Difference between pages "Lambda" and "Eta Delta"

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{{Infobox Fraternity
 
{{Infobox Fraternity
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|Name= Lambda
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|Name= Eta Delta
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|GreekSymbol= Λ
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|GreekSymbol= HΔ
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|Image= [[File:Lambda.jpg|200px]]
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|Image= [[File:Eta_Delta.jpg|200px]]
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1877|06|10}}
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1998|04|18}}
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|College= [http://www.uakron.edu/ University of Akron]
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|College= [https://www.valpo.edu/ Valparaiso University]
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|Location= Arkon, OH
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|Location= Valparaiso, IN
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|Homepage= [http://chapters.kappakappagamma.org/lambda/ Lambda Homepage]
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|Homepage= [https://valpo.kappa.org/ Eta Delta Homepage]
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|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Lambda Media related to Lambda Chapter]}}
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|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Eta_Delta Media related to Eta Delta Chapter]}}
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'''University of Akron founded in 1914, formerly Buchtel College founded in 1870'''
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'''Eta Delta, Valparaiso University'''
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'''Valparaiso University founded in 1859 in Valparaiso, Indiana'''
  
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'''Lambda chapter: founded June 10, 1877'''
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'''Founded April 18, 1998'''
  
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'''1,801 members as of (June 2014)'''
 
  
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'''447 Initiates (as of June 2018)'''
  
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'''Some of Lambda’s Outstanding Alumnae:''' (If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
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'''Some of Eta Delta’s Outstanding Members:'''
  
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'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''
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'''Fraternity Officers:'''
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Marion Bell Slade (Ransom), Grand Marshal 1884-1986; Mary Krenzke (Grandlin), Grand Secretary, 1886-1888; Lydia Voris Kolbe, Grand President 1916-1918, Grand Treasurer 1908-1914; (Lydia) Elmie Warner Mallory, Grand President 1904-1906, Grand Registrar 1900-1904; Elizabeth Voris Lawry, Editor of The Key 1904-1905, Martha Simmons (Murray), Field Secretary 1961-1963; Lesley Dillon (Lage), Traveling Consultant 2001-2002
 
  
  
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'''Fraternity Loyalty Award:'''
  
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'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
 
  
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'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
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'''Additional Outstanding Eta Delta Alumnae:'''
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Lisa Thomas (Mathews), Chapter Consultant 2004-2005
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==History of University==
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Valparaiso University, known colloquially as Valpo, is located in Valparaiso, Ind. The university is a coeducational, four-year, private Lutheran institution founded in 1859 which had five colleges (arts and sciences, business administration, engineering, nursing and honors) when the Fraternity installed Eta Delta Chapter on the campus. It is the largest independent Lutheran university in the United States and is home to the second-largest collegiate chapel in the world, The Chapel of the Resurrection.
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In its more than 150-year history, Valparaiso University has passed through three distinct phases. Founded by Methodists in 1859 as an institution pioneering coeducation, the Valparaiso Male and Female College was forced by the reverses of the Civil War to close its doors in 1871.
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It was revived in 1873 by an enterprising educator, Henry Baker Brown, as the Northern Indiana Normal School, renamed Valparaiso College in 1900 and rechartered in 1906 as Valparaiso University. During the next 20 years, it established business and law schools and won national recognition as a low-cost, no-frills institution of higher learning. Many alumni of this period achieved distinction in their fields as governors, legislators, scientists, business leaders and other professionals.
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Despite its decades of success, the university again experienced financial hardship as the United States entered World War I. The Lutheran University Association, a group of clergy and church laity who saw a bright future for the university, purchased it in 1925, ushering in the modern era of Valparaiso’s history. Distinguished by its Lutheran heritage of scholarship, freedom and faith, Valparaiso University continues to fulfill the dreams of these modern founders.
  
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Valparaiso has established itself as a premier Midwestern university that combines a thorough grounding in the liberal arts with solid professional training. In the 1940s, the university, spurred by student action, established a school of engineering and adopted a student-administered honor system. The Christ College honors program and a school of nursing further enriched the university’s offerings.
  
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In 1956, Valparaiso’s chapel-auditorium was destroyed by fire. In 1959, it was replaced by the majestic Chapel of the Resurrection, a fitting symbol of the university’s commitment to its Lutheran ideals—and of the thriving community’s renewed growth.
  
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'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
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Covering 320 acres, Valpo’s campus is positioned one hour southeast of Chicago and just 15 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. The town of Valparaiso is considered to be the southeastern-most suburb of the Chicago metropolitan area.
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Frances McGovern, Attorney; legislator; first female chairman of Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
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==The Early Years==
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When the Fraternity Council voted to accept the petition from a local sorority at Valparaiso University, planning to establish a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma on the campus began. In February 1998, members of the local group Phi Beta Chi were formally pledged during colonization services and planning for installation began.
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On April 18, 1998, Eta Delta chapter was installed. The installation was conducted by Fraternity President Cathy Thompson Carswell, Illinois Wesleyan; Director of Chapters Ann Stafford Truesdell, Ohio Wesleyan and Chairman of Extension Juliana (J.J.) Fraser Wales, Ohio State.
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Other National Panhellenic Conference groups on the campus in 1998 were Kappa Delta, Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Delta Pi, Gamma Phi Beta and Chi Omega.
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==Highlights of 1997-1999:==
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(From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
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Approximately 35 percent of the undergraduate students were Greek in 1998. Eta Delta Chapter had 41 active members and 11 new members which was more than the average chapter size on campus.
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Throughout the 1997-1998 school year, Phi Beta Chi/Kappa Kappa Gamma had as its goal to receive the President’s Award of Excellence on campus. Phi Beta Chi had last received this award in 1992. Eta Delta was confident that it will continue to be one of the truly distinguished chapters at Valpo.
  
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Eta Delta Chapter was guided by Chapter Consultant Heather Siegel, Iowa, as the chapter began transiting from a local sorority to a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was not only a consultant, but also a friend to the chapter members.
  
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'''Additional Outstanding Lambda Alumnae:'''
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At the beginning of fall semester, the members set the chapter goal: to do more activities as a chapter and to participate more in campus activities. The chapter accomplished this through intramurals, participating in community service projects and being involved in Panhellenic.
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Dale Hinton (Hertel), Graduate Counselor 1944-1945; Martha Simmons (Murray), Graduate Counselor 1960-1961; Jill Hughes (Mealy), Chapter Consultant 1996-1997
 
  
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The chapter members and members of Phi Delta Theta partnered in trick-or-treating at the pediatric ward of Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso. The Kappas and Theta Chi held a yard sale in October. Members were encouraged to bring clothing, household items and anthing else that could be included in the sale. The proceeds from the event supported the Breast Cancer Society of Valparaiso. Additional activities were Adopt-A-Grandma, Adopt-A-Highway, Drop Walk for Hunger and traditional green events.
  
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==THE FOUNDING OF LAMBDA CHAPTER==
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In 1999, the chapter raised its GPA to 3.26 which was above the all-campus average, and the chapter had grown to 51 members.
  
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The University of Akron, previously known as Buchtel College, has a long history of Greek life. Men’s fraternities have existed there for many years but in 1877, the Greek community decided that something was missing: a women’s fraternity. J. Augustine Gutherie, a Phi Delta Theta at Buchtel College, contacted Indiana University’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma to tell them about three Buchtel College women and the Greek community was on its way to changing for the good.  
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The greatest challenge the chapter faced was apathy. This was overcome by encouraging the members to be involved, scheduling fun events and giving out prizes and awards for participation including Kappa of the Week to the member who was the most involved.
  
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These three women, Mary B. Jewett, Harriet Evelyn Pardee, and Elizabeth O. Slade, signed Lambda Chapter’s charter on June 10, 1877 and held its first meeting on January 14, 1878. Five honorary members were in attendance including the wife of the Buchtel College president. This makes Kappa Kappa Gamma the first women’s fraternity on Buchtel College’s campus and the longest continuing Greek letter organization on campus.
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In 1999, Eta Delta Chapter took an active role in philanthropic activities. The members volunteered at the Valparaiso Guild Bazaar, participated in the Breast Cancer Walk, continued visiting and supporting the Kappa Grandma who lived at Canterbury Place and participated in highway clean-up. In addition to these events, the chapter also participated in the all-Greek activity of Trick-or-Canning which collected food for needy families in the area.
  
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A lot has changed since that first meeting including the landscape of campus, women’s rights, fashions, and even the name of the college itself, but several things remain the same. Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has had over 1700 members since it first started. These active members still aspire to be good sisters, good leaders, and good students. They work to serve campus and the community. Lambda alumni still display these qualities as well, because you can’t become a Kappa and remain unchanged. Kappa is for life.
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To celebrate the millenium, the chapter held a date party with Chi Omega which was its first double-date party with another sorority.
  
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==Highlights of 2000-2010:==
  
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==The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)==
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(From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
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Generally speaking, Lambda Kappas at the University of Akron live at home with their families. Many members work to assist with their college expenses; they are active in the chapter and on campus, are community-minded and maintain high scholastic standing.
 
  
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As individuals, chapter members have contributed much since Lambda’s founding, June 10, 1877. The college was called Butchel at the time, named for John R. Butchel, and Kappa was the first women’s fraternity to be placed there, and is the oldest continually active Greek letter organization on the Akron campus.
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The chapter celebrated Founders Day on October 13, 2005. The chapters displayed a set of letters from Phi Beta Chi, the local sorority which became Eta Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1998. Also displayed were Phi Beta Chi composites, the first Kappa Kappa Gamma composite and memorbilia from the local sorority days including a bunny because it was known as the Beta Bunnies.
  
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Buchtel College, founded in May, 1870, designated by the Universalist Church as its contribution to education in Ohio, was dedicated September 20, 1872, and nine days later 217 students became involved in a simple course of study with seven faculty members. Discipline was rigid: a certificate of good behavior was required for admission; abstention from tobacco and liquor insisted upon for scholarship holders; daily chapel, (cut to three days a week in 1912 and finally ended as compulsory in 1934), was a firm rule.
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The chapter received six awards at the 2005 Delta Province Meeting including house board/chapter relations, greatest improvement, new member program, most improved scholarship and received an honorable mention for unity, loyalty and gracious living as well as membership.
  
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In 1877, young J. Augustus Guthrie, a Buchtel Phi Delta Theta, told some Kappas at Indiana University about three Buchtel girls. Letters were exchanged, and on June 10, Mary B. Jewett, Elizabeth U. Slade (Voris), and Harriet E. Pardee (Parshall) signed Lambda’s charter.
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The chapter was proud to be second academically among the women’s groups on the campus. The chapter had the most 4.0s of any sorority on campus fall semester, and the new member class had the highest GPA compared to other new member classes. This year there were 49 chapter members.
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The first Kappa meeting was on January 14, 1878. Five honorary members were taken in, one the wife of the college president. Literary meetings and sponsored lectures were held in members’ rooms and on the top floor of Buchtel Hall.
 
  
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The first woman editor-in-chief of The Buchtelite was Elmie Warner (Mallory). The first YWCA president was Ethel Davies (Read), and the first five Mary Queens were Kappas. The first Panhellenic president was Rachel Fleming (Hertz) and the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from the university was Evelyn Church Smith. The Lambdas were the first to wear rush outfits (1968) and by 1970 every sorority had followed their example.
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The members enjoyed a hayride date party, homecoming week and an exciting Hollywood semi-formal dance in November. Kappa’s campus-wide philanthropy, Battle of the Sexes, was successful this year. Throughout the semester, the members worked on changes in the chapter room and added a new dining room table.  
  
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Lambda alumnae have become doctors, lawyers, artists, authors, educators. They have taught in Egypt, Okinawa, Pakistan… Patricia Rose Costello was a Rockette; Gretchen Bock was associate editor of Sesame Street; Antonia Blackletter Nichols became the head of the Red Cross volunteer program in the Far East. Three Lambdas have been president of the University of Akron Alumni Association: Lucy Danforth Felt (1893), Margaret Cruickshank Fleming (1944) and Lois Waltz Burgner (1959). Margaret ( Maggie ) and Lois, as well as Evelyn Church Smith and Virginia Lyon Hardwick, have been honored by the university as outstanding alumnae.
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This fall, the campus changed from informal recruitment to continuous open bidding. Eta Delta was unfamiliar with this method of fall recruitment so several workshops were held to prepare the actives for it.  
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The chapter wanted to unite off-campus and on-campus members. They did that by setting up a buddy system and creating a screen name that let all the members know what activities were going to take place during the week.
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The chapter members wanted to encourage more alumnae to attend events by letting them know a month ahead of upcoming activities.
  
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Since Akron rubber companies send people all over the globe, Akron Kappas, with their husbands, are representing the United States in almost every country of the world.
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In 2006, the 50th anniversary of the former local chapter was celebrated by holding a banquet and dance that was attended by many Kappa alumnae. Alumnae and active members spoke at the banquet. A big room of the chapter’s dorm was reserved to display archives including old composites. The members made a quilt out of old letters that had been in storage and displayed it on a wall. Scrapbooks from past years were on tables for the guests to see as well as cut-out wooden letters and Kappa memorabilia.
  
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A happy event mentioned in early minutes told of a visit in 1882 to the Wooster chapter (two years later the Wooster girls were refused a return visit by their rigid faculty), and the two groups celebrated Thanksgiving together with dinner, a reception, and, next morning a sleigh ride.
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Eta Delta started a new philanthropy activity with the Midwest Center. The members went to this home which serves children who have been abused and as a result have emotional disabilities. They started a library there and began a library night. The chapter is the only group that goes to the center and spends time with the children who love being with the women. Eta Delta was featured in the center’s newsletter and was asked to come back again.  
  
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Strawberry festivals, taffy pulls, and chestnut roasts were popular pastimes. A Lambda girl was fined $2 for wearing a gentleman’s fraternity pin. Term dues to the Grand Chapter were $1; personal dues, 25 cents; initiation fee, $1.25; fines for absence, tardiness, and disorderly conduct, 25 cents, 10 cents, and 5 cents.
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The chapter pledged four girls in the fall and 11 in spring recruitment. The staff member who was in charge of all the sorority recruitment said that Eta Delta’s spring rush was the best she had ever seen by the chapter.
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The most tragic event ever associated with Lambda was the fire of 1890, started at the praeceptress’s party for birthday girls. A Mother Goose cap, made of paper and tufted with cotton, took fire from a gas light. Two girls died that night and another later; five others were badly burned. The whole college mourned.
 
  
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Lambda’s interest in the Fraternity at Large was spurred by the election of Marion Bell Slade (Ransom) as grand marshal in 1884. The 1886 Convention was held in Akron, costing considerably less than $75. Lambda presented another honorary member, Emma White Perkins, who sang at the Convention. Mary Krenzke (Grandlin) was Grand Secretary, 1886-1888. Lambda had continuous representation on Council. Elmie Warner (Mallory) served four years as Grand Registrar and two as Grand President after her marriage, 1904-1906; Elizabeth Voris Lawry was Editor of The Key and then Grand Treasurer; Lydia Voris Kolbe was Grand Treasurer six years, Business Manager of The Key two years, and Grand President, 1916-1920. She was also the first Gamma Province president. Helen Farst Walace wrote the Lambda chapter report for the 1870-1930 History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity.
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The students on the Valpo campus are very close. All of the chapters support each other’s philanthropic activities. Also, there is a good relationship between the Greeks and independents. Eta Delta members are very involved on the campus and are the only chapter to participate in each Greek organization’s philanthropic event. There is at least one chapter member who participates in each organization on campus.
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Turn of the Century
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The chapter meets in a university-owned chapter room which makes it inconvenient to install anything such as a fan or pictures on the wall.
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During Valparaiso’s homecoming weekend in 2006, Eta Delta invited Kappa alumnae to its chapter room for a few hours during the day. The alumnae had a good time looking at old scrapbooks and composites while reminiscing about their college days.
  
