Difference between pages "Gamma Zeta" and "Gamma Beta"

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{{Infobox Fraternity
 
{{Infobox Fraternity
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|Name= Gamma Zeta
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|Name= Gamma Beta
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|GreekSymbol= ΓZ
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|GreekSymbol= ΓB
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|Image= [[File:Gamma_Zeta.jpg|200px]]
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|Image= [[File:Gamma_Beta.jpg|200px]]
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1920|01|03}}
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1918|04|05}}
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|College= [http://www.arizona.edu/ University of Arizona]
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|College= [https://www.unm.edu/ University of New Mexico]
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|Location= Tucson, AZ
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|Location= Albuquerque, NM
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|Homepage= [http://www.arizonakkg.com/ Gamma Zeta Homepage]
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|Homepage= [https://unm.kappa.org/ Gamma Beta Homepage]
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|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Zeta Media related to Gamma Zeta Chapter]}}
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|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Beta Media related to Gamma Beta Chapter]}}
  
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'''University of Arizona, established in 1885'''
 
  
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'''University of New Mexico, established in 1889 in Albuquerque, New Mexico'''
  
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'''Gamma Zeta founded on January 3, 1920'''
 
  
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'''Gamma Beta founded April 5, 1918'''
  
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'''3,412 members (as of June 2015)'''
 
  
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'''2,171 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
  
  
 
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'''Charter Members:'''
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'''Charter Members:"
  
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Bess Louise Alexander, Dorothy, Galpin Andrews, Ruth Sinclair Bird, Grace Coralie Chatham, Kathryn Vinson Haga, Edith Isabelle Harrison, Clara Bess Hildebrandt, Hazel Hodges, Isabelle Annette Irvine, Dorothy Elinor Knox, Frances Louise Leeson, Margaret Drucille Loflin, Zella Temple Jay Matthews, Ann Beatrice Pace, Eva Cathrine Prina, Ruth Prina, Florence Shelby, Lucy Anne Stanton, Mildred Margarite Stark, La Verna Stevens, Lois Augusta Wendell, Helen Louise Equen Westover, Helen Willits, Lillian Grouse Wood.  
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Louise Bell, Irene Boldt, Catherine Conway, Lois Davis, Margaret Flournoy, Hazel Katherine Hawkins, Myrl Hope, Katherine Keleher, Kathren Little, Evalyne Long, Kathleen Long, Margaret McCanna, Lillian Spickard, Evelyn Trotter, Helen Wilson.
  
  
  
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'''Fraternity Council Members:''' (If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
 
  
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'''Fraternity Council Members:'''
  
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Jan Harenberg (Stockhoff), Field Secretary, 1975-1977; Dianne Delayo (Handy), Field Secretary 1980-1982; Kristi Stillwell, Traveling Consultant 1992-1993; Adrienne Betzen (Weeks), Traveling Consultant 2003-2004; Shaylee Beasley, Leadership Consultant 2009-2010
  
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'''Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
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'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipient:'''
  
  
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'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
 
'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
  
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"Kim Stanley" (nee Patty Reid Conway),
 
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Loretta McCarthy, 1984, A top executive with American Express;
 
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Doris Born Monthan, 1984, Author, authority on American Indian culture;
 
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Jewell McFarland Lewis, 2002, Former chairman of the board of Media America;
 
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Holly Busche Cottor, pediatric respite-care facility co-founder, Founder of Ryan House, 2012;
 
  
  
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'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Beta Alumnae'''
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Waneta Coester (Tuttle), Graduate Counselor 1967-1968; Kathryn Huff (Samuelson), Graduate Counselor 1980-1981;
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Linda Hoffman (Barela). Chapter Consultant 1990-1992; Ann Girand (Ullman), Chapter Consultant 1990-1992;
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Patricia Lewis (Erhardt-Lewis), Chapter Consultant 1996-1997; Michele Cornali, Miss New Mexico 1971; Winona Marjorie Haury, Miss Indian America 1969; Denise Simms Johnson, First Lady of New Mexico 1995-2002.
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------
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==The Early Years==
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The University of New Mexico, home of Gamma Beta Chapter, is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a beautiful city that enjoys ever clear and bright blue skies and is bounded by mountain ranges and inert volcanoes. Below these lie fertile valleys, yielding an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Sunsets are masterpieces, and the evening skyline is unsurpassed in brilliance. Albuquerque is a blend of Spanish, Mexican and Indian traditions.
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The University of New Mexico was created by an act of the Territorial Legislature in 1889 and began full term instruction in 1892, almost 10 years before New Mexico became the 47th state in January 1912.
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Alpha Gamma, a local sorority, was organized in 1914. When members expressed an interest in becoming a Kappa chapter in 1917, Grand Secretary Estelle Kyle Kemp, Colorado, inspected the group and plans were made for an installation. On April 5, 1918, Grand President Lydia Voris Kolbe, Akron, and three Colorado undergraduates initiated seventeen charter members. Gamma Beta became the 51st chapter of the second national sorority at UNM. Phi Mu was the first national sorority on this campus.
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For a number of years Gamma Beta rented houses or used a rented dormitory room for meetings and activities. The first chapter house, built in 1931, was an Indian pueblo-style structure, in keeping with the campus architectural style. It housed 26 Kappas and cost approximately $29,000. The mortgage-burning ceremony took place at the Founders Day Banquet in 1948.
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The UNM campus grew from 20 acres in 1892 to over 500 in 1966, and the enrollment increased proportionately. Gamma Beta found it needed more space. The current chapter house at 1620 Mesa Vista Road NE was completed November 14, 1966. Civil engineering students carrying placards of protest because the Kappas, who had been their across-the-street neighbors for 30 years, were moving staged an affectionate demonstration. There were tears as Gamma Beta left their hacienda but the new $325,444 multi-level white brick house offered New Mexican spaciousness of 19,000 square feet, more than enough room for 58 members.
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Since April 5, 1918, the chain reaction of Gamma Beta’s accomplishments, small and large, personal and professional, continues to be felt. Rosalie Furry Doolittle is a nationally known rosarian and gardener, a recipient of the Outstanding Rosarian Award for the Pacific Southwest district of the American Rose Society. Her book, Southwest Gardening, received a national literary award from the Council of State Garden Clubs. Lucille Lattanner Reid Brock, whose paintings are in collections in 20 states and four foreign countries, is listed in the Who’s Who of American Women 1968-69, Who’s Who in the Arts, 1972, and in 2000 Women of Achievement, Devon, England 1971-72. The accomplishments of Harvena Richter, author of The Human Shore and Virginia Wolfe: The Inward Voyage, are enumerated in Authors’ and Writers’ Who’s Who, 2000 Women of Achievement, and Who’s Who of American Women, 1964-65.
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Many Gamma Beta alumnae have remained in New Mexico to give of their time, effort and monies. As nurses, dental hygienists, hospital volunteers, and members of state and local hospital boards, Gamma Betas have shown a constant interest in meeting community health needs. They have been officers and volunteers for the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center Auxiliary and have raised funds necessary to purchase all the equipment for the Center’s Cleft Palate Clinic through the Albuquerque Alumnae Association.  Alumnae contributions also aided in purchasing a bus for patient transport. Gamma Betas have presented dental health puppet programs to audiences of school children and gave Christmas parties for indigent children in a daycare center. They are an ever-present helping hand in the All Faiths Receiving Home, take part in urban renewal programs, and Albuquerque’s cultural programs. The alumnae association assumed the delightful task of furnishing the Brides’ Room at the University Memorial Chapel, built in 1963 to honor the deceased of World War II, and completed the project in 1972.
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In an effort to maintain high educational standards, Gamma Betas have served not only as members of the University’s Board of Regents but as instructors from kindergarten to university level. The Albuquerque Alumnae Association contributes annually to the Kappa Memorial Scholarship Fund, originally known as the Irene Fee Lighton Memorial Fund. The fund has helped many Kappas complete work toward their degrees and is interest-free while the girls are in school. Panhellenic awards for outstanding scholarship dominate Gamma Beta trophy cases.
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The educational atmosphere on this campus today is definitely space age, although there are reminders of the past. Current courses of study, chosen by today’s chapter members, include nuclear medicine and communicative disorders.
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The First International World Hot Air Balloon Championship took place in Albuquerque in February 1973. A yellow balloon carried New Mexico’s first licensed female commercial hot air balloon pilots, both Gamma Beta alumnae.
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Looking at Albuquerque’s skyline, Kappas can reflect upon the many accomplishments of Gamma Betas since 1918. Through the example of so many members the surroundings have become better and more beautiful.  Gamma Beta has helped to achieve a more lasting skyline!
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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 1970’s==
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The 1970’s brought new political awareness to the University of New Mexico.  Protests over the Vietnam War and the Kent State massacre led to arrests and an eventual state of emergency on campus. Students proudly watched as Mark Spitz won seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, only to be horrified at the massacre of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists days later. Earth Day was celebrated for the first time and students demonstrated their concern for the environment.
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Hodgin Hall, the University’s oldest building, was listed on the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties in 1974 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. New facilities for the medical and law schools were constructed on North Campus while new buildings were built on Main Campus on the site of the demolished Zimmerman Field and Stadium. These included Ortega Hall, Woodward Hall, the Humanities Building and the Art Building. A new landscaping plan was undertaken, leading to the construction of the duck pond west of Zimmerman Library and the conversion of many streets to pedestrian malls in order to make the campus more pedestrian friendly.
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Embroidered denim shirts and jeans, Dr. Scholl’s wooden sandals, and bell-bottom pants were the dress of the day.  Pet rocks were a big hit and students flocked to theaters to see Saturday Night Fever and Star Wars.
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The Kappas continued their involvement on campus, participating in various philanthropic events and numerous social events. Baby Triad, held with the Pi Beta Phis and Kappa Alpha Thetas, was a popular barn dance. The end of the fall semester brought Monmouth Duo with the Pi Phis. Formal Triad, once again held with the Pi Phis and Thetas, was held in the spring of each year. Homecoming was a major activity every year, with each fraternity and sorority decorating their house and competing for various awards.  Members of Gamma Beta were often selected as members of the Homecoming Court.
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The 1974 Kappa General Convention was held in Columbus, Ohio and Gamma Beta received awards for Public Relations and Pledge Training. In the spring of 1975 Gamma Beta chapter hosted the Kappa Province Meeting.  Delegates from chapters in Arizona and southern California were invited to the Gamma Beta chapter house to participate in a number of workshops and seminars. It was not long after that Gamma Beta was moved into Eta Province, which included New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
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'''Housing'''
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A variety of factors influenced Gamma Beta’s housing situation throughout the 1970’s. The costs associated with the new chapter house required as many of the chapter members as possible to live in the house.  Over several years, new live-in policies were considered and tested.  Some members chose to resign their membership rather than living in the chapter house for four years.  At the same time recruitment numbers remained constant, making it difficult to build up membership numbers to allow for flexibility in the housing situation.
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Phone and door duty was required of all members, with everyone taking a turn on a rotating basis.  Members on duty answered the house phones during the evening, using the intercom to alert others of their phone calls.  Door duty required the member to answer the front door for visitors. 
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==Highlights of the 1980’s==
  
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'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Zeta Alumnae:'''
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The 1980’s began with the election of Ronald Reagan and continued with the selection of Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman Supreme Court justice. Sadly, the country watched as the Challenger space shuttle exploded just 74 seconds into its flight. Among the seven astronauts on board was a teacher, Christa McAuliffe. Personal computers were becoming more prevalent in businesses and schools.
  
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Molly Roller (Spingler), Graduate Counselor 1958-1959;
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On campus, the University continued to grow, with an ever-expanding enrollment and new facilities constructed. The University of New Mexico Hospital saw dramatic expansion while new facilities were built for the business and engineering schools. The Centennial Library was also built during this time. A Homecoming King was selected for the first time in 1980 in response to a male student running for Homecoming Queen in 1979.
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Sue Forster (Vincent), Graduate Counselor 1959-1960;
 
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Loretta McCarthy, Graduate Counselor 1969-1971;
 
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Mary Hendershott (Itani), Graduate Counselor 1969-1971;
 
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Ellen Ruth (Ivey), Graduate Counselor 1971-1972
 
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Loretta McCarthy, Field Secretary 1968-1970;
 
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Ellen Ruth (lvey), Field Secretary 1971-1974;
 
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Vicki Luciani, Leadership Consultant 2010-2011
 
  
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Recruitment numbers remained stagnant during this time. Sadly, more Panhellenic groups left, leaving just four sororities on campus. More and more women students went to work part-time in order to pay for their tuition and Kappa dues. 
  
  
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'''Housing'''
  
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==The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)==
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Live-in policies and alcohol consumption within the house were continuing issues for the chapter and House Board. The Standards Committee worked diligently with the House Board to help solve these problems.
  
