Difference between pages "Beta Eta Deuteron" and "Gamma Omicron"

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{{Infobox Fraternity
 
{{Infobox Fraternity
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|Name= Beta Eta Deuteron
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|Name= Gamma Omicron
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|GreekSymbol= BH<sup>Δ</sup>
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|GreekSymbol= ΓO
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|Image= [[File:Beta_Eta_Deuteron.jpg|200px]]
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|Image= [[File:Gamma_Omicron.jpg|200px]]
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1892|06|10}}
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|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1927|02|25}}
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|College= [http://www.stanford.edu/ Stanford University] formerly The Leland Stanford Junior University
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|College= [https://www.uwyo.edu/ University of Wyoming]
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|Location= Stanford, CA
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|Location= Laramie, WY
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|Homepage= [http://chapters.kappakappagamma.org/betaeta/ Beta Eta Deuteron Homepage]
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|Homepage= [https://uwyo.kappa.org/ Gamma Omicron Homepage]
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|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Beta_Eta_Deuteron Media related to Beta Eta Deuteron Chapter]
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|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Omicron Media related to Gamma Omicron Chapter]}}
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}}
 
  
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<table><tr><td>
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'''University of Wyoming, established in 1886 in Laramie, Wyoming'''
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'''Beta Eta Deuteron Chapter, Stanford University'''
 
  
  
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'''Leland Stanford Jr. University established in 1891 in Palo Alto, California'''
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'''Gamma Omicron founded February 25, 1927'''
  
  
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'''Founded as Beta Eta June 10, 1892 with 11 charter members; Closed 1944 -- 471  initiates (as of 1944 closure)'''
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'''2,097 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
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'''Beta Eta Deuteron founded as Beta Eta Deuteron in 1978'''
 
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'''1,312 initiates (as of June 2016)'''
 
  
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'''Charter Members:'''
 
'''Charter Members:'''
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Bess Bell Burris, France Elise Hays, Lillian Helsberg Hubbard, Patricia Lynch Jensen, Marie Mathew, Margaret Matilda Moudy, Eileen Elizabeth O'Mara, Kathleen McLaughlin O'Mara, Patricia Molly O'Mara, Ruth Prout, Catherine Helen Shicora, Doris Villers Spencer, Oselia Louise Stendahl, Etta Winnona Weaver, Auril Carmen Williams.
  
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Harriet Augusta Buck, Bonnie May Burckhalter, Bertha Louise Chapman, Elizabeth Corinne Chapman, Mabel Hyde Cory, Florence Mable Holsclaw, Edith Eleanor Liliencrantz, Alberta Lois Merritt, Maude Evangeline Stinson, Olivia Rose Vogel, Jessie Palen Wood.
 
  
  
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'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''
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'''Fraternity Council Members:'''
  
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Emily Caskey Johnson, Vice President 1944-1948, Director of Alumnae1940-1944, Director of Provinces 1936-1938, Director of Standards 1934-1936; Elizabeth Voris Lawry, Grand Treasurer  1906-1908
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Collett Beers Rangitsch, Director of Chapters, 2010-2014; Director of Standards 2014-2016
  
  
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'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''Charlotte Jones Anderson, 2014, professional sports marketing and philanthropy; Gretchen Carlson, 2016
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'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
  
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Margaret McIntosh Boice, 1964, Humanitarian and civic leader who worked to establish juvenile and domestic relations  court in Wyoming; Margaret Simson Curry, 1964, Author, journalist, poet; M. Margaret McKeown, 2000, Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals judge;
  
  
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'''Additional Outstanding Beta Eta Deuteron Alumnae''':
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'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Omicron Alumnae:'''
  
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Lola Nashashi, Graduate Counselor 1977-1978
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Donna Waite (Brosn, Graduate Counselor 1977-1979;
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Ann Osborn (Chopich), Graduate Counselor 1977-1979;
  
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Heather Blockovich (Belt), Leadership Consultant, 2005-2006
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Sara Rangitsch, Leadership Consultant, 2015-2016
  
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==The Early Years  (from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870-1976)==
  
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==The Early Years  (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)==
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The University of Wyoming, founded in 1886, four years before Wyoming was admitted to statehood, is unique in that it is the state’s only four-year university.
  
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Beta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, survived an earthquake; the chapter house was twice ravaged by fire; and members adjusted to the changes of two World Wars.
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Wyoming was the first state to give women the right to vote, the first to have a female governor, many of the university’s first students were women, and Wyoming women and female students then and now have been outstanding leaders in their fields.
  
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But suddenly, in 1944, Beta Eta Chapter was gone, removed with all other women’s fraternities from the Stanford campus.
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On November 9, 1920, Gamma Zeta, a local group, was established on campus with the hope from the beginning of becoming a Kappa chapter, living up to all of Kappa’s standards, and observing Panhellenic regulations. A strong and active organization was developed, entering every phase of university life and twice winning the Panhellenic scholarship cup.  A strong supporter was Anna Broady Haggard, Nebraska, a member of the university’s board of trustees. Patroness Frances Longan Arnold, Missouri, gave much support and interest. Kappa alumnae from Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado were much involved in spite of the great distances between them and Laramie.
  
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By a special act of the California Legislature, the act of endowment embodying the charter of the institution, and a gift, 80,000 acres of land was made public in November, 1885. The Leland Stanford Jr. University, endowed by Senator and Mrs. Stanford as a memorial to their only son, was formally opened October 1, 1891. It was the opinion of many persons that California already had its university so why have another? But attracted by its possibilities, 465 students, many older than the average, arrived that first year from all over the world.
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In 1926, Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Wisconsin, then Fraternity Director of Provinces and Chairman of Extension, visited Gamma Zeta and liked what she saw. That summer at the General Convention, permission was given for a formal petition. The petition was favorably received and on February 25, 1927, Gamma Omicron Chapter was installed. Mrs. Lloyd Jones, by then Fraternity President, was the installing officer. Representatives of Beta Mu Chapter at Colorado University assisted. Members from Sigma Chapter at the University of Nebraska were also present. There was an initiation of the charter members and of Gamma Zeta alumnae who held degrees from the university. There was a formal banquet and a breakfast given by the other women’s fraternities in honor of Gamma Omicron.
  
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Beta Eta was established June 10, 1892, six months after a chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta.  The two fraternities, in an agreement about bidding procedures, set the stage for the Panhellenic organization.
 
  
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Lou Henry (Hoover) was a sophomore and not yet a Kappa when Lucy Evelyn Wight (Allan), BB—St. Lawrence, grand president in 1890-1892, went to Stanford for graduate study.  The two women became close friends.  Evelyn Wight became Stanford’s first dean of women, and Lou Henry was initiated in 1896 when the chapter was four years old.
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'''Housing'''
  
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Initiations had taken place in the music room of Roble hall, and the chapter met in member’s rooms.  Later a second-floor apartment was rented, and then a house on campus.  By the spring of 1899, business arrangements had been made for building on the west side of Lasuen Street where the only other structure was the Phi Delta Theta house.
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In 1924 Gamma Zeta had purchased a house at 605 Grand Avenue in Laramie. The present house, located at 1604 E. Sorority Row, was built in 1940 to house 34 members although a few more could be squeezed in. In 1963, girls returning after summer vacation were greeted by a fine addition containing a larger dining room and kitchen, a large study and chapter room, three new bedrooms, bath and laundry room.  The “old” part of the house had been redecorated and Gamma Omicron had the house on Fraternity Row.
  
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Kappas made daily trips to watch the progress of construction, and the move was made in January, 1900.
 
  
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Beta Eta was the first Kappa chapter to build its own house and the first to own a house.
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'''Campus Honors'''
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The beloved house was described in the July, 1900 issue of The Key as having “sloping moss green roofs, pointed gables, dormer windows.  The wrought iron lattice over the door bears the letters KKΓ and the art glass windows with the fleur-de-lis embedded in the cardinal, form an artistic entrance… the third floor, the abode of the freshmen, and familiarly known as ‘the attic’ is one large room… the most delightful place for initiation and informal spreads, while from its many windows one gains the best view of the surrounding hills covered with oak trees and, in the spring, ablaze with the glorious California poppies… From its setting of green foothills, (the house) looks across the level fields, over the treetops of the Arboretum to the narrow line of bay and the hazy blue mountains beyond.”
 
  
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==Highlights of the Early 1900s==
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In 1973-74, Gamma Omicron was first in scholarship among the Greek houses, with the highest average ever recorded for an active chapter on the Wyoming campus. That year, six out of 21 Mortar Board members were Kappas, there were two Phi Beta Kappas and three Phi Kappa Phis.  Spring of 1974 saw 16 Gamma Omicrons as graduating seniors, the highest percentage of a pledge class to graduate in the chapter’s history.
  
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The earthquake of April 18, 1906, brought normal college life to a halt. There was great damage on the Stanford campus. When the chapter returned to school in September, member found that the house had remained untouched during the summer, rather than repaired, since labor and materials were so scarce. A luncheon for freshmen had been scheduled for registration day. Because their dishes were broken and the plaster down, the resourceful Kappas partied on the porch.
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That same year, Panhellenic had offered a new All Greek House Award based on points for girls receiving honors, chosen as queens, for scholarship, leadership and service to the community and university, and general campus participation. Gamma Omicron was proud to be the first to win this new award. Through the years, many campus and chapter leaders have gone on to national recognition. Gamma Omicron has claimed three Miss Wyoming pageant winners who have placed in the top 10 in the Miss America finals, and one runner-up. Karen Morris (Gowdy) reigned as American’s Junior Miss 1974-75. Margaret Simson (Curry) was a member of the journalism honoraries while in school and wrote for and edited campus publications. She was an instructor in creative writing at Casper College and published articles, poetry, short stories, novels, and children’s books.
  
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Early in September, 1918, the house was badly damaged by fire; and again during summer quarter of 1927 there was a fire and chapter members returned to find the roof gone.  By January, 1928, aware of the difficulties of separation, the chapter was able to get back together.  The alumnae corporation and the Fraternity had made it possible to repair the damages, and the Mother’s Club had raised a considerable fund to help refurnish the house. In 1934 the house association constructed a much-needed wing to provide additional bedrooms, a chapter room, and a lounge.
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Just as the women of Wyoming were the first to vote, so were the Kappas of Gamma Omicron leaders in other matters. When the famous contralto Marian Anderson came to the university for a scheduled concert, none of the local hotels would give her lodging.  The Kappas were proud to have her as their honored guest.  Gamma Omicron was the first NPC chapter on campus to sponsor a foreign student. Elizabeth Scott, an exchange student from London, stayed at the house during 1950-51. Sally Shotgun, an Indian student, lived at the house in 1957-58 and added much to the chapter although she was not a member.
  
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==Highlights of the 1930s and 1940s==
 
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Field Secretary Helen Snyder (Andres), BΠ—Washington, wrote in the February, 1933, issue of The Key, after her first visit to Stanford, “… my fondest expectations realized in its fine students, beautiful buildings with arcades, quadrangles, magnificent memorial chapel, palm trees, and landscaped grounds… long a fine chapter… scholastic and activity honors are many… a congenial chapter.”  Her first official act as grand president in June, 1935, was to call for ratification of the appointment of Beta Eta’s Emily Caskey Johnson as director of standards. 
 
  
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Emily’s ability, energy, and a frequently changing address made her the best-known Kappa in the northwest.  The Palo Alto alumnae loved to have an excuse to bring Emily into the conversation.
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==The World War II Years and Beyond==
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The relationship between Beta Eta, Π—California, and the alumnae was good, with a common meeting ground in the annual fashion show in which the actives modeled.  Although proceeds of the fashion show were usually marked for scholarships, in 1942 they were earmarked for national defense.  The show was given in the daytime because of rules against off-campus night parties, and the possibility of blackouts.
 
  
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During World War II several rooms in the chapter house were blacked out so the girls could study, and there were changes in their living habits. The girls squeezed their own orange juice for breakfast, when oranges were available; did their own house cleaning; and skipped an occasional meal “to humor the cook.”  And they understood “It is a very little part of war’s reality… These changes show that life on a college campus need not be as carefree as ‘the good old days’ in order to be one of the most wonderful times in our lives.”
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The World War II years were interesting for Gamma Omicron as well as sad. The large chapter became very close and family-like due to the lack of social life. In 1946, the Kappa spring dinner-dance was held for the first time in four years. Spring 1949 saw a 100% initiation of a pledge class – a first for Gamma Omicron.
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Like so many other Greek groups, Gamma Omicron hit a low spot between 1965 and 1970. It was a hard fight to remain afloat, but with third-generation Gamma Omicrons coming to a larger and better university, and outstanding Wyoming women becoming Kappas, the chapter was poised to continue its leadership on campus.
  
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During World War II, social affairs and volunteer work were often combines, taking the form of benefits. The chapter was interested in Belgian War Relief, and the plans of the food administration.  The chairman of the Stanford Women’s Red Cross Unit was a Kappa, and there were regular Red Cross hours and much knitting. Three actives left for service in France.
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The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
  
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Lou Henry Hoover, wife of the ex-president of the United States, herself a scholar and adventurer as well as the devoted patron of the Girl Scouts of America, died suddenly January 7, 1944, in New York.  Four days later Ann Claire Brokaw, daughter of Claire Booth Luce, a senior majoring in political science, was killed in an automobile accident.
 
  
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Although Beta Eta had acquired new pledges early in 1944, and initiation was conducted that spring, by the term’s end, Beta Eta too was gone, removed with all the other women’s houses from the Stanford campus.  The administration and the dean of women, a fraternity woman herself, had shown a consistent disapproval for the fraternity system and for 20 years sororities and their alumnae fought a losing battle against the final outcome.  (In 1923 a vote had been taken to discover the feeling of sororities concerning “the justification of their existence,” and from 1925 Panhellenic, with Beta Eta taking a leading part, had tried to prove to the university that sororities had a definite place in the life of a university women.)
 