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In 1901, after a period of fund raising and rebuilding following a serious campus fire, Dr. Augustus Church became college president. He was a man of many virtues and well acquainted with Kappas: his wife a Beta Beta; and two daughters, Evelyn and Dorothy, initiates of Lambda and Beta Beta ∆ and Gamma Chi. After his sudden death in 1912, Parke R. Kolbe became president, and Lydia, his Lambda wife whose mother Elizabeth Slade Voris was a charter member was often a gracious hostess to the chapter.
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The chapter pledged 12 new members at the beginning of the year and seven more women during fall semester. The members continued to focus on scholarship and philanthropy.  
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At the 2007 Delta Province Meeting, Eta Delta received six awards: first place for philanthropy and honorable mention in academic excellence, membership, new member program, advisory board/chapter relations and unity, loyalty and gracious living. Kappa’s dedication was displayed when it received several Greek Life awards: President’s Award for Excellence, Adviser of the Year Award and Outstanding Philanthropy and Community Award. The chapter was proud of Kappa Jennifer Cole who was named Greek Woman of the Year.
  
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Under Dr. Kolbe’s supervision the City Council of Akron accepted the land, buildings and endowment, and, with Buchtel College as a nucleus, established the University of Akron, September, 1914.
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Renovations were made to the chapter room including new carpeting and plans were made to install a keypad and new cabinetry.  
  
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Hezzelton Simmons became president in 1933. Under him, Simmons Hall was built, and a student building, opened in 1939, was run by a student crew with a Kappa co-manager, Antonia Blackletter (Nichols). She was the first woman to ever hold such a position in the United States. President Simmons had three Kappa daughters and a Kappa daughter-in-law. He himself always presented Kappa bids to each new girl. Catherine Simmons Russell, who earned a graduate degree at Goucher College while she helped organize Delta Theta Chapter there, remembers her father’s sense of humor… She mentions an instance when she was delegated to do the Kappa laundry which conflicted with a special date. Her father, then a chemistry professor, sent her off on the date and did the laundry himself.
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Valparaiso University built a new student union in the center of campus to bring students together for dining, mail and student organization meetings. University President Alan Harre announced his retirement during the summer of 2007, and Mark Heckler was named as his replacement effective in October 2008.
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One of the biggest challenges the chapter faced this year was communication among its members. The members realized it was important to talk face-to-face rather than relying on email so much, and confidentiality was stressed.  
  
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During the Depression many Kappas worked part time, dues were lowered, and the spring formal was cancelled. Song Fest took place for the first time in 1933.
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During 2008, Eta Delta celebrated its 10th anniversary. Kappa alumnae were invited to come to the chapter room where desserts were served while everyone reminisced as they looked back on the growth of the chapter. Chapter scrapbooks, awards, and pictures were on display. The undergraduates and alumnae enjoyed putting Kappa stickers and bookmarks into books which were donated to Reading is Fundamental (RIF). It was special for the active members to listen to alumnae stories. This display brought a lot of memories to the alumnae as well as the undergraduates and reminded everyone of her continuing sisterhood.
  
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The chapter room had been under construction and everyone was pleased to see the outcome. With the new entertainment system, cable and welcoming atmosphere, the chapter room had become a place where members could get together outside of scheduled meetings.
  
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==World War II Years==
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Eta Delta continued the tradition of philanthropy by collecting small stuffed animals and won the H.U.G. challenge on campus. In addition the chapter added two new philanthropies: Kappa Goat Regatta and Kappa Kasino. During the year, the chapter donated more than $2,650 to several philanthropies such as the Midwest Center and Hilltop. With its dedication to philanthropy and sisterhood, the chapter was pleased when it received third place for its academics in the spring.
  
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World War II found Kappas knitting, wrapping bandages, selling savings stamps, writing letters to servicemen, and working at the USO. Veterans flooded the campus after the war ended.
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Greek Life Awards the campus received were President’s Award of Achievement, Outstanding Public Relations Award and Outstanding Chapter Programming Award. These awards show the chapter’s commitment to the campus and community.  
  
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Mary Giddings Keating was named dean of women, responsible for counseling all women student.
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Valparaiso University celebrated its 150th anniversary during the fall of 2008, and several activities were held on campus. Kappa hosted the Duck Pond. The new student union building was dedicated in January 2009 to honor outgoing President Harre.  
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In 1945, after years of rented rooms and houses, Lambda took the first step toward home ownership since 1900, when an unsuccessful attempt had been made. With Margaret Zink Brewster as chairman, the Lambda House Association was founded with 164 contributing charter members. In 1948 the move was made to 204 Spicer Street, a home which the chapter purchased.
 
  
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==The 1950s==
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The chapter faced challenges with Recruitment. Valparaiso had its lowest number of rushees in 10 years and decided not to conduct a fall Recruitment. Eta Delta had trouble filling its council positions although the nominating committee did a good job of slating members in positions for which they were well qualified.  
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During the early 1950s, all was not well with women’s fraternities. The expected increase in enrollment was mostly men. An alumnae steering committee, headed by Lambda’s Marion Barnes Zehender helped pull the chapter back to its former level.
 
  
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The actives worked hard to set up a tight budget, coordinate activities, and regulate studies. Results were good and morale rose, the common goal drawing the members into close harmony. The summer of 1957 found Lambda with membership up, finances under control, scholarship excellent. So it was with disbelief the chapter read a letter from the Fraternity Council requesting a surrender of its charter due to inadequate women’s facilities on the campus. Chapter President Ann Whiting (Baldwin) called an emergency meeting of actives and alumnae. Result: a reply stating that the charter would not be voluntarily relinquished.
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To connect the new members and seniors, there was a focus on having the Fleur-de-Lis be senior members during the new member period.
  
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The Akron Beacon-Journal featured the situation on the front page, and the university President Norman Auburn invited the Council to come to Akron. Accepting the invitation were Executive Secretary Clara O. Pierce, Ohio State, Fraternity President Eleanore Goodridge Campbell, Colorado, and Director of Chapters Frances Fatout Alexander, DePauw. The decision: the situation had been misconstrued. The committee was impressed with the university and was proud to have Lambda Chapter on the campus. Its delegate to the 1958 Convention returned to Akron with a large silver tray inscribed: First Place—Greatest Chapter Improvement Award—Lambda.
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Since the chapter was on probation, the morale was low. Its social and philanthropic events on campus were limited, and a variety of educational events and workshops were held. To raise morale, several sisterhood events were held which helped the chapter realize it wanted to be proactive in Valparaiso University’s community.
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In 1959 a new award, given in the name of Jayne Pesar, a beloved member who died that spring, was offered to the Lambda member best exemplifying a Kappa woman.
 
 
   
 
   
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To encourage members to stay in school the Akron Alumnae Association inaugurated the Memorial Scholarship Fund, a no-interest loan fund through which alumnae can remember a Kappa sister by temporarily easing the financial burdens of an active student.
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With Recruitment in 2010, the chapter moved forward using the lessons it had learned and with a class of 15 fabulous new members who invigorated the chapter. In March, the chapter held its second annual Kappa Boat Regatta in the campus pool. Several other Greek groups participated, and their creativity was amazing. There were many surprises along the way.
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In April, Eta Delta served as hostess for the Delta Province meeting. It was such fun to meet undergraduate and alumnae members from throughout the province. The chapter was proud to receive the Advisory Board/Chapter Relations and Standards awards. The chapter received the following awards from the university: the President’s Award of Achievement and adviser Valarie Thayer, UC San Diego, received an Advisory Board award.
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As the semester closed, the chapter was received a focus letter from the Fraternity Council. The members looked forward to the next semester to regain the chapter’s direction and conquer the challenges facing it. Eta Delta members returned for the next semester in high spirits, planning monthly sisterhood events and looking forward to philanthropy.
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Sisterhood events brought everyone together, and members participated in the Watermelon Mayham and Sigma Chi Derby Days. For Founders Day, we toured the campus to learn about the first Kappas through crossword puzzles, clues and walking to the chapel steps. It was wonderful to have a lot of alumnae share the day with the chapter.
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The second-annual Kappa Kasino philanthropy event was a huge success. Many attended, and it proved to be another great way to unite with other Greek organizations and also reach into the community to gain their involvement as well. To close the year, the chapter participated in the Kappa Foundation Holiday Sharing program. The members purchased gifts and raised money for a fellow sister.
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On campus, the 50th anniversary of the Chapel of Resurrection was celebrated, a new fitness center was completed in the fall and new campus apartments were finished for fall semester. The chapter worked to increase the bonds of sisterhood, get its GPA above the all-sorority average and was involved in other campus activities and service projects.
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In 2010, the chapter initiated 19 new members and was third among the seven sororities in academics. Eta Delta placed second in the first-ever Valpo Cup in the fall and had some great sisterhood events: hayride and ice skating. The chapter raised $400 from the Boat Regatta which benefited RIF. Eta Delta participated in intramurals such as water basketball, volleyball, floor hockey and soccer. At Greek Awards, the chapter received the public relations award.
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The chapter was sad to have 18 seniors graduate in the spring and pleased to pledge five new members for the fall class. Several Kappas went abroad to study. Eta Delta received a warning of probation letter as the year closed. It included a checklist of what the chapter has accomplished so far and looked very good. The chapter was very positive about the progress it had made during the past year.
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==Highlights of 2011-2019:==
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From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.:
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==Highlights of 2011==
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During 2011, Eta Delta organized two successful philanthropic events: Kappa Cardboard Boat Regatta and Mr. & Miss Greek Life Pageant. Together these two events successfully raised money for RIF. Also this year, the chapter won Homecoming, and chapter member Alex Moulchin was crowned Homecoming Queen. In academics, Eta Delta had 14 members make the Dean’s List, and two members had 4.0s. The chapter initiated 20 new members.
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This year, Valparaiso University hired a new Greek Life coordinator: Allison Cath, Northwestern.
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The chapter worked hard to meet the terms of the warning of probation from the Fraaternity. The members became familiar with the Fraternity’s Bylaws and Standing Rules, and each member was expected to hold herself to high standards of conduct.
  
  
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==The 1960s==
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==Highlights of 2012==
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Once again, in 1966, the Kappas found themselves in the path of an expanding university, and the Lambda House Association, led by Carol Aspell Messmore, bought three parcels of property, containing four houses. Two were then rented, one was razed, and one renovated to house 12 university students. Plans for a future chapter house for 40 members were drawn up, and a fund drive launched with hopes of building in 1971.
 
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By 1968 the university no longer needed the housing, so the Kappa Annex came into being. The house on Spicer Street was sold to the university and the annex became the Kappa House. It was realized that Lambda would never need a structure to house all members and plans for a lodge-type house were made. The realization of this dream came true in 1975 when a new lodge was dedicated.
 
  
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==The Early 1970s==
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Eta Delta began 2012 with a strong formal recruitment of ten women, who we got to know at a sisterhood event on bid day. We welcomed them with blue and blue cupcakes and played get-to-know-you games. Soon after, the new chapter council met for a leadership retreat to discuss the chapter’s goals for the upcoming year.
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1970 was a year of great change. Greek activities lost emphasis. The events at Kent State, so close to home, had a serious effect on Akron students. Lambda Kappas ranged from those who mourned the loss of traditional events to those who gladly turned their attention to national and political action.
 
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The Kappa Centennial was celebrated on Founders Day, 1970 with 100 alumnae and 70 actives in attendance. Virginia Bader (McGuckin), who was named Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year and the Akron recipient of Kappa’s Centennial Scholarship, was a featured guest.
 
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The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
 
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==Highlights of the 1970s==
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In February, we were visited by a Leadership Consultant, Haley Smith, who stayed for the week and helped our chapter work on efficiency and unity.  We celebrated Valentines Day together at our semi-formal Kappa Krush Dance and continued the sisterly fun at a hilariously awesome Murder Mystery Sisterhood event.  March brought even more chances to bond.  We had another sisterhood event to learn about etiquette, and then we spent a week preparing for initiation by having a Kappa Love night, performing new member class skits, and having a new member class sleepover in the Chapter Room. 
  
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Trends on campus and within the chapter included the importance of performing arts and speaking up about issues on campus. Many influential speakers visited the University of Akron to inform students about current issues, a variety of bands performed on campus, and many theatre productions were held. Fashion trends included the Farah Fawcett hairstyle, leather jackets, short dresses, wedge shoes, different prints and patterns, and big accents on clothing.  
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After initiating our newest Kappas, we got to know the men of Phi Kappa Psi at a unity event where we danced the night away.  In April, we focused on our philanthropic involvement.  We hosted a very successful Mr. and Mrs. Greek Life Pageant to raise money for Reading is Fundamental, stayed up all night at the University’s Relay for Life, and participated in Phi Psi 500. We celebrated the Monmouth Duo by having a unity event with Pi Beta Phi, where we highlighted our shared tradition of academic excellence by coming together to study.
  
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The Lambda chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma faced very few difficulties during these years. The chapter was doing very well and was successful in many aspects. They had the highest GPA on campus for several years in a row, had successful rush weeks where they pledged more than 20 women during the fall Recruitments, and they were very involved on campus and in Greek life.  
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To strengthen our sisterhood, we had movie nights in the Chapter Room every other week, and we took our sisterhood on the road by traveling to the Indiana Dunes for a picnic with a view.  To honor the women who raised us, we invited our mothers to a Mom’s Day brunch.  Greek Week was also in April, so we partnered up with the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon to participate in trivia contests, relay races, and other friendly competitions.  Sigma Phi Epsilon also joined with us to participate in a cookout and bag-o tournament.
  
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The biggest challenge that the Kappas faced was maintaining such a high reputation on campus. They were able to deal with this challenge by continually recruiting outstanding women, hosting and attending many events with other Greek groups, and participating in activities throughout the campus and in the community. Kappa Kappa Gamma had a very positive reputation and was a highly respected sorority on the University of Akron’s campus.  
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At the end of the month, we dined and danced in style at a formal Sapphire Ball. The following morning, we paid tribute to our seniors at our Senior Banquet, where we enjoyed light refreshments as Kappa families gave speeches and parting gifts to the bigs and grandbigs that they’d miss!  In may, we wrapped up our semester by bump, set, and spiking our way to third place in Sigma Pi’s volleyball tournament, and gathering together as a sisterhood to watch the Kentucky Derby.
  
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Through the passing years, some important events occurred that influenced the chapter, like the opening and dedication of the new chapter house in October of 1975. This was very significant to the chapter and even to the surrounding community, and the mayor of Akron declared that October 26th of that year was Kappa Kappa Gamma Day. Also, members of the chapter attended Kappa’s 51st biennial convention held at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, Calif. in the summer of 1976. The women of Lambda chapter were very excited that they got to participate in and attend that event.  
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Over the summer, we had the opportunity to send five women to the national convention in Jacksonville, Florida, where we met Kappas from around the world, learned about our fraternity, and received an honorable mention award for our Exemplary House Board.
  
