Difference between pages "Eta" and "Alpha Deuteron"

From Kappapedia
(Difference between pages)
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎HIghlights of 2018)
 
(→‎Highlighs of 2021)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Infobox Fraternity
 
{{Infobox Fraternity
−
|Name= Eta
+
|Name= Alpha Deuteron
−
|GreekSymbol= H
+
|GreekSymbol= A<sup>Δ</sup>
−
|Image= [[File:Eta.jpg|200px]]
+
|Image= [[File:IMG 1741 reduced1.jpg|200px]]
−
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1875|02|02}}
+
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1870|10|13}}
−
|College= [http://www.wisc.edu/ University of Wisconsin]
+
|College= [https://www.monmouthcollege.edu/ Monmouth College]
−
|Location= Madison, WI
+
|Location= Monmouth, Ill.
−
|Province= Epsilon North
+
|Province= Epsilon South
−
|Homepage= [http://chapters.kappakappagamma.org/eta/ Eta Homepage]
+
|Homepage= [https://monmouthcollege.kappa.org/ Alpha Deuteron Homepage]
−
|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Eta Media related to Eta Chapter]
+
|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Alpha Media related to Alpha Chapter]}}
−
}}
 
  
 +
<table><tr><td>
  
−
'''University of Wisconsin established in 1848, Madison, Wisconsin'''
+
'''Monmouth College established in 1853, Monmouth, Illinois'''
  
  
−
'''Founded February 2, 1875 - 8 charter members'''
+
'''Founded as Alpha Chapter October 13, 1870; Closed 1884'''
  
 +
'''44 total initiates (as of 1884 closure)'''
  
−
'''3,453 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
 
  
 +
'''Founded as Alpha Deuteron on October 13, 1934'''
  
−
----
 
−
'''Charter Members:'''
 
−
Agnes Allis Haskill, Carrie (Caroline A.) Hobart, Elizabeth Antoinette Meyer, Juliet Meyer, Helen Remington, Helen Dougal Street, Fannie Walbridge, Fannie West
 
  
 +
'''1,708 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
 +
 +
 +
</td>
 +
</tr></table>
 +
 +
'''Charter members''':[[ Mary Louise “Lou” Bennett]], [[Hannah Jeannette “Jennie” Boyd]], [[Mary “Minnie” Moore Stewart]], [[Anna Elizabeth Willits]], [[Susan Burley Walker]], [[Martha Louisa “Lou” Stevenson]]. The last two were initiated by the first four, but walked into chapel with them on October 13, 1870. Since that is considered the Fraternity’s official founding date, Susan Walker and Louisa Stevenson are also considered Founders.
 +
 +
'''Alpha Deuteron charter members''': Sarah Louise Brownell, Helen Eugenia Christy, Dorothy May Field, Margaret Rhoda Lee, Mary Lucille Mack, Mary Elizabeth McClanahan, Frances Mills, Maxine Ditteau Moore, Dorothy May Murphy, Frances Carolyn Nelson, Margaret Jane Paull, Janet Randles, Martha Randles, Margaret Maxine Rathbun, Ruth Carolyn Swanson, Margaret Andrews Tubbs, Ruth Claire Wagner, Mary Jane Wilson, Emma Gibson Work, Jane Louise Zimmer.
 +
 +
 +
'''Outstanding Alpha Alumnae:'''
 +
 +
'''Grand Chapter Officers:'''
 +
Minnie Stewart, first president of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity 1870-1872
 +
Alice Pillsbury, president 1872-1874
 +
Frances Shelley, president 1872-1874
 +
Caroline (Carrie) Smith, president 1874-1875
 +
 +
 +
 +
'''Outstanding Alpha Deuteron Alumnae'''
 +
 +
 +
 +
'''Fraternity Officers:'''
 +
Gail Simpson Owen, Director of Personnel 1988-1990, Director of Programs and Education 2014-2016, Fraternity Vice President 2016-2018, Fraternity President 2018-2020;
  
−
'''Fraternity Council Members:'''
 
  
−
E. Josephine Sarles (Simpson), Grand Secretary 1882-1884; Florence C. Moseley, Grand Treasurer 1888-1890; George Challoner Tracy, Grand Treasurer 1904-1906; Grand Secretary 1906-1908;
 
−
Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, National Director of Provinces 1924-1926; National President 1926-1928, 1928-1930, National Panhellenic Delegate , 1930-1932; Almira Johnson McNaboe, Director of Provinces 1932-1934; Grand Vice President 1934-1936, 1936-1938, 1938-1940; Gail Guthrie (Valaskakis), Field Secretary 1962-1964; Laurie Schmidt (Severino), Field Secretary 1982-1984; Janet Meinheit, Traveling Consultant 1988-1989
 
  
  
Line 36: Line 58:
  
  
−
'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award recipients:'''
 
  
−
Edith Clarke, 1955, First woman to earn electrical engineering degree from MIT; first woman elected fellow of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers; Nancy Olson Livingston, 1960, stage and screen actress (starred in Disney’s Pollyanna); Gena Rowlands Cassavetes, 1960, screen and television (nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Mabel Longhetti in A Woman Under the Influence, 1974, played Allie Calhoun in The Notebook, 2004); Gail Guthrie Valaskakis, 1972, Education pioneer; awarded numerous research grants and honors; author
+
'''Alumna Achievement Award Recipients:'''
 +
1974: Lois Winter Lloyd—A founder of North Shore Association for the Retarded, a training center for children and adults; Helen Wagner Willey, 1990, longtime actress who played “Nancy Hughes” on As the World Turns (died 2009)
  
  
−
'''Other Notable Alumnae:'''
 
  
−
Patricia Beth O’Kelley—TV actress, author and producer who has appeared on Emeril, That Was Then, The New Adventures of Old Christine and Gilmore Girls; film work includes Outside Sales and Weather Girl; Nancy Hanschman Dickerson—White House correspondent; publisher of Among Those Present, a 1976 memoir covering the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Ford administrations; Marilyn Fox (Rutherford), Graduate Counselor 1950-1951;
+
'''Additional Outstanding Alpha Deuteron Alumnae'''
−
Gail Guthrie (Valaskakis), Graduate Counselor 1961-1963; Suzette Gotta (Jaskie), Chapter Consultant 1984-1987
+
Rhonda Correll (VanOteghem), Graduate Counselor 1983-1984, PDC 1995-1999;
 +
Sue Campbell (Jones), Graduate Counselor 1969-1970;
 +
Juleen Kelly (Veneziano), Chapter Consultant 1996-1997;
 +
Kristin Whitver (Fouts), Chapter Consultant 2003-2004;
 +
Hilary Hawkinson Stott, Chapter Consultant 2007-2008, Risk Management Content Director 2018-2020;
 +
Janice Camenisch (Keil), Graduate Counselor 1955-1956;
 +
Crystal Straube (Stump), Chapter Consultant 1990-1991, PDC 1996-97;
 +
Gail Simpson Owen, Field Representatives Chairman 1994-95, PDC 1985-88;
 +
Catherine Axline Williams, PDC 1977-81;
 +
Frances Swanson Hobert, PDA 1961-65;
 +
Jane Robb Davis, PDA 1987-89;
 +
Kathryn Alexander, PDA 1987-89;
 +
Leslie James-Cook, PDA 1993-94;
 +
Kory Brown, Traveling Consultant 1994-1995;
 +
Mabel Martin McCoy, PDC 1961-67;
 +
Mary Diffenbaugh Abbott, Province President 1945-57;
 +
Nancy Acheson McGaan, PDA 2006-09, PDC 2001-05;
 +
Sally Ann Ryder, PDA 1957-61;
 +
Ellen Boyd (Salyards), Traveling Consultant 1987-1988;
  
  
  
  
−
==The Early Years==
+
'''Historical excerpts:'''
  
−
A University of Wisconsin student, Juliet Meyer (Brown), received a letter from a Kappa Kappa Gamma member at Indiana University in the fall of 1874, inviting her to form a Chapter at Wisconsin. Juliet’s name had been selected from the university catalog, and she casually chose roommates and dormitory neighbors as Chapter mates. It happened that, of the eight girls occupying two suites of rooms in the dormitory, two were seniors and six were juniors. 
+
“Anna Willits, Minnie Stewart, Jennie Boyd and Louise Bennett!
 +
Founders ye of Kappa Gamma …
 +
Would that you had left more record
 +
of your life in Alpha Chapter …”
  
−
This was the first year that women had been officially integrated at Wisconsin. There were two men’s fraternities, none for women, and faculty attitudes were reputedly hostile. For this reason, the organization of Eta was secretly performed by correspondence.
+
(from the report of '''Florence Burton Roth''', Beta Delta--''Michigan'', Historian at the 1916 General Convention, Ithaca, New York)
  
−
After considerable correspondence, Juliet and her seven friends signed the constitution and oath of initiation, which had been received in cipher. The Chapter was established on February 2, 1875, by the Grand Chapter. The first pledge was Mary Hill. She was relieved when the key to the cipher arrived, and wrote “great relief was felt when the really harmless nature of the dark deed was revealed to the founders of Eta.”
+
“Forty years is a long time to remember what did not seem too very important at the time …” ('''Martha Louisa Stevenson Miller''', ''Monmouth'')
  
−
From the beginning, regular meetings were held in the private rooms of members, and literary exercises were always a part of the program. Informal spreads, guarded with secrecy and mystery, occasionally took place in some bedroom reached through a parlor that acted as a buffer between the festive rites and inquisitive teachers and fellow students. It was not until the golden keys appeared that it began to be rumored that a secret society had been organized. Indignation was great in some quarters.
+
“We were just a happy, harmonious group of lively girls with a keen sense of loyalty to Kappa and to each other, with strict regard to the quality of membership and sacredness of our badge … there seemed little to record … as so many of us lived in Monmouth, we clung together and held our meetings for some years after fraternities were banished … the chapter finally became only a memory.” ('''Alice Pillsbury Shelley Resor''', A-''Monmouth'', ''The Key'', October 1929)
  
−
The college year 1875-76 was a stirring one in college history. Meetings began and ended in a row. New literary societies were formed from schisms in old ones, and members of Eta were leading members of the literary societies.
+
In September 1856, Monmouth, a three-year-old academy, opened as a coeducational college with the blessing of the Associate Reformed, later the United Presbyterian Church. Chapters of men’s fraternities Beta Theta Pi and Delta Tau Delta appeared in 1865, and Phi Gamma Delta in 1866. The I.C. Sorosis, founded for women in 1867, had not yet become Pi Beta Phi when Kappa Kappa Gamma was created. '''M. Louise Bennet (Boyd)''' and her future sister-in-law, '''H. Jeannette Boyd''', thought of organizing; considered first limiting membership to girls taking the classical course; but realized how much their choice of members would be narrowed; and “gave up that exclusive idea.”
  
−
As soon as they became known as Kappas, they could do nothing without having their motives questioned. They were accused of using their influence to secure appointments and class offices for members, of forming a clique, and of being an aristocracy. The fraternities were all hated by the non-fraternity students, who formed themselves into an anti-secret society league that actually did what it was accusing the fraternities of doing.
+
== 1870 - 1880 ==
  
−
In spite of adverse circumstances, Eta, strong in its seniors, flourished. But when the girls of 1876 graduated, there was little left, and dark days began for Eta. Of the university’s incoming senior class, only two were Kappas, and there was only one in the junior class. In three years, membership dwindled to four. These four were determined to pledge only girls who embodied their ideals of Kappa or die as a chapter. They found their pledges and Eta flourished. Mary Hill was secretary to the 1878 General Convention, and Eta was convention hostess in 1882.
+
In January 1870, Kappa Alpha Theta had been founded in Greencastle, Indiana, at Asbury (later DePauw) University. Baird’s American College Fraternities, 1883, has it that “a proposition to establish a chapter of another fraternity suggested the idea of creating this new one.” But Louise Bennett insisted, “We had not heard of any other Greek-letter fraternity for girls at that time and always considered ourselves the first. … If any girl came from Greencastle … to invite our girls to join Kappa Alpha Theta … I never heard of it.”
  
 +
This ignorance is reasonable. Between the time “two college girls … held a schoolgirls’ conversation out of which grew the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity” on that little wooden bridge made famous by a Monmouth College president, and the day when six girls walked into a chapel wearing their new keys, and announced themselves to a college population, which already knew about them, a matter of months have passed. If they had known of any competition they would have been eager to be on with the game—but no, they waited until their badges had been made up by the jeweler. Then they were ready.
  
−
'''Housing'''
+
The ''Monmouth College Courier'' waited too, and in October 1870, wrote, “The long expected ship hove into sight some days ago … When the crew came ashore … the dignified mien and grace … evinced the residence of authority … they wear a little gold key, sometimes on their foreheads, sometimes on their little blue or red jackets … we have been able to count only six of them .. they are on a voyage of discovery.”
  
−
By 1883, fraternities at Wisconsin were accepted. In 1884, Dr. John Bascom, president of the university, whose daughter was a Kappa, gave Eta the use of three rooms in South Hall. These rooms were needed for other uses in the spring of 1891, but happily, a professor going on a leave of absence rented Eta his home, completely furnished. The experiment was so successful that the chapter rented another house in the fall, and with the help of alumnae, found furniture to go in it. In 1894, the girls gave up the house and rented rooms in the home of Mrs. C. N. Brown. This also proved to be too expensive, so Eta was again without a chapter house. In 1901, Eta moved to 425 North Park Street, the second Chapter house and the first women’s fraternity in Madison to build its own house.  
+
The fact that both Thetas and Kappas announced themselves by marching proudly into chapel means only that chapel was the one sure place to catch the collective eye of the student body. It is recorded that “the Greek-letter boys cheered and stamped … (it was) quite a while before Dr. Wallace (the college president) got them quieted down.”
  
−
Mary Hill, now a faculty member, moved into the new house with the girls and became the center of the household. She labored over the card catalogue, answered questions about early members of Eta, tutored in French and English, wound the Kappa clock, and beamed at banquets. She attended 114 initiation services, “which always seemed new and beautiful to me,” and saw more than 470 young women become Kappas.
+
“We were so excited and proud,” said '''Jennie Boyd''' of the day when the girls appeared wearing their keys. “Everything seemed different!” Even the people, the buildings, the classrooms seemed changed. We had started something all by ourselves!”
 +
Alpha struck the keynote and planned the theme … chose the badge and the name … it seems quite certain that no attempt was made toward anything ritualistic.” (Historian’s report, 1933)
  
−
Life on North Park Street began uniquely when members were quarantined for two weeks during a smallpox scare. At first, Kappas outside the house were sorry for their imprisoned sisters, but they soon began to envy them. None of the victims will ever forget the festivities of those two weeks … the White House Dinner, the Military Hop, the mock wedding. It brought members closer together.
+
About 1873 the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church decided that no college under its jurisdiction should have Greek-letter fraternities.
  
−
In 1903, the Chapter had its first death when Rosamund Parish, a freshman, died in the Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago. A sophomore and four young alumnae died in the influenza epidemic in 1918.
+
“Do you think this is going to finfish us?” wrote a fiery Alice Pillsbury. “Do you think we are going to subside? Not by any means! It only puts us to the trouble of putting in our members before they enter college.” Alice Pillsbury was initiated in September 1871; served as Secretary 1874-75; she graduated in 1873. She signed the charters of Delta, Epsilon, Eta, Iota and Theta. She had to copy over the constitution for the new chapters, and she exchanged letters with their corresponding secretaries (“… our correspondence became … quite personal with exchange of photographs …”). Her letters were full of facts and liveliness and in some cases those letters are all that remain to give life to a lost chapter. Her “ … subside? Not by any means!” kept Alpha alive, albeit in rascally fashion, for a few extra years.
  
−
During World War I, older male students and some of the girls left to do war work; those remaining knitted and worked for the Red Cross. Eta’s dear home was requisitioned by the government. One Eta member “felt as if she had a boy at the front” as she helped measure the rooms and estimate how many men could be quartered there. The chapter was patriotic enough to be thankful they had something Uncle Sam wanted, but heartsick at the coming sacrifice. Then Eta rejoiced as word came that sororities were not to be disturbed.
+
Until 1879 or 1880, when fraternities at Monmouth were ordered to disband entirely, pins were concealed, to be “flashed” for trusted friends.
  
−
In 1918, and 1919, Eta Chapter contributed $584 to the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Fund for Meudon, $1,400 to the Memorial Union Fund, $300 to the national scholarship fund, and $150 to the university scholarships, a yearly pledge.
+
== 1880 - 1890 ==
  
−
==Golden Jubliee==
+
In 1882, '''Minnie Stewart Nelson Field (then Mrs. Nelson)''' was Alpha delegate to Convention and gave a talk. “It was the desire of the Fraternity and the intention of Mrs. Nelson to have prepared a complete history … but owing to the death of a sister Kappa who had in her possession the earlier chronicles, she was unable to procure the necessary information. (''The Golden Key'', Volume 1, Number 2)
  
−
Eta’s Golden Jubilee was celebrated February 14, 1925, as finals fell on the actual date. It was most rewarding for actives and alumnae alike. A charter member said, “What we began so long ago in secrecy and humility has proved very well while.”
+
In 1884, a letter from the chapter asked release, and the request was granted. There seemed to be no charter to surrender, and Alpha died. A February 15, 1885, letter from Mrs. Nelson repeated the story of the secretary who took the record book to Kansas and died there. This must have been '''Mittie Merridith Love''' who died in Kansas in the spring of 1882 … and with her the Alpha minutes.
  
−
A quotation from an active of that time expresses the feeling of Eta toward the alumnae: “It is all very well to talk of Kappa and to sing of Kappa, but it is the lives of these women who have lived Kappa for 50 years that made an ineradicable impression upon those who are to follow them. In their dignity, in their grace, in their humility, we see the real Kappa.”
+
Kappa Historian '''May Whiting Westermann''', Sigma-''Nebraksa'', searching for signs of Alpha members as real people made a pilgrimage to Monmouth, (The Key, April 1931) and, while reading names in the cemetery was greeted by a student who said, “My grandmother, '''Margaret Pogue''', was a member of Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma here.” Margaret Pogue Ford died November 29, 1915, in Monmouth. Her daughter, '''Mary Jane''', was married to Arthur G. Smith in 1907. Their daughter, '''Margaret Smith''', who spoke to Mrs. Westermann that day, became a member of Alpha Deuteron, and her daughter, '''Mary Hutchinson''', (later Mrs. Federick A. Tucker) is a member of Upsilon Chapter.
  
−
The University Board of Regents bought the Park Street House in 1926, and plans for a new house to be build at 601 North Henry Street were made. Eta members moved into the old Phi Gamma Delta house, across the street from where the new dream house was being constructed.
+
“How rich we are in daughters!” (Jeanette Boyd)
  
−
In September of 1929, the chapter and Miss Hill moved into the new home. Moving into it also was Carrie Ruden, a young woman who had been born in Norway, and came to the Kappas as a housekeeper. But she became much more than that. She listened to the girls’ problems, rejoined in their successes, and kept history alive through the years as she talked of earlier Eta members.
+
Excerpts from ''The Golden Key'', Volume III, Number 3, March 1886:
  
−
The 1930s were years of happy harmony. Kappas were in Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board and Crucible; active in Women’s Student Government Association and Union Committees; and listed as prom queens and in courts of honor. Always stressing academic achievement as a primary goal, the chapter maintained a commendable scholastic record.
+
“The earliest records show that the chief business of our Alpha was to send its characteristic idea into every suitable place, and to make use of every advantageous method that it could originate or find. When faculty opposition to fraternities in general crushed that chapter, Epsilon had grown up in the practice of the same faith. Under it and under Delta the work went on.” (Page 8)
  
−
==World War II Years==
+
“Do you believe that KKG occupies all places that are suitable to her? Get a list of the colleges in the United States … study them point by point and see if there is not some Kappa material left, which is likely to come our way and should be provided for as a probable contingency.” (Page 10)
  
−
World War II brought many changes to campus. Military personnel were again housed in dormitory and fraternity houses, and Eta chapter gave half of its social budget toward the war effort. The girls sang Kappa songs or listened to the radio while knitting articles for Kappa’s Nora Waln layette program for Norwegian babies. They also adopted two “CARE” families. Dateless dances arrived. Students conducted a scrap drive in lieu of Homecoming and the chapter donated all its trophies. The 1942 queen was called “Blue Jean Queen of Work Day.”
+
“We are in the vanguard of a live idea—the new woman movement …
  
−
During the 1940s, chapter scholarships slipped. Three pertinent bylaws were passed in 1949 and five years later, Eta was first in scholarship on the Madison campus. In the seven years after the new bylaws, Eta had more members elected to Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Mortar Board than in the previous 20 years. Between 1952 and 1962 the chapter was first in scholarship among the Panhellenic groups five successive times, and other years placed second or third.
+
“These Monmouth girls, our Founders, saw which way the second great procession of the age was tending, and they fell into an efficient place in line … when that to, the great labor question—shall have reached its destination and broken up, then we can quit hearing, telling and planning new things and give ourselves up to plant hedges, dig grottoes, and exchange lotus-eating reminiscences of the time when we were alive; in short, to be highly conservative.
−
Changing Times
 
  
−
In 1964, the university’s Human Rights Committee issued two certificates to be signed by all university organizations. Eta at once stated that KKG’s Constitution had no discriminating policies. In 1970, Eta was able to say that the Fraternity and the university had the same requirements regulating recommendations. The chapter also established the elective position of human relations officer to bring related matters to the attention of the members.
+
“When we try to think what would be suitable for (the conservative fraternities) to do, the only thing that ever occurs to us is: Buy an elegant monument and go and be a hic jacet …” (Page 11)
 +
--Minetta Taylor, Iota-DePauw, Editor
  
−
An addition to the house in 1964 was at first thought too small, but suddenly seemed a blessing when the number of new members dropped by half, increased briefly, and then declined steadily in the 1970s. The House Board found certain expenses difficult to meet, and by 1971 Eta was seriously facing the prospect of radical change.
+
== '''Alpha Deuteron Chapter''' ==
  
−
The health of beloved Carrie Ruden, who had gone into a nursing home, declined and it seemed to some as if Carrie and Eta would be leaving the world together. Carrie died in October 1972, but not Eta. That fall, Eta was renewed in the form of a large and talented pledge class and the renewal seemed permanent.
+
Alpha Chapter returned as Alpha Deuteron 64 years after Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded at Monmouth College, and 50 years after Alpha officially ceased to exist. It was around 1880 that college authorities had prohibited Greek-letter fraternities, and the Convention of 1884 had granted the sub rosa chapter’s request for release from Fraternity obligations. It was in 1922 that the Monmouth College Senate voted to permit national fraternities to return.
  
 +
The movement to reestablish Alpha began in 1924 then '''Dorothy Buck Ettl''',''Colorado'', attended a Kappa national Convention in California. She was also a member of Kappa Alpha Sigma, Monmouth local. At the 1928 Convention the group was represented by Orma Innis Smith,Illinois, and four years later '''Myra Tubbs Rickets''',''Northwestern'', when favorable action on reinstatement was taken. That fall, however, Council vetoed the application.
  
−
==Centennial==
+
Recognition had been given to the Founders by the establishment of a Monmouth Memorial during the 1930 Convention. The interest from this $2,500 endowment fund was to be used to purchase books of quality in the field of the fine arts for the college library. The bookplate for the books was designed by '''Mary Albright (Giles),''' ''Ohio State''. The bookplates were presented to the college by members of Grand Council during a visit in the fall of 1932, during which they also inspected Kappa Alpha Sigma.
  
−
Two hundred alumnae, actives and new members gathered at the chapter house February 2, 1975, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Eta’s founding. Husbands of members were also invited to attend this family birthday dinner party, beautifully organized by the actives. A continuous showing of slides made from pictures in the archives and those sent by alumnae around the country, and a display of newspaper clippings and other historic photographs provided enjoyment and memories for the guests.
+
In 1934, the local sorority was permitted to petition, an act approved by the chapters. Throughout the years, in their efforts to win back Alpha Chapter, the local group had the support of Mrs. Ricketts. Before she and her niece, Margaret Tubbs Youngren, a member of Kappa Alpha Sigma, left for Convention in 1934, they had gathered letters from many prominent Kappas, including '''Lou Henry Hoover''',''Stanford'', wife of the former president of the United States, and Josephine Edmonds Young, St. Lawrence. Others such as Albert N. Marquis, publisher of Who’s Who in America, and Francis Shepardson, a leader in Beta Theta Pi, had also sent endorsements. Several members of Kappa Alpha Sigma had close ties with the Founders.
  