  
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By fall of 1944 the chapter house had become a university residence, and the December, 1944, letter from the Palo Alto alumnae mentions that three of the no-longer-active chapter members had been guests at an alumnae meeting and “the alumnae regretted losing the inspiration of the actives.”
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==Highlights of the 1970s==
  
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The chapter was known for its interesting, active women.  Among them were Barbara Griffith Dolfini, whose miniature rooms were displayed at the Golden Gate Fair; Dr. Florence Mable Holsclaw, directing head of Babies Aid, San Francisco; Bertha L. Chapman Cady, Ph.D., botanist and author; Ethel Wallace Bryant, dean of the Castilleja School; Harriet Ford Griswold, civic worker for rehabilitation of cripples; and Jean Henry Large, author of Girl Scout books.  Anna Henrietta Martin was a writer, an associate of Jane Adams in the International League for Peace, and chairman of the National Women’s Party.  Before the turn of the century she had been chairman of the Beta Eta committee that compiled the Fraternity Catalogue, giving the name and record of each of the 3000 members.  “Edited by Beta Eta” is on the title page of that 1898 volume.  And of course there was Mrs. Hoover, Beta Eta’s “proudest possession,” even though she refused to have a Kappa key placed on her effigy’s bosom in the Smithsonian.
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Gamma Omicron was pleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary as part of the University of Wyoming campus by giving two $300 scholarships.  In addition, philanthropy continued to be a big part of the chapter’s tradition.  The chapter collected money for the Wyoming Multiple Sclerosis Society and by holding a Read-a-thon and Walk-a-thon for the four elementary schools in the area.
  
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In the last chapter picture of Beta Eta members ever taken, all but two are smiling, because smiling is what is done for pictures.  It might almost be thought that 1944 had been another good year in the history of “an alive and stimulating chapter.”
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Homecoming was an important part of the University’s fall calendar.  Throughout the seventies, the Kappas were often a part of the Homecoming Court and won awards for their floats. In the ten years between 1975 and 1985 the Gamma Omicrons took first place four times in the annual Homecoming Sing.
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The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
 
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==Women’s Fraternities Return to Stanford==
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In 1975 and 1976 Gamma Omicron received awards for achievement in Panhellenic and Gracious Living.
  
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Nestled in the Stanford Hills of Palo Alto, California, is a beautiful university campus whose focal point is its magnificent Hoover Tower. Ever since the rains started turning these
 
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beautiful hills green and covering them with abundant blankets of bright orange California Poppies, purple Lupine, yellow Mustard, and white Clover, and the Stanford Board of Trustees
 
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voted to lift a thirty-three year ban on sororities, a new purpose and interest has sprouted among many of the women students Now in full bloom-Sororities have returned to Leland Stanford University.
 
  
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In 1944, the Beta Eta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was removed with seven other sororities from the Stanford campus by the University, leaving only men's fraternities to continue. Many months ago great enthusiasm started vibrating through the campus when there were rumors regarding the lifting of the ban on sororities. Local groups started forming around Active transfers and Legacies of NPC groups with the intent of organizing the return of the women's Greek system to Stanford, if in fact the ban was lifted, and then to petition their respective National Councils for reinstatement and/or chartering.
 
  
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In December, 1977, the ban was lifted but that did not mean what we had hoped it would. The    lifting of the ban did not mean that the University was inviting sororities back on campus-
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==Highlights of the 1980s==
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only that they would not stop the women students from forming and/or joining any outside interest groups. It would instead mean restrictions on housing, meeting rooms, and University
 
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recognition. Even with this atmosphere, these women were determined to have NPC sororities back at Stanford and join with the already existing men's fraternities for a full Greek system.
 
  
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In the spring of 1978, a Kappa transfer from Bucknell Lola Nashashibi, showed her interest in starting a group. There seemed to be great interest to join with Lola and organize what they all hoped would someday become a Kappa chapter. This group worked together in a small number which, by the time they were ready to petition, was increased to an interested 45 women, with 34 signing the formal petition for the reinstatement of Beta Eta Chapter.
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During the early 1980’s Wyoming experienced a “boom period” where high energy prices boosted the state’s coal, oil, and natural gas industries. Unfortunately, the economic boom was short lived.  By the mid 1980’s energy prices were falling and the economy was hurt by its lack of diversity.  Thankfully, tourism did see a surge in popularity.
  
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These women met at their request, Jean Hess Wells, Georgia, (Fraternity President) and Pat Maness Kriz (Pi PDC) in early February, 1978, to discuss Kappa in full and to discover why this particular group of women was interested in Kappa. The subjects covered were finances, philanthropies, policies, standards, obligations and commitment, and their desire for a lasting tie to their college days. With all questions answered (both from Kappa and to Kappa) and the determination of these women, their petition to Kappa Council was in the mail within a week after this meeting.  
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Gamma Omicron’s challenge during this time was to dispel the myths of fraternity life. The members worked hard on their reputation on campus and in the community by doing multiple community service projects, instilling values regarding members’ behavior at social functions and promoting interests and friendships outside of Kappa.
  
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The petition was granted February. On February 21st, after a pot-luck dinner at the home of Mrs. Duane L. Hillyard, there was a candle passing ceremony announcing formal pinning of the blue and blue ribbons. Formal colonization was held March 2, 1978, in the lovely home of Erna Gaede Kurtzon, Northwestern, with 29 outstanding women pledged: Among those attending were VerMehr (Pi Province Magazine Chairman); Presidents of the Palo Alto, San Jose, and San Mateo Alumnae Associations – Janet Nelson Reimers, Oregon State, Barbara Reith Collier, San Jose State; and Louise Forve Barker, UCLA, respectively; and the colonizing team – Kay Smith Larson, Washington,  Director of Chapters and Colonizing Officer; Pat Maness Kriz, Colorado,  Pi, PDC; Ann Fletcher Colvin, Washington State, Pi PDA; and Patricia Ball Hillyard, San Jose State, Colonization Chairman.  
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Throughout the decade the chapter was pleased to receive awards for outstanding academic achievement and public relations.  
  
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The Beta Eta Deuteron Colony consisted of its 29 pledges and two active transfers –Lola Nashashibi, Bucknell, who was to be Beta Eta Deuteron’s Undergraduate Counselor , and Elizabeth Abel, UC Davis. As spring Rush was fast approaching, the colony was soon to increase its size.
 
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As there had been much time and energy spent in organizing the individual sororities (Alpha Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, Pi Beta Phi and Kappa plus two local groups hoping to be Nationally recognized by Chi Omega and Kappa Delta) so had there been in  organizing an lntcr-Sorority Council complete with others. Their main goal was to have a successful and compatible “Panhellenic” spring Rush.
 
  
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And so it seemed that the women’s Greek system had indeed found a fertile place to grow and be strong. Beta Eta Deuteron had bloomed again was already enjoying togetherness through exchanges with fraternities, parties, dining together, philanthropic work, and a holiday for some in Hawaii. They worked well with the full Advisory Board and felt the women Greeks were there to stay – working hard toward the “total” Greek System – opportunity for all – again at Stanford.
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==Highlights of 2000-2010==
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'''Installation'''
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By the beginning of the new millennium, the University of Wyoming had a student population of approximately 13,000 with about 4% of the campus population involved in the Greek community.
  
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Beta Eta Deuteron installation was a huge success with more than 600 Kappas from near and far attending the events of the weekend at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.  
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Gamma Omicron took on several challenges throughout this decade.  They felt it was necessary for the chapter to understand the role of Panhellenic on their campus. As a result of this increased understanding, several members served on the Panhellenic Council in a variety of positions.  Next, the chapter concentrated on developing their relations with their alumnae. It was particularly rewarding for the chapter when they were able to celebrate Gamma Omicron’s 80th anniversary with one of the chapter’s founders.  Finally, the chapter also worked to enforce its attendance policies while limiting the number of events in which the chapter would be involved.
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This resulted in better chapter participation.
  
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The weekend started Friday, October 20th at a fireside with Fraternity treasurer Jean Schmidt, Miami, presiding. The next morning an installation/initiation ceremony (led by Marian Klingbeil Williams, Missouri, director of membership; Kay Smith Larson, Washington, installation officer
 
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and former Fraternity officer; and Jean Hess Wells, Georgia, Fraternity president), saw 27 colonizers receive their pins. After a delicious box luncheon was enjoyed by the 200 in  attendance, they again assembled to teach the new initiates the songs and procedures of initiation so they could in turn pin their little sisters. The afternoon initiation saw the first initiates pin 30 of the pledges from the previous spring rush, making a total of 57 active members to start Beta Eta Deuteron. Immediately following the initiations was a lovely reception in the Castilleja School in Palo Alto for parents, alumnae, sororities, fraternities, faculty, family, and friends.
 
  
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Sunday morning started with a Model Chapter Meeting, conducted by Fraternity President Wells. This was followed by a crumpous luncheon banquet, with the toastmistress Elizabeth
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'''Philanthropy'''
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Bennitt Denebeim, Missouri, former Kappa Province Director of Chapters, and the wonderful speaker Helen Snyder Andres Steiner, Washington, former Fraternity president.
 
  
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Many gifts were received by the chapter including a framed reproduction of the original Beta Eta charter given by California at Berkeley; an engraved guest book was presented by the Beta Eta Deuteron Advisory Board; and a pair of engraved silver candelabra from the Palo Alto Alumnae, made possible by a donation to the alumnae group by Mary Connor Bowles, Akron. Also given to the chapter was a framed composite of individual pictures of the first initiates by the first initiates and a beautiful patchwork quilt symbolizing Kappa events by the second initiates.
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Philanthropy continued to be a strong suit for Gamma Omicron.  The chapter continued to organize its Mr. Wyoming pageant for the benefit of the Red Cross.  Wing Fling (a buffalo wing dinner), an AIDS Walk, and a Holly’s House Silent Auction. Numerous community service hours were also contributed to Safe Treat (a Halloween trick-or-treat event), the local elementary schools and other various community organizations.
  
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Highlighting the luncheon were four special presentations. Edna Martin Parratt, UC Berkeley, who had three Beta Eta aunts, presented an 1894 emerald and diamond key, originally belonging to her aunt Gertrude Martin to be used the Beta Eta Deuteron president’s key (Edna was initiated into Pi Chapter in 1922 with this badge.) Gertrude's sister, Anna Henrietta Martin, had a sapphire and diamond key which Edna, in 1976, presented to Pi Deuteron for its president’s key. Isn’t it ironic that when Pi chapter was reinstated Beta Eta was the installing chapter, and when Beta Eta was reinstated Pi Deuteron was the installing chapter, and that both of their presidents' keys were presented.
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Gamma Omicron continued to receive many Greek Week awards and their members were recognized for their service to the University and the community. At the 2008 Kappa Convention, the chapter received the Housed Gracious Living Award and honorable mentions for the Most Improved Chapter, Academic Excellence and Finance.  At the 2010 Kappa Convention, Gamma Omicron received recognition for its New Member Program and honorable mentions for Gracious Living, Heritage, Standards and Panhellenic.  
  
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Edgarita Webster George, Washington, presented her own beautiful all diamond key which will be used as a special award badge. Presented by Linda Scatena, San Jose State, the last president of the chapter there  was the Delta Chi gavel given to them by the SAE Fraternity, and the Delta Chi president’s key with the gavel guard which is an 1898 ruby and diamond key which belonged to Ethel McLellen Ward, Stanford. This key will also be used as a special award badge. Elizabeth Wohlford, the new Beta Eta Deuteron president, was initiated by her grandmother Mildren Finley Wohlford, Stanford, with an 1894 pearl and emerald key which had been given to Elizabeth by a family friend. It has belonged to Nellie Louise Parrit, Illinois Wesleyan.
 
  
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As the weekend came to a close, everyone felt a tremendous amount of gratitude for all those special people who made it possible. There was the overwhelming support from active chapters which included UC Berkeley, California State Davis, California State Northridge, UC Santa Barbara which has just been installed the previous weekend. Even Texas was represented. The very hard working alumnae included Contra Costa County, San Mateo, San Jose, and especially Palo Alto. With the help of Jeanne McCune Spaulding, UCLA, fireside chairman, Maggie Ely Pringle, Oregon, reception chairman, and Ann Norton Davis, Northwestern, luncheon chairman and their wonderful committees, the entire weekend became a very special memory for everyone who attended.
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==Highlights of 2012==
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Other Fraternity personnel attending were Patricia Maness Kriz, Colorado, Pi PDC; Ann Fletcher Colvin, Washington State, Pi PDA; Lola Nashashibi, Bucknell, undergraduate counselor; and Patricia Ball Hillyard, San Jose State, installation chairman and Marshall. Janeen Gould, St. Lawrence and Barbara Laitner, Colorado, both former Graduate Counselors and field secretaries, and Jean Ebright Elin, Ohio State, Fraternity Headquarters representative, were present.
 
  
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Since the spring, 1978 issue of The Key report, progress continued with the sorority system at Stanford. Now Alpha Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Pi Beta Phi chapters had been installed.
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The Spring 2012 semester started off with officer transitions, and Samantha Gimelli was appointed as the new president of the Gamma Omicron chapter. The newly installed officers worked diligently with one another to ensure that the chapter was operating at it's highest possible potential and efficiency.  
  
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After installing a wonderful team of new officers, 3 new members were added to the chapter through Spring recruitment. All 3 of these women became initiated members after learning about the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma and their chapter through a very informative New Member Program in the Spring. After a wonderful Formal Recruitment in the fall, the chapter welcomed 22 new members on the most patriotic Bid Day yet! The theme for the Fall 2012 bid day was Kappa Olympics, and the girls got to know their new sisters while participating in fun team games. After completing a New Member Program and all the necessary components, 20 of those new members were initiated on November 10, 2012.
  
