our GPA chapter goal to a 3.0. We also made it a goal to have higher philanthropic hours for our Fall semester than the previous Spring semester.
 +
 
 +
The Beta Phi chapter had the challenge of being on the Academic Focus Plan, and having the chapter cumulative GPA average below the all - sorority average for consecutive 3 terms. We have implemented a required 7 study hours a week for each individual member and relied on encouragement and support for one another. We also used positivity and rewards such as the “Skippy Jar” for those who did not skip class that week. Unfortunately though, we are still on the Academic Focus Letter, but we are striving hard and looking positively to overcome this problem for the 2014 year.
 +
 
 +
Some recent changes to the University of Montana has included the belief of the word “Thrive” around the campus. It is designed to be the main point and focus of the university to go above and beyond one’s potential from its students, faculty and the community. The university has also cut class sections due to budget cuts. The overall nature of our chapter has been positive in reinforcing our sisterhood. Our challenges has brought us closer as a chapter and are continuing to rise together. Whether if we are at events or just having dinner, there is a presence of having a common ground of being all together. We believe that we can make a positive
 +
impact in overcoming whatever comes our way and wish to promote Kappa Kappa Gamma as
 +
outstanding individuals who strive to go beyond our greater potential
 +
 
 +
==Highlights of 2014==
 +
Formal recruitment for the Beta Phi chapter for 2014 was very successful and had a total of 27 New Members who were initiated on October 25, 2014. Many members of our chapter received the LAS award in scholarship and also the Bright Future Award for incoming freshman students. During the Fall semester of 2014, our chapter GPA was 2.937. Unfortunately, we did not receive any Province awards for the 2013 year.
 +
One of our traditions in this chapter is to do a “Snap Cup” at the end of every meeting. This allows us to say something positive about one another or the entire chapter about anything that was good for that week. Special events that we held during 2014 included Sapphire Ball, which was held at a downtown hotel, Forester’s Ball and Kappa Krush.
 +
 
 +
The Beta Phi chapter takes pride in our philanthropic involvement around the community and has proudly demonstrated our commitment and perseverance in helping others. We took the initiative to start early and made great communication with many organizations. Our chapter has volunteered in events such as Forester’s Ball, the Missoula Public Library, and gathering cans of food for the food bank while we compete with Montana State’s PanHellenic for the most weight of food generated by donation from the public. Our main goal as a chapter was to remove ourselves from the Academic Focus Plan and we, as a chapter, set our GPA chapter goal to a 3.0. The Beta Phi chapter had the challenge of being on the Academic Focus Plan, and having the chapter cumulative GPA average below the all - sorority average for consecutive 4 terms. We have implemented a required 7 study hours a week for each individual member and relied on encouragement and support for one another. We also used positivity and rewards such as the “Skippy Jar” for those who did not skip class that week. Unfortunately though, we are still on the Academic Focus Letter, but we are striving hard and looking positively to overcome this problem for the 2015 year.
 +
 
 +
Some recent changes to our sorority house was during the summer, we redesigned our living room to resemble the time period of when our house was first built in 1902. The living room now has the original wooden floors renovated from having carpet on top of it as well as having time period specific furniture, paintings, and color scheme all done to represent the 1900s while keeping a modern touch. The overall nature of our chapter has been positive in reinforcing our sisterhood. Our challenges such as having to fill up a vacant presidential office during the fall semester have brought us closer as a chapter and are continuing to rise together. Whether if we are at events or just having dinner, there is a presence of having a common ground of being all together and supporting one another. We believe that we can make a positive impact in overcoming whatever comes our way and wish to promote Kappa Kappa Gamma as outstanding individuals who strive to go beyond our greater potential.
 +
 
 +
Women Behind the Badge:
 +
Our Vice President of Organization Marissa Barone, currently has a historical badge that belonged to Myrtle Buls who was a Beta Phi member from 1946. Although she passed away in 2010, she enjoyed many outdoor activities, singing and traveling. She was quoted as saying “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” Marissa was given the badge in May 2014.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Highlights of 2015==
 +
 
 +
During the year of 2015, the University of Montana has added a new fraternity to campus, Alpha Sigma Phi.
 +
 
 +
The University now has 4 sororities and 8 fraternities. Within our own Kappa Kappa Gamma Beta Phi chapter,
 +
 
 +
we are blessed to have our new house mom, Leann, who was our old house board treasurer. We also are pleased to
 +
 
 +
reward Alicia B. the Beta Phi scholarship back in April.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Our chapter has also increased in size since the past couple of years. We initiated a total of 7 women in the
 +
 
 +
spring and 21 women in the fall. Spring recruitment was very successful because we had over 20 women show up
 +
 
 +
for our “Mexican night” and over 15 show up for the mystery dinner the next week when we normally have only about a
 +
 
 +
maximum of 4 women. We then extended 13 bids to those women and ended up with 8 new members. Our formal fall
 +
 
 +
recruitment was a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme, and at the end of the week, we extended 29 bids to women and
 +
 
 +
pledged 26 women that following Monday.
 +
   
 +
 
 +
Philanthropy activities that our chapter has accumulated over the fall semester of 2014 and spring semester of 2015,
  
−
As with all hard things, our Beta Rho worked to move forward together and begin the rest of the year, always keeping Ellen in minds and keeping memories of her close.  As January progressed, we had the installation of new officers and the turning of a page. With the new officers came new ideas for improving the chapter and ideas to thrive with the semester conversion. Many new challenges were ahead as the chapter council worked to see how to squeeze in the activities which previously filled 5 months during our winter and spring quarters, into the 4 months of our first spring semester.  It was a challenge from the start, but Beta Rho had a lot to look forward to for the remainder of the school year.  We were also honored to have two Kappas elected into positions on Panhellenic Council-Brittany Besl and Kristy Dardano represented Kappa as VP Recruitment and VP Finance.
+
we totaled over 2,100 hours for all 51 women. Special thanks to Jessica L, Hannah G, Krista B, Bronte B. who
  
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In the month of February, Kappas teamed up with Pi Kappa Alpha to create a team for Cincinnati Dance Marathon, a 24 hour dance philanthropy raising money for Children’s hospital. We enjoyed a Valentine’s themed two way with the men of Beta Theta Pi and mixed up our typical dog nights by having a coney sale with men of Sigma Chi.  We were honored to have the opportunity to hold our first Girls Academy at Summit View Middle School.  We hosted 50 middle school girls for an overnight event with focus on empowering leaders, the importance of respect, and service.  The event was a great success and we loved learning from the girls at this school and helping empower them.  On March 8 we held our annual Sapphire Ball at “The Syndicate” in Newport, Kentucky. The ball was fully stocked with a candy bar and after a delicious dinner, we danced the night away with our newly crowned Sapphire Man, Rob Rice. The following morning, a few bright eyed members chalked up the energy to participate in UC’s Community Plunge.  We spent the morning “Springing our steps” with some of the men of Pi Kappa Phi and worked to clean up an abandoned pathway of steps leading out of downtown Cincinnati.
+
all volunteered over 100 hours of service. Our chapter always helps out at the annual Forester’s Ball, where
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Kappas returned from spring break and had a parents weekend event to Hockey Game.  With springtime came Greek Week, Province Meeting in Columbus, Relay for Life with SAE and a jam-packed Kappa calendar! We were honored and proud to receive Most Improved Chapter, Best New Member Program, and honorable mentions in Sisterhood and Membership at Province Meeting.  At this year’s “Greekelodeon” themed Greek Week, the Beta Rho chapter placed 3rd overall, with another 1st place in belly flop, 3rd in Lipsync, and 1st in greek games.
 
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With Greek Week over we focused on Relay for Life teaming up with Sigma Alpha Epsilon to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life was a great success as our chapter had the top fundraising with over $15,000 raised!  This largely came from the support of member Christa Seta and her family who host a fundraiser in memory of her mom each year who were incredibly generous to donate this money in our name for this cause this year.
 
  
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As the semester quickly came to an end, we hosted our first Kappa Kornhole event to raise money for Kappa Kidney Kamp.  We enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of supporting our teams and grilling hot dogs.  To end the year, we hosted a memorial for Ellen as found in our ritual book which was presided by a former fraternity president, J.J. Wales.  For the first time Kappas packed their bags and ended exams before we even turned the page to May.
+
this spring, we made about $230, and we donated half of it to the Kappa foundation and the other half to our
  
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We ended our summer days with a Fleur de Lis week that brought us all back together. Our membership chair Katie put together a fabulous week filled with Kappa history lessons, proper recruitment etiquette, and we had fun bonding with our sisters while making our Recruitment video which has become a highlight of recruitment.  As school came back into session we enjoyed our first two way of the year with a fun kickball filled field day with the men of Pi Kappa Alpha. Just a few weeks into the semester, Beta Rho chapter participated in Panhellenic Formal recruitment.  We were excited to share our sisterhood with so many potential new members as we had another year of record numbers of girls going through recruitment.  Even through some nights of pouring down rain, we were able to meet so many amazing women. We ended the two weekend recruitment with a “Kappa Revolution” bid day.  Once again through the rain we still managed to have a 70s worthy dance party on the porch, and welcoming our 49 newest members. We also were overjoyed to welcome back our sisters who had disaffiliated to help the new girls find their homes in each sorority chapter.
+
fraternity brother, Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s fundraiser. Their fundraiser was that one of their brother’s
  
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Our new members joined right in time for Homecoming which UC themed this year “Once upon a Homecoming”! The Beta Rho chapter teamed up with the men of Sigma Chi and our Homecoming chair Elle Murray planned a fun filled week themed nights! We ended the week with our annual Homecoming breakfast, catered by Maggiano’s Italian restaurant.  We shared breakfast with alumni, friends and family and watched the Homecoming parade from our front porch during the rain where we saw our float, and our Education chair Sarah Clem and Brittany Besl on the Homecoming court! The Bearcats took home a victory against the U Conn, and Kappa took a victory with Sarah Clem winning Homecoming!
+
girlfriends suddenly had a stroke and needed money to help pay for the medical bills, so our chapter decided
  
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With a win under the Bearcats belt, we celebrated Founder’s Day at the Cincinnati Women’s Club. Several alumni received 65- and 50- year anniversary pins. Nancy Carley province director of alumnae spoke to us and Junior Natalie Papania was awarded the Gloria Gehring award and received the honorary pin.
+
to help out with their cause. Our main Reading Is Key event was held in the spring were we collected over
  