−
Alumna coordinators mobilized the actives and beautifully organized the house for serving 200 people supper and providing room for them to circulate and visit. A continuous show of slides made from pictures in the Eta archives and sent by alumnae and a display of some of those historic pictures and newspaper clippings provided amusement and memories for guests.
+
Alpha Chapter was re-established on October 13, 1934. The occasion was planned by the alumnae of Kappa Alpha Sigma, the Fraternity Council and the installing chapter, Epsilon. '''Joyce Snider (Heaton),''' ''Northwestern'', was co-organizer for the new chapter.
−
Alumnae who have served Eta Chapter for many years were honored and the story was told about the building of the Kappa house. In honor of the Centennial, Eloise Ryder Pingry, Purdue, Fraternity Director of Philanthropies, presented a scholarship of $1,000 from the Fraternity to the chapter to be used during the 1975–76 school year.
 
  
−
New members and actives sang current Kappa songs and alumnae sang songs from their time in school. It was an evening of reminiscing and renewed friendship—and an inspiring display of the true meaning of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
+
Owl candlesticks, designed and made at Monmouth Pottery for many years, were a feature of the Installation. The molds were later destroyed in a fire at the pottery.
  
−
At Kappa’s fourth Biennial Convention, held in Madison in August of 1882, Josephine Sarles (Simpson) was elected grand secretary, the first Eta member to serve on the Council. For a Caroline Mosely was elected Grand Treasurer in 1888 at the ninth Convention in Minneapolis. George Challoner Tracy, who served as Grand Secretary from 1904–06 before her marriage, was re-elected to the Council as Grand Treasurer at the 18th Biennial Convention, again hosted by Eta Chapter.
+
All of the actives and 50 alumnae of Kappa Alpha Sigma were initiated as Kappas. A special pledging service was held on October 12 for freshman '''Frances Pattee (Putnam),''' granddaughter of Founder '''Anna Willits Pattee''', and she was initiated the following day with her grandmother’s gold key. In 1970, Mrs. Putnam presented this badge to the Fraternity.
  
−
Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones was elected Grand President of Kappa in 1926 and re-elected in 1928. Almira Johnson McNaboe served on the Grand Council from 1932–40. Eta members Nancy Olson Livingston, stage and screen star, and Gena Rowlands Cassavetes, screen and television actress, were named Alumnae Achievement Award recipients at the 1960 General Convention.
+
Among the many who sent messages or attended the reinstatement were '''Mabel and Georgie Pillsbury''', early Alphas. Their badges, and that of their sister, Alice Pillsbury Shelly (Reesor), were later left to the chapter. The President of the Monmouth Alumnae Association wears Georgie’s badge, and the other two are framed with the Founders’ pictures, which hang in the chapter room.
  
−
Eta has made significant contributions to the Fraternity and shares with pride the honors her members have received. In the hustle and bustle of Wisconsin’s ever-expanding campus, members of Eta Chapter find warmth and close friendship in the cordial, Georgina, grey-stone house on the corner of Langdon and North Henry Streets. 
+
Charlotte Barrell Ware wrote from Boston, “I am sending to you today the precious candlesticks … which I wish you to use at the Installation … tomorrow I shall send along the candles to be used from my wedding candles. I want Alpha to have all that we can express of gratitude in her return to head our Fraternity roll.”
−
---------------------------------
 
−
The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
 
−
--------------------------------
 
−
               
 
  
−
==Highlights of the 1980s==
+
'''Mary Louise Bennett Boyd''', the one living original Founder, wrote from Florida, “ … A few of us who are left … are hoping … you will remember the humble little acorn from which the spreading oak has grown. … We shall be happy in again finding ourselves at home side by side with our ancient good comrade I.C. … (now known as) Pi Beta Phi.”
  
−
In 1987 167 women belonged to the Eta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Eta received 44 pledges in the fall. On October 15 the chapter marked its 118th founder’s day. Alumnae, actives, and pledges gathered to talk about old times and plan for new, while enjoying coffee and dessert. For philanthropy the chapter participated in a program called Head Start. For this philanthropy the chapter planned a Christmas celebration for underprivileged children. In the spring Eta won awards of merit for pledge programming, communications and fraternity education at province.
+
Alice Pillsbury Shelley (Reesor) wrote, “ … No question of finances or fear of fatigue could prevent me from coming, but a recent recurrence of an old nervous trouble would make it unsafe … it is with added regret that as my birthday is October 14, it would be a grand way to celebrate.”
−
In 1988-89 Eta received 52 pledges during fall recruitment. The chapter celebrated Founders Day at the Tamarack Condominiums Clubhouse for a catered dinner with 81 actives and 25 alumnae in attendance. In addition to participating in Head Start, the chapter also put on a triathlon to benefit the Special Olympics.
 
  
−
==Highlights of the 1990s==
+
'''Martha Louisa Stevenson Miller''', now also listed as a Founder, was present for all the Installation ceremonies.
 +
In 1935, the portrait of Tade Hartsuff Kuhns, Butler, painted in 1916 by Alpha’s Elizabeth Gowdy Baker, was sent to the Monmouth College Art Gallery. Tade Kuhns had presented this aquarelle to the Fraternity on its 50th anniversary. With the consent of Monmouth College an Alpha Deuteron, it is now in Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.
  
−
Scholarship banquet held each semester to recognize those who have excelled in their studies. Those with a 3.0 are given an award as well as the most improved and highte4st cumulative GPA. Pledges are encouraged to maintain their best grades by attending study tables. In the spring, chapter members volunteers with Special Olympics races and events.
+
In 1959, when Epsilon Province Convention was held in Monmouth, a silver baby cup was presented to the chapter by Alpha Chapter to Minnie Stewart Nelson Fields when her son was born, engraved with the Kappa insignia and the baby’s name. It was displayed in the chapter room in Marhall Hall.
  
−
Eta pledged 38 women during recruitment in 1991.  The chapter had a member on Homecoming Court and three on Homecoming Committee. They celebrated 120th Founders Day at the house with great participation and a slide show for members and alumnae. The chapter worked on increasing participation by using a phone chain and recognition for those attending three meetings in a row.
+
The Kappa room in Marshall Hall, where all sororities are located at Monmouth, was done in 1870 period style, Victorian red draperies, crystal chandeliers, and a Victorian sofa upholstered in blue damask. Many of the accessories were given by friends and members of the Alpha Chapter. Josephine Watt Graham, Monmouth, was the decorator. The outstanding feature in the room is the gold-framed picture of the Founders, tinted on ivory, with their names and the original Pillsbury keys. These pictures were reproduced in color on the cover of the 1970 Centennial issue of ''The Key''.
−
Spring 1991: Eta hosted Epsilon Province Meeting.
 
  
−
Eta received 39 pledges during recruitment 1991. The chapter continued to work on attendance issues. The chapter again participated with Head Start hosting a Christmas party for underprivileged children for its philanthropy.  
+
During the years preceding Kappa’s Centennial celebration, Alpha Deuteron had pledged a sum of money to the Fraternity in honor of and in memory of Myra Tubbs Ricketts.
  
−
Eta pledged 37 women in the fall of 1994. The chapter also hosted a program called Dad’s Day were members and their fathers attended a Brewers baseball game in Milwaukee. The Head Start philanthropy did not go through this year because of miscommunications with the office. Instead, the chapter paired up with Pi Beta Phi to host a basketball tournament. Eta received 38 pledges in the fall of 1995. The basketball tournament co-sponsored with Pi Beta Phi was named Hoops for Hope.  
+
In April 1970, Fraternity President '''Louise Little Barbeck''' presented, in the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma, an oil painting, “A Winding Road and Cypress Tree, San Vigilio,” by John Singer Sargent, to Monmouth College, as part of the Fraternity Centennial Celebration.
  
−
Eta met quota by accepting 35 women during fall 1997 recruitment. The Fraternity editor used new computer technology to recruit more alumnae to attend founder’s day celebrations. Additionally, chapter members were paired with local alumnae as pen pals and wrote them letter throughout the school year. The chapter again hosted Hoops for Hope with Pi Beta Phi.  
+
Mabel Martin McCoy was honored by her chapter in 1971, when its senior class dedicated an award to her, in recognition of her service and devotion. The McCoy Cup is presented annually to an outstanding senior in Alpha Deuteron.
  
−
In the fall of 1999 Eta made quota, accepting 35 pledges.  The chapter again hosted Hoops for Hope with Pi Beta Phi. The event raised almost $3,000 to benefit UW Children’s cancer research fund. 
+
==update from 1975==
  
 +
'''Fall 1970 issue of The Key reads''': "Reproductions of the Founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma were taken from small oil portraits hand painted on ivory. The original set is framed with the names of each founder and an early key belonging to Georgie Pillsbury who was initiated in Alpha Chapter in 1877. The framed portraits were a gift from the Monmouth alumnae to Alpha Chapter."
  
  
−
==Highlights of 2000-2010==
+
==Highlights of the 1980s==
−
Eta chapter did not commemorate September 11, 2001 by doing anything in particular to memorialize the tragedies, but the campus did recognize it in a couple of ways.  Classes were canceled on September 12, 2001 and candle lights were set up throughout Memorial Library.
 
  
−
'''2004 –05:''' Eta Chapter had a very successful year. Eta has been striving to strengthen and improve since being put on a letter of concern. Behavior at the social events has improved greatly and the chapter held a number of sisterhoods throughout the year that strengthened its sisterly bonds. In the spring, Kappa received an award for the highest new member grade point average, which led Eta to obtaining the highest sorority grade point average.
+
The 1987 pledge class created a cross-stitch pattern with Kappa symbols in all four corners. It was presented to the actives at the end of inspiration week. Traveling Consultant Lila Isbell visited the chapter. In 1987, there were 625 students on campus; 151 women in sororities and Alpha Deuteron had 49 actives, 1 pledge. The faculty and administration of Monmouth College as a whole were very supportive of Greek organizations. Chapter goal was “striving for excellence through individual responsibility and shared experiences.” The chapter worked hard to meet this goal.
  
−
Eta had a very successful recruitment in the fall. Thirty-two wonderful girls pledged on September 30.-Many sisterhoods: ice skating, movie theaters, pumpkin carving, etc.-new members went on a retreat to Wisconsin Dells-Trick-or-treat for alumni kids: games, cookie decorating and trick-or-treating for kids throughout the Kappa house-"Hoops for Hope"- philanthropy that raised money for children at UW Hospitals.
+
In 1989 a new rush party was developed, Sail Away with Kappa. One of the parties was a hayrack ride at one or the member’s uncle’s farm. The pledges made wooden Greek figures which were placed on the Stewart House lawn. Each pledge signed her name on the back. The figures were presented to the active chapter at the end of inspiration week. Traveling Consultant Sheri Gosliner visited the chapter. This year there were 635 students on campus, 145 women in sororities and 54 active Kappas plus one associate member. The faculty and staff continued to support the Greek system and were proud of their accomplishments.
  
−
Eta Chapter was still on the letter of concern, therefore measures were taken to further improve our behavior at socials. Rules were carefully read to the new members to ensure they were aware of our policies concerning socials. These precautions were also read again to active members to reinforce the importance of them. The chapter's behavior improved throughout the year and no further incidences of inappropriate behavior occurred.
+
'''Philanthropy:'''
 +
The chapter members went to Applegate Nursing Home in Monmouth to sing Christmas Carols.  
 +
A dance to benefit UNICEF was held with Zeta Beta Tau. In 1989, the chapter held a really fun philanthropy. It organized a golf tournament at Gibson Woods Golf Course to raise money for the Warren Achievement Center. Even though it rained, everyone had a good time.
  
−
'''In 2005 –2006,''' Eta Chapter has had a great year, filled with learning experiences that have strengthened the chapter.  We achieved the highest GPA in our Greek system, and set the highest GPA record in the history of the Greek system on our campus.  We have taken great pride in this honor, and have encouraged our members to keep pursuing such wonderful academic achievements. Last semester, our chapter participated in Humorology, a competition where sororities and fraternities are paired together to create a musical comedy sketch.  Unfortunately we did not make the cut for next semester, however we did learn a lot from the experience, and it helped to strengthen our bonds within the Greek system. Kappa also raised money for the UW Children's Hospital in our philanthropy "Hoops for Hope," and attended many other philanthropic events.  We also had a wonderful Founders Day.  We heard wonderful storied from past members that made us grateful to have such strong sisterly bonds.
 
  
−
This year Eta Chapter had budget concerns, due to over spending during fall rush.  With such extravagant expenditures, the chapter has had to make adjustments in other committee's budgets. However, after dealing with the problem, our chapter is back on the right budget for the new upcoming chapter council. We have also had to deal with lack of participation in other sorority and fraternity philanthropy events. We have encouraged our new members to participate more, and have also influenced the seniors to attend more events to promote attendance. Our goal for the upcoming year is to come up with a system of issuing house points for participation in philanthropy and sisterhood events.  Hopefully this will increase attendance and participation with in our Greek Community.    
+
==Highlights of the 1990s==
−
       
+
The Minnie Stewart House was officially dedicated in May 1990. Barbara Blair Frazier, Monmouth, was hired as the Stewart House hostess in residence. One of the rush parties was a Roaring 20’s Party where the members wore fancy flapper dresses and gangster suits. Rush was very successful and the chapter pledged 31 women. The pledge project was a carved wooden owl with each pledge’s initials carved into it. Keys were hung at the owl’s feet, one key for each of their hearts. The owl was displayed in the chapter room.
−
'''In the fall of 2006''', Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was presented with an archive display created by last semester's registrar. The display contained an exhibit of photos of past Kappa members and interesting facts from years ago.  The archive display also contained photos from the past year, with a lot of pictures from the new member retreat.  Members found this very interesting, especially the interesting facts from Kappa's past.
 
  
−
This last semester, Eta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma achieved the highest GPA out of all of the sororities and fraternities on campus, and also set the highest GPA record in the history of the Greek system. We are very proud of our accomplishments.  Our VP- of Academic Excellence, Terra Chorney influenced us to study more by arranging Kappa spies, that brought treats to Kappa's studying at the campus libraries.  We also have become more involved in other sororities and fraternities philanthropies, and have encouraged our new members to get involved.
+
Traveling Consultant Christine Cutter and Alpha Deuteron’s own Helen Wagner Willey visited the chapter. Helen received the Fraternity’s Alumnae Achievement Award in 1990. In She starred in the first play at Monmouth College’s new theater, The Lion in Winter. She was well known for her role as Nancy Hughes on the long-running soap, As the World Turns, 1956-2010. In 1990 there were 632 students attending Monmouth College, 135 were sorority members and Alpha Deuteron had 45 actives. This year the chapter’s goal was “To improve respect for the Fraternity and the individual through Fraternity Education programs and the use of the new committee system.”
 +
New this year, Big/little Sister Week was creative and concluded with a big sis hunt that throughout the entire campus.
  
−
This year Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma initiated 34 wonderful young women. Elizabeth Gulotta guided the girls through their first busy weeks as new members, and Lindsey Crysler educated the girls about Kappa history.  The new members were taught how to prevent sexual assault and were educated about the dangers of drinking underage in a seminar hosted by the Greek Community. The new members went on a fun retreat to a ropes course, where they strengthened their friendship bonds. In response to an over budget usage during rush week, the chapter has concentrated on managing and dispersing funds wisely. We are now within budget for the rest of our committees.  We have also seen an increasing amount of sisterhoods, in which we strengthened our sisterhood bonds through such events as movie night, cookie decorating, going to a pool outside of Madison, and seeing a hypnotist.  
+
In 1991 the chapter pledged 22 women. It was the only sorority to meet quota on Bid Day. The pledges gave the chapter scrapbook titled “Kappa is …..” It included 22 pages, one for each pledge which described what Kappa meant to each of them. Big/Little sister week was fun for the pledges and actives. It ended with each pledge unwinding a mass of string that connected her to her big sister.
  
−
This year Eta Chapter has had budget concerns, due to over spending during fall rush. With such extravagant expenditures, the chapter has had to make adjustments in other committee's budgets.  However, after dealing with the problem, our chapter is back on the right budget for the new upcoming chapter council.              
+
Kappa Krush was new this year. The seniors matched each of the actives with a guy of the senior’s choice and they met at the Valentine’s Day Dance.
 +
During senior week the classmen had a secret senior. At the end of the week a banquet was held where the seniors read their wills. This year there were 660 students attending Monmouth College, 147 of the women belonged to sororities and 57 of these women were Kappas. The chapter goal this year was “To improve sisterhood positively through trust, respect and confidentiality.” Each member worked to achieve the goal as did the chapter as a whole. Each week awards were given to those who showed improvement in meeting the goal.  
  
−
We have also had to deal with lack of participation in other sorority and fraternity philanthropy events. We have encouraged our new members to participate more, and have also influenced the seniors to attend more events to promote attendance. Our goal for the upcoming year is to come up with a system of issuing house points for participation in philanthropy and sisterhood events. Hopefully this will increase attendance and participation with in our Greek Community.              
+
Alpha Deuteron began the 1994 academic year by pledging 30 women. This nearly doubled the size of the chapter. The pledges helped make Homecoming a success. Their float won first place and the chapter joined together to take second place in the Spirit Shout. The chapter excelled in scholarship this year. For the second semester in a row, it had the highest all-Greek and highest all-women’s average. All sorority GPA 3.056, all women GPA 2.907 and all Kappa GPA 3.16.
 +
There were 791 students attending the College, 159 of the women belonged to sororities and 68 of these women were Kappas. This year the chapter goal was “50 percent attendance at non mandatory events.” To achieve this goal, the chapter had a contest between pledges and each of the other classes. An award was given to the class with the best attendance. The chapter also accepted the Challenge to Excellence.
  
−
Eta Chapter has had a wonderful 2006-2007 year and strengthened the bonds between the members.  Academically, our chapter still holds the highest GPA when compared to the rest of the Greek system at Madison. All of the women take great pride in this accomplishment and want to continue our strong emphasis on grades and success at this university.  Our dedicated cast for Humorology, a musical and witty skit performed in order to raise money for charity, has qualified for this year's show, which will take place in April. They continue to work very hard using two to three practices each week to perfect their routine. We are all more than excited to see the final product! Founders Day was a great success.  We had many previous members join us for dinner and games, and some shared their memories from their experiences in Kappa. It proved to be a great way to improve the knowledge of our house, while making lifelong bonds as sisters.
+
Recruitment in 1995 was a huge success. The chapter filled quota and pledged 27 women. The pledges first helped the chapter to shine during Homecoming when they won the annual Spirit Shout and placed third with the Kappa Blue Hawaii float that boasted Elvis on the top. The pledge project was to paint a new Fraternity crest to be hung outside of The Stewart House.
 +
The chapter goal was to “make an effort to improve sisterhood by supporting members outside of meetings and Kappa events.” Each member was expected to attend two extra-curricular events per month in which Kappas were participating. A master calendar listing these events was created and members signed up in advance. The chapter continued to work to achieve the Fraternity’s Challenge to Excellence.
  
−
We, as an entire chapter, have made it a goal to promote Greek life on campus, while taking the time to improve Kappa's image. We still have Kappa spies that surprise individuals at the libraries across campus with treats for their hard work and academic dedication.  Also, we offer study tables at the house as another method to keep our cumulative GPA at the top.
+
The chapter maintained its high academic achievement. It had the highest all-Greek average while the pledges had the highest pledge class average as well. All sorority GPA 2.932; All Kappa GPA 3.115. There were 925 students on campus, 176 women in sororities and 72 members of Alpha Deuteron Chapter.
  
−
This fall, we initiated 38 wonderful women. Lizzie Muench, our very hard-working new member chair planned numerous activities to help the new individuals get involved in Kappa. All new members attended sexual assault and alcohol seminars hosted by the Greek Community to help prevent any incidents that may occur. Additionally, the new women went on a retreat to the Dells to help form important bonds that will ultimately strengthen our entire chapter. So far, it has been a busy, but productive year.
+
Recruitment 1996 began this year on a high note. The chapter pledged 41 new members which doubled its membership to 80 women. The new members represented the chapter well during Homecoming by placing second in the annual Spirit Shout and third with their exciting float, Kappa Boulevard. The new members built a wooden bench which was placed outside the Stewart House.
 +
Again this year the chapter was recognized with the Fraternity’s Challenge to Excellence Award and received the Standards Award.  The chapter continued to do well academically and maintained the highest sorority and all-Greek average.  The chapter began holding study tables. The all sorority GPA was 2.995, all women GPA 3.008 and Kappa’s GPA 3.101. This year there were 993 students enrolled at Monmouth. 87 of these students were members of Alpha Deuteron Chapter.
 +
The chapter goal this year was to have 50 per cent attendance at non-mandatory events and 90 percent attendance at all mandatory events. This goal expanded the chapter goal from the previous year in an effort to improve sisterhood by supporting the sisters outside of chapter related events. The goal was for each member to attend two extra-curricular events a month in which Kappas were involved.
  
−
One challenge our chapter faced was dealing with better, more efficient ways to manage our budget. We took more time to plan for large events, such as rush, which helped curb our spending problems from previous years. As a chapter council, we discussed our goals for the next year and the ways we can achieve them without bringing up any other unforeseen problems.   Also, we made it a point to attend more Greek philanthropic events because our attendance in the past was somewhat lacking. However, our chapter has focused on improving our support to other sororities and fraternities and as a result; we have improved our image on campus.
+
During recruitment in 1997,  the chapter pledged 21 new members. Their Homecoming float won first place and raised money for the American Heart Association. Scholarship remained a high priority for the chapter in 1997 and once again it had the highest GPA 3.082 on the campus, the all women’s GPA was 3.053 and the campus GPA was 2.945. The chapter received an award Give a Hoot for overall excellence at the 1997 Epsilon Province Meeting. The goal for the chapter was “to strive to improve unity and consideration of others through increased participation in all chapter and campus events.”
  
−
Eta Chapter has had an exciting '''2008-2009''' year defined by numerous chapter events that have led us to strengthen our members individually as well as at large. Continuing our academic excellence and standing, Eta Chapter won the Panhellenic "Study Table" event. Our members logged the most study hours at College Library during first semester and recently received a DVD player for our consistently outstanding turnout. Eta Chapter also participated in Humorology, a musical performance competition that raises money for an all Greek philanthropy. Although Eta Chapter's cast did not make it to finals, the members did not feel defeated but rather proud of their dedication and diligence. Eta Chapter also decided to take this experience and build upon it by entering the competition for the coming year.            
+
'''Philanthropy:'''
 +
During this decade the chapter continued to hold its annual golf tournaments at Gibson Woods Golf Course. Proceeds were given to the Warren Achievement Center.  
 +
In 1990 the chapter members wrote letters of support to the troops in the Middle East. It was hoped these letters would boost their morale. In October 1991 the chapter went to a local elementary school to help raise money. The women worked at the school’s carnival.
 +
Additional philanthropies carried out by the chapter were Dollar Days, reading to local elementary school classes, decorating a local nursing home.  
  
−
Another event that the members of Eta Chapter particularly enjoyed was Founder's Day. It was wonderful to have the current members interact with a number of Kappa Kappa Gamma alumni. The alumni joined Eta Chapter for dinner and participated in fun Kappa Kappa Gamma trivia games as well as shared personal memories. It was a fantastic way to educate the current Chapter's understanding of Kappa Kappa Gamma's history and lifelong values.
+
In the fall of 1994, Kappas donated money and necessary personal items such as toothpaste and shampoo to a battered women’s shelter. It also participated in Book Week at the Warren County Library. The children there had their favorite book read to them by enthusiastic Kappas. The pledges organized a Breakfast with Santa for Monmouth children. During 1995 the chapter continued book week at the local library and they made a beautiful bulletin board which featured the children with their favorite books.  
  
−
Eta Chapter has continued to uphold our goal to promote Greek life on campus as well as uphold Kappa Kappa Gamma's standards for its members. Eta Chapter has been able to display our academic expectations through study tables and other varies academic activities that are fun as well as rewarding. Eta Chapter's philanthropy, Hoops for Hope, is a campus wide event that allows members and non-members of the University's Greek societies to help Eta Chapter raise money for the Children's Hospital as well as gather a better understanding of Greek life and Kappa Kappa Gamma.
+
The new member classes from each sorority faced off in a challenge to collect clothes for the Jamison Center. The pledges sponsored a Christmas Party at the Pinewood Nursing Home and entertained the residents with Christmas Carols. In 1996 the chapter organized the Pizza Roll which brought 50 underprivileged children to the local roller rink. After skating, the children were served pizza.  
  