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In June, the Gamma Omicron chapter was represented by 5 of our lovely members when they attended National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, where we received an award for our Ritual, and also an honorable mention for our Standards. In addition to those awards, the chapter also received the Sisterhood award at the All Greek Awards.
  
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==Highlights of the 1980s:==
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Multiple women represented the chapter in a variety of Greek life activities. In 2012, our chapter had 5 women serve in Panhellinic. Katie Cook was the programming chair, Molly Stevens was our delegate, Hayley Czarnecki was the public relations chair, Lauren Robertson was the Executive Vice President of Panhellinic, and Rachael Carlsgaard held the position of Panhellinic President. In addition to the chapter's Panhellinic involvement, the chapter had 6 members serve as recruitment leaders for Fall 2012 Sorority recruiment.
  
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(From chapter’s History Report:Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
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Scholarship is always important to the members of Gamma Omicron. There are a large portion of women in the chapter who represent Kappa Kappa Gamma in various Honor Societies at the University of Wyoming. At the end of the Spring semester, the chapter ended at a 2.98 average grade point average, which was just shy of the all women's average of 3.1, and the Sorority average of 3.13. Being so close to success served as motivation for our chapter to set its goals higher in the Fall, with a goal grade point average of 3.55.
  
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'''Housing:'''
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In addition to scholarship, the chapter also focused on giving back to our local and national philanthropies. In the Spring, the philanthropy chairman organized our annual Wing Fling. We were able to raise $1,100 for our philanthropic partner, Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. On Halloween, the women of the chapter dressed up in their favorite costumes, and participated in an event called Safe Treat, where they created a safe and fun experience for children who wanted to trick-or-treat. In the Fall, our philanthropy chairman got the entire chapter involved in planning the Mr. Wyoming pageant. It was a hilarious experience watching the men perform their best talents, answer insightful questions, and dress up in their fanciest evening wear. The pageant also raised $4,295.18 through ticket sales and donations for our local philanthropy, the Albany Red Cross. Members of the chapter are also involved in various service organizations, and participate in service projects. For example, some women participated in cleaning up the campus, others volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army, and other women are involved in Relay for Life.
  
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After working hard, the chapter celebrated with social events. The chapter's Event Chairman planned the annual Sapphire Ball. It was an awesome opportunity for the women to dress up, take pictures, and to bond with their sisters and their dates. Once everyone returned to school for the fall, the chapter celebrated with their annual Barn Dance. The girls and their dates donned their best country-themed attire, and everyone boarded one of two chartered busses to Cheyenne where we had Barn Dance at the Terry Bison Ranch. The officers and alumnae involved worked together to make sure that we were safe, that the event ran smoothly, and that everyone had a good time. The members of the chapter love to get together and dance and sing. The music chairman and the ladies of the Gamma Omicron chapter choreographed a dance for the Greek Week Talent show, and in the fall, the women showed their Wyoming Poke Pride by performing their own original song and dance at the Homecoming sing. The ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma took initiative and built a Homecoming float that they then rode on in the parade, while singing songs, and passing out candy.
  
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This year was a great one for the Gamma Omicron chapter, but it did not come without challenges. The biggest challenge the chapter faced as a whole was the closing of the kitchen. Due to insurance and safety reasons, it was decided that the kitchen was to be closed. Prior to this decision, women were allowed to walk freely in and out of the kitchen, and to use to the stove and oven to cook for themselves. With the new rule, only staff were allowed within the kitchen. This was quite the adjustment for many of the members, but everyone cooperated and followed the new rules. It was a challenge because the chapter requires the use of the kitchen for certain events during the year, the members were not always able to access the leftovers, and many women had to find other arrangements for eating if they were used to preparing some of their own meals. After much thought and consideration, our House Board was able to work with Nationals to re-open the kitchen under very specific conditions. Since the members of the house are not trained to use commericial-grade cooking appliances, we are unable to use the stove or oven. However, we are able to be present in the kitchen during certain hours, able to access leftovers, and to use appliances for specific events under supervision. This was the biggest challenge for the chapter in 2012, but it was able to resolved
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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The University of Wyoming is constantly making changes to the campus, and in 2012, the campus underwent construction. Specifically, the University added landscaping in front of the Education building.
  
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The overall nature of the chapter is supportive, honest, loyal, and fun. There are always women around to listen and with suggestions when someone is having a rough day. The women of the chapter support one another, are looking out for each other's best interests, and are loyal. We always have the best time at our social events, philanthropy events, and in everything we do together. The women of the chapter encourage one another to succeed and to reach their fullest potential. Members of the Gamma Omicron chapter are hilarious, interesting, and exquisite women, who appreciate one other and the bond of sisterhood. It's an honor to be a Kappa Kappa Gamma, and an honor to be a part of the Gamma Omicron Chapter.
  
 +
==Highlights of 2013==
  
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'''Convention Awards:'''
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The past 2013 year has been another great year for Gamma Omicron chapter. The Spring semester started out by appointing Ms. Lora Waeckerle as the chapter’s president along with her new officers that would be serving on Chapter Council. The newly transitioned officers took pride in their leadership positions and were very enthusiastic with new ideas they could bring to the chapter.
  
 +
Along with the gaining new women in leadership roles, the chapter also gained 6 New Members through an informal Spring recruitment. All 6 of these women were initiated after completing their New Member period and learning about the history and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity. After a diligent and successful work week before the new school year started, the chapter was fully prepared and optimistic for Fall Formal Recruitment. Their optimism prevailed and 36 new members were welcomed into Gamma Omicron chapter with a Vegas themed Bid Day. Feeling very “lucky”, not only to have new women joining the chapter and “lucky to be a KKG”, the women played fun Vegas gambling games, took pictures in the photo booth and hit the wedding chapel in celebration. Of these 36 women, 35 were pledged and officially recognized as New Members. The chapter was very excited as this was the biggest pledge class Gamma Omicron has had in a long time. After completing a well-organized New Member Program put on by the New Member Chairman, Katy Zahorik, and fulfilling the requirements for a New Member, 31 of these women were initiated on November 9, 2013.
  
 +
Throughout the year our chapter and individuals within the chapter received awards and held positions on Panhellenic council. In April, our Greek community held the Greek Week Awards where chapters were given awards based on results from our annual Greek Week and awards that were voted individually by each chapter. Gamma Omicron as a chapter was awarded the Most Community Service award and the Greek Adviser award. Mary Gokanakonda did the chapter proud and was awarded the New Member of the Year award.
  
 +
Two of our members served on Panhellenic Council: Lauren Robertson was Panhellenic President and Carolyn Hammersmark served as programming chair. Two of our members also were selected to serve as recruitment leaders for the Fall 2013 Sorority Recruitment. Even though we did not have much representation on the Panhellenic Council, the chapter fulfilled one of our chapter goals of becoming more involved in the Panhellenic community by attending events and philanthropies put on by other chapters and attended Panhellenic meetings weekly. Members of the chapter also attended and represented Gamma Omicron at the Eta Province in Boulder, Colorado where we were awarded Outstanding Communication, Fraternity Education and Ritual, and House Board Excellence and honorable mention for Panhellenic and Campus Involvement.
  
 +
With Philanthropy being one of our four pillars, Gamma Omicron was very dedicated and successful in fundraising for our philanthropies and Natalie Basolo, our Philanthropy Chairman, was more than prepared to make this happen. In March we hosted our annual Wing Fling fundraiser which raised $1650 to be divided equally between Reading is Fundamental, the Kappa Gamma Foundation and our Relay for Life team. Along with Wing Fling, our philanthropy chairman organized our chapter to participate as a team in the university’s Relay for Life.
 +
The chapter raised $1600 (which included the $550 from Wing Fling) after a long night of walking and fundraising for a great cause.
  
 +
We were awarded the Highest Fundraising Sorority and Greek Chapter from Relay for Life which was a great achievement for our first year with outstanding participation from the chapter. In the fall, the chapter decided to make a change and move our annual Mr. Wyoming Pageant to the upcoming spring semester and held our first annual Kappa Con Chili fundraiser. At this event we charged a small fee for guests to enjoy all you can eat chili and cornbread. This was an adjustment period for Gamma Omicron but we are excited for the hopeful success this event will hold in the future. The chapter raised a total of $600 again to be divided between Reading is Fundamental, the foundation and Relay for Life. Along with our two main fundraisers, the chapter participated in other philanthropic events on campus and in the community such as Safe Treat on Halloween, serving at the soup kitchen, participating in Campus Clean Up, and many others.
 +
 +
After all of the hard work put into our philanthropies our Event Chairman, Secia Porreco, awarded everyone with fun and exciting events throughout the year. In March, we had our annual Sapphire Ball which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn here in Laramie. Although Wyoming weather isn’t always the warmest, it agreed with us that night as we walked to the Hilton, chanting our Kappa songs and showing our pride with our dates in arm. In April women of the chapter competed in Greek week activities and took 2nd place in the large group talent competition performing an upbeat dance choreographed by our music chair, Savannah Moyte. In all the events the ladies of Gamma Omicron represented Kappa Gamma with great sportsmanship and class.
  
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==Highlights of the 1990s:==
+
The major events for the fall came with Homecoming Week where we were paired with the gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha. Secia planned a week filled with events to get to know the men and build our pirate ship Homecoming float. Again, the Wyoming weather cooperated with us and we rode and walked in the parade while passing out candy and chanting songs with pride on the ship before the football game. A couple weeks later we had our annual Barn Dance. The girls put on their jeans or dresses and cowboy boots to showcase their inner cowgirl. The event was held at the Hilton and was filled with delicious food, great music to swing dance to and a good time.
  
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(From chapter’s History Report:Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
+
As always, our academics are very important to us and always is a main focus. However, this past year it was one of our greater challenges that we had to overcome. With not being ranked as high as we would have liked on our GPA among the other chapters, Gamma Omicron was given an Academic Focus Plan. This plan required every member to complete a mandatory 5 study hours per week with supervision of our Vice President of Academic Excellence, Sami Gimelli, and her committee. Although this plan was a dramatic change for the chapter, the women worked together and motivated one another to improve our academics. The focus plan has helped improve the chapter’s GPA and we are very optimistic about continuing our academic improvement.
  
 +
The University has made some changes in the past year both administrational and architectural. After his 35 years at the university with eight of those years as the president, Tom Buchanan retired from his office at the end of summer of 2013. The University of Wyoming hired Bob Sternberg to fulfill the position as president in July. However, Sternberg’s office was short-lived, resigning from office in November. Dick McGinity then served as the interim president for the remainder of the year.
  
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'''Housing:'''
+
The university is also undergoing major construction to different aspects of the campus. There are three major construction projects that impact the student body. They are currently making renovations and additions to the Half Acre Recreational Gym, renovation and expansion to the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, and currently building a brand new welcome center called the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center. Students are eager for the completion of these new additions and renovations. Even though the campus is making many additions, the university lost one of their chartered chapters this past year. Our Monmouth sisters of Pi Beta Phi are no longer a chapter on campus. Although the Greek community was very saddened by this, we are all hoping to increase our membership numbers and hopefully bring their chapter back in the near future. 
  
 +
Our chapter has also had changes to our house management and our physical appearance. Our house board hired a new house director, Ms. Clare Graziano. She has brought great ideas to the house and has been very efficient in her position. She recently discovered there were hard wood floors under the carpet on our staircase and front hall way so they were refurnished and are a great addition to the house.  Because we are limited by our budget and lack of membership, there is not enough money to support any other major changes to the house at this time. 
  
 +
The overall nature of Gamma Omicron chapter is growing in more ways than one. Throughout the past year our chapter has grown in numbers, in our bonds of sisterhood, and through our challenges that we have faced as a chapter. Our chapter nature is very positive and we are very supportive of one another in all that we do. The chapter also remains very loyal and honest to one another and to the fraternity.
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
+
==Highlights of 2014==
  
 +
The first major event of 2014 was the appointment of a new president, Mary Gokanakonda. Along with the appointment of the new president the Gamma Omicron chapter also transitioned several new women into the variety of officer positions. Briana Long and Oliva Haugh also both held panhellinic positions.
  
 +
With spring came informal spring recruitment. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed seven new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. After a successful informal spring recruitment the chapter began thinking about fall formal recruitment. After a stressful and exiting work week the women of Gamma Omicron were prepared for requirement week. The planning and preparation were well worth it when the chapter pledged 27 new members. The new members were welcomed with a kappily ever after themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairmen, Alex Jelly, and initiation took place on November 15 conducted by the marshal Traci Folkman. With the new initiates the chapter has a total of 94 initiated members. 
  
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'''Convention Awards:'''
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The Gamma Omicron chapter also received awards at the annual Greek Awards. The chapter received the risk management award for its dedication to safety and the perseverance of the risk management chairman Taylor Chaulk. Gamma Omicron also received the honor of being the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy the Red Cross of Albany County. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and Chili con Kappa. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city wide clean up event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Savanah Moyte.
  
 +
The women of Gamma Omicron also had the opportunity to participate in social events, coordinated by the event chairmen, Taylor Campbell in the spring and Molly Duncan in the fall. Some of the events that were organized were the spring formal and the annual fall barn dance. The women of Gamma Omicron also involved in Greek Week, paired with Pi Kappa Phi and Homecoming week, with Sigma Phi Epsilon. Winning the women's division for homecoming sing.
  
 +
A focus of Gamma Omicron in the 2014 year has been academics. With the help of the vice president of academic excellence, Alyssa Huckins, the ladies of Gamma Omicron's GPA continued to rise and their hard work paid off with an average chapter GPA above both all women’s and all sorority GPA. 
  
