Difference between pages "Gamma Phi" and "Gamma Theta"

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	{{Infobox Fraternity		{{Infobox Fraternity
−	|Name= Gamma Phi	+	|Name= Gamma Theta
−	|GreekSymbol= ΓΦ	+	|GreekSymbol= ΓΘ
−	|Image= [[File:Gamma_Phi.jpg|200px]]	+	|Image= [[File:Gamma_Theta.jpg|200px]]
−	|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1929|05|17}}	+	|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1921|09|10}}
−	|College= [https://www.smu.edu/ Southern Methodist University]	+	|College= [https://www.drake.edu/ Drake University]
−	|Location= Dallas, TX	+	|Location= Des Moines, IA
−	|Homepage= [https://smu.kappa.org/ Gamma Phi Homepage]	+	|Homepage= [https://drake.kappa.org/ Gamma Theta Homepage]
−	|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Phi Media related to Gamma Phi Chapter]}}	+	|Media= [https://wiki.kkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Theta Media related to Gamma Theta Chapter]}}
−	----
−	'''Southern Methodist University established in 1911, Dallas, Texas'''	+	'''Drake University established in 1881 in Des Moines, Iowa'''
−	'''Founded May 17, 1929'''	+	'''Founded April 30, 1921'''
−	'''3,369 initiates (as of June 2018)'''	+	'''2,309 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
−	--------
−	'''Charter Members: '''	+	-------------
		+
		+	'''Charter Members:'''
		+
		+	Bernice Bramhall, Agnes Buchanan, Isobel Helen Carothers, Isabel Childs, Anna Laura Clark, Margaret O. Clark, Anna Laura Copeland, Marian E. Kerr Devine, Doris Dickinson, Agnes Flach, Agnes Henderson, Dorothy Rosemary Kirk, Eleanor MacRae, Mary Martin, Eleanor Morning, Elizabeth Morning, Maxine Van Meter, Gretchn Winterrowd.
		+
		+
		+	'''Fraternity Council Members:'''
−	Janet Andrews, Allie Angell, Nancy Ann Baker, Julia Bernice Ballard, Will Anne Ballard, Jane Etheridge, Martha Virginia Harrell, Virginia Haynie, Mildred Rancamp Iford, Joel Estes Lichte, Arlane Parker, Julia DeRoosette Presnall, Lo Rene Taliaferro, Louise Alice Williams, Alice Dolling Wrather.	+	Florence Tomlinson Myers (Wallace), Grand President (1930-1932), National Registrar (1928-1930; Marjorie Kyes Amend, Director of Membership (1946-1948); Mary Pat Rooney, Vice President (2018-2020), Academic Excellence Director (2015-2018)
−	'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''	+	'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
−	'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''	+	'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
		+	Mary Elizabeth Kelly, 1966, Lieutenant colonel and deputy director of the Women’s Army Corps, fiscal officer; Karen Kolbe Goodenow, 1998, Longtime leader within the National Association of the State Boards of Education; June Braun Bent, 2010, World War II WASP pilot, awarded Congressional Gold Medal;
−	'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
−	Ginnie Johansen Johnson, 1986; Entrepreneur; artist	+	'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Theta Alumnae'''
−	Jeanne Linder Phillips, 2006; Statesman/political ambassador
−	Elizabeth Hemphill Wilson, 1994; artist, needlepoint expert
		+	Margaret Miller (Brucker), Graduate Counselor 1961-1963; Penne Longhibler (Prigge) Graduate Counselor 1966-1967; Michele Starzyk, Chapter Consultant 1999-2000; Katy Stovall, Province Director of Chapters (2011-2014), Regional Director of Chapters (2014-2016), District Director (2016-2018)Technology Chairman (2018-)
		+
		+	--------
		+	==The Early Years==
−	'''Additional Outstanding Gamma Phi Alumnae:'''	+	The foundations of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, were laid by men of broad vision and liberal culture. When General Francis Marion Drake was appealed to for an initial gift of $20,000, he replied that he could and would do it and to go ahead with the building. A modest frame building was erected, followed immediately by Old Main, which stood at the center of the group of first buildings.