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The story of Gamma Zeta's growth is also the story of the growth of the University of Arizona from the small 1,088 student Land Grant school of the 1920s to the fine university of over 27,000 students which it is today. The few university buildings of the past and the simply-structured student government have resulted in the complex campus of the 1970s.  
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Chapter members continued to eat dinner together.  Fraternity men who received meals as pay served chapter dinner on Monday nights.  On other nights dinner was served family buffet-style.  Typically, this was the opportunity members looked forward to as they re-connected with each other after a day of class and work.  Lunch was served as a buffet over a period of an hour and a half as members came in from class.
  
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Members relied on the house phones less and less because it became more prevalent for phones to be installed in the individual bedrooms.  At the beginning of each semester it was a common sight to see a telephone company employee installing phones throughout the house.  Often several sets of roommates would share a phone with a long cord, which could be moved from one room to another. 
  
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Several Tucson women not then attending college organized Alpha Sigma, a local sorority, in the fall of 1916 for the purpose of "obtaining a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, also to derive social and scholastic benefits, and to promote college spirit as an organized society." The following year only one member, Norma Brazee (Sexton), returned to the university. Two other local groups existing then were receiving charters from Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Beta Phi so it was important to reorganize Alpha Sigma quickly. Eight freshmen were pledged who became the core members of the reorganized Alpha Sigma.
 
  
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In 1918-1919 Alpha Sigma partitioned Kappa, and on January 3, 1920, Grand President Lydia Voris Kolbe, Akron, and members of Gamma Beta (New Mexico) installed Gamma Zeta Chapter and its 24 charter members. Norma Brazee. whose "History of Alpha Sigma" is part of Gamma Zeta's was not able to be initiated,
 
  
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The chapter's first decade was one of varied activities distinct social pattern. Teas, dinner dances, house dances (girls only), and powdered wig banquets were the order. Early records
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==Highlights of the 1990’s==
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refer to wedding and baby gifts for members, notably silver card trays and silver salt and pepper shakers.
 
  
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Decorous behavior was the rule: no smoking in public, no smoking together of actives and pledges, and no smoking by men in the Gamma Zeta house. Pledges could not date before
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The 1990’s very quickly became the beginning of the electronic age. The World Wide Web was born in 1992, changing the way we communicated, spent our money, and did business. Amazon.com became the biggest trend in bookselling. The United States military became involved throughout the world, including Kuwait, Haiti, and Bosnia. On the domestic front, President Bill Clinton narrowly survived a trial to remove him from office.
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4:30 p.m. nor during weekday nights. Juniors and seniors were allowed week night dates between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m. after which the house was locked for the night.
 
  
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Intersorority tournaments were big campus events. Gamma Zeta won many basketball and hockey games. Individuals excelled in horseshows and other sports, dramatic presentations, and work on the Desert yearbook and Wildcat newspaper. YWCA also made up a busy program for the Arizona Kappas.
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Growth was the mainstay at the University of New Mexico during this time. An Honors College was started, the current bookstore and Dane Smith Hall were constructed, and the Research Park on South Campus was expanded. The University now had one of the largest student and faculty Hispanic and Native American populations in the country.  
  
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Special note is made in early chapter records of three non-related events: a 1921 pledge-sponsored Christmas formal (which continued in 1975 as a pledge sponsored Christmas activity); the sudden death in 1922 of charter member Dorothy Andrews, who was "so lively and enthusiastic and ... very talented in music and athletics and a brilliant student who was
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For the Kappas, the 90’s represented opportunities to be active both on campus and within the Greek community. Numerous chapter members held positions as ASUNM senators, Trailblazers, cheerleaders, Chaparrals, and new student orientation leaders.  Several members of Gamma Beta were named as Greek Woman of the Year during this decade as were several Kappa alumnae named as Alumna of the Year.
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admired by every student and faculty member"; and a house fund started in 1923 into which every active, pledge, and alumna put $25.
 
  
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When a larger chapter house became necessary (a small house had been bought in 1923) a lot was purchased with a Fraternity loan and ground was broken on Founders Day 1934. The chapter moved into the new house on February 10, 1935. The "Kappa Kottage," a house on an adjacent lot, was remodeled and first used in 1956-1957. In 1963-64 a complex of adjacent to the Kottage was used for the first time after having been purchased by the Gamma Zeta Building Association. During 1966-67 the house was completed with the addition of the Dorothy Musser room, a large recreation room which connects the apartments and the west wing (formerly the
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Scholarship was seen as an ongoing challenge with the chapter striving to achieve a 3.0 average for the overall chapter. After several years of working on this goal, the chapter was able to declare success. They were recognized for their improvement in scholarship both on campus and within the Fraternity. Presidential Scholarship and UNM Scholar recipients were common among the Gamma Beta membership.
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Kottage).
 
  
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The second decade started off slowly socially, but well scholastically. All national sororities at Arizona were denied social privileges during the first semester for rush irregularities, and Gamma Zeta lost its social privileges in the spring because of failure to keep a sign-out book. Eventually parties resumed which included mother-daughter banquets, scavenger hunts, brother
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The Gamma Betas took great pride in participating in Greek Week, winning the Greek Cup many times during the 1990’s. Greek Sing was also a popular event, with the Kappas often winning the Large Group events, both on their own and paired with a men’s fraternity.  
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and sweetheart dinners, "intellectual hours" and serenade, slumber and roller skating parties. Social life was maintained "in spite of the Depression."
 
  
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Kappas were busy with campus activities: drama, athletics, Associated Women Students. Rush was conducted for a few girls at a time, and swim parties, shows, and spring teas for high school
 
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girls were common. Freshmen and pledges were required to attend all football games, chewing gum was not allowed in public, pledges could smoke only in the basement, and had to be in bed by 11:00. Secret marriages were in vogue. During this time it seemed perfectly natural that two members of Delta Delta Delta had their meals for a year at the Kappa house since there was as yet no Tri Delta chapter on the Arizona campus.
 
  
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The excellent grades of the early 1930s began to drop by the mid-1930s. The initiation average was lowered, and scholarship seemed to hit a new low in 1940 when the requirement for initiation was lowered again, yet ten out of 28 pledges still did make their grades.
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'''Philanthropy'''
  
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At this time World War II was a reality for most of the world and the University of Arizona felt its impact. Girls gave dances for officers at Davis Monthan Air Base and for the Cavalry Post.  
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Philanthropy moved up on the list of priorities for Gamma Beta during this time. The members often participated individually in philanthropic projects with more than 1600 hours of service in a year. In addition, the chapter worked together to put on a Fall Harvest Dance at a retirement community, helped out with the Albuquerque AIDS Walk, and raised funds with a pancake breakfast.
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Victory Fund dances and War Bond contests were waged between sororities and fraternities. Kappas worked in canteens and rolled bandages. Gamma Zeta adopted an English war orphan and decided that house fines would purchase bonds. Girls saved their razor blades, magazines, and old clothes, and turned their ration books in to the house director. However, the house director was given an alligator purse and a sterling silver compact for Christmas.  
 
  
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With men so scarce, the girls concentrated on rodeos, swimming and volleyball. In November, 1941, the members were shocked to learn that a member had been thrown while riding and died.  
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Sadly, the decade was not without great tragedy. In October 1998, a horrible car accident claimed the life of a Gamma Beta undergraduate and three other members were seriously injured. The chapter pulled together with the help of their advisers, alumnae members, Fraternity officers, and the University of New Mexico staff. An award is given annually at Founders Day in memory of the young woman who lost her life.
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In the spring of 1945 another death occurred, that of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the spring formal was cancelled in respect of mourning traditions.  
 
  
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The late 1940s found Gamma Zetas excelling in journalism and by 1949 they were dominating many activities. They built shiny whales, pink elephants, "Arks of Triumph," and storks
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Towards the end of the decade, Gamma Beta implemented the Fraternity’s new six week New Member Education Program. As with anything new, the chapter had to work hard at incorporating the program. At the 1998 General Convention, Gamma Beta was the recipient of the Heritage Award and received Honorable Mentions for scholarship and standards.  
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"expecting expansion." The chapter won top honors and took Sweepstakes prizes with these constructions. There were pledge classes of 40. Individual and team honors were won in
 
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golf, swimming, tennis, rifle, and fencing. Gamma Zetas were officers of Associated Women Students, Student Government, and drama organizations. Repeatedly they took scholarship  
 
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trophies among living groups (dormitories, sororities, fraternities). There were several queens and a Miss Alaska. Near the decade's end the chapter was delighted to pledge daughters of
 
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two film stars, the cowboy idol Johnny Mack Brown and the versatile Anthony Quinn.  
 
  
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In 1956 the chapter began its foreign student program by inviting a young student from Denmark to live in the house. Since then the girls have enjoyed guests from Uruguay, Holland, Argentina, Peru, Germany, and Norway.
 
  
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The Gamma Zetas of the 1960s didn't rest on past laurels. Scholarship was of paramount importance, and members were in almost every honorary. There were many queens, many
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'''Housing'''
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hostesses, recognition in swimming and dance groups. In 1963-1964 the presidents of all four class levels of women's honoraries (Mortar Board, Chimes, Spurs, and Alpha Lambda Delta) were Kappas. They excelled individually and as a group, but perhaps in reaction to the war years seemed unconscious of the outside world, turning away from interest in or participation in anything beyond the campus.
 
  
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At the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s social concerns again began to be of importance to members of Gamma Zeta. They participated in voter registration drives,
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One of the greatest accomplishments during this decade was the burning of the mortgage for the chapter house in 1991.
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political campaigns, and stepped up their philanthropy concerns. The Vietnam War divided the chapter as it did the American people, but the girls were able to resolve their differences
 
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peacefully and respect each other's rights to differing opinions.  
 
  
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Across the country the legal age of maturity was being lowered in Arizona to 18, and the University of Arizona Regents debated whether drinking on campus concept and began to stress individual rights and privacy. House keys were now issued to each girl, her hours were hers to decide, and her grades were to be given to her alone (not even to her parents). The scholastic rank of a chapter could be found out but not the names of houses above or below. Individuality and “doing your own thing" held sway. Apprehension arose among the alumnae concerning scholarship, almost always Gamma Zeta’s outstanding quality. Fears ceased when, in the spring of 1972, 22 pledges out of 22 were initiated and a Kappa won one of the two awards for outstanding senior women.
 
  
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"You're a university woman," the statement made to pledges, implies dignity, personal responsibility, and promise for the years to come for Gamma Zeta.
 
  
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Gamma Zeta members who have given special service to the Fraternity include graduate counselors Sue Forster (Vincent), 1959-60; Molly Roller (Spingler), 1958-59; Mary Hendershott (ltani), 1969-70; and Natalie Graff; and field secretary Ellen (Missy) Jester Ruth, 1971.  
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==Highlights of 2000-2010==
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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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During a person’s lifetime, there are certain moments that define who they are, what they’ve done and where they’re going. Furthermore, if the certain moment affects more than just a handful of people, say the entire country, one will likely see an attitude shift and changes in the way things are done. Such was the case when the World Trade Center in New York City was attacked on September 11, 2001. Soon after the United States was involved in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Recession struck around the world. In the meantime, Google became the largest name in online search engines and one of the world’s largest corporations. Social networking became an ubiquitous part of everyday life.
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The UNM campus saw a major expansion of medical facilities on North Campus and the construction of the current visitor center, a new engineering center, and George Pearl Hall, the home of the architecture and planning school. In addition, a branch campus was opened in Rio Rancho.
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This decade was truly outstanding for Gamma Beta. From 2002-2007 Gamma Beta won the Greek Cup five years in a row. Later in the decade they were named a five star chapter, while meeting UNM’s Greek Life requirements. The chapter began a new philanthropic effort, called Kappa Kakes, to raise funds for the United Way, Reading is Fundamental, and the Kappa Foundation.  The chapter participated in a variety of campus activities, including Spring Storm and Greek Week. In November 2006, the chapter was pleased to host the University’s new president, Dr. David Schmidly, and his wife during a Monday night dinner.
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Early in the decade Gamma Beta had depended on informal recruitment to help meet its membership needs. However, with the support of leadership consultants during recruitment, a strong advisory board, and increasing numbers of women going through Fall Recruitment, Gamma Beta has pledged and retained larger pledge classes.
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'''Housing'''
  
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The Gamma Beta House Corporation took on a major project in this decade by deciding to refurbish the bathrooms on all three floors simultaneously. They meticulously planned the timing of the work so that it could be completed in the summer while the members were away. New countertops and plumbing fixtures were installed along with beautiful tile work. The chapter was most pleased!
  
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A number of changes have also been seen in the housing policies of the chapter. For many years the University would allow women who had planned to live in the dormitories and then pledged a Greek group to break their contracts with the dorms and move into the chapter house.  That is no longer allowed.  Fortunately, the increase in membership numbers has allowed the chapter to maintain the number living in the house.  The increase in numbers has also created some difficulties with parking around the chapter house.  However, the chapter and House Board continue to be creative in solving these difficulties.
  