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During the weekend of June 10, 1977, they celebrated Lambda chapter’s 100th anniversary with many of their alumni and national Kappa Kappa Gamma officers at a dinner and a big ceremony (see below). On this day, the women displayed a quilt that they’d made showing their Kappa memories. Finally, in 1979, they hosted Gamma Province Meeting in Akron.  
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When we reunited in August, we got to know the freshmen by volunteering at Move In Day, Dunes Day and at the Welcome Back Block Party, where we also met Valparaiso’s new Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Life, Carolyn Whittier.  With her help, we recruited a large fall pledge class, adding eight new women to our sisterhood in September.  We celebrated Bid Day with a sisterhood event full of food and games.  Soon after, we invited our fathers to cook out and play outdoor games with us at a Dad’s Day event.  We also supported Sigma Chi’s philanthropy by competing in Derby Days and participated in Valparaiso’s Day of Caring. Near the end of the month, we spent the day together at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.  We also received a letter placing us on an academic focus plan, to assist us in improving our grades.
  
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At this time the President of the University of Akron was Dominic J. Guzzetta and the school was the third largest university in Ohio. The university opened music, speech, and theater arts building in 1975, in 1976 the building was renamed Guzzetta Hall in honor of the president and his wife.  
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The beginning of October was also the beginning of Homecoming Week. We participated in the week’s activities and were proud of our sister who earned second place in the race to becoming Homecoming Queen. The same week, we stood by two of our women who strutted their stuff in Tri Delta’s Fat-Talk-Free fashion show.  We came together to decorate paddles at a sisterhood event.  Eta Delta hosted our most successful Boat Regatta fundraiser yet, and we also celebrated Founders Day with our alumni over brunch and a presentation about our history.  This month, we had another visit from a leadership consultant, Rebecca Shaw.
  
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A national energy crisis was occurred at this time and the city of Akron was experiencing a decline in their once flourishing rubber industry. To deal with these problems, the university conserved energy by turning off lights and closing its game room for a period of time. Another issue on campus, included the lack of available parking spots.  
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After fall break, we helped Lambda Chi Alpha raise money at their Pumpkin Palooza, before donning our best plaid and overalls for a Kappa barn dance.  We also spent time with the men of Phi Sigma Kappa at a unity event cook out.  In November, we initiated our fall pledge class and elected our new chapter council. We finished out the month with a Christmas themed dance.  In December, the Christmas holidays were on our minds.  We had a Christmas party in our chapter room, where each sister made her own ornament for our brand new Christmas tree, ate Christmas cookies, and put together Christmas cards to send to Eta Delta’s alumni.
  
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Centennial Celebration June 10–12, 1977: 200 gathered in Akron to celebrate Lambda’s 100 years. The weekend began with tours of Akron attractions for out-of-town guests. Saturday, was reunion day with many classes having noon gatherings. One loyal alumna flew from Denver to Akron for the luncheon and returned home again that evening. Others came from as far as California, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Florida, Chicago and Pennsylvania.
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We stayed in the Christmas spirit with a unity event with Phi Delta Theta, where we decorated cookies to take to Hilltop preschool. In the spirit of holiday giving, we purchased gifts as a chapter to send to a sister in need through the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation’s Holiday Sharing Program. Keeping our academic focus plan in mind, we studied hard for finals, and raised our overall GPA back above the all sorority average, ending our year with much to be proud of.  
  
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The highlight of the weekend was the Centennial Banquet held at the Firestone Country Club. Connie O’Dell Nolte, Akron, Akron Alumnae Association President, served as toastmistress. A check for $1,000 was presented to Dr. Dominic Guzzetta, university president, by Sally Moore Nitschke, Ohio State, Director of Membership, on behalf of the Fraternity for Centennial Scholarships.
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In the past year, Greek Life on Valparaiso University’s campus has seen significant growth and undergone many positive changes.  In the fall of 2012, we welcomed Carolyn Whittier as our new Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Life, and she implemented many changes to Greek Life on our campus. She began to host monthly roundtable meetings for the officers of all of the fraternities and sororities to meet and discuss issues pertaining to their position together.  For example, the Risk Management and Event Chairmen from all of the organizations meet to discuss social events on campus and within Greek Life. In addition to these meetings, which keep us all informed, she has formed committees to update all of our campus documents for Greek Life, such as how Greek Judicial Board will operate.
  
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Graduating seniors were inducted into the alumnae association by Dru Cox Zuverink, Kentucky, Gamma Province Director of Alumnae. Juliana (J.J.) Fraser Wales, Ohio State, Gamma Province Director of Chapters, presented 50-year awards to four Lambda alumnae and one Beta Beta Deuteron alumna.  
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In addition to these organizational changes, Greek Life hosted Valparaiso’s first ever Dance Marathon to support Riley’s Children’s Hospital.  It was fun, great for Greek Life’s image on campus, and we raised over $10,000!  Overall, it was a success, and we will continue to host this event together in the future.  This year also saw changes in the way our campus hosts formal sorority recruitment.  Many changes were made, including replacing a skit night with a sisterhood night and having more open houses in the fall to raise interest sooner.  These changes and Ms. Whittier’s guidance helped all of the Panhellenic sororities have their largest recruitment in several years.  One other change on our campus this year is that the President of our University has begun to plan for the fraternities and sororities to get their own houses on a new greek row.  This is in the University’s ten year plan for the campus. 
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An audio-visual presentation of 100 years of Lambda Chapter entitled Bustles to Blue Jeans was enjoyed, highlighted by a style show presented by the active members wearing gowns which had been worn by former Fraternity Presidents.
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Eta Delta has certainly seen some changes in the past year.  We have worked hard to address some organizational and risk management issues, and I believe we’ve done a good job.  Our chapter is now running more efficiently and participating in dances and other social events more safely.  While those aspects of our chapter have improved this past year, we have struggled with our sisterhood and making an impression on the larger campus community.  We are turning now to focus on growing closer together again and stepping up our participation on campus to improve our image.
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Everyone was delighted to receive two elegant favors, a blue-and-blue needlepoint key tag made by various members and a blue enamel-on-copper fleur-de-lis pin made by area alumnae.
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A new tradition began when a new President’s badge was presented to the incoming association President. This badge will be passed on to each newly elected association president and she will wear it during her term of office. At this banquet, the new association officers were installed.
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==Highlights of 2014==
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Eta Delta received an honorable mention for New Member Programming at the 2014 Convention. We won the Ausensen Award for Excellence in Campus Involvement and an award for Excellence in Public Relations at the annual Valpo Greek Awards ceremony. We had teams participate in Dance Marathon and Relay for Life. Eta Delta was the 2014 Women's Division Runner-up in Songfest, which is an annual sing and dance competition between campus Greek Life. Our Spring Gpa was 3.295 and our Fall GPA was 3.201. Our representative for Homecoming, Amanda Moulchin, won homecoming queen. We became SAAFE certified for the years 2013-2014 by having 80% of our chapter participate in SAAFE certified workshops throughout the year. Eta Delta signed the One Valpo pledge, which is a pledge saying that we will "celebrate diversity and raise awareness to the peaceful outcomes of inclusion".  Our Panhellenic community adopted Circle of Sisterhood as our philanthropy. We also had members participate in VU Day of Caring, which is a university wide day of philanthropic events throughout the community. We held our first Reading is Key event with Hilltop children and partnered with Sigma Phi Epsilon. Hilltop is a local daycare center for underprivileged families in the community. We read with the children and did a craft with them and, since the event was around Christmas time, Sigma Phi Epsilon gave each child a present. Eta Delta also had two new philanthropy events in 2014. In March, we held Kappa Karnival, a community wide carnival event. In October we held our Kapture the Flag event, which was a capture the flag tournament.
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Eta Delta is relatively small compared to chapters at other schools. We pride ourselves in having a diverse group of women who are active on campus and off whether that is through sports teams, clubs, jobs, volunteer groups, etc. In January of 2014, Eta Delta received its largest pledge class ever of 22, making us the largest sorority on campus. During fall recruitment, we had eight more members join. Beacon Hall, a new dorm on campus, was opened. The sorority housing proposal process began and Pike was approved to come on campus.
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In previous years we have held chapter in our chapter room, which is located in the all sorority dorm. However, because of our large chapter size, this spring we moved to the Brown and Gold room in the Harre Union and in the fall we moved to Niels 234.
  
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During this Centennial year, Lambda Chapter was proud to earn the university scholarship cup two out of three quarters, and first place in Song Fest with Sigma Pi and Theta Chi fraternities, and, for the second year, a Lambda member was named Outstanding Greek Woman. This special weekend culminated with an open house at the Kappa Lodge, a memorial service and campus tours conducted by actives members.
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Our chapter lives together on a floor of a sorority dorm owned by the university. Typically, all sophomores and juniors live in this facility and we can provide housing for up to 36 members. In 2014, we received news that the university would be building new sorority housing, expected to be completed by the end of 2015.
  
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==Highlights of the 1980s:==
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Our president's badge is from 1998, when we were founded. On the back is inscripted "PRES 4/18/98"
  
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Lambda chapter members worked together to make improvements to many areas of the chapter in 1987. Ritual and initiation procedures were improved, committees were reconstructed to work more efficiently at the suggestion from the Traveling Consultant, finances were kept in order and the chapter improved academically to rank second on campus. Fall rush brought 17 new pledges to the chapter. On the Akron campus, seven sororities were involved in the Panhellenic Council.
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==Highlights of 2015:==
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In January, Eta Delta took part in Formal Recruitment and welcomed 18 new members with a 50s themed bid day.  In February we participated in Valparaiso University's Dance Marathon event. We also held Kappa Manicure, a new mini philanthropy event where we painted nails. Members also attended Meet the Pike's Night this month, a semiformal event welcoming the members of the newly chartered Phi Kappa Alpha chapter to campus.
  
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This upward trend in the chapter carried forward until the end of the decade. At the 1989 Gamma Province Meeting, Lambda received the award for the most improved pledge program. The chapter pledged 23 new members that fall in a successful rush, to add to the five new members from the spring 1989 rush. The chairman of the Panhellenic council fundraiser in 1989 was a Kappa, as was the president of the Panhellenic Council. Additionally, Lambda had the second highest GPA on campus among NPC chapters.
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Over Spring Break, three members attended the first annual all greek service trip to Tennessee. In March, we held our second annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. In April, Eta Delta had four members participated in St. Baldricks by shaving their heads. We had a sisterhood event where we painted tiles to decorate the new house and a unity event with Pi Beta Phi where we tie dyed shirts. We won 2nd place in Songfest with a Beattles themed dance.  
  
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Lambda chapter was also recognized by the campus in 1989 by winning Desiderata, which is an award for the overall best sorority on campus based on service hours. It also won the Panhellenic Spirit Award.
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At the Valparaiso University Greek Awards Kappa Kappa Gamma was recognized as a 2013-2014 SAAFE and Empowering Organizations and won The Ausensen Award for Excellence in Campus Involvement 2013-2014, Excellence in Public Relations 2013-2014, and  Received Honorable mention for New Member Program Award. In May 2015 we had our Sapphire Ball Formal dance and fifteen seniors graduated from our chapter this month.
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Housing: The Kappa Lodge was redecorated in 1987 with new carpeting, furniture and wallpaper. The formal room of the Lodge was completely redecorated in 1989 with new paint, reupholstered furniture, new curtains, the carpet was cleaned and letters were added to the outside of the annex.
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Construction began over the summer for the new Sorority campus housing and are planned to be completed by the end of the 2015-2016 academic year.
  
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Philanthropy: Increasing involvement in philanthropy was a chapter focus in 1987 and the chapter history report indicates that philanthropic fundraising that year increased by 50% from the previous year. The 1989 chapter history reports shares that Lambda donated the most service hours of any sorority on campus that year, more than 700 hours, and raised the most money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Philantropy events included the sale of Kiss-o-grams (Hershey Kisses) for American Diabetes Association, visiting Manor Care Nursing home for a Halloween party and participation in the Great Strides Walk-a-Thon for Cystic Fibrosis.
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In August, Eta Delta had a field day event with members from Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, and Latinos in Valparaiso for Excellence where we participated in various activities.  Relay for Life was held in October and the Kappa team was the top fundraising team, raising $1,508. Later that month, sixteen members participated in the annual VU Day of Caring event where they went to a local nature preserve to do restoration work. That same day, we had a sisterhood event where we made 15 tie-blankets for Project Lynas, an organization that sends donated blankets to children in hospitals.
  
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In November, we had the first annual Kappa Cooks for Books, a waffle breakfast, where we raised $115 for Reading is Fundamental.  We also had a Dad's day event where we learned to ballroom dance and later we initiated a new member class of two.  We ended the year with our annual Thanksmas sisterhood event and a "Crazy Holiday" themed dance.
  
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==Highlights of the 1990s==
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The biggest changes to campus this year would include the construction of the new sorority housing and the addition of two new chapters on campus- Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Lambda Gamma
  
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The Lambda Kappas were a diverse group with sisters involved in many different groups and activities on campus, such as Panhellenic, Order of Omega, varsity athletics, cheerleading, Mortar Board, University Dance and Theatre and Student Government. A Kappa was the 1990 Akron Homecoming Queen! Kappas were also active in the Akron community through their strong philanthropic program.
 
  
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In 1991, Lambda Kappas won Greek Week for the fifth year in a row, and the Alpha Gam Lip Jam for the second consecutive year. The chapter maintained the second place academic ranking. At the 1991 Gamma Province Meeting, Lambda received the Overall Programming Award, and at Akron’s Greek Recognition Dinner the same year, the chapter received the Outstanding Pledge Program award. There were six new pledges in the spring on 1991, and 24 in the fall. New initiatives begun by the chapter that year included Gamma Girls, a part of the Standards Committee dedicated to raising chapter spirit and morale, and a Key Scholar program to recognize members receiving an A or B on a test, paper, speech or quiz.
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==Highlights of 2016==
  
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Fall Rush and COB in 1995 brought 14 new members to the chapter. In October, Lambda chapter celebrated the Fraternity’s 125th anniversary at a dinner with the Akron Alumnae Association.
 
  
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A Lambda chapter goal in 1996 was to increase participation in Panhellenic events. The chapter focused on this and in the process won second place in Greek Week and won the participation award at Open Gym with the Greeks that year. The chapter had 45 members in 1996, and there were six sororities on campus. The GPA requirement for rush was raised that year to 2.75 for rushees who attended college, and to 3.0 for rushees coming from high school.
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In January, Eta Delta took part in Formal Recruitment and in February we welcomed 23 new members. We had an "Up" (the movie) themed bid day. Our chapter also had the pleasure of meeting Jim O'Heir (an actor from Parks and Recreation) during one of our chapter meetings.
  
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In the spring on 1997, 11 members of the chapter were able to attend GammaProvince Meeting and the chapter received honorable mentions for Ritual and Advisory Board Support, and awards for Finance and Philanthropy. In August 1997, the chapter celebrated 120 years on the Akron campus. At that time, the University had five sororites and 14 fraternities on campus, and the Kappa chapter had 34 members. However, the chapter history report for 1997 states that the total number of students going through rush on the campus had been steadily declining during the past semesters. Eight new members were added during fall rush in 1997.
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In February Kappas won the Phi Kappa Psi Chili Cook-off for the second time in a row and we held our Kappa Krush dance.
  