		+	The day Gamma Theta Chapter was installed at Drake University by Sarah B. Harris (Rowe), Northwestern, Grand President of Kappa Kappa Gamma, was one of the most momentous days in the annals of Fraternity history. The date was April 30, 1921. On that day the chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Gamma and Chi Omega were established on the Drake campus.
		+	Epsilon Tau Sigma, the petitioning local sorority which had been organized at Drake in February, 1903, was the first of the petitioning groups at the school to receive an answer to its petition. Word had been received on March 14, 1921, that Kappa Kappa Gamma had granted it a charter. Inasmuch as charters were soon granted to the other three local sororities, the national councils of the four fraternities conferred and decided to enter the university on the same day, thereby giving each group an equal start on the campus. This decision doubtless accomplished much in promoting congeniality and a true Panhellenic spirit.
−	==The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)==	+	When one looks through the archives and reads through the reports of each year’s activities and the honors won by the chapter and by individual members, it is difficult to decide whether Gamma Thetas are athletes, beauties, activity girls, or bookworms.
−	Gamma Phi Chapter began October 15, 1928, on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, when a group of three colonizers and 24 pledges became the local group, Gamma Kappa. The Dallas Alumnae Association was firmly behind the colony, and a number of its members assumed advisory board responsibilities.	+	In its first year, Gamma Theta won first place in scholarship, and since then the scholarship trophy has often been at the Kappa house.
−	Kappa Grand President Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Eta-Wisconsin, visited in January, 1929, and gave her approval. On April 15, word came from Clara O. Pierce, Beta Nu- Ohio State, "Charter granted, SMU. Congratulations."	+	The Kappas have had, perhaps, more than their share of the homecoming queens, princesses, queen’s attendants, D Club sweethearts and Quax beauties.
−	Gamma Phi was installed May 17, 1929, by Clara Pierce, Beta Nu-Ohio State, assisted by Beta Xi, University of Texas, and the Dallas alumnae.	+	When outstanding representative Drake women are elected, Kappas again are winners. In 1924, out of the three girls chosen as Representative Drakes, two were Kappas. In 1943, a member was elected Miss Drake and then caused a great sensation on campus when she was chosen Drake Relays Queen—the first time a Drake woman had been given the honor. Gamma Theta contributed a winner to the Miss Iowa contest in 1953. Fraternity sweethearts, too, were common in the chapter.
		+	The athletic awards captured by the chapter read like something from the sports pages. They are good sports and good at sports also.
−	Southern Methodist University, which was opened to students in September, 1915, had been established by charter in April, 1911, under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.	+	Each year many Gamma Thetas were elected to the honorary organizations on the campus in recognition of their abilities. Long lists of Kappas’ names were on the membership rolls of Sieve and Shears, Margaret Fuller Club, Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities, as well as music, drama, education and other such organizations.
−	At the time of the installation of the Kappa chapter there were 1,371 men students, 1,121 women students, and 152 faculty members. Thirteen fraternities had already been installed. The 11 buildings of 1929 had become 80 by 1973, and there were 8,000 students and 500 faculty.	+	Gamma Theta leadership was shown through the work done on the campus publications. The Quax was at times been edited by Kappas, and other Gamma Thetas served as business managers. The weekly edition of the Times-Delphic had Kappas on the staff nearly every year.  Kappawise, Gamma Theta’s chapter news publication won the award for the best mimeographed paper at the KKG General Convention in 1958, when Julia Brower (Lyon) was editor.