−
This fall Eta Chapter initiated 36 wonderful women. Regan Grumley was our outstanding New Member Chair who did a phenomenal job in helping the new members feel comfortable with Eta Chapter and get involved with both Kappa and non-Kappa related events and opportunities on campus. All new members attended a sexual assault and alcohol seminar hosted by the Greek Community to help promote awareness and prevention. The new members attended a retreat to the Dells to help allow them to create important bonds independently. The new members have strengthened Eta Chapter and are eager to become even more engaged in this coming calendar year.
+
In 1995, it continued the annual golf tournament with the proceeds going to the Warren Avenue Center, the Kappa Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The members continued with book week and organized Jail N’ Bail which benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and participated in Rose McGill’s Holiday Sharing program. This year’s new member class enjoyed their Christmas party which was held at the Pinewood Nursing Home.  
  
−
One challenge that Eta Chapter has experienced is promoting all actives to participate as much as possible. Because Eta Chapter is a large Chapter, we are faced with the challenge of hosting events and sisterhoods that are able to include the entire Chapter. Although our sisterhoods are wonderful and successful, they have become more and more sparse. As a Chapter, we are striving to strengthen this particular issue and plan to see improvement within the next semester. Another chapter challenge that Eta Chapter is currently dealing with is the fact that we finished the year off with the fourth highest overall GPA in the Pan-Hellenic community. Although all of the members are working extremely hard, Eta Chapter would like to regain the highest GPA. Eta Chapter is currently planning new academic events that go above and beyond study tables and other current academic opportunities for our members. Eta Chapter is very proud of all of its members, especially when it comes to our academic standings, but there are still areas that need some improvement and we, as an entire Chapter, plan to address such issues and collaborate to promote and raise our overall GPA for this next semester.
+
1997 began with numerous philanthropic events which demonstrated the strength and dedication of the chapter. The second annual pizza roll with Sigma Phi Epsilon brought smiles to the faces of 50 children from the community. The event included two hours of roller skating followed by pizza.
 +
The chapter held a Teetertotterathon in the spring and made contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Kappa Foundation from the funds raised. Alpha also sponsored a Rose McGill Kappa, a blood drive and another successful Jail N’ Bail from which the proceeds were donated to Breast Cancer Research and served as Bell Ringers for the Heart Association during Christmas time.  
  
−
==Highlights of 2011-2019==
+
==A New Millennium -- Highlights of 2000-2010==
−
 
+
 
−
==Highlights of 2011==
+
Alpha was ranked first scholastically on campus and with a 3.25 average and was above the all-sorority GPA. In 2005, the chapter had a very successful recruitment and pledged 20 wonderful women.  Each of them proved to be an asset to the chapter and many were recently elected to offices as sophomores.  
−
Throughout 2011, the Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has focused its energies trying to build strong relationships within the Greek community at UW- Madison as well as the forming stronger sisterly bonds within our chapter.  Our dedication to academic and scholarly excellence placed us once again at the top of the Pan-Hellenic “Study Table” competition.  The Eta chapter logged the most study hours at libraries around the campus.      
 
  
−
Kappa Kappa Gamma dedicated much of the year to philanthropic events throughout the Greek system. We participated in Humorology, a musical performance competition that raises money for an all Greek Philanthropy. Kappa Kappa Gamma, paired with Kappa Sigma, won the award for “Funniest Show” and “Best Female Lead”.  Our members were completely dedicated to raising money for The Chris Farley Foundation and Camp One Heart Land.    
+
Once again the chapter had the highest GPA on campus among both Greeks and non-Greeks. It received an award for outstanding chapter operations at our Greek Week Banquet.
 +
One thing the chapter wanted to do was plan more exciting social events and to accomplish this our social chairman planned new exchanges and events. One of these exchanges was a decadence night at the Monmouth Soda Works with another sorority, Alpha Xi Delta.  There are also many new social events and exchanges planned for the coming year.  This year has been amazing and we hope that next year will be even better.  
  
−
The Eta Chapter invited the Kappa Alumnae from the area and their families to Trick or Treat at our sorority house this fall. Also, we had a very successful Founders Day where we were joined for dinner, trivia, and sharing stories with the alumni. It was wonderful to hear about the history and fun times of Kappa from the alumni! 
+
'''Philanthropy:'''
 +
Alpha chapter participated in many successful philanthropies: took part in a mentoring program in one of the local schools. the Relay For Life and many of our members held positions as committee heads and members. the New Members planned a philanthropy called Rent a Kappa which raised $500.
  
−
The Eta chapter at University of Wisconsin has dedicated itself to promoting Greek life in and around the campus. Through our campus wide philanthropy Hoops for Hope, the Eta chapter has been able to not only raise money for the Children’s Hospital but also allows members and non-members of the Greek system to gather a better understanding of Greek life as well as Kappa Kappa Gamma. Additionally, the Pan-Hellenic “Study Table” competition has promoted the Greek system’s academic excellence and standing throughout the campus.
+
Campus 2005: 1,200 students, All student GPA 2.90, All Greek GPA 3.02
 +
Chapter 2005: 60 members, GPA 3.2
  
−
This year, the Eta Chapter was challenged with trying to help older and younger girls to be closer despite their age division. All grades struggled to get to know girls from classes above and below them, so the Eta chapter, in hope to nullify this problem, had more sisterhoods. The sisterhoods, ranging from a self-defense class to movie nights to decorating holiday cookies, allowing all the active members to get to know and form stronger relationships within the chapter.
+
The Monmouth College campus is located one block from The Stewart House, former home of Minnie Stewart, one of the Fraternity Founders. It is a small private Liberal Arts college. In 2006, there were 63 members in the chapter and 19 New Members. The chapter’s meetings are held in Marshall Hall which is the oldest building on campus.
  
−
Additionally, the Eta chapter was faced with the challenge of how many girls could live in the sorority house for the 2010-2011 academic year. Many girls wanted to live in their junior year; they spent the year attending events, running for positions and trying to gain enough house points to be able to live in. However, this presented a problem: there wasn’t enough space for all the juniors and sophomores to stay in the house. The Eta chapter spent a lot of time working with individual members of the chapter, and calculating points, being completely fair and honest with the members. Before winter break came, the entire housing situation had been fixed and all the members had been taken care of in a very gracious manner, many Kappas came together a figured out the best situation for everyone.
+
The 2006 archives display was shown in the chapter room and included the following items: Outstanding Achievement In Unity, Loyalty, and Gracious Living, Greek Week 2005, photo album, the Founder's pictures, old board with keys, 2003-2004 Challenge for Excellence, Kappa books,  stick candle holder, pledge class 2002 gift,  keys and lock in picture frame, class of 2004 gift, owl house, 1870-1913 Kappa Kappa Gamma directory, 3 of the Founder's badges, pledge pin from 1916, 1998-2002 Scholarship Award, pitcher, Outstanding Achievement 2000, and "The Key.”
 +
This was a great year for the Alpha Chapter, not only did the chapter have an amazing recruitment, but it gained 19 wonderful new members. Kappa formal was held in the spring of 2006 and was a great success. In the fall of 2006, Kappa was awarded the Homecoming Spirit Award for having the most spirit on campus. At Convention, Kappa was received two awards. Through the year of 2006 Kappa Kappa Gamma has had great relations with the Greek Life on campus.  
  
−
Eta Chapter has had an exciting, fun-filled year of rewarding events that have helped to strengthen our bonds as sisters as well as the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma itself.  In a display of our academic focus and excellence, Eta Chapter won the Panhellenic "Study Table" event.  Our member s logged the most study hours at the University of Wisconsin's various libraries and were recognized for our hard work and dedication to academic success.                
+
Alpha Deuteron Chapter had an excellent 2010.  In the spring the chapter received word from the College that Kappa would finally have a home for the sisters to live and gather.  
−
 
+
The chapter had excellent fall recruitment where we gained 15 wonderful new members. During homecoming week, Kappa was awarded third place in the homecoming parade and float competition. Also, the chapter participated for the first time in a community event known as, The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta. It gallantly came away with the Titanic award for most dramatic sinking.  
−
In addition to striving to maintain our strong focus on academics, Eta Chapter also dedicated much of its time and activities to philanthropic events. Eta Chapter once again participated in Humorology, a musical performance competition that raises money for an all Greek philanthropy. The cast made it to finals and placed second overall, in addition to winning various awards such as "Best Female Lead" and "Best Dance Break". The entire chapter was proud of the time and effort participants dedicated to support The Chris Farley Foundation and Camp One Heart Land, both wonderful philanthropies.                  
+
Once again, the chapter was recognized for the highest GPA on campus including the highest New Member GPA yet. The chapter had a successful philanthropic endeavor where the sisters bonded together. They created friendship bracelets for children suffering from severe illnesses in the OSF hospital in Peoria. They were given as a Christmas donation. 
  
−
The Eta Chapter invited Kappa Kappa Gamma alumni to attend a trick-or-treating event at the house with their families, as well as participated in Trick or Treat With The Greeks. Eta Chapter had a successful Founder's Day consisting of a beautiful dinner, trivia, and storytelling with Kappa alumni. All participants had a blast learning about Kappa's interesting past!
+
Monmouth College enacted the first steps toward building houses for all Greek Life members. The three sororities present on campus received individual houses for the first time in the fall of 2010. Also, the school received a Jumbotron, as a gracious donation from an alum, for the football field.
  
−
Eta Chapter has continued to promote the Greek Community as well as our individual sorority campus wide. The chapter has displayed its focus on academics through study tables events as well as other various activities, such as our sisterhood dedicated to matching freshman with upper classmen with similar majors who can help them be as successful as possible in their chosen field of study.  Eta Chapter's philanthropy, Hoops for Hope, is a campus wide event available to all students that raises funds for the Children's Hospital.  Eta Chapter has been striving to increase our participation throughout our campus and community.
+
A lovely home was graciously given to Kappa Kappa Gamma by Monmouth College in the fall of 2010. It has been a wonderful opportunity for the chapter to create a true home for the actives as well as the alumnae.  
  
−
This fall Eta Chapter initiated 39wonderful women.  Our New Member Chair, Meghan Macnamara, did an amazing job welcoming the new members into Eta Chapter, as well as educating them on the chapter itself and encouraging participation in both Kappa related and campus wide activities and opportunities. All new members were required to attend a sexual assault and alcohol seminar hosted by the Greek Community to educate them and promote awareness. The new members have further strengthened Eta Chapter and are eager to become more participated in the semesters to come.  
+
The opportunity for the members to now come together in one area and hold various sisterhoods, activities and chapter meetings in the house has been a wonderful bonding experience. A higher form of chapter unity is consistently a sought after goal. Through holding monthly key sisterhoods and having a home to enjoy our sisters in has made such the goal more feasible. Likewise, the chapter must better learn how to utilize Kappa resources, such as the website.
  
−
Eta Chapter is continuing its efforts to strengthen our bonds as sisters by holding more numerous and significant sisterhood events and activities.  One sisterhood that was extremely successful was our yoga sisterhood, where two separate groups of girls went to Kaivalya, a yoga studio on campus, and had a fun, relaxing experience.  It is difficult for our chapter to have large sisterhoods with all members because we have so many, so we are concentrating on planning events that all members can participate in together.     
 
  
−
Eta Chapter was unfortunately placed on Social Probation for the last half of the Fall 2010 semester.  The entire chapter evaluated its performance and really strove to uphold our values as a chapter and improve our position in the Greek system, and can proudly say that we were successful and are no longer on probation.  Eta Chapter came together as a whole and accomplished our goals throughout the year.
+
'''Honoring Kappa’s Origins'''
  
−
==Highlights of 2012==
+
The earliest days of Kappa were memorialized at Monmouth College in 2010 with the dedication of a marker near the site of the rustic wooden bridge where a few young women spoke of forming a secret society of their own. Another marker was placed at the home of Kappa Founder Martha Louisa “Lou” Stevenson –the site of Kappa’s first business meeting, when the golden key was chosen as the official badge. Both markers were funded by a grant from the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation’s Museums Committee.
−
Eta Chapter has had an extremely thrilling and fun filled year. It consisted of several exciting events that have helped strengthen our bond as sisters and better the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma itself. Our members are very dedicated to their work and strive for academic success. Throughout the year, we had sisterhoods every week where members could become closer while also getting work done with each other.  
 
  
−
In addition to our strong focus on academics, Eta Chapter also has dedicated much of its time and activities to philanthropic events. Once again, the chapter participated in Humorology, a musical performance competition that raises money for an all-Greek philanthropy. Humorology is one of the oldest traditions at the university and has become the largest non-profit student service organization in Wisconsin. The cast made it to the finals and placed second overall with the additional awards such as “Best Female Lead”, “Best Set”, “Best Large Group Number”, and several others. The chapter came to watch, and it was a great time for both the people involved and the audience. The entire chapter was extremely proud of the time and effort participants dedicated to support Camp One Heartland.
+
Fraternity President Denise Rugani, UC Davis, and Alpha Chapter President Lindsay Trafton, Monmouth, unveiled the historic marker during a weekend celebration coinciding with the date of the college’s founding in 1853. Denise said, “For me to be part of the dedication of the markers at Monmouth College was truly one of the most special moments of my time as Fraternity President. These markers are a reminder to all of the power of the women’s movement in America. They keep the message of our Founders alive. From a time when few women were admitted to college, these women not only attended college but also had the dream of creating a women’s organization equal to that of the men’s fraternal organizations. Today it is our moral imperative to keep their vision alive and pass it on to future generations.”
  
−
In addition to Humorology, Eta Chapter also participated in Trick or Treat with the Greeks, where kids from local schools come to our campus and trick or treat to different sorority and fraternity houses on campus. We also hosted “Trick or Treat with the Alumnae Kids”, where Kappa Alum in the area bring their children to the house for candy and games. This was a great way to meet new people and for Kappa alums to reconnect and spend time together.  
+
It was on a pedestrian trestle bridge over a stream that ran though the Monmouth College campus where Kappa Founders met to pursue their dream of a secret Greek society similar to those of the male students. The marker is located at the approximate midpoint of the block-long bridge, which stood until the early 20th century when the stream was diverted underground.  
  
−
The 2012 year included many exciting events, one large one being the Presidential campaign. The chapter was very involved with the campaign of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. All watched the debates and final election and had a lot of fun teaching each other more about the candidates and issues going around the country and world.  
+
Among Fraternity officers present were Kay Smith Larson, Washington, Fraternity Historian and former Fraternity President. Kay recalled how the Monmouth College policy of admitting women on an equal footing with men since its earliest days helped lay the groundwork for the founding of the first national secret collegiate society for women, Pi Beta Phi, at Monmouth in 1867, followed by Kappa just three years later.
  
−
Eta Chapter has continued to promote the Greek Community as well as our individual sorority campus wide.  The chapter consistently displayed its focus on academics through study tables and other various activities. Everyone shares their majors and classes so people can find others for help. Sisterhoods consisting of studying and snacking in the house are weekly where upper classmen can help freshmen with similar majors to be as successful as possible. Eta Chapter’s philanthropy, Hoops for Hope, is a campus wide event available to all students that raises funds for the Children’s Hospital. A new philanthropy we tried this past fall was Kappa Karaoke. People were invited to come and sing karaoke while we welcomed donations. It was a successful event, which not only raised money for a great cause but also brought our chapter closer together. Eta Chapter continues to strive to increase our participation throughout our campus and community.
+
Monmouth College Trustees and Alpha Chapter alumnae Gail Simpson Owen and Barbara Watt Johnson attended the dedication and Gail reflected on the meaning of the bridge. She said, “The metaphor of a bridge is fitting as we build bridges to take us from one place to another; from the known to the unknown, an arduous journey made easier with a bridge, a connection. For me, the Kappa Bridge spanned the distance from my family 5,000 miles away to my new sisters and friends. I recognize that it is our turn to build the next bridge for those who come after us.”
  
−
This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 51 amazing women. Our New Member Chair, Ali Niemann, did an outstanding job welcoming the new members into Eta chapter. The new members have been well educated on the chapter itself and are encouraged to participate in both Kappa related and campus wide activities. All new members were required to attend a sexual assault and alcohol seminar hosted by the Greek Community to educate them and promote. The organization, called P.A.V.E., consistently benefits our chapter continuing good behavior and awareness on campus. The new members have further strengthened Eta Chapter and are enthusiastic to become even more involved every semester.
 
  
−
Eta Chapter has had some difficulties in the past following certain rules and regulations. However, the year of 2012 was very successful full of several events and activities that made our chapter one of the strongest on campus. Eta Chapter continues to mature and learn from its mistakes, making every year better than the last. Our bonds as sisters continue to strengthen. We cannot wait for all the new, exciting things to come.
+
==Highlights of 2011==
  
−
==Highlights of 2013==
+
This calendar year for Kappa Kappa Gamma has been a tremendous year. In fall recruitment 2011 we were blessed with 21 beautiful new babies. Pledge class 2011 has brought so many new things to our chapter. In accordance with that, our chapter also received the highest cumulative GPA on campus. We all have been working hard to keep attaining this reward and we are all very proud of our sisters.
  
−
Eta Chapter has had a very fun and exciting year. It has consisted of several enjoyable events that have helped strengthen our bond as sisters and better the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma. After a relatively tough academic year, our members strived for and dedicated themselves to academic success. Throughout the year, we had sisterhoods every week, academic or philanthropic, where members could bond while also getting work done with each other.  
+
During Homecoming this year, our chapter participated in the Spirit Shout dance and we received second place. Homecoming week really brought our chapter together. The 21 babies worked together and made a homecoming float that was so beautiful! The spring 2011 pledge class worked on a banner that also came out terrific.As far as philanthropies go, our chapter started a program with the Roseville Retirement Home. About two times a week, a group of Kappas go to the home and help out in any way we can. Another thing our chapter participated in last semester was the Special Olympics. A large group of us went to the local bowling alley and helped the participants and also helped make sure everything was running smoothly.  
  
−
In addition to our strong focus on academics, Eta Chapter also has dedicated much of its time and activities to philanthropic events. Once again, the chapter participated in Humorology, a musical performance competition that raises money for an all-Greek philanthropy. Humorology is one of the oldest traditions at the university and has become the largest non-profit student service organization in Wisconsin. The cast made it to the finals and received awards for “Best Female Lead” and “Best Villain”. The chapter came to watch, and it was a great time for both the people involved and the audience. The entire chapter was extremely proud of the time and effort participants dedicated to support Camp One Heartland
+
'''Campus:''' At Monmouth College we are currently in the process of getting a new science and business building. The progress seems to be right on track, and I know everyone is excited to see the final result.  
  
−
In addition to Humorology, Eta Chapter also participated in Trick or Treat with the Greeks, where kids from local schools come to our campus and trick or treat to different sorority and fraternity houses on campus. Last year we again hosted “Trick or Treat with the Alumnae Kids”, where Kappa Alum in the Madison area bring their children to the house for candy and games. This was a great way to meet new people and for Kappa alums to reconnect and spend time together. We also organized a new philanthropy even we titled “Grabba Grabba Doughnut” where we sold Krispy Kream doughnuts in library mall during fall midterms. It was a success and everyone enjoyed participating.
+
'''Chapter:''' We moved our meetings from the Kappa house to Marshall Hall. At Marshall Hall we have a greater amount of space to make the meetings run smoothly.  
  
−
Eta Chapter has continued to promote the Greek Community as well as our individual sorority campus wide. The chapter consistently displayed its focus on academics through study tables and hours with other various activities such as academic sisterhoods. Everyone shares their majors and classes so women can find others in similar classes and receive tutoring or help. Sisterhoods consisting of studying and snacking in the house are weekly where upper classmen can help freshmen with similar majors to be as successful as possible. Eta Chapter’s philanthropy, Hoops for Hope, is a campus wide event available to all students that raises funds for the Children’s Hospital. Eta Chapter continues to strive to increase our participation throughout our campus and community.
+
Our chapter is currently going through a stage where we seem to be divided. In the beginning of the year our sisterhood was outstanding, but right now we are kind of in a slump. We are trying to become one again by discussing what our chapter values are and seeing how we can all share our great love for Kappa together again. We are also planning more sisterhoods to bring us together.  
  
−
This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 59 wonderful women. Our New Member Chair, Emily Bruksch, did an outstanding job welcoming the new members into Eta chapter. The new members have been well educated on the chapter itself and are encouraged to participate in both Kappa related and campus wide activities. All new members were required to attend a sexual assault and alcohol seminar hosted by the Greek Community to educate them and promote. The organization, called P.A.V.E., consistently benefits our chapter continuing good behavior and awareness on campus. The new members have further strengthened Eta Chapter and are enthusiastic to become even more involved every semester.
 
  
−
This past year the existing chapters at Wisconsin Madison voted to welcome a new sorority chapter to our campus. Alpha Xi Delta will be joining our campus next year and we are looking forward to expanding the Greek presence at Madison. Here at Kappa, our bonds as sisters continue to strengthen. We cannot wait for all the new, exciting things to come.
+
==Highlights of 2012==
  
 +
For the previous calendar year we did not participate in many philanthropy events but we did participate in Relay for Life with College Against Cancer. We held a parents breakfast which we collaborated with our academics banquet. While celebrating Founder's Day we had the privileged of also hosting the pinning ceremony. We yet again achieved the highest Greek GPA for the fall semester. We had many goals for this year, while some of them we are still defeating, some of them we overcame. Our chapter goals were to increase attendance at events, better communication skills, and also a stronger sisterhood. We have developed a stronger sisterhood but still need work on the attendance of events.
  
−
==Highlights of 2014==
+
The two major changes to our campus this past year are the building of our new science building and the new 4-4 plan. The building started last year but is still currently under construction. The 4-4 plan is a change that effected all students at the school negatively or positively. The overall nature of our chapter is headed in the right direction. For the new year we have started off on the right foot. We are currently working on our communication and interpersonal skills which has shown improvement. We are working on our attendance at events which has increased. We have reached out to the community and got our name out there. We have strengthened our sisterhood. We are improving the nature of our chapter each and everyday. 
  
−
2014 was an extremely exciting and enjoyable year for the Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. This year consisted of many fun events that have strengthened our bond as sisters and bettered the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma itself.
 
  
−
Continuing to strive for academic success, our members have worked to dedicate themselves to their studies. The chapter consistently displayed its focus on academics through academic sisterhoods. Everyone shares their majors and classes, so members can seek help from fellow sisters. We even employed a tutor to come to the sorority house and assist members with their studies. Also, our members participated in “Letters at the Library,” The weekly Greek-wide event has helped to promote the Greek System’s academic excellence and standing throughout our campus.
+
== Highlights of 2013==
  
−
In addition to our strong focus on academics, Eta Chapter has dedicated much its time this year to philanthropic events throughout campus. Once again, the chapter participated in Humorology, a musical performance competition that raises money for an all-Greek philanthropy. Existing as one of the oldest traditions at the university, Humorology has become the largest non-profit student service organization in Wisconsin. This year the event raised over $86,000. In addition, our chapter was second runner up, and received awards for “Best Costumes” and “Best Dance Break.” The chapter came to support our cast, and it was a great time for both the people involved and the audience. The entire chapter was extremely proud of the time and effort participants dedicated to support Camp One Heartland.
+
In the previous calendar year, in the spring semester we gained 6 new members through informal recruitment. We hosted our first annual Spaghetti Dinner at the local church in Monmouth for our first semester philanthropy event. We raised $550 which we donated to the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation. We also participated in our Journal Buddies program where we wrote letters back and forth with local elementary schools students and visited them at the end of first semester. We hosted “Love and Loyal-tea” which was held at the Stewart House. Members of the Knox Chapter attended as well as a guest speaker that spoke about professionalism. Our chapter also had a ritual review history program and recruitment workshops to help keep our members up to date.  
  