 +
The University of Wyoming continues to change and grow. A major change was the completion of the Gateway Center. Along with the continued work on the gym on campus, Half Acre, that should be completed during 2015. The changes occurring at the University of Wyoming go beyond new and renovated buildings. The University began implementing the plus/minus system. With this new grading policy came supporting and opposing arguments.
 +
The chapter house has also seen changes including, new beds, new furniture, new light fixtures, and new wall paper and paint. The physical changing to the house and the growing numbers have not changed the overall nature of Gamma Omicron. It continues to be a positive and supportive chapter. The women of the chapter remain loyal to one another and to the fraternity as a whole.
  
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The Chapter of Gamma Omicron holds chapter meetings in the Chapter Room, located in the basement of the house. This is a chapter owned facility. The Gamma Omicron chapter has the privilege of owning a house that provides the opportunity for the chapter members to live together. The Kappa Kappa Gamma house for the chapter of Gamma Omicron has only been relocated once in the mid-1900s. It was moved from Grand Ave. to its current location on Sorority Row.
  
  
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==Highlights of 2000-2010==
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==Highlights of 2015==
  
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Beta Eta Deuteron was involved in many activities both on campus and within the Greek system. A Kappa Career night was held with local alumnae who shared career experiences and provided networking opportunities. As an unhoused chapter, Beta Eta Deuteron found it a challenge to find an appropriate place to hold chapter meetings every week, but negotiated with the University to use Breer Library for their meetings. Chapter unity and attendance at meetings and events was a focus for the chapter. Fun chapter events included the Kappa Kentucky Derby with everyone wearing hats, the Kappa Holiday Party, the Monmouth Duo and Kite and Key formals. Programs were presented on Substance Abuse and an interactive game of Kappa History Jeopardy. Greek Day brought together men and women from all of the sororities and fraternities for a rally in White Plaza before a football game.
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The first major event of 2015 was the appointment of a new president, Jessica Johnson. Along with the appointment of the new president the Gamma Omicron chapter also transitioned several women into a variety of officer positions. Briana Long, Kellsey Hansen, and Elizabeth Cardenas all were elected to hold Panhellenic positions.
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With spring came informal spring recruitment. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed two new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. After a successful informal spring recruitment the chapter began planning for fall formal recruitment. After a stressful and exiting work week lead by the membership chairman Casandra Herndon and her assistant Yonne Helene the women of Gamma Omicron were well prepared for requirement. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with a welcome to the jungle themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Savanah Moyte, 27 new members initiated. Initiation took place on November 14, with the guidance of the Marshel Christine Bulgrin. With the new initiates the chapter has a total of 83 initiated members.
  
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During this period, the chapter took steps towards publishing a quarterly newsletter for chapter members, alumnae and parents and redid its website. They considered their website to be an asset for Recruitment purposes since they did not have a chapter house. A successful workshop on resume building and career development was organized by the chapter and sponsored by Stanford’s Career Development Center. Scholarship was always important with high cumulative G.P.A.s for the chapter. Many members were involved in campus sports, with one member receiving the Herman Trophy for women’s soccer.
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Gamma Omicron chapter received an award at the annual Greek Awards. Janet Anderson received an award for her dedication as an advisor for Gamma Omicron. Gamma Omicron also received the honor of being the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life
  
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A focus of Gamma Omicron in the 2015 year has been academics. With the help of the vice president of academic excellence, Ciera Mendicino, the ladies of Gamma Omicron's GPA continued to rise and their hard work paid off with an average chapter GPA above both all women’s and all Fraternity and Sorority GPAs both semesters. 
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'''Housing:'''
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Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
 
   
 
   
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Beta Eta Dueteron is an unhoused chapter. In 2010, the chapter established a Housing Committee to draft an application to the University stating the reasons the chapter should have a house.
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The University of Wyoming continues to change and grow. A major change was the completion of the Half Acre gym. The Gamma Omicron chapter house has also seen some changes over the year including, new carpet in the formal living room and game room. The physical changing to the house and the growing number of members have not changed the overall nature of Gamma Omicron. It continues to be a positive and supportive chapter, with a focus on sisterhood.
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'''Chapter Philanthropy''':
  
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What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
  
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'''Philanthropy:'''
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Gamma Omicron was the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and a joint philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon Kappa’s Sigepic tailgate. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local safe trick or treat option for children on campus. Helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city community service event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Amanda Sisco.
  
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Beta Eta Deuteron baked cookies for the children at the Ronald McDonald House near campus, and joined a fraternity one morning a week to cook breakfast at a local homeless shelter. The chapter was also involved with tutoring children, and spreading awareness about organ donation.
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Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
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Beta Eta Deuteron joined with a fraternity to host a Thanksgiving dinner at a retirement center in Palo Alto. With another fraternity, they participated in Garden-a-thon. The Light the Night walk raised money for Leukemia and Lymphoma.
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Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.
  
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==Highlights of 2016==
  
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'''Convention Awards:'''
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Gamma Omicron Chapter had another successful year at  the University of Wyoming. The chapter was led by President Olivia Haugh who led us to accomplish many important  things on campus and in the community. She had a strong chapter council behind her who worked very hard for the betterment of our chapter.
  
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2000 – Scholarship Honorable Mention
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The spring semester brought the informal recruitment period. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed five new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. The membership chairman Madison Watson turned her attention to formal recruitment in the fall after the successful completion of spring recruitment. Madison Watson and her assistant Taylor Chaulk prepared the chapter well for recruitment with a focused and rigorous work week. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with a Paradise themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Cassie Herndon, 31 new members were initiated. Initiation took place on October 22, with the guidance of the Marshal Amanda Sisco. The chapter total is 81 with the addition of another group of initiates. 
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2008 – Academic Excellence Honorable Mention
 
  
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A few of our honors and awards from the previous year include the convention award for risk management and Our Fraternity and Sorority Life awarded one of our own Julianna Emmet as New Member of the Year.
  
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The Chapter put on a few major philanthropy events over the last year as well as joined in on many smaller events. The Mr. Wyoming competition was held in the spring and we donated all the money raised from this event to the Albany County Safe Project. In the spring the chapter also participated in Relay for life, the Jackalope Jump which consisted of jumping in a freezing cold pond to raise awareness for the Special Olympics and lastly, the chapter partnered with the Wyoming Honors Organization to set up an Easter egg hunt for children. In the fall we had a successful Chili Con Kappa event where we received many book donations and money to pass on to Reading is Fundamental. We also helped with Safe Treat on campus and the Big Event which was a campus wide community service project. All of these events combined helped our Philanthropy Chairman reach her goal of involvement in community events and getting us out on campus.
  
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==Highlights of 2012==
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Our wonderful event chairmen continued our traditional Sapphire Ball in the Spring and Barn Dance in the fall. These events are always  fun and are a great opportunity for all of us to enjoy ourselves.
  
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'''Highlights include:'''
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Our chapter goals focused on holding sisters accountable and getting everyone involved.  Our education chairman aimed to create fun and educational programs for the chapter, she organized an etiquette dinner and worked to improve communication with alumnae and officers for events such as founder's day dinner. Our house chairman focused on improving the craft room in the house.  
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-- A very successful Pi Province hosted by our chapter!
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The University of Wyoming welcomed its first female President Laurie Nichols who is a wonderful leader and very committed to making the University a top rate program with an open environment to learn. Unfortunately, the University is currently experiencing a budget crisis which is effecting degree programs and staff. The students and facility are coming together to try to combat the crisis and come up with new ways to make the University more efficient and to save money where we can. However, Gamma Omicron is thriving and continues to uphold the highest standards. The women have a firm understanding of sisterhood and exemplify strong morals in their everyday lives.  
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-- A very successful Recruitment period in which passionate, wonderful, "true blue" girls joined our chapter
 
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-- A chapter GPA of 3.63 and eight members with GPA's of 4.0
 
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-- We have two women on the Women’s Tennis team, who went on to win the National Championship. Our own Nicole Gibbs also went on to win Singles and is now playing professionally
 
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--Crew Members, Alicia Kapjian-Pitt and Jordan Duval-Smith also won the National Championship
 
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--Women’s Water Polo, which includes many members of Kappa, were #2 in the nation.
 
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--One of our new members, Maggie Steffens, was awarded FINA Player of the Year
 
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--Three members, Olivia Vagelos Abigail Andrews and Molly Welch, won “Hackathon” (a philanthropy competition started by our own Elizabeth Woodson) in which they created an App to help people find jobs
 
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-- Olivia Vagelos’ startup MountJuly was funded on KickStarter
 
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'''Chapter Growth'''
 
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Attendance: We noticed low chapter attendance at weekly chapter meetings in January. We increased this by trying to make chapter meetings more meaningful. We did this by giving out important chapter information at meetings instead of in emails sent out to the chapter. We also increased attendance by inviting powerful speakers to come to meetings, like California Senator Dianne Feinstein, who spoke about current legislation, her time as a woman at Stanford, and how to be a strong woman in politics. We also had Stanford faculty come speak about healthy body image and feminist studies.
 
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Sisterhood events: Sisters are so busy that sometimes sisterhood events are forgotten. This year, we made sure to have more sisterhood events and successfully hosted letter making, headband making, baking, study sessions, arts and crafts for Mother's Day, and a cooking event.
 
  
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Ritual: As ritual is what bonds together Kappa's across the country, our chapter wanted to appreciate ritual even more. We filled the year with ritual review, including activities to learn more songs, such as fill in the blanks with song lyrics. We also incorporated 15 minutes of ritual review into every meeting.
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Gamma Omicron was the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and a joint philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon Kappa’s Sigepic tailgate. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local safe trick or treat option for children on campus. Helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city community service event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Amanda Sisco.
  
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Philanthropy: We wanted to increase the number of philanthropy events that Kappa's were involved in. This year, at our "Snowchella" event, we raised more than $7,000 that was donated to an organization called "Support for International Change." We also started a weekly reading program to children in East Palo Alto.  
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Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.
  
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'''Nature of Chapter'''
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==Highlights of 2017==
  
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Beta Eta Deuteron is made up of a group of women who are passionate, intelligent, graceful, kind, and giving. But, the quality that distinguishes our group of girls is a sense of confidence and drive. We make a difference on our campus. At Stanford's ISC Greek Awards, our chapter won the most awards of any chapter on campus, a testament to the fact that we have a strong presence at Stanford. Awards included: Outstanding New Member (Paige Fisher), Greek Woman of the Year (Tierney O’Rourke), Greek Involvement (Molly Hayes), Inter-Sorority Council Runner-up (Molly Hayes), Greek Collaboration Runner-up, and Chapter of the Year Runner-up. One of our sisters will be VP of Recruitment next year to continue our Inter-Sorority involvement. We are made up of powerful athletes, club presidents, leaders in the classroom, and would certainly be described as a group of very strong women.
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Gamma Omicron started off the year with the appointment of the new chapter president, Savanah Richter. She accomplished many significant things within the chapter, including bringing the LeadToday workshop to the chapter. This amazing opportunity was well received by the chapter and helped to better the chapter by demonstrating how important it is to have sisterhood.  
  
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The start of the spring semester meant the informal recruitment period had begun. Gamma Omicron welcomed six new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. The membership chairman, Nikki Perkins, began planning formal recruitment in the fall after the successful spring recruitment. Nikki Perkins and her assistant Jordan Hardman prepared the chapter for a successful recruitment with a work week that was fun and focused. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with an 80’s themed bid day. After the new member period and with the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Katie Hasse, 34 new members were initiated. Initiation took place on November 11, with the help of the Marshal, Chantelle Runion. The chapter total is 87 with this addition of initiates.
  
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==Highlights of 2014==
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Gamma Omicron put on several major philanthropy events over the past year as well as joined in on many smaller events. The Mr. Wyoming competition was held in the spring and all the money raised was to the Albany County Safe Project. In the spring, the chapter also participated in Relay for life and partnered with the Wyoming Honors Organization to set up an Easter egg hunt for children. In the fall, we had a successful Kappa Kookout event where we received many book donations and money to pass on to Reading is Fundamental. We also helped with Safe Treat on campus and the Big Event which was a campus wide community service project. All of these events combined helped our Philanthropy Chairman, Moriah Duncan, reach her goal of involvement in community events and getting us out on campus.
  
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2014 marked an exciting year for Beta Eta Deuteron. At the Stanford Greek Awards, the chapter won the award
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Since it was Gamma Omicrons 90th anniversary, the chapter decided to host an event and invite the alumni from our chapter to attend. This large event occurred in the fall during the homecoming event at the university. Hundreds of alumni from all over the country came to support our chapter. We raised money for the new renovations taking place, in order to keep the house functioning. The entire chapter enjoyed this event because it brought active members and alumni together. Since it was such a big event, the entire chapter was to be involved to make it a success.  
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for “Outstanding Scholarship” and “Chapter of the Year.” At the same event our very own Elizabeth Woodson
 
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(’15) won the award for “Outstanding University Involvement.” At the Kappa Convention, Stanford Beta Eta
 
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alumna, Charlotte Jones Anderson won an Alumnae Achievement Award.  
 
  
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Scholarship was at an all-time high last year, as we had set an unprecedented record for most 4.0 GPAs in one quarter - 18! Our leaders also attended another successful Kappa National Conference in Texas. This past year, Beta Eta Deuteron has had many successful philanthropy events, including Snowchella, our annual benefit concert, that raised over $5,000 for Support for International Change. Learning from the event, one of our goals for 2015 is to conduct more frequent but smaller, innovative philanthropy events to keep the chapter more engaged and involved in philanthropy and to contribute to more organizations including the Kappa Foundation. In an effort to make ritual a bigger part of our chapter’s experience we added ritual review to the beginning of each meeting. In the future, we hope to continue to improve chapter meeting attendance and increase the number of sisterhood events in order to bring the pledge classes closer together.
+
Our Event chairmen, Taylor Oates, continued our traditional Sapphire Ball in the Spring and Barn Dance in the fall. These events are a fun way to get to know our sisters and are a great opportunity for all of us to enjoy ourselves.
  