−	The first 33 years of Gamma Phi were notable for student activities, honoraries, "overwhelmingly successful parties," and sweethearts and queens.	+	All years have not been a round of social activities mixed in with the academic endeavors. The war years found the Kappas at Drake doing their share of war work and going without. To read their accounts, they went without almost everything—including men. Social activities were limited to small house dances and inter-sorority exchanges. Kappas won some degree of fame, however, through serenades to Army Air-Corps students.
−	Ruth Pollock (McCloud) was Southern Methodist University Sweetheart at the 1933 Texas Roundup, and the chapter won athletic trophies in basketball, baseball, and swimming and diving. In 1937 Florence Allen (Roseborough) collaborated on the script for the Southern Methodist University Pontiac Varsity Show coast-to-coast broadcast. Anna Ruth Baker (McCall) was named one of the five "most exotic girls on campus" in an all-school election in 1939, and the chapter float in the Homecoming Parade was named "most beautiful." Peggy Wallace (Reinke) received an "M" Award during the 1940-41 school year for being the co-founder of COGS, (College Organization for General Service), a group that claimed more significance and interest than any other on campus. The chapter sponsored informal parties for cadets at Hensley Field in Dallas, in keeping with wartime activities.	+	During the 1942–43 school year, the chapter voted to donate all but their three most recently won trophy cups to the metal salvage drive. That was the year that Gamma Theta had the honor of having Miss Drake, the Relays Queen and the Editor of the Quax.
−	During the decade of the 1940s, every outstanding organization at Southern Methodist seemed to have been headed by Kappas: Kirkos; COGS; YWCA; Zeta Phi Eta; the Rotunda (yearbook); and officers of the Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Classes. Jo Neal (Cleaver), chapter president and Mortar Board member, was chosen a Rotunda beauty by Cecil B. DeMille. Eleanor Maclay was one of the seven original members of the Southern Methodist chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.	+	A French student from Algeria entered Drake as a Kappa exchange student in 1939. Europe’s war and the Atlantic’s submarine peril prevented an active from being Drake’s exchange student to the University of Toulouse, France.
−	Gamma Phi was second highest on the campus in scholarship in 1950-51, but the most important event was the groundbreaking for a chapter house. Sororities had at last been given permission to erect houses, and all eleven built simultaneously in the university's Georgian-style architecture. In December, the chapter was spotlighted in The Key.	+	Gamma Theta claimed “Mrs. America of 1960,” Margaret King Priebe of Des Moines.
−	The year 1951-52 was the first in the new house, and the chapter achieved first in scholarship. The following year Gamma Phi was the installing chapter of Delta Psi, Texas Tech University, at Lubbock, and in 1954-55 members fostered the formation of Epsilon Alpha at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. Members of Kappa and Sigma Alpha Epsilon were featured in a color picture on the fraternity-sorority title page of the yearbook. In 1958, the chapter won the Charlotte Barrell Ware Standard Cup at convention, and again was first in scholarship.
−	The years between 1962 and 1973 saw a re-examination of Greek life, and the future of the system looked rather grim. However, Gamma Phi members continue to achieve high scholarship, show interest in campus life and the community, and concern for each other. The chapter won the Standards Award again in 1970.	+	-----------
		+	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.
−	Gamma Phi has enjoyed a very friendly relationship with Dallas alumnae, who have always generously supported the active chapter with time and money.
−	Well-known Gamma Phi alumnae include: charter member Joel Estes Lichte Tate, wife of the chancellor of Southern Methodist University; Louise Little Barbeck, Kappa Fraternity president 1968-72; Gail Griffin Thomas, dean of the University of Dallas; and Mary Ellen Mitchell Jericho, voted the outstanding Kappa in the area at the Fraternity's Centennial year Founders Day banquet in Dallas.	+	----------
		+
	==Highlights of the 1970s==		==Highlights of the 1970s==
−	If you wore a polo shirt with a floppy bow tie at the neck in the late 70s, then you know all about belties. Did you know, though, that the word belties was first coined by a Kappa from SMU? When not setting the tone for fashion, Kappas at Gamma Phi listened to Billie Joel, Hall and Oats, the Grateful Dead, and Bonnie Raitt. They cheered on the football team, fuelling Mustang Mania, which was just emerging at the time, while SMU also excelled in swimming and tennis.	+
		+	From chapter’s History Report: During the 1970’s Gamma Theta emerged on campus as one of the leading sororities. The had the most improved G.P.A.( exceeding 3.0) as well as being honored for most involved chapter with Honorable Mention at Province in 1976. Gamma Theta’s sisterly bonds grew as it met quota for each fall rush and created bonds of sisterhood that would never be forgotten. Through these years the ladies of the Gamma Theta chapter also participated in the Bulldog Olympics making the Kappa name on campus great.