−
Eta Chapter once again participated in Trick or Treat with the Greeks, where children from local schools come to our campus and trick or treat to different sorority and fraternity houses on campus. Also, our chapter organized a new philanthropy event called “Kappa Karamel Apples,” where we sold caramel apples outside of our sorority house. The event was a great opportunity for our sisters to bond while raising money for our nationwide philanthropy- Reading is Fundamental.
+
As far as our grades, we maintained the highest GPA of all Greek Life at Monmouth College. We set goals to improve our adviser and officer relations as well as increase the strength in the leadership roles of our officers. To reach that our officers watched their webinars and worked together to help each other as a tighter unit. In the fall semester, we gained 14 new members through formal recruitment as well as two more COBs. We continued our Journal Buddy program and for our philanthropy event we hosted a “Kappa Karnival” on our campus. It was not as successful as we had hoped but it was a learning experience. We raised $300, which was donated to put together care packages to send to U.S. troops.  
  
−
Eta Chapter continues to strive to increase our participation throughout our campus and community. This past year, two of our members were chosen to be on the Panhellenic Executive Board. Also, a large group of our members were initiated into the Greek honor society- Order of Omega. Furthermore, we are proud to have won the Best Philanthropy Award at the All Greek Awards this year, along with 3 other awards. Our chapter remains a strong presence in the Greek community.  
+
To reach our ongoing goal from the previous semester about our officers, he held three separate officer-training workshops. Two of the workshops were with all of the officers and advisers. The other workshop was a meeting between the incoming and outgoing officers. We also set a goal to improve on turning documents in on time. Although we improved a bit on this, we still have progress to make in getting everything in on time. As far as helping with world/local events we did this on three separate occasions. Two of these were due to unfortunate natural disasters. One of the members of our school’s staff was victim to a house fire.
 
   
 
   
−
This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 53 wonderful women. Our New Member Chair, Samantha Miller, did an outstanding job welcoming the new members into Eta chapter. The new members have been well educated on the chapter and are encouraged to participate in both Kappa-related and campus wide activities. All new members were required to attend a sexual assault and alcohol seminar hosted by the Greek Community to educate them and promote. The organization, called P.A.V.E., consistently benefits our chapter continuing good behavior and awareness on campus. The new members have further strengthened Eta Chapter and are enthusiastic to become even more involved every semester.
+
We donated our slightly used/new clothes and shoes as well as toiletries to her and her family. Also, when there was the tornado disaster in Washington, Il, we sent cards and donated money to Red Cross to help in relief. For world events, we put together Christmas packages which one of our members sent out to her brother and his fellow troop members in the Army. Overall, we could have been more active in philanthropy and special events, but besides that we had a pretty successful semester and we definitely improved on our goal to strengthen officer positions, although there will always be room for improvement.
 +
 
 +
There was a new “Fraternity” added to campus in the Fall of 2013. This added an additional amount of Greeks to campus and another Greek organization. Now the total number of Greek organizations is at 9. The new building called the Center for Science and Business was completed and classes began holding in there. The overall nature of our chapter, technically, is stronger than in the past. In 2013, we began holding members more accountable for their actions through the Standards Committee. One thing we hope to improve on is turning documents in on time; this includes EPFs, Driver’s Forms, Round Robins and individual officer reports. Also, the chapter wants to improve on sisterhood and morale by holding more sisterhoods and unity bonding sessions.
  
−
2014 was overall a very fun and successful year for our chapter. We were able strengthen our philanthropic involvement, academic excellence, and overall participation in our community which made us one of the strongest chapters on campus. Eta chapter continues to learn and progress, making every year better than the last and strengthening our sisterly bonds. Eta chapter is eager to begin another exciting year and see what new, fun things are to come.
 
  
−
Our chapter holds its chapter meetings in a chapter owned house. In 1901, Kappa Kappa Gamma was the first sorority on the UW-Madison campus to build its own house on North Park Street. In 1926, The University bought the North Park Street house, and the chapter made plans to build a new house on North Henry Street. The chapter moved into this house in September of 1929, and it has remained the house that our members reside in today. Currently, 55 sisters of Eta Chapter live in our chapter owned house. We are fortunate enough to have one of the few houses that can hold this many members. It's a great aspect of Eta chapter that majority of our members have the opportunity to live in the house. It allows us to strengthen our bonds and grow together as sisters.
+
== Highlights of 2014==
  
−
==Highlights of 2015==
+
In the spring our chapter received six new members. We held the annual spaghetti dinner in February. Members from our organization made and served food for the community and raised over one thousand dollars for the Jameison center in Monmouth, IL. We also donated books to the Jameison center children in early November. As a chapter we hosted "Love and Loyal-tea" at the Stewart house with the Knox Kappa chapter. In May, around graduation we held a senior alumni ceremony. At this ceremony we acknowledged and gave thanks to all of our seniors members. In August we gained twenty-six new members through formal recruitment. In October we held initiation for our twenty-six new members. Our chapter also participated in a Journal Buddies program local United Way elementary school. This activity involved girls writing back and forth on a weekly basis with the students of the elementary school. At the end of the ten week program a day was arranged to meet with their journal buddies and personally get to know one another. This is where the girls get to meet their buddies, play games, read books, and craft with them. We also ran a pancake breakfast partnering with local AppleBees in late November. We sold the maximum number of tickets and made close to one thousand dollars for an organization called Stella's Voice (Monmouth College Human Trafficking organization). Along with our two main philanthropy events, many members logged community service hours on their own. We had four members participate in a week long service project called Alternative Spring Break. They partnered with Habitat for Humanity and each logged 50 hours of consistent hard labor for the week. We also celebrated Founders Day where we visited and sang at the burial sites of Minnie Stewart, Anna Willits, and Susan Walker. During our homecoming week we won awards for our banner and spirit shout chant. At Province we won an honorable mention award, and at our annual Greek Week Banquet our Advisor Polly Timmerman won Chapter Advisor of the year. Many of our members were also acknowledged for making it onto the Dean's list and for being in multiple Greek honor programs such as; Alpha Lambda Delta, Blue Key, and Order of Omega. In relation to academics, we were first overall in GPA of our spring semester, and in the fall we were third place overall. Our goal is to improve our GPA and get first overall next semester. We will do this by holding each other accountable for our studying and tracking hours on a Google Docs system. Along with this we will have new study files to help our members succeed academically, and we have installed a group document to log all of our weekly study hours. To improve communication, which has been another weakness in our chapter, we have held two leadership trainings for incoming officers, as well as triplet meetings that involve advisors. This way we can insure the new officers are prepared for their position and have the knowledge they need to excel. We are also planning multiple programs about how to strengthen communication and how different personalities communicate in different ways. In relation to local crises, a member of Kappa was victim to a house fire. We donated any clothes or household items we could to that member and her family. Overall our chapter had a successful year and the goals we have set for our chapter will only help us improve further.
  
−
2015 turned out to be another exciting and eventful year for the Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma! Once again, we focused on maintaining our academic excellence as well as our strong presence on campus. 
+
We are a heavily involved, studious, and welcoming chapter. Majority of our members are involved in multiple organizations, clubs, and sports teams. Many students on campus know Kappas for their involvement and campus participation. Our campus was given a new College President. He has personally reached out to campus organizations and always asks/participates in some of our activities. He was also involved in our Homecoming activities. This past year we have redecorated the interior of our house with freshly painted walls and new living room furniture. This redecoration also includes a new study room available to all members, providing them with a quiet place to study. We have provided all members with an equal opportunity to hold in their possession a key to our house. This would allow them twenty-four access to a quiet and secluded study room. In our study room we also have a printer that is free to every member's use. Chapter council is also requiring a communication/leadership seminar unlike previous years. Our chapter overall is becoming more responsible, such as with paying for dues on time and turning in documents on time. Another sorority on campus, Pi Beta Phi was approved for new housing, and will begin construction Spring 2015. Next year we will have the smallest and oldest house out of all sororities at Monmouth College.  
−
In regards to scholarship, our chapter had an extremely strong year academically. At our academic banquet, many of our members were recognized for maintaining a 4.0 GPA over the course of the spring academic semester. In addition, the Panhellenic Association awarded two of our members with Panhellenic Scholarships. The Eta Chapter recipients were selected from a large number of applicants across the entire Panhellenic Association. We were so excited to see our sisters win the Outstanding Panhellenic Senior Scholarship and the Outstanding Panhellenic Member Scholarship! Our chapter has also continued to participate in “Letters at the Library.” The weekly Greek-wide event has helped to promote academic excellence and standing within the Greek Community throughout our campus.
 
  
−
Members of our chapter participated in many fun sisterhood events. These events strengthened our sisterly bonds with one another. We rented out a local movie theatre, which made for a fun movie viewing experience. In addition, we made a trip to a Wisconsin State Park- Devil’s Lake. Hiking and taking in the beautiful scenery with our sisters was an amazing experience. These were just some of the many sisterhoods that we had throughout the year. The memories we made during these events have made a lasting impact on us.  
+
We hold meetings in Marshall Hall on Sundays, it is a college owned facility. For Chapter Council all meeting are held in the common room at our Kappa House. We have a house where members have the opportunity to live together, this house is college owned. A total of seven members can live in the house at one time. This is the only house in our chapter's history.
−
Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
+
 
−
+
 
−
Our chapter house underwent some exciting new renovations this summer! We redecorated our chapter room in the house and got beautiful new furniture. It was a great surprise to all of our members, when we returned from summer vacation.
+
== Highlights of 2015==
−
+
 
−
This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 61 wonderful women! The chapter executed an amazing recruitment this year, and we were extremely to welcome all of these amazing ladies into our sisterhood! Our New Member Chair did an outstanding job welcoming the new members into Eta chapter. The new members have been well educated on the chapter and are encouraged to participate in both Kappa-related and campus wide activities. All new members were required to attend a sexual assault and alcohol seminar hosted by the Greek Community to educate them and promote. The organization, called P.A.V.E., consistently benefits our chapter continuing good behavior and awareness on campus. We are all so excited to see what the new members will contribute to our chapter!
+
There have been many changes and improvements in Alpha chapter this year. In the spring our chapter received three new members. In February we held our annual spaghetti dinner, raising $1,800 for the Jamieson Center, which is a local community center in town. We also donated books to the Jamieson Center children in early December. In October our chapter made over 120 trick-or-treat bags for the Jamieson Center as well. Alpha chapter participated in Relay for Life and raised over $2,000 for the cause making us the largest donation by any team, our contribution made up the majority of the funds for the event. Our chapter also organized a Reading is Key event at our local library. Our Reading is Key event was Curious George themed, each child received a book, and local firemen came and read to the children to get the community involved in our efforts to promote literacy. Alpha chapter also participated in a stuffed animal drive, and collected over 75 stuffed animals to donate for the event.  
 +
 
 +
In May, around graduation we held a senior alumni ceremony. At this ceremony we acknowledged and gave thanks to all of our seniors members. We also held a senior brunch in May where our chapter expressed appreciation for our seniors through speeches and gifts. We also held an alumna orientation for our seniors as the year came to an end. In August we gained twenty-two new members through formal recruitment. In October we held initiation for our twenty-two new members. In September we held our annual Pancake Breakfast event, raising $1,016 for Reading is Fundamental and $100 of the funds was donated to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Our chapter also participated in a Journal Buddies program with the local United Way elementary school. This activity involved girls writing back and forth on a weekly basis with the students of the elementary school. At the end of the ten week program a day was arranged to meet with their journal buddies and personally get to know one another. This is where the girls get to meet their buddies, play games, read books, and craft with them. Alpha chapter participated in a program called Adopt-A-Classroom. Through this program, Alpha chapter financially adopted a classroom through Charleston Hope, which will supply inner-city kids in schools with Christmas gifts. Along with our major philanthropy events, many members logged community service hours on their own.  
  
−
Overall, Eta Chapter succeeded in making 2015 an outstanding year. From our philanthropic events to our sisterhoods, there were a plethora of amazing memories made this year. Our chapter continues to improve itself in every single aspect of our sorority. We are looking forward to see what is in store for us in 2016, as every year seems to be better than the last!
+
In October our chapter celebrated Founder’s Day, where we visited and sang at the burial sites of Minnie Stewart, Anna Willits, and Susan Walker. We also hosted a Founder’s Day Banquet, in which the Eta Kappa chapter of Knox College and many Kappa alumni attended. Events such as our Founder’s Day Banquet have helped our chapter maintain close relationships with our alum and local chapters, which has always been a goal we strive to achieve. During our homecoming week, we won first overall out of all the organizations on campus. Through an awards banquet on our campus Kappa was acknowledged for many awards such as: third place in academic programming, honorable mention in campus involvement, honorable mention in community service/civic engagement, first place emerging female leader, first place advisor of the year, first place outstanding chapter program- for our pancake breakfast. Many of our members were also acknowledged for making it onto the Dean's list and for being in multiple Greek honor programs such as; Alpha Lambda Delta, Blue Key, and Order of Omega.
  
 +
In relation to academics, our chapter has been ranked third in overall sorority GPA. Our academics have been a challenging area for our chapter because we strive to place first overall in GPA and help all of our members succeed academically. Our chapter has implemented study files to help our members improve. Through the application of the new GIN system our members will also be held accountable for their academics through logging study hours. Not only are members expected to be accountable through academics, we also have made efforts to improve overall accountability. A way we have dedicated time to improving accountability is through “accountability buddies”, where each member has a partner that they encourage to attend events and keep each other responsible. Another effort our chapter has made to increase accountability has been through committee meetings. By getting all members more involved in Kappa events and fundamentals, this will increase all members’ involvement and commitment to the chapter. To improve communication, which has been another weakness in our chapter, we have held two leadership trainings for incoming officers, as well as triplet meetings that involve advisors. Each officer has their own advisor, which has helped with communication because each officer knows who they should be in contact with for questions or concerns specifically. Overall our chapter had a successful year and the goals we have set for our chapter will only help us improve further.
  
 +
Alpha chapter excels in the area of campus and community involvement. Not only have we donated to Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma foundation, but we focus heavily on donating to the community and representing Kappa in a philanthropic way around our community and campus. The majority of our members are involved in other organizations and athletic teams, as well as honors societies. This past year we have redecorated the interior of our house with freshly painted walls and new living room furniture. This redecoration also includes a new study room available to all members, providing them with a quiet place to study. We have provided all members with an equal opportunity to hold in their possession a key to our house. This would allow them twenty-four access to a quiet and secluded study room. In our study room we also have a printer that is free to every member's use. Chapter council is also requiring a communication/leadership seminar unlike previous years. Another change our chapter has seen is the recommendation of service hours, which has not been implemented in the past. Our chapter now encourages 5 service hours per semester. Our chapter overall is becoming more responsible, such as with paying for dues on time and turning in documents on time. Another sorority on campus, Pi Beta Phi has continued construction on their new house. Our chapter has continued to work towards achieving new housing.
 +
 
Chapter Philanthropy:
 
Chapter Philanthropy:
  
 
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
 
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
 
      
 
      
−
As always, Eta Chapter held philanthropic involvement at a high importance this year. In the Spring, our chapter had our annual philanthropy, “Hoops for Hope.” The event has been a longstanding tradition within our chapter for many years. The event was a 3-on-3-basketball tournament benefiting the UW Children’s Hospital. The philanthropy continues to be an amazing opportunity to raise money for the local hospital. It is also amazing to see members of many different chapters throughout Greek Life come together to support a common cause, and have fun doing it! In the Fall, our chapter organized a new and exciting philanthropy called, “Grabba Grabba Pizza.” Members of Eta Chapter sold pizza outside our house on a Friday night. All of the proceeds from the event benefited our national philanthropy- Reading is Fundamental. The philanthropy was executed seamlessly, and has been one of our most successful philanthropy events to date! In addition to our two philanthropy events, our chapter organized a philanthropy sisterhood this year. A large group of our members spent the afternoon volunteering at a local food pantry. It was a great opportunity to spend time with one another, take a break from schoolwork, and contribute our time towards helping those less fortunate than us in our community. We look forward to organizing more philanthropy sisterhoods in the future!
+
Our chapter frequently donates to the Jamieson Center in our town. The Jamieson Center is a non-profit organization primarily serving residents of Warren County. Their programs are designed to increase food security and help people with essential services.  
−
For the 66th consecutive year, the chapter participated in Humorology, a musical performance competition that raises money for an all-Greek philanthropy. Existing as one of the oldest traditions at the university, Humorology has become the largest non-profit student service organization in Wisconsin. This year the event raised over $116,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County making the organization the largest student donor to the Boys and Girls Club in the nation! The chapter came to support our cast, and it was a great time for both the people involved and the audience.
 
−
 
 
−
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
 
−
 
 
−
Our chapter continues to support organizations within our community- such as the UW Children’s Hospital and the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. Our philanthropies are a great opportunity to give back to the community and help those in need around us. It is always gratifying to actually get to see the effects of our service in the community.
 
  
−
==Highlights of 2016==
+
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?     
  
−
2016 was a very exciting and eventful year for the Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma! This year, Eta Chapter was especially strong in regards to academics. We moved up in the GPA rankings from ninth place all the way to fourth place! Additionally, one of our New Members was selected to receive the New Member Panhellenic Scholarship, so we were so excited to see our sister win! Our chapter still continues to participate in "Letters at the Library," the weekly Greek-wide event held to help promote academic excellence within the Greek community. We also participated in many fun sisterhood events throughout the year.  
+
This organization directly affects the residents in Monmouth’s community and our chapter finds our commitment to this organization very important. Seeing the impact of our contributions to a local organization is extremely gratifying for our chapter, and it also gives Kappa a good name in Monmouth’s community.
  
−
We started "Cookie Mondays," a sisterhood event where girls could stay after chapter, eat cookies, and chat with other sisters. One of our chapter goals was to better promote the history of Kappa and we addressed this goal by bringing up old pictures and archives to display during chapter as well as implementing a time capsule for the New Members that they can recover after they graduate. Another chapter goal was to turn Founder's Day into a bigger and more recognizable event. This year, Founder's Day was hosted at Blackhawk Country Club and turned out to be a very successful event. 
+
== Highlights of 2016 ==
 
   
 
   
−
This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 52 outstanding women! We held an excellent recruitment this year and were thrilled to welcome our wonderful New Members. Our New Member Chair did an excellent job of educating these New Members on both the opportunities available in Kappa as well as Greek life as a whole. All New Members were required to attend an alcohol and sexual assault seminar hosted by the Greek community, which benefits our chapter immensely. Another big change that Eta Chapter underwent was transitioning house-moms after having our previous house-mom for over 15 years. While Karen is greatly missed, Mary Ann is doing a great job of keeping everything running smoothly at the house.
 
  
−
Between our academic improvements, fun sisterhood events, successful philanthropies, and everything in between, Eta Chapter is constantly improving year after year. Our chapter is doing a nice job of recognizing where we need to improve and setting goals for the betterment of the chapter. We see this mindset of constant improvement transferring over to the new Chapter Council, as they are already setting goals of their own for their time as leaders of the chapter. We think that they will do a great job of continuing better our chapter every single day.   
+
2016 has been a very successful year for our chapter. Many girls received scholarships from the foundation and Monmouth College which helped them flourish in their studies. As a chapter Kappa Kappa Gamma won Greek Week in the Spring. With Greek Week we won Chapter Education and Programming, Involvement and Leadership Education, along with honorable mention for Academic Accountability, Community Service, and Philanthropy. We won the Spirit Shout competition in the Fall for our college’s homecoming. Through convention we won the standards award. We also received honorable mention in Panhellenic relations, advisory board relations, and heritage award. We celebrated founders day, and even started a possible new tradition of recreating what our 6 founders did in 1870 and walked through Dahl Chapel with keys in our hair.  We’ve had mom and dad weekends which families and girls seems to love and enjoy greatly. We had Formal in the spring which was Great Gatsby themed, and semi-formal in the fall which was “You Are What You Netflix” themed, both were of great success.
  
−
Eta Chapter held philanthropic involvement at high importance this year. In the spring, we executed our annual philanthropy, Hoops for Hope. This event is a 3 on 3 basketball tournament and all proceeds go to the UW Children's Hospital. Not only does this event raise money for the Children's Hospital, but it is a nice opportunity to get many members of Greek life together to support a common cause. This fall we held our second annual "Grabba Grabba Pizza" philanthropy to benefit our national philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental. For this event, members of Eta Chapter stood outside the Kappa house as well as on State Street and sold slices of pizza to those walking by. Unfortunately, a thunderstorm led us to cancel the event one hour earlier than expected, but we still were able to raise over $1,000 to donate to Reading Is Fundamental. Both of these philanthropies were incredibly successful and we are hoping for continued success in the years to come.  
+
Also wanting our chapter to be a great success we came up with many chapter goals which include improve relationship between the Standards Committee and General Members, improve accountability through the use of fact based and unbiased processes (example: Chapter upholding our fraternity standards), increase overall chapter GPA, provide better communication regarding finances to all members, and increase knowledge of Fraternity History. Kappa has stayed involved within Greek life and many girls have attended other philanthropic events along with working hard at our own. In the Spring Kappa's Spaghetti Dinner event raised $2,300. $600 was donated back to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and $1,700 was donated to the Jameson Center. Then in September we held the Pancake Breakfast. This event raised $1,070. $400 went to expenses (venue and food), $150 was donated back to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, and $520 was donated back to the Jameson Center. Many Kappas here our tutors, have been electoral judges, and volunteer their time within the community and libraries and animal shelters.  
  
−
Our chapter continues to support organizations within our community such as the UW Children’s Hospital, River Food Pantry, First Harvest Food Bank and the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County. Our chapter chooses to support these organizations because we want to support organizations within our community and see our community thrive. Our philanthropies are a great opportunity to give back to the community and help those around us. We love being able to see the effects of our service and philanthropies in our community.
+
On campus our chapter has received a new home and we are graciously waiting to move in. Pi Beta Phi also received a new chapter home in the spring. Altogether our chapter has been working very hard to be the best that we can be and do the best with which we do. Friendship truly is our binding tie, and we are a close kit group that is supportive and cherishing of one another. This year with the presidential election, campus itself had a lot of tension but we as a group did not that effect our relationships with one another. Along with our new home we also received some new members. In the Fall of formal recruitment we gained 11 new members, and with continuous open bidding a week later gained 4 more. After initiation took place on October 22, some weeks later we held another COB event where we gained another two new members who eagerly await to get settled in with our chapter.  
  
−
== Highlights of 2017==
+
Our chapter frequently raises money for RIF, the Jamison Center, and Safe Harbor. This year we actually added Safe Harbor on where we donate funds and supplies, and put in hours helping the organization in many other ways in which we can. RIF being our philanthropy we’re happy to do things for. We also do things for the Jamison Center to help families and children in need in our community by donating food, books, and money. Safe Harbor is an organization that hits close to home for a lot of girls. So to help women in need we donate money, books, and clothes to this organization as well as our time.
  
−
Summary:
+
Currently, we meet in our new chapter home in the living room. Prior to this, we met in an auditorium in an academic building. It's a great privilege  that we have received a new home and are utilizing the space as much as we can since we have not moved in yet. We have sisterhoods, open houses, chapter, and exchanges. We await to move in patiently and are very excited for the opportunity.
  
−
Throughout 2017, the Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has focused its energies on strengthening relationships within the Greek community and planning more sisterhood events to foster even greater bonds within our chapter. Our dedication to academic and scholarly excellence moved our GPA up to the highest its been in years. Additionally, our chapter included members that were awarded three of the seven Pan-Hellenic scholarships. The Eta Chapter recipients were selected from a large number of applicants across the entire Panhellenic Association. We were so excited to see our sisters win the Outstanding Panhellenic Member Scholarship for Samantha Shellen and Madeline Henderson, and the Outstanding Panhellenic Senior Scholarship for Molly Levine!
 