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==Highlights of the 1970s==
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==Highlights of 2011-2019==  
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Women's liberation was a large factor in influencing the activities in this time period, especially reflected through social and clothing trends. The Vietnam war divided the chapter in differing opinions about the war. Also important to the members at the time was conservation. An increased awareness about reusing and recycling took effect.
 
  
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The inaugural year for U of A's Spring Fling was 1975, a carnival themed event that involved all organizations on campus.
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==Highlights of 2011==
  
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This past year was a wonderful and successful year full of many accomplishments. We were honored to be recognized as a five star chapter by the University of New Mexico's Greek Life. Our most proud accomplishment was our academic excellence. We received first in grades in the Spring and Fall semesters of 2010. Some of our many achievements include winning the Greek Cup and Sigma Chi Derby Days. In the Fall of 2010, we were over quota for recruitment which was very astonishing; it was the largest recruitment we've ever had. We got 37 beautiful new members in our house, and we couldn't be more excited. Every fall semester we put on a community service event called Kappa Kakes. During the event, Kappas helped make and sell pancakes to the campus community to raise money for Reading is Fundamental. We raised an amazing $2600 for RIF.
  
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'''Housing:'''
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'''Campus:''' Our campus is really proud of the diversity we have. There are around 18,330 undergraduate students who attend The University of New Mexico (UNM). 42% are male and 58% are female. 21% of the students who attend the University of New Mexico are from out of state. There are many different races including: Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, African Americans and more. The University of New Mexico represents 102 different countries, which explain our diversity.  
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There was a period of transition for the house "mom" after the chapter had to dismiss one woman who apparently falsified her application and treated the members in a harsh manner.
 
  
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Another aspect the campus is proud of is that it has become more environmentally friendly over the past year. The Student Senate, which one of our members is actively involved in, aims toward being a more environmentally friendly campus by adding more recycle bins around campus for better accessibility, limiting paper use, using different light bulbs, and more. It is a slow process but if everyone participates in making UNM environmentally friendly, we could really make a difference.
  
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'''Chapter:''' The chapter consists of 94 wonderful members. The chapter tries to be as involved as possible with activities and events around campus. Greek Life at The University of New Mexico is very small, making up only around five percent of the college community. However, we do our best to stand out and have a positive influence on the campus community. The University of New Mexico is a very diverse campus, and Greek Life contributes to the amazing diversity we have at our school.
  
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'''Chapter Challenges:''' We have had three major challenges that are hard to overcome for the chapter. The first one is to improve the chapter involvement in the National Panhellenic Council. Our monthly goal has been for each member to increase their involvement with Panhellenic by going to a meeting or informational session; these include Greek Week meetings or officer meetings put on by Greek life.
  
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==Highlights of the 1980s:==
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Our short term goal has been to invite an alum to come and speak at a program meeting about her knowledge and experience with the National Panhellenic Council; and also inviting other houses and the Panhellenic Executive Board to participate. Thus far, there has been more effort in learning about and being involved with the National Panhellenic Council. Secondly, we still plan to improve committee involvement and meeting efficiency by each officer taking minutes during their committee meeting and emailing them to the president and their committee members Monday night.
  
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In 1985, Gamma Zeta strived to reach their chapter goal of "Image of Excellence" by making themselves more visible in the community. The three main points emphasized with this chapter goal were to excel in scholarship, increase awareness of fraternity standards, and exhibit respect and consideration to one another.  
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Our short term goal has been to encourage each committee member to be actively involved by awarding a committee member of the month from each committee. This has really helped the girls get more involved and has shown to be a positive thing. Lastly, we plan to improve attendance and chapter unity having one team building activity a semester in addition to chapter retreat. To improve unity, we will plan to have themed committee meetings monthly. Girls get really excited about this and it really brings everyone together to be silly and laugh.
  
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Some of the challenges they faced involved delinquent payments and alcohol infractions. The bylaws were amended to reflect current standards, and stricter enforcement of the rules were put in place.
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==Highlights of 2012==
  
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Gamma Zeta experienced a sad loss of one of its members in 1985. Lauren Kay McLaughlin was killed in an automobile crash. Members of the chapter, alumnae, and the Greek system at Uof A mourned her loss.
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Scholarship:
  
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The pledges of 1985 won the scholarship award for the highest pledge class GPA among the sororities on U of A's campus. The women of Gamma Zeta continued to participate in many campus clubs and organizations, and many members were named to honorary societies. Gamma Zeta consistently had strong and successful rush events, and one of the favorite party themes continued to be "Willy Wonka and the Kappa Factory."
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First in Grades for Fall 2012
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Group Honors: Five Star Chapter Spring 2012
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Traditions: Blue and Blue dinner during i-week Fall 2012
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Philanthropic Involvement: Kappa Klassic golf tournament Fall 2012, RIF spring and fall 2012, Ronald Mcdonald House Spring and Fall 2012
  
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The many social events included theme parties, holiday gatherings, homecoming float decorating, football game gatherings, Parents Weekend, and formals.
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Chapter Goals: More sisterhoods and more bonding experiences were put as important goals for the chapter to have. In addition, more efficient meetings was a new goal.
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As a chapter we have had more efficient meetings, and also made meetings more fun. We used to wear black dresses and heels to formal meeting, and have changed that to business casual.
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Recent changes to The University of New Mexico's campus was the addition of a new dormitory called Casas Del Rio in the Fall of 2012. This allowed students to now no longer break their dorm contracts once they had signed them. In previous years dorm contracts could be broken. This allowed only five new members to live in the Kappa house, but the house was still filled with actives. In the fall 26 new members were initiated into the gamma beta chapter.  The nature of our chapter is upbeat and positive, something that we have wanted to strengthen and did.
  
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The Gamma Zeta chapter hosted Province Meeting in 1989.
 
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In 1989 University of Arizona's student body was 35,000. Gamma Zeta had 203 active members the same year.
 
  
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The members of Gamma Zeta maintained positive morale by introducing programs like Sisterhood Cozies, Kappa of the Week, Hoots & Salutes, Sweetest Kappa, Outstanding Pledge, and Outstanding Senior.
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==Highlight of 2013==
  
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Scholarship: First in Grades for Fall 2012
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Group Honors: Five Star Chapter Spring 2012
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Traditions: Blue and Blue dinner during i-week Fall 2012
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Philanthropic Involvement: Kappa Klassic golf tournament Fall 2012, RIF spring and fall 2012, Ronald Mcdonald House Spring and Fall 2012
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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Chapter Goals: More sisterhoods and more bonding experiences were put as important goals for the chapter to have. In addition, more efficient meetings was a new goal.
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As a chapter we have had more efficient meetings, and also made meetings more fun. We used to wear black dresses and heels to formal meeting, and have changed that to business casual.
  
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Philanthropy continued to be an important focus of Gamma Zeta. Some of the organizations that benefited from the chapter's support were the Tucson Boys Club, Cancer Center, local women's shelters, the Rose McGill Fund, American Red Cross, and the Tucson Table.  
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Recent changes to The University of New Mexico's campus was the addition of a new dormitory called Casas Del Rio in the Fall of 2012. This allowed students to now no longer break their dorm contracts once they had signed them. In previous years dorm contracts could be broken. This allowed only five new members to live in the Kappa house, but the house was still filled with actives. In the fall 26 new members were initiated into the gamma beta chapter.  The nature of our chapter is upbeat and positive, something that we have wanted to strengthen and did.
  
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==Highlight of 2014==
  
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'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
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January
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•All of the new officers attended Leadership Day
  
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At the 1983 Province Meeting in Santa Barbara, Gamma Zeta received an award for chapter excellence as well as an award for the highest grade point average in the Kappa Province.
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•Practices for Greek sing began, we were paired with ATO for small group and Kappa Sigma and Lambda Theta Phi for large group
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At the 1985 Province Meeting held in San Diego, Gamma Zeta won the House Board Award, alumna Thelma Dahlen, Minnesota, won the Betsy Prior Loyalty Award, and the chapter won the Chapter Excellence Award.
 
  
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Gamma Zeta earned the Norma Dow Patton Gracious Living Award at the 1989 Province Meeting.
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•Awarded 1st in grades for Fall 2013
  
  
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February
  
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•Our chapter raised the most money for the Greek Week Philanthropy, Basket of Hope
  
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==Highlights of the 1990s==
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•For Greek Week we placed 3rd in open mic and large group
  
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The members of Gamma Zeta continued to maintain a high profile on the campus of University of Arizona. The women of the chapter were involved in scholarship honorary clubs, campus-wide efforts, student government, special interest clubs, and Greek hosted events.
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•We participated in a community service project at the Zoo
  
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Ritual, standards, and sisterhood were core values that the Gamma Zetas focused on through their activities and programming. Big Sis/Little Sis programming was successful, along with non-alcoholic exchanges, Parents Weekend events, alumnae events, and scholarship events.
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•We also put on a hasher appreciation dinner to thank all of our hashers
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The Gamma Zetas shared chapter news through its newsletter, Keyholes. Reports from officers were included, highlights from campus activities, adviser spotlight section, and a dedication to graduating seniors all contributed to a rich publication full of information.
 
  
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In 1990 the sisters of Gamma Zeta initiated the Irimajiri Art Scholarship Fund in memory of one of their members, Maki Irimajiri, a student who died in an automobile crash. Director of Chapters, Jennie Helderman, Alabama, visited the chapter in 1991.
 
  
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The members focused on scholarship with quiet study hours after 7 p.m., study buddies, scholarship awards, and study files. The chapter goal in 1991 "Shoot for Pi - 3.14" earned recognition in Kappa's Key magazine.
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March
  
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In Spring of 1991, eleven Gamma Zetas earned a 4.0 GPA.
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•At the Greek week Banquet Gamma Beta was recognized as a 5 star chapter
  
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In 1995 there were 16 sororities on the campus of University of Arizona. Aproximately 15% of the U of A students are members of the Greek system.
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•We had serenades for the Spring pledge class of fraternities on campus
  
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Fall recruitment theme parties included Kappa Kountry and Kappa Goes to Hollywood. In the fall of 1998, 55 women were initiated. This was the most women the chapter had ever initiated at one time. This was the first year that the chapter transitioned into the New Member program.
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•Kappa, Delilah Davila, participated in the Ms. Silva Rose pageant
  
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Chapter meetings were made interesting by adding a Romance Award, Hoots and Salutes, A's for the Week, Scholarship Bucks, and the Friendship Award each week.
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•Kappa’s attended the UNM fundraiser Lobothon
  
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In 1998 Gamma Zeta was voted Most Outstanding Panhellenic Chapter on U of A's campus. Also exciting for the chapter was receiving first place in Social Programming, second place in Scholarship Programming, Most Outstanding Adviser, a Kaplan Scholarship, and both the Freshman and Sophomore Greek Woman of the year.
 
  
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April
  
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'''Housing:'''
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•14 girls attended the Senior Tea for the pledge class of 2010
 
   
 
   
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In 1991 a new house director started at Gamma Zeta; Shirley Roy.
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•Gamma Beta had a wonderful formal in Santa Fe
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In 1997 the house installed three new computers in its library to aid with studying. This computer lab was the first time Gamma Zeta had Internet access in the house.
 
  
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In 1998 much of the house was remodeled. Tile replaced carpeted areas in the TV room, bulletin boards were placed in the front hall making it easier to get announcements to all of the women in the house, and some rooms were repainted and recarpeted.
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•Kappa’s raised over $10,000 for UNM Children’s Hospital and Alumni Foundation from the Spring golf tournament
  
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•LC visited Gamma Beta and offered advice to all the chapter officers
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•Kappa trainer, Denise Rugani, talked to the chapter about sisterhood
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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•1 Kappa ran for UNM’s senate, ASUNM
  
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The Gamma Zetas continued to excel in the area of philanthropy. They participated in the American Red Cross blood drive, Cedric Depmsey Cancer Run, the American Cancer Society's Climb "A" Mountain to Conquer Cancer Benefit Walk, Tucson Area Literacy Coalition aerobics-a-thon, receycling events, ALS foundation fundraiser, senior home volunteer hours, Casa de los Ninos holiday party, and Ronald McDonald House meal preparation.
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•Kappa had four members become Rho Gammas, including the Panhellenic president and VP of recruitment
  
  
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May
  
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•Greek Graduation
  
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==Highlights of 2000-2010==
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•Kappa’s worked hard to finish up finals
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June/July
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•President Jade Sierra represented Gamma Beta at the National conference where we won the New Member Program award and received an honorable mention for academic excellence
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The members continued to focus on sisterhood. This was particularly important because the size of their house is so large. They focused on activities such as Greek Week, Spring Fling, Kore family activities, sisterhood retreats, all house lock-ins, Scholarship Recognition dinners, Apple Polisher Dinners, House Board Appreciation Dinners, Homecoming, Dad's Weekend (one year), Mom's Weekend (the next year), and Staff Appreciation Dinners.
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August
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•We completed Pre-recruitment and Recruitment right before school started again for the fall
  
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The Gamma Zeta chapter received recognition and a variety of awards from the University of Arizona. Members were involved in intramural sports, all-Greek competitions, student government, homecoming festivities, clubs, and honorary societies.
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•Welcomed 34 new members
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•Had 2 Kappas go on international exchanges, 1 went to Scotland and one to Jordan
  
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Gamma Zetas often shared their archives at the Founders Day brunch. Old scrapbooks were the favorite item on display, and some years the Gamma Zetas put together a slide show to show the brunch attendees.
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•Awarded 2nd in grades for Spring 2014
  
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In 2006 there were 11 housed sororities on the U of A campus and more than 20 fraternities.
 