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Two challenges faced by the chapter at the end of the decade were the adoption of the Fraternity’s new New Member Program, and the death of a sister, Sarah Strain. The latter pulled the members together emotionally and made them realize how much they valued one another.
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March, we held our third annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. Five of our sisters traveled to Washington D.C. over spring break to volunteer. We had a unity event with Pi Beta Phi where we hosted a fashion show. Eta Delta also participated in Song Fest and our theme was Disney villains.
  
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In the spring of 1998, the chapter ranked first on campus academically! Quota for the Fall 1998 rush was nine, and Lambda chapter pledged 12 new members. The chapter closed 1999 with 32 total members, and many awards from the 1999 Gamma Province Meeting, Most Improved Chapter and New Member Award, and from the University, Continuous Recruitment Award, Most Improved GPA, Scholastic Achievement award, Highest NM GPA award, Alumnae Relations award and Adviser of the Year.
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At the Valparaiso University Greek Awards Kappa Kappa Gamma was recognized for the best recruitment award and one of our members won sorority woman of the year award. In May 2016 we had our Sapphire Ball Formal dance. We had a unity event with Phi Sigma Kappa where we watched movies in our pajamas. At the end of the semester we moved out of Scheele hall for the last time and packed up our chapter room to move into our new Kappa house.
  
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Throughout the decade, the chapter successfully worked to raise money for Project 2000, which was an effort to raise $10,000 for a scholarship fund in the Kappa Foundation by the year 2000. The final amount raised by the chapter was more than $13,000.
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Construction for the new sorority houses continued over the summer. At Convention we earned Honorable Mention in the areas of Finance, Philanthropy, and House Board. We also received the Kappa Kappa Gamma National Panhellenic Award.
  
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'''Housing:'''
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In August, our new house was finally finished. Eta Delta had an America themed dance party with the brothers of Sigma Pi.  Relay for Life was held in October and Kappa participated by walking and giving out temporary tattoos. In September some of our members participated in Pi Kappa's Alpha's firemen's challenge and we prepared for fall recruitment. Kappa won homecoming week for the second time in a row.
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In July 1990, new rose colored carpeting was installed in the formal room of the Kappa Lodge. With the help of the men of Delta Tau Delta, the chapter also worked on the landscaping around the house and annex during that summer.
 
  
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The 1998 chapter newsletter reported that the chapter meeting room had been totally re-decorated with new carpet, wallpaper and mini-blinds. Exterior painting of the lodge was done in 1999, and the walls and ceiling of the formal living room were also painted. At the end of the decade, a sizeable donation from the Hudson Alumnae Association was earmarked for the replacement of the furnace in the annex.
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In October, we held our fall dance, which was themed famous couples. We held our first ever Fall Festival with the brothers of Phi Kappa Psi. We initiated three new members. We joined them at the Boys and Girls Club where we held a variety of different booths that the children could play. We also held our first sorority interest event called Kamp Kappa.  
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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In November, had a Dad's Day event where we hung out with our dads at a football game. We also had our annual Thanksmas dinner and gift exchange.
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In the spring of 1990, Lambda chatper participated in the 15-mile Super Cities Walk for Multiple Sclerosis. In the fall, the chapter participated in two service projects, The Brush-Up on Akron Campaign in which the members fixed up houses for lower income senior citizens which the chapter did again in 1991. The chapter returned to the Manor Care Nursing Home for another Halloween party with the residents and their grandchildren.
 
  
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For Halloween 1991, the chapter helped run Spooking At The Top of The Town, an AIDS benefit, and in November baked cookies for La Sertoma, a group that fed the less fortunate at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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The biggest change was the addition of the new sorority houses on campus. 6 houses were built for the 5 sororities on campus and one unaffiliated house. The houses are beautiful. They are built so they all connect through the basements and each sorority member has access to her house by using her campus ID card.
  
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The chapter philanthropy in 1995 was Kappa Kidney Kamp and it raised money with two Swing-A-Thons. The October philanthropy event in 1995 was Boo-at-the-Zoo at the Akron Zoo. The Swing-A-Thons and volunteering at Boo-at-the-Zoo continued until the end of the decade. Five active members of the Lambda chapter were able to visit Kappa Kidney Kamp in the summer of 1998 to see the benefits of their fundraising efforts.
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We hold our chapter meetings in the chapter room of our new house starting the beginning of the fall semester. The university owns our house. There are a variety of different room styles. The president has a room to herself and there are two floors of rooms that have triples, doubles, and quads. 25 sisters are able to live in the house. This is our very first year in our new house and we are very excited.
  
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The chapter raised money for Kappa Kidney Kamp by selling chocolate covered pretzels and big Hershey’s Kisses in a Valentine’s philanthropy event in 1998.
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The only historical badge we have in our chapter is our president’s badge which we have had since we came to campus in 1998.
  
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==Highlights of 2017==
  
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Chapter Convention Awards:
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In January, Eta Delta took part in Formal Recruitment, capped off with a country themed bid day, Sweet Home Kappa Kappa Gamma.
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Honorable Mention for the Panhellenic Award, Convention 1990
 
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Honorable Mention for Finance, Ritual and Fraternity Education, Convention 1996
 
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Honorable Mention for Finance (Unhoused), Honorable Mention for Fraternity Appreciation, and the award for Greatest Scholastic Improvement (9 or fewer Panhellenic Groups), Convention 1998
 
  
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On February 25th, we welcomed 22 new members into the sisterhood. This brought the chapter's active member total up to 82. We held our Kappa Krush dance at Casa del Roma.
  
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==Highlights of 2000-2010==
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In March, we held our fourth annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. We raised $607, which was split between the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Eta Delta had 25 members participate in Song Fest, and our theme was 90s throwbacks.
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In 2005, Lambda chapter consisted of 42 members, with 12 new members added in the spring, and 13 in the fall. This was the first time in many years that the chapter met its recruitment quota. This was due in part to a recruitment blitz assisted by Kappas from Fraternity Headquarters.
 
  
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On March 4, 2005, the university’s Annual Greek Recognition dinner was held and the chapter received the academic achievement award, the Most Panhellenic award, the bronze level excellence award, and the Desiderata award. Lambda was also recognized for having 50% of the chapter on the Dean's List and as the Panhellenic Council’s sports champs. A number of chapter members attended Gamma Province Meeting at John Carroll University, where Lambda received awards for best sisterhood, best philanthropy, most service hours, and the Best of the Best award.  
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In April, we participated in Dance Marathon for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In May, we had our Sapphire Ball Formal dance at Casa del Roma.
  
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In the fall of 2005, Emma Weaver attended Leadership Academy and brought back great enthusiasm for Kappa, and the chapter held Founders Day with the Akron Alumnae Association on October 16.
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In August, to kick off the school year, Eta Delta had a Hawaiian themed dance party with the brothers of Phi Kappa Psi. In September, six of our members won the Pi Kappa Alpha Fireman's Challenge, and we prepared for fall recruitment.  
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Lambda Chapter had a very successful 2007. It recruited 12 members during spring COBs with themes such as Get the Scoop on Kappa, Kappa Kappuccino, and Pajama Jam. They also affiliated Kirsten Buccigrossi from the Eta Eta chapter at the University of Central Florida. After formal recruitment in the fall, 18 new members were initiated.
 
  
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Chapter activities and social events this year included: a scrap booking social with Alpha Delta Pi, a social with Alpha Gamma Delta and FIJI, Sapphire Ball, Parent’s Luncheon, Songfest, Greek Week, Founders Day, AGD’s Lip Jam, and a Pinstripes and Pearls Date Party.
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In October, we initiated five new members. We had our first sisterhood retreat at Camp Butternut Springs. Many Eta Delta members participated in Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. In November, we had a Great Gatsby semi formal at Casa del Roma.  
  
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At the 2007 University Greek Leadership Awards, Lambda received the New Member Academic Excellence Award, the bronze level for the Praestantia Award, and Selena Meyers received an alumna recognition award. At Gamma Province Meeting, the chapter received the award for Most Improved Chapter.  
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In December, had our annual Thanksmas dinner featuring an ugly sweater contest and a Secret Sister gift exchange. We also made cards for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Having moved in during the fall of 2016, Eta Delta marked the first full year of having its own university-owned house in 2017. The facility can house 25 members in a variety of triple, double, and quad rooms, while the president or Vice President of Standards has the luxury of her own room. The house can comfortably accommodate weekly chapter meetings with seating for all members. We can also now perform the initiation ceremony within the chapter facility.
  
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Chapter membership was 62 in 2008, thanks to successful spring and fall recruitments. Lambda chapter participated in and hosted many activities on campus this year and in 2009, including Up Till Dawn, Song Fest, Spaghetti Dinner, Relay for Life, Freshman Move In, Lip Jam, Ice Cream Social, Mocktails, Greek Week, Make a Difference Day, sending girls to Kappa Kidney Kamp, and Kappa Karaoke. The Lambda chapter was especially proud to have the highest grades of all the sororities on campus for both spring and fall semesters in 2008.  
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Eta Delta’s historical badge is its President’s badge which dates back to the chartering of the chapter in 1998. Eta Delta received 2 Greek Awards from the Panhellenic/InterFraternity Council: “Excellence in New Member Education” and “Most Improved Chapter.” Our recruitment counselor, Leah Birhanu, received the “Sam Salvador Living Your Values Award.” This award was created in honor of a Chi Omega who passed away this year. Rin Seibert received “Sorority Advisor of the Year”.
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In 2009, Lambda chapter took five new members during informal recruitment and reached total. The chapter was honored to host the Gamma Province Meeting in 2009 at the University’s Quaker Square on April 3rd and 4th, and once again received several awards at the University’s spring Greek Life Awards.
 
  
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Fall semester began with a very successful formal recruitment. On Bid Day, the chapter had lunch outside the Kappa Lodge and attended a home football game at the university’s new stadium. The chapter welcomed 16 wonderful women and exceeded chapter total. In the fall, the chapter was excited to participate in Homecoming events and a member of the chapter was crowned Homecoming Queen. Once again in 2009, Lambda has the highest GPA on campus for the spring and fall semesters.
+
==Highlights of 2018==
  
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'''Housing:'''
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We hit a homerun starting the year with our baseball themed Bid Day “A League of Our Own” in January.
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The Kappa Lodge on the Akron campus was redecorated in 2008 and 2009 with new paint and furniture. A new roof was installed in 2008.
 
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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In February, we performed in Lambda Chi Alpha’s Air Guitar Competition and won a check for RIF. We had Kappa Krush on the 10th at Casa del Roma. We had a Galentine’s Sisterhood event on the 18th. We had four sisters participate in the Polar Plunge. We initiated 22 new members on the 23rd.  
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The chapter held its annual Balloon Pop on Oct. 22, 2005 at the Homecoming game. That same year, the members rang the bell for the Salvation Army at Dave's Market prior to the holidays. In 2007, the Balloon Pop raised more than $700 for Kappa Kidney Kamp. In 2008, Lambda members donated more than 1600 service hours through their philanthropic efforts.  
 
  
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The chapter held a signature RIF event at a local elementary school in 2009. That summer, 16 members were able to visit Kappa Kidney Kamp in southern Ohio, and the chapter hosted Balloon Pop again that fall.
+
In March, we has sisters attend various spring break trips including a Greek Life trip to Denham Springs, Louisiana, a medical trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua with the Nursing Program, and a mission trip with St. Teresa’s Student Center to Des Moines, Iowa. We also had a sisterhood event in the union where we played Twister and ate pizza.
  
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==Highlights of 2011-2019:==
+
In April, we had many sisters participate in Dance Marathon. We held a Reading is Key Event at Parkview Elementary where we read “A New Leaf” and made tree crafts. We had a sisterhood event where we painted and potted plants. We had many sisters participate in Songfest; the theme was summer.
  
 +
In May, we had a red carpet themed formal at Casa del Roma. We held a dodgeball tournament for our philanthropy event and raised money for RIF and the Kappa Foundation. We held a senior banquet celebrating our graduates and wishing them all well in the real world. We also won the Intramurals for the year!
  
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==Highlights of 2011==
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In September, we had a barbecue at the house after a football game as a sisterhood event. We held a sisterhood retreat at Camp Tannadoonah where made birthday cards for the kids at the Midwest Center and participated in many bonding activities. For Homecoming, we had a table at the Street Fair and held an alumnae event where members shared their favorite memories. We had two teams participate in the Pike’s Firemen challenge, and we won for the second year in a row. We held our first combined service event with St. Teresa’s Catholic Student Center. We raised money at the Strack and Van Til’s for Hobart Humane Society. We also had all our members participate in cleaning up the highway US Route 2.
  
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Lambda Chapter started the year welcoming seven new members into the chapter. With these new girls as well as all returning actives, the chapter had a successful and busy semester. On February 25, the chapter held a movie night sisterhood which allowed the girls to bond more closely. The chapter was visited by the leadership consulant in the spring semester and received suggestions for improvement and further growth. They were given another opportunity to learn and improve when several girls attended Province. This was held April 8-10 in Cincinnati, Ohio and offered a review of ritual and fraternity standards.  
+
In October, we had a sisterhood event, “Kappa is to Dye For,” where we tie dyed clothes. We had our semi formal at County Line Orchard. We held a unity event with Lambda Chi Alpha and Phi Delta Theta. We had sisters participate in the Iron Phive 5k for ALS and Kicking it for KD.  
  
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The chapter hosted its annual Spaghetti Dinner April 13 raising $1,100 for Kappa Kidney Camp and collecting books for Reading is Fundamental. The women of Lambda Chapter celebrated the end of the semester by enjoying their Sapphire Ball in April. It was held at Prime at Anthe's. They finished the spring strong by earning second place overall at The University of Akron's Greek Life Awards. Lambda Chapter received an award for most service hours and a member of Lambda Chapter earned Greek Woman of the Year. Along with being active within the chapter, the women were very involved with other Greek organizations, events, and philanthropies. Several members participated in intermural volleyball forming two teams. They attended Greek Night at the basketball game in the James A. Rhodes Arena, hosted a Panhellenic Sisterhood for the other Greek women at the University, and held socials with FIJI, Phi Delta Theta, and Theta Chi.  
+
In November, we had a service event at Cafe Manna. We also had a philanthropy event for Girls Academy called Kappa Kakes where we made and sold pancakes.
  
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Apart from the hard work they put into their own philanthropies, the women supported other chapters' philanthropies as well. They participated in Lambda Chi's bathtub pull, Delta Gamma's spaghetti dinner, and FIJI's dodgeball tournament. The women also supported Nuance, an acapella men's chorus on campus and were named their number one fans for the third semester in a row. Continuing their philanthropic support they wrote letters for Up 'til Dawn to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, jumped into freezing water to raise money at the Polar Bear Plunge, and enjoyed participating in Relay for Life with a Beauty and the Beast themed table. The entire Greek community at the University of Akron joined together to raise money in an event called Songfest. Each chapter practiced and performed songs and dances to match the theme which was Broadway. The women enjoyed participating in this event and look forward to it every spring. The community raised just under $5,000. All the sororities kicked off fall recruitment with an ice cream social at which possible future members came to learn about Greek Life.  
+
In December, we had Thanksmas. We shot our recruitment video. We had a karaoke unity event with Phi Sigma Kappa.
  