  
−
Chapter Philanthropy:
+
==Highlights of 2017==
 +
This has been a very busy year for Alpha Chapter. This year’s Greek Week was also an exciting and successful presentation of our chapter to the rest of campus. We placed second overall and won several awards including Outstanding chapter Program; Spheres of Influence, Academic Achievement, Excellence in Chapter Management and an Honorable Mention in the areas of Community Service, Philanthropy, Membership, Recruitment and Public Relations. Alpha Chapter also achieved the highest Spring GPA of 2017 amongst the other sororities on campus. We can now say that we have moved into our beautiful new house. We held a House Dedication on April 28. Many alumni and Beth Black attended the event. There is room currently for seven women to stay in the house. We still have Chapter and other events in the “Sisterhood Living Room”. This past Founders Day Celebration we went as a chapter to visit the graves of some of our founders. We then continued our new tradition of walking through Dahl Chapel. This year the chapter opted to have mom and dad weekends as one event called Family Weekend, that was held during Monmouth’s own Family Weekend. There were goodie bags to make and families could go and watch the football game together. Formal was themed “Under the Sea” and was a fun time for everyone. This year we did not have a traditional semi-formal. We instead had a “Fall Event” named "Falling in Love With Kappa", at one of the active’s farmhouse. There were s’mores, hayrides, crafts and games to play. This year for philanthropy we did our traditional spaghetti dinner and raised almost $1000 for Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, as well as Reading is Fundamental. We were unable to hold our regular RIF event, so all of the books we collected this year were donated to a senior education major’s new library. We decided to donate the extra food to the Jamieson Center here in Monmouth. This October we teamed up with the Kappa chapter located at Knox College and had a Kappa Kolor Run. This event raised $500 dollars and the proceeds were donated to the Rose McGill Aid Fund. During recruitment this year, the chapter and potential new members created adoption bags for the Warren County Animal Rescue. The chapter is also reaching out to the community through Journal Buddies. Journal Buddies are through a Kappa that is student teaching. She pairs an active with a child and the class and they write letters to each other.   
  
−
In addition to our strong focus on academics, Eta Chapter also has dedicated much of its time and activities to philanthropic events. Kappa Kappa Gamma performed in the largest non-profit student service organization in Wisconsin once again! Kappa Kappa Gamma along with Alpha Chi Omega, Beta Theta Pi, and friends performed their show among seven others and were awarded for having the cleanest dancebreak, the best cameo, and the most creative script. The cast consisted of over 60 members that started practicing in September 2016 for many hours a week and performed their final show on April 9th, 2017. Kappa’s show followed the storyline of two long-time best friends auditioning for a spot at Star University. Tensions grow as one of the main character’s, Dereck, is convinced that his best friend, Jenny (played by Mara Nasui), is trying to take the spot for herself when there are actually two spots. The Kappa directors were Carly White, Sabrina Carlins, Maria-Elena Svigos, and Emily Eigler. Throughout the semester, the directors and cast members participated in various fundraising in events such as the Eat Street one, Pie the Directors, and held small auctions. Our cast alone raised $38,000 and combined with the entire Greek Community we raised over $180,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Dan County. This year, Kappa Kappa Gamma is paired with Alpha Chi Omega and Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) for Humorology. The cast has made it to next semester and will participate in the final show sometime in the spring. The directors include Mara Nasui, Jordan Abt, and Simona Khomutov.
+
As for other awards, this Homecoming a Kappa alum was inducted into the Order of Omega Hall of Fame. The Academic Excellence Committee had a wonderful Academic Banquet and awarded beautiful owl pins to members that were named on the Dean’s List. Regarding academics, the chapter also won the fraternity’s Study Hour Challenge this past February. We had a pizza party to celebrate. The Risk Chairman put on some great programs this year. Two important ones were Self-Defense and CPR recertification. We still are striving for better relationship between the Standards Committee and the general members. Another goal for our chapter is to increase the number girls that pay their dues on time. This past semester we have had two lovely Leadership Consultants come and help us find ways to improve our chapter. This year’s Bystander Intervention was a new speaker and taught the chapter and campus new ways to help improve the safety of campus. The Alcohol Skills Training program this year was interesting and was interactive enough to keep our interest.
  
−
Philanthropy events are always a highlight of our semesters here at Eta Chapter. It’s a time for us to come together as a chapter to give back to our community, and remind ourselves how much Kappa has given us and what it has to give to others. In the fall, we held our “Grabba Grabba Donut” fundraiser in an effort to raise money for Reading is Fundamental (RIF). Reading is Fundamental empowers millions of children to read and grow intellectually by donating books and supporting literary sources, and inspires passion for learning and reading around the United States. This has been Kappa’s worthy national philanthropy since 2004, and here at Eta Chapter we are proud to support this impactful effort. We held an annual food fundraiser where we sold donuts outside of College Library and on State Street. We also partnered with the Madison Alumnae Association and held our first Girls Academy this fall.
+
==Highlights of 2018==
 +
Over the last year we have grown as a chapter. Not only did we take in three new members during the spring, they were able to join us in the philanthropy event. For that event we raised money for Reading is Fundamental by selling grilled cheese to the people in Monmouth. We also had a wonderful Formal which was Sapphire ball theme. In the fall we took in 17 wonderful new members and they were able to join the second Philanthropy even of the year which is we donated books to a local school and read to the children in the name of our Reading is Fundamental. This fall semester we were able to bring back duo days with Pi Beta Phi this is an event where we spilt the money raise in half and donate it toward each of our philanthropy. For Founder’s Day we invited the Knox Chapter to come and visit the graves and Stewart House and they also partook in ritual with us. We had risk event in the fall which we invited other Greek organization for around campus to. Recently, we had our Semi Formal which was Come On Barbie let’s Date Party theme. At the end of the year we will be partaking in our leadership day event. Our chapter goal is to have everyone accountable to attend events. We have become closer as a chapter and are able to freely express ourselves to be the best we can be.
  
−
Chapter Facility:
+
The campus had about 250 new incoming students with only about 50 girls going through the recruitment processes. As a chapter we took in 17 new members who are extremely strong leaders and stand for the core values as a chapter. Our chapter philanthropy is Reading is Fundamental.  We also support Western Illinois Humane Society.
 +
It is an organization that hits close to home for many of us. They are a nonprofit organization that finds homes for several types of animals. Members of our chapter volunteer hours to play with the animals and socialize them.
  
−
Our informal chapter meetings are held in the living room of our beautiful chapter owned house. Our formal chapter meetings are held in the lower floor of the house. This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 57 wonderful women! This year’s recruitment involved many changes that challenged and strengthened our members. We were extremely excited to welcome all of these amazing ladies into our sisterhood! Our New Member Chair, Katie Gache, did an outstanding job making the new members feel at home and established a strong bond with the ladies early on. welcoming the new members into Eta Chapter. We are all so excited to see what the new members will contribute to our chapter!
+
For informal meetings we as a chapter meet in the Center of Science and Business in the auditorium which is room 100. And for formal meetings with meet at the Kappa house in the informal living room. This fall semester we had the privilege of accepting 17 lovely new members to our chapter. On this past bid day in August, the chapter was surprised by the attendance of both Gail Owen and Beth Black to help us celebrate the special day. Initiation was held on October 28th and the chapter now has 56 active members. After Initiation this year we were treated to a wonderful brunch made for us by several volunteer alumnae. For this year’s Homecoming, the theme was Monmouth Traditions. The chapter had lots of fun at the activities planned for the week such as; trivia night, a boat regatta, and the spirit shout and dance. Our float in the parade this year had alumnae on board and won first place. We are ending the year strong and are excited for our new Chapter Council, our new Panhellenic President and next semester!
  
−
Eta Chapter transitioned a new house-mom, Janette, who is doing a great job of keeping everything running smoothly at the house. Overall, our chapter has strengthened our philanthropic involvement, academic excellence, and overall participation in the community. We continue to grow as individuals and as a chapter, making progress every year and building relationships that will last a lifetime. We’re eager to begin another exciting year and see what exciting things the future has in store for us.
+
==Highlights of 2019==
  
−
==HIghlights of 2018==
+
Alpha Chapter had a very busy year in 2019! Classes resumed for Monmouth College on January 14th. Leadership day was held on the 19th for all new officers, and we started the new pilot structure. We had a fun sisterhood and Spring Recruitment began as well. This February was not as busy as usual. We celebrated Inspirational Person’s Day on the 9th with a special person in our lives. On Valentine’s Day, we had a fun sisterhood and the Kappa Krush philanthropy which raised $22 for the Jamieson Center in Monmouth. We hosted a Leadership Consultant from February 24th through March 1st. Spring Break for the college began on the 1st and continued until the 10th. Greek Week began on the 17th and went through the 22nd. A self-defense class sisterhood was held on March 25th. It was fun and incredibly useful! Formal was on March 30th and the theme was Light up the Night. The new members had their New Member retreat on April 5th and Inspiration Period began the next week after the Return of the Pledge pin. They were formally initiated on April 13th. Seniors were celebrated during Senior Week by Senior Slideshow, Bloom into Alumni and the senior sisterhood. The whole chapter celebrated and wished the seniors luck at the Senior Banquet on April 28th. In May, the day before finals began, the VP of Internal Affairs, Angie, held an all day sisterhood study session with doughnuts. Graduation was on May 12th and seven of our sisters walked across the stage. The Fall semester began on August 14th for us, with Greek Life move in and the first day of Work Week. The chapter was present at the annual Involvement Fair and had lots of fun and girls interested by the end of the night! There were three sisterhoods that were focused on team bonding and getting to know their sisters better. Fall Recruitment began on August 20th and Bid Day was on the 24th. This Bid Day we had fourteen lovely ladies run to meet us outside of Wallace Hall. The Bid Day party theme this year was That 70s Show where we danced, tie-dyed and took pictures until our hearts content. Later that evening, we had a candle pass with Alpha Xi Delta and Pi Beta Phi honoring all our new members and our seniors. Formal pledging followed on the 25th and 26th. September began with New Member Meetings and Senior Orientation. On the 14th, Kappa held the Kappa Kickball Event to raise money for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. $55 was raised for the Foundation. Family Weekend for the college and Kappa was the 27th through the 29th, with a football game and the Academic Banquet on Sunday. On the first Friday in October, the new members had their New Member retreat. On Sunday the 6th, we celebrated Founder’s Day be traveling to the graves of three of our founders and singing to them followed by the candle ceremony and chapter. Fall Break began on the 9th and several members returned early on the 13th to meet the Minnie Stewart Van for the 150th kickoff at the Stewart House. It was an amazing experience to be a part of and Alpha Chapter is grateful for the opportunity! Homecoming was on the 18th and 19th with Kappa coming in 2nd for the Spirit Shout Dance. Sunday the 20th was Return of the Pledge Pin and the beginning of the Inspiration Period. New members became new actives on the 26th and after Initiation was over we had an amazing breakfast thanks to the Alumni. On the 27th, the new actives attended a new member retreat for all new Greek Life on campus. There was a Halloween exchange with Sigma Phi Epsilon where we watched scary movies. Alpha Chapter had the privilege to experience the leadTODAY program offered by Headquarters on November 2nd. We learned a lot and are excited to try all the new ideas we were given! The Nominating Committee was selection and the election process began. On November 7th and 8th, we volunteered at local schools to be reading buddies for the day and gift a child with a book of their very own. Semi-Formal was on the 9th and the theme was Vines and memes; everyone had a good laugh. On the 13th we had a trivia night exchange with Phi Delta Theta and the dip sisterhood/exchange with Alpha Tau Omega on the 14th. The slate was presented on the 14th as well and on Sunday the 17th elections were held. Duo Days was on the 20th and the 21st; we read Dr. Seuss books to raise money and had a spa day sisterhood. Officer Installations were on the 24th and we are excited for all of our new officers! A COB event was held on the 25th and was very successful. On Reading Day, the day before finals begins, there will be a sisterhood study group and a yoga class.
  
−
In 2018, the Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, experienced a very exciting and eventful year! This year, Eta Chapter focused on maintaining our high academic standards, continuing to strengthen our philanthropic involvement within our community, and fostering greater bonds as a chapter.
+
==Highlights of 2020:==
  
−
As a chapter this Fall, we had some unforgettable sisterhood events! Our VP of Standards planned a movie night for our chapter. We rented out a local movie theater, bussed there together and enjoyed popcorn and snacks while getting to know our new members! Another highlight includes a Kappa Kappa Gamma yoga class. One of our sophomores is a teacher at our local Madison yoga studio and led a Kappa filled yoga class for Eta Chapter.
 
  
−
Academics:
 
  
−
This year, members of Eta Chapter, along with our VP of Academic Excellence, encouraged one another to succeed academically. We participated in “Letters at the Library” where Greek members can study together at College Library and we organized a mentoring. Through our mentoring system, an upperclassmen is matched with a lowerclassmen member according to their majors and experiences. From there, they are encouraged to trade advice, and lowerclassmen are given guidance on classes, internships, and the best study tools. Our chapter GPA has continued to increase in the last year and is currently a 3.507! Scholarships were granted to Nikoletta Economou, and Courtney Morrison.  
+
-------------------------------
−
+
'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
−
Chapter Facility:
+
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!"Summarize the previous calendar year, scholarships, group honors/awards, Convention awards, traditions, special events, philanthropic involvement, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, and world/local events the chapter participated in or helped with (e.g., presidential campaigns, natural disasters, etc.).
  
−
Our informal and formal chapter meetings are held in our beautiful living room of the chapter owned house. This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 66 wonderful women! We were extremely excited to welcome these women into Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our New Member Chairman, Hannah Lundquist helped them to feel right at home. The women are all very excited to be able to live in our chapter owned facility in the next academic school year. Our initiation and recruitment process went exceptionally smoothly this year, as we had a Kappa Kappa Gamma LC at both events. They contributed to the ultimate success of these important events a tremendous amount.  
+
2020 was a unique year that created challenges to normal chapter functions. However, the members of Kappa Kappa Gamma Alpha chapter adapted through innovative sisterhoods, a virtual recruitment, and a virtual initiation shared with Iota and Theta Alpha chapters.  
  
−
Chapter Philanthropy:
+
The first chapter of the year was held on January 19th. A Tik-Tok sisterhood was held on January 29th, where sisters made fun videos together at the Kappa house. On Super-bowl Sunday, house girls invited sisters over and made lots of different tailgating foods to celebrate. On February 7th, there was a sisterhood with the Eta chapter at the Stewart house where members made DIY scrunchies. A Galentine’s Day Sisterhood was held on Thursday, February 13th. Sisters made cute Valentine’s Day cards, decorated and painted picture frames, ate snacks, and took cute and goofy pictures in a photo area. Composites were taken on Wednesday, February 19th. The New Member Retreat was February 21st.The chapter had an exchange with Phi Delta on February 23rd, where members sang Karaoke. Inspiration week started Sunday, February 23rd and initiation was held on the 29th where one new member was initiated. Members left for Spring Break on March 6th and were not allowed to return due to Covid-19. A mother/daughter tea party event was scheduled for March 21st and was canceled. A Reading is Key philanthropy event “Grilled Cheese with KKGs” on Sunday, March 22nd was also canceled. Alpha chapter had been paired with ZBT for Greek Week activities but was unable to participate due to Covid. Formal theme was the Roaring 20s and was scheduled for April 18th but was canceled due to Covid. Keynoted chapter minuets were sent to members during the lockdown the first Sundays of April and May to keep members engaged and aware of chapter activities. There were three optional Zoom meetings for members to attend if they needed to reach out. There was a virtual sisterhood, where members played an online card game. Due to the fast change of plans Covid created, many things had to be altered in order to make seniors feel as though they were not forgotten. Our VP of Member Development tried to do as much as possibly for them given that we were unable to hold the Senior Banquet or most of the Senior Week Activities. To make up for what they lost, people in the chapter wrote notes or letters to a senior or seniors of their choice and then those were emailed to them during Senior Week. Our chapter was able to order them all bouquets of flowers and had them sent to their home address for them to receive during Senior Week. The seniors all received their gifts from the chapter at their homes. Our chapter still did a Senior Slideshow, and we were able to watch it together on a Zoom call. There was a Zoom study session hosted for finals.
  
−
In addition to our strong focus on academics, Eta Chapter grew tremendously in our philanthropy. This year we raised over $20,000 for the Kappa Foundation, UW Children’s Hospital, Reading is Fundamental and Mental Health Awareness! This past Spring we held our annual Hoops For Hope basketball tournament to benefit the UW Madison Children’s Hospital. This event also allows us to bring the Greek community together. We even had some UW - Madison basketball players participate! In the fall, we held our annual “Grabba Grabba Pizza” event, where we sell pizza outside of our chapter facility and on State Street in, to benefit our national philanthropy Reading is Fundamental. Additionally, we held a Girls Academy event at a local Madison middle school, where Eta Chapter members led activities with the young women to encourage female empowerment and leadership. This is our second annual Girls Academy weekend and we look forward to many more!
+
Some sisters returned to campus on August 13th, while some sisters remained virtual for the semester. Work week occurred virtually and included a DEI presentation by the college’s Intercultural Life Director. The theme for recruitment was Falling in Love with Kappa. Recruitment was moved online the night before it began. However, our incredible exec board was able to make the arrangements necessary to move to virtual recruitment, marking our chapter’s first ever online recruitment process. We met a lot of great PNMs and ended up with 11 perfect new members who are great additions to the chapter! We look forward to seeing where their Kappa journey takes them. Bid day was on August 22nd and pledging occurred on August 23rd, on the tennis court outside. The chapter has conducted most business virtually and any in-person activities were socially distanced and in compliance with state and federal guidelines. The chapter has worked extremely hard this year to improve our diversity, equity, and inclusion. This semester, we decided to push the idea of DEI more into our chapter in hopes to expand our knowledge on the topics and learn from each other. We held a few programs that involved the topic of DEI and we also started a new chapter segment called "All the Hoot." We placed this segment in the VP of Member Development section of our chapter. This segment was started to allow sisters to talk about popular issues in the news, issues that are important to them, hard to talk about issues, etc. We wanted to provide a safe place for discussion of these important topics so we could evolve as a chapter. Our goal was to be respectful of everyone's opinions, be willing to learn, be open and honest, and to make our bond stronger. This segment has been very interesting and beneficial to our chapter thus far and we hope to continue it. We know that we still have a lot of work to do as individuals and as a chapter to continue to learn and grow in the field of DEI. We have elected a DEI Director to our exec board to continue to promote our chapter’s growth. In an effort to promote mental health awareness and inclusivity, our chapter hosted Behind Happy Faces on November 21st.
  
−
This year has been a great one for Eta Chapter! We just transitioned our new Chapter Council and are very excited to see what the pilot structure has in store for our chapter. Overall, our chapter has continued to uphold our academic excellence, improved our philanthropic involvement, and strengthened the bonds we hold with one another. We will continue to grow individually and as a chapter throughout the coming years and are excited to see what they have in store for Eta Chapter![[File:Eta Chapter Bid Day.png|thumb|Eta Bid Day]]
+
The slate was released November 12th, and elections were held on November 15th. Officer installations were November 22nd.
 +
Campus overall has a very politically polarized and charged atmosphere. Between COVID-19 restrictions, rising cases, the recent presidential election, and overall division amongst Americans have left Monmouth a very polarized place. Our chapter is not excluded from this division, and we have recently faced division amongst members and issues with being called out for being racist by non-members on campus. These issues have left us a very divided chapter. "
  
−
==Highlights of 2019==
+
We chose Western Illinois Animal Rescue as our philanthropy, because it requires a lot of volunteer work and donations to keep it going. We really like helping out at WIAR because we enjoying working with the staff and supporting all the animals there.
  
−
In 2019, Eta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has an eventful year! Once again Eta Chapter focused on maintaining high academic standards, participated in many philanthropy events in our community, and continued to stregthen our bonds as a chapter.  
+
We did not have a specific Founders Day ceremony or 150th Anniversary celebration due to COVID restrictions. "
  
−
As a chapter we held many exciting sisterhood events throughout the year. These sisterhoods include going to a pumpkin patch, having a sister trivia night, a movie night, and a tour of an art museum. These events help our chapter get to know the new members and a to streghthen our bonds with one another.
+
==Highlights of 2021==
 +
   
 +
January:
 +
Classes resumed on the 25th of January. Executive Board meetings were held every Monday at 5:30pm, and the Standards Committee met every Tuesday at 6:30pm on Zoom. A formal meeting was held on the 31st on Zoom, 
  
−
Academic:
+
February:
−
There was a strong focus with maintaining high academic standards through out the year. We continued to participate in "Letters at the Library" where members can study together and grouped members by majors in order to set up a mentoring program. Our overall chapter GPA was 3.468 and many of our members were acknowledged for getting a 4.0 at our academic banquet. Scholarships were awarded to Sami Stroebel, Brynn Tonn, Katya Mikhailenko, Paige Mezzatesta, Lexie Ippolito, and Courtney Morrison.
+
Zoom Leadership Day/Officer Transitioning took place on February 7th. Kappa Cocoa was held on the 11th. An informal meeting was held on the 14th, and two MLK workshops were held on the 18th. Two ritual reviews and a formal chapter were held on the 21st. A Sisterhood where sisters could play Among Us and another MLK Workshop was held on Zoom on the 25th. A Senior Education program and programming night were held on the 28th. 
  
−
Chapter Facility:
+
March:
−
Both our informal and formal chapter meetings are held in our beautiful living room of our chapter owned house. This past fall, Eta Chapter initiated 77 women, and we are extremely excited to welcome them into Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our New Member Chair, Alexa Vogel, educated the new members on the chapter and helped them fit into the chapter.  
+
Recruitment Workshops were held on the 5th and 6th of March at the house. A department night was held on Zoom on the 7th. A DEI Book Club was held on the 11th. Composites were taken on the 12th, and two recruitment workshops were held on the 12th and 13th. A formal meeting was held on the 14th. All the Hoot, a DEI event, was held on Zoom on the 16th, and a sisterhood was held on the 18th. A formal meeting was held on the 21st, and another DEI bookclub was held on Zoom on the 25th. Two more recruitment workshops were held on the 26th and 27th. A key DEI event and alumni education program were held on the 28th. 
  
−
Chapter Philanthropy:  
+
April:
−
In addition to strong academics, Eta chapter contined to grow in our philanthropy. This past year we held our annual Hoops for Hope tournament and raised over $18,000 to benefit the UW Madison Children's Hospital. This event was a 4 v 4 basketball tournament that allowed many people in the Greek community to come together to support a great cause. In the fall we held our "Grabba Grabba Pizza" fundraiser where we stood outside of our house and sold slices of pizza to people on the street. This event raised over $12,000 for our national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. Kappa Kappa Gamma performed in  Humorology, the largest non-profit student service organization in Wisconsin. Kappa Kappa Gamma paired with Alpha Chi Omega, Beta Theta Pi, and Acacia to perform along with five other casts and were awarded best acapella, funniest script, and best one liner. The Kappa Kappa Gamma directos were Maia Hentges and Sami Stroebel. Throughout the year there were many events to raise money and our cast alone raised over $78,000  out of $405,000 to benefit Badger Childhood Cancer Network.
+
Greek Week took place on the 5th, 6th and 7th, and the Greek Week banquet took place on the 9th. Our chapter won the Academic Excellence award at this banquet. A Reading is Fundamental event was held on the 10th. A formal meeting was on the 11th. DEI book club took place on the 15th and 29th. A sisterhood was held on the 16th at the house with a virtual option. Stewart Hour tours for upcoming recruitment primaries took place on the 17th with a virtual option. Department night took place on the 18th, and All the Hoot took place on the 20th. The virtual Senior Banquet, the New Active Retreat, and another session of the Stewart House Tours for primaries took place on the 23rd. Zoom Formal, and a Bid Day for new active members with a virtual option were held on the 24th. The in-person Senior Banquet and an informal meeting was held on the 25th. The last session of Stewart House tours took place on the 30th. 
  
−
The panhellenic community is currently in the process of getting a new chapter on campus that has yet to be determined. Eta Chapter prides itself in our academic exellence, our sisterhood events, and our overall community involvement. We continue to work to improve overall as a chapter.  "
+
May:
−
Eta Chapter supports Reading is Fundamental, UW Children's Hospital, Badger Childhood Cancer Network. We chose these philanthropies because it is a great way to benefit local organizations and give back to the community.  
+
Senior Tea and a formal meeting was held on the 2nd of May, and the last executive board meeting of the semester was held on the 3rd. 
  
−
The chapter celebrated Founders Day by having a dinner planned for the entire chapter as well as a few alumnae. The alumnae then went through and introduced themselves and told them what Kappa meant to them. We had the Minnie Stewart van stop by our chapter house which allowed our members to experience part of Kappa's history.
+
August:
 +
Sorority Move-In was August 17th. Work Week for Recruitment was the 18th-23rd. Our chapter had a table at the Involvement Fair on the 23rd. House Tours were on the 24th. The first night of recruitment was the 25th at the Kappa House. The second night of recruitment was the 26th in the Morgan Room. The third night of recruitment was the 27th at the Stewart House. Bid Day was held on the 28th. Pledging of new members and a formal meeting was held at the Kappa House on the 29th. The executive board began meeting at 5:30pm every Monday on the 30th. 
  