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The 2007 newsletter of Gamma Zeta was titled "Keys and Fleur-de-Lis."
 
  
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In 2007 the pledge class of Gamma Zeta was composed of 70 new members.  Members of Gamma Zeta attended the Kappa Kappa Gamma Leadership Conference in San Diego in 2009. Scholarship was an area of focus during this time frame. Study tables were a popular way to encourage members with a low GPA to spend more time on their school work.
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September
  
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Some of the challenges faced by Gamma Zeta in 2009 and 2010 were communications and stealing. Officers improved their ways of communicating with chapter members regarding mandatory event attendance. Measures were taken to reduce the risk of stealing personal items in the house and in members' mailboxes.
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•President Jade Sierra was voted runner up for Homecoming Queen
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•Our new members participated in serenades with several fraternities
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•Sarah Bartlett attended Leadership academy
  
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•Many Kappas showed support for ALS and participated in a fundraiser walk
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•Alex Hidalgo was voted Gamma Beta’s Greek Week chairman
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October
  
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'''Housing:'''
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•We had an awesome Big-little week
 
   
 
   
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Seventy-five Gamma Zeta members lived in the house in 2006.
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•Many Kappas attended a Founders Day banquet with alumni
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•We volunteered for the Campus event Fall frenzy, where many organizations got together and helped clean up campus
  
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•34 members got initiated into the Gamma Beta chapter
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
 
  
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The primary organization that Gamma Zetas supported was the Giving Tree Foundation, an effort that supports homeless and needy children. In 2009 Gamma Zeta was able to raise $12,000 for this organization through their Hoops4Hope basketball tournament. Other organizations that received financial or volunteer support from the members included Race for the Cure, Rose McGill Magazine Drive, RIF, the Ally Adelman Foundation, and the Bobbi Olsen's Foundation for Women's Cancer Research.
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November
  
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•Gamma Beta had a great Formal at the Hotel Andaluz
  
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==Highlights of 2011-2019==
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•We hosted our Philanthropy event, Kappa Kakes, at our house
  
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==Highlights of 2011==
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•Our LC visited and helped our new Chapter Council become comfortable with their positions
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Social, scholastic, and philanthropic events continued to fill the calendars of members of Gamma Zeta. Activities included Dad's Weekend, study hours, sisterhood events, Sigma Chi Derby Days philanthropy, Firefighter Challenge philanthropy, recruitment review sessions, Hoops for Hope philanthropy for Cystic Fibrosis, Spring Fling, theme parties, Greek Week, Senior Week, Recruitment, War of Roses philanthropy, Parent's Weekend, Founders Day, and Homecoming Week. A Kappa Trainer visited the chapter in 2011 and educated the members about Kappa standards and protocol.
 
  
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As of current 86 women live in the house, located across the street from campus. It is the hub of the chapter members and creates the dynamic and lasting friendships between the members of Gamma Zeta.
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•VP of Standards, Amanda Flores, put on Spirit week with fun challenges to win prizes
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•Kappas showed their gratitude for their bigs during Big Appreciation Week
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•We elected a new Chapter Council
  
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Philanthropy efforts included Toast for Technology, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, cooking meals at the Ronald McDonald House, and working at a community food bank. As a chapter, Gamma Zeta hosts a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the University of Arizona, Hoops for Hope.
 
  
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==Highlights of 2012==
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December
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Throughout the year of 2012, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus.  Classes resumed on Wednesday, January 11th, but our house re-opened several days before, Sunday, January 8th, to allow the girls time to unpack and get settled before beginning classes again. 
 
  
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Our first chapter meeting was held on Monday, January 16th.  During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Amy Noble, in order to prepare for fall recruitment.  Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Allie Finnegan, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals. 
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•Installed the new officers
  
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Throughout the month of February, many philanthropy projects were held, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald volunteering. On the 14th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event and later in the month we had Mom’s weekend, February 24th-26th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their moms.  On February 19th, a Kappa Trainer gave a presentation to the girls to inform them about regulations and life as a Kappa.  Study hours were implemented during the semester to ensure that the girls were keeping their grades up.  Study hours occurred every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for 3 hours.  This helped our chapter, for our all house GPA average for the spring semester of 2012 was 3.060 and our new members had an average of 3.106. 
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•Kappas helped with Hanging of the Greens around campus
  
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We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, headed by the philanthropy chair, Taylor Sloan.  Taylor ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event.  $10,500 was raised and the money was donated towards the Steele Children’s Research Center. During March, the girls participated in Sigma Chi’s “Derby Days” field day philanthropy as well as Pi Kappa Alpha’s “Firefighter Challenge.”  Spring break was March 11th-18th. When the girls returned from break, there were multiple recruitment meetings for the entire chapter in preparation for fall recruitment.  
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•Finals week
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•Amanda miller was elected for Academic Excellence on Panhellenic Committee
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Throughout the semester we had a few date dashes as well as our annual formal.  We had Spring Fling from April 9th-13th.  It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. Later in the month was Senior Week.  After Senior Week was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation.  The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 3rd, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment.  Bid Day took place on August 19th, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 82 new members.  The president was Lauren Mueller and the recruitment chair was Amy Noble.  The new member chair, Audrey Lewter, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter. 
 
  
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Key Sis week began near the end of August and continued through the middle of September.  These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel even more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Phi’s War of Roses philanthropy.  This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members.  We had our first date dash of the semester at the end of September.  This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night.  Big/Little week occurred shortly after.  The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal. We then had Inspiration Week beginning October 8th, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events.  Each day the girls were encouraged to wear certain colors that highlighted a few of the main aspects of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Blue for Beauty, Red for Integrity, Yellow for Friendship, and Green for Loyalty). This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another.  The new members were then initiated on October 13th and the Founder’s Day Tea was hosted later that morning. The education chair, Ali Castillo, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni. 
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Recent changes on campus:
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This past year on campus the dining hall, La Posada, was renovated and all freshman living in dorms were required to buy a meal plan.  The Cottages were built to increase campus housing. The soccer and basketball teams did well.  
  
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Following this, we had Parent’s Weekend, as well as Pledge Presents.  The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to the lovely ladies of the chapter.  On October 24th, a pumpkin carving event was hosted with our members as well as with the ladies of Delta Gamma. Girls from both chapters got together to celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday by carving pumpkins with each other. Homecoming Week began on November 5th, with the men of Pi Kappa Phi.  On Thursday, November 8th, we had a date dash with those gentlemen. Our Reading is Key philanthropy event was held on November 16th. Each member went to Rio Vista Elementary School were the members of Kappa Kappa Gamma promoted the fun and importance of reading to the children through activities such as creating bookmarks, snacks, and reading one of their favorite books.  
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Overall nature of chapter:
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As a chapter we have a mutual respect for all of our sisters and share a strong bond of sisterhood. Kappas continued to be very high achieving and stayed involved on campus in other clubs and activities. We support our sisters and want the best for them and our chapter. Gamma Beta values accountability, respect, and compassion for our members.  
  
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The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 19th, and voting occurred the week of Thanksgiving break. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on November 26th, and began training with the old Chapter Council on December 3rd.  To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 4th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games.  As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 13th.  Overall, the year of 2012 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year. The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.
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Challenges and how they were overcome:
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Some challenges we encountered as a chapter this past year involved: filling the house, social media, and paying Billhighway with credit or debit cards. The problem of filling the house was conquered through positive encouragements by House board and requiring applications for live-out to be due earlier to allow for better preparation. The challenge of monitoring social media was overcome through diligent monitoring by the PR officer of member’s personal sites. Members who continued to pay Billhighway with a credit or debit card were sent to standards.
  
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==Highlights of 2013==
 
  
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Throughout the year of 2013, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus. Members were excited to be back together as a complete chapter after a long winter vacation.  During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Lila Shtull, in order to prepare for fall recruitment. 
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==Highlight of 2015==
  
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Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Jill Smith, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals. Throughout the year, many philanthropy projects were held weekly, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald House volunteering in order to give back to the community and give our members frequent opportunities to serve. On the 8th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event and on the 13th we had a cookie-decorating event. On February 15th we had our formal date dash, which was a great success. Later in the month we had Dad’s weekend, February 22th-24th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their dads. On February 27th, we attended a presentation on nutrition, and on March 5th we had a sisterhood event called “How to be Healthy” to help our members maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Study hours were implemented during the semester to ensure that the girls were keeping their grades up. Study hours occurred every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for 3 hours.  Our all house GPA average for the spring semester of 2013 was 3.134 
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In the spring semester of 2015, we won Greek Week on campus and Gamma Beta was recognized as a five star chapter. We also raised the most money for the Greek Week Philanthropy, Basket of Hope. We participated in a community service project at the Zoo and attended the philanthropy event, Lobothon. Kappa put on the annual golf tournament Kappa Klassic and raised money for UNM Children’s Hospital and Alumni Foundation. We had Greek Graduation for our graduating senior members.
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In the fall semester, Gamma Beta had pre-recruitment and recruitment in August and welcomed 37 new members. We learned valuable lessons from the LC that visited during this time. A fellow member, Makayla Mondragon, attended Leadership Academy. On October 13, we had our Founders Day banquet and on October 17, we initiated 36 members. We elected a new chapter council and new officers were installed into their positions. Our member, Hannah Glasgow, was elected Panhellenic president.
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Gamma Beta’s Spring cumulative was 3.417 and the all Greek Average was 3.252.  Our Fall cumulative was 3.308 and the all Greek average was 3.223.
  
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On March 19th we had a roller blading sisterhood event to welcome all our sisters back after a wonderful spring break. On March 20-23rd we participated in the gentlemen of Sigma Chi’s philanthropy Derby Days. From March 28-30th we helped that gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha with their philanthropy the Pike Firefighter Challenge. Starting on April 1st we had senior week all while maintaining regular recruitment practices and ritual reviews. We had Spring Fling with the men of Sigma Chi from April 8th-13th.  It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. On April 14th we had a cookie-decoration event with Alumni, which was a great experience for our girls to bond with Kappa Kappa Gamma alumna. We also held events with other sororities like academic programming with Chi Omega in order to spread Panhellenic love. Throughout the semester we had a few other date dashes. We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, on April 28th headed by the philanthropy chair, Brooke Beard.  Brooke ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event.  $15,000 was raised and the money was donated towards Generosity Water. After Hoops for Hope was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation.  The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 11th, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment.  
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This past year on campus, our sports teams did well; unfortunately, we lost a member of our football team to a car accident. We have a new interim dean of students, and a BeKind organization was formed on campus to promote small acts of kindness.  
  
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Bid Day took place on August 25th, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 96 new members.  The president was Danielle Dozer and the recruitment chair was Lila Shtull. The new member chair, Allie Finnegan, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter. Key Sis week began near the end of August and continued through the middle of September.  These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. On September 13th the new members had a sleepover at Kappa to help them bond as a pledge class. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Alpha's Firefighter Challenge philanthropy again for the 2013-2014 school year. We also participated in Alpha Epsilon Pi’s philanthropy Hollywood Nights.  This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members.  We had our first date dash of the semester at the end of September.
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The overall nature of our chapter is very supportive and respectful. Our members encourage one another in academics and all aspects of life. Kappas continued to be very involved on campus and leaders in many other clubs. Our values focus on accountability, involvement, and respect for all Gamma Beta members. In the spring semester of 2015, we won Greek Week on campus and Gamma Beta was recognized as a five star chapter. We also raised the most money for the Greek Week Philanthropy, Basket of Hope.
  