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Also unifying the community was the All-Greek tailgate. Lambda chapter enjoyed supporting sports teams at the university including the nationally ranked soccer team as well as the football team. After a successful fall recruitment, Lambda chapter initiated 23 new members. They welcomed them with a fantastic Bid Day featuring lots of blue and blue and a carnival theme.  
+
Panhellenic Council passed a fall 2019 extension for a sixth sorority.
  
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The majority of the chapter attended Founder's Day and returned with a hightened sense that Kappa is for life. Several members attended the homecoming dance at the university and enjoyed other homecoming festivities. Chapter Retreat was held at Munroe Falls Park and included a pot luck lunch and Olympic games as well as Big/Little Reveal which was done with puzzle pieces. The new members planned Mocktails, an event hosted at the university to creatively promote alcohol awareness.  
+
Along with our president’s badge, we have two new historical badges. The Susanna Eibel Young award is given to the girl with the highest cumulative GPA at the end of her junior year. Susanna Eibel Young and her mother were instrumental in the founding of Kappa on our campus. We have the VPS badge that is passed down from VPS to VPS. It belonged to Debra Harstad, who was a part of the graduating class of 2012 and served as VPS during her time in Kappa.  
  
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The women of Lambda Chapter created a non-alcoholic drink called "Slime Time Live" to fit the Nickolodeon theme. Both actives and new members participated in Greek Week, an annual event at the university where sororities and fraternities compete in fun contests and games. While it is a competition, it also brings a sense of unity within the Greek community. Not only did the women of the chapter hold socials with other sororities and fraternities on campus, they also got the opportunity to have a social with the Kappa Kappa Gammas from John Carroll.
 
  
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The group carved and painted pumpkins for other Universiy of Akron sororities and fraternities. Lambda chapter worked hard to build community with other chapters but also built community within their own chapter. A few members of the chapter hosted a taco dinner at their home for the women of Lambda chapter. This became a new chapter tradition titled "Taco Wednesday." This helped bring the women together as sisters. The women of Lambda Chapter completed over 1,400 service hours during the fall semester. Several members danced in Alpha Gamma Delta's Lip Jam contest which raised money for Alpha Gamma Delta's philanthropy. Lambda chapter finished the year with a Christmas party featuring a gift exchange as well as Senior Night. One member graduated in December and another joined the Navy. Overall, the women of Lambda chapter are very pleased with 2011.
+
==Highlights of 2019==
  
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'''Campus:''' The University of Akron is home to over 29,000 students from 46 states and 80 different countries. It offers over 300 degree programs and educates both undergraduate and graduate students. The current president is Dr. Luis M. Proenza. The university has over 80 buildings but also abundant green space. The University is able to offer a lot of students financial aid making college possible for many learners. 78% of students at the university are receiving some sort of financial assistance. There are many student resources on campus including the counseling center, the career center, and the recreation center. During the summer of 2011, the university's main library, Bierce, renovated its first floor modernizing it and making it an ideal place for learning and studying.  
+
In January, Eta Delta welcomed 28 new members during our Ice Cream themed bid day. We also held a unity event with Lambda Chi Alpha and created cards for children in the hospital. In February, Eta Delta put on Kappa Karnival for Girls Academy. There were various carnival games and karaoke teams from other fraternities and sororities. Five of our officers attended KLC in Dallas, Texas. Our new members found out their bigs that weekend as well! On February 23, all 28 new members were initiated into Kappa Kappa Gamma! The following day, the new members attended their first formal chapter as initiated members. In March, we held two unity events with Pi Kappa Alpha and Phi Kappa Psi. In April, we held a charter day celebration for Eta Delta! In May, we had our Kappily Ever After formal in the Porter County Expo Center. We celebrated our seniors’ successes with a senior banquet, and 16 sisters graduated. In August, we helped freshman move into their dorms and participated in various Welcome Week activities such as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet. In September, we had a sisterhood retreat at the Indiana Dunes and helped clean up the beach. Sisters also went to Valparaiso’s Popcorn Festival. We also participated in Greek Week and PIKE’s Fireman’s Challenge. We welcomed Alpha Gamma Delta’s new members at their bid day celebration. We learned chants with the Alpha Gam LCs. We attended Pi Beta Phi’s Mr. Pi Phi philanthropy event for Read. Lead. Achieve. Sister’s participated in Valparaiso’s Day of Caring and Gamma Phi Beta’s Moonball that benefited their philanthropy, Girls on the Run. Homecoming brought alumni back to Eta Delta for Kappa Love. We also had a booth in the Crusader Street Fair. In October, we hosted another Kappa Karnival for Girl’s Academy and raised over $3,000!
 +
Eta Delta also met potential new members’ during open house. We hosted a celebration for Founder’s Day with alumni. We invited Alpha Gamma Delta over for a movie night to welcome our new neighbors. We participated in various philanthropy events such as Kappa Delta’s Shamrock Soccer and Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Sig Ep Splash. We also had a Halloween Party with our sisters, and we mummified a sister with toilet paper and made caramel apples. Sigma Phi Epsilon also went bowling with us! We hosted a fall interest event for potential new members with a hot chocolate bar and cookies. We donated books to Hilltop Neighborhood House and volunteered. In November, we had a sister participate in St. Baldrick’s hosted by Lambda Chi Alpha. We also hosted a Dad’s Day where sisters and their dads carved pumpkins. Our spring of 2019 class had a retreat. Our entire chapter went through RR for the first time in four years. We participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days and Phi Kappa Psi’s Phi Psi 500. We hosted our first joint semi-formal with Lambda Chi Alpha, and the theme was 70s. Our new officers were elected and had a leadership day to begin to transition them. In December, we hosted Thanksmas and did a secret sister gift giving. We also adopted an Angel Tree Child. Our new officers were installed on December 7.  
  
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'''Chapter:''' Lambda chapter is proud to be a diverse group. At just over sixty members, the women of the chapter have various interests and majors. Interests include dance, animals, crafts, fitness, pageants, and sky diving. Majors vary greatly and the women of Lambda chapter are studying engineering, public relations, psychology, dietetics, fashion merchandising, exercise science, accounting, education and more. Several members are in the Honors College. Members are involved in several other organizations outside of Kappa Kappa Gamma. These include Campus Focus, other service fraternities, Greek honoraries, dance companies, and Emerging Leaders. Many members also work jobs on and off campus.
 
  
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Welcoming such a large class of new members made it challenging to know everyone and form a sense of unity and sisterhood. The women of the chapter met this challenge and overcame it in many creative ways. Receiving Bigs helped the new members feel more a part of the chapter and feel more comfortable. Lambda chapter also planned retreats and sisterhoods to increase bonding time. "Taco Wednesday" was the most creative solution to this, as members could spend time together in the middle of the week and enjoy dinner together. Academic performance was also a challenge in the fall semester but the women are working hard to overcome this. The chapter is taking this challenge very seriously. They are holding study hours as well as starting a healthy academic competition and forming study groups.
 
  
  
−
==Highlights of 2012==
+
==Highlights of 2020==
−
Lambda chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had a very successful and exciting 2012. Soon after returning from winter break, they began informal spring recruitment with various themed nights including Spa Night, Taco Wednesday and Kappa Kamp Out. After various events such as fortune cookie big-little reveal, 5 new members were initiated on March 24, 2012. Over the course of the semester Kappa showed Greek-unity through involvement with PHC sisterhoods such as a Zumba night, and attending other sororities’ philanthropy events.
 
  
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Chapter unity was reinforced through sisterhood events including ethnic food night and game night and through participation in intramural volleyball and basketball. In March they attended the Greek Life Awards where they received awards including the Edna A. Gainer Service Award, and the silver Praestantia Award. Several officers attended webinars hosted by Headquarters, and many members of Lambda chapter visited the Kappa Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio and met with the OSU Kappa Chapter.  
+
Chapter Summary
 +
In January, Eta Delta welcomed 18 new members during our Going for the Gold bid day. In Feburary, we hosted Kappa Krush. We initiatied all 18 women into Eta Delta. We hosted a movie night in the chapter room. We ice skated for a sisterhood event. One sister participated in Phi Sigma Kappa’s Polar Plunge event. We also created cards for children in hostpials with Lamdba Chi Alpha. In March, pre-COVID, we had a one member attend the Fraternity and Sorority Life service trip. Pre-COVID, four sisters attended a service trip in Costa Rica. Pre-COVID, four sisters attended Arch Madness in St. Louis for the Semi-Finals. In April, sisters participated in Valparaiso University’s first virtual Dance Marathon, and we celebrated our 22nd anniversity of Eta Delta. We participated in virtual Songfest, a campus tradition where student organizations come up with dances that follow a specific theme. During the COVID-19 lockdown, council met to work together and plan a virtual Kappa expreince. In May, we made a video for our graduating seniors and gifted them blankets. Two sisters received scholarships. Our member, Annika Brown, won the Sam Salvador Living Your Values Award at our Fratenity and Sorority Life Awards. We won Excellence in Chapter Development and Values in Action Awards. In June, our Chapter President attended virtual convention. During June and July, our members volunteered at FOCUS to welcome first year students, and one of our sisters was an Orientation Assistant. In August, we placed for New Member Education and Advisory Board at Kappa Convention. We had honorable mentions for Public Relations, Panhellenic, and Standards at Kappa Convention. We came back to campus in early August and helped first year students move in. Sisters participated in Mini-Dance Marathon. We also meet potential new members at the Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet. We particiapted in virtual fall recruitment and welcomed 9 new members into our chapter. In September, we participated in Alpha Gamma Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Pi Beta Phi’s philanthropy events. Sisters participated in Dance Marathon’s FT5K, a 5K that benefits Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. We also won intramurals in Kickball. Our event chair hosted a movie night for sisters, and we watched Mulan. Sisters met potential new members at Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Fall Day. We played intramural co-ed volleyball with Lambda Chi Alpha. Our Spring 2020 new member class had a fall photoshoot. In October, we initiated 9 new members and hosted an all virtual initiation. Inspiration Period was held online as well where we hosted Kappa Love, game night, and senior night. We hosted Kappa Kahoot, our virtual philathropy event, that benefited Reading is Fundamental. We participated in Kappa Delta’s Shamrock philanthropy event and Lamdba Chi Alpha’s Spike Tournament and 5K that supported the RAINN Foundation. We had a fall sisterhood event where sisters painted canvas’ and pumpkins. We hosted a virtual fall interest event, Going Mad For Kappa, where sisters and potential new members played MadLibs. Our president, Chelsea VanAken, won the Susanne Eibel Young award from the East Lake/Porter County Alumni Association. This award is given to the junior with the highest cumulative GPA and comes with a special pin, monetary award, and certificate. Sisters participated in Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Monster Dash and safely hosted a Halloween party in the chapter room. In November, we installed all our 2021 council members.  
  
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In April, Kappas participated in Songfest, that was Billboards Hits themed, performing songs that included, “9 to 5,” “I Will Survive,” and “Girlfriend.” April also included an annual Parents’ Lunch at the Kappa Lodge, and participation in Relay for Life, in which Kappa raised a significant amount of money for the American Cancer Society. The annual Spaghetti Dinner was also held in April, in which a record amount of money was raised for one of Kappa’s philanthropies, Kappa Kidney Camp. The semester ended with formal at The University of Akron’s Martin Center. During the summer many actives traveled to Southern Ohio, for Kappa Day with the campers at Kidney Camp.  Two members also traveled to Jacksonville, Florida for Kappa Convention where Lambda Chapter was recognized with The Heritage Award.
 
  
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Fall semester began with a very successful formal recruitment in which we recruited 18 phenomenal young women, including two legacies. They were welcomed at Bid Day which was Island themed and included things such as volleyball in the front yard and decorating of their new member binders. After the new member education program, 17 women were initiated on November 10, 2012. In October, Kappa participated in one of their yearly philanthropy events, Balloon Pop, in which they raised $750.00. Chapter retreat was held at a local park, where the chapter participated in several games, lots of eating and had big-little reveal. 
+
Chapter Philanthropy
 +
What organization does the chapter support?  Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Girls Academy
  
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Founders Day was celebrated at Portage Country Club, and the women, got to see a Kappa alum receive her 65 year pin. Dad’s Day was another event in October, in which members and their dads went to the Akron Zips football game and enjoyed various pre-game festivities together.  Also in October, Kappa participated in all Greek Week events, and an active member was crowned Homecoming Queen. Throughout the semester, Kappas participated in various Akron events such as Make A Difference Day, Up ‘til Dawn, Mocktails, Freshman Move in and had several social events with fraternities. The women enjoyed a date party at a pumpkin patch and ended the semester with semi-formal at Infocision Stadium. Overall 2012 was a very successful year for Kappa.  
+
We support all three philanthropies throughout different efforts during the year. We support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation because it helps our sisters we are in need of financial supports affected by natural diseasters or situations like COVID-19. We support Reading is Fundamental because it provides kids with access to books. We support Girls Academy because middle school is a rough time for kids, especially girls, and we want to provide mentorship for them.  
  
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Several challenges Lambda chapter has decided to work on for 2013 are making sure new members always feel welcome, increasing the overall chapter GPA and encouraging sisterhood more within our chapter. Over the course of this past year Kappa’s involvement within the Greek community at Akron truly grew.
 
  
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'''Campus:'''
+
How did your chapter include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in your programming this year? (e.g., adding a DEI officer, philanthropy events, social media awareness campaign, chapter training, etc.). We created a diversity, equity, and inclusion chairwoman to transition with the incoming council. She will have a committee that represents each class of women in our chapter and the education chair. She will facilitate conversation and hold educational programs about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are participating in our Fraternity and Sorority Community’s conversation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion as well. One sister is a part of the #OneValpo committee that is under IFC and Panhellenic.  
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The University of Akron is located in downtown Akron, with an undergraduate population of nearly 30,000. They currently offer over 350 academic degress for both undergraduate and graduate students. Over the course of the past year, a new residence hall, South Hall was built, as well as various features on campus available to all students such as a new restaurant in Quaker Square, and the Coleman Commons.  
 
  
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'''Chapter:'''
+
How did your chapter celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary? Share what you have done this year. Our education chair created a Kappa Kahoot that had fun facts about Kappa Kappa Gamma. This included information about our founders and other history. Alumni attended via Zoom and talked about their experience in Kappa. They spoke about the friendships it brought them, life lessons, and opportunities Kappa has brought them.
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Lambda chapter currently has 64 active members of various majors and cultural backgrounds making the chapter very diverse. Majors of women include Psychology, Dance, Education, Engineering, Dietetics, Nursing, and many more. Members are involved in several activities around the Akron community and completed countless numbers of volunteer hours. The women of Lambda Chapter look forward to an exciting and fun-filled 2013.
 