−
The campus climate for Greek life has become significantly more challenging in the past year. The
+
Gamma Omicron continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, the Kappa foundation and our local philanthropy, The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and the Kappa Kookout. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local, safe trick or treating option for small children on campus. Participated in the Big Event, a city community service event.  
−
administration has certainly increased its efforts to scrutinize the Fraternity and Sorority community at Stanford, which is clearly a response to national pressures and movements against Greek life. Discussions of the issue of sexual assault has been prevalent on campus, and Beta Eta Deuteron has played an important role in participating and facilitating these discussions. In order to address these issues, the chapter has participated in discussions of Title IX with Angela Exon from Stanford’s Sexual Assault and Relationship Abuse Center, during which we discussed how our chapter can use our influence on campus and our core values of leadership, respect, and fraternity to be leaders and supporters of the movement to change campus culture surrounding sexual assault. As a chapter, we have made it a point to attend various speakers who focus on the topic, including an informative and heart-wrenching talk survivor-activist Wagatwe Wanjuki. The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life introduced a new program that asked each Greek chapter to nominate a Violence Intervention and Prevention Chair, which would serve as the point person for questions and concerns regarding sexual assault in each chapter. Our chapter nominated two members who have just begun their training in the program. One of our members, Elizabeth Woodson, is spearheading a campus task force on sexual assault and mental healthy in her role as Student Body President of the Undergraduate Community at Stanford. We are proud of her work to help make Stanford a more safe, open, and healthy environment.
 
  
−
Beta Eta Deuteron was founded as an un-housed fraternity in 1892, but was able to build a house on
+
Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.
−
campus in 1900, the first KKG chapter to do so. In 1944, Stanford removed all women’s fraternities
 
−
including Kappa Kappa Gamma, and the house was acquired by the University. In 1978, Bet Eta Deuteron
 
−
chapter was reinstalled at Stanford without a house, and the chapter remains un-housed to this day. Our
 
−
chapter and chapter council meetings are held in a conference room in the Taube Hillel House on campus.
 
−
The building is owned by the University, but operated by the Ziff Center for Jewish Life. Beta Eta
 
−
Deuteron rents the room for a small fee on a per quarter basis. Despite our status as an un-housed sorority,
 
−
many members choose to live together in the same dorm their sophomore year, which fosters a great
 
−
sense of community in the first full year of membership. During the 2014-2015 school year, 31 of the 36
 
−
members of the 2017 pledge class live together in a Stanford Dormitory residence entitled Florence
 
−
Moore Hall.
 
  
 +
==Highlights of 2018==
  
−
==Highlights of 2015==
+
2018 started off with the installation of our new chapter officers. Shelby Bell finished up her term as ASUW Liaison and Savannah Rutsch was elected as the Panhellenic Vice President of Programming. Spring Recruitment brought us eight new members. In April, Gamma Omicron hosted its 14th annual Mr. Wyoming spring philanthropy. One of our sisters was selected as the Emerging Leader of the Year at the Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards. Gamma Omicron also won Sigma Chi Derby Days this year.
−
This year, we have focused on enhancing our sisterhood and improving our philanthropic impact. As
 
−
an un-housed chapter, we have to be creative in finding ways to strengthen our bonds of sisterhood and
 
−
loyalty. To do so, we have implemented consistent member class meals, which are opportunities for an
 
−
entire grade class to get together for a fun meal, paid for by Kappa. Furthermore, we have also created a
 
−
tradition of small group get togethers, where we randomly assign girls to groups, composed of members of
 
−
various grade levels and interests, and ask them to get together for a meal, activity, etc. We have also
 
−
organized group outings to spin classes, group yoga, and other activities that encourage our members to
 
−
bond with each other through healthy and mindful movement.
 
  
−
In terms of Philanthropy, our chapter has traditionally always hosted an annual benefit concert that
+
The first large event after returning from summer was Fall Recruitment where the chapter welcomed 35 new members. We also tried a new Fall philanthropy: Kappa Karnival where we had carnival games, snacks and raffles.
−
raises money for a charity of our choice, as well as done weekly homeless feeds and middle-school readings.
 
−
That being said, one of our goals this past year was to significantly improve our philanthropy efforts, and to
 
−
host multiple fundraisers each year and to support a broader range of philanthropies. Last Spring, we got
 
−
involved with the Movement Foundation, which is an organization that brings health and wellness
 
−
education to low-income areas, as well as conducting positive body-image campaigns. Our group raised over
 
−
$7000 for the organization and participated in their annual Dare to Bare spin class ride, which celebrates
 
−
body image positivity and body diversity.
 
  
−
Building on our work with an organization that is focused on health and wellness, this Fall, we chose
+
Our campus welcomed a new fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, and a new sorority, Alpha Phi, will come to campus in the next year. Fraternity and Sorority Life has been working hard to increase the number of Greek Life members. The old Pi Beta Phi chapter house is also being remodeled in order to be used by an active fraternity or sorority.
−
to focus on sexual health and sexual assault prevention. We decided to partner with the Joyful Heart
 
−
Foundation, an organization focused on healing, empowering, and advocating for survivors of sexual
 
−
violence, to launch an awareness campaign this Fall and raise money for the organization through our
 
−
benefit concert next January. The awareness campaign was modeled after the foundation’s “No More”
 
−
Campaign, which asks individuals to pinpoint specific stereotypes, negative sayings, or misconceptions
 
−
about sexual assault and to say ‘No More’ to them. We brought this to Stanford’s campus, which entailed
 
−
taking photos of students holding up signs that help to dispel rape myths, both generic and specific to our campus. We took over 300 photos and plan to post the signs all over campus leading up to our benefit
 
−
concert to raise awareness and money for the organization.
 
−
 
 
−
Academically, our chapter continues to excel. Last Spring marked a new record for our chapter in
 
−
terms of the number of girls who received a 4.0 GPA- 21 individuals! Our chapter continues to celebrate
 
−
this strength and to encourage all of our members to be committed to their academic work.
 
−
Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
 
−
This past year at Stanford, we have seen a more heated campus climate surrounding Greek Life.
 
−
While the community as a whole has faced increased scrutiny, our chapter has maintained good standing
 
−
with the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life and worked hard to develop our relationship with
 
−
administrators. The FSL Office introduced a new administrative requirement for all Greek chapters this
 
−
year, entitled Standards of Excellence, which required our chapter to undertake a broad review of our
 
−
strengths and weaknesses on a variety of dimensions. This new requirement was communicated to our
 
−
advisors at Kappa nationals, and our results from the FSL office were largely very positive.
 
−
More broadly, the problem of sexual assault on campuses nationwide has led to a significant amount
 
−
of activism on our campus, surrounding the ways in which we can address and improve this issue. Beta Eta
 
−
Deuteron has taken a special interest in being a part of the conversation about how we as individuals and as
 
−
a group can help to eradicate sexual assault from our campus. We recently had a training from Carly Flanery,
 
−
the acting director for Stanford’s Sexual Assault and Relationship Abuse Education and Response Office,
 
−
come and give an overview of Stanford’s policy on sexual assault, as well as facilitate a conversation around
 
−
learning to become upstanders, rather than bystanders, when we witness sexual assault and/or relationship
 
−
violence. Many of the individuals within our Chapter are also leaders within other campus organizations,
 
−
and the strength of our campus involvement is often pointed out as a strength by members of the Stanford
 
−
Community. Overall, the nature of our chapter is involved, active, and purposeful about addressing critical
 
−
issues. We are committed to learning more and constantly trying to improve our understanding and
 
−
response to critical issues on our campus.
 
−
 
 
−
Chapter Philanthropy:
 
−
 
 
−
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in
 
−
your community?
 
−
 
 
−
In the past, our fundraising efforts have been focused on Support for International Change, an
 
−
organization that helps provide health care in Tanzania. That being said, as we decided to focus more on
 
−
women’s health and wellness and female empowerment in our chapter programming and efforts, we
 
−
thought it would be a good idea to match that commitment with our philanthropy. Therefore, last Spring,
 
−
we shifted to a large fundraising effort for the Movement Foundation, which helps bring physical and
 
−
health education into low-income schools and supports positive body image campaigns. This fall, we have
 
−
chosen to direct our fundraising efforts to the Joyful Heart Foundation. Joyful Heart is a non-profit
 
−
dedicated to supporting, guiding, and aiding victims of sexual assault.
 
−
 
 
−
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
 
  
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As a whole, our chapter is committed to working on issues of female empowerment, health, and well being, and we felt it was important that our philanthropic efforts were connected to this. The organizations we have chosen to support reflect these ideals and do an excellent job of promoting healthy women in our society.
+
Gamma Omicron supports the Albany County Safe Project as its philanthropy. We believe supporting this organization is a great opportunity.
  
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==Highlights of 2016:==
 
  
−
Kappa has focused on our values of diversity and inclusion and our recruitment process earlier this year was an important part of that. We felt that the conversations we had leading up to recruitment and our voting methods allowed for an intake of new members whose values deeply align with those of the organization: respect, integrity, and honest. As we welcomed our new pledge class, we reconnected as a chapter too. Highlights of the 2016 new member period included:
+
==Highlights of 2019==
−
• 4/12: New Member class dinner with New Member Chairmen
 
−
• 4/13: Sleepover at Mirlo with sophomores
 
−
• 4/17: New Member Brunch at Florence Moore Dining Hall with New Member Chairmen
 
−
• 4/18: New Member/Sophomore Class S’mores bonding event
 
−
• 4/25-4/29: Big-Little Week
 
−
• 5/4: Standards Chapter Meeting with New Members about Drinking Culture and Hazing
 
−
• 5/21: Initiation at Kappa Kappa Gamma house at University of California, Berkeley
 
−
   
 
−
We have also made changes to our financial management system to continue our efforts of financial diligence, accessibility, and transparency. Within this past year,  Kappa has launched it’s Sponsorship Program, which is the first of its kind amongst Kappa chapters across the nation. This program gives girls the opportunity to seek financial assistance for the payment of their dues. Kappa prides itself on accessibility to girls regardless of their financial situation and socio-economic background, and this program has already helped eight active members make Kappa a sustainable financial choice. We have many members who are already in full time jobs to pay for their books and supplies, receive full financial aid from Stanford, and who have financial emergencies at home. Our chapter is committed to supporting these women. The sponsorship program is overseen by our Treasurer and the Stanford Kappa Kappa Gamma House Board, which manages money and resources that can be used for a potential house in the future. The House Board is willing and excited to engage with our chapter members in a myriad of ways, including financial assistance. The Sponsorship program is funded through donations, and does not deplete chapter provided funds that the House Board will continue to reserve in the case that our organization gets a house. The recipients have written thank you notes to their sponsors, and will attend an appreciation event in the Spring.
 
  
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This year, we have also updated our approach for academic support and exploration within the chapter. The Academic Excellence Committee set up study sessions in various spaces on campus so that members can come together to work and de-stress. In winter quarter the new Chapter Council began a quarterly program during which members group together and discuss the classes that they would recommend, study strategies that have worked for them and the best resources they have accessed on campus. Additionally, we maintain a list of our active members’ majors and minors so that undeclared members can find people within the chapter to reach out to with questions about their coursework. This quarter, we hosted two panels during chapter meetings focused on career experiences of our members and alumni.  
+
2019 started with installation of new chapter officers and the election of Shelby Bell as the Panhellenic Vice President of Standards. In February over 20 women participated in the Jackalope Jump benefitting Special Olympics. In one week we raised $3000 and our team won the award for the most money raised by a group at the event. During spring recruitment we recruited four new members and in April we initiated five women. In the beginning of April we participated in Greek Week and won two events and placed third overall. Also in April we held a very successful Mr. Wyoming event, raising $6656, the most we've raised in several years. In May we had nine seniors become alumnae.
  
−
Along with these milestones, Kappa has been recognized on campus and at the national level. This year, Kappa received an ‘exceeding expectations’ on our Standards of Excellence presentation and report, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at Stanford’s annual evaluation system for all Greek communities on campus. Our score placed us among the best performing Greek organizations at Stanford.
+
Our chapter was very successful in fall recruitment, welcoming 32 new members. In October we celebrated Wyoming's Homecoming and participated in Homecoming Sing and the campus parade. We welcomed our alumnae to our annual Alumnae Chili event and were able to give house tours. At the end of October we held our first Wingin' It with Kappa event and raised $3347. Our philanthropy chairman, Katie Kelley, was incredibly successful in 2019.
  
−
At convention this summer we were awarded the ‘Signature Event’ prize for medium sized chapters for our benefit concert Snowchella, there is more information about our philanthropy later in the document. This year, Kappas have been involved in numerous varsity and club athletic teams, led and participated in pre-professional and philanthropic organizations, held research and fellowship positions and performed in various dance and theater groups.  
+
Gamma Omicron supports the Albany County Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. This year we were also able to participate in their Take Back the Night event. Safe Project has made a huge difference in our community and we feel lucky to have been able to support them for multiple years.
  
 +
==Highlights of 2020==
  
−
==Highlights of 2020s:==
+
In the spring our chapter had many things planned that were affected by COVID. We planned on having formal, Mr. Wyoming (our philanthropy event), initiation, and many more events. Everything got cancelled when we all went home for spring break and never returned until the fall. However before we went home for spring break we participated in Panhellenic book club and a social with SigEp on March 7th. In spring 2020 we were supposed to have Greek Week but it sadly got cancelled. We still received the Outstanding Community Service award for book buddies, Outstanding Philanthropic endeavor award for Mr.Wyoming, and the Impact award for Mr.Wyoming. Upon the return of our members in the fall our Chapter Council had to figure out how to hold safe events and meetings due to COVID. We settled on having meetings on Zoom and having hybrid committees and events. Our work week was held virtually from August 16th-21st on Zoom. This was a big change from normal where we are normally in person. We also practiced what recruitment would look like if it was held virtually. Our recruitment was held virtually after many changes to the original hybrid in person plan. Recruitment was held on September 10th-13th. We utilized break rooms to have one on one conversations with PNM’s. We had bid day on September 14th which was held virtually on Zoom. We once again utilized break rooms for active members to meet the new members. Formal Pledging was held on September 21st on Zoom. Just like in the spring our members participated in Panhellenic Book Club. Our chapter decided to do a philanthropic t-shirt drive for Albany County SAFE project. Big-Little Reveal was on October 20th for our new members. We had Initiation from November 4th - 7th. All of our Initiation events were held on Zoom.
  