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This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night.  Big/Little week occurred shortly after.  The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal. We then had Inspiration Week beginning October 6th, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events.  Each day the girls were encouraged to wear certain colors that highlighted a few of the main aspects of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Blue for Beauty, Red for Integrity, Yellow for Friendship, and Green for Loyalty).  This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another.  The new members were then initiated on October 12th and 95 of the 96 new members were initiated so we displayed a great retention rate.
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Chapter Philanthropy:
  
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The Founder’s Day Tea was hosted later that morning.  The education chair, Hayley Shwartz, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni.  Following this, we had Parent’s Weekend, as well as Pledge Presents.  The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to the lovely ladies of the chapter.  Homecoming Week began on November 4th, with the men of Pi Kappa Alpha. 
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What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
  
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On Thursday, November 8th we had a date dash with those gentlemen. The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 24th, and voting occurred on Monday, December 2nd at chapter. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on December 9th, and began training with the old Chapter Council throughout the month of December.  
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Along with putting on several events at our house to benefit our national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, our chapter traditionally contributes to a local philanthropy called lobothon. This philanthropy involves a 12-hour non-stop dance marathon that raises money to benefit the children in the University of New Mexico Hospital.  
  
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To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 8th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games.  As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 18th. Our fall semester all house GPA was a 3.185 which was above the all sorority average and we moved up to fourth place for highest GPA for all Panhellenic chapters.  Overall, the year of 2013 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year.  The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.   
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Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
  
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Over this past year, construction has continued to take place to the trolley system that will run around campus and travel downtown, as well as to University Boulevard. This system travels along the street located in front of the Kappa house. It is now being tested for use and will be usable in the near future. Also, a new couch was added to the house and the courtyard in the middle of our apartments was renovated. The kitchen was also updated. Our wifi system was improved so that our members can have better internet connection all over the house. As always, the University of Arizona is a beautiful and sunny campus with wonderful scenery. Most days of the year, the weather is warm and inviting, encouraging students to spend time outside. Kappa Kappa Gamma is located directly behind the Student Union, making it extremely accessible to members. Due to its location and large size, the house is easily noticed for all to see. The Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the largest chapters on the campus of the University of Arizona.  95 women were initiated into our chapter this past year.
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Our chapter chose this organization to support because it was started by a fellow member of our Greek life community at UNM, who was himself affected by pediatric cancer. We also have several members of our chapter who work on the committee to put on the dance marathon. We felt it was very important to show Gamma Beta’s support for a local cause that is dear to the community’s heart.  
  
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Each and everyone of the girls within our chapter have been striving for success, both academically and socially.  While actively getting to know all of their new sisters, girls were keeping up with their academics.  This chapter is composed of classy women that represent the ideal of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
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Woman behind the badge:
  
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Do any of your chapter officers wear historical badges?       
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Yes, our chapter president wears a historical badge.
  
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==Highlights of 2014==
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What is inscribed on the back of the badge?
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There is nothing inscribed on the back of the badge.
  
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Throughout the year of 2014, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus. Classes resumed on Wednesday, January 15th, but our house re-opened several days before to allow the girls time to unpack and get settled before beginning classes again. Our first chapter meeting was held on Monday, January 27th. Members were excited to be back together as a complete chapter. During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Grace Herr, in order to prepare for fall recruitment. Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Natalie Ramirez, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals.
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==Highlights of 2016==
  
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Throughout the year, many philanthropy projects were held weekly, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald House volunteering in order to give back to the community and give our members frequent opportunities to serve. On the 8th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event and on the 13th we had a cookie-decorating event. On February 7th we had our formal date dash, which was a great success. Later in the month we had Dad’s weekend, February 22th-24th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their dads. On February 27th, we attended a presentation on nutrition, and on March 5th we had a sisterhood event called “How to be Healthy” to help our members maintain a healthy lifestyle.  
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In the year of 2016, the Gamma Beta Chapter obtained many accomplishments. We proudly initiated 27 wonderful women into our chapter and elected a new officer committee. We raised money for a number of different organizations, including but not limited to; Reading is Fundamental and Children's Miracle Network. We were proud winners of Greek Week, where we raised the most money for Cuidando De Los Niño’s; an organization that helps homeless children in New Mexico.
  
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Study hours were implemented during the semester to ensure that the girls were keeping their grades up. Study hours occurred every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for 3 hours. This On March 20-23rd we participated in the gentlemen of Sigma Chi’s philanthropy Derby Days. From March 28-30th we helped that gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha with their philanthropy the Pike Firefighter Challenge. Starting on April 1st we had senior week all while maintaining regular recruitment practices and ritual reviews. We had Spring Fling with the men of AEPI from April 8th-13th. It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. On April 14th we had a cookie-decoration event with Alumni, which was a great experience for our girls to bond with Kappa Kappa Gamma alumna.  
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We have recently upgraded the security and safety protocols on campus with the help of our sisters that sit on the ASUNM committee. We have also upgraded our own safety here at the Gamma Beta House; adding additional key pad locks and patrolling security. The safety and well-being of our sisters is one of our top priorities. Over the last year our chapter has become a very strong, supportive, and close-knit sisterhood.
  
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We also help events with other sororities like academic programming with Chi Omega in order to spread PanHellenic love. Throughout the semester we had a few other date dashes. We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, on March 29th headed by the philanthropy chair, Waverly Newton. Waverly ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event. $17,000 was raised and the money was donated towards the Dermatology Division Arizona Cancer Center. After Hoops for Hope was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation.  
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Our chapter has historically raised money for The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, Children's Miracle Network, and Cuidando De Los Niño’s. We have chosen these organizations to support because children are the future. They have a constant pressure put upon them to flourish and succeed and we want provide the support and opportunity they need to achieve their goals.
  
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The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 9th, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment. Bid Day took place on August 24th, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 109 new members. The president Caitlin Goebel and the recruitment chair was Grace Herr. The new member chair, Morgan Weaver, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter. Key Sis week began near the end of August and continued through the middle of September. These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. On September 13th the new members had a sleepover at Kappa to help them bond as a pledge class. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Alpha's Firefighter Challenge philanthropy again for the 2014 school year. This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members. We had our first date dash of the semester at the end of September. This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night. Big/Little week occurred shortly after. The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal. We then had Inspiration Week beginning October 13th, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events. Each day the girls were encouraged to wear certain colors that highlighted a few of the main aspects of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Blue for Beauty, Red for Integrity, Yellow for Friendship, and Green for Loyalty). This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another. The new members were then initiated on October 18th and 105 of the 109 new members were initiated so we displayed a great retention rate.
 
  
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The Founder’s Day Tea was hosted later that morning. The education chair, Lauren Thorell, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni. Following this, we had Parent’s Weekend, as well as Pledge Presents. The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to the lovely ladies of the chapter. Homecoming Week began on November 3rd with the men of Kappa Sigma. On Thursday, November 8th with the men of Kappa Sigma. We also hosted our very first food philanthropy, Kappa Kon Queso, which was a huge success.
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==Highlights of 2017==
  
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The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 3rd, and voting occurred on Monday, December 1st at chapter. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on December 8th, and began training with the old Chapter Council throughout the month of December. To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 12th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games. As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 17th. Overall, the year of 2014 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year. The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.  
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The University of New Mexico went through some changes in an effort to make the campus more eco-friendly. Some of these efforts included more recycling bins, more eco-friendly electrical options, and the use of solar panels on buildings to provide eco-friendly energy to the campus. As a chapter, we contributed to these efforts by recycling, reducing electrical usage and promoting less water usage.
  
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After last year's construction of the new trolly system, construction is finally finished. It runs around campus and travels downtown, as well as to University Boulevard. This system travels along the street located in front of the Kappa house. As always, the University of Arizona is a beautiful and sunny campus with wonderful scenery. Most days out of the year, the weather is warm and inviting, encouraging students to spend time outside. Kappa Kappa Gamma is located directly behind the Student Union, making it extremely accessible for members. Due to its location and large size, the house is easily noticed for all to see.
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Our chapter was very active this year philanthropically. We held Kappa Kakes (a pancake breakfast), Kappa Klassic (a golf tournament) and Kappa Con Queso (a chips and queso gathering) for the benefit of RIF. We also raised money for and donated hours towards our first Girls Academy and LoboThon, a local student-run organization that raises money for the children's hospital. Our members also volunteered for numerous organizations throughout the city. Additionally, the chapter donated clothing and basic necessities for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
  
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Gamma Zeta holds chapter every Monday in our chapter room located in our house. With our new 2014 initiated class being 109, it is a tight squeeze, but we make do.
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Our challenges this year included scholarship and finances. The chapter council set a GPA goal for 3.4 for the chapter. We are currently at a 3.33, .02 lower than the all-women's average for the university. We also chose to cancel our formal due to financial concerns. We are making appropriate changes to our payment plans and distribution of funds to counteract this situation.
  
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Our house, owned by the university, and  being one of the largest on campus, houses 84 girls. There are four living styles; the sleeping porch, the doubles, west wing (4 or 6 person room) and the apartments. The sophomres live in the sleeping porch, the doubles and west wing in the house, while the juniors typically live in the apartments in the back. Each and everyone of the girls within our chapter have been striving for success, both academically and socially. While actively getting to know all of their new sisters, girls were keeping up with their academics. This chapter is composed of classy women that represent the ideal of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Living in the house not only gives you a place to eat and sleep, but also a place to study and receive tutoring help if needed. Our sisters are our best resources.
 
  
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==Highlights of 2018==
  
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==Highlights of 2015==
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Gamma Beta started 2018 by setting two goals: to have the highest GPA among the four Panhellenic groups on campus and to maintain the chapter's five star chapter rating. The Fraternity recognized the chapter's efforts with an academic excellence award at the 2018 national convention in Denver.
  
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Throughout the year of 2015, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus. Classes resumed on Wednesday, January 14th, but our house re-opened several days before to allow the girls time to unpack and get settled before beginning classes again. Our first chapter meeting was held on Monday, January 26th. Members were excited to be back together as a complete chapter. During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Kalyanne Younker, in order to prepare for fall recruitment. Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Brianna Marek, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals.
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The University of New Mexico made history in 2018 by naming its first female president, Dr. Garnett Stokes. The chapter has been pleased to see the positive change she has brought to the university, especially in the area of Greek Life involvement. Additionally, the University has re-built and updated the Anderson School of Business.
  
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Throughout the year, many philanthropy projects were held weekly, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald House volunteering in order to give back to the community and give our members frequent opportunities to serve. On the 13th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event. Later in the month we had Dad’s weekend, February 20th-22th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their dads. On February 27th, we attended a presentation on nutrition. On the 10th of March, we had our Formal Date Dash, which was a great success!
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Gamma Beta continues to be active in the area of philanthropy. The chapter worked closely with the Albuquerque Alumnae Association as they hosted the annual Kappa Klassic Golf Tournament. All funds raised were donated to Casa Angelica, a home for disabled children started by the parents of two Gamma Beta members. In addition, the chapter works with the alumnae association on a Reading is Fundamental project. Book bags are painted and books are collected to give to the children at a local YMCA child care facility. Finally, many Gamma Betas work individually on philanthropic projects of their own choosing.
  
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Our chapter, for our all house GPA average for the spring semester of 2015 was 3.133 and our new members had an average of 3.5. We had several academic workshops including time management, final exam preparation, etc. We had Spring Fling with the men of Delta Tau Delta from April 6th-12th. It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. On April 13th-18th we participated in the gentlemen of Sigma Chi’s philanthropy Derby Days. Starting on April 20th we had senior week all while maintaining regular recruitment practices and ritual reviews. Before the Homecoming game, on April 11th Alumni stopped by to tour the house. We also help events with other sororities like yoga with Alpha Epsilon Phi, our sisterhood sorority, in order to spread PanHellenic love.
 
  
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Throughout the semester we had a few other date dashes. We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, on May 2nd headed by the philanthropy chair, Jaime Hewitt. Jaime ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event. Approximately $31,000 was raised and the money was donated towards Stand up to Cancer. After Hoops for Hope was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation. The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 19th, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment. Bid Day took place on August 23rd, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 104 new members. The president was Morgan Agster and the recruitment chair was Kalyanne Younker. The new member chair, Emily Sill, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter.
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==Highlights of 2019==
  
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Key Sis week began near the beginning of September and continued through the middle of September. These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. On September 4th the new members had a sleepover at Kappa to help them bond as a pledge class. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Alpha's Firefighter Challenge philanthropy on September 21st-25th. This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members. Big/Little Week occurred September 28th-October 1st. The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal.  
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During the 2019 calendar year, the chapter faced a number of challenges when there were changes made to UNM's primary recruitment process. Recruitment was moved from the time just prior to school starting to a time period after school had started (Labor Day weekend). The Fraternity and Sorority Life office also implemented the Release Figure Methodology. Despite these changes, the chapter recruited and initiated 24 new members. We were especially glad to have the help of a Leadership Consultant during this time. Gamma Beta also had the most improved GPA among the four Panhellenic groups on campus.
  
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We had our first date dash of the semester at the first weekend of October. This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night. Following this, we had Family weekend, as well as Pledge Presents. The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to their new sisters of the chapter. The Founder’s Day Tea was hosted on October 18th. The education chair, Paloma Marcotte, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni. Homecoming Week began on October 22nd, with the men of Sigma Chi.
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A new University President was also named during 2019. The chapter has attended may open house events at the university president's home, which helped strengthen the relationship between the university and Greek life.
  