		+
		+
		+	'''Housing''':
−	Positivity was a chapter focus during this time. Chapter members significantly improved their grades and worked on developing positive attitudes. Officers stressed open communication, even picking rooms that gave the President and Vice Presidents the most visibility for the rest of the members. Chapter meetings were streamlined, and the chapter developed a stronger Panhellenic spirit. And of course, the chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary on SMU campus.	+	During the 1970’s chapters of other Greek organizations were closing on campus, but  Kappa thrived and gained steam through successful Recruitment and an increased emphasis on academics.
−	Kappas were also prominent leaders on campus. One member started a fundraising campaign to restore a historical SMU fountain that now features in all the school’s brochures, and among the Kappas were Homecoming Queen first runner-up, cheerleaders, Miss New Mexico, Miss Dallas, three yearbook beauties and a National Alumni Scholarship Winner.
−	==Highlights of the 1980s==	+	'''Philanthropy:'''
−	In many ways, the 1980s were the best of times and the worst of times for SMU. The university’s football team marked its most successful era from 1980 to 1985, posting a 55-14-1 record and winning three SWC titles. Kappas—preppy to the core in brown Topsiders, French braids or big hair and the obligatory strand of pearls—were among the sellout crowds cheering on the team at Texas Stadium, which was the former home of the Dallas Cowboys. Football, however, was cancelled for two seasons in 1986 and 1987 for NCAA violations, and Kappas turned to intramural leagues for the sports fix.	+	In 1971, the Revitalization Corps in Des Moines, Iowa had 11-12 Gamma Thetas volunteer to work with the underprivileged of Des Moines by tutoring, serving free meals, counseling former mental patients and supervising youth recreation.
−	In 1987, the chapter won intramural soccer and tennis championships, while powder puff football games with other sororities raised money for various philanthropic causes. Gamma Phi members also hosted canned food drives, supported a halfway house for non-violent juvenile offenders in Dallas, helped children improve their reading skills in an inner city housing project, and raised money for the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas.
−	Other notable events included chapter dinners at Spaghetti Warehouse in downtown Dallas, celebrating the 115th birthday of Kappa with Director of Chapters and future Fraternity President J. J. Wales, and hosting an inter-greek reception for the new university president, Dr. A. Kenneth Pye, in 1987. It was also during this time that the chapter began to follow the Celebration of Lights ceremony on campus with hot chocolate, cookies, a roaring fire and Nat King Cole at the chapter house.	+	'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
−	The chapter continued to focus on academic excellence, holding a how to study seminar, and recognizing excellent grades with a weekly smart cookie award. Chapter meetings emphasized heritage and ritual, and members were encouraged to hang out at the house through monthly cookouts and holiday celebrations like Secret Santa gift exchanges.
−	Kappas regularly featured the Dallas Morning News for participating in the Idlewild Ball, Tyler Rose Festival and other prominent Texan debutant balls. And the Kappa Pickers, the chapter’s musical performance group, began to gain local prominence.