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October brought a busy month for us starting off with UC’s first “reading days.”  Our event chairman Courtney Gibbons, planned a fun 2-way with the women of Theta painting pottery.  In November, Kappa’s brought back an old tradition for our annual Kappa Krush.  Each of our dates were “Krushed” and had to wait until the night of the dance to see who had invited them.  We had fun surprising the dates and danced the night away at the chic Venue 222 in Over the Rhine.  As the semester came to a close Kappa kept our calendars full.  During I-Week we had the joy of sharing our experiences with Ilyana, our leadership consultant.  During the week, we had family dinners, got competitive at Laser tag, enjoyed a hot yoga class, and wrapped up the week with fireside and initiation.  We were lucky to share our experiences with a few of the women from the Akron chapter as they initiated one of their new members along-side of ours.
+
420 books from all the fraternities and sororities on campus. Our Senior Philanthropy event also that spring
  
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After Thanksgiving, we took a little road trip to headquarters where the newest members were able to see even more into our sisterhood and history during a visit to the Kappa museum.  We loved learning about the history of Kappa, as well as history of our very own chapter we hadn't previously known at the Heritage Museum. Additionally, Kappa finished the fall semester 3rd overall in the Greek community for chapter GPA and 2nd among other sororities. We are excited to see where 2014 will take us.
+
was an alcohol awareness water pong tournament that all Greek members or non-members could participate, and the  
 +
 
 +
seniors raised over $250 dollars and then also donated the full amount to SAE’s fundraiser.
 
   
 
   
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This past year has been a year of change around UC.  President Santa Ono has spurred on an even greater school spirit that has made every event electric and an exciting time to be students here.  This past year, we finished our first year on semesters which required a lot of changes for our calendar and how we make things work.  Our chapter has found a way to continue to thrive throughout these changes and continues to grow and stay at the forefront of Greek life on campus.
 
  
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==Highlights of the 2020s:==
+
Some of the goals that our chapter council developed include: be more philanthropic, develop better communication,  
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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)
 
  
 +
and be Kappa Klassy. With the goal of being more philanthropic as our probably the main focus, our chapter
  
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Housing:
+
believed that we should continue to improve on being more involved with the other sororities and
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Philanthropy:
 
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Chapter Convention Awards:
 
  
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fraternities on our campus. One of the reasons why we decided on this goal was because our chapter happens to
  
 +
be one of the smaller chapters on our campus, and we haven’t been as representative for the other chapter’s
  
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---------------------------
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philanthropies or fundraisers as much in the past couple of years. Our chapter also believed that if we improved our
  
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
+
attendance of these fundraisers at other chapters, it would help us improve our communication and being classy.
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We always have more opportunities to improve and achieve our goals, and we aren’t going to stop trying to achieve
 +
 
 +
them. In order to help us achieve our goals, LC Alyssa came over a couple of weeks during the fall semester
 +
 
 +
where she helped us with our work week for recruitment and recruitment at that time as well as nominations
 +
 
 +
for our next year’s chapter council.
 
   
 