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We had Inspiration Week later this year, beginning November 2nd, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events. To start off the week, the girls were encouraged to wear blue on Monday to highlight beauty as one of the main aspects of Kappa. This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another. The new members were then initiated on November 7th and we displayed a great retention rate. Our philanthropy chair, Hailey Clark,  was in charge of our food philanthropy for the second time ever, Kappa Kon Queso on November 12th and it was a huge success.
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Gamma Beta is pleased to support Reading is Fundamental as their philanthropy. While RIF is Kappa's national philanthropy, it also has a special place for New Mexican children. According to newmexicoliteracy.org, 46% of New Mexico's children are at or below the literacy level. We feel we can make an impact on our state's literacy rate by supporting RIF with book and monetary donations.
  
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The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 9th, and voting occurred on Monday, November 30th at chapter. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on December 7th, and began training with the old Chapter Council throughout the month of December. To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 6th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games. As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 17th. Overall, the year of 2015 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year. The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.  
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We were pleased to celebrate Founders Day with the Albuquerque Alumnae Association at the Albuquerque Country Club. A number of alumnae received their 50, 65, and 75 year pins and both alumnae and active chapter members were recognized for their efforts in Kappa and the community. We very much enjoyed the visit of the Minnie Stewart van and look forward to planning other events to celebrate our 150th anniversary.
  
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The construction from the new Environment and Natural Resources 2 building finally finished. The Trolley system that was finally completely last year has been running smoothing around campus and travels downtown, as well as to University Boulevard. This system travels along the street located in front of the Kappa house. As always, the University of Arizona is a beautiful and sunny campus with wonderful scenery. Most days out of the year, the weather is warm and inviting, encouraging students to spend time outside. Kappa Kappa Gamma is located directly behind the Student Union, making it extremely accessible for members. Due to its location and large size, the house is easily noticed for all too see and admire.
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==Highlights of 2020==  
  
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==Highlights of 2020s:==
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This year our chapter operations were affected tremendously by the COVID-19 pandemic and the New Mexico state lockdowns. Despite all of the hardships the COVID-19 pandemic and college life brought to us, we tried to stay as connected as possible and hopeful by planning virtual events. Most chapter events were transformed into virtual events with the help of sisters, advisors and specialists. We held our first ever fully virtual initiation ceremony as well as a fully virtual recruitment in the fall. We did have the opportunity to plan a few in-person and socially distanced events as well. For example, the 2020 Big-Little Sister Reveal was held at The Pit (University Arena) where 5 seniors got to welcome the new members of Gamma Beta via a drive by with goodie bags, shirts and festive Kappa gear. We also held our Formal Pledging ceremony in person and we chose to do it 8-9 times so each new member could come to the chapter house while following socially distancing guidelines.
  
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(Information from chapter history reports, 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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We were pleased to win the 2020 Greek Week trophy after a week of various events: Community service, Greek Sing, Greek Trivia, Greek Week pie in the face, Skate Social and Greek Games. The Founders Day Chapter Awards included: Christy Barker Award to Mariana Rosas, Helen MacArthur Savage Award to Abigale Aldrich, the Rosalie Furry Doolittle Award to Jessica Maxwell, the Footprints Award to Kristin Woodworth, the Sisterhood Award to Payton Fowler, the Barbara Crosby Trechel Award to Emma Hotz, and the Senior Award to Lynn Midani.
  
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Gamma Beta supported a number of philanthropies in 2020: Reading is Fundamental (RIF), The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Girls Academy, Lobothon, Greek Life philanthropies, and other local organizations (school supply and PPE drives for special needs students, donation drive for a homeless student and their family, and blanket making for the Ronald McDonald House). Gamma Beta chooses to support Reading Is Fundamental because we believe that every child deserves the stepping stones and opportunities to receive a full education in the future. By providing guidance, resources, and reading to children, we hope to give children the background in education they may be missing. RIF is so important to our chapter due to the high rates of illiteracy in our state. Reading books to children can help them grow as students in many subjects and provides them with growth in their imagination and possibilities in the world as well. We held a Kappa Karving philanthropy (carving pumpkins) in October to support RIF.
  
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'''Housing:'''
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Our chapter implemented an amazing DEI officer in 2020 who created a diversity program for each Monday night meeting. Her programs included "embracing your own diversity" (a group activity where we all filled in what makes us unique on a flower petal and in the center of the flower we wrote a group commonality which were shared with other groups), "Kappa Key" (everyone took time to read through "The Key" and discuss a pioneering alumna who stood out to them personally), education on racism (watching videos on systemic racism) and a presentation about indigenous cultures for Indigenous People Day. Finally, she implemented a book club where we read and discussed race and differences in life paths from a book titled, "The Vanishing Half."
  
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Finally, we celebrated Kappa's 150th anniversary by watching the Facebook Live program produced by Fraternity Headquarters. We also were able to tour the Minnie Stewart Van early in the spring.
  
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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==Highlights of 2021==
  
  
  
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'''Convention Awards:'''
 
  
  
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''  
 
'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''  

Latest revision as of 17:14, 15 December 2021

 

Gamma Beta
ΓB
Gamma Beta.jpg
FoundedApril 5, 1918 (1918-04-05) (107 years ago)
CollegeUniversity of New Mexico
LocationAlbuquerque, NM
HomepageGamma Beta Homepage
Media related to Gamma Beta Chapter


University of New Mexico, established in 1889 in Albuquerque, New Mexico


Gamma Beta founded April 5, 1918


2,171 initiates (as of June 2018)


Charter Members:"

Louise Bell, Irene Boldt, Catherine Conway, Lois Davis, Margaret Flournoy, Hazel Katherine Hawkins, Myrl Hope, Katherine Keleher, Kathren Little, Evalyne Long, Kathleen Long, Margaret McCanna, Lillian Spickard, Evelyn Trotter, Helen Wilson.



Fraternity Council Members:

Jan Harenberg (Stockhoff), Field Secretary, 1975-1977; Dianne Delayo (Handy), Field Secretary 1980-1982; Kristi Stillwell, Traveling Consultant 1992-1993; Adrienne Betzen (Weeks), Traveling Consultant 2003-2004; Shaylee Beasley, Leadership Consultant 2009-2010



Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipient:


Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:


Additional Outstanding Gamma Beta Alumnae

Waneta Coester (Tuttle), Graduate Counselor 1967-1968; Kathryn Huff (Samuelson), Graduate Counselor 1980-1981; Linda Hoffman (Barela). Chapter Consultant 1990-1992; Ann Girand (Ullman), Chapter Consultant 1990-1992; Patricia Lewis (Erhardt-Lewis), Chapter Consultant 1996-1997; Michele Cornali, Miss New Mexico 1971; Winona Marjorie Haury, Miss Indian America 1969; Denise Simms Johnson, First Lady of New Mexico 1995-2002.



The Early Years[edit]

The University of New Mexico, home of Gamma Beta Chapter, is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a beautiful city that enjoys ever clear and bright blue skies and is bounded by mountain ranges and inert volcanoes. Below these lie fertile valleys, yielding an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Sunsets are masterpieces, and the evening skyline is unsurpassed in brilliance. Albuquerque is a blend of Spanish, Mexican and Indian traditions.

The University of New Mexico was created by an act of the Territorial Legislature in 1889 and began full term instruction in 1892, almost 10 years before New Mexico became the 47th state in January 1912.

Alpha Gamma, a local sorority, was organized in 1914. When members expressed an interest in becoming a Kappa chapter in 1917, Grand Secretary Estelle Kyle Kemp, Colorado, inspected the group and plans were made for an installation. On April 5, 1918, Grand President Lydia Voris Kolbe, Akron, and three Colorado undergraduates initiated seventeen charter members. Gamma Beta became the 51st chapter of the second national sorority at UNM. Phi Mu was the first national sorority on this campus.

For a number of years Gamma Beta rented houses or used a rented dormitory room for meetings and activities. The first chapter house, built in 1931, was an Indian pueblo-style structure, in keeping with the campus architectural style. It housed 26 Kappas and cost approximately $29,000. The mortgage-burning ceremony took place at the Founders Day Banquet in 1948.

The UNM campus grew from 20 acres in 1892 to over 500 in 1966, and the enrollment increased proportionately. Gamma Beta found it needed more space. The current chapter house at 1620 Mesa Vista Road NE was completed November 14, 1966. Civil engineering students carrying placards of protest because the Kappas, who had been their across-the-street neighbors for 30 years, were moving staged an affectionate demonstration. There were tears as Gamma Beta left their hacienda but the new $325,444 multi-level white brick house offered New Mexican spaciousness of 19,000 square feet, more than enough room for 58 members.

Since April 5, 1918, the chain reaction of Gamma Beta’s accomplishments, small and large, personal and professional, continues to be felt. Rosalie Furry Doolittle is a nationally known rosarian and gardener, a recipient of the Outstanding Rosarian Award for the Pacific Southwest district of the American Rose Society. Her book, Southwest Gardening, received a national literary award from the Council of State Garden Clubs. Lucille Lattanner Reid Brock, whose paintings are in collections in 20 states and four foreign countries, is listed in the Who’s Who of American Women 1968-69, Who’s Who in the Arts, 1972, and in 2000 Women of Achievement, Devon, England 1971-72. The accomplishments of Harvena Richter, author of The Human Shore and Virginia Wolfe: The Inward Voyage, are enumerated in Authors’ and Writers’ Who’s Who, 2000 Women of Achievement, and Who’s Who of American Women, 1964-65.

Many Gamma Beta alumnae have remained in New Mexico to give of their time, effort and monies. As nurses, dental hygienists, hospital volunteers, and members of state and local hospital boards, Gamma Betas have shown a constant interest in meeting community health needs. They have been officers and volunteers for the New Mexico Rehabilitation Center Auxiliary and have raised funds necessary to purchase all the equipment for the Center’s Cleft Palate Clinic through the Albuquerque Alumnae Association. Alumnae contributions also aided in purchasing a bus for patient transport. Gamma Betas have presented dental health puppet programs to audiences of school children and gave Christmas parties for indigent children in a daycare center. They are an ever-present helping hand in the All Faiths Receiving Home, take part in urban renewal programs, and Albuquerque’s cultural programs. The alumnae association assumed the delightful task of furnishing the Brides’ Room at the University Memorial Chapel, built in 1963 to honor the deceased of World War II, and completed the project in 1972.

In an effort to maintain high educational standards, Gamma Betas have served not only as members of the University’s Board of Regents but as instructors from kindergarten to university level. The Albuquerque Alumnae Association contributes annually to the Kappa Memorial Scholarship Fund, originally known as the Irene Fee Lighton Memorial Fund. The fund has helped many Kappas complete work toward their degrees and is interest-free while the girls are in school. Panhellenic awards for outstanding scholarship dominate Gamma Beta trophy cases.

The educational atmosphere on this campus today is definitely space age, although there are reminders of the past. Current courses of study, chosen by today’s chapter members, include nuclear medicine and communicative disorders.

The First International World Hot Air Balloon Championship took place in Albuquerque in February 1973. A yellow balloon carried New Mexico’s first licensed female commercial hot air balloon pilots, both Gamma Beta alumnae.

Looking at Albuquerque’s skyline, Kappas can reflect upon the many accomplishments of Gamma Betas since 1918. Through the example of so many members the surroundings have become better and more beautiful. Gamma Beta has helped to achieve a more lasting skyline!

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 1970’s[edit]

The 1970’s brought new political awareness to the University of New Mexico. Protests over the Vietnam War and the Kent State massacre led to arrests and an eventual state of emergency on campus. Students proudly watched as Mark Spitz won seven gold medals at the 1972 Olympics in Munich, Germany, only to be horrified at the massacre of Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists days later. Earth Day was celebrated for the first time and students demonstrated their concern for the environment.

Hodgin Hall, the University’s oldest building, was listed on the New Mexico Register of Cultural Properties in 1974 and the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. New facilities for the medical and law schools were constructed on North Campus while new buildings were built on Main Campus on the site of the demolished Zimmerman Field and Stadium. These included Ortega Hall, Woodward Hall, the Humanities Building and the Art Building. A new landscaping plan was undertaken, leading to the construction of the duck pond west of Zimmerman Library and the conversion of many streets to pedestrian malls in order to make the campus more pedestrian friendly.

Embroidered denim shirts and jeans, Dr. Scholl’s wooden sandals, and bell-bottom pants were the dress of the day. Pet rocks were a big hit and students flocked to theaters to see Saturday Night Fever and Star Wars.