−
==Highlights of 2020s:==
+
September: 
 +
Senior Orientation, the first New Member meeting, and an informal meeting were held on September 5th. The Standards Committee began meeting every Tuesday at 6:30pm on the 7th. A sisterhood at the Kappa House was held on the 8th. Expectations of Membership, a new member meeting, and department night were held on the 12th. A new member meeting and a programming night were held on the 19th. Another sisterhood was held on the 23rd at the Kappa House. A luncheon where member’s family members could eat at the Kappa House was held on the 25th. A Kappa Koffee Social Brunch with the Illinois State Kappa Chapter at the Stewart House, a new member meeting, and a formal meeting were held on the 26th. Every member of Greek life attended Title IX training on the 29th, and the New Member Retreat was held on the 30th at the Kappa House. 
  
−
(scholarship, honors/awards, special events, philanthropy and service projects, etc.):
+
October:
 +
A new member meeting and the Courage to Commit program were held on the 3rd of October. A sisterhood was held on the 6th, and a pumpkin carving exchange with the Phi Delts was held on the 8th. A new member meeting, the Founder’s Day event, and formal meeting in Dahl Chapel were held on the 10th. Our Health Drive week began on the 18th, and an Officer Interest meeting was held on the 20th. A Halloween Sisterhood at the Kappa House was held on the 21st, and some members of the chapter attended the Order of Omega ceremony on the 23rd. The Return of the Pledge Pin ceremony and formal meeting at the Kappa House were held on the 24th, and Inspiration Period began on the 25th. Ritual Review was held on the 26th, 27th, and 28th. Bloom into Kappa was held on the 27th, and Fireside was held on the 29th. Initiation took place at the Kappa House on the 30th. A senior education program and formal chapter were held on the 31st. 
  
−
'''Philanthropy:'''
+
November:
−
+
Leadership Applications were due on the 2nd of November, and the Nomination Committee began training. Groovy, 70s semi-formal was held on the 5th. Interviews for executive board positions were held on the 6th and 7th. A Sex-positive program and an informal chapter were held on the 7th. A Kappa Kisses philanthropy event for Active Minds and slate discussion were held on the 9th. Trio-Days events with Pi Phi and Alpha Xi were held on the 10th, 11th, and 12th. The Slate was created and calls were made on the 10th, and the slate was present electronically on the 11th. A cypher-reading sisterhood was also held on the 11th. A movie watching exchange with Alpha Xi was held on the 12th. Elections were held during a formal meeting on the 14th, and joint executive board meetings were held on the 15th and 22nd. A Clothing Drive began on the 29th.
  
 +
We support WIAR and the Jamison Community Center. Being involved locally is a great way to connect and support our community.
  
−
'''Housing:'''
+
We supported Active Minds by raising money through candy grams, while also supporting mental health through thoughtful messages. For the Kappa Foundation, we are working with a local coffee shop at the end of the semester and raising money through coffee sales.
  
 +
Spring 2021, our chapter installed a DEI officer under the VP of Member Development. This DEI director has held office hours for any member in the chapter to come and talk about any issues or DEI related topics. This officer held bi-weekly DEI events, such as a book club for the book, “Untamed”, and “All the Hoot” where members could all meet to discuss relevant topics. In order to prepare for recruitment, the DEI director had a presentation about current issues and ways to be more inclusive while recruiting new members. The DEI director met with every new member during their weekly meetings to introduce Kappa’s values and expectations of equality and inclusivity. The social media of our chapter has been very sensitive to current issues in the media, and our VP of External Affairs posts regularly about all of our members.
  
 +
In the Spring semester of 2021, most events were held virtually on Zoom. If an event could be held safely in person, a virtual option was provided for those who were uncomfortable attending. In terms of Recruitment, the numbers as a whole were much lower than typical years. Policies were always changing as well. Our chapter worked hard to properly wear masks while indoors and to have events outside as much as possible. Wearing masks during date parties made it harder to socialize comfortably. Despite the challenges, our chapter had a successful formal recruitment. Initiation was relatively normal, but the ceremonies were shortened. Again, all members were required to wear mask inside. All new members have successfully been initiated and are now active members.
  
−
'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
+
== Visiting Monmouth Today ==
  
 +
A trip to Monmouth, Illinois, affords visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma! The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation operates [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/File:Ph-10021.jpg The Stewart House Museum], open to the public for tours and events. The home of [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/Martha_Louisa_%E2%80%9CLou%E2%80%9D_Stevenson Martha Louisa Stevenson] still stands and Kappa Kappa Gamma placed an [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/File:StevensonMarker_reduced.jpg historical marker] on the property in 2009. The marker recognizes the home as the location of many early meetings of Alpha Chapter. Another [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/File:KappaBridge.jpg historical marker] was placed at site of the [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/File:BridgeNegativePrint.jpg "Kappa Bridge"] where early Fraternity History tells the story of two Kappa Founders meeting to discuss their plans for a Greek letter organization.
  
−
 
+
The brochure [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/File:MapCover4.jpg ''Footsteps of the Founders''] is available at The Stewart House and includes a [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/File:Cemetery_Map.jpg cemetery map] and a [https://wiki.kkg.org/pages/File:MapCemetery.jpg map of town] indicating the former locations of the homes of other Founders. Today only Minnie Stewart's home and Lou Stevenson's home are still standing.
−
-------------------------------
 
−
'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
 
−
Please refer to your chapter archives and chapter meeting minutes 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!
 

Revision as of 11:31, 3 January 2022

Alpha Deuteron
AΔ
IMG 1741 reduced1.jpg
FoundedOctober 13, 1870 (1870-10-13) (155 years ago)
CollegeMonmouth College
LocationMonmouth, Ill.
ProvinceEpsilon South
HomepageAlpha Deuteron Homepage
Media related to Alpha Chapter

Monmouth College established in 1853, Monmouth, Illinois


Founded as Alpha Chapter October 13, 1870; Closed 1884

44 total initiates (as of 1884 closure)


Founded as Alpha Deuteron on October 13, 1934


1,708 initiates (as of June 2018)


Charter members: Mary Louise “Lou” Bennett, Hannah Jeannette “Jennie” Boyd, Mary “Minnie” Moore Stewart, Anna Elizabeth Willits, Susan Burley Walker, Martha Louisa “Lou” Stevenson. The last two were initiated by the first four, but walked into chapel with them on October 13, 1870. Since that is considered the Fraternity’s official founding date, Susan Walker and Louisa Stevenson are also considered Founders.

Alpha Deuteron charter members: Sarah Louise Brownell, Helen Eugenia Christy, Dorothy May Field, Margaret Rhoda Lee, Mary Lucille Mack, Mary Elizabeth McClanahan, Frances Mills, Maxine Ditteau Moore, Dorothy May Murphy, Frances Carolyn Nelson, Margaret Jane Paull, Janet Randles, Martha Randles, Margaret Maxine Rathbun, Ruth Carolyn Swanson, Margaret Andrews Tubbs, Ruth Claire Wagner, Mary Jane Wilson, Emma Gibson Work, Jane Louise Zimmer.


Outstanding Alpha Alumnae:

Grand Chapter Officers: Minnie Stewart, first president of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity 1870-1872 Alice Pillsbury, president 1872-1874 Frances Shelley, president 1872-1874 Caroline (Carrie) Smith, president 1874-1875


Outstanding Alpha Deuteron Alumnae


Fraternity Officers: Gail Simpson Owen, Director of Personnel 1988-1990, Director of Programs and Education 2014-2016, Fraternity Vice President 2016-2018, Fraternity President 2018-2020;



Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:



Alumna Achievement Award Recipients: 1974: Lois Winter Lloyd—A founder of North Shore Association for the Retarded, a training center for children and adults; Helen Wagner Willey, 1990, longtime actress who played “Nancy Hughes” on As the World Turns (died 2009)


Additional Outstanding Alpha Deuteron Alumnae Rhonda Correll (VanOteghem), Graduate Counselor 1983-1984, PDC 1995-1999; Sue Campbell (Jones), Graduate Counselor 1969-1970; Juleen Kelly (Veneziano), Chapter Consultant 1996-1997; Kristin Whitver (Fouts), Chapter Consultant 2003-2004; Hilary Hawkinson Stott, Chapter Consultant 2007-2008, Risk Management Content Director 2018-2020; Janice Camenisch (Keil), Graduate Counselor 1955-1956; Crystal Straube (Stump), Chapter Consultant 1990-1991, PDC 1996-97; Gail Simpson Owen, Field Representatives Chairman 1994-95, PDC 1985-88; Catherine Axline Williams, PDC 1977-81; Frances Swanson Hobert, PDA 1961-65; Jane Robb Davis, PDA 1987-89; Kathryn Alexander, PDA 1987-89; Leslie James-Cook, PDA 1993-94; Kory Brown, Traveling Consultant 1994-1995; Mabel Martin McCoy, PDC 1961-67; Mary Diffenbaugh Abbott, Province President 1945-57; Nancy Acheson McGaan, PDA 2006-09, PDC 2001-05; Sally Ann Ryder, PDA 1957-61; Ellen Boyd (Salyards), Traveling Consultant 1987-1988;



Historical excerpts:

“Anna Willits, Minnie Stewart, Jennie Boyd and Louise Bennett! Founders ye of Kappa Gamma … Would that you had left more record of your life in Alpha Chapter …”

(from the report of Florence Burton Roth, Beta Delta--Michigan, Historian at the 1916 General Convention, Ithaca, New York)

“Forty years is a long time to remember what did not seem too very important at the time …” (Martha Louisa Stevenson Miller, Monmouth)

“We were just a happy, harmonious group of lively girls with a keen sense of loyalty to Kappa and to each other, with strict regard to the quality of membership and sacredness of our badge … there seemed little to record … as so many of us lived in Monmouth, we clung together and held our meetings for some years after fraternities were banished … the chapter finally became only a memory.” (Alice Pillsbury Shelley Resor, A-Monmouth, The Key, October 1929)

In September 1856, Monmouth, a three-year-old academy, opened as a coeducational college with the blessing of the Associate Reformed, later the United Presbyterian Church. Chapters of men’s fraternities Beta Theta Pi and Delta Tau Delta appeared in 1865, and Phi Gamma Delta in 1866. The I.C. Sorosis, founded for women in 1867, had not yet become Pi Beta Phi when Kappa Kappa Gamma was created. M. Louise Bennet (Boyd) and her future sister-in-law, H. Jeannette Boyd, thought of organizing; considered first limiting membership to girls taking the classical course; but realized how much their choice of members would be narrowed; and “gave up that exclusive idea.”

1870 - 1880

In January 1870, Kappa Alpha Theta had been founded in Greencastle, Indiana, at Asbury (later DePauw) University. Baird’s American College Fraternities, 1883, has it that “a proposition to establish a chapter of another fraternity suggested the idea of creating this new one.” But Louise Bennett insisted, “We had not heard of any other Greek-letter fraternity for girls at that time and always considered ourselves the first. … If any girl came from Greencastle … to invite our girls to join Kappa Alpha Theta … I never heard of it.”

This ignorance is reasonable. Between the time “two college girls … held a schoolgirls’ conversation out of which grew the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity” on that little wooden bridge made famous by a Monmouth College president, and the day when six girls walked into a chapel wearing their new keys, and announced themselves to a college population, which already knew about them, a matter of months have passed. If they had known of any competition they would have been eager to be on with the game—but no, they waited until their badges had been made up by the jeweler. Then they were ready.

The Monmouth College Courier waited too, and in October 1870, wrote, “The long expected ship hove into sight some days ago … When the crew came ashore … the dignified mien and grace … evinced the residence of authority … they wear a little gold key, sometimes on their foreheads, sometimes on their little blue or red jackets … we have been able to count only six of them .. they are on a voyage of discovery.”

The fact that both Thetas and Kappas announced themselves by marching proudly into chapel means only that chapel was the one sure place to catch the collective eye of the student body. It is recorded that “the Greek-letter boys cheered and stamped … (it was) quite a while before Dr. Wallace (the college president) got them quieted down.”

“We were so excited and proud,” said Jennie Boyd of the day when the girls appeared wearing their keys. “Everything seemed different!” Even the people, the buildings, the classrooms seemed changed. We had started something all by ourselves!” Alpha struck the keynote and planned the theme … chose the badge and the name … it seems quite certain that no attempt was made toward anything ritualistic.” (Historian’s report, 1933)

About 1873 the General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church decided that no college under its jurisdiction should have Greek-letter fraternities.

“Do you think this is going to finfish us?” wrote a fiery Alice Pillsbury. “Do you think we are going to subside? Not by any means! It only puts us to the trouble of putting in our members before they enter college.” Alice Pillsbury was initiated in September 1871; served as Secretary 1874-75; she graduated in 1873. She signed the charters of Delta, Epsilon, Eta, Iota and Theta. She had to copy over the constitution for the new chapters, and she exchanged letters with their corresponding secretaries (“… our correspondence became … quite personal with exchange of photographs …”). Her letters were full of facts and liveliness and in some cases those letters are all that remain to give life to a lost chapter. Her “ … subside? Not by any means!” kept Alpha alive, albeit in rascally fashion, for a few extra years.

Until 1879 or 1880, when fraternities at Monmouth were ordered to disband entirely, pins were concealed, to be “flashed” for trusted friends.

1880 - 1890

In 1882, Minnie Stewart Nelson Field (then Mrs. Nelson) was Alpha delegate to Convention and gave a talk. “It was the desire of the Fraternity and the intention of Mrs. Nelson to have prepared a complete history … but owing to the death of a sister Kappa who had in her possession the earlier chronicles, she was unable to procure the necessary information. (The Golden Key, Volume 1, Number 2)

In 1884, a letter from the chapter asked release, and the request was granted. There seemed to be no charter to surrender, and Alpha died. A February 15, 1885, letter from Mrs. Nelson repeated the story of the secretary who took the record book to Kansas and died there. This must have been Mittie Merridith Love who died in Kansas in the spring of 1882 … and with her the Alpha minutes.

Kappa Historian May Whiting Westermann, Sigma-Nebraksa, searching for signs of Alpha members as real people made a pilgrimage to Monmouth, (The Key, April 1931) and, while reading names in the cemetery was greeted by a student who said, “My grandmother, Margaret Pogue, was a member of Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma here.” Margaret Pogue Ford died November 29, 1915, in Monmouth. Her daughter, Mary Jane, was married to Arthur G. Smith in 1907. Their daughter, Margaret Smith, who spoke to Mrs. Westermann that day, became a member of Alpha Deuteron, and her daughter, Mary Hutchinson, (later Mrs. Federick A. Tucker) is a member of Upsilon Chapter.

“How rich we are in daughters!” (Jeanette Boyd)

Excerpts from The Golden Key, Volume III, Number 3, March 1886:

“The earliest records show that the chief business of our Alpha was to send its characteristic idea into every suitable place, and to make use of every advantageous method that it could originate or find. When faculty opposition to fraternities in general crushed that chapter, Epsilon had grown up in the practice of the same faith. Under it and under Delta the work went on.” (Page 8)

“Do you believe that KKG occupies all places that are suitable to her? Get a list of the colleges in the United States … study them point by point and see if there is not some Kappa material left, which is likely to come our way and should be provided for as a probable contingency.” (Page 10)

“We are in the vanguard of a live idea—the new woman movement …

“These Monmouth girls, our Founders, saw which way the second great procession of the age was tending, and they fell into an efficient place in line … when that to, the great labor question—shall have reached its destination and broken up, then we can quit hearing, telling and planning new things and give ourselves up to plant hedges, dig grottoes, and exchange lotus-eating reminiscences of the time when we were alive; in short, to be highly conservative.

“When we try to think what would be suitable for (the conservative fraternities) to do, the only thing that ever occurs to us is: Buy an elegant monument and go and be a hic jacet …” (Page 11) --Minetta Taylor, Iota-DePauw, Editor

Alpha Deuteron Chapter

Alpha Chapter returned as Alpha Deuteron 64 years after Kappa Kappa Gamma was founded at Monmouth College, and 50 years after Alpha officially ceased to exist. It was around 1880 that college authorities had prohibited Greek-letter fraternities, and the Convention of 1884 had granted the sub rosa chapter’s request for release from Fraternity obligations. It was in 1922 that the Monmouth College Senate voted to permit national fraternities to return.

The movement to reestablish Alpha began in 1924 then Dorothy Buck Ettl,Colorado, attended a Kappa national Convention in California. She was also a member of Kappa Alpha Sigma, Monmouth local. At the 1928 Convention the group was represented by Orma Innis Smith,Illinois, and four years later Myra Tubbs Rickets,Northwestern, when favorable action on reinstatement was taken. That fall, however, Council vetoed the application.

Recognition had been given to the Founders by the establishment of a Monmouth Memorial during the 1930 Convention. The interest from this $2,500 endowment fund was to be used to purchase books of quality in the field of the fine arts for the college library. The bookplate for the books was designed by Mary Albright (Giles), Ohio State. The bookplates were presented to the college by members of Grand Council during a visit in the fall of 1932, during which they also inspected Kappa Alpha Sigma.

In 1934, the local sorority was permitted to petition, an act approved by the chapters. Throughout the years, in their efforts to win back Alpha Chapter, the local group had the support of Mrs. Ricketts. Before she and her niece, Margaret Tubbs Youngren, a member of Kappa Alpha Sigma, left for Convention in 1934, they had gathered letters from many prominent Kappas, including Lou Henry Hoover,Stanford, wife of the former president of the United States, and Josephine Edmonds Young, St. Lawrence. Others such as Albert N. Marquis, publisher of Who’s Who in America, and Francis Shepardson, a leader in Beta Theta Pi, had also sent endorsements. Several members of Kappa Alpha Sigma had close ties with the Founders.

Alpha Chapter was re-established on October 13, 1934. The occasion was planned by the alumnae of Kappa Alpha Sigma, the Fraternity Council and the installing chapter, Epsilon. Joyce Snider (Heaton), Northwestern, was co-organizer for the new chapter.

Owl candlesticks, designed and made at Monmouth Pottery for many years, were a feature of the Installation. The molds were later destroyed in a fire at the pottery.

All of the actives and 50 alumnae of Kappa Alpha Sigma were initiated as Kappas. A special pledging service was held on October 12 for freshman Frances Pattee (Putnam), granddaughter of Founder Anna Willits Pattee, and she was initiated the following day with her grandmother’s gold key. In 1970, Mrs. Putnam presented this badge to the Fraternity.

Among the many who sent messages or attended the reinstatement were Mabel and Georgie Pillsbury, early Alphas. Their badges, and that of their sister, Alice Pillsbury Shelly (Reesor), were later left to the chapter. The President of the Monmouth Alumnae Association wears Georgie’s badge, and the other two are framed with the Founders’ pictures, which hang in the chapter room.

Charlotte Barrell Ware wrote from Boston, “I am sending to you today the precious candlesticks … which I wish you to use at the Installation … tomorrow I shall send along the candles to be used from my wedding candles. I want Alpha to have all that we can express of gratitude in her return to head our Fraternity roll.”

Mary Louise Bennett Boyd, the one living original Founder, wrote from Florida, “ … A few of us who are left … are hoping … you will remember the humble little acorn from which the spreading oak has grown. … We shall be happy in again finding ourselves at home side by side with our ancient good comrade I.C. … (now known as) Pi Beta Phi.”

Alice Pillsbury Shelley (Reesor) wrote, “ … No question of finances or fear of fatigue could prevent me from coming, but a recent recurrence of an old nervous trouble would make it unsafe … it is with added regret that as my birthday is October 14, it would be a grand way to celebrate.”

Martha Louisa Stevenson Miller, now also listed as a Founder, was present for all the Installation ceremonies. In 1935, the portrait of Tade Hartsuff Kuhns, Butler, painted in 1916 by Alpha’s Elizabeth Gowdy Baker, was sent to the Monmouth College Art Gallery. Tade Kuhns had presented this aquarelle to the Fraternity on its 50th anniversary. With the consent of Monmouth College an Alpha Deuteron, it is now in Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

In 1959, when Epsilon Province Convention was held in Monmouth, a silver baby cup was presented to the chapter by Alpha Chapter to Minnie Stewart Nelson Fields when her son was born, engraved with the Kappa insignia and the baby’s name. It was displayed in the chapter room in Marhall Hall.

The Kappa room in Marshall Hall, where all sororities are located at Monmouth, was done in 1870 period style, Victorian red draperies, crystal chandeliers, and a Victorian sofa upholstered in blue damask. Many of the accessories were given by friends and members of the Alpha Chapter. Josephine Watt Graham, Monmouth, was the decorator. The outstanding feature in the room is the gold-framed picture of the Founders, tinted on ivory, with their names and the original Pillsbury keys. These pictures were reproduced in color on the cover of the 1970 Centennial issue of The Key.

During the years preceding Kappa’s Centennial celebration, Alpha Deuteron had pledged a sum of money to the Fraternity in honor of and in memory of Myra Tubbs Ricketts.

In April 1970, Fraternity President Louise Little Barbeck presented, in the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma, an oil painting, “A Winding Road and Cypress Tree, San Vigilio,” by John Singer Sargent, to Monmouth College, as part of the Fraternity Centennial Celebration.

Mabel Martin McCoy was honored by her chapter in 1971, when its senior class dedicated an award to her, in recognition of her service and devotion. The McCoy Cup is presented annually to an outstanding senior in Alpha Deuteron.

update from 1975

Fall 1970 issue of The Key reads: "Reproductions of the Founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma were taken from small oil portraits hand painted on ivory. The original set is framed with the names of each founder and an early key belonging to Georgie Pillsbury who was initiated in Alpha Chapter in 1877. The framed portraits were a gift from the Monmouth alumnae to Alpha Chapter."


Highlights of the 1980s

The 1987 pledge class created a cross-stitch pattern with Kappa symbols in all four corners. It was presented to the actives at the end of inspiration week. Traveling Consultant Lila Isbell visited the chapter. In 1987, there were 625 students on campus; 151 women in sororities and Alpha Deuteron had 49 actives, 1 pledge. The faculty and administration of Monmouth College as a whole were very supportive of Greek organizations. Chapter goal was “striving for excellence through individual responsibility and shared experiences.” The chapter worked hard to meet this goal.

In 1989 a new rush party was developed, Sail Away with Kappa. One of the parties was a hayrack ride at one or the member’s uncle’s farm. The pledges made wooden Greek figures which were placed on the Stewart House lawn. Each pledge signed her name on the back. The figures were presented to the active chapter at the end of inspiration week. Traveling Consultant Sheri Gosliner visited the chapter. This year there were 635 students on campus, 145 women in sororities and 54 active Kappas plus one associate member. The faculty and staff continued to support the Greek system and were proud of their accomplishments.

Philanthropy: The chapter members went to Applegate Nursing Home in Monmouth to sing Christmas Carols. A dance to benefit UNICEF was held with Zeta Beta Tau. In 1989, the chapter held a really fun philanthropy. It organized a golf tournament at Gibson Woods Golf Course to raise money for the Warren Achievement Center. Even though it rained, everyone had a good time.


Highlights of the 1990s

The Minnie Stewart House was officially dedicated in May 1990. Barbara Blair Frazier, Monmouth, was hired as the Stewart House hostess in residence. One of the rush parties was a Roaring 20’s Party where the members wore fancy flapper dresses and gangster suits. Rush was very successful and the chapter pledged 31 women. The pledge project was a carved wooden owl with each pledge’s initials carved into it. Keys were hung at the owl’s feet, one key for each of their hearts. The owl was displayed in the chapter room.

Traveling Consultant Christine Cutter and Alpha Deuteron’s own Helen Wagner Willey visited the chapter. Helen received the Fraternity’s Alumnae Achievement Award in 1990. In She starred in the first play at Monmouth College’s new theater, The Lion in Winter. She was well known for her role as Nancy Hughes on the long-running soap, As the World Turns, 1956-2010. In 1990 there were 632 students attending Monmouth College, 135 were sorority members and Alpha Deuteron had 45 actives. This year the chapter’s goal was “To improve respect for the Fraternity and the individual through Fraternity Education programs and the use of the new committee system.” New this year, Big/little Sister Week was creative and concluded with a big sis hunt that throughout the entire campus.

In 1991 the chapter pledged 22 women. It was the only sorority to meet quota on Bid Day. The pledges gave the chapter scrapbook titled “Kappa is …..” It included 22 pages, one for each pledge which described what Kappa meant to each of them. Big/Little sister week was fun for the pledges and actives. It ended with each pledge unwinding a mass of string that connected her to her big sister.