−	==Highlights of the 1990s==
−	Gamma Phi’s Kappa Pickers reached national prominence when they sang on CBS This Morning in Washington in 1991. They continued to perform throughout the 1990s, delighting audiences at parents’ weekend, Founders Day and many other Kappa and campus events.	+	==Highlights of the 1980s:==
−	The chapter was very dedicated to philanthropy in these years. At least 10 to 20 members went to Traymore Nursing Home once a month to visit with residents, and in later years, the chapter would visit with patients at Medical City Hospital’s transitional care unit. Gamma Phi also helped out a shelter for runaway children, tutored students at an elementary school, sponsored blood drives, raised money for muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis. Other highlights included hosting a blood platelet drive to benefit Carter Blood Care for a Kappa Alpha Fraternity member who was diagnosed with cancer, sponsoring a Canadian Kappa alum through the Rose McGill Fund, and launching the very popular Carve for the Cure on Halloween.	+
		+	'''Philanthropy:'''
		+
		+	Gamma Theta participated in and hosted philanthropic activities that benefited Drake and the Des Moines community. Some events that the chapter held were dance-marathons and a Halloween party for underprivileged first graders in a local school. A favorite event to be involved in was the Iowa Lung Walk-a-thon for the American Lung Association, but the most well know event was the Drake Relays. This is an annual, nationally recognized track-and-field event. During the week leading to the event there are activities and competitions between many campus organizations.  Gamma Theta members created floats to proudly show off Kappa to the Drake community!
		+
		+
		+	'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
		+
		+
−	SMU Kappas partnered with Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity on the annual Easter Egg hunt for children of university faculty and stuff, stuffing over 1,100 plastic eggs in 1995. Regular events included the Kappa Kountry Formal, Founders Day at the Dallas Country Club, and parents’ weekend with Sunday brunch. Special highlights included the chapter retreat at Camp John Mark and a visit to a ropes course to promote chapter unity.
−	Kappa exemplified its traditional of leadership on SMU campus in the 1990s. Gamma Phi hosted the first date rape seminar at SMU in 1991, and followed up with seminars on eating disorders and campus violence. In 1990, a Kappa chaired SMU’s Celebration of Lights, and in 1991 Kappas chaired Homecoming and won Homecoming Queen, which Kappas featuring in the Homecoming throughout the decade. Many chapter members attended Convention in 1990 when it was hosted in Dallas. The chapter received several honorable mentions for awards, and would go on to win the Fraternity’s Finance Award in 1996.	+	==Highlights of the 1990s==
−	==Highlights of the 2000s==	+	Panhellenic  constantly changed the schedule for rush (now called Recruitment) during the 1990’s.  By the the end of the decade it was condensed into a three day event.  Like Panhellenic, the chapter also had a tradition of frequently changing the themes from year-to-year for their various rush parties.  This helped keep the members excited for membership recruitment.
−	The women of Gamma Phi chapter in the 2000s were intelligent and motivated to do their best in every aspect of their lives. Very involved on campus, the chapter enthusiastically supports it members, whether they are running for Homecoming Queen, launching a new philanthropy or playing on a sports team.	+	'''Housing:'''
−	The chapter was supported by very active alumnae. They helped count votes for rush, plan the initiation brunch, decorate the house for the holidays, sell Kappa bracelets, and host alumnae events at the house. Their help and guidance was appreciated by chapter members, and inspired SMU’s Kappas to grow and continue their involvement in Kappa.	+	In 1991, the Gamma Theta house was renovated which generated a lot of excitement among the actives.  There 128 women in the chapter after pledging 34 new members. During the nineties, members of Gamma Theta were the beneficiary of a robust House Board and were the recipients of constant updating and decorating.  In the summer of 1998, the House Board restored the house to what it originally looked like when the chapter was founded in 1921.
−	One of the alumnae’s major projects was building a new chapter house, which the chapter moved into in 2006. This amazing new house, has been a home away from home for many members.