   
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We as a chapter also believed that these goals would help us in the challenges that our chapter faced over the year.
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Our advisors and alumna also came in to help us during our time of need in order to better build up our
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public relations over the entire Greek system facing an “alcohol restriction” and other public report cases that
 +
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happened. Overall, I believe that our chapter and the University of Montana Greek system is improving and
 +
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these challenges will continue to help us improve our image, goals, and values for all to see.
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Even though we have had a couple of challenges this year, some of the many traditions we have done for years
 +
 +
still continued. Our Founder’s Day on October 13th was our 106th anniversary of our chapter on the University
 +
 +
of Montana campus. Other traditions include the weekly “Snap Cup” that we will read at the end of our meetings.
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Also during our meetings, we have the “No Skip Skippy Jar,” the “Hey, Hey, I Got an A,” “Kappa Kreep,” and the
 +
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Supportive Sister Bra. The no skip skippy jar is where everyone puts in their names if they attended all of their
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 +
classes and win a prize. The got an A is for rewarding everyone who obtained an A in any of their classes that week.
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The Kappa Kreep is the newer one where if you spotted a sister studying, you could snapchat them
 +
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“secretly” and watch a slide show the VP of Academic Excellence would create from that week. The supportive
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sister bra is just a bra that when it is given to you, you write your name and date on it just to show who has
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been supportive in our chapter. Outside of the weekly meetings, our chapter has an entire week dedicated to Bigs’ and Littles’
 +
 +
where the bigs’ will make crafts and write clues to give to the littles’ for them to guess. At the end of the week,
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the bigs’ will then present themselves in unique and clever ways to their littles’ and everyone gets excited.
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This year we had a ball of yarn start on the first floor and the littles’ had to grab their string and follow it to
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their bigs’ as well as having the littles’ collect articles of clothing scattered around the house to then meet
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their bigs’ located outside on the lawn wearing the same clothing items. One of the older traditions that our chapter
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does is on Friday night of Initiation, all of the actives will dress in black and walk out onto the lawn with candles
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 +
to form the shape of a key while singing “Dream Awhile” for our new members to view from the President’s balcony. This
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 +
might be one of the most treasured traditions that Beta Phi has.
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We have been blessed with our chapter house still being the original house that was bought in 1931. Currently we
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have about 35 women living in the house out of a possible 37 women including our house mom. Several remodels
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have been introduced since the original, but more recently we have remodeled the first floor and our basement.
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The first floor has been remodeled over the past couple of years to represent the original house
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back in the 1910’s to 1930’s because our house is honored with being placed on the national register of historic
 +
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places in Montana. Because of this, we are required to keep our house “time period specific” with all the
 +
 +
same colors and furniture, while still being a place that many women will continue to live in. Our basement was
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remodeled from the old “Pit” to the new “lounge area” by replacing the floor, repainting the walls and ceiling,
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adding newer furniture, a popcorn machine, and all the exercise equipment that we could ever think of or use.
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We still have chapter meetings in our house and continue to grow and remodel the house while remembering
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 +
that it is a historical house.
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==Highlights of 2016==   
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We kicked off the new year in Beta Phi on January 24, which was move in day for spring semester. Classes started on January 25, and we were lucky enough to have our Leadership Consultant, Alyssa Sanchez, with us to start spring semester, and she stayed from January 24 to February 26. We also held a spring recruitment event on January 27 and January 29–30, we had a visit from our RDC, Brittany Henderson, and PDC, Michelle Meyers.
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February held a lot of new adventures for Beta Phi. Another spring recruitment event was held on February 3, and we held spring Bid Day on February 7, welcoming seven new members into Kappa! Formal pledging was then held on February 8. Another LC, Carly Wooldridge, came on February 7 and stayed until the 12th. Alyssa and Carly planned a Galentines day sisterhood for us where we wrote each other love notes.
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Susanne Vander Heyden came and visited us from March 6–8 and presented the importance of ritual to the chapter. There was a sisterhood held with Kappa Alpha Theta on March 12. We held Big/Little Reveal Week from March 14–18. Our LC, Alyssa Sanchez, came back to visit us March 20–25. While she was here, the Greek system had a speaker come and talk to us about mental health on campus. Vikki Day, a Kappa Trainer, also came on March 24 and presented to the chapter about responsibility. Our VPS, Katie Wickham, held a sisterhood on March 30 that was a pj party.
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April was a pretty busy month for our chapter. Spring break approached fast and when we came back it was Inspiration Week which ran from April 11–15. The Dropping of the Pin ceremony was on April 13, FS was held on April 15 and Initiation on April 16. We initiated six women into our chapter. The week following was our Philanthropy Week, which ran from April 18–22. We teamed up with Liquid Planet on April 20 for Kappa Kappaccino where a portion of the proceeds went to Reading is Fundamental. That night we held hydration pong, a fundraiser for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and also an event to raise alcohol awareness in our community. Our senior function was on April 23. That next week, the 25th-29th was Greek Week for the University of Montana. Fun competitions were held all week and ended in a group get together on Greek row. On April 27, we had our Scholarship Dinner and celebrated the academic accomplishments of our sisters. On April 30, we played games on our yard with Kappa Sigma and spent one of our last weekend’s together for that year.
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May was a short and bittersweet month. We had a photoshoot together on the May 1 before going into dead week. On May 7 we had an event to honor the seniors and historical pins were passed down. Alumnae came, and we got to hear their stories. Finals week was April 9–13. Seniors graduated on May 14, and we all said goodbye for the summer.
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August came around and the whole house was back together. We moved in on August 21 and got started with Key to Success Week from August 22–2h. Leadership Consultant, Rachael Schaaf, stayed with us from August 21–26. Classes began on August 29 and the semester was in full swing.
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September started with one of our favorite times of the year, Recruitment Week! Recruitment Week ran from September 5–9 with Bid Day being on September 10. After Recruitment, we held continuous open bidding for another week. In total, we welcomed 29 new members to pledge into Kappa. Carly came back to give us an alcohol awareness workshop on September 24. Homecoming Week was September 26–October 1. We partnered with Sigma Chi and Kappa Sigma for our homecoming float for the parade.
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October started with Big/Little Reveal Week October 10–14 and Family Weekend was October 14–16. We had LC, Claire Kozel visiting from October 16–21, which was also our Philanthropy Week. We held Kappa Kappa Flapjacks on the 19th to raise money for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. The chapter held a fundraiser at Chops where the proceeds were donated to RIF. We had Kappa Jam, a dodgeball tournament on October 22. Susanne Vander Heyden also paid us another visit from October 16–17. We had Scholarship Dinner on October 26 where we showed off the accomplishments of our sisters.
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November started with initiating our new members. Inspiration Week ran October 31st to–November 4 and we initiated 20 members on November 5. Connie Tyler stayed with us for Initiation. We had a great Kites and Keys event with Kappa Alpha Theta where we made Christmas ornaments. A thanksgiving sisterhood and composites were held on November 16 and we had elections on November 21. Right after that was Thanksgiving break.
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December is a pretty slow month for our chapter as we get ready for finals and winter break. We held a Christmas themed sisterhood on December 7 where we made mugs. The last day of classes was December 12 and finals ran December 14–20.
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 +
==Highlights of 2017==
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 +
The Beta Phi chapter has had a fantastic year in 2017. On the University campus, we found a new president and a new Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Director. Beta Phi also worked this past year to find local philanthropies in Missoula to support like Watson Children’s shelter, Animeals, and the Humane society. Beta Phi chapter started the new year together by moving into the house on January 21st.  Classes started the 23rd, that was also the same day officers were installed.
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February was a fun month for Beta Phi. We held three C.O.B. events on the 1st, the 8th, and the 15th. From the 12th to the 17th we had a visit from the wonderful LC, Claire. Claire joined us for our spring C.O.B. Bid Day on the 16th where we offered 10 women bids. Our new members were formally pledged on the 21st and we had a fun winter photoshoot on the 26th.
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March was a great month for getting to know our new members. We had a sisterhood on the 7th where we made tie blankets that we donated to Watson’s Children’s center here in Missoula. We also had a fun photoshoot on the 11th. The women of Beta Phi had a great time on Spring Break from the 18th to the 26th. The week after Spring Break was a busy week for us. From the 27th to the 31st we competed in Greek Week with the rest of our Greek system. Beta Phi got second overall and first for sororities. The same week was our Big Little week with reveal on the 31st.
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April was a very busy month for the women of Beta Phi. On the 7th our philanthropy chair Hailee planned a cleanup of the Bitterroot trail. From the 10th to the 15th we had our Inspiration week, with dropping of the pin on the 12th, Fireside on the 14th, and Initiated 6 members on the 15th. On the 12th we also had a sisterhood where we watched movies with sisters. From the 9th to the 14th we also had a wonderful visit from the LC Claire. On the 19th our fabulous VPAE planned a scholarship dinner where we celebrated our academic accomplishments. On the 20th we had an event with Delta Gamma where the two houses did crafts together. The 20th was also the Greek Awards where we won an award for excellence in Alumni relations and our sister, Augustine, won the outstanding senior award. On the 22nd we had our Senior Function and it was so much fun. The seniors also had their retreat on the 23rd. From the 24th to the 28th we had our spring philanthropy event. On the 29th our seniors officially went Alum at a brunch with our alumni association.
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May was a short and sweet month for Beta Phi. On the 3rd we had an event with Kappa Alpha Theta where we Tie-dyed t-shirts. The last day of classes was on the 5th. Finals ran from 8th to the 12th. Move out and Graduation were on the 13th.
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Beta Phi came back from the summer ready for recruitment and a new school year. We moved into the house on the 19th. Our Key to Success week ran from the 21st to the 25th. On the 25th we had a Color Me Kappa sisterhood. During this week we had a visit from our amazing LC Megan from the 20th to the 24th.  Classes started on the 31st.
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September was focused on recruitment events. Formal recruitment ran from the 11th to the 14th, with Bid Day on the 15th. We gave out 25 bids. Our first formal pledging ceremony was on the 18th. We had a C.O.B. event on the 19th and our C.O.B. bid day was on the 22nd where we invited 7 new women into our chapter. Our C.O.B. formal pledging was on the 25th.
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October was a busy and rewarding month for Beta Phi. On the 14th we participated in the Homecoming parade with Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Nu. We celebrated Kappa Founder’s Day on the 15th with brunch where we invited alumni to celebrate with us. Our Big Little Week was from the 16th to the 20th, with reveal on the 20th. On the 17th we had an event where we painted pumpkins with the wonderful women of Alpha Phi. On the 23rd we had a chill sisterhood where we studied and watched Halloween movies together.  Our philanthropy week went from the 23rd to the 28th. On the 24th, a few of our members went the local elementary school and read to kids. We had Kappa Kappa Flapjacks on the 25th where we had an all you can eat pancake buffet, on the 26th we partnered with the local Chipotle and had a fundraiser with them, and on the 28th we had our dodgeball tournament, Dodge For A Cause. District Director Amanda Ruffo paid us a wonderful visit from the 29th to the 31st. 
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November was an exciting month for Beta Phi with initiation. From the 13th through the 18th we had our Inspiration week. We had our Dropping of the Pin ceremony on the 13th, Fireside was on the 17th, and we initiated 24 amazing members on the 18th. On the 14th we took our composite. On the 15th our incredible VPS, Katie, planned a sisterhood where we made each other friendship bracelets that had a word that reminded us of the other sister. We had our Thanksgiving break from the 22nd to the 26th. We ended November with elections on the 27th.
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 +
December was a short but exciting month for the Beta Phi chapter. On the 8th we had our Sapphire Function that was a ton of fun. Our VPO, AJ, planned a great Leadership Day on the 9th where incoming officers and outgoing officers had a great time learning about leadership. The last day of classes was on the 12th and finals ran from the 14th to the 20th. The house closed for the semester on the 21st.
 +
 +
==Highlights of 2018s:==
 +
 +
Beta Phi had a great year in 2018.  On the University campus, we found a new Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Director, Lacey Zinke, Delta Gamma alumna from the University of Montana 2014. 
 +
 +
In late January we had our first Chapter Council meeting where successors observe and ask questions as their predecessors continue to create and give reports. We started tabling at the Lommasson Center for Informal Recruitment.  The incoming officers had a second leadership day to go over goals and team building exercises.  Our goals were better PR for chapter; improve ritual; sisters first always; more effective meetings.  A rookie workshop was held where they learned the COB process, a review of our Kappa values, and select-a-sis(our voting software.)  We kicked off our Informal Recruitment with a hot chocolate
 +
station full of toppings.
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Our second recruitment event was Sundae Fundae.  We ended events with cookie decorating.  Eight bids were handed out.  Programming started with fire safety, evaluation procedures and general police safety.  Galentines Day sisterhood where we made valentines for sisters, soon to be new members and house staff.
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Programming stared with Behind Happy Faces to discuss mental health.  We began our annual book drive to collect books until the end of philanthropy week.  Women's Empowerment Day where Fraternity Sorority Involvement arranged for a few women leaders to come and speak to sorority women.  March 20 was Beta Phi's 109 birthday and we celebrated with a blue and blue dessert and some facts about our history.  Philanthropy Week began, we had tabling for raffle prizes tickets, set up a percentage sale at MOD pizza and collected our book drive.  There was a fun photo shoot at the house.  The sisterhood divided into two groups. One collected feminine non-perishable products for the women's shelter.  The other went to help the homeless at their center and organized their storage area.
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April saw the big/little reveal with little gifts exchanged.  Programming was Cal Reynold talk to us about Allies Training.  Initiation was held for four new members.  Greek Week and our scholarship dinner followed.  The end of the month  saw an amazing senior function held at the Downtown Dance Collective.  Then our going alum event for our outgoing seniors was held.
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After finals in May, the house closed for the summer and we all departed.
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In August the house was a buzz when 18 members moved back in.  Over the summer the membership chairman and officers worked hard on recruitment plans.  In Key Week we learned new ways to recruit and strengthen our sisterhood.  Throughout recruitment and COB we pledged 19 new members.  A sisterhood where we filled bags with feminine products was held and donated them to the YWCA.  During national hazing prevention week we made a banner and competed against the other sororities and won!
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In October we held an alumnae brunch where we celebrated homecoming and Founders Day.  30 alumnae and 30 actives attended.  Homecoming saw us paired with Sigma Nu and Phi Delta Theta.  We created an amazing float for the parade.  Big/little reveal was held and 17 new members prepared for initiation.  We also had a Halloween themed sisterhood with games and snacks.
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November brought the Sapphire event at the Missoula Community Theatre where everyone had fun dancing.  We held a philanthropy event playing corn hole raising $76 for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.  We held Kappa flapjacks raising $210 for the  Beta Phi Scholarship Fund.  We also sold t-shirts where 10% of the sales went to Reading is Fundamental.
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December brought leadership day, a Christmas party with Sigma Alpha Epsilon and a white elephant gift exchange.  Mid month the house closed and we departed for winter break.
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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.:
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'''Housing:'''
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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'''Convention Awards:'''
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==Highlights of 2020==
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2020 presented a unique challenge for Beta Phi and the University of Montana Greek Life community as a whole due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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During the month of February, Beta Phi held three COB events: a Meet and Greet on the 6th, Study with the Kappas on the 12th, and House Tours and Hot Cocoa on the 19th. Bids were extended to four new members on March 7 who then went through Formal Pledging on March 9.
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March 13 was the last day of classes before spring break at the University of Montana. Due to COVID-19 students were encouraged to go home for the break and not return to campus. Over the break classes at the University prepared to move online and dormitories began shutting down and sending students home. The Beta Phi chapter house followed suit, closing its doors and moving all chapter meetings, Chapter Council meetings and sisterhoods to virtual.
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After the end of the semester on May 8, Beta Phi participated in their first virtual initiation ceremony held by the Fraternity's Ritual and History Content Team on May 17 where the four new members from Spring COB were officially welcomed into the Fraternity.
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Over the summer the Chapter Council, under the guidance of the current chapter President, Madeleine Itschner, began preparing for the upcoming semester, virtual or not. When we were informed that we would be returning to campus for the Fall 2020 semester, President Itschner began working tirelessly on a COVID-19 safety plan for the Beta Phi chapter house. Her plan included social distancing measures in the house, requiring masks in all shared living spaces, and chapter meetings remaining virtual.
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On August 10 girls masked up and began moving back into the chapter house in order to begin preparation for formal recruitment. In order to ensure the safety of all of our sisters, Beta Phi held their key week entirely online so that sisters were able to isolate themselves from each other as we came back together. Formal recruitment ran from August 30th to September 4 and contained a mixture of outside, socially distanced events and virtual events.
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Classes and other school events at the University of Montana for the fall semester remained partially online and partially socially distanced. To celebrate Kappa Kappa Gamma's sesquicentennial anniversary on October 13, Beta Phi held a Zoom call with alumnae where the Founders Day Ceremony and the Passing of the Light ceremony were performed by current chapter members. All the active members and alumnae were then given the link for the Facebook live event and encouraged to attend.
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On November 14 Beta Phi did its second virtual initiation, but this time the Chapter Council officers conducted the ceremony. Three members were initiated. After initiation new Chapter Council officers were slated and elected and are set to take over chapter operations next semester. With finals week wrapping up on November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, the sisters of Beta Phi parted for winter break and said goodbye to a crazy year.
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Beta Phi supported two philanthropic organizations this year: the Missoula YWCA and the Humane Society. These two organizations were supported by the chapter because they are local to Missoula and allowed us to directly help and impact members of our community.
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Additionally, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) chairman position was created and added to Chapter Council. This chairman was also given a committee, creating the DEI committee.
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==Highlights of 2021==
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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!