Kappa Krush was new this year. The seniors matched each of the actives with a guy of the senior’s choice and they met at the Valentine’s Day Dance. During senior week the classmen had a secret senior. At the end of the week a banquet was held where the seniors read their wills. This year there were 660 students attending Monmouth College, 147 of the women belonged to sororities and 57 of these women were Kappas. The chapter goal this year was “To improve sisterhood positively through trust, respect and confidentiality.” Each member worked to achieve the goal as did the chapter as a whole. Each week awards were given to those who showed improvement in meeting the goal.

Alpha Deuteron began the 1994 academic year by pledging 30 women. This nearly doubled the size of the chapter. The pledges helped make Homecoming a success. Their float won first place and the chapter joined together to take second place in the Spirit Shout. The chapter excelled in scholarship this year. For the second semester in a row, it had the highest all-Greek and highest all-women’s average. All sorority GPA 3.056, all women GPA 2.907 and all Kappa GPA 3.16. There were 791 students attending the College, 159 of the women belonged to sororities and 68 of these women were Kappas. This year the chapter goal was “50 percent attendance at non mandatory events.” To achieve this goal, the chapter had a contest between pledges and each of the other classes. An award was given to the class with the best attendance. The chapter also accepted the Challenge to Excellence.

Recruitment in 1995 was a huge success. The chapter filled quota and pledged 27 women. The pledges first helped the chapter to shine during Homecoming when they won the annual Spirit Shout and placed third with the Kappa Blue Hawaii float that boasted Elvis on the top. The pledge project was to paint a new Fraternity crest to be hung outside of The Stewart House. The chapter goal was to “make an effort to improve sisterhood by supporting members outside of meetings and Kappa events.” Each member was expected to attend two extra-curricular events per month in which Kappas were participating. A master calendar listing these events was created and members signed up in advance. The chapter continued to work to achieve the Fraternity’s Challenge to Excellence.

The chapter maintained its high academic achievement. It had the highest all-Greek average while the pledges had the highest pledge class average as well. All sorority GPA 2.932; All Kappa GPA 3.115. There were 925 students on campus, 176 women in sororities and 72 members of Alpha Deuteron Chapter.

Recruitment 1996 began this year on a high note. The chapter pledged 41 new members which doubled its membership to 80 women. The new members represented the chapter well during Homecoming by placing second in the annual Spirit Shout and third with their exciting float, Kappa Boulevard. The new members built a wooden bench which was placed outside the Stewart House. Again this year the chapter was recognized with the Fraternity’s Challenge to Excellence Award and received the Standards Award. The chapter continued to do well academically and maintained the highest sorority and all-Greek average. The chapter began holding study tables. The all sorority GPA was 2.995, all women GPA 3.008 and Kappa’s GPA 3.101. This year there were 993 students enrolled at Monmouth. 87 of these students were members of Alpha Deuteron Chapter. The chapter goal this year was to have 50 per cent attendance at non-mandatory events and 90 percent attendance at all mandatory events. This goal expanded the chapter goal from the previous year in an effort to improve sisterhood by supporting the sisters outside of chapter related events. The goal was for each member to attend two extra-curricular events a month in which Kappas were involved.

During recruitment in 1997, the chapter pledged 21 new members. Their Homecoming float won first place and raised money for the American Heart Association. Scholarship remained a high priority for the chapter in 1997 and once again it had the highest GPA 3.082 on the campus, the all women’s GPA was 3.053 and the campus GPA was 2.945. The chapter received an award Give a Hoot for overall excellence at the 1997 Epsilon Province Meeting. The goal for the chapter was “to strive to improve unity and consideration of others through increased participation in all chapter and campus events.”

Philanthropy: During this decade the chapter continued to hold its annual golf tournaments at Gibson Woods Golf Course. Proceeds were given to the Warren Achievement Center. In 1990 the chapter members wrote letters of support to the troops in the Middle East. It was hoped these letters would boost their morale. In October 1991 the chapter went to a local elementary school to help raise money. The women worked at the school’s carnival. Additional philanthropies carried out by the chapter were Dollar Days, reading to local elementary school classes, decorating a local nursing home.

In the fall of 1994, Kappas donated money and necessary personal items such as toothpaste and shampoo to a battered women’s shelter. It also participated in Book Week at the Warren County Library. The children there had their favorite book read to them by enthusiastic Kappas. The pledges organized a Breakfast with Santa for Monmouth children. During 1995 the chapter continued book week at the local library and they made a beautiful bulletin board which featured the children with their favorite books.

The new member classes from each sorority faced off in a challenge to collect clothes for the Jamison Center. The pledges sponsored a Christmas Party at the Pinewood Nursing Home and entertained the residents with Christmas Carols. In 1996 the chapter organized the Pizza Roll which brought 50 underprivileged children to the local roller rink. After skating, the children were served pizza.

In 1995, it continued the annual golf tournament with the proceeds going to the Warren Avenue Center, the Kappa Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The members continued with book week and organized Jail N’ Bail which benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and participated in Rose McGill’s Holiday Sharing program. This year’s new member class enjoyed their Christmas party which was held at the Pinewood Nursing Home.

1997 began with numerous philanthropic events which demonstrated the strength and dedication of the chapter. The second annual pizza roll with Sigma Phi Epsilon brought smiles to the faces of 50 children from the community. The event included two hours of roller skating followed by pizza. The chapter held a Teetertotterathon in the spring and made contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Kappa Foundation from the funds raised. Alpha also sponsored a Rose McGill Kappa, a blood drive and another successful Jail N’ Bail from which the proceeds were donated to Breast Cancer Research and served as Bell Ringers for the Heart Association during Christmas time.

A New Millennium -- Highlights of 2000-2010

Alpha was ranked first scholastically on campus and with a 3.25 average and was above the all-sorority GPA. In 2005, the chapter had a very successful recruitment and pledged 20 wonderful women. Each of them proved to be an asset to the chapter and many were recently elected to offices as sophomores.

Once again the chapter had the highest GPA on campus among both Greeks and non-Greeks. It received an award for outstanding chapter operations at our Greek Week Banquet. One thing the chapter wanted to do was plan more exciting social events and to accomplish this our social chairman planned new exchanges and events. One of these exchanges was a decadence night at the Monmouth Soda Works with another sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. There are also many new social events and exchanges planned for the coming year. This year has been amazing and we hope that next year will be even better.

Philanthropy: Alpha chapter participated in many successful philanthropies: took part in a mentoring program in one of the local schools. the Relay For Life and many of our members held positions as committee heads and members. the New Members planned a philanthropy called Rent a Kappa which raised $500.

Campus 2005: 1,200 students, All student GPA 2.90, All Greek GPA 3.02 Chapter 2005: 60 members, GPA 3.2

The Monmouth College campus is located one block from The Stewart House, former home of Minnie Stewart, one of the Fraternity Founders. It is a small private Liberal Arts college. In 2006, there were 63 members in the chapter and 19 New Members. The chapter’s meetings are held in Marshall Hall which is the oldest building on campus.

The 2006 archives display was shown in the chapter room and included the following items: Outstanding Achievement In Unity, Loyalty, and Gracious Living, Greek Week 2005, photo album, the Founder's pictures, old board with keys, 2003-2004 Challenge for Excellence, Kappa books, stick candle holder, pledge class 2002 gift, keys and lock in picture frame, class of 2004 gift, owl house, 1870-1913 Kappa Kappa Gamma directory, 3 of the Founder's badges, pledge pin from 1916, 1998-2002 Scholarship Award, pitcher, Outstanding Achievement 2000, and "The Key.” This was a great year for the Alpha Chapter, not only did the chapter have an amazing recruitment, but it gained 19 wonderful new members. Kappa formal was held in the spring of 2006 and was a great success. In the fall of 2006, Kappa was awarded the Homecoming Spirit Award for having the most spirit on campus. At Convention, Kappa was received two awards. Through the year of 2006 Kappa Kappa Gamma has had great relations with the Greek Life on campus.

Alpha Deuteron Chapter had an excellent 2010. In the spring the chapter received word from the College that Kappa would finally have a home for the sisters to live and gather. The chapter had excellent fall recruitment where we gained 15 wonderful new members. During homecoming week, Kappa was awarded third place in the homecoming parade and float competition. Also, the chapter participated for the first time in a community event known as, The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta. It gallantly came away with the Titanic award for most dramatic sinking. Once again, the chapter was recognized for the highest GPA on campus including the highest New Member GPA yet. The chapter had a successful philanthropic endeavor where the sisters bonded together. They created friendship bracelets for children suffering from severe illnesses in the OSF hospital in Peoria. They were given as a Christmas donation. 

Monmouth College enacted the first steps toward building houses for all Greek Life members. The three sororities present on campus received individual houses for the first time in the fall of 2010. Also, the school received a Jumbotron, as a gracious donation from an alum, for the football field.

A lovely home was graciously given to Kappa Kappa Gamma by Monmouth College in the fall of 2010. It has been a wonderful opportunity for the chapter to create a true home for the actives as well as the alumnae.

The opportunity for the members to now come together in one area and hold various sisterhoods, activities and chapter meetings in the house has been a wonderful bonding experience. A higher form of chapter unity is consistently a sought after goal. Through holding monthly key sisterhoods and having a home to enjoy our sisters in has made such the goal more feasible. Likewise, the chapter must better learn how to utilize Kappa resources, such as the website.


Honoring Kappa’s Origins

The earliest days of Kappa were memorialized at Monmouth College in 2010 with the dedication of a marker near the site of the rustic wooden bridge where a few young women spoke of forming a secret society of their own. Another marker was placed at the home of Kappa Founder Martha Louisa “Lou” Stevenson –the site of Kappa’s first business meeting, when the golden key was chosen as the official badge. Both markers were funded by a grant from the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation’s Museums Committee.

Fraternity President Denise Rugani, UC Davis, and Alpha Chapter President Lindsay Trafton, Monmouth, unveiled the historic marker during a weekend celebration coinciding with the date of the college’s founding in 1853. Denise said, “For me to be part of the dedication of the markers at Monmouth College was truly one of the most special moments of my time as Fraternity President. These markers are a reminder to all of the power of the women’s movement in America. They keep the message of our Founders alive. From a time when few women were admitted to college, these women not only attended college but also had the dream of creating a women’s organization equal to that of the men’s fraternal organizations. Today it is our moral imperative to keep their vision alive and pass it on to future generations.”

It was on a pedestrian trestle bridge over a stream that ran though the Monmouth College campus where Kappa Founders met to pursue their dream of a secret Greek society similar to those of the male students. The marker is located at the approximate midpoint of the block-long bridge, which stood until the early 20th century when the stream was diverted underground.

Among Fraternity officers present were Kay Smith Larson, Washington, Fraternity Historian and former Fraternity President. Kay recalled how the Monmouth College policy of admitting women on an equal footing with men since its earliest days helped lay the groundwork for the founding of the first national secret collegiate society for women, Pi Beta Phi, at Monmouth in 1867, followed by Kappa just three years later.

Monmouth College Trustees and Alpha Chapter alumnae Gail Simpson Owen and Barbara Watt Johnson attended the dedication and Gail reflected on the meaning of the bridge. She said, “The metaphor of a bridge is fitting as we build bridges to take us from one place to another; from the known to the unknown, an arduous journey made easier with a bridge, a connection. For me, the Kappa Bridge spanned the distance from my family 5,000 miles away to my new sisters and friends. I recognize that it is our turn to build the next bridge for those who come after us.”


Highlights of 2011

This calendar year for Kappa Kappa Gamma has been a tremendous year. In fall recruitment 2011 we were blessed with 21 beautiful new babies. Pledge class 2011 has brought so many new things to our chapter. In accordance with that, our chapter also received the highest cumulative GPA on campus. We all have been working hard to keep attaining this reward and we are all very proud of our sisters.

During Homecoming this year, our chapter participated in the Spirit Shout dance and we received second place. Homecoming week really brought our chapter together. The 21 babies worked together and made a homecoming float that was so beautiful! The spring 2011 pledge class worked on a banner that also came out terrific.As far as philanthropies go, our chapter started a program with the Roseville Retirement Home. About two times a week, a group of Kappas go to the home and help out in any way we can. Another thing our chapter participated in last semester was the Special Olympics. A large group of us went to the local bowling alley and helped the participants and also helped make sure everything was running smoothly.

Campus: At Monmouth College we are currently in the process of getting a new science and business building. The progress seems to be right on track, and I know everyone is excited to see the final result.

Chapter: We moved our meetings from the Kappa house to Marshall Hall. At Marshall Hall we have a greater amount of space to make the meetings run smoothly.

Our chapter is currently going through a stage where we seem to be divided. In the beginning of the year our sisterhood was outstanding, but right now we are kind of in a slump. We are trying to become one again by discussing what our chapter values are and seeing how we can all share our great love for Kappa together again. We are also planning more sisterhoods to bring us together.


Highlights of 2012

For the previous calendar year we did not participate in many philanthropy events but we did participate in Relay for Life with College Against Cancer. We held a parents breakfast which we collaborated with our academics banquet. While celebrating Founder's Day we had the privileged of also hosting the pinning ceremony. We yet again achieved the highest Greek GPA for the fall semester. We had many goals for this year, while some of them we are still defeating, some of them we overcame. Our chapter goals were to increase attendance at events, better communication skills, and also a stronger sisterhood. We have developed a stronger sisterhood but still need work on the attendance of events.

The two major changes to our campus this past year are the building of our new science building and the new 4-4 plan. The building started last year but is still currently under construction. The 4-4 plan is a change that effected all students at the school negatively or positively. The overall nature of our chapter is headed in the right direction. For the new year we have started off on the right foot. We are currently working on our communication and interpersonal skills which has shown improvement. We are working on our attendance at events which has increased. We have reached out to the community and got our name out there. We have strengthened our sisterhood. We are improving the nature of our chapter each and everyday.


Highlights of 2013

In the previous calendar year, in the spring semester we gained 6 new members through informal recruitment. We hosted our first annual Spaghetti Dinner at the local church in Monmouth for our first semester philanthropy event. We raised $550 which we donated to the Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation. We also participated in our Journal Buddies program where we wrote letters back and forth with local elementary schools students and visited them at the end of first semester. We hosted “Love and Loyal-tea” which was held at the Stewart House. Members of the Knox Chapter attended as well as a guest speaker that spoke about professionalism. Our chapter also had a ritual review history program and recruitment workshops to help keep our members up to date.

As far as our grades, we maintained the highest GPA of all Greek Life at Monmouth College. We set goals to improve our adviser and officer relations as well as increase the strength in the leadership roles of our officers. To reach that our officers watched their webinars and worked together to help each other as a tighter unit. In the fall semester, we gained 14 new members through formal recruitment as well as two more COBs. We continued our Journal Buddy program and for our philanthropy event we hosted a “Kappa Karnival” on our campus. It was not as successful as we had hoped but it was a learning experience. We raised $300, which was donated to put together care packages to send to U.S. troops.

To reach our ongoing goal from the previous semester about our officers, he held three separate officer-training workshops. Two of the workshops were with all of the officers and advisers. The other workshop was a meeting between the incoming and outgoing officers. We also set a goal to improve on turning documents in on time. Although we improved a bit on this, we still have progress to make in getting everything in on time. As far as helping with world/local events we did this on three separate occasions. Two of these were due to unfortunate natural disasters. One of the members of our school’s staff was victim to a house fire.

We donated our slightly used/new clothes and shoes as well as toiletries to her and her family. Also, when there was the tornado disaster in Washington, Il, we sent cards and donated money to Red Cross to help in relief. For world events, we put together Christmas packages which one of our members sent out to her brother and his fellow troop members in the Army. Overall, we could have been more active in philanthropy and special events, but besides that we had a pretty successful semester and we definitely improved on our goal to strengthen officer positions, although there will always be room for improvement.

There was a new “Fraternity” added to campus in the Fall of 2013. This added an additional amount of Greeks to campus and another Greek organization. Now the total number of Greek organizations is at 9. The new building called the Center for Science and Business was completed and classes began holding in there. The overall nature of our chapter, technically, is stronger than in the past. In 2013, we began holding members more accountable for their actions through the Standards Committee. One thing we hope to improve on is turning documents in on time; this includes EPFs, Driver’s Forms, Round Robins and individual officer reports. Also, the chapter wants to improve on sisterhood and morale by holding more sisterhoods and unity bonding sessions.


Highlights of 2014

In the spring our chapter received six new members. We held the annual spaghetti dinner in February. Members from our organization made and served food for the community and raised over one thousand dollars for the Jameison center in Monmouth, IL. We also donated books to the Jameison center children in early November. As a chapter we hosted "Love and Loyal-tea" at the Stewart house with the Knox Kappa chapter. In May, around graduation we held a senior alumni ceremony. At this ceremony we acknowledged and gave thanks to all of our seniors members. In August we gained twenty-six new members through formal recruitment. In October we held initiation for our twenty-six new members. Our chapter also participated in a Journal Buddies program local United Way elementary school. This activity involved girls writing back and forth on a weekly basis with the students of the elementary school. At the end of the ten week program a day was arranged to meet with their journal buddies and personally get to know one another. This is where the girls get to meet their buddies, play games, read books, and craft with them. We also ran a pancake breakfast partnering with local AppleBees in late November. We sold the maximum number of tickets and made close to one thousand dollars for an organization called Stella's Voice (Monmouth College Human Trafficking organization). Along with our two main philanthropy events, many members logged community service hours on their own. We had four members participate in a week long service project called Alternative Spring Break. They partnered with Habitat for Humanity and each logged 50 hours of consistent hard labor for the week. We also celebrated Founders Day where we visited and sang at the burial sites of Minnie Stewart, Anna Willits, and Susan Walker. During our homecoming week we won awards for our banner and spirit shout chant. At Province we won an honorable mention award, and at our annual Greek Week Banquet our Advisor Polly Timmerman won Chapter Advisor of the year. Many of our members were also acknowledged for making it onto the Dean's list and for being in multiple Greek honor programs such as; Alpha Lambda Delta, Blue Key, and Order of Omega. In relation to academics, we were first overall in GPA of our spring semester, and in the fall we were third place overall. Our goal is to improve our GPA and get first overall next semester. We will do this by holding each other accountable for our studying and tracking hours on a Google Docs system. Along with this we will have new study files to help our members succeed academically, and we have installed a group document to log all of our weekly study hours. To improve communication, which has been another weakness in our chapter, we have held two leadership trainings for incoming officers, as well as triplet meetings that involve advisors. This way we can insure the new officers are prepared for their position and have the knowledge they need to excel. We are also planning multiple programs about how to strengthen communication and how different personalities communicate in different ways. In relation to local crises, a member of Kappa was victim to a house fire. We donated any clothes or household items we could to that member and her family. Overall our chapter had a successful year and the goals we have set for our chapter will only help us improve further.

We are a heavily involved, studious, and welcoming chapter. Majority of our members are involved in multiple organizations, clubs, and sports teams. Many students on campus know Kappas for their involvement and campus participation. Our campus was given a new College President. He has personally reached out to campus organizations and always asks/participates in some of our activities. He was also involved in our Homecoming activities. This past year we have redecorated the interior of our house with freshly painted walls and new living room furniture. This redecoration also includes a new study room available to all members, providing them with a quiet place to study. We have provided all members with an equal opportunity to hold in their possession a key to our house. This would allow them twenty-four access to a quiet and secluded study room. In our study room we also have a printer that is free to every member's use. Chapter council is also requiring a communication/leadership seminar unlike previous years. Our chapter overall is becoming more responsible, such as with paying for dues on time and turning in documents on time. Another sorority on campus, Pi Beta Phi was approved for new housing, and will begin construction Spring 2015. Next year we will have the smallest and oldest house out of all sororities at Monmouth College.

We hold meetings in Marshall Hall on Sundays, it is a college owned facility. For Chapter Council all meeting are held in the common room at our Kappa House. We have a house where members have the opportunity to live together, this house is college owned. A total of seven members can live in the house at one time. This is the only house in our chapter's history.


Highlights of 2015

There have been many changes and improvements in Alpha chapter this year. In the spring our chapter received three new members. In February we held our annual spaghetti dinner, raising $1,800 for the Jamieson Center, which is a local community center in town. We also donated books to the Jamieson Center children in early December. In October our chapter made over 120 trick-or-treat bags for the Jamieson Center as well. Alpha chapter participated in Relay for Life and raised over $2,000 for the cause making us the largest donation by any team, our contribution made up the majority of the funds for the event. Our chapter also organized a Reading is Key event at our local library. Our Reading is Key event was Curious George themed, each child received a book, and local firemen came and read to the children to get the community involved in our efforts to promote literacy. Alpha chapter also participated in a stuffed animal drive, and collected over 75 stuffed animals to donate for the event.

In May, around graduation we held a senior alumni ceremony. At this ceremony we acknowledged and gave thanks to all of our seniors members. We also held a senior brunch in May where our chapter expressed appreciation for our seniors through speeches and gifts. We also held an alumna orientation for our seniors as the year came to an end. In August we gained twenty-two new members through formal recruitment. In October we held initiation for our twenty-two new members. In September we held our annual Pancake Breakfast event, raising $1,016 for Reading is Fundamental and $100 of the funds was donated to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Our chapter also participated in a Journal Buddies program with the local United Way elementary school. This activity involved girls writing back and forth on a weekly basis with the students of the elementary school. At the end of the ten week program a day was arranged to meet with their journal buddies and personally get to know one another. This is where the girls get to meet their buddies, play games, read books, and craft with them. Alpha chapter participated in a program called Adopt-A-Classroom. Through this program, Alpha chapter financially adopted a classroom through Charleston Hope, which will supply inner-city kids in schools with Christmas gifts. Along with our major philanthropy events, many members logged community service hours on their own.

In October our chapter celebrated Founder’s Day, where we visited and sang at the burial sites of Minnie Stewart, Anna Willits, and Susan Walker. We also hosted a Founder’s Day Banquet, in which the Eta Kappa chapter of Knox College and many Kappa alumni attended. Events such as our Founder’s Day Banquet have helped our chapter maintain close relationships with our alum and local chapters, which has always been a goal we strive to achieve. During our homecoming week, we won first overall out of all the organizations on campus. Through an awards banquet on our campus Kappa was acknowledged for many awards such as: third place in academic programming, honorable mention in campus involvement, honorable mention in community service/civic engagement, first place emerging female leader, first place advisor of the year, first place outstanding chapter program- for our pancake breakfast. Many of our members were also acknowledged for making it onto the Dean's list and for being in multiple Greek honor programs such as; Alpha Lambda Delta, Blue Key, and Order of Omega.

In relation to academics, our chapter has been ranked third in overall sorority GPA. Our academics have been a challenging area for our chapter because we strive to place first overall in GPA and help all of our members succeed academically. Our chapter has implemented study files to help our members improve. Through the application of the new GIN system our members will also be held accountable for their academics through logging study hours. Not only are members expected to be accountable through academics, we also have made efforts to improve overall accountability. A way we have dedicated time to improving accountability is through “accountability buddies”, where each member has a partner that they encourage to attend events and keep each other responsible. Another effort our chapter has made to increase accountability has been through committee meetings. By getting all members more involved in Kappa events and fundamentals, this will increase all members’ involvement and commitment to the chapter. To improve communication, which has been another weakness in our chapter, we have held two leadership trainings for incoming officers, as well as triplet meetings that involve advisors. Each officer has their own advisor, which has helped with communication because each officer knows who they should be in contact with for questions or concerns specifically. Overall our chapter had a successful year and the goals we have set for our chapter will only help us improve further.

Alpha chapter excels in the area of campus and community involvement. Not only have we donated to Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma foundation, but we focus heavily on donating to the community and representing Kappa in a philanthropic way around our community and campus. The majority of our members are involved in other organizations and athletic teams, as well as honors societies. This past year we have redecorated the interior of our house with freshly painted walls and new living room furniture. This redecoration also includes a new study room available to all members, providing them with a quiet place to study. We have provided all members with an equal opportunity to hold in their possession a key to our house. This would allow them twenty-four access to a quiet and secluded study room. In our study room we also have a printer that is free to every member's use. Chapter council is also requiring a communication/leadership seminar unlike previous years. Another change our chapter has seen is the recommendation of service hours, which has not been implemented in the past. Our chapter now encourages 5 service hours per semester. Our chapter overall is becoming more responsible, such as with paying for dues on time and turning in documents on time. Another sorority on campus, Pi Beta Phi has continued construction on their new house. Our chapter has continued to work towards achieving new housing.