−	Major events included Theta Province meeting in Dallas in 2005, when the chapter hosted a southern barbeque for the all the actives and alumnae that were in town. There was the annual Celebration of Lights, and another Homecoming Queen from Kappa in 2009.	+	'''Philanthropy:'''
−	Philanthropy continued to be a major driver of events, with the chapter raising funds for Camp John Mark, Habitat for Humanity, Dallas Parkland Hopsital, Relay for Life, the Dallas humane shelter, and Dollars for Darfur. In 2006, the chapter published the Kappa Kookbook, which feature recipes from the SMU chapter, and raised money for the Rose McGill Fund.	+	Gamma Theta excelled in their philanthropic spirit and by the end of the 1998 school year they had fulfilled their goal of raising $10,000 for Project 2000. They enjoyed hosting their annual Chili Kook-off to benefit the recipients of Rose McGill and also participated in several other community and Panhellenic philanthropic events.
−	==Highlights of 2010==
−	2010 was a fun and exciting year for the Gamma Phi chapter! We started the year off with a great recruitment week. During philanthropy day of recruitment, we shared a video about our chapter’s involvement in the Ugandan American Partnership Organization, a non-profit organization that aides struggling women and children in Uganda. The UAPO was founded by one of our own Kappa sisters and is very dear to each of our hearts. We strung necklaces with beads handmade by Ugandan widows, and new members sold the necklaces in the spring in order to send profits back to the widows.	+	'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
−	Dad’s Weekend was in the spring, and father-daughter pairs competed in the Kappa Klassic golf tournament. We got to spend quality time with our dads, and we were able to raise over $14,000 to help finish the UAPO’s construction of a new Vocational Center in a Ugandan village and provide medical supplies, school supplies and clean water to orphanages built by the UAPO. Over the summer, twelve of our sisters shared a life-changing experience on their visit to Uganda.
−	Other highlights of the year included Kickin’ It With Kappa and Kappacino Kafe, philanthropic events we hosted in the fall. Kappas danced the night away at our Victory, Monmouth, and Kite&Key formals, and we had fun dressing up for our “Jarty” and Woodstock themed date dashes! Trendy Kappas could be spotted about Dallas in over-the-knee boots, furry vests, sequin embellished dresses, stacks of bracelets and sky-high pumps!
−	Gamma Phi is a large and diverse chapter. Each individual brings new and exciting ideas to the table, but we also work well together as a team to accomplish goals during the year. Girls in our chapter care about their schoolwork, care about the community, are involved in other organizations at SMU, hold exciting jobs or internships, and above all, are Kappa krazy! We have girls who study corporate communications and public affairs, accounting, English, art history, and even chemistry! Many of our sisters are members of the Union, Student Foundation, Student Senate, Honor Council, and the University Honors Program.	+	==Highlights of 2000-2010==
−	==Highlights of 2011==	+	At Province meeting Gamma Theta received the following awards: Most Improved Chapter, Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Programming, and Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship and Programming.  The chapter was also recognized during Greek Week with the Dean of Students Award.
		+
		+	In 2007, the chapter welcomed an incredibly large pledge class.  Gamma Theta members were active in other campus organizations such as; Student Senate, American Marketing Association, Drake Magazine, and fraternities of business and pharmacy.  Taking it one step further, many of the members also held leadership positions in other campus organizations.
−	Our chapter is large and diverse, with girls from all over the United States and abroad. The 2011 pledge class even has girls from Bali, London, and Panama. This mix of diverse individuals enhances our chapter, as each member brings unique and exciting ideas to the table. We all work well together in order to accomplish goals throughout the year.	+	When Gamma Theta incurred standards and financial reporting hurdles, the members quickly took action and developed plans which increased chapter morale and accountability.
−	Many of our sisters in the Gamma Phi chapter are active and involved a number of other activities and organizations, both on and off campus. Our sisters participate in on-campus organizations such as the Union, Student Foundation, Student Senate, Honor Council, and the University Honors Program. Off campus, many of our sisters hold interesting and impressive internships and jobs, and care about and engage in different community service opportunities. Our sisters academic interests are varied, as we have girls who study Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Accounting, History, and even Biology!