−
(From chapter’s History Report:Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
+
Our chapter supports our Fraternity philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We also support our local philanthropy, Albany County SAFE project. We also do book buddies with our local schools.
 +
We love working with Albany County SAFE project because they have a great message. They help with domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, etc. We also love participating in book buddies with our local schools because it involves our chapter with more reading events.
  
−
'''Housing:'''
+
During work week we spent half a day talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We had a presentation and discussion about what diversity, equity, and inclusion are. We talked about how we would include and be conscious of how to include DEI in recruitment and other chapter events.
  
 +
Our chapter celebrated Kappa’s 150th anniversary with the Founder’s Day Ceremony. We also watched the Facebook live celebration that was held by the Fraternity. Our kitchen also made special blue cupcakes to celebrate the 150 years!
  
 +
==Highlights of 2021==
 +
-----
  
−
'''Philanthropy:'''
+
For the 2021-year Gamma Omicron accomplished some wonderful things. In the year of 2021, we welcomed 21 new members into our chapter. We also won our local Derby Days competition and we won FSL feud for our Greek Week competition! We also had at least two members on our Panhellenic Council as well as four members who were assigned as Recruitment Counselors in 2021. We also had one member on our Fraternal Standards Board as well as two members who were in the Mortar Board. One of the goals we had in 2021 was to improve our sisterhood even though we weren’t always in the same place due to covid-19 which is something we did accomplish. We held our first Barn Dance and Senior Activity since covid began and both went really well. We held many fun socials such as our pumpkin carving sisterhood or the cookie decorating. Our FSL community also held our annual Jingle Mingle event in-person since covid began as well.
  
 +
We support the Albany County Safe Project as our local philanthropy because our chapter really appreciates the help they give the community and how they help people in general. We also really think that helping people in need is extremely important and having the resources they provide is super important especially since they help support people on the University of Wyoming Campus as well. We also raised/donated $10,350.23 for the Albany County Safe Project in 2021. We also support our local Veterans community. We support them because we want them to know that they are loved and appreciated, and that people do care about/for them. Gamma Omicron supported them by making them holiday cards for them, Christmas/winter holiday, valentines, Halloween, etc. We also had a totally of 704 hours of service hours for a variety of local philanthropies that members in our chapter completed.
  
 +
This year we raised $4,228.49 for our Kappa philanthropy by hosting our Kappa Cookout event. We also did some mental health awareness tabling. For this we tabled and talked to
 +
community members about mental health and asked them to sign a pledge to support mental health. We also had information about mental health statistics, and we gave out
 +
stickers that said “mental health matters”.
  
−
'''Convention Awards:'''
+
We added a DEI officer in the fall of 2021. We also really talked about and discussed DEI during our work week. We also had a Bias training in the spring of 2021.
  
 +
In the 2021-year Covid-19 changed a lot of our chapter functions. At the start of 2021 we held almost every single event online. We changed all of our meetings to be held on zoom
 +
and practically all paperwork that had been done by hand on paper was now done online. We held zoom ritual reviews where we learned our ritual and chaotically sung over zoom. We
 +
also held virtual initiations that looked very different than what we do in person but that still went well. Due to having Chapter meetings online we started having themed meeting where
 +
we would dress up as a specific theme. Those were really fun. We also held a few socials online with other chapters as well as a few online sisterhoods.
  
 +
As we transitioned into the fall school semester we have transitioned back into in-person meetings, ritual reviews, initiation, fundraisers, and events while still taking precautions
 +
against Covid-19, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, and making online options for members who are sick. This fall specifically we were able to do move-in in-person.
  
−
----------------
+
==Highlights of 2022==
  
−
Note to Chapter Registrar:  
+
'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
 
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of ''The Key'' to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.  
 
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of ''The Key'' to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.  
  
 
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!
 
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!

Latest revision as of 14:08, 2 February 2022

 

Gamma Omicron
ΓO
Gamma Omicron.jpg
FoundedFebruary 25, 1927 (1927-02-25) (99 years ago)
CollegeUniversity of Wyoming
LocationLaramie, WY
HomepageGamma Omicron Homepage
Media related to Gamma Omicron Chapter

University of Wyoming, established in 1886 in Laramie, Wyoming


Gamma Omicron founded February 25, 1927


2,097 initiates (as of June 2018)


Charter Members: Bess Bell Burris, France Elise Hays, Lillian Helsberg Hubbard, Patricia Lynch Jensen, Marie Mathew, Margaret Matilda Moudy, Eileen Elizabeth O'Mara, Kathleen McLaughlin O'Mara, Patricia Molly O'Mara, Ruth Prout, Catherine Helen Shicora, Doris Villers Spencer, Oselia Louise Stendahl, Etta Winnona Weaver, Auril Carmen Williams.


Fraternity Council Members:

Collett Beers Rangitsch, Director of Chapters, 2010-2014; Director of Standards 2014-2016


Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:



Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Margaret McIntosh Boice, 1964, Humanitarian and civic leader who worked to establish juvenile and domestic relations court in Wyoming; Margaret Simson Curry, 1964, Author, journalist, poet; M. Margaret McKeown, 2000, Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals judge;


Additional Outstanding Gamma Omicron Alumnae:

Donna Waite (Brosn, Graduate Counselor 1977-1979; Ann Osborn (Chopich), Graduate Counselor 1977-1979;

Heather Blockovich (Belt), Leadership Consultant, 2005-2006 Sara Rangitsch, Leadership Consultant, 2015-2016

The Early Years (from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870-1976)[edit]

The University of Wyoming, founded in 1886, four years before Wyoming was admitted to statehood, is unique in that it is the state’s only four-year university.

Wyoming was the first state to give women the right to vote, the first to have a female governor, many of the university’s first students were women, and Wyoming women and female students then and now have been outstanding leaders in their fields.

On November 9, 1920, Gamma Zeta, a local group, was established on campus with the hope from the beginning of becoming a Kappa chapter, living up to all of Kappa’s standards, and observing Panhellenic regulations. A strong and active organization was developed, entering every phase of university life and twice winning the Panhellenic scholarship cup. A strong supporter was Anna Broady Haggard, Nebraska, a member of the university’s board of trustees. Patroness Frances Longan Arnold, Missouri, gave much support and interest. Kappa alumnae from Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado were much involved in spite of the great distances between them and Laramie.

In 1926, Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Wisconsin, then Fraternity Director of Provinces and Chairman of Extension, visited Gamma Zeta and liked what she saw. That summer at the General Convention, permission was given for a formal petition. The petition was favorably received and on February 25, 1927, Gamma Omicron Chapter was installed. Mrs. Lloyd Jones, by then Fraternity President, was the installing officer. Representatives of Beta Mu Chapter at Colorado University assisted. Members from Sigma Chapter at the University of Nebraska were also present. There was an initiation of the charter members and of Gamma Zeta alumnae who held degrees from the university. There was a formal banquet and a breakfast given by the other women’s fraternities in honor of Gamma Omicron.


Housing

In 1924 Gamma Zeta had purchased a house at 605 Grand Avenue in Laramie. The present house, located at 1604 E. Sorority Row, was built in 1940 to house 34 members although a few more could be squeezed in. In 1963, girls returning after summer vacation were greeted by a fine addition containing a larger dining room and kitchen, a large study and chapter room, three new bedrooms, bath and laundry room. The “old” part of the house had been redecorated and Gamma Omicron had the house on Fraternity Row.


Campus Honors

In 1973-74, Gamma Omicron was first in scholarship among the Greek houses, with the highest average ever recorded for an active chapter on the Wyoming campus. That year, six out of 21 Mortar Board members were Kappas, there were two Phi Beta Kappas and three Phi Kappa Phis. Spring of 1974 saw 16 Gamma Omicrons as graduating seniors, the highest percentage of a pledge class to graduate in the chapter’s history.

That same year, Panhellenic had offered a new All Greek House Award based on points for girls receiving honors, chosen as queens, for scholarship, leadership and service to the community and university, and general campus participation. Gamma Omicron was proud to be the first to win this new award. Through the years, many campus and chapter leaders have gone on to national recognition. Gamma Omicron has claimed three Miss Wyoming pageant winners who have placed in the top 10 in the Miss America finals, and one runner-up. Karen Morris (Gowdy) reigned as American’s Junior Miss 1974-75. Margaret Simson (Curry) was a member of the journalism honoraries while in school and wrote for and edited campus publications. She was an instructor in creative writing at Casper College and published articles, poetry, short stories, novels, and children’s books.

Just as the women of Wyoming were the first to vote, so were the Kappas of Gamma Omicron leaders in other matters. When the famous contralto Marian Anderson came to the university for a scheduled concert, none of the local hotels would give her lodging. The Kappas were proud to have her as their honored guest. Gamma Omicron was the first NPC chapter on campus to sponsor a foreign student. Elizabeth Scott, an exchange student from London, stayed at the house during 1950-51. Sally Shotgun, an Indian student, lived at the house in 1957-58 and added much to the chapter although she was not a member.


The World War II Years and Beyond[edit]

The World War II years were interesting for Gamma Omicron as well as sad. The large chapter became very close and family-like due to the lack of social life. In 1946, the Kappa spring dinner-dance was held for the first time in four years. Spring 1949 saw a 100% initiation of a pledge class – a first for Gamma Omicron. Like so many other Greek groups, Gamma Omicron hit a low spot between 1965 and 1970. It was a hard fight to remain afloat, but with third-generation Gamma Omicrons coming to a larger and better university, and outstanding Wyoming women becoming Kappas, the chapter was poised to continue its leadership on campus.

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


Highlights of the 1970s[edit]

Gamma Omicron was pleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary as part of the University of Wyoming campus by giving two $300 scholarships. In addition, philanthropy continued to be a big part of the chapter’s tradition. The chapter collected money for the Wyoming Multiple Sclerosis Society and by holding a Read-a-thon and Walk-a-thon for the four elementary schools in the area.

Homecoming was an important part of the University’s fall calendar. Throughout the seventies, the Kappas were often a part of the Homecoming Court and won awards for their floats. In the ten years between 1975 and 1985 the Gamma Omicrons took first place four times in the annual Homecoming Sing.

In 1975 and 1976 Gamma Omicron received awards for achievement in Panhellenic and Gracious Living.


Highlights of the 1980s[edit]

During the early 1980’s Wyoming experienced a “boom period” where high energy prices boosted the state’s coal, oil, and natural gas industries. Unfortunately, the economic boom was short lived. By the mid 1980’s energy prices were falling and the economy was hurt by its lack of diversity. Thankfully, tourism did see a surge in popularity.

Gamma Omicron’s challenge during this time was to dispel the myths of fraternity life. The members worked hard on their reputation on campus and in the community by doing multiple community service projects, instilling values regarding members’ behavior at social functions and promoting interests and friendships outside of Kappa.

Throughout the decade the chapter was pleased to receive awards for outstanding academic achievement and public relations.


Highlights of 2000-2010[edit]

By the beginning of the new millennium, the University of Wyoming had a student population of approximately 13,000 with about 4% of the campus population involved in the Greek community.

Gamma Omicron took on several challenges throughout this decade. They felt it was necessary for the chapter to understand the role of Panhellenic on their campus. As a result of this increased understanding, several members served on the Panhellenic Council in a variety of positions. Next, the chapter concentrated on developing their relations with their alumnae. It was particularly rewarding for the chapter when they were able to celebrate Gamma Omicron’s 80th anniversary with one of the chapter’s founders. Finally, the chapter also worked to enforce its attendance policies while limiting the number of events in which the chapter would be involved. This resulted in better chapter participation.


Philanthropy

Philanthropy continued to be a strong suit for Gamma Omicron. The chapter continued to organize its Mr. Wyoming pageant for the benefit of the Red Cross. Wing Fling (a buffalo wing dinner), an AIDS Walk, and a Holly’s House Silent Auction. Numerous community service hours were also contributed to Safe Treat (a Halloween trick-or-treat event), the local elementary schools and other various community organizations.

Gamma Omicron continued to receive many Greek Week awards and their members were recognized for their service to the University and the community. At the 2008 Kappa Convention, the chapter received the Housed Gracious Living Award and honorable mentions for the Most Improved Chapter, Academic Excellence and Finance. At the 2010 Kappa Convention, Gamma Omicron received recognition for its New Member Program and honorable mentions for Gracious Living, Heritage, Standards and Panhellenic.


Highlights of 2012[edit]

The Spring 2012 semester started off with officer transitions, and Samantha Gimelli was appointed as the new president of the Gamma Omicron chapter. The newly installed officers worked diligently with one another to ensure that the chapter was operating at it's highest possible potential and efficiency.

After installing a wonderful team of new officers, 3 new members were added to the chapter through Spring recruitment. All 3 of these women became initiated members after learning about the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma and their chapter through a very informative New Member Program in the Spring. After a wonderful Formal Recruitment in the fall, the chapter welcomed 22 new members on the most patriotic Bid Day yet! The theme for the Fall 2012 bid day was Kappa Olympics, and the girls got to know their new sisters while participating in fun team games. After completing a New Member Program and all the necessary components, 20 of those new members were initiated on November 10, 2012.