The Kappas continued their involvement on campus, participating in various philanthropic events and numerous social events. Baby Triad, held with the Pi Beta Phis and Kappa Alpha Thetas, was a popular barn dance. The end of the fall semester brought Monmouth Duo with the Pi Phis. Formal Triad, once again held with the Pi Phis and Thetas, was held in the spring of each year. Homecoming was a major activity every year, with each fraternity and sorority decorating their house and competing for various awards. Members of Gamma Beta were often selected as members of the Homecoming Court.

The 1974 Kappa General Convention was held in Columbus, Ohio and Gamma Beta received awards for Public Relations and Pledge Training. In the spring of 1975 Gamma Beta chapter hosted the Kappa Province Meeting. Delegates from chapters in Arizona and southern California were invited to the Gamma Beta chapter house to participate in a number of workshops and seminars. It was not long after that Gamma Beta was moved into Eta Province, which included New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.


Housing

A variety of factors influenced Gamma Beta’s housing situation throughout the 1970’s. The costs associated with the new chapter house required as many of the chapter members as possible to live in the house. Over several years, new live-in policies were considered and tested. Some members chose to resign their membership rather than living in the chapter house for four years. At the same time recruitment numbers remained constant, making it difficult to build up membership numbers to allow for flexibility in the housing situation.

Phone and door duty was required of all members, with everyone taking a turn on a rotating basis. Members on duty answered the house phones during the evening, using the intercom to alert others of their phone calls. Door duty required the member to answer the front door for visitors.


Highlights of the 1980’s[edit]

The 1980’s began with the election of Ronald Reagan and continued with the selection of Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman Supreme Court justice. Sadly, the country watched as the Challenger space shuttle exploded just 74 seconds into its flight. Among the seven astronauts on board was a teacher, Christa McAuliffe. Personal computers were becoming more prevalent in businesses and schools.

On campus, the University continued to grow, with an ever-expanding enrollment and new facilities constructed. The University of New Mexico Hospital saw dramatic expansion while new facilities were built for the business and engineering schools. The Centennial Library was also built during this time. A Homecoming King was selected for the first time in 1980 in response to a male student running for Homecoming Queen in 1979.

Recruitment numbers remained stagnant during this time. Sadly, more Panhellenic groups left, leaving just four sororities on campus. More and more women students went to work part-time in order to pay for their tuition and Kappa dues.


Housing

Live-in policies and alcohol consumption within the house were continuing issues for the chapter and House Board. The Standards Committee worked diligently with the House Board to help solve these problems.

Chapter members continued to eat dinner together. Fraternity men who received meals as pay served chapter dinner on Monday nights. On other nights dinner was served family buffet-style. Typically, this was the opportunity members looked forward to as they re-connected with each other after a day of class and work. Lunch was served as a buffet over a period of an hour and a half as members came in from class.

Members relied on the house phones less and less because it became more prevalent for phones to be installed in the individual bedrooms. At the beginning of each semester it was a common sight to see a telephone company employee installing phones throughout the house. Often several sets of roommates would share a phone with a long cord, which could be moved from one room to another.


Highlights of the 1990’s[edit]

The 1990’s very quickly became the beginning of the electronic age. The World Wide Web was born in 1992, changing the way we communicated, spent our money, and did business. Amazon.com became the biggest trend in bookselling. The United States military became involved throughout the world, including Kuwait, Haiti, and Bosnia. On the domestic front, President Bill Clinton narrowly survived a trial to remove him from office.

Growth was the mainstay at the University of New Mexico during this time. An Honors College was started, the current bookstore and Dane Smith Hall were constructed, and the Research Park on South Campus was expanded. The University now had one of the largest student and faculty Hispanic and Native American populations in the country.

For the Kappas, the 90’s represented opportunities to be active both on campus and within the Greek community. Numerous chapter members held positions as ASUNM senators, Trailblazers, cheerleaders, Chaparrals, and new student orientation leaders. Several members of Gamma Beta were named as Greek Woman of the Year during this decade as were several Kappa alumnae named as Alumna of the Year.

Scholarship was seen as an ongoing challenge with the chapter striving to achieve a 3.0 average for the overall chapter. After several years of working on this goal, the chapter was able to declare success. They were recognized for their improvement in scholarship both on campus and within the Fraternity. Presidential Scholarship and UNM Scholar recipients were common among the Gamma Beta membership.

The Gamma Betas took great pride in participating in Greek Week, winning the Greek Cup many times during the 1990’s. Greek Sing was also a popular event, with the Kappas often winning the Large Group events, both on their own and paired with a men’s fraternity.


Philanthropy

Philanthropy moved up on the list of priorities for Gamma Beta during this time. The members often participated individually in philanthropic projects with more than 1600 hours of service in a year. In addition, the chapter worked together to put on a Fall Harvest Dance at a retirement community, helped out with the Albuquerque AIDS Walk, and raised funds with a pancake breakfast.

Sadly, the decade was not without great tragedy. In October 1998, a horrible car accident claimed the life of a Gamma Beta undergraduate and three other members were seriously injured. The chapter pulled together with the help of their advisers, alumnae members, Fraternity officers, and the University of New Mexico staff. An award is given annually at Founders Day in memory of the young woman who lost her life.

Towards the end of the decade, Gamma Beta implemented the Fraternity’s new six week New Member Education Program. As with anything new, the chapter had to work hard at incorporating the program. At the 1998 General Convention, Gamma Beta was the recipient of the Heritage Award and received Honorable Mentions for scholarship and standards.


Housing

One of the greatest accomplishments during this decade was the burning of the mortgage for the chapter house in 1991.


Highlights of 2000-2010[edit]

During a person’s lifetime, there are certain moments that define who they are, what they’ve done and where they’re going. Furthermore, if the certain moment affects more than just a handful of people, say the entire country, one will likely see an attitude shift and changes in the way things are done. Such was the case when the World Trade Center in New York City was attacked on September 11, 2001. Soon after the United States was involved in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Recession struck around the world. In the meantime, Google became the largest name in online search engines and one of the world’s largest corporations. Social networking became an ubiquitous part of everyday life.

The UNM campus saw a major expansion of medical facilities on North Campus and the construction of the current visitor center, a new engineering center, and George Pearl Hall, the home of the architecture and planning school. In addition, a branch campus was opened in Rio Rancho.

This decade was truly outstanding for Gamma Beta. From 2002-2007 Gamma Beta won the Greek Cup five years in a row. Later in the decade they were named a five star chapter, while meeting UNM’s Greek Life requirements. The chapter began a new philanthropic effort, called Kappa Kakes, to raise funds for the United Way, Reading is Fundamental, and the Kappa Foundation. The chapter participated in a variety of campus activities, including Spring Storm and Greek Week. In November 2006, the chapter was pleased to host the University’s new president, Dr. David Schmidly, and his wife during a Monday night dinner.

Early in the decade Gamma Beta had depended on informal recruitment to help meet its membership needs. However, with the support of leadership consultants during recruitment, a strong advisory board, and increasing numbers of women going through Fall Recruitment, Gamma Beta has pledged and retained larger pledge classes.


Housing

The Gamma Beta House Corporation took on a major project in this decade by deciding to refurbish the bathrooms on all three floors simultaneously. They meticulously planned the timing of the work so that it could be completed in the summer while the members were away. New countertops and plumbing fixtures were installed along with beautiful tile work. The chapter was most pleased!

A number of changes have also been seen in the housing policies of the chapter. For many years the University would allow women who had planned to live in the dormitories and then pledged a Greek group to break their contracts with the dorms and move into the chapter house. That is no longer allowed. Fortunately, the increase in membership numbers has allowed the chapter to maintain the number living in the house. The increase in numbers has also created some difficulties with parking around the chapter house. However, the chapter and House Board continue to be creative in solving these difficulties.

Highlights of 2011-2019[edit]

Highlights of 2011[edit]

This past year was a wonderful and successful year full of many accomplishments. We were honored to be recognized as a five star chapter by the University of New Mexico's Greek Life. Our most proud accomplishment was our academic excellence. We received first in grades in the Spring and Fall semesters of 2010. Some of our many achievements include winning the Greek Cup and Sigma Chi Derby Days. In the Fall of 2010, we were over quota for recruitment which was very astonishing; it was the largest recruitment we've ever had. We got 37 beautiful new members in our house, and we couldn't be more excited. Every fall semester we put on a community service event called Kappa Kakes. During the event, Kappas helped make and sell pancakes to the campus community to raise money for Reading is Fundamental. We raised an amazing $2600 for RIF.

Campus: Our campus is really proud of the diversity we have. There are around 18,330 undergraduate students who attend The University of New Mexico (UNM). 42% are male and 58% are female. 21% of the students who attend the University of New Mexico are from out of state. There are many different races including: Caucasians, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, African Americans and more. The University of New Mexico represents 102 different countries, which explain our diversity.

Another aspect the campus is proud of is that it has become more environmentally friendly over the past year. The Student Senate, which one of our members is actively involved in, aims toward being a more environmentally friendly campus by adding more recycle bins around campus for better accessibility, limiting paper use, using different light bulbs, and more. It is a slow process but if everyone participates in making UNM environmentally friendly, we could really make a difference.

Chapter: The chapter consists of 94 wonderful members. The chapter tries to be as involved as possible with activities and events around campus. Greek Life at The University of New Mexico is very small, making up only around five percent of the college community. However, we do our best to stand out and have a positive influence on the campus community. The University of New Mexico is a very diverse campus, and Greek Life contributes to the amazing diversity we have at our school.

Chapter Challenges: We have had three major challenges that are hard to overcome for the chapter. The first one is to improve the chapter involvement in the National Panhellenic Council. Our monthly goal has been for each member to increase their involvement with Panhellenic by going to a meeting or informational session; these include Greek Week meetings or officer meetings put on by Greek life.

Our short term goal has been to invite an alum to come and speak at a program meeting about her knowledge and experience with the National Panhellenic Council; and also inviting other houses and the Panhellenic Executive Board to participate. Thus far, there has been more effort in learning about and being involved with the National Panhellenic Council. Secondly, we still plan to improve committee involvement and meeting efficiency by each officer taking minutes during their committee meeting and emailing them to the president and their committee members Monday night.

Our short term goal has been to encourage each committee member to be actively involved by awarding a committee member of the month from each committee. This has really helped the girls get more involved and has shown to be a positive thing. Lastly, we plan to improve attendance and chapter unity having one team building activity a semester in addition to chapter retreat. To improve unity, we will plan to have themed committee meetings monthly. Girls get really excited about this and it really brings everyone together to be silly and laugh.

Highlights of 2012[edit]

Scholarship:

First in Grades for Fall 2012 Group Honors: Five Star Chapter Spring 2012 Traditions: Blue and Blue dinner during i-week Fall 2012 Philanthropic Involvement: Kappa Klassic golf tournament Fall 2012, RIF spring and fall 2012, Ronald Mcdonald House Spring and Fall 2012

Chapter Goals: More sisterhoods and more bonding experiences were put as important goals for the chapter to have. In addition, more efficient meetings was a new goal. As a chapter we have had more efficient meetings, and also made meetings more fun. We used to wear black dresses and heels to formal meeting, and have changed that to business casual.

Recent changes to The University of New Mexico's campus was the addition of a new dormitory called Casas Del Rio in the Fall of 2012. This allowed students to now no longer break their dorm contracts once they had signed them. In previous years dorm contracts could be broken. This allowed only five new members to live in the Kappa house, but the house was still filled with actives. In the fall 26 new members were initiated into the gamma beta chapter. The nature of our chapter is upbeat and positive, something that we have wanted to strengthen and did.


Highlight of 2013[edit]

Scholarship: First in Grades for Fall 2012 Group Honors: Five Star Chapter Spring 2012 Traditions: Blue and Blue dinner during i-week Fall 2012 Philanthropic Involvement: Kappa Klassic golf tournament Fall 2012, RIF spring and fall 2012, Ronald Mcdonald House Spring and Fall 2012

Chapter Goals: More sisterhoods and more bonding experiences were put as important goals for the chapter to have. In addition, more efficient meetings was a new goal. As a chapter we have had more efficient meetings, and also made meetings more fun. We used to wear black dresses and heels to formal meeting, and have changed that to business casual.

Recent changes to The University of New Mexico's campus was the addition of a new dormitory called Casas Del Rio in the Fall of 2012. This allowed students to now no longer break their dorm contracts once they had signed them. In previous years dorm contracts could be broken. This allowed only five new members to live in the Kappa house, but the house was still filled with actives. In the fall 26 new members were initiated into the gamma beta chapter. The nature of our chapter is upbeat and positive, something that we have wanted to strengthen and did.