−	We had an exciting 2011. A fun and successful recruitment week started the year off right. During philanthropy day of recruitment, we continued the tradition of showing a video about the Ugandan American Partnership Organization (UAPO), which was founded by one of our Kappa sisters from the Gamma Phi chapter. We strung necklaces using the beads that Ugandan widows hand made, which the new members sold the following spring. The profits from the necklace sales were sent back to the widows to help them build a life of their own. The proceeds from our "Kappacino Kafe" philanthropy event also benefitted the UAPO.	+	'''Philanthropy:'''
−	This year we made an exciting change to one of our other major philanthropy events taking place in the fall, "Kickin' It With Kappa," an event benefitting Reading Is Fundamental: we hosted a frozen yogurt party outside on the boulevard on a beautiful afternoon in early September, to keep up with the recent trendiness and rising popularity of frozen yogurt shops in Dallas and nation-wide.	+	In the spring and fall of 2005 Gamma Theta won Alpha Phi and Delta Gamma's philanthropy events and placed second in both Sigma Chi Derby Days and the Sig Ep's philanthropy.  Kappa Kasino, had the best turn-out in its history during 2007 and raised approximately $3,700 that went directly to the Heart Connection.
−	Other highlights of the year included our parties and social events. Kappas had a great time dancing the night away at our Victory, Monmouth, and Kite & Key formals. We also had a blast dressing up for our 90s and Hunt or Be Hunted themed date dashes. Gamma Phi Kappas were as chic and trendy as ever this year, often spotted about Dallas wearing stylish over the knee boots, fur vests, sequin embellished dresses, and wrap bracelets.
−	We are proud of our chapter for many reasons this year. We were the recipients of the Risk Management Award at the Province meeting hosted in Fort Worth. In addition, we welcomed the chapter councils from Epsilon Alpha, Epsilon Upsilon, and Zeta Sigma, as we hosted the LEAD Seminar in the fall. We are also very proud and extremely excited this year because we won Homecoming! Our chapter united to support 2011 Homecoming activities, and it was a wonderful and rewarding feeling for the whole house when Grace Roberts won Homecoming Queen during halftime of the football game.	+	'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
−	This year was extremely exciting at SMU, as construction on the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which broke ground in fall2010, continued and made considerable progress. Although construction is still a work in progress, the Presidential Center already seems a stunning structure. The Presidential Center will open in 2013. Also, this spring we celebrated the centennial of SMU’s founding in 1911, complete with fireworks and cake on SMU’s boulevard. This year was an extremely fun time to be an SMU student.	+	6/30/08 Standards Honorable Mention
		+	6/30/06 New Member Program Honorable Mention
		+	6/30/06 Sally Moore Nitschke Lifelong Education Honorable Mention
		+	6/30/06 Standards Honorable Mention
		+	6/30/00 Panhellenic Honorable Mention
		+	==Highlights of 2011-2019==
		+	From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.:
	==Highlights of 2012==		==Highlights of 2012==
−	2012 was a great year for The Gamma Phi Chapter. We kicked off the year by continuing a philanthropy tradition that was started by SMU Kappa members.  During recruitment week on philanthropy day, we played a video about UAPO, an organization that was founded by one of our Kappa sisters. The video featured Kappa members volunteering and making a difference in Uganda. We hosted “Kappacino Kafe” as well as “Kickin’ it with Kappa.”  Both were successful events.  Kappa women also participated in SMU’s homecoming festivities.  The week was a success because of our hard work combined with our wonderful homecoming candidate, Anne McCaslin Parker. During SMU’s Celebration of Lights, Kappa members participated with SMU Student Foundation and adopted elementary students for the evening.  This made the event very special for Kappa’s as well as the elementary students.	+	2012 was a year of growth for the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Not only did our chapter grow as a whole, but individually as well.  This personal growth as a chapter lead us to win the "Overall Most Improved Chapter" at the National Convention. We also received the Greek Gala award "Outstanding Chapter President" for our previous president Jessica Reisig. We tremendously increased our participation in greek life. We did the best we could to become more involved in other Fraternities' philanthropies. This increase in participation resulted in us taking first place in Delta Gamma's "anchor splash." We were noted for having many women in our chapter participate in Sigma Phi Epsilon's philanthropy.  We ended up placing second for their "queen of hearts" softball tournament. We also took second place in Alpha Phi's "Fast Phi't" and FIJI's "FIJI Island."