Latest revision as of 16:51, 15 December 2021

 

Beta Phi
BΦ
Beta Phi.jpg
FoundedMarch 20, 1909 (1909-03-20) (117 years ago)
CollegeUniversity of Montana, formerly State University of Montana; Montana State University
LocationMissoula, MT
Homepage[Beta Phi Homepage]
Media related to Beta Phi Chapter

University of Montana (formerly University of Montana; State University of Montana; Montana State University) established in 1893, Missoula, Montana


Beta Phi founded March 20, 1909 with 17 charter members


1,954 initiates (as of June 2018)


Charter Members:

Eva M. Coffee, Mary J. Elrod, Ethel Evans, Edna T. Fox, Frances M. Jones, Abbie Catherine Lucy, Margaret Mary Lucy, Maude Brooks McCullough, Mildred Alene McGregor, May Elizabeth Murphy, Mary F. Rankin, Isabel Ronan, Marjorie Lee Ross, Ruth Lenore Smith, Helen M. Whitaker, Lucy Dora Alexandria Whitaker, Ethel Marion Wilkinson.


Fraternity Council Members:

Hulda Miller Fields, Fraternity Director of Membership, 1942-1946; Marlys Nelson (Barrett), Field Secretary 1962-1964; Marian Schroeder Graham, Director of Membership, 1966-1970, Director of Personnel 1970-1972, Director of Chapters, 1971-1972, Fraternity President 1972-1976; Lila Isbell, Field Secretary, 1987-1988, Fraternity Executive Director, 2001-2005


Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:



Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:



Additional outstanding alumnae:

Dana Clader (Kleckner), Chapter Consultant 1998-1999; Shawna Gary (Kientz), Chapter Consultant 2000-2001


The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)[edit]

The University of Montana was chartered February 17, 1893, by an act of the third legislative assembly. Later legislation changed the name to the State University of Montana, and then to Montana State University. On July 1, 1965, it again became the University of Montana. Montana, then the third largest state geographically, had a population of 376,053, and the city of Missoula, 5,000. In the mid-1970s, Missoula had 10 times as many residents.

Classes began in 1895 in a rented school house. By 1899, four buildings were completed on 40 acres of donated land at the base of 2,000-foot Mount Sentinel and adjacent to the narrow mountain pass called “Hellgate” by the British, “Port-d-Enfor” by the French Canadians, and “Im-i-sul-etiku” (from which the name Missoula is derived) by the Swalish Indians. A faculty of 27 gathered to teach a student body of 178.

Kappa Kappa Gamma established Beta Phi chapter on March 20, 1909, indicating great confidence in a school so young and in a group affiliation so remote. From 21 petitioning groups, Beta Phi was the single charter granted in almost four years.

Delta Sigma, organized February 24, 1904, the first women’s group on the campus, began when Fay Murray (Gillie), re-enrolled at Montana from Butler, sat with her friend Roxanne Howell (Derge) on the turnstile of a fence to tell about her life at Butler. “Roxy” exclaimed, “Oh, Fay, let us start a sorority here!” Thula Toole (Weisel), Maude Evans, Ted Welch, and Jessie Hailsbach were invited to join the local venture.

Women’s Hall provided a six-room suite, and Delta Sigma began its life by petitioning Kappa Kappa Gamma. Ruth Worden, Boston, daughter of a founder of Missoula, gave encouragement, as did Jane Evans (Gaylord), Stanford, sister of Maude. Other Kappa friends assured endorsement. The university president wrote to the Grand Secretary saying that the chapter was strong in everything that gives strength. Mary Griffith Canby, Pennsylvania, having moved from Philadelphia to Oregon, made the inspection. On January 22, 1909, she notified the local group that it was to become Beta Phi, with Installation set for March 20. The Missoulian announced the happy event. Mrs. Canby brought with her Kappa badges of Montana nugget gold for the 17 charter members, golden keys for girls of the “Treasure State.”


Housing and Chapter Traditions

In 1914, seven members moved into a rented residence. Up to 1924, 10 subsequent moves were made. When the Building Corporation was organized December 1920, the first steps were taken to purchase a chapter house. This dwelling, 434 East Beckwith Avenue, was too small, and it was sold in 1928. After another period of renting, the home at 1005 Gerald Avenue was purchased from the Toole family. It was a Depression year, only nine actives returned to school in the fall, but 29 were pledged to ensure a continuing chapter.

For 22 years, Beta Phi was guided by Mrs. Frank P. Keith, whose three daughters and two granddaughters are on the Beta Phi roll. She was saluted on her retirement as the house mother with the longest tenure on Kappa records.

A number of remodelings and additions took place through 1969 with a house holding more than 40. One-third more footage was added at 10 times the cost of the original edifice. This spacious, gracious house was built by pioneer John B. Toole, father of Thula Toole Weisel; grandfather of Thula Virginia Weisel Johnson, author of distinction and past House Board President; and great-grandfather of Thula (Tex) Johnson.

The Montana Alumnae Association, chartered in 1906, has held regular (usually monthly) meetings ever since, providing advisers and officers of the building corporation. Several other alumnae associations are also active in Montana, and keep in close touch with Beta Phi and the Missoula alumnae.

Beta Phi has enjoyed a strong association with the community and the state. Daughters of pioneers, of early faculty members, and of five governors have become Kappas. There is a sense of interdependence and affection. The 201-acre campus of the mid-1970s had a nine-hole golf course, baseball diamond, track and football field, magnificent student center and a $3 million library, besides 56 buildings including space for 2,500 students and nearly 400 apartments for married students.

Kappa-related names are found all over the campus. Brantly Hall, named for the grandmother of Lois Hazelbaker Townsend; Elrod Hall, names for the father of Mary Elrod Ferguson, a charter member and former dean of women; Miller Hall, named for the father of Patsy Ann Miller Jewell; Jesse Hall, named for the husband of Lucille Leyda Jesse, Nebraska, and father of Margaret Jesse Fanning; and the science complex named in honor of a former president of the university, father of Lucie Clapp Hagens and Margaret Clapp Smurr.

No history of Beta Phi would be complete without the mention of the 50-year contribution of Mary Rodes Leaphart, Kentucky, whose husband was dean of the Montana School of Law for 34 years. She served as alumnae association President, chapter adviser and warm and loving counselor to many generations of Beta Phis. Her two daughters are Beta Phi alumnae.

Beta Phi was hostess to the General Convention of 1922, and co-hostess with Idaho at Sun Valley in 1940, 1948, and 1964, and with Wyoming in 1934. Several Iota Province Conventions have been held in Missoula: 1925, 1939 and 1959, during the observance of the chapter’s golden anniversary, and 1975.

The active-alumna project, the Missoula Opportunity School for mentally retarded children helped to provide space, volunteer teachers and special needs of the program. Much time and money has been donated to this appealing project, inspired by Adelle Beaman Forbis, Physical therapist, in 1948-49.


Honors

Throughout the life of the chapter, its members have contributed to a splendid record of scholarship, leadership and service to campus and Fraternity. Through two World Wars and the troubles of the past, Kappas have met the challenges and the needs, maintained standards, and supported programs, including the support of a foreign student in 1951-52.

Beta Phi members have received many campus honors and awards including honorable mention for the Charlotte Barrell Ware Standards Cup (1940); the Clara O. Pierce Gracious Living Award (1962); runner-up for chapter newsletter, (The Key, 1961). The Missoula alumnae received the Almira McNaboe Award (1960). Hulda Miller Fields was Fraternity Director of Membership and Marian Schroeder Graham was Director of Membership, Director of Personnel, Director of Chapters, and Fraternity President. Marlys Jo Nelson Barrett was a Field Secretary; Florence Horsky Wertz served on the Fraternity Finance Committee; and Judith Latta served on the Rehabilitation Fellowship Committee.

Among outstanding Beta Phis are writers Grace Barnett, Olive Barnett Rice and Thula Virginia Weisel Johnson; and Brenda Farrell Wilson, business professor and dean. During the early 1970s, the climate on the University of Montana campus was not propitious for women’s social groups. Adequate dormitory space and the university sanction of apartment living off campus meant empty rooms in sorority houses. However, Beta Phi has been a leader in women’s Greek groups and on campus, and the situation seemed to be improving.

In May 1974, Beta Phi held a senior-honors-initiates dinner. “Almost a hundred members of Beta Phi were present, and dear Mary Leaphart gave a little talk, saying in her lovely Kentucky accent, ‘Sisters, I have been a Kappa for 63 years, and from girls in their long gowns to you wearing pretty little ruffles for skirts, have known so many dear and true. If you all love Kappa and keep to her ideals, your lives will be enriched as mine has, and you will be strengthened for any task.'

“The 17 initiates were greeted and the seniors bid adieu, the officers were installed, and the seniors inducted into the alumnae association. It was really a concentrated evening. The reaction of the girls was marvelous and the evening gave promise of a real return to the old values.” (From a letter by Hulda Miller Fields)

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

Highlights of the 1970s -- Campus and chapter trends:[edit]

On the University of Montana campus, student life was exponentially more outspoken during this period of time than ever before. Protest broke out frequently, often times ASUM Senators participated in these protest. The aftermath of the 60’s was felt very strongly on the campus. The general mood of the campus was quite chaotic. Many students enrolled in college solely to avoid the draft. Even though the Vietnam War ended in 1975 the effects rolled over well beyond the war.

On campus, approximately 6 sororities and 9 fraternities existed. Overall, the Greek system struggled because of the mood on campus. All of the social activism caused backlash against many organizations. Sororities and fraternities were one of many groups not favored by the general attitude of the student body. This attitude held by the majority of the undergrads did not garner the support of the community. There was much disconnect between students and citizens of Missoula.