  
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[[File:Image from iOS (1).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (2).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (3).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (4).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (5).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (6).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (7).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (8).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (9).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (10).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (11).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (12).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS (13).jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
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[[File:Image from iOS.jpg|thumb|Eta Delta 2020]]
  
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Highlights of 2020s: (From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
+
==Highlights of 2021==
  
 +
In January of 2021 the incoming council met via zoom to discuss our plans for the
 +
chapter. We welcomed 18 new members along with our recruitment counselors and officers to
 +
our chapter with a Dream Awhile with Kappa bid day before our formal pledging.
 +
In February we had our much awaited big little reveal.
 +
In March, we were able to virtual initiate our new sisters after a fun filled I-week. We
 +
had an online Tea Time with Kappa interest event for potential new members. Together we
 +
had a powerpoint sisterhood event and a unity event with PIKE where we shared our
 +
powerpoints. Not only that but we had a fashion unity event with Chi O.
 +
In April, we had many sisters participate in Dance Marathon and we were the highest
 +
fundraising organization! We were able to get together in person for a succulent pot painting
 +
sisterhood event. We participated in wiffleball and volleyball intramurals which was almost
 +
as exciting as our first online Girls Academy event that happened this month. We also had a
 +
little charter day celebration at the house. Our chapter won FSL week and we won the pillar
 +
of excellence along with other awards!
 +
In May sisters participated in Songfest with a Pitch Perfect theme which had us first
 +
place in sororities. We also had a Coffees and Donuts sisterhood event to celebrate the end of
 +
finals. At the end of this month we had a senior banquet to celebrate our lovely seniors who
 +
were graduating.
 +
In July we had sisters help with FOCUS freshman orientation.
 +
In August sisters participated in freshman move in and other welcome week events
 +
such as Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet.
 +
In September we had a Blue and Blue theme bid day to welcome four new members
 +
to Kappa. Sisters took part in all the homecoming activities around campus and even
 +
continued with flag football and volleyball intramurals. We also got a new chapter advisor.
 +
In October we had our homecoming alumni event at the house to show them what our
 +
chapter looks like now. We held a Pumpkins and Positivity interest event for potential new
 +
members. After formal pledging, we initiated our four new members into our chapter after
 +
another fun and in person I-week. We celebrated Founders Day with brunch, games, and
 +
sisterhood. For the first time in over a year, we were able to hold a Black and White Ball
 +
Semi! Intramural basketball was also going on at this time. Instead of chapter on Halloween,
 +
we had a sisterhood event with cookies, caramel apples, and raffles!
 +
In November we had a tailgating unity event with Kappa Delta to get ready for the
 +
football game.We honored Dr. Bob at the FSL faculty and staff award ceremony. We were
 +
granted enough money for a new chapter room. Two of our sisters were inducted into Order
 +
of Omega. We also had our Kappa Kickball philanthropy event which was a huge success!
 +
We did great in our basketball intramurals this month. Family day was hosted at the house for
 +
our sisters and their families to get together and make Christmas ornaments.
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In December we had our Thanksmas and lastly, our new officers were installed after
 +
our leadership day.
  
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------------------------------
+
Chapter Philanthropy
 +
What local organization does the chapter support and why?
 +
Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Girls Academy, and Active Minds Mental Health.
 +
We support all three philanthropies throughout the year. We support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation
 +
because it helps our sisters around the world who are in need of financial aid due to natural disasters or
 +
because COVID-19. We support Active Minds because mental health is something important everyone
 +
deals with, especially on a college campus. We support Girls Academy because middle school can be
 +
difficult for girls, and we want to help them with their confidence.
 +
How did the chapter support Kappa’s philanthropy?
 +
We sold shirts and held our first annual Kappa Kickball!
 +
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
 +
We have a diversity, equity, and inclusion chairman who would often have presentations she
 +
shared in order to educate us and hold those conversations.
  
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
+
Operating in a Pandemic
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+
At the beginning of the year, we stayed virtual with chapter, initiation, recruitment, and even
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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!
+
unit events. Slowly, we were able to meet again in person with masks and a limited number
 +
of sisters in a space. Sign ups for different time slots were available so every sister could still
 +
take part in sisterhood events, just at different times. We are now meeting in person again
 +
and holding in person initiation and semi formals for the first time in over a year.

Latest revision as of 13:54, 22 December 2021

 

Eta Delta
HΔ
Eta Delta.jpg
FoundedApril 18, 1998 (1998-04-18) (27 years ago)
CollegeValparaiso University
LocationValparaiso, IN
HomepageEta Delta Homepage
Media related to Eta Delta Chapter


Eta Delta, Valparaiso University Valparaiso University founded in 1859 in Valparaiso, Indiana

Founded April 18, 1998


447 Initiates (as of June 2018)

Some of Eta Delta’s Outstanding Members:

Fraternity Officers:


Fraternity Loyalty Award:


Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:


Additional Outstanding Eta Delta Alumnae:

Lisa Thomas (Mathews), Chapter Consultant 2004-2005

History of University[edit]

Valparaiso University, known colloquially as Valpo, is located in Valparaiso, Ind. The university is a coeducational, four-year, private Lutheran institution founded in 1859 which had five colleges (arts and sciences, business administration, engineering, nursing and honors) when the Fraternity installed Eta Delta Chapter on the campus. It is the largest independent Lutheran university in the United States and is home to the second-largest collegiate chapel in the world, The Chapel of the Resurrection.

In its more than 150-year history, Valparaiso University has passed through three distinct phases. Founded by Methodists in 1859 as an institution pioneering coeducation, the Valparaiso Male and Female College was forced by the reverses of the Civil War to close its doors in 1871.

It was revived in 1873 by an enterprising educator, Henry Baker Brown, as the Northern Indiana Normal School, renamed Valparaiso College in 1900 and rechartered in 1906 as Valparaiso University. During the next 20 years, it established business and law schools and won national recognition as a low-cost, no-frills institution of higher learning. Many alumni of this period achieved distinction in their fields as governors, legislators, scientists, business leaders and other professionals.

Despite its decades of success, the university again experienced financial hardship as the United States entered World War I. The Lutheran University Association, a group of clergy and church laity who saw a bright future for the university, purchased it in 1925, ushering in the modern era of Valparaiso’s history. Distinguished by its Lutheran heritage of scholarship, freedom and faith, Valparaiso University continues to fulfill the dreams of these modern founders.

Valparaiso has established itself as a premier Midwestern university that combines a thorough grounding in the liberal arts with solid professional training. In the 1940s, the university, spurred by student action, established a school of engineering and adopted a student-administered honor system. The Christ College honors program and a school of nursing further enriched the university’s offerings.

In 1956, Valparaiso’s chapel-auditorium was destroyed by fire. In 1959, it was replaced by the majestic Chapel of the Resurrection, a fitting symbol of the university’s commitment to its Lutheran ideals—and of the thriving community’s renewed growth.

Covering 320 acres, Valpo’s campus is positioned one hour southeast of Chicago and just 15 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. The town of Valparaiso is considered to be the southeastern-most suburb of the Chicago metropolitan area.

The Early Years[edit]

When the Fraternity Council voted to accept the petition from a local sorority at Valparaiso University, planning to establish a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma on the campus began. In February 1998, members of the local group Phi Beta Chi were formally pledged during colonization services and planning for installation began.

On April 18, 1998, Eta Delta chapter was installed. The installation was conducted by Fraternity President Cathy Thompson Carswell, Illinois Wesleyan; Director of Chapters Ann Stafford Truesdell, Ohio Wesleyan and Chairman of Extension Juliana (J.J.) Fraser Wales, Ohio State.

Other National Panhellenic Conference groups on the campus in 1998 were Kappa Delta, Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Delta Pi, Gamma Phi Beta and Chi Omega.

Highlights of 1997-1999:[edit]

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

Approximately 35 percent of the undergraduate students were Greek in 1998. Eta Delta Chapter had 41 active members and 11 new members which was more than the average chapter size on campus.

Throughout the 1997-1998 school year, Phi Beta Chi/Kappa Kappa Gamma had as its goal to receive the President’s Award of Excellence on campus. Phi Beta Chi had last received this award in 1992. Eta Delta was confident that it will continue to be one of the truly distinguished chapters at Valpo.

Eta Delta Chapter was guided by Chapter Consultant Heather Siegel, Iowa, as the chapter began transiting from a local sorority to a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She was not only a consultant, but also a friend to the chapter members.

At the beginning of fall semester, the members set the chapter goal: to do more activities as a chapter and to participate more in campus activities. The chapter accomplished this through intramurals, participating in community service projects and being involved in Panhellenic.

The chapter members and members of Phi Delta Theta partnered in trick-or-treating at the pediatric ward of Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso. The Kappas and Theta Chi held a yard sale in October. Members were encouraged to bring clothing, household items and anthing else that could be included in the sale. The proceeds from the event supported the Breast Cancer Society of Valparaiso. Additional activities were Adopt-A-Grandma, Adopt-A-Highway, Drop Walk for Hunger and traditional green events.

In 1999, the chapter raised its GPA to 3.26 which was above the all-campus average, and the chapter had grown to 51 members.

The greatest challenge the chapter faced was apathy. This was overcome by encouraging the members to be involved, scheduling fun events and giving out prizes and awards for participation including Kappa of the Week to the member who was the most involved.

In 1999, Eta Delta Chapter took an active role in philanthropic activities. The members volunteered at the Valparaiso Guild Bazaar, participated in the Breast Cancer Walk, continued visiting and supporting the Kappa Grandma who lived at Canterbury Place and participated in highway clean-up. In addition to these events, the chapter also participated in the all-Greek activity of Trick-or-Canning which collected food for needy families in the area.

To celebrate the millenium, the chapter held a date party with Chi Omega which was its first double-date party with another sorority.

Highlights of 2000-2010:[edit]

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

The chapter celebrated Founders Day on October 13, 2005. The chapters displayed a set of letters from Phi Beta Chi, the local sorority which became Eta Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1998. Also displayed were Phi Beta Chi composites, the first Kappa Kappa Gamma composite and memorbilia from the local sorority days including a bunny because it was known as the Beta Bunnies.

The chapter received six awards at the 2005 Delta Province Meeting including house board/chapter relations, greatest improvement, new member program, most improved scholarship and received an honorable mention for unity, loyalty and gracious living as well as membership.

The chapter was proud to be second academically among the women’s groups on the campus. The chapter had the most 4.0s of any sorority on campus fall semester, and the new member class had the highest GPA compared to other new member classes. This year there were 49 chapter members.

The members enjoyed a hayride date party, homecoming week and an exciting Hollywood semi-formal dance in November. Kappa’s campus-wide philanthropy, Battle of the Sexes, was successful this year. Throughout the semester, the members worked on changes in the chapter room and added a new dining room table.

This fall, the campus changed from informal recruitment to continuous open bidding. Eta Delta was unfamiliar with this method of fall recruitment so several workshops were held to prepare the actives for it. The chapter wanted to unite off-campus and on-campus members. They did that by setting up a buddy system and creating a screen name that let all the members know what activities were going to take place during the week. The chapter members wanted to encourage more alumnae to attend events by letting them know a month ahead of upcoming activities.

In 2006, the 50th anniversary of the former local chapter was celebrated by holding a banquet and dance that was attended by many Kappa alumnae. Alumnae and active members spoke at the banquet. A big room of the chapter’s dorm was reserved to display archives including old composites. The members made a quilt out of old letters that had been in storage and displayed it on a wall. Scrapbooks from past years were on tables for the guests to see as well as cut-out wooden letters and Kappa memorabilia.

Eta Delta started a new philanthropy activity with the Midwest Center. The members went to this home which serves children who have been abused and as a result have emotional disabilities. They started a library there and began a library night. The chapter is the only group that goes to the center and spends time with the children who love being with the women. Eta Delta was featured in the center’s newsletter and was asked to come back again.

The chapter pledged four girls in the fall and 11 in spring recruitment. The staff member who was in charge of all the sorority recruitment said that Eta Delta’s spring rush was the best she had ever seen by the chapter.

The students on the Valpo campus are very close. All of the chapters support each other’s philanthropic activities. Also, there is a good relationship between the Greeks and independents. Eta Delta members are very involved on the campus and are the only chapter to participate in each Greek organization’s philanthropic event. There is at least one chapter member who participates in each organization on campus. The chapter meets in a university-owned chapter room which makes it inconvenient to install anything such as a fan or pictures on the wall.

During Valparaiso’s homecoming weekend in 2006, Eta Delta invited Kappa alumnae to its chapter room for a few hours during the day. The alumnae had a good time looking at old scrapbooks and composites while reminiscing about their college days.

The chapter pledged 12 new members at the beginning of the year and seven more women during fall semester. The members continued to focus on scholarship and philanthropy.

At the 2007 Delta Province Meeting, Eta Delta received six awards: first place for philanthropy and honorable mention in academic excellence, membership, new member program, advisory board/chapter relations and unity, loyalty and gracious living. Kappa’s dedication was displayed when it received several Greek Life awards: President’s Award for Excellence, Adviser of the Year Award and Outstanding Philanthropy and Community Award. The chapter was proud of Kappa Jennifer Cole who was named Greek Woman of the Year.

Renovations were made to the chapter room including new carpeting and plans were made to install a keypad and new cabinetry.

Valparaiso University built a new student union in the center of campus to bring students together for dining, mail and student organization meetings. University President Alan Harre announced his retirement during the summer of 2007, and Mark Heckler was named as his replacement effective in October 2008. One of the biggest challenges the chapter faced this year was communication among its members. The members realized it was important to talk face-to-face rather than relying on email so much, and confidentiality was stressed.

During 2008, Eta Delta celebrated its 10th anniversary. Kappa alumnae were invited to come to the chapter room where desserts were served while everyone reminisced as they looked back on the growth of the chapter. Chapter scrapbooks, awards, and pictures were on display. The undergraduates and alumnae enjoyed putting Kappa stickers and bookmarks into books which were donated to Reading is Fundamental (RIF). It was special for the active members to listen to alumnae stories. This display brought a lot of memories to the alumnae as well as the undergraduates and reminded everyone of her continuing sisterhood.

The chapter room had been under construction and everyone was pleased to see the outcome. With the new entertainment system, cable and welcoming atmosphere, the chapter room had become a place where members could get together outside of scheduled meetings.

Eta Delta continued the tradition of philanthropy by collecting small stuffed animals and won the H.U.G. challenge on campus. In addition the chapter added two new philanthropies: Kappa Goat Regatta and Kappa Kasino. During the year, the chapter donated more than $2,650 to several philanthropies such as the Midwest Center and Hilltop. With its dedication to philanthropy and sisterhood, the chapter was pleased when it received third place for its academics in the spring.

Greek Life Awards the campus received were President’s Award of Achievement, Outstanding Public Relations Award and Outstanding Chapter Programming Award. These awards show the chapter’s commitment to the campus and community.

Valparaiso University celebrated its 150th anniversary during the fall of 2008, and several activities were held on campus. Kappa hosted the Duck Pond. The new student union building was dedicated in January 2009 to honor outgoing President Harre.

The chapter faced challenges with Recruitment. Valparaiso had its lowest number of rushees in 10 years and decided not to conduct a fall Recruitment. Eta Delta had trouble filling its council positions although the nominating committee did a good job of slating members in positions for which they were well qualified.

To connect the new members and seniors, there was a focus on having the Fleur-de-Lis be senior members during the new member period.

Since the chapter was on probation, the morale was low. Its social and philanthropic events on campus were limited, and a variety of educational events and workshops were held. To raise morale, several sisterhood events were held which helped the chapter realize it wanted to be proactive in Valparaiso University’s community.

With Recruitment in 2010, the chapter moved forward using the lessons it had learned and with a class of 15 fabulous new members who invigorated the chapter. In March, the chapter held its second annual Kappa Boat Regatta in the campus pool. Several other Greek groups participated, and their creativity was amazing. There were many surprises along the way.