Chapter Philanthropy:

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

Our chapter frequently donates to the Jamieson Center in our town. The Jamieson Center is a non-profit organization primarily serving residents of Warren County. Their programs are designed to increase food security and help people with essential services.

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

This organization directly affects the residents in Monmouth’s community and our chapter finds our commitment to this organization very important. Seeing the impact of our contributions to a local organization is extremely gratifying for our chapter, and it also gives Kappa a good name in Monmouth’s community.

Highlights of 2016

2016 has been a very successful year for our chapter. Many girls received scholarships from the foundation and Monmouth College which helped them flourish in their studies. As a chapter Kappa Kappa Gamma won Greek Week in the Spring. With Greek Week we won Chapter Education and Programming, Involvement and Leadership Education, along with honorable mention for Academic Accountability, Community Service, and Philanthropy. We won the Spirit Shout competition in the Fall for our college’s homecoming. Through convention we won the standards award. We also received honorable mention in Panhellenic relations, advisory board relations, and heritage award. We celebrated founders day, and even started a possible new tradition of recreating what our 6 founders did in 1870 and walked through Dahl Chapel with keys in our hair. We’ve had mom and dad weekends which families and girls seems to love and enjoy greatly. We had Formal in the spring which was Great Gatsby themed, and semi-formal in the fall which was “You Are What You Netflix” themed, both were of great success.

Also wanting our chapter to be a great success we came up with many chapter goals which include improve relationship between the Standards Committee and General Members, improve accountability through the use of fact based and unbiased processes (example: Chapter upholding our fraternity standards), increase overall chapter GPA, provide better communication regarding finances to all members, and increase knowledge of Fraternity History. Kappa has stayed involved within Greek life and many girls have attended other philanthropic events along with working hard at our own. In the Spring Kappa's Spaghetti Dinner event raised $2,300. $600 was donated back to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and $1,700 was donated to the Jameson Center. Then in September we held the Pancake Breakfast. This event raised $1,070. $400 went to expenses (venue and food), $150 was donated back to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, and $520 was donated back to the Jameson Center. Many Kappas here our tutors, have been electoral judges, and volunteer their time within the community and libraries and animal shelters.

On campus our chapter has received a new home and we are graciously waiting to move in. Pi Beta Phi also received a new chapter home in the spring. Altogether our chapter has been working very hard to be the best that we can be and do the best with which we do. Friendship truly is our binding tie, and we are a close kit group that is supportive and cherishing of one another. This year with the presidential election, campus itself had a lot of tension but we as a group did not that effect our relationships with one another. Along with our new home we also received some new members. In the Fall of formal recruitment we gained 11 new members, and with continuous open bidding a week later gained 4 more. After initiation took place on October 22, some weeks later we held another COB event where we gained another two new members who eagerly await to get settled in with our chapter.

Our chapter frequently raises money for RIF, the Jamison Center, and Safe Harbor. This year we actually added Safe Harbor on where we donate funds and supplies, and put in hours helping the organization in many other ways in which we can. RIF being our philanthropy we’re happy to do things for. We also do things for the Jamison Center to help families and children in need in our community by donating food, books, and money. Safe Harbor is an organization that hits close to home for a lot of girls. So to help women in need we donate money, books, and clothes to this organization as well as our time.

Currently, we meet in our new chapter home in the living room. Prior to this, we met in an auditorium in an academic building. It's a great privilege that we have received a new home and are utilizing the space as much as we can since we have not moved in yet. We have sisterhoods, open houses, chapter, and exchanges. We await to move in patiently and are very excited for the opportunity.


Highlights of 2017

This has been a very busy year for Alpha Chapter. This year’s Greek Week was also an exciting and successful presentation of our chapter to the rest of campus. We placed second overall and won several awards including Outstanding chapter Program; Spheres of Influence, Academic Achievement, Excellence in Chapter Management and an Honorable Mention in the areas of Community Service, Philanthropy, Membership, Recruitment and Public Relations. Alpha Chapter also achieved the highest Spring GPA of 2017 amongst the other sororities on campus. We can now say that we have moved into our beautiful new house. We held a House Dedication on April 28. Many alumni and Beth Black attended the event. There is room currently for seven women to stay in the house. We still have Chapter and other events in the “Sisterhood Living Room”. This past Founders Day Celebration we went as a chapter to visit the graves of some of our founders. We then continued our new tradition of walking through Dahl Chapel. This year the chapter opted to have mom and dad weekends as one event called Family Weekend, that was held during Monmouth’s own Family Weekend. There were goodie bags to make and families could go and watch the football game together. Formal was themed “Under the Sea” and was a fun time for everyone. This year we did not have a traditional semi-formal. We instead had a “Fall Event” named "Falling in Love With Kappa", at one of the active’s farmhouse. There were s’mores, hayrides, crafts and games to play. This year for philanthropy we did our traditional spaghetti dinner and raised almost $1000 for Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, as well as Reading is Fundamental. We were unable to hold our regular RIF event, so all of the books we collected this year were donated to a senior education major’s new library. We decided to donate the extra food to the Jamieson Center here in Monmouth. This October we teamed up with the Kappa chapter located at Knox College and had a Kappa Kolor Run. This event raised $500 dollars and the proceeds were donated to the Rose McGill Aid Fund. During recruitment this year, the chapter and potential new members created adoption bags for the Warren County Animal Rescue. The chapter is also reaching out to the community through Journal Buddies. Journal Buddies are through a Kappa that is student teaching. She pairs an active with a child and the class and they write letters to each other.

As for other awards, this Homecoming a Kappa alum was inducted into the Order of Omega Hall of Fame. The Academic Excellence Committee had a wonderful Academic Banquet and awarded beautiful owl pins to members that were named on the Dean’s List. Regarding academics, the chapter also won the fraternity’s Study Hour Challenge this past February. We had a pizza party to celebrate. The Risk Chairman put on some great programs this year. Two important ones were Self-Defense and CPR recertification. We still are striving for better relationship between the Standards Committee and the general members. Another goal for our chapter is to increase the number girls that pay their dues on time. This past semester we have had two lovely Leadership Consultants come and help us find ways to improve our chapter. This year’s Bystander Intervention was a new speaker and taught the chapter and campus new ways to help improve the safety of campus. The Alcohol Skills Training program this year was interesting and was interactive enough to keep our interest.

Highlights of 2018

Over the last year we have grown as a chapter. Not only did we take in three new members during the spring, they were able to join us in the philanthropy event. For that event we raised money for Reading is Fundamental by selling grilled cheese to the people in Monmouth. We also had a wonderful Formal which was Sapphire ball theme. In the fall we took in 17 wonderful new members and they were able to join the second Philanthropy even of the year which is we donated books to a local school and read to the children in the name of our Reading is Fundamental. This fall semester we were able to bring back duo days with Pi Beta Phi this is an event where we spilt the money raise in half and donate it toward each of our philanthropy. For Founder’s Day we invited the Knox Chapter to come and visit the graves and Stewart House and they also partook in ritual with us. We had risk event in the fall which we invited other Greek organization for around campus to. Recently, we had our Semi Formal which was Come On Barbie let’s Date Party theme. At the end of the year we will be partaking in our leadership day event. Our chapter goal is to have everyone accountable to attend events. We have become closer as a chapter and are able to freely express ourselves to be the best we can be.

The campus had about 250 new incoming students with only about 50 girls going through the recruitment processes. As a chapter we took in 17 new members who are extremely strong leaders and stand for the core values as a chapter. Our chapter philanthropy is Reading is Fundamental. We also support Western Illinois Humane Society. It is an organization that hits close to home for many of us. They are a nonprofit organization that finds homes for several types of animals. Members of our chapter volunteer hours to play with the animals and socialize them.

For informal meetings we as a chapter meet in the Center of Science and Business in the auditorium which is room 100. And for formal meetings with meet at the Kappa house in the informal living room. This fall semester we had the privilege of accepting 17 lovely new members to our chapter. On this past bid day in August, the chapter was surprised by the attendance of both Gail Owen and Beth Black to help us celebrate the special day. Initiation was held on October 28th and the chapter now has 56 active members. After Initiation this year we were treated to a wonderful brunch made for us by several volunteer alumnae. For this year’s Homecoming, the theme was Monmouth Traditions. The chapter had lots of fun at the activities planned for the week such as; trivia night, a boat regatta, and the spirit shout and dance. Our float in the parade this year had alumnae on board and won first place. We are ending the year strong and are excited for our new Chapter Council, our new Panhellenic President and next semester!

Highlights of 2019

Alpha Chapter had a very busy year in 2019! Classes resumed for Monmouth College on January 14th. Leadership day was held on the 19th for all new officers, and we started the new pilot structure. We had a fun sisterhood and Spring Recruitment began as well. This February was not as busy as usual. We celebrated Inspirational Person’s Day on the 9th with a special person in our lives. On Valentine’s Day, we had a fun sisterhood and the Kappa Krush philanthropy which raised $22 for the Jamieson Center in Monmouth. We hosted a Leadership Consultant from February 24th through March 1st. Spring Break for the college began on the 1st and continued until the 10th. Greek Week began on the 17th and went through the 22nd. A self-defense class sisterhood was held on March 25th. It was fun and incredibly useful! Formal was on March 30th and the theme was Light up the Night. The new members had their New Member retreat on April 5th and Inspiration Period began the next week after the Return of the Pledge pin. They were formally initiated on April 13th. Seniors were celebrated during Senior Week by Senior Slideshow, Bloom into Alumni and the senior sisterhood. The whole chapter celebrated and wished the seniors luck at the Senior Banquet on April 28th. In May, the day before finals began, the VP of Internal Affairs, Angie, held an all day sisterhood study session with doughnuts. Graduation was on May 12th and seven of our sisters walked across the stage. The Fall semester began on August 14th for us, with Greek Life move in and the first day of Work Week. The chapter was present at the annual Involvement Fair and had lots of fun and girls interested by the end of the night! There were three sisterhoods that were focused on team bonding and getting to know their sisters better. Fall Recruitment began on August 20th and Bid Day was on the 24th. This Bid Day we had fourteen lovely ladies run to meet us outside of Wallace Hall. The Bid Day party theme this year was That 70s Show where we danced, tie-dyed and took pictures until our hearts content. Later that evening, we had a candle pass with Alpha Xi Delta and Pi Beta Phi honoring all our new members and our seniors. Formal pledging followed on the 25th and 26th. September began with New Member Meetings and Senior Orientation. On the 14th, Kappa held the Kappa Kickball Event to raise money for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. $55 was raised for the Foundation. Family Weekend for the college and Kappa was the 27th through the 29th, with a football game and the Academic Banquet on Sunday. On the first Friday in October, the new members had their New Member retreat. On Sunday the 6th, we celebrated Founder’s Day be traveling to the graves of three of our founders and singing to them followed by the candle ceremony and chapter. Fall Break began on the 9th and several members returned early on the 13th to meet the Minnie Stewart Van for the 150th kickoff at the Stewart House. It was an amazing experience to be a part of and Alpha Chapter is grateful for the opportunity! Homecoming was on the 18th and 19th with Kappa coming in 2nd for the Spirit Shout Dance. Sunday the 20th was Return of the Pledge Pin and the beginning of the Inspiration Period. New members became new actives on the 26th and after Initiation was over we had an amazing breakfast thanks to the Alumni. On the 27th, the new actives attended a new member retreat for all new Greek Life on campus. There was a Halloween exchange with Sigma Phi Epsilon where we watched scary movies. Alpha Chapter had the privilege to experience the leadTODAY program offered by Headquarters on November 2nd. We learned a lot and are excited to try all the new ideas we were given! The Nominating Committee was selection and the election process began. On November 7th and 8th, we volunteered at local schools to be reading buddies for the day and gift a child with a book of their very own. Semi-Formal was on the 9th and the theme was Vines and memes; everyone had a good laugh. On the 13th we had a trivia night exchange with Phi Delta Theta and the dip sisterhood/exchange with Alpha Tau Omega on the 14th. The slate was presented on the 14th as well and on Sunday the 17th elections were held. Duo Days was on the 20th and the 21st; we read Dr. Seuss books to raise money and had a spa day sisterhood. Officer Installations were on the 24th and we are excited for all of our new officers! A COB event was held on the 25th and was very successful. On Reading Day, the day before finals begins, there will be a sisterhood study group and a yoga class.

Highlights of 2020:

Note to Chapter Registrar: Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance. Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!"Summarize the previous calendar year, scholarships, group honors/awards, Convention awards, traditions, special events, philanthropic involvement, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, and world/local events the chapter participated in or helped with (e.g., presidential campaigns, natural disasters, etc.).

2020 was a unique year that created challenges to normal chapter functions. However, the members of Kappa Kappa Gamma Alpha chapter adapted through innovative sisterhoods, a virtual recruitment, and a virtual initiation shared with Iota and Theta Alpha chapters.

The first chapter of the year was held on January 19th. A Tik-Tok sisterhood was held on January 29th, where sisters made fun videos together at the Kappa house. On Super-bowl Sunday, house girls invited sisters over and made lots of different tailgating foods to celebrate. On February 7th, there was a sisterhood with the Eta chapter at the Stewart house where members made DIY scrunchies. A Galentine’s Day Sisterhood was held on Thursday, February 13th. Sisters made cute Valentine’s Day cards, decorated and painted picture frames, ate snacks, and took cute and goofy pictures in a photo area. Composites were taken on Wednesday, February 19th. The New Member Retreat was February 21st.The chapter had an exchange with Phi Delta on February 23rd, where members sang Karaoke. Inspiration week started Sunday, February 23rd and initiation was held on the 29th where one new member was initiated. Members left for Spring Break on March 6th and were not allowed to return due to Covid-19. A mother/daughter tea party event was scheduled for March 21st and was canceled. A Reading is Key philanthropy event “Grilled Cheese with KKGs” on Sunday, March 22nd was also canceled. Alpha chapter had been paired with ZBT for Greek Week activities but was unable to participate due to Covid. Formal theme was the Roaring 20s and was scheduled for April 18th but was canceled due to Covid. Keynoted chapter minuets were sent to members during the lockdown the first Sundays of April and May to keep members engaged and aware of chapter activities. There were three optional Zoom meetings for members to attend if they needed to reach out. There was a virtual sisterhood, where members played an online card game. Due to the fast change of plans Covid created, many things had to be altered in order to make seniors feel as though they were not forgotten. Our VP of Member Development tried to do as much as possibly for them given that we were unable to hold the Senior Banquet or most of the Senior Week Activities. To make up for what they lost, people in the chapter wrote notes or letters to a senior or seniors of their choice and then those were emailed to them during Senior Week. Our chapter was able to order them all bouquets of flowers and had them sent to their home address for them to receive during Senior Week. The seniors all received their gifts from the chapter at their homes. Our chapter still did a Senior Slideshow, and we were able to watch it together on a Zoom call. There was a Zoom study session hosted for finals.

Some sisters returned to campus on August 13th, while some sisters remained virtual for the semester. Work week occurred virtually and included a DEI presentation by the college’s Intercultural Life Director. The theme for recruitment was Falling in Love with Kappa. Recruitment was moved online the night before it began. However, our incredible exec board was able to make the arrangements necessary to move to virtual recruitment, marking our chapter’s first ever online recruitment process. We met a lot of great PNMs and ended up with 11 perfect new members who are great additions to the chapter! We look forward to seeing where their Kappa journey takes them. Bid day was on August 22nd and pledging occurred on August 23rd, on the tennis court outside. The chapter has conducted most business virtually and any in-person activities were socially distanced and in compliance with state and federal guidelines. The chapter has worked extremely hard this year to improve our diversity, equity, and inclusion. This semester, we decided to push the idea of DEI more into our chapter in hopes to expand our knowledge on the topics and learn from each other. We held a few programs that involved the topic of DEI and we also started a new chapter segment called "All the Hoot." We placed this segment in the VP of Member Development section of our chapter. This segment was started to allow sisters to talk about popular issues in the news, issues that are important to them, hard to talk about issues, etc. We wanted to provide a safe place for discussion of these important topics so we could evolve as a chapter. Our goal was to be respectful of everyone's opinions, be willing to learn, be open and honest, and to make our bond stronger. This segment has been very interesting and beneficial to our chapter thus far and we hope to continue it. We know that we still have a lot of work to do as individuals and as a chapter to continue to learn and grow in the field of DEI. We have elected a DEI Director to our exec board to continue to promote our chapter’s growth. In an effort to promote mental health awareness and inclusivity, our chapter hosted Behind Happy Faces on November 21st.

The slate was released November 12th, and elections were held on November 15th. Officer installations were November 22nd. Campus overall has a very politically polarized and charged atmosphere. Between COVID-19 restrictions, rising cases, the recent presidential election, and overall division amongst Americans have left Monmouth a very polarized place. Our chapter is not excluded from this division, and we have recently faced division amongst members and issues with being called out for being racist by non-members on campus. These issues have left us a very divided chapter. "

We chose Western Illinois Animal Rescue as our philanthropy, because it requires a lot of volunteer work and donations to keep it going. We really like helping out at WIAR because we enjoying working with the staff and supporting all the animals there.

We did not have a specific Founders Day ceremony or 150th Anniversary celebration due to COVID restrictions. "

Highlights of 2021

January: Classes resumed on the 25th of January. Executive Board meetings were held every Monday at 5:30pm, and the Standards Committee met every Tuesday at 6:30pm on Zoom. A formal meeting was held on the 31st on Zoom, 

February: Zoom Leadership Day/Officer Transitioning took place on February 7th. Kappa Cocoa was held on the 11th. An informal meeting was held on the 14th, and two MLK workshops were held on the 18th. Two ritual reviews and a formal chapter were held on the 21st. A Sisterhood where sisters could play Among Us and another MLK Workshop was held on Zoom on the 25th. A Senior Education program and programming night were held on the 28th. 

March: Recruitment Workshops were held on the 5th and 6th of March at the house. A department night was held on Zoom on the 7th. A DEI Book Club was held on the 11th. Composites were taken on the 12th, and two recruitment workshops were held on the 12th and 13th. A formal meeting was held on the 14th. All the Hoot, a DEI event, was held on Zoom on the 16th, and a sisterhood was held on the 18th. A formal meeting was held on the 21st, and another DEI bookclub was held on Zoom on the 25th. Two more recruitment workshops were held on the 26th and 27th. A key DEI event and alumni education program were held on the 28th. 

April: Greek Week took place on the 5th, 6th and 7th, and the Greek Week banquet took place on the 9th. Our chapter won the Academic Excellence award at this banquet. A Reading is Fundamental event was held on the 10th. A formal meeting was on the 11th. DEI book club took place on the 15th and 29th. A sisterhood was held on the 16th at the house with a virtual option. Stewart Hour tours for upcoming recruitment primaries took place on the 17th with a virtual option. Department night took place on the 18th, and All the Hoot took place on the 20th. The virtual Senior Banquet, the New Active Retreat, and another session of the Stewart House Tours for primaries took place on the 23rd. Zoom Formal, and a Bid Day for new active members with a virtual option were held on the 24th. The in-person Senior Banquet and an informal meeting was held on the 25th. The last session of Stewart House tours took place on the 30th. 

May: Senior Tea and a formal meeting was held on the 2nd of May, and the last executive board meeting of the semester was held on the 3rd. 

August: Sorority Move-In was August 17th. Work Week for Recruitment was the 18th-23rd. Our chapter had a table at the Involvement Fair on the 23rd. House Tours were on the 24th. The first night of recruitment was the 25th at the Kappa House. The second night of recruitment was the 26th in the Morgan Room. The third night of recruitment was the 27th at the Stewart House. Bid Day was held on the 28th. Pledging of new members and a formal meeting was held at the Kappa House on the 29th. The executive board began meeting at 5:30pm every Monday on the 30th. 

September:  Senior Orientation, the first New Member meeting, and an informal meeting were held on September 5th. The Standards Committee began meeting every Tuesday at 6:30pm on the 7th. A sisterhood at the Kappa House was held on the 8th. Expectations of Membership, a new member meeting, and department night were held on the 12th. A new member meeting and a programming night were held on the 19th. Another sisterhood was held on the 23rd at the Kappa House. A luncheon where member’s family members could eat at the Kappa House was held on the 25th. A Kappa Koffee Social Brunch with the Illinois State Kappa Chapter at the Stewart House, a new member meeting, and a formal meeting were held on the 26th. Every member of Greek life attended Title IX training on the 29th, and the New Member Retreat was held on the 30th at the Kappa House. 

October: A new member meeting and the Courage to Commit program were held on the 3rd of October. A sisterhood was held on the 6th, and a pumpkin carving exchange with the Phi Delts was held on the 8th. A new member meeting, the Founder’s Day event, and formal meeting in Dahl Chapel were held on the 10th. Our Health Drive week began on the 18th, and an Officer Interest meeting was held on the 20th. A Halloween Sisterhood at the Kappa House was held on the 21st, and some members of the chapter attended the Order of Omega ceremony on the 23rd. The Return of the Pledge Pin ceremony and formal meeting at the Kappa House were held on the 24th, and Inspiration Period began on the 25th. Ritual Review was held on the 26th, 27th, and 28th. Bloom into Kappa was held on the 27th, and Fireside was held on the 29th. Initiation took place at the Kappa House on the 30th. A senior education program and formal chapter were held on the 31st. 

November: Leadership Applications were due on the 2nd of November, and the Nomination Committee began training. Groovy, 70s semi-formal was held on the 5th. Interviews for executive board positions were held on the 6th and 7th. A Sex-positive program and an informal chapter were held on the 7th. A Kappa Kisses philanthropy event for Active Minds and slate discussion were held on the 9th. Trio-Days events with Pi Phi and Alpha Xi were held on the 10th, 11th, and 12th. The Slate was created and calls were made on the 10th, and the slate was present electronically on the 11th. A cypher-reading sisterhood was also held on the 11th. A movie watching exchange with Alpha Xi was held on the 12th. Elections were held during a formal meeting on the 14th, and joint executive board meetings were held on the 15th and 22nd. A Clothing Drive began on the 29th.

We support WIAR and the Jamison Community Center. Being involved locally is a great way to connect and support our community.

We supported Active Minds by raising money through candy grams, while also supporting mental health through thoughtful messages. For the Kappa Foundation, we are working with a local coffee shop at the end of the semester and raising money through coffee sales.

Spring 2021, our chapter installed a DEI officer under the VP of Member Development. This DEI director has held office hours for any member in the chapter to come and talk about any issues or DEI related topics. This officer held bi-weekly DEI events, such as a book club for the book, “Untamed”, and “All the Hoot” where members could all meet to discuss relevant topics. In order to prepare for recruitment, the DEI director had a presentation about current issues and ways to be more inclusive while recruiting new members. The DEI director met with every new member during their weekly meetings to introduce Kappa’s values and expectations of equality and inclusivity. The social media of our chapter has been very sensitive to current issues in the media, and our VP of External Affairs posts regularly about all of our members.

In the Spring semester of 2021, most events were held virtually on Zoom. If an event could be held safely in person, a virtual option was provided for those who were uncomfortable attending. In terms of Recruitment, the numbers as a whole were much lower than typical years. Policies were always changing as well. Our chapter worked hard to properly wear masks while indoors and to have events outside as much as possible. Wearing masks during date parties made it harder to socialize comfortably. Despite the challenges, our chapter had a successful formal recruitment. Initiation was relatively normal, but the ceremonies were shortened. Again, all members were required to wear mask inside. All new members have successfully been initiated and are now active members.

Visiting Monmouth Today

A trip to Monmouth, Illinois, affords visitors the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the Founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma! The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation operates The Stewart House Museum, open to the public for tours and events. The home of Martha Louisa Stevenson still stands and Kappa Kappa Gamma placed an historical marker on the property in 2009. The marker recognizes the home as the location of many early meetings of Alpha Chapter. Another historical marker was placed at site of the "Kappa Bridge" where early Fraternity History tells the story of two Kappa Founders meeting to discuss their plans for a Greek letter organization.

The brochure Footsteps of the Founders is available at The Stewart House and includes a cemetery map and a map of town indicating the former locations of the homes of other Founders. Today only Minnie Stewart's home and Lou Stevenson's home are still standing.

Retrieved from "https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Eta&oldid=22635"