The main challenges the chapter faced were limited communication amongst other Greek organizations and a negative reputation. The sorority system was much more independent between different houses, so little communication took place. By bolstering the Panhellenic Council’s structure, camaraderie between the entire system increased. The united Greek system was able to work more effectively. As mentioned earlier, the social activism cast a negative reputation of the chapter. The general public saw it as simply a social organization. The addition of required philanthropy hours and the public relations chair greatly improved Kappa’s image. After these changes, Beta Phi was no longer limited to a social sisterhood. The chapter also contributed to the well-being of the community. The PR chairman was able to influence reputation as well by overlooking how the Fraternity’s name is portrayed in the media.

Many significant events were taking place nationally during this era. The community and campus were affected by these national events; for example, the oil embargo caused the United States to be more conservative with resources and money. Reduced spending did not help chapter retention or Recruitment. With less support from the student body, the members found ways to reach out and get involved with the student body. The annual Aber Day Kegger fundraiser helped the Greek system to connect with the rest of the university students The Beta Phi chapter was very involved in this tradition by assisting Sigma Chi raise money at the event each year. The “hippie” vibe of the campus tended to clash with the structured routine of Kappa.

Beta Phi chapter earned awards based on scholarly merit. There were multiple girls in the chapter who maintained a 4.0 GPA. Academic awards were regularly given to members. Many victories were achieved during Derby Days as well. The ladies of Beta Phi were often a part of Mortar Board. These women kept their mind set on achieving good grades at all times.


Chapter Convention Awards:

1978 Woodman Award, Best Relations with Advisory Board, Second Place



Highlights of the 1980s:[edit]

The 1980’s ushered in a renewed interest in Greek Life and Beta Phi was home to women from Montana, across the country and Canada. The chapter emphasized strong academic programming. It utilized study buddies, recognized members for an “A” on a test or paper, and classes competed for the highest grade-point each term. This programming helped the chapter earn top honors on campus. Beta Phi was recognized at Iota Province Meeting and the 1988 Convention for the Most Improved Scholarship Award.

Member retention was a focus area for the chapter. Formal and informal rush parties kept members social skills honed throughout the year. Filling the house was of utmost importance so the chapter participated in formal rush and Continuous Open Bidding throughout the year. Social events had themes ranging from the 60’s to beach parties. The annual pledge class functions were creative and fun for all when chapter members could dress in Black and White, go on a Russian adventure complete with sleigh rides and BBQ or let out their inner-Nerd. Formal functions included the Kite-and-Key Formal with Kappa Alpha Theta and The Sapphire Ball.

Kappa Beach was a favorite hangout in the spring with the occasional water balloon battle with Sigma Nu. The chapter participated in Sigma Chi Derby Days, Sigma Nu Gopher Days, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Olympics and Greek Week. Members perfected lip-sync routines, created unique posters and participated in numerous athletic competitions with other UM sororities.

Homecoming brought float competitions and alumni returning to 1005 Gerald Avenue. The annual Parent’s Brunch was the finale to an exciting weekend of events. The chapter celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1984 with a festive dinner and diamond shaped cake enjoyed by pledges, actives and alumnae.

Beta Phi’s had a busy campus profile with members serving on ASUM Senate, UM Advocates, Mortar Board, SPURS, Grizzly Women’s Basketball, Tennis and Track, UM Cheerleading and Dance Team, UM Band, Choir, Drama and MontPIRG.


Housing:

In 1983 the chapter house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was due to efforts of the dedicated Missoula alumni who formed The John R. Toole Preservation Society as a non-profit organization to maintain the house and grounds and reduce the financial burden for chapter members. Fundraising efforts by the group helped to pay for extensive exterior and interior repairs to the nearly century old chapter house. The first floor was completely redecorated with carpeting, wallpaper, floor restoration and reupholstered furniture. The second floor bedrooms received fresh paint, bunk beds were added to the sleeping porch and the library was redecorated as well. The Beta Phi House Board worked hand-in-hand with the John R. Toole Society to redecorate and furnish the house in manner befitting the grace of the building and the functionality needed by 30-young women on a daily basis.


Philanthropy:

Beta Phi was active in philanthropy by supporting the fundraising efforts of other UM Greek group’s philanthropic activities to participating in many hands-on activities ranging from clothing collection for a local women’s shelter to the March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon. The chapter also participated in rehabilitative therapy for Matt Bittany, a UM student with cerebral palsy and son of a Kappa.


Chapter Convention Awards:

1984 History/Heritage Commendation 1988 Finance Excellence, Housed Chapters-Honorable Mention


Highlights of the 1990s[edit]

As the last decade of the century rolled into Missoula, Beta Phi hopped on board with a determination to build chapter participation, increase chapter scholarship and maintain a positive community and campus image. Members emphasized communication and recognition to build unity and encourage members to give their best back to Kappa. The “Century Club” was established to challenge sisters to attend 100 classes in a row.

Alumnae support from the Advisory Board and House Board provided stability and help through several difficult situations. Alumnae and active members celebrated Beta Phi’s 90th birthday with a dinner and “historical” skit about the chapter through the years. Another joyful celebration took place during Homecoming on the front lawn when the mortgage was burned.

Beta Phi partnered with fraternities on several successful Homecoming floats winning top honors in the Greek Division. Founders Day, Senior Banquet, Scholarship Dinners, House Board and House Boy Appreciation Dinners were traditional events for the chapter to gather and celebrate various aspects of chapter life.

Campus participation highlighted the interests of members serving as UM Advocates, on the Honors Student Association, University Symphonic Wind Orchestra, UM Flute, Peer Advisers, UM Cross Country Track, Mortar Board, Order of Omega and SPURS.

Leadership development was a key element of chapter life. Members participated in Lead to Succeed a national leadership skills development program developed by Kappa Kappa Gamma and Alpha Tau Omega, chapter retreats featured team building opportunities such as a low ropes course. Many officers attended Iota Province Meetings and Convention to share ideas and bring back new ways to improve chapter life. Tiffany Finley, Colorado, served as a Chapter Consultant to Beta Phi helping the chapter to develop its identity and build on strong qualities of chapter life. The Fraternity selected two Beta Phi’s, Dana Clader and Shawna Gary, to serve as Chapter Consultants.

Beta Phi has a long standing belief in Panhellenic and held the Presidency and other offices several times throughout the decade. Greek Woman of the Year honors were bestowed on Shannon Frantzick and Dana Pickrell. In addition the chapter received Awards for Improved Scholarship, Campus Involvement and Most Improved Sorority from Panhellenic.

The chapter was recognized at Iota Province Meetings with awards in the areas of Outstanding Alumnae Participation, Improved Scholarship and Overall G.P.A. It was a thrill and tremendous honor for the chapter to receive the Greatest Improvement Award at the 1998 Convention.


Housing:

The House Board aided by the John R. Toole Preservation Society performed miracles with limited funds to maximize upkeep on the nearly century old chapter house. Projects included: painting on the second floor, new window treatments in the House Director suite, new carpeting on the back stairs, planning for a sprinkler system, wall-to-wall carpet in the dining room, replacing siding and painting the exterior of the building, preventative maintenance on the roof, painting the back stairwell and chapter room, updated wiring and a new computer for the chapter Treasurer.


Philanthropy:

Philanthropy projects changed throughout the 1990’s based on campus and community needs and interests of the chapter. For several years members helped the Big Brothers and Sisters with fundraising by participating in the Bowl-a-Thon, they also raised funds for Wiggle for the Y and Missoula Children’s Theatre. Members volunteered for the cleanup of the Clarkfork and Bitteroot riverbanks and collected over 500 pounds of trash. Camp-Make-A Dream, a camp for children with cancer, was a long-term commitment of love from the chapter whether fundraising or volunteering for the camp itself. The chapter was recognized for their service as morning playground supervisors at Roosevelt Elementary School. Kappas were a part of “Rid Missoula of Graffiti” clean-up and spent several years decorating a tree at the Southgate Mall Festival of Trees.


Convention Awards:

1998 Greatest Improvement



Highlights of 2000-2010[edit]

Beta Phi had much to celebrate in this decade from Panhellenic and Iota Province awards to the Centennial Gala for the chapter. The chapter worked diligently on their academic standing and public relations image. Use of creative programming in scholarship resulted in top rankings on campus. Study tables and an honor roll posted for everyone to see helped to focus members on the importance of academics.

Member retention was a constant buzzword in the chapter. Flucuating campus Recruitment numbers and only four National Panhellenic sororities on campus made Formal Recruitment a challenge. New member classes reflected the diversity of the chapter and added to the strong base of sisterhood within Beta Phi.

Panhellenic sisterhood took on new meaning when the Kappa Alpha Theta chapter house was damaged during Christmas break and the chapter had to move-out while repairs were completed. Beta Phi graciously opened their house and the two chapters lived together learning how to share everything from shower and laundry time to observing privacy for chapter meetings. The experience brought the two chapters closer together and exemplified the spirit of Panhellenic cooperation.

For years leading up to 2009, Beta Phi alumnae began planning a Centennial Gala for alumnae and the undergraduate chapter. Homecoming 2009 was set on the calendar for the celebration and several committees planned the weekend of events culminating in a dinner at the Red Lion Inn. More than 250 members and guests gathered to celebrate 100 years of memories and Kappa friendships. Special Fraternity guest, Suzanne Van der Hayden, Washington State, Director of Alumnae gave the Keynote address and helped to pin the women receiving their 50-, 65- and 75-year pins. Former Fraternity Executive Director, Lila Isbell, Montana, served as Toastmistress and the program featured special music by The Kappa Keys, recognition of each class in attendance, a history of the John R. Toole house and presentation of Outstanding Alumnae to Marlys Barrett.


Housing:

Refurbishing the foyer floor and painting projects along with replacing 57-year old boilers.


Philanthropy:

Chapter members helped with riverbed cleanup along the Clarkfork and Bitteroot rivers and volunteered for projects with Big Brothers and Sisters. In addition, the members partner with a local Boy Scout troop to clean Grizzly Stadium following football games. The Foresters’ Ball is a long-standing tradition at the U of M and Beta Phi hosted a booth performing “marriages” the last the night of the event. Money raised was contributed to Camp Make-a-Dream.