In June, the Gamma Omicron chapter was represented by 5 of our lovely members when they attended National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, where we received an award for our Ritual, and also an honorable mention for our Standards. In addition to those awards, the chapter also received the Sisterhood award at the All Greek Awards.

Multiple women represented the chapter in a variety of Greek life activities. In 2012, our chapter had 5 women serve in Panhellinic. Katie Cook was the programming chair, Molly Stevens was our delegate, Hayley Czarnecki was the public relations chair, Lauren Robertson was the Executive Vice President of Panhellinic, and Rachael Carlsgaard held the position of Panhellinic President. In addition to the chapter's Panhellinic involvement, the chapter had 6 members serve as recruitment leaders for Fall 2012 Sorority recruiment.

Scholarship is always important to the members of Gamma Omicron. There are a large portion of women in the chapter who represent Kappa Kappa Gamma in various Honor Societies at the University of Wyoming. At the end of the Spring semester, the chapter ended at a 2.98 average grade point average, which was just shy of the all women's average of 3.1, and the Sorority average of 3.13. Being so close to success served as motivation for our chapter to set its goals higher in the Fall, with a goal grade point average of 3.55.

In addition to scholarship, the chapter also focused on giving back to our local and national philanthropies. In the Spring, the philanthropy chairman organized our annual Wing Fling. We were able to raise $1,100 for our philanthropic partner, Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. On Halloween, the women of the chapter dressed up in their favorite costumes, and participated in an event called Safe Treat, where they created a safe and fun experience for children who wanted to trick-or-treat. In the Fall, our philanthropy chairman got the entire chapter involved in planning the Mr. Wyoming pageant. It was a hilarious experience watching the men perform their best talents, answer insightful questions, and dress up in their fanciest evening wear. The pageant also raised $4,295.18 through ticket sales and donations for our local philanthropy, the Albany Red Cross. Members of the chapter are also involved in various service organizations, and participate in service projects. For example, some women participated in cleaning up the campus, others volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army, and other women are involved in Relay for Life.

After working hard, the chapter celebrated with social events. The chapter's Event Chairman planned the annual Sapphire Ball. It was an awesome opportunity for the women to dress up, take pictures, and to bond with their sisters and their dates. Once everyone returned to school for the fall, the chapter celebrated with their annual Barn Dance. The girls and their dates donned their best country-themed attire, and everyone boarded one of two chartered busses to Cheyenne where we had Barn Dance at the Terry Bison Ranch. The officers and alumnae involved worked together to make sure that we were safe, that the event ran smoothly, and that everyone had a good time. The members of the chapter love to get together and dance and sing. The music chairman and the ladies of the Gamma Omicron chapter choreographed a dance for the Greek Week Talent show, and in the fall, the women showed their Wyoming Poke Pride by performing their own original song and dance at the Homecoming sing. The ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma took initiative and built a Homecoming float that they then rode on in the parade, while singing songs, and passing out candy.

This year was a great one for the Gamma Omicron chapter, but it did not come without challenges. The biggest challenge the chapter faced as a whole was the closing of the kitchen. Due to insurance and safety reasons, it was decided that the kitchen was to be closed. Prior to this decision, women were allowed to walk freely in and out of the kitchen, and to use to the stove and oven to cook for themselves. With the new rule, only staff were allowed within the kitchen. This was quite the adjustment for many of the members, but everyone cooperated and followed the new rules. It was a challenge because the chapter requires the use of the kitchen for certain events during the year, the members were not always able to access the leftovers, and many women had to find other arrangements for eating if they were used to preparing some of their own meals. After much thought and consideration, our House Board was able to work with Nationals to re-open the kitchen under very specific conditions. Since the members of the house are not trained to use commericial-grade cooking appliances, we are unable to use the stove or oven. However, we are able to be present in the kitchen during certain hours, able to access leftovers, and to use appliances for specific events under supervision. This was the biggest challenge for the chapter in 2012, but it was able to resolved

The University of Wyoming is constantly making changes to the campus, and in 2012, the campus underwent construction. Specifically, the University added landscaping in front of the Education building.

The overall nature of the chapter is supportive, honest, loyal, and fun. There are always women around to listen and with suggestions when someone is having a rough day. The women of the chapter support one another, are looking out for each other's best interests, and are loyal. We always have the best time at our social events, philanthropy events, and in everything we do together. The women of the chapter encourage one another to succeed and to reach their fullest potential. Members of the Gamma Omicron chapter are hilarious, interesting, and exquisite women, who appreciate one other and the bond of sisterhood. It's an honor to be a Kappa Kappa Gamma, and an honor to be a part of the Gamma Omicron Chapter.

Highlights of 2013[edit]

The past 2013 year has been another great year for Gamma Omicron chapter. The Spring semester started out by appointing Ms. Lora Waeckerle as the chapter’s president along with her new officers that would be serving on Chapter Council. The newly transitioned officers took pride in their leadership positions and were very enthusiastic with new ideas they could bring to the chapter.

Along with the gaining new women in leadership roles, the chapter also gained 6 New Members through an informal Spring recruitment. All 6 of these women were initiated after completing their New Member period and learning about the history and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity. After a diligent and successful work week before the new school year started, the chapter was fully prepared and optimistic for Fall Formal Recruitment. Their optimism prevailed and 36 new members were welcomed into Gamma Omicron chapter with a Vegas themed Bid Day. Feeling very “lucky”, not only to have new women joining the chapter and “lucky to be a KKG”, the women played fun Vegas gambling games, took pictures in the photo booth and hit the wedding chapel in celebration. Of these 36 women, 35 were pledged and officially recognized as New Members. The chapter was very excited as this was the biggest pledge class Gamma Omicron has had in a long time. After completing a well-organized New Member Program put on by the New Member Chairman, Katy Zahorik, and fulfilling the requirements for a New Member, 31 of these women were initiated on November 9, 2013.

Throughout the year our chapter and individuals within the chapter received awards and held positions on Panhellenic council. In April, our Greek community held the Greek Week Awards where chapters were given awards based on results from our annual Greek Week and awards that were voted individually by each chapter. Gamma Omicron as a chapter was awarded the Most Community Service award and the Greek Adviser award. Mary Gokanakonda did the chapter proud and was awarded the New Member of the Year award.

Two of our members served on Panhellenic Council: Lauren Robertson was Panhellenic President and Carolyn Hammersmark served as programming chair. Two of our members also were selected to serve as recruitment leaders for the Fall 2013 Sorority Recruitment. Even though we did not have much representation on the Panhellenic Council, the chapter fulfilled one of our chapter goals of becoming more involved in the Panhellenic community by attending events and philanthropies put on by other chapters and attended Panhellenic meetings weekly. Members of the chapter also attended and represented Gamma Omicron at the Eta Province in Boulder, Colorado where we were awarded Outstanding Communication, Fraternity Education and Ritual, and House Board Excellence and honorable mention for Panhellenic and Campus Involvement.

With Philanthropy being one of our four pillars, Gamma Omicron was very dedicated and successful in fundraising for our philanthropies and Natalie Basolo, our Philanthropy Chairman, was more than prepared to make this happen. In March we hosted our annual Wing Fling fundraiser which raised $1650 to be divided equally between Reading is Fundamental, the Kappa Gamma Foundation and our Relay for Life team. Along with Wing Fling, our philanthropy chairman organized our chapter to participate as a team in the university’s Relay for Life. The chapter raised $1600 (which included the $550 from Wing Fling) after a long night of walking and fundraising for a great cause.

We were awarded the Highest Fundraising Sorority and Greek Chapter from Relay for Life which was a great achievement for our first year with outstanding participation from the chapter. In the fall, the chapter decided to make a change and move our annual Mr. Wyoming Pageant to the upcoming spring semester and held our first annual Kappa Con Chili fundraiser. At this event we charged a small fee for guests to enjoy all you can eat chili and cornbread. This was an adjustment period for Gamma Omicron but we are excited for the hopeful success this event will hold in the future. The chapter raised a total of $600 again to be divided between Reading is Fundamental, the foundation and Relay for Life. Along with our two main fundraisers, the chapter participated in other philanthropic events on campus and in the community such as Safe Treat on Halloween, serving at the soup kitchen, participating in Campus Clean Up, and many others.

After all of the hard work put into our philanthropies our Event Chairman, Secia Porreco, awarded everyone with fun and exciting events throughout the year. In March, we had our annual Sapphire Ball which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn here in Laramie. Although Wyoming weather isn’t always the warmest, it agreed with us that night as we walked to the Hilton, chanting our Kappa songs and showing our pride with our dates in arm. In April women of the chapter competed in Greek week activities and took 2nd place in the large group talent competition performing an upbeat dance choreographed by our music chair, Savannah Moyte. In all the events the ladies of Gamma Omicron represented Kappa Gamma with great sportsmanship and class.

The major events for the fall came with Homecoming Week where we were paired with the gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha. Secia planned a week filled with events to get to know the men and build our pirate ship Homecoming float. Again, the Wyoming weather cooperated with us and we rode and walked in the parade while passing out candy and chanting songs with pride on the ship before the football game. A couple weeks later we had our annual Barn Dance. The girls put on their jeans or dresses and cowboy boots to showcase their inner cowgirl. The event was held at the Hilton and was filled with delicious food, great music to swing dance to and a good time.

As always, our academics are very important to us and always is a main focus. However, this past year it was one of our greater challenges that we had to overcome. With not being ranked as high as we would have liked on our GPA among the other chapters, Gamma Omicron was given an Academic Focus Plan. This plan required every member to complete a mandatory 5 study hours per week with supervision of our Vice President of Academic Excellence, Sami Gimelli, and her committee. Although this plan was a dramatic change for the chapter, the women worked together and motivated one another to improve our academics. The focus plan has helped improve the chapter’s GPA and we are very optimistic about continuing our academic improvement.

The University has made some changes in the past year both administrational and architectural. After his 35 years at the university with eight of those years as the president, Tom Buchanan retired from his office at the end of summer of 2013. The University of Wyoming hired Bob Sternberg to fulfill the position as president in July. However, Sternberg’s office was short-lived, resigning from office in November. Dick McGinity then served as the interim president for the remainder of the year.

The university is also undergoing major construction to different aspects of the campus. There are three major construction projects that impact the student body. They are currently making renovations and additions to the Half Acre Recreational Gym, renovation and expansion to the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, and currently building a brand new welcome center called the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center. Students are eager for the completion of these new additions and renovations. Even though the campus is making many additions, the university lost one of their chartered chapters this past year. Our Monmouth sisters of Pi Beta Phi are no longer a chapter on campus. Although the Greek community was very saddened by this, we are all hoping to increase our membership numbers and hopefully bring their chapter back in the near future.

Our chapter has also had changes to our house management and our physical appearance. Our house board hired a new house director, Ms. Clare Graziano. She has brought great ideas to the house and has been very efficient in her position. She recently discovered there were hard wood floors under the carpet on our staircase and front hall way so they were refurnished and are a great addition to the house. Because we are limited by our budget and lack of membership, there is not enough money to support any other major changes to the house at this time.

The overall nature of Gamma Omicron chapter is growing in more ways than one. Throughout the past year our chapter has grown in numbers, in our bonds of sisterhood, and through our challenges that we have faced as a chapter. Our chapter nature is very positive and we are very supportive of one another in all that we do. The chapter also remains very loyal and honest to one another and to the fraternity.

Highlights of 2014[edit]

The first major event of 2014 was the appointment of a new president, Mary Gokanakonda. Along with the appointment of the new president the Gamma Omicron chapter also transitioned several new women into the variety of officer positions. Briana Long and Oliva Haugh also both held panhellinic positions.

With spring came informal spring recruitment. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed seven new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. After a successful informal spring recruitment the chapter began thinking about fall formal recruitment. After a stressful and exiting work week the women of Gamma Omicron were prepared for requirement week. The planning and preparation were well worth it when the chapter pledged 27 new members. The new members were welcomed with a kappily ever after themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairmen, Alex Jelly, and initiation took place on November 15 conducted by the marshal Traci Folkman. With the new initiates the chapter has a total of 94 initiated members.

The Gamma Omicron chapter also received awards at the annual Greek Awards. The chapter received the risk management award for its dedication to safety and the perseverance of the risk management chairman Taylor Chaulk. Gamma Omicron also received the honor of being the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy the Red Cross of Albany County. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and Chili con Kappa. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city wide clean up event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Savanah Moyte.

The women of Gamma Omicron also had the opportunity to participate in social events, coordinated by the event chairmen, Taylor Campbell in the spring and Molly Duncan in the fall. Some of the events that were organized were the spring formal and the annual fall barn dance. The women of Gamma Omicron also involved in Greek Week, paired with Pi Kappa Phi and Homecoming week, with Sigma Phi Epsilon. Winning the women's division for homecoming sing.

A focus of Gamma Omicron in the 2014 year has been academics. With the help of the vice president of academic excellence, Alyssa Huckins, the ladies of Gamma Omicron's GPA continued to rise and their hard work paid off with an average chapter GPA above both all women’s and all sorority GPA.

The University of Wyoming continues to change and grow. A major change was the completion of the Gateway Center. Along with the continued work on the gym on campus, Half Acre, that should be completed during 2015. The changes occurring at the University of Wyoming go beyond new and renovated buildings. The University began implementing the plus/minus system. With this new grading policy came supporting and opposing arguments. The chapter house has also seen changes including, new beds, new furniture, new light fixtures, and new wall paper and paint. The physical changing to the house and the growing numbers have not changed the overall nature of Gamma Omicron. It continues to be a positive and supportive chapter. The women of the chapter remain loyal to one another and to the fraternity as a whole.