In April, Eta Delta served as hostess for the Delta Province meeting. It was such fun to meet undergraduate and alumnae members from throughout the province. The chapter was proud to receive the Advisory Board/Chapter Relations and Standards awards. The chapter received the following awards from the university: the President’s Award of Achievement and adviser Valarie Thayer, UC San Diego, received an Advisory Board award. As the semester closed, the chapter was received a focus letter from the Fraternity Council. The members looked forward to the next semester to regain the chapter’s direction and conquer the challenges facing it. Eta Delta members returned for the next semester in high spirits, planning monthly sisterhood events and looking forward to philanthropy.

Sisterhood events brought everyone together, and members participated in the Watermelon Mayham and Sigma Chi Derby Days. For Founders Day, we toured the campus to learn about the first Kappas through crossword puzzles, clues and walking to the chapel steps. It was wonderful to have a lot of alumnae share the day with the chapter.

The second-annual Kappa Kasino philanthropy event was a huge success. Many attended, and it proved to be another great way to unite with other Greek organizations and also reach into the community to gain their involvement as well. To close the year, the chapter participated in the Kappa Foundation Holiday Sharing program. The members purchased gifts and raised money for a fellow sister. On campus, the 50th anniversary of the Chapel of Resurrection was celebrated, a new fitness center was completed in the fall and new campus apartments were finished for fall semester. The chapter worked to increase the bonds of sisterhood, get its GPA above the all-sorority average and was involved in other campus activities and service projects.

In 2010, the chapter initiated 19 new members and was third among the seven sororities in academics. Eta Delta placed second in the first-ever Valpo Cup in the fall and had some great sisterhood events: hayride and ice skating. The chapter raised $400 from the Boat Regatta which benefited RIF. Eta Delta participated in intramurals such as water basketball, volleyball, floor hockey and soccer. At Greek Awards, the chapter received the public relations award.

The chapter was sad to have 18 seniors graduate in the spring and pleased to pledge five new members for the fall class. Several Kappas went abroad to study. Eta Delta received a warning of probation letter as the year closed. It included a checklist of what the chapter has accomplished so far and looked very good. The chapter was very positive about the progress it had made during the past year.


Highlights of 2011-2019:[edit]

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

Highlights of 2011[edit]

During 2011, Eta Delta organized two successful philanthropic events: Kappa Cardboard Boat Regatta and Mr. & Miss Greek Life Pageant. Together these two events successfully raised money for RIF. Also this year, the chapter won Homecoming, and chapter member Alex Moulchin was crowned Homecoming Queen. In academics, Eta Delta had 14 members make the Dean’s List, and two members had 4.0s. The chapter initiated 20 new members. This year, Valparaiso University hired a new Greek Life coordinator: Allison Cath, Northwestern. The chapter worked hard to meet the terms of the warning of probation from the Fraaternity. The members became familiar with the Fraternity’s Bylaws and Standing Rules, and each member was expected to hold herself to high standards of conduct.


Highlights of 2012[edit]

Eta Delta began 2012 with a strong formal recruitment of ten women, who we got to know at a sisterhood event on bid day. We welcomed them with blue and blue cupcakes and played get-to-know-you games. Soon after, the new chapter council met for a leadership retreat to discuss the chapter’s goals for the upcoming year.

In February, we were visited by a Leadership Consultant, Haley Smith, who stayed for the week and helped our chapter work on efficiency and unity. We celebrated Valentines Day together at our semi-formal Kappa Krush Dance and continued the sisterly fun at a hilariously awesome Murder Mystery Sisterhood event. March brought even more chances to bond. We had another sisterhood event to learn about etiquette, and then we spent a week preparing for initiation by having a Kappa Love night, performing new member class skits, and having a new member class sleepover in the Chapter Room.

After initiating our newest Kappas, we got to know the men of Phi Kappa Psi at a unity event where we danced the night away. In April, we focused on our philanthropic involvement. We hosted a very successful Mr. and Mrs. Greek Life Pageant to raise money for Reading is Fundamental, stayed up all night at the University’s Relay for Life, and participated in Phi Psi 500. We celebrated the Monmouth Duo by having a unity event with Pi Beta Phi, where we highlighted our shared tradition of academic excellence by coming together to study.

To strengthen our sisterhood, we had movie nights in the Chapter Room every other week, and we took our sisterhood on the road by traveling to the Indiana Dunes for a picnic with a view. To honor the women who raised us, we invited our mothers to a Mom’s Day brunch. Greek Week was also in April, so we partnered up with the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon to participate in trivia contests, relay races, and other friendly competitions. Sigma Phi Epsilon also joined with us to participate in a cookout and bag-o tournament.

At the end of the month, we dined and danced in style at a formal Sapphire Ball. The following morning, we paid tribute to our seniors at our Senior Banquet, where we enjoyed light refreshments as Kappa families gave speeches and parting gifts to the bigs and grandbigs that they’d miss! In may, we wrapped up our semester by bump, set, and spiking our way to third place in Sigma Pi’s volleyball tournament, and gathering together as a sisterhood to watch the Kentucky Derby.

Over the summer, we had the opportunity to send five women to the national convention in Jacksonville, Florida, where we met Kappas from around the world, learned about our fraternity, and received an honorable mention award for our Exemplary House Board.

When we reunited in August, we got to know the freshmen by volunteering at Move In Day, Dunes Day and at the Welcome Back Block Party, where we also met Valparaiso’s new Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Life, Carolyn Whittier. With her help, we recruited a large fall pledge class, adding eight new women to our sisterhood in September. We celebrated Bid Day with a sisterhood event full of food and games. Soon after, we invited our fathers to cook out and play outdoor games with us at a Dad’s Day event. We also supported Sigma Chi’s philanthropy by competing in Derby Days and participated in Valparaiso’s Day of Caring. Near the end of the month, we spent the day together at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. We also received a letter placing us on an academic focus plan, to assist us in improving our grades.

The beginning of October was also the beginning of Homecoming Week. We participated in the week’s activities and were proud of our sister who earned second place in the race to becoming Homecoming Queen. The same week, we stood by two of our women who strutted their stuff in Tri Delta’s Fat-Talk-Free fashion show. We came together to decorate paddles at a sisterhood event. Eta Delta hosted our most successful Boat Regatta fundraiser yet, and we also celebrated Founders Day with our alumni over brunch and a presentation about our history. This month, we had another visit from a leadership consultant, Rebecca Shaw.

After fall break, we helped Lambda Chi Alpha raise money at their Pumpkin Palooza, before donning our best plaid and overalls for a Kappa barn dance. We also spent time with the men of Phi Sigma Kappa at a unity event cook out. In November, we initiated our fall pledge class and elected our new chapter council. We finished out the month with a Christmas themed dance. In December, the Christmas holidays were on our minds. We had a Christmas party in our chapter room, where each sister made her own ornament for our brand new Christmas tree, ate Christmas cookies, and put together Christmas cards to send to Eta Delta’s alumni.

We stayed in the Christmas spirit with a unity event with Phi Delta Theta, where we decorated cookies to take to Hilltop preschool. In the spirit of holiday giving, we purchased gifts as a chapter to send to a sister in need through the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation’s Holiday Sharing Program. Keeping our academic focus plan in mind, we studied hard for finals, and raised our overall GPA back above the all sorority average, ending our year with much to be proud of.

In the past year, Greek Life on Valparaiso University’s campus has seen significant growth and undergone many positive changes. In the fall of 2012, we welcomed Carolyn Whittier as our new Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Life, and she implemented many changes to Greek Life on our campus. She began to host monthly roundtable meetings for the officers of all of the fraternities and sororities to meet and discuss issues pertaining to their position together. For example, the Risk Management and Event Chairmen from all of the organizations meet to discuss social events on campus and within Greek Life. In addition to these meetings, which keep us all informed, she has formed committees to update all of our campus documents for Greek Life, such as how Greek Judicial Board will operate.

In addition to these organizational changes, Greek Life hosted Valparaiso’s first ever Dance Marathon to support Riley’s Children’s Hospital. It was fun, great for Greek Life’s image on campus, and we raised over $10,000! Overall, it was a success, and we will continue to host this event together in the future. This year also saw changes in the way our campus hosts formal sorority recruitment. Many changes were made, including replacing a skit night with a sisterhood night and having more open houses in the fall to raise interest sooner. These changes and Ms. Whittier’s guidance helped all of the Panhellenic sororities have their largest recruitment in several years. One other change on our campus this year is that the President of our University has begun to plan for the fraternities and sororities to get their own houses on a new greek row. This is in the University’s ten year plan for the campus.

Eta Delta has certainly seen some changes in the past year. We have worked hard to address some organizational and risk management issues, and I believe we’ve done a good job. Our chapter is now running more efficiently and participating in dances and other social events more safely. While those aspects of our chapter have improved this past year, we have struggled with our sisterhood and making an impression on the larger campus community. We are turning now to focus on growing closer together again and stepping up our participation on campus to improve our image.


Highlights of 2014[edit]

Eta Delta received an honorable mention for New Member Programming at the 2014 Convention. We won the Ausensen Award for Excellence in Campus Involvement and an award for Excellence in Public Relations at the annual Valpo Greek Awards ceremony. We had teams participate in Dance Marathon and Relay for Life. Eta Delta was the 2014 Women's Division Runner-up in Songfest, which is an annual sing and dance competition between campus Greek Life. Our Spring Gpa was 3.295 and our Fall GPA was 3.201. Our representative for Homecoming, Amanda Moulchin, won homecoming queen. We became SAAFE certified for the years 2013-2014 by having 80% of our chapter participate in SAAFE certified workshops throughout the year. Eta Delta signed the One Valpo pledge, which is a pledge saying that we will "celebrate diversity and raise awareness to the peaceful outcomes of inclusion". Our Panhellenic community adopted Circle of Sisterhood as our philanthropy. We also had members participate in VU Day of Caring, which is a university wide day of philanthropic events throughout the community. We held our first Reading is Key event with Hilltop children and partnered with Sigma Phi Epsilon. Hilltop is a local daycare center for underprivileged families in the community. We read with the children and did a craft with them and, since the event was around Christmas time, Sigma Phi Epsilon gave each child a present. Eta Delta also had two new philanthropy events in 2014. In March, we held Kappa Karnival, a community wide carnival event. In October we held our Kapture the Flag event, which was a capture the flag tournament.

Eta Delta is relatively small compared to chapters at other schools. We pride ourselves in having a diverse group of women who are active on campus and off whether that is through sports teams, clubs, jobs, volunteer groups, etc. In January of 2014, Eta Delta received its largest pledge class ever of 22, making us the largest sorority on campus. During fall recruitment, we had eight more members join. Beacon Hall, a new dorm on campus, was opened. The sorority housing proposal process began and Pike was approved to come on campus.

In previous years we have held chapter in our chapter room, which is located in the all sorority dorm. However, because of our large chapter size, this spring we moved to the Brown and Gold room in the Harre Union and in the fall we moved to Niels 234.

Our chapter lives together on a floor of a sorority dorm owned by the university. Typically, all sophomores and juniors live in this facility and we can provide housing for up to 36 members. In 2014, we received news that the university would be building new sorority housing, expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

Our president's badge is from 1998, when we were founded. On the back is inscripted "PRES 4/18/98"

Highlights of 2015:[edit]

In January, Eta Delta took part in Formal Recruitment and welcomed 18 new members with a 50s themed bid day. In February we participated in Valparaiso University's Dance Marathon event. We also held Kappa Manicure, a new mini philanthropy event where we painted nails. Members also attended Meet the Pike's Night this month, a semiformal event welcoming the members of the newly chartered Phi Kappa Alpha chapter to campus.

Over Spring Break, three members attended the first annual all greek service trip to Tennessee. In March, we held our second annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. In April, Eta Delta had four members participated in St. Baldricks by shaving their heads. We had a sisterhood event where we painted tiles to decorate the new house and a unity event with Pi Beta Phi where we tie dyed shirts. We won 2nd place in Songfest with a Beattles themed dance.

At the Valparaiso University Greek Awards Kappa Kappa Gamma was recognized as a 2013-2014 SAAFE and Empowering Organizations and won The Ausensen Award for Excellence in Campus Involvement 2013-2014, Excellence in Public Relations 2013-2014, and Received Honorable mention for New Member Program Award. In May 2015 we had our Sapphire Ball Formal dance and fifteen seniors graduated from our chapter this month. Construction began over the summer for the new Sorority campus housing and are planned to be completed by the end of the 2015-2016 academic year.

In August, Eta Delta had a field day event with members from Sigma Chi, Pi Kappa Alpha, Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition, and Latinos in Valparaiso for Excellence where we participated in various activities. Relay for Life was held in October and the Kappa team was the top fundraising team, raising $1,508. Later that month, sixteen members participated in the annual VU Day of Caring event where they went to a local nature preserve to do restoration work. That same day, we had a sisterhood event where we made 15 tie-blankets for Project Lynas, an organization that sends donated blankets to children in hospitals.

In November, we had the first annual Kappa Cooks for Books, a waffle breakfast, where we raised $115 for Reading is Fundamental. We also had a Dad's day event where we learned to ballroom dance and later we initiated a new member class of two. We ended the year with our annual Thanksmas sisterhood event and a "Crazy Holiday" themed dance.

The biggest changes to campus this year would include the construction of the new sorority housing and the addition of two new chapters on campus- Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Lambda Gamma


Highlights of 2016[edit]

In January, Eta Delta took part in Formal Recruitment and in February we welcomed 23 new members. We had an "Up" (the movie) themed bid day. Our chapter also had the pleasure of meeting Jim O'Heir (an actor from Parks and Recreation) during one of our chapter meetings.

In February Kappas won the Phi Kappa Psi Chili Cook-off for the second time in a row and we held our Kappa Krush dance.

March, we held our third annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. Five of our sisters traveled to Washington D.C. over spring break to volunteer. We had a unity event with Pi Beta Phi where we hosted a fashion show. Eta Delta also participated in Song Fest and our theme was Disney villains.

At the Valparaiso University Greek Awards Kappa Kappa Gamma was recognized for the best recruitment award and one of our members won sorority woman of the year award. In May 2016 we had our Sapphire Ball Formal dance. We had a unity event with Phi Sigma Kappa where we watched movies in our pajamas. At the end of the semester we moved out of Scheele hall for the last time and packed up our chapter room to move into our new Kappa house.

Construction for the new sorority houses continued over the summer. At Convention we earned Honorable Mention in the areas of Finance, Philanthropy, and House Board. We also received the Kappa Kappa Gamma National Panhellenic Award.

In August, our new house was finally finished. Eta Delta had an America themed dance party with the brothers of Sigma Pi. Relay for Life was held in October and Kappa participated by walking and giving out temporary tattoos. In September some of our members participated in Pi Kappa's Alpha's firemen's challenge and we prepared for fall recruitment. Kappa won homecoming week for the second time in a row.

In October, we held our fall dance, which was themed famous couples. We held our first ever Fall Festival with the brothers of Phi Kappa Psi. We initiated three new members. We joined them at the Boys and Girls Club where we held a variety of different booths that the children could play. We also held our first sorority interest event called Kamp Kappa.

In November, had a Dad's Day event where we hung out with our dads at a football game. We also had our annual Thanksmas dinner and gift exchange.

The biggest change was the addition of the new sorority houses on campus. 6 houses were built for the 5 sororities on campus and one unaffiliated house. The houses are beautiful. They are built so they all connect through the basements and each sorority member has access to her house by using her campus ID card.