Highlight of 2014[edit]

January

•All of the new officers attended Leadership Day

•Practices for Greek sing began, we were paired with ATO for small group and Kappa Sigma and Lambda Theta Phi for large group

•Awarded 1st in grades for Fall 2013


February

•Our chapter raised the most money for the Greek Week Philanthropy, Basket of Hope

•For Greek Week we placed 3rd in open mic and large group

•We participated in a community service project at the Zoo

•We also put on a hasher appreciation dinner to thank all of our hashers


March

•At the Greek week Banquet Gamma Beta was recognized as a 5 star chapter

•We had serenades for the Spring pledge class of fraternities on campus

•Kappa, Delilah Davila, participated in the Ms. Silva Rose pageant

•Kappa’s attended the UNM fundraiser Lobothon


April

•14 girls attended the Senior Tea for the pledge class of 2010

•Gamma Beta had a wonderful formal in Santa Fe

•Kappa’s raised over $10,000 for UNM Children’s Hospital and Alumni Foundation from the Spring golf tournament

•LC visited Gamma Beta and offered advice to all the chapter officers

•Kappa trainer, Denise Rugani, talked to the chapter about sisterhood

•1 Kappa ran for UNM’s senate, ASUNM

•Kappa had four members become Rho Gammas, including the Panhellenic president and VP of recruitment


May

•Greek Graduation

•Kappa’s worked hard to finish up finals


June/July

•President Jade Sierra represented Gamma Beta at the National conference where we won the New Member Program award and received an honorable mention for academic excellence


August

•We completed Pre-recruitment and Recruitment right before school started again for the fall

•Welcomed 34 new members

•Had 2 Kappas go on international exchanges, 1 went to Scotland and one to Jordan

•Awarded 2nd in grades for Spring 2014


September

•President Jade Sierra was voted runner up for Homecoming Queen

•Our new members participated in serenades with several fraternities

•Sarah Bartlett attended Leadership academy

•Many Kappas showed support for ALS and participated in a fundraiser walk

•Alex Hidalgo was voted Gamma Beta’s Greek Week chairman


October

•We had an awesome Big-little week

•Many Kappas attended a Founders Day banquet with alumni

•We volunteered for the Campus event Fall frenzy, where many organizations got together and helped clean up campus

•34 members got initiated into the Gamma Beta chapter


November

•Gamma Beta had a great Formal at the Hotel Andaluz

•We hosted our Philanthropy event, Kappa Kakes, at our house

•Our LC visited and helped our new Chapter Council become comfortable with their positions

•VP of Standards, Amanda Flores, put on Spirit week with fun challenges to win prizes

•Kappas showed their gratitude for their bigs during Big Appreciation Week

•We elected a new Chapter Council


December

•Installed the new officers

•Kappas helped with Hanging of the Greens around campus

•Finals week

•Amanda miller was elected for Academic Excellence on Panhellenic Committee


Recent changes on campus: This past year on campus the dining hall, La Posada, was renovated and all freshman living in dorms were required to buy a meal plan. The Cottages were built to increase campus housing. The soccer and basketball teams did well.

Overall nature of chapter: As a chapter we have a mutual respect for all of our sisters and share a strong bond of sisterhood. Kappas continued to be very high achieving and stayed involved on campus in other clubs and activities. We support our sisters and want the best for them and our chapter. Gamma Beta values accountability, respect, and compassion for our members.

Challenges and how they were overcome: Some challenges we encountered as a chapter this past year involved: filling the house, social media, and paying Billhighway with credit or debit cards. The problem of filling the house was conquered through positive encouragements by House board and requiring applications for live-out to be due earlier to allow for better preparation. The challenge of monitoring social media was overcome through diligent monitoring by the PR officer of member’s personal sites. Members who continued to pay Billhighway with a credit or debit card were sent to standards.


Highlight of 2015[edit]

In the spring semester of 2015, we won Greek Week on campus and Gamma Beta was recognized as a five star chapter. We also raised the most money for the Greek Week Philanthropy, Basket of Hope. We participated in a community service project at the Zoo and attended the philanthropy event, Lobothon. Kappa put on the annual golf tournament Kappa Klassic and raised money for UNM Children’s Hospital and Alumni Foundation. We had Greek Graduation for our graduating senior members.

In the fall semester, Gamma Beta had pre-recruitment and recruitment in August and welcomed 37 new members. We learned valuable lessons from the LC that visited during this time. A fellow member, Makayla Mondragon, attended Leadership Academy. On October 13, we had our Founders Day banquet and on October 17, we initiated 36 members. We elected a new chapter council and new officers were installed into their positions. Our member, Hannah Glasgow, was elected Panhellenic president.

Gamma Beta’s Spring cumulative was 3.417 and the all Greek Average was 3.252. Our Fall cumulative was 3.308 and the all Greek average was 3.223.

This past year on campus, our sports teams did well; unfortunately, we lost a member of our football team to a car accident. We have a new interim dean of students, and a BeKind organization was formed on campus to promote small acts of kindness.

The overall nature of our chapter is very supportive and respectful. Our members encourage one another in academics and all aspects of life. Kappas continued to be very involved on campus and leaders in many other clubs. Our values focus on accountability, involvement, and respect for all Gamma Beta members. In the spring semester of 2015, we won Greek Week on campus and Gamma Beta was recognized as a five star chapter. We also raised the most money for the Greek Week Philanthropy, Basket of Hope.

Chapter Philanthropy:

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

Along with putting on several events at our house to benefit our national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, our chapter traditionally contributes to a local philanthropy called lobothon. This philanthropy involves a 12-hour non-stop dance marathon that raises money to benefit the children in the University of New Mexico Hospital.

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

Our chapter chose this organization to support because it was started by a fellow member of our Greek life community at UNM, who was himself affected by pediatric cancer. We also have several members of our chapter who work on the committee to put on the dance marathon. We felt it was very important to show Gamma Beta’s support for a local cause that is dear to the community’s heart.

Woman behind the badge:

Do any of your chapter officers wear historical badges? Yes, our chapter president wears a historical badge.

What is inscribed on the back of the badge? There is nothing inscribed on the back of the badge.

Highlights of 2016[edit]

In the year of 2016, the Gamma Beta Chapter obtained many accomplishments. We proudly initiated 27 wonderful women into our chapter and elected a new officer committee. We raised money for a number of different organizations, including but not limited to; Reading is Fundamental and Children's Miracle Network. We were proud winners of Greek Week, where we raised the most money for Cuidando De Los Niño’s; an organization that helps homeless children in New Mexico.

We have recently upgraded the security and safety protocols on campus with the help of our sisters that sit on the ASUNM committee. We have also upgraded our own safety here at the Gamma Beta House; adding additional key pad locks and patrolling security. The safety and well-being of our sisters is one of our top priorities. Over the last year our chapter has become a very strong, supportive, and close-knit sisterhood.

Our chapter has historically raised money for The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, Children's Miracle Network, and Cuidando De Los Niño’s. We have chosen these organizations to support because children are the future. They have a constant pressure put upon them to flourish and succeed and we want provide the support and opportunity they need to achieve their goals.


Highlights of 2017[edit]

The University of New Mexico went through some changes in an effort to make the campus more eco-friendly. Some of these efforts included more recycling bins, more eco-friendly electrical options, and the use of solar panels on buildings to provide eco-friendly energy to the campus. As a chapter, we contributed to these efforts by recycling, reducing electrical usage and promoting less water usage.

Our chapter was very active this year philanthropically. We held Kappa Kakes (a pancake breakfast), Kappa Klassic (a golf tournament) and Kappa Con Queso (a chips and queso gathering) for the benefit of RIF. We also raised money for and donated hours towards our first Girls Academy and LoboThon, a local student-run organization that raises money for the children's hospital. Our members also volunteered for numerous organizations throughout the city. Additionally, the chapter donated clothing and basic necessities for the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Our challenges this year included scholarship and finances. The chapter council set a GPA goal for 3.4 for the chapter. We are currently at a 3.33, .02 lower than the all-women's average for the university. We also chose to cancel our formal due to financial concerns. We are making appropriate changes to our payment plans and distribution of funds to counteract this situation.


Highlights of 2018[edit]

Gamma Beta started 2018 by setting two goals: to have the highest GPA among the four Panhellenic groups on campus and to maintain the chapter's five star chapter rating. The Fraternity recognized the chapter's efforts with an academic excellence award at the 2018 national convention in Denver.

The University of New Mexico made history in 2018 by naming its first female president, Dr. Garnett Stokes. The chapter has been pleased to see the positive change she has brought to the university, especially in the area of Greek Life involvement. Additionally, the University has re-built and updated the Anderson School of Business.

Gamma Beta continues to be active in the area of philanthropy. The chapter worked closely with the Albuquerque Alumnae Association as they hosted the annual Kappa Klassic Golf Tournament. All funds raised were donated to Casa Angelica, a home for disabled children started by the parents of two Gamma Beta members. In addition, the chapter works with the alumnae association on a Reading is Fundamental project. Book bags are painted and books are collected to give to the children at a local YMCA child care facility. Finally, many Gamma Betas work individually on philanthropic projects of their own choosing.


Highlights of 2019[edit]

During the 2019 calendar year, the chapter faced a number of challenges when there were changes made to UNM's primary recruitment process. Recruitment was moved from the time just prior to school starting to a time period after school had started (Labor Day weekend). The Fraternity and Sorority Life office also implemented the Release Figure Methodology. Despite these changes, the chapter recruited and initiated 24 new members. We were especially glad to have the help of a Leadership Consultant during this time. Gamma Beta also had the most improved GPA among the four Panhellenic groups on campus.

A new University President was also named during 2019. The chapter has attended may open house events at the university president's home, which helped strengthen the relationship between the university and Greek life.

Gamma Beta is pleased to support Reading is Fundamental as their philanthropy. While RIF is Kappa's national philanthropy, it also has a special place for New Mexican children. According to newmexicoliteracy.org, 46% of New Mexico's children are at or below the literacy level. We feel we can make an impact on our state's literacy rate by supporting RIF with book and monetary donations.

We were pleased to celebrate Founders Day with the Albuquerque Alumnae Association at the Albuquerque Country Club. A number of alumnae received their 50, 65, and 75 year pins and both alumnae and active chapter members were recognized for their efforts in Kappa and the community. We very much enjoyed the visit of the Minnie Stewart van and look forward to planning other events to celebrate our 150th anniversary.

Highlights of 2020[edit]

This year our chapter operations were affected tremendously by the COVID-19 pandemic and the New Mexico state lockdowns. Despite all of the hardships the COVID-19 pandemic and college life brought to us, we tried to stay as connected as possible and hopeful by planning virtual events. Most chapter events were transformed into virtual events with the help of sisters, advisors and specialists. We held our first ever fully virtual initiation ceremony as well as a fully virtual recruitment in the fall. We did have the opportunity to plan a few in-person and socially distanced events as well. For example, the 2020 Big-Little Sister Reveal was held at The Pit (University Arena) where 5 seniors got to welcome the new members of Gamma Beta via a drive by with goodie bags, shirts and festive Kappa gear. We also held our Formal Pledging ceremony in person and we chose to do it 8-9 times so each new member could come to the chapter house while following socially distancing guidelines.

We were pleased to win the 2020 Greek Week trophy after a week of various events: Community service, Greek Sing, Greek Trivia, Greek Week pie in the face, Skate Social and Greek Games. The Founders Day Chapter Awards included: Christy Barker Award to Mariana Rosas, Helen MacArthur Savage Award to Abigale Aldrich, the Rosalie Furry Doolittle Award to Jessica Maxwell, the Footprints Award to Kristin Woodworth, the Sisterhood Award to Payton Fowler, the Barbara Crosby Trechel Award to Emma Hotz, and the Senior Award to Lynn Midani.

Gamma Beta supported a number of philanthropies in 2020: Reading is Fundamental (RIF), The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Girls Academy, Lobothon, Greek Life philanthropies, and other local organizations (school supply and PPE drives for special needs students, donation drive for a homeless student and their family, and blanket making for the Ronald McDonald House). Gamma Beta chooses to support Reading Is Fundamental because we believe that every child deserves the stepping stones and opportunities to receive a full education in the future. By providing guidance, resources, and reading to children, we hope to give children the background in education they may be missing. RIF is so important to our chapter due to the high rates of illiteracy in our state. Reading books to children can help them grow as students in many subjects and provides them with growth in their imagination and possibilities in the world as well. We held a Kappa Karving philanthropy (carving pumpkins) in October to support RIF.

Our chapter implemented an amazing DEI officer in 2020 who created a diversity program for each Monday night meeting. Her programs included "embracing your own diversity" (a group activity where we all filled in what makes us unique on a flower petal and in the center of the flower we wrote a group commonality which were shared with other groups), "Kappa Key" (everyone took time to read through "The Key" and discuss a pioneering alumna who stood out to them personally), education on racism (watching videos on systemic racism) and a presentation about indigenous cultures for Indigenous People Day. Finally, she implemented a book club where we read and discussed race and differences in life paths from a book titled, "The Vanishing Half."

Finally, we celebrated Kappa's 150th anniversary by watching the Facebook Live program produced by Fraternity Headquarters. We also were able to tour the Minnie Stewart Van early in the spring.


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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