The Chapter of Gamma Omicron holds chapter meetings in the Chapter Room, located in the basement of the house. This is a chapter owned facility. The Gamma Omicron chapter has the privilege of owning a house that provides the opportunity for the chapter members to live together. The Kappa Kappa Gamma house for the chapter of Gamma Omicron has only been relocated once in the mid-1900s. It was moved from Grand Ave. to its current location on Sorority Row.


Highlights of 2015[edit]

The first major event of 2015 was the appointment of a new president, Jessica Johnson. Along with the appointment of the new president the Gamma Omicron chapter also transitioned several women into a variety of officer positions. Briana Long, Kellsey Hansen, and Elizabeth Cardenas all were elected to hold Panhellenic positions.

With spring came informal spring recruitment. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed two new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. After a successful informal spring recruitment the chapter began planning for fall formal recruitment. After a stressful and exiting work week lead by the membership chairman Casandra Herndon and her assistant Yonne Helene the women of Gamma Omicron were well prepared for requirement. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with a welcome to the jungle themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Savanah Moyte, 27 new members initiated. Initiation took place on November 14, with the guidance of the Marshel Christine Bulgrin. With the new initiates the chapter has a total of 83 initiated members.

Gamma Omicron chapter received an award at the annual Greek Awards. Janet Anderson received an award for her dedication as an advisor for Gamma Omicron. Gamma Omicron also received the honor of being the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life

A focus of Gamma Omicron in the 2015 year has been academics. With the help of the vice president of academic excellence, Ciera Mendicino, the ladies of Gamma Omicron's GPA continued to rise and their hard work paid off with an average chapter GPA above both all women’s and all Fraternity and Sorority GPAs both semesters. Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.

The University of Wyoming continues to change and grow. A major change was the completion of the Half Acre gym. The Gamma Omicron chapter house has also seen some changes over the year including, new carpet in the formal living room and game room. The physical changing to the house and the growing number of members have not changed the overall nature of Gamma Omicron. It continues to be a positive and supportive chapter, with a focus on sisterhood.

Chapter Philanthropy:

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

Gamma Omicron was the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and a joint philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon Kappa’s Sigepic tailgate. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local safe trick or treat option for children on campus. Helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city community service event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Amanda Sisco.

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

Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.

Highlights of 2016[edit]

Gamma Omicron Chapter had another successful year at the University of Wyoming. The chapter was led by President Olivia Haugh who led us to accomplish many important things on campus and in the community. She had a strong chapter council behind her who worked very hard for the betterment of our chapter.

The spring semester brought the informal recruitment period. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed five new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. The membership chairman Madison Watson turned her attention to formal recruitment in the fall after the successful completion of spring recruitment. Madison Watson and her assistant Taylor Chaulk prepared the chapter well for recruitment with a focused and rigorous work week. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with a Paradise themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Cassie Herndon, 31 new members were initiated. Initiation took place on October 22, with the guidance of the Marshal Amanda Sisco. The chapter total is 81 with the addition of another group of initiates.

A few of our honors and awards from the previous year include the convention award for risk management and Our Fraternity and Sorority Life awarded one of our own Julianna Emmet as New Member of the Year.

The Chapter put on a few major philanthropy events over the last year as well as joined in on many smaller events. The Mr. Wyoming competition was held in the spring and we donated all the money raised from this event to the Albany County Safe Project. In the spring the chapter also participated in Relay for life, the Jackalope Jump which consisted of jumping in a freezing cold pond to raise awareness for the Special Olympics and lastly, the chapter partnered with the Wyoming Honors Organization to set up an Easter egg hunt for children. In the fall we had a successful Chili Con Kappa event where we received many book donations and money to pass on to Reading is Fundamental. We also helped with Safe Treat on campus and the Big Event which was a campus wide community service project. All of these events combined helped our Philanthropy Chairman reach her goal of involvement in community events and getting us out on campus.

Our wonderful event chairmen continued our traditional Sapphire Ball in the Spring and Barn Dance in the fall. These events are always fun and are a great opportunity for all of us to enjoy ourselves.

Our chapter goals focused on holding sisters accountable and getting everyone involved. Our education chairman aimed to create fun and educational programs for the chapter, she organized an etiquette dinner and worked to improve communication with alumnae and officers for events such as founder's day dinner. Our house chairman focused on improving the craft room in the house.

The University of Wyoming welcomed its first female President Laurie Nichols who is a wonderful leader and very committed to making the University a top rate program with an open environment to learn. Unfortunately, the University is currently experiencing a budget crisis which is effecting degree programs and staff. The students and facility are coming together to try to combat the crisis and come up with new ways to make the University more efficient and to save money where we can. However, Gamma Omicron is thriving and continues to uphold the highest standards. The women have a firm understanding of sisterhood and exemplify strong morals in their everyday lives.

Gamma Omicron was the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and a joint philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon Kappa’s Sigepic tailgate. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local safe trick or treat option for children on campus. Helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city community service event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Amanda Sisco.

Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.

Highlights of 2017[edit]

Gamma Omicron started off the year with the appointment of the new chapter president, Savanah Richter. She accomplished many significant things within the chapter, including bringing the LeadToday workshop to the chapter. This amazing opportunity was well received by the chapter and helped to better the chapter by demonstrating how important it is to have sisterhood.

The start of the spring semester meant the informal recruitment period had begun. Gamma Omicron welcomed six new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. The membership chairman, Nikki Perkins, began planning formal recruitment in the fall after the successful spring recruitment. Nikki Perkins and her assistant Jordan Hardman prepared the chapter for a successful recruitment with a work week that was fun and focused. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with an 80’s themed bid day. After the new member period and with the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Katie Hasse, 34 new members were initiated. Initiation took place on November 11, with the help of the Marshal, Chantelle Runion. The chapter total is 87 with this addition of initiates.

Gamma Omicron put on several major philanthropy events over the past year as well as joined in on many smaller events. The Mr. Wyoming competition was held in the spring and all the money raised was to the Albany County Safe Project. In the spring, the chapter also participated in Relay for life and partnered with the Wyoming Honors Organization to set up an Easter egg hunt for children. In the fall, we had a successful Kappa Kookout event where we received many book donations and money to pass on to Reading is Fundamental. We also helped with Safe Treat on campus and the Big Event which was a campus wide community service project. All of these events combined helped our Philanthropy Chairman, Moriah Duncan, reach her goal of involvement in community events and getting us out on campus.

Since it was Gamma Omicrons 90th anniversary, the chapter decided to host an event and invite the alumni from our chapter to attend. This large event occurred in the fall during the homecoming event at the university. Hundreds of alumni from all over the country came to support our chapter. We raised money for the new renovations taking place, in order to keep the house functioning. The entire chapter enjoyed this event because it brought active members and alumni together. Since it was such a big event, the entire chapter was to be involved to make it a success.

Our Event chairmen, Taylor Oates, continued our traditional Sapphire Ball in the Spring and Barn Dance in the fall. These events are a fun way to get to know our sisters and are a great opportunity for all of us to enjoy ourselves.

Gamma Omicron continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, the Kappa foundation and our local philanthropy, The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and the Kappa Kookout. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local, safe trick or treating option for small children on campus. Participated in the Big Event, a city community service event.

Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.

Highlights of 2018[edit]

2018 started off with the installation of our new chapter officers. Shelby Bell finished up her term as ASUW Liaison and Savannah Rutsch was elected as the Panhellenic Vice President of Programming. Spring Recruitment brought us eight new members. In April, Gamma Omicron hosted its 14th annual Mr. Wyoming spring philanthropy. One of our sisters was selected as the Emerging Leader of the Year at the Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards. Gamma Omicron also won Sigma Chi Derby Days this year.

The first large event after returning from summer was Fall Recruitment where the chapter welcomed 35 new members. We also tried a new Fall philanthropy: Kappa Karnival where we had carnival games, snacks and raffles.

Our campus welcomed a new fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, and a new sorority, Alpha Phi, will come to campus in the next year. Fraternity and Sorority Life has been working hard to increase the number of Greek Life members. The old Pi Beta Phi chapter house is also being remodeled in order to be used by an active fraternity or sorority.

Gamma Omicron supports the Albany County Safe Project as its philanthropy. We believe supporting this organization is a great opportunity.


Highlights of 2019[edit]

2019 started with installation of new chapter officers and the election of Shelby Bell as the Panhellenic Vice President of Standards. In February over 20 women participated in the Jackalope Jump benefitting Special Olympics. In one week we raised $3000 and our team won the award for the most money raised by a group at the event. During spring recruitment we recruited four new members and in April we initiated five women. In the beginning of April we participated in Greek Week and won two events and placed third overall. Also in April we held a very successful Mr. Wyoming event, raising $6656, the most we've raised in several years. In May we had nine seniors become alumnae.

Our chapter was very successful in fall recruitment, welcoming 32 new members. In October we celebrated Wyoming's Homecoming and participated in Homecoming Sing and the campus parade. We welcomed our alumnae to our annual Alumnae Chili event and were able to give house tours. At the end of October we held our first Wingin' It with Kappa event and raised $3347. Our philanthropy chairman, Katie Kelley, was incredibly successful in 2019.

Gamma Omicron supports the Albany County Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. This year we were also able to participate in their Take Back the Night event. Safe Project has made a huge difference in our community and we feel lucky to have been able to support them for multiple years.

Highlights of 2020[edit]

In the spring our chapter had many things planned that were affected by COVID. We planned on having formal, Mr. Wyoming (our philanthropy event), initiation, and many more events. Everything got cancelled when we all went home for spring break and never returned until the fall. However before we went home for spring break we participated in Panhellenic book club and a social with SigEp on March 7th. In spring 2020 we were supposed to have Greek Week but it sadly got cancelled. We still received the Outstanding Community Service award for book buddies, Outstanding Philanthropic endeavor award for Mr.Wyoming, and the Impact award for Mr.Wyoming. Upon the return of our members in the fall our Chapter Council had to figure out how to hold safe events and meetings due to COVID. We settled on having meetings on Zoom and having hybrid committees and events. Our work week was held virtually from August 16th-21st on Zoom. This was a big change from normal where we are normally in person. We also practiced what recruitment would look like if it was held virtually. Our recruitment was held virtually after many changes to the original hybrid in person plan. Recruitment was held on September 10th-13th. We utilized break rooms to have one on one conversations with PNM’s. We had bid day on September 14th which was held virtually on Zoom. We once again utilized break rooms for active members to meet the new members. Formal Pledging was held on September 21st on Zoom. Just like in the spring our members participated in Panhellenic Book Club. Our chapter decided to do a philanthropic t-shirt drive for Albany County SAFE project. Big-Little Reveal was on October 20th for our new members. We had Initiation from November 4th - 7th. All of our Initiation events were held on Zoom.

Our chapter supports our Fraternity philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We also support our local philanthropy, Albany County SAFE project. We also do book buddies with our local schools. We love working with Albany County SAFE project because they have a great message. They help with domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, etc. We also love participating in book buddies with our local schools because it involves our chapter with more reading events.

During work week we spent half a day talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We had a presentation and discussion about what diversity, equity, and inclusion are. We talked about how we would include and be conscious of how to include DEI in recruitment and other chapter events.

Our chapter celebrated Kappa’s 150th anniversary with the Founder’s Day Ceremony. We also watched the Facebook live celebration that was held by the Fraternity. Our kitchen also made special blue cupcakes to celebrate the 150 years!

Highlights of 2021[edit]

For the 2021-year Gamma Omicron accomplished some wonderful things. In the year of 2021, we welcomed 21 new members into our chapter. We also won our local Derby Days competition and we won FSL feud for our Greek Week competition! We also had at least two members on our Panhellenic Council as well as four members who were assigned as Recruitment Counselors in 2021. We also had one member on our Fraternal Standards Board as well as two members who were in the Mortar Board. One of the goals we had in 2021 was to improve our sisterhood even though we weren’t always in the same place due to covid-19 which is something we did accomplish. We held our first Barn Dance and Senior Activity since covid began and both went really well. We held many fun socials such as our pumpkin carving sisterhood or the cookie decorating. Our FSL community also held our annual Jingle Mingle event in-person since covid began as well.

We support the Albany County Safe Project as our local philanthropy because our chapter really appreciates the help they give the community and how they help people in general. We also really think that helping people in need is extremely important and having the resources they provide is super important especially since they help support people on the University of Wyoming Campus as well. We also raised/donated $10,350.23 for the Albany County Safe Project in 2021. We also support our local Veterans community. We support them because we want them to know that they are loved and appreciated, and that people do care about/for them. Gamma Omicron supported them by making them holiday cards for them, Christmas/winter holiday, valentines, Halloween, etc. We also had a totally of 704 hours of service hours for a variety of local philanthropies that members in our chapter completed.

This year we raised $4,228.49 for our Kappa philanthropy by hosting our Kappa Cookout event. We also did some mental health awareness tabling. For this we tabled and talked to community members about mental health and asked them to sign a pledge to support mental health. We also had information about mental health statistics, and we gave out stickers that said “mental health matters”.

We added a DEI officer in the fall of 2021. We also really talked about and discussed DEI during our work week. We also had a Bias training in the spring of 2021.

In the 2021-year Covid-19 changed a lot of our chapter functions. At the start of 2021 we held almost every single event online. We changed all of our meetings to be held on zoom and practically all paperwork that had been done by hand on paper was now done online. We held zoom ritual reviews where we learned our ritual and chaotically sung over zoom. We also held virtual initiations that looked very different than what we do in person but that still went well. Due to having Chapter meetings online we started having themed meeting where we would dress up as a specific theme. Those were really fun. We also held a few socials online with other chapters as well as a few online sisterhoods.

As we transitioned into the fall school semester we have transitioned back into in-person meetings, ritual reviews, initiation, fundraisers, and events while still taking precautions against Covid-19, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, and making online options for members who are sick. This fall specifically we were able to do move-in in-person.

Highlights of 2022[edit]

Note to Chapter Registrar: Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.

Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!

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