We hold our chapter meetings in the chapter room of our new house starting the beginning of the fall semester. The university owns our house. There are a variety of different room styles. The president has a room to herself and there are two floors of rooms that have triples, doubles, and quads. 25 sisters are able to live in the house. This is our very first year in our new house and we are very excited.

The only historical badge we have in our chapter is our president’s badge which we have had since we came to campus in 1998.

Highlights of 2017[edit]

In January, Eta Delta took part in Formal Recruitment, capped off with a country themed bid day, Sweet Home Kappa Kappa Gamma.

On February 25th, we welcomed 22 new members into the sisterhood. This brought the chapter's active member total up to 82. We held our Kappa Krush dance at Casa del Roma.

In March, we held our fourth annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. We raised $607, which was split between the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Eta Delta had 25 members participate in Song Fest, and our theme was 90s throwbacks.

In April, we participated in Dance Marathon for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. In May, we had our Sapphire Ball Formal dance at Casa del Roma.

In August, to kick off the school year, Eta Delta had a Hawaiian themed dance party with the brothers of Phi Kappa Psi. In September, six of our members won the Pi Kappa Alpha Fireman's Challenge, and we prepared for fall recruitment.

In October, we initiated five new members. We had our first sisterhood retreat at Camp Butternut Springs. Many Eta Delta members participated in Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society. In November, we had a Great Gatsby semi formal at Casa del Roma.

In December, had our annual Thanksmas dinner featuring an ugly sweater contest and a Secret Sister gift exchange. We also made cards for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Having moved in during the fall of 2016, Eta Delta marked the first full year of having its own university-owned house in 2017. The facility can house 25 members in a variety of triple, double, and quad rooms, while the president or Vice President of Standards has the luxury of her own room. The house can comfortably accommodate weekly chapter meetings with seating for all members. We can also now perform the initiation ceremony within the chapter facility.

Eta Delta’s historical badge is its President’s badge which dates back to the chartering of the chapter in 1998. Eta Delta received 2 Greek Awards from the Panhellenic/InterFraternity Council: “Excellence in New Member Education” and “Most Improved Chapter.” Our recruitment counselor, Leah Birhanu, received the “Sam Salvador Living Your Values Award.” This award was created in honor of a Chi Omega who passed away this year. Rin Seibert received “Sorority Advisor of the Year”.

Highlights of 2018[edit]

We hit a homerun starting the year with our baseball themed Bid Day “A League of Our Own” in January.

In February, we performed in Lambda Chi Alpha’s Air Guitar Competition and won a check for RIF. We had Kappa Krush on the 10th at Casa del Roma. We had a Galentine’s Sisterhood event on the 18th. We had four sisters participate in the Polar Plunge. We initiated 22 new members on the 23rd.

In March, we has sisters attend various spring break trips including a Greek Life trip to Denham Springs, Louisiana, a medical trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua with the Nursing Program, and a mission trip with St. Teresa’s Student Center to Des Moines, Iowa. We also had a sisterhood event in the union where we played Twister and ate pizza.

In April, we had many sisters participate in Dance Marathon. We held a Reading is Key Event at Parkview Elementary where we read “A New Leaf” and made tree crafts. We had a sisterhood event where we painted and potted plants. We had many sisters participate in Songfest; the theme was summer.

In May, we had a red carpet themed formal at Casa del Roma. We held a dodgeball tournament for our philanthropy event and raised money for RIF and the Kappa Foundation. We held a senior banquet celebrating our graduates and wishing them all well in the real world. We also won the Intramurals for the year!

In September, we had a barbecue at the house after a football game as a sisterhood event. We held a sisterhood retreat at Camp Tannadoonah where made birthday cards for the kids at the Midwest Center and participated in many bonding activities. For Homecoming, we had a table at the Street Fair and held an alumnae event where members shared their favorite memories. We had two teams participate in the Pike’s Firemen challenge, and we won for the second year in a row. We held our first combined service event with St. Teresa’s Catholic Student Center. We raised money at the Strack and Van Til’s for Hobart Humane Society. We also had all our members participate in cleaning up the highway US Route 2.

In October, we had a sisterhood event, “Kappa is to Dye For,” where we tie dyed clothes. We had our semi formal at County Line Orchard. We held a unity event with Lambda Chi Alpha and Phi Delta Theta. We had sisters participate in the Iron Phive 5k for ALS and Kicking it for KD.

In November, we had a service event at Cafe Manna. We also had a philanthropy event for Girls Academy called Kappa Kakes where we made and sold pancakes.

In December, we had Thanksmas. We shot our recruitment video. We had a karaoke unity event with Phi Sigma Kappa.

Panhellenic Council passed a fall 2019 extension for a sixth sorority.

Along with our president’s badge, we have two new historical badges. The Susanna Eibel Young award is given to the girl with the highest cumulative GPA at the end of her junior year. Susanna Eibel Young and her mother were instrumental in the founding of Kappa on our campus. We have the VPS badge that is passed down from VPS to VPS. It belonged to Debra Harstad, who was a part of the graduating class of 2012 and served as VPS during her time in Kappa.


Highlights of 2019[edit]

In January, Eta Delta welcomed 28 new members during our Ice Cream themed bid day. We also held a unity event with Lambda Chi Alpha and created cards for children in the hospital. In February, Eta Delta put on Kappa Karnival for Girls Academy. There were various carnival games and karaoke teams from other fraternities and sororities. Five of our officers attended KLC in Dallas, Texas. Our new members found out their bigs that weekend as well! On February 23, all 28 new members were initiated into Kappa Kappa Gamma! The following day, the new members attended their first formal chapter as initiated members. In March, we held two unity events with Pi Kappa Alpha and Phi Kappa Psi. In April, we held a charter day celebration for Eta Delta! In May, we had our Kappily Ever After formal in the Porter County Expo Center. We celebrated our seniors’ successes with a senior banquet, and 16 sisters graduated. In August, we helped freshman move into their dorms and participated in various Welcome Week activities such as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet. In September, we had a sisterhood retreat at the Indiana Dunes and helped clean up the beach. Sisters also went to Valparaiso’s Popcorn Festival. We also participated in Greek Week and PIKE’s Fireman’s Challenge. We welcomed Alpha Gamma Delta’s new members at their bid day celebration. We learned chants with the Alpha Gam LCs. We attended Pi Beta Phi’s Mr. Pi Phi philanthropy event for Read. Lead. Achieve. Sister’s participated in Valparaiso’s Day of Caring and Gamma Phi Beta’s Moonball that benefited their philanthropy, Girls on the Run. Homecoming brought alumni back to Eta Delta for Kappa Love. We also had a booth in the Crusader Street Fair. In October, we hosted another Kappa Karnival for Girl’s Academy and raised over $3,000! Eta Delta also met potential new members’ during open house. We hosted a celebration for Founder’s Day with alumni. We invited Alpha Gamma Delta over for a movie night to welcome our new neighbors. We participated in various philanthropy events such as Kappa Delta’s Shamrock Soccer and Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Sig Ep Splash. We also had a Halloween Party with our sisters, and we mummified a sister with toilet paper and made caramel apples. Sigma Phi Epsilon also went bowling with us! We hosted a fall interest event for potential new members with a hot chocolate bar and cookies. We donated books to Hilltop Neighborhood House and volunteered. In November, we had a sister participate in St. Baldrick’s hosted by Lambda Chi Alpha. We also hosted a Dad’s Day where sisters and their dads carved pumpkins. Our spring of 2019 class had a retreat. Our entire chapter went through RR for the first time in four years. We participated in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days and Phi Kappa Psi’s Phi Psi 500. We hosted our first joint semi-formal with Lambda Chi Alpha, and the theme was 70s. Our new officers were elected and had a leadership day to begin to transition them. In December, we hosted Thanksmas and did a secret sister gift giving. We also adopted an Angel Tree Child. Our new officers were installed on December 7.



Highlights of 2020[edit]

Chapter Summary In January, Eta Delta welcomed 18 new members during our Going for the Gold bid day. In Feburary, we hosted Kappa Krush. We initiatied all 18 women into Eta Delta. We hosted a movie night in the chapter room. We ice skated for a sisterhood event. One sister participated in Phi Sigma Kappa’s Polar Plunge event. We also created cards for children in hostpials with Lamdba Chi Alpha. In March, pre-COVID, we had a one member attend the Fraternity and Sorority Life service trip. Pre-COVID, four sisters attended a service trip in Costa Rica. Pre-COVID, four sisters attended Arch Madness in St. Louis for the Semi-Finals. In April, sisters participated in Valparaiso University’s first virtual Dance Marathon, and we celebrated our 22nd anniversity of Eta Delta. We participated in virtual Songfest, a campus tradition where student organizations come up with dances that follow a specific theme. During the COVID-19 lockdown, council met to work together and plan a virtual Kappa expreince. In May, we made a video for our graduating seniors and gifted them blankets. Two sisters received scholarships. Our member, Annika Brown, won the Sam Salvador Living Your Values Award at our Fratenity and Sorority Life Awards. We won Excellence in Chapter Development and Values in Action Awards. In June, our Chapter President attended virtual convention. During June and July, our members volunteered at FOCUS to welcome first year students, and one of our sisters was an Orientation Assistant. In August, we placed for New Member Education and Advisory Board at Kappa Convention. We had honorable mentions for Public Relations, Panhellenic, and Standards at Kappa Convention. We came back to campus in early August and helped first year students move in. Sisters participated in Mini-Dance Marathon. We also meet potential new members at the Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet. We particiapted in virtual fall recruitment and welcomed 9 new members into our chapter. In September, we participated in Alpha Gamma Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Pi Beta Phi’s philanthropy events. Sisters participated in Dance Marathon’s FT5K, a 5K that benefits Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago. We also won intramurals in Kickball. Our event chair hosted a movie night for sisters, and we watched Mulan. Sisters met potential new members at Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Fall Day. We played intramural co-ed volleyball with Lambda Chi Alpha. Our Spring 2020 new member class had a fall photoshoot. In October, we initiated 9 new members and hosted an all virtual initiation. Inspiration Period was held online as well where we hosted Kappa Love, game night, and senior night. We hosted Kappa Kahoot, our virtual philathropy event, that benefited Reading is Fundamental. We participated in Kappa Delta’s Shamrock philanthropy event and Lamdba Chi Alpha’s Spike Tournament and 5K that supported the RAINN Foundation. We had a fall sisterhood event where sisters painted canvas’ and pumpkins. We hosted a virtual fall interest event, Going Mad For Kappa, where sisters and potential new members played MadLibs. Our president, Chelsea VanAken, won the Susanne Eibel Young award from the East Lake/Porter County Alumni Association. This award is given to the junior with the highest cumulative GPA and comes with a special pin, monetary award, and certificate. Sisters participated in Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Monster Dash and safely hosted a Halloween party in the chapter room. In November, we installed all our 2021 council members.


Chapter Philanthropy What organization does the chapter support? Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Girls Academy

We support all three philanthropies throughout different efforts during the year. We support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation because it helps our sisters we are in need of financial supports affected by natural diseasters or situations like COVID-19. We support Reading is Fundamental because it provides kids with access to books. We support Girls Academy because middle school is a rough time for kids, especially girls, and we want to provide mentorship for them.


How did your chapter include diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in your programming this year? (e.g., adding a DEI officer, philanthropy events, social media awareness campaign, chapter training, etc.). We created a diversity, equity, and inclusion chairwoman to transition with the incoming council. She will have a committee that represents each class of women in our chapter and the education chair. She will facilitate conversation and hold educational programs about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are participating in our Fraternity and Sorority Community’s conversation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion as well. One sister is a part of the #OneValpo committee that is under IFC and Panhellenic.

How did your chapter celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary? Share what you have done this year. Our education chair created a Kappa Kahoot that had fun facts about Kappa Kappa Gamma. This included information about our founders and other history. Alumni attended via Zoom and talked about their experience in Kappa. They spoke about the friendships it brought them, life lessons, and opportunities Kappa has brought them.

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Highlights of 2021[edit]

In January of 2021 the incoming council met via zoom to discuss our plans for the chapter. We welcomed 18 new members along with our recruitment counselors and officers to our chapter with a Dream Awhile with Kappa bid day before our formal pledging. In February we had our much awaited big little reveal. In March, we were able to virtual initiate our new sisters after a fun filled I-week. We had an online Tea Time with Kappa interest event for potential new members. Together we had a powerpoint sisterhood event and a unity event with PIKE where we shared our powerpoints. Not only that but we had a fashion unity event with Chi O. In April, we had many sisters participate in Dance Marathon and we were the highest fundraising organization! We were able to get together in person for a succulent pot painting sisterhood event. We participated in wiffleball and volleyball intramurals which was almost as exciting as our first online Girls Academy event that happened this month. We also had a little charter day celebration at the house. Our chapter won FSL week and we won the pillar of excellence along with other awards! In May sisters participated in Songfest with a Pitch Perfect theme which had us first place in sororities. We also had a Coffees and Donuts sisterhood event to celebrate the end of finals. At the end of this month we had a senior banquet to celebrate our lovely seniors who were graduating. In July we had sisters help with FOCUS freshman orientation. In August sisters participated in freshman move in and other welcome week events such as Fraternity and Sorority Life Meet and Greet. In September we had a Blue and Blue theme bid day to welcome four new members to Kappa. Sisters took part in all the homecoming activities around campus and even continued with flag football and volleyball intramurals. We also got a new chapter advisor. In October we had our homecoming alumni event at the house to show them what our chapter looks like now. We held a Pumpkins and Positivity interest event for potential new members. After formal pledging, we initiated our four new members into our chapter after another fun and in person I-week. We celebrated Founders Day with brunch, games, and sisterhood. For the first time in over a year, we were able to hold a Black and White Ball Semi! Intramural basketball was also going on at this time. Instead of chapter on Halloween, we had a sisterhood event with cookies, caramel apples, and raffles! In November we had a tailgating unity event with Kappa Delta to get ready for the football game.We honored Dr. Bob at the FSL faculty and staff award ceremony. We were granted enough money for a new chapter room. Two of our sisters were inducted into Order of Omega. We also had our Kappa Kickball philanthropy event which was a huge success! We did great in our basketball intramurals this month. Family day was hosted at the house for our sisters and their families to get together and make Christmas ornaments. In December we had our Thanksmas and lastly, our new officers were installed after our leadership day.

Chapter Philanthropy What local organization does the chapter support and why? Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Girls Academy, and Active Minds Mental Health. We support all three philanthropies throughout the year. We support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation because it helps our sisters around the world who are in need of financial aid due to natural disasters or because COVID-19. We support Active Minds because mental health is something important everyone deals with, especially on a college campus. We support Girls Academy because middle school can be difficult for girls, and we want to help them with their confidence. How did the chapter support Kappa’s philanthropy? We sold shirts and held our first annual Kappa Kickball! Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We have a diversity, equity, and inclusion chairman who would often have presentations she shared in order to educate us and hold those conversations.

Operating in a Pandemic At the beginning of the year, we stayed virtual with chapter, initiation, recruitment, and even unit events. Slowly, we were able to meet again in person with masks and a limited number of sisters in a space. Sign ups for different time slots were available so every sister could still take part in sisterhood events, just at different times. We are now meeting in person again and holding in person initiation and semi formals for the first time in over a year.

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