Convention Awards:

2000 Standards Honorable Mention; 2002 Greatest Scholarship Improvement Award; 2006 Academic Excellence Honorable Mention; 2008 Greatest Improvement Honorable Mention; Ritual Honorable Mention; Academic Excellence Honorable Mention; Recruitment Honorable Mention


Highlights of 2011-2019[edit]

From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.:

Highlights of 2011[edit]

The Beta Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has enjoyed a rich history endowed with all that you would expect: Joy, struggle, hysterical laughter and above all the founding of bonds so strong that they far surpasses the term friendship and evolves into sisterhood. Despite how cliché this phrase has become, the Kappa’s of UM do indeed “hold the key to klass”. During Greek Week held in the autumn semester, Kappa teamed with Sigma Nu and Kappa Sigma took first place overall obliterating the other teams with victories in events such as Capture the Flag on Greek Row, a god and goddess competition (Where one of our members was deemed the champion) as well as a float competition. The float built by Kappa and the two other fraternities was clearly the best, a judgment made with absolute objectivity. A gigantic bear head that was furry and absolutely adorable par oozed the streets of downtown Missoula, greeted by mouths that gaped so widely that small animals contemplated taking refuge there. It was indeed a proud day for Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Another proud endeavor for us Kappa’s at UM would be our academic achievement during the autumn semester. Kappa had been struggling academically prior to last semester. However, we emerged with the highest GPA average of all the sororities and second highest average in the entire Greek system. It was a major accomplishment and improvement. Also, the chapter has done great work on behalf of philanthropic causes. Kappa has raised thousands of dollars for Camp Make a Wish as well as aided in “Diva Days” which supported finding the cure for breast cancer. Also, another source of pride for Kappa occurred when Jessica Mounts was named Outstanding New Member and Alyissa Canady was named Greek Woman of Year. It was quite a prosperous couple of semesters.

The University Of Montana has dealt with a great deal of change this year. Most prevalent, accusations of sexual assault have served as a constant thought in the back of everyone’s mind. The school has been increasing awareness as well as initiating new security measures. The whole ordeal has most definitely changed the carelessness with which students treat their outings and social gatherings. Trends such as long boarding and floating the river have also become popular activities. Independent music has become very popular; nobody having heard of any of the bands anyone else is listening to. Trends change with time and the University of Montana is no exception.

Recent changes that Kappa has undergone, includes a large bundle of new members from recruitment in the fall of 2011. The new dynamic of the new member’s is a wondrous thing. The diversity is simply astounding, a diversity that penetrates straight to the heart. Think of a rainbow, but not one that follows the traditional six layer structure, one that shows the obscure colors no one has ever heard of, such as arsenic, chartreuse or a romantic candy apple sunrise. Also a somewhat unusual obsession has overtaken the fraternity. Cats. Oddly enough, cat paraphernalia is abundant. Honestly, it is quite strange however it is a unifying element bonding the sisters closer that before. Security has also been increased ensuring that only members of this fraternity can enter the house.

A challenge that the chapter has dealt with was the academic focus plan that we were put on for our prior performance academically speaking, was less than wonderful. Each member was required to complete a certain amount of study hours each week depending on prior academic performance although never less than five. The program was greeted with a great deal of eye rolling and sighing but eventually the chapter’s GPA was raised to above a 3.0. It was really a fantastic outcome. Another event that the chapter was put through would be a break in and theft of many prized possessions. Trophies, plaques, composites and food were taken. This was an ordeal that was hard to overcome, for many of the girls felt their safety was not a guarantee. The items were thankfully returned however anger was abundant. In response to the theft and trespassing, the door locks have been changed, and codes have been renewed. For a while, in house life was dealt with more cautiously and eventually we have reached a level of security that comforts each and every member.



Highlights of 2012[edit]

2012 was a full year of philanthropy for the Beta Phi chapter. A few of the activities participated in are mentioned as follows:

- 30 Kappa women volunteered at the Missoula Children's First Museum Halloween Bash and provided activities and entertainment for 800 children. - The women of Kappa assisted with the annual Run Wild Missoula Diva Dash by forming their own running team and helping with set up. This event was held at the Community Medical Center and raised awareness for breast cancer. - $1400 was raised at the 2012 Forester's Ball Marriage Booth to contribute funds for Camp Mak-A-Dream, which is Beta Phi's local philanthropy. - KKG volunteered at multiple tables during the International Cultural Festival on campus to celebrate diversity at the University of Montana - 10 Kappas assisted the new fraternity on campus, Pi Kappa Phi, with their Bike-a-thon by biking in hour increments and donating the money received to Push America

As a whole, the Beta Phi chapter received awards that recognized different aspects of the chapter's activities and processes:

- 2011-12 Outstanding Alumni Relations and Chapter Development

- Most Improved Academic Excellence Award, 2010-2012

- The University of Montana Panhellenic Award for Chapter Involvement for 2012

- Honorable Mention for Standards - at Convention, 2012

- Greek Advisor of the Year 2012 was awarded to Marcy Hossle, who was a Beta Phi herself, and is actively involved in the Missoula Alumna Chapter.


The University of Montana is a thriving place--constantly, there are new opportunities made available to students. This year, there were a few new additions on campus:

The men of Pi Kappa Phi created a chapter at the UM this year, and the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma were obliged to help them in their recruiting endeavors and establishing their philanthropy by assisting with their annual Bike-a-thon.

The University of Montana is constantly striving to instill a global mindset in its students and encouraging them to reach for perfection in any endeavor they pursue. The newly founded Global Leadership Initiative was created to reflect these mantras. The program is meant to facilitate student teamwork and the motivation to solve global issues, and has a strong following of students.

The women of the Beta Phi chapter mirror the campus attitude in their desire to cultivate and learn in their areas of interest. They wish for their chapter to grow along with the University and to continue to promote KKG as a group of dedicated and hardworking women with outstanding moral character.

Highlights of 2013[edit]

Formal recruitment for the Beta Phi chapter for 2013 was very successful and had a total of 35 New Members who were initiated on November 9, 2013. Many members of our chapter received the LAS award in scholarship and also the Bright Future Award for incoming freshman students. During the Spring and Fall semester of 2013, 5 of our members received a 4.0 GPA, one of them being a freshman. Unfortunately, we did not receive any Province awards for the 2013 year.

One of our traditions in this chapter is to do a “Snap Cup” at the end of every meeting. This allows us to say something positive about one another or the entire chapter about anything that was good for that week. Special events that we held during 2013 included Sapphire Ball, which was held at the Carousel, Forester’s Ball and Kappa Krush.

The Beta Phi chapter takes pride in our philanthropic involvement around the community and has proudly demonstrated our commitment and perseverance in helping others. We took the initiative to start early and made great communication with many organizations. Within the Spring semester alone for 2013, our chapter has generated 874 hours of community service and volunteered in events such as Forester’s Ball and the Missoula Public Library. During the Fall semester, we increased our total hours from the previous semester which resulted of 913 hours of community service. This included volunteering in events such as Diva Days, Halloween Bash, Up til Dawn, and Dress for Success which were a huge hit for the community and our chapter. Our main goal as a chapter was to remove ourselves from the Academic Focus Plan and we, as a chapter, set our GPA chapter goal to a 3.0. We also made it a goal to have higher philanthropic hours for our Fall semester than the previous Spring semester.

The Beta Phi chapter had the challenge of being on the Academic Focus Plan, and having the chapter cumulative GPA average below the all - sorority average for consecutive 3 terms. We have implemented a required 7 study hours a week for each individual member and relied on encouragement and support for one another. We also used positivity and rewards such as the “Skippy Jar” for those who did not skip class that week. Unfortunately though, we are still on the Academic Focus Letter, but we are striving hard and looking positively to overcome this problem for the 2014 year.

Some recent changes to the University of Montana has included the belief of the word “Thrive” around the campus. It is designed to be the main point and focus of the university to go above and beyond one’s potential from its students, faculty and the community. The university has also cut class sections due to budget cuts. The overall nature of our chapter has been positive in reinforcing our sisterhood. Our challenges has brought us closer as a chapter and are continuing to rise together. Whether if we are at events or just having dinner, there is a presence of having a common ground of being all together. We believe that we can make a positive impact in overcoming whatever comes our way and wish to promote Kappa Kappa Gamma as outstanding individuals who strive to go beyond our greater potential

Highlights of 2014[edit]

Formal recruitment for the Beta Phi chapter for 2014 was very successful and had a total of 27 New Members who were initiated on October 25, 2014. Many members of our chapter received the LAS award in scholarship and also the Bright Future Award for incoming freshman students. During the Fall semester of 2014, our chapter GPA was 2.937. Unfortunately, we did not receive any Province awards for the 2013 year. One of our traditions in this chapter is to do a “Snap Cup” at the end of every meeting. This allows us to say something positive about one another or the entire chapter about anything that was good for that week. Special events that we held during 2014 included Sapphire Ball, which was held at a downtown hotel, Forester’s Ball and Kappa Krush.

The Beta Phi chapter takes pride in our philanthropic involvement around the community and has proudly demonstrated our commitment and perseverance in helping others. We took the initiative to start early and made great communication with many organizations. Our chapter has volunteered in events such as Forester’s Ball, the Missoula Public Library, and gathering cans of food for the food bank while we compete with Montana State’s PanHellenic for the most weight of food generated by donation from the public. Our main goal as a chapter was to remove ourselves from the Academic Focus Plan and we, as a chapter, set our GPA chapter goal to a 3.0. The Beta Phi chapter had the challenge of being on the Academic Focus Plan, and having the chapter cumulative GPA average below the all - sorority average for consecutive 4 terms. We have implemented a required 7 study hours a week for each individual member and relied on encouragement and support for one another. We also used positivity and rewards such as the “Skippy Jar” for those who did not skip class that week. Unfortunately though, we are still on the Academic Focus Letter, but we are striving hard and looking positively to overcome this problem for the 2015 year.

Some recent changes to our sorority house was during the summer, we redesigned our living room to resemble the time period of when our house was first built in 1902. The living room now has the original wooden floors renovated from having carpet on top of it as well as having time period specific furniture, paintings, and color scheme all done to represent the 1900s while keeping a modern touch. The overall nature of our chapter has been positive in reinforcing our sisterhood. Our challenges such as having to fill up a vacant presidential office during the fall semester have brought us closer as a chapter and are continuing to rise together. Whether if we are at events or just having dinner, there is a presence of having a common ground of being all together and supporting one another. We believe that we can make a positive impact in overcoming whatever comes our way and wish to promote Kappa Kappa Gamma as outstanding individuals who strive to go beyond our greater potential.

Women Behind the Badge: Our Vice President of Organization Marissa Barone, currently has a historical badge that belonged to Myrtle Buls who was a Beta Phi member from 1946. Although she passed away in 2010, she enjoyed many outdoor activities, singing and traveling. She was quoted as saying “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” Marissa was given the badge in May 2014.


Highlights of 2015[edit]

During the year of 2015, the University of Montana has added a new fraternity to campus, Alpha Sigma Phi.

The University now has 4 sororities and 8 fraternities. Within our own Kappa Kappa Gamma Beta Phi chapter,

we are blessed to have our new house mom, Leann, who was our old house board treasurer. We also are pleased to

reward Alicia B. the Beta Phi scholarship back in April.


Our chapter has also increased in size since the past couple of years. We initiated a total of 7 women in the

spring and 21 women in the fall. Spring recruitment was very successful because we had over 20 women show up

for our “Mexican night” and over 15 show up for the mystery dinner the next week when we normally have only about a

maximum of 4 women. We then extended 13 bids to those women and ended up with 8 new members. Our formal fall

recruitment was a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme, and at the end of the week, we extended 29 bids to women and

pledged 26 women that following Monday.


Philanthropy activities that our chapter has accumulated over the fall semester of 2014 and spring semester of 2015,

we totaled over 2,100 hours for all 51 women. Special thanks to Jessica L, Hannah G, Krista B, Bronte B. who

all volunteered over 100 hours of service. Our chapter always helps out at the annual Forester’s Ball, where

this spring, we made about $230, and we donated half of it to the Kappa foundation and the other half to our

fraternity brother, Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s fundraiser. Their fundraiser was that one of their brother’s

girlfriends suddenly had a stroke and needed money to help pay for the medical bills, so our chapter decided

to help out with their cause. Our main Reading Is Key event was held in the spring were we collected over

420 books from all the fraternities and sororities on campus. Our Senior Philanthropy event also that spring

was an alcohol awareness water pong tournament that all Greek members or non-members could participate, and the

seniors raised over $250 dollars and then also donated the full amount to SAE’s fundraiser.


Some of the goals that our chapter council developed include: be more philanthropic, develop better communication,

and be Kappa Klassy. With the goal of being more philanthropic as our probably the main focus, our chapter

believed that we should continue to improve on being more involved with the other sororities and

fraternities on our campus. One of the reasons why we decided on this goal was because our chapter happens to

be one of the smaller chapters on our campus, and we haven’t been as representative for the other chapter’s

philanthropies or fundraisers as much in the past couple of years. Our chapter also believed that if we improved our

attendance of these fundraisers at other chapters, it would help us improve our communication and being classy.

We always have more opportunities to improve and achieve our goals, and we aren’t going to stop trying to achieve

them. In order to help us achieve our goals, LC Alyssa came over a couple of weeks during the fall semester

where she helped us with our work week for recruitment and recruitment at that time as well as nominations

for our next year’s chapter council.


We as a chapter also believed that these goals would help us in the challenges that our chapter faced over the year.

Our advisors and alumna also came in to help us during our time of need in order to better build up our

public relations over the entire Greek system facing an “alcohol restriction” and other public report cases that

happened. Overall, I believe that our chapter and the University of Montana Greek system is improving and

these challenges will continue to help us improve our image, goals, and values for all to see.


Even though we have had a couple of challenges this year, some of the many traditions we have done for years

still continued. Our Founder’s Day on October 13th was our 106th anniversary of our chapter on the University

of Montana campus. Other traditions include the weekly “Snap Cup” that we will read at the end of our meetings.

Also during our meetings, we have the “No Skip Skippy Jar,” the “Hey, Hey, I Got an A,” “Kappa Kreep,” and the

Supportive Sister Bra. The no skip skippy jar is where everyone puts in their names if they attended all of their

classes and win a prize. The got an A is for rewarding everyone who obtained an A in any of their classes that week.

The Kappa Kreep is the newer one where if you spotted a sister studying, you could snapchat them

“secretly” and watch a slide show the VP of Academic Excellence would create from that week. The supportive

sister bra is just a bra that when it is given to you, you write your name and date on it just to show who has

been supportive in our chapter. Outside of the weekly meetings, our chapter has an entire week dedicated to Bigs’ and Littles’

where the bigs’ will make crafts and write clues to give to the littles’ for them to guess. At the end of the week,

the bigs’ will then present themselves in unique and clever ways to their littles’ and everyone gets excited.

This year we had a ball of yarn start on the first floor and the littles’ had to grab their string and follow it to

their bigs’ as well as having the littles’ collect articles of clothing scattered around the house to then meet

their bigs’ located outside on the lawn wearing the same clothing items. One of the older traditions that our chapter

does is on Friday night of Initiation, all of the actives will dress in black and walk out onto the lawn with candles

to form the shape of a key while singing “Dream Awhile” for our new members to view from the President’s balcony. This

might be one of the most treasured traditions that Beta Phi has.


We have been blessed with our chapter house still being the original house that was bought in 1931. Currently we

have about 35 women living in the house out of a possible 37 women including our house mom. Several remodels

have been introduced since the original, but more recently we have remodeled the first floor and our basement.

The first floor has been remodeled over the past couple of years to represent the original house

back in the 1910’s to 1930’s because our house is honored with being placed on the national register of historic

places in Montana. Because of this, we are required to keep our house “time period specific” with all the

same colors and furniture, while still being a place that many women will continue to live in. Our basement was

remodeled from the old “Pit” to the new “lounge area” by replacing the floor, repainting the walls and ceiling,

adding newer furniture, a popcorn machine, and all the exercise equipment that we could ever think of or use.

We still have chapter meetings in our house and continue to grow and remodel the house while remembering

that it is a historical house.

Highlights of 2016[edit]

We kicked off the new year in Beta Phi on January 24, which was move in day for spring semester. Classes started on January 25, and we were lucky enough to have our Leadership Consultant, Alyssa Sanchez, with us to start spring semester, and she stayed from January 24 to February 26. We also held a spring recruitment event on January 27 and January 29–30, we had a visit from our RDC, Brittany Henderson, and PDC, Michelle Meyers.

February held a lot of new adventures for Beta Phi. Another spring recruitment event was held on February 3, and we held spring Bid Day on February 7, welcoming seven new members into Kappa! Formal pledging was then held on February 8. Another LC, Carly Wooldridge, came on February 7 and stayed until the 12th. Alyssa and Carly planned a Galentines day sisterhood for us where we wrote each other love notes.

Susanne Vander Heyden came and visited us from March 6–8 and presented the importance of ritual to the chapter. There was a sisterhood held with Kappa Alpha Theta on March 12. We held Big/Little Reveal Week from March 14–18. Our LC, Alyssa Sanchez, came back to visit us March 20–25. While she was here, the Greek system had a speaker come and talk to us about mental health on campus. Vikki Day, a Kappa Trainer, also came on March 24 and presented to the chapter about responsibility. Our VPS, Katie Wickham, held a sisterhood on March 30 that was a pj party.

April was a pretty busy month for our chapter. Spring break approached fast and when we came back it was Inspiration Week which ran from April 11–15. The Dropping of the Pin ceremony was on April 13, FS was held on April 15 and Initiation on April 16. We initiated six women into our chapter. The week following was our Philanthropy Week, which ran from April 18–22. We teamed up with Liquid Planet on April 20 for Kappa Kappaccino where a portion of the proceeds went to Reading is Fundamental. That night we held hydration pong, a fundraiser for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and also an event to raise alcohol awareness in our community. Our senior function was on April 23. That next week, the 25th-29th was Greek Week for the University of Montana. Fun competitions were held all week and ended in a group get together on Greek row. On April 27, we had our Scholarship Dinner and celebrated the academic accomplishments of our sisters. On April 30, we played games on our yard with Kappa Sigma and spent one of our last weekend’s together for that year.

May was a short and bittersweet month. We had a photoshoot together on the May 1 before going into dead week. On May 7 we had an event to honor the seniors and historical pins were passed down. Alumnae came, and we got to hear their stories. Finals week was April 9–13. Seniors graduated on May 14, and we all said goodbye for the summer.

August came around and the whole house was back together. We moved in on August 21 and got started with Key to Success Week from August 22–2h. Leadership Consultant, Rachael Schaaf, stayed with us from August 21–26. Classes began on August 29 and the semester was in full swing.

September started with one of our favorite times of the year, Recruitment Week! Recruitment Week ran from September 5–9 with Bid Day being on September 10. After Recruitment, we held continuous open bidding for another week. In total, we welcomed 29 new members to pledge into Kappa. Carly came back to give us an alcohol awareness workshop on September 24. Homecoming Week was September 26–October 1. We partnered with Sigma Chi and Kappa Sigma for our homecoming float for the parade.

October started with Big/Little Reveal Week October 10–14 and Family Weekend was October 14–16. We had LC, Claire Kozel visiting from October 16–21, which was also our Philanthropy Week. We held Kappa Kappa Flapjacks on the 19th to raise money for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. The chapter held a fundraiser at Chops where the proceeds were donated to RIF. We had Kappa Jam, a dodgeball tournament on October 22. Susanne Vander Heyden also paid us another visit from October 16–17. We had Scholarship Dinner on October 26 where we showed off the accomplishments of our sisters.

November started with initiating our new members. Inspiration Week ran October 31st to–November 4 and we initiated 20 members on November 5. Connie Tyler stayed with us for Initiation. We had a great Kites and Keys event with Kappa Alpha Theta where we made Christmas ornaments. A thanksgiving sisterhood and composites were held on November 16 and we had elections on November 21. Right after that was Thanksgiving break.

December is a pretty slow month for our chapter as we get ready for finals and winter break. We held a Christmas themed sisterhood on December 7 where we made mugs. The last day of classes was December 12 and finals ran December 14–20.


Highlights of 2017[edit]

The Beta Phi chapter has had a fantastic year in 2017. On the University campus, we found a new president and a new Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Director. Beta Phi also worked this past year to find local philanthropies in Missoula to support like Watson Children’s shelter, Animeals, and the Humane society. Beta Phi chapter started the new year together by moving into the house on January 21st. Classes started the 23rd, that was also the same day officers were installed.

February was a fun month for Beta Phi. We held three C.O.B. events on the 1st, the 8th, and the 15th. From the 12th to the 17th we had a visit from the wonderful LC, Claire. Claire joined us for our spring C.O.B. Bid Day on the 16th where we offered 10 women bids. Our new members were formally pledged on the 21st and we had a fun winter photoshoot on the 26th.

March was a great month for getting to know our new members. We had a sisterhood on the 7th where we made tie blankets that we donated to Watson’s Children’s center here in Missoula. We also had a fun photoshoot on the 11th. The women of Beta Phi had a great time on Spring Break from the 18th to the 26th. The week after Spring Break was a busy week for us. From the 27th to the 31st we competed in Greek Week with the rest of our Greek system. Beta Phi got second overall and first for sororities. The same week was our Big Little week with reveal on the 31st.

April was a very busy month for the women of Beta Phi. On the 7th our philanthropy chair Hailee planned a cleanup of the Bitterroot trail. From the 10th to the 15th we had our Inspiration week, with dropping of the pin on the 12th, Fireside on the 14th, and Initiated 6 members on the 15th. On the 12th we also had a sisterhood where we watched movies with sisters. From the 9th to the 14th we also had a wonderful visit from the LC Claire. On the 19th our fabulous VPAE planned a scholarship dinner where we celebrated our academic accomplishments. On the 20th we had an event with Delta Gamma where the two houses did crafts together. The 20th was also the Greek Awards where we won an award for excellence in Alumni relations and our sister, Augustine, won the outstanding senior award. On the 22nd we had our Senior Function and it was so much fun. The seniors also had their retreat on the 23rd. From the 24th to the 28th we had our spring philanthropy event. On the 29th our seniors officially went Alum at a brunch with our alumni association.

May was a short and sweet month for Beta Phi. On the 3rd we had an event with Kappa Alpha Theta where we Tie-dyed t-shirts. The last day of classes was on the 5th. Finals ran from 8th to the 12th. Move out and Graduation were on the 13th.

Beta Phi came back from the summer ready for recruitment and a new school year. We moved into the house on the 19th. Our Key to Success week ran from the 21st to the 25th. On the 25th we had a Color Me Kappa sisterhood. During this week we had a visit from our amazing LC Megan from the 20th to the 24th. Classes started on the 31st.

September was focused on recruitment events. Formal recruitment ran from the 11th to the 14th, with Bid Day on the 15th. We gave out 25 bids. Our first formal pledging ceremony was on the 18th. We had a C.O.B. event on the 19th and our C.O.B. bid day was on the 22nd where we invited 7 new women into our chapter. Our C.O.B. formal pledging was on the 25th.

October was a busy and rewarding month for Beta Phi. On the 14th we participated in the Homecoming parade with Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Nu. We celebrated Kappa Founder’s Day on the 15th with brunch where we invited alumni to celebrate with us. Our Big Little Week was from the 16th to the 20th, with reveal on the 20th. On the 17th we had an event where we painted pumpkins with the wonderful women of Alpha Phi. On the 23rd we had a chill sisterhood where we studied and watched Halloween movies together. Our philanthropy week went from the 23rd to the 28th. On the 24th, a few of our members went the local elementary school and read to kids. We had Kappa Kappa Flapjacks on the 25th where we had an all you can eat pancake buffet, on the 26th we partnered with the local Chipotle and had a fundraiser with them, and on the 28th we had our dodgeball tournament, Dodge For A Cause. District Director Amanda Ruffo paid us a wonderful visit from the 29th to the 31st.

November was an exciting month for Beta Phi with initiation. From the 13th through the 18th we had our Inspiration week. We had our Dropping of the Pin ceremony on the 13th, Fireside was on the 17th, and we initiated 24 amazing members on the 18th. On the 14th we took our composite. On the 15th our incredible VPS, Katie, planned a sisterhood where we made each other friendship bracelets that had a word that reminded us of the other sister. We had our Thanksgiving break from the 22nd to the 26th. We ended November with elections on the 27th.

December was a short but exciting month for the Beta Phi chapter. On the 8th we had our Sapphire Function that was a ton of fun. Our VPO, AJ, planned a great Leadership Day on the 9th where incoming officers and outgoing officers had a great time learning about leadership. The last day of classes was on the 12th and finals ran from the 14th to the 20th. The house closed for the semester on the 21st.

Highlights of 2018s:[edit]

Beta Phi had a great year in 2018. On the University campus, we found a new Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Director, Lacey Zinke, Delta Gamma alumna from the University of Montana 2014.

In late January we had our first Chapter Council meeting where successors observe and ask questions as their predecessors continue to create and give reports. We started tabling at the Lommasson Center for Informal Recruitment. The incoming officers had a second leadership day to go over goals and team building exercises. Our goals were better PR for chapter; improve ritual; sisters first always; more effective meetings. A rookie workshop was held where they learned the COB process, a review of our Kappa values, and select-a-sis(our voting software.) We kicked off our Informal Recruitment with a hot chocolate station full of toppings.

Our second recruitment event was Sundae Fundae. We ended events with cookie decorating. Eight bids were handed out. Programming started with fire safety, evaluation procedures and general police safety. Galentines Day sisterhood where we made valentines for sisters, soon to be new members and house staff.

Programming stared with Behind Happy Faces to discuss mental health. We began our annual book drive to collect books until the end of philanthropy week. Women's Empowerment Day where Fraternity Sorority Involvement arranged for a few women leaders to come and speak to sorority women. March 20 was Beta Phi's 109 birthday and we celebrated with a blue and blue dessert and some facts about our history. Philanthropy Week began, we had tabling for raffle prizes tickets, set up a percentage sale at MOD pizza and collected our book drive. There was a fun photo shoot at the house. The sisterhood divided into two groups. One collected feminine non-perishable products for the women's shelter. The other went to help the homeless at their center and organized their storage area.

April saw the big/little reveal with little gifts exchanged. Programming was Cal Reynold talk to us about Allies Training. Initiation was held for four new members. Greek Week and our scholarship dinner followed. The end of the month saw an amazing senior function held at the Downtown Dance Collective. Then our going alum event for our outgoing seniors was held.

After finals in May, the house closed for the summer and we all departed.

In August the house was a buzz when 18 members moved back in. Over the summer the membership chairman and officers worked hard on recruitment plans. In Key Week we learned new ways to recruit and strengthen our sisterhood. Throughout recruitment and COB we pledged 19 new members. A sisterhood where we filled bags with feminine products was held and donated them to the YWCA. During national hazing prevention week we made a banner and competed against the other sororities and won!

In October we held an alumnae brunch where we celebrated homecoming and Founders Day. 30 alumnae and 30 actives attended. Homecoming saw us paired with Sigma Nu and Phi Delta Theta. We created an amazing float for the parade. Big/little reveal was held and 17 new members prepared for initiation. We also had a Halloween themed sisterhood with games and snacks.

November brought the Sapphire event at the Missoula Community Theatre where everyone had fun dancing. We held a philanthropy event playing corn hole raising $76 for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. We held Kappa flapjacks raising $210 for the Beta Phi Scholarship Fund. We also sold t-shirts where 10% of the sales went to Reading is Fundamental.

December brought leadership day, a Christmas party with Sigma Alpha Epsilon and a white elephant gift exchange. Mid month the house closed and we departed for winter break.


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:


Convention Awards:


Highlights of 2020[edit]

2020 presented a unique challenge for Beta Phi and the University of Montana Greek Life community as a whole due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the month of February, Beta Phi held three COB events: a Meet and Greet on the 6th, Study with the Kappas on the 12th, and House Tours and Hot Cocoa on the 19th. Bids were extended to four new members on March 7 who then went through Formal Pledging on March 9.

March 13 was the last day of classes before spring break at the University of Montana. Due to COVID-19 students were encouraged to go home for the break and not return to campus. Over the break classes at the University prepared to move online and dormitories began shutting down and sending students home. The Beta Phi chapter house followed suit, closing its doors and moving all chapter meetings, Chapter Council meetings and sisterhoods to virtual.

After the end of the semester on May 8, Beta Phi participated in their first virtual initiation ceremony held by the Fraternity's Ritual and History Content Team on May 17 where the four new members from Spring COB were officially welcomed into the Fraternity.

Over the summer the Chapter Council, under the guidance of the current chapter President, Madeleine Itschner, began preparing for the upcoming semester, virtual or not. When we were informed that we would be returning to campus for the Fall 2020 semester, President Itschner began working tirelessly on a COVID-19 safety plan for the Beta Phi chapter house. Her plan included social distancing measures in the house, requiring masks in all shared living spaces, and chapter meetings remaining virtual.

On August 10 girls masked up and began moving back into the chapter house in order to begin preparation for formal recruitment. In order to ensure the safety of all of our sisters, Beta Phi held their key week entirely online so that sisters were able to isolate themselves from each other as we came back together. Formal recruitment ran from August 30th to September 4 and contained a mixture of outside, socially distanced events and virtual events.

Classes and other school events at the University of Montana for the fall semester remained partially online and partially socially distanced. To celebrate Kappa Kappa Gamma's sesquicentennial anniversary on October 13, Beta Phi held a Zoom call with alumnae where the Founders Day Ceremony and the Passing of the Light ceremony were performed by current chapter members. All the active members and alumnae were then given the link for the Facebook live event and encouraged to attend.

On November 14 Beta Phi did its second virtual initiation, but this time the Chapter Council officers conducted the ceremony. Three members were initiated. After initiation new Chapter Council officers were slated and elected and are set to take over chapter operations next semester. With finals week wrapping up on November 25, the day before Thanksgiving, the sisters of Beta Phi parted for winter break and said goodbye to a crazy year.

Beta Phi supported two philanthropic organizations this year: the Missoula YWCA and the Humane Society. These two organizations were supported by the chapter because they are local to Missoula and allowed us to directly help and impact members of our community.

Additionally, a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) chairman position was created and added to Chapter Council. This chairman was also given a committee, creating the DEI committee.

Highlights of 2021[edit]

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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