		+	Our switch of philanthropy from Kappa Kasino to Kappa Klassic was a huge success. We had a great turn out and raised over $4,000 for our local philanthropy and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This fall we had a very memorable sisterhood event. All the women in our chapter were invited to unite in the kitchen where we watched the inspiring documentary "Finding Kind." This sisterhood was such a bonding experience for us and encouraged everyone to look deep within themselves. This sisterhood was one that made a lasting impression on the women. I foresee it being talked about years from now.
−	'''Campus:'''	+	We also started a new tradition of creating scrapbook pages for every big sister and little sister. We are very excited to be able to look back at these pages and remember all the fond moments. As well as being involved within our chapter, many of our members are involved with different organizations on campus. This year we had 4 members who served as a PMAC on campus and 2 members who served as student ambassadors on campus. We also have a member who is the president of the finance club and a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of Man Up Magazine.
−	SMU is located in the center of Dallas.  It’s a great location because of the easy routes to downtown, uptown, and other areas in Dallas. The campus is beautiful and is surrounded by green grass and tall trees. SMU is a friendly campus with small classes.  The professors make the learning experience great. They are available and willing to meet with students individually. SMU offers an atmosphere that’s exciting and thriving.  One of the 2012 highlights on campus is the construction of the George W. Bush Presidential Library.	+	In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. This semester alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of service to our local community.  All of our chapter members took part in the Belize Dance Marathon this year, which raised money for building primary schools in Belize. The leader of this foundation, James Albert, was extremely thankful that the Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and was especially fond of the women of Kappa. Additionally we keep improving our GPA and our academics even though the street is hard competition. During the spring we participated heavenly in the Drake Relays with street painting which dozens of girls participated in to make a painted square devoted to Kappa. Overall 2012 was a year to remember for Gamma Theta. It will be a year to look back on and feel proud of all the improvement we made. We are looking forward to what 2013 will bring.
−	'''Chapter:'''	+	Campus:
		+	Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.
−	We have a very diverse chapter consisting of ladies from different parts of the world and from all over the U.S.  The diversity allows Kappa’s to share different ideas and learn from each other.  Our members are involved in many different organizations and groups at SMU and outside of SMU.	+	Chapter:
		+	A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.
−	'''Chapter Challenges:'''	+	'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
		+	2012- Most Improved Chapter
−	Our greatest challenge this year was accountability.  We do not fine members for not attending events.  Therefore, it is hard to hold members accountable for attending events.  To address this issue, we looked to motivation and a type of “punishment.”  The punishment involves making some events mandatory and if members do not attend, they are sent to standards.  Usually the punishment would entail not being allowed to attend the upcoming formal.  The motivation and encouragement paid off and was a successful strategy.
	==Highlights of 2013==		==Highlights of 2013==
−	2013 was a great year full of memories, accomplishments, and sisterhood for The Gamma Phi Chapter. We kicked off the year in January with a successful Recruitment Week. The four days of Open House, Philanthropy, Skit, Preference Morning and Bid Night were hard work but will always be remembered as a bonding experience for our chapter. Philanthropy day was extremely special because our philanthropy, The Akola Project, is a non-profit organization that was founded by one of our very own SMU Kappas. We played a video that featured Kappa members volunteering and making a difference in Uganda. Bid Night was also a highlight to the start of the year 2013. We welcomed 54 excited new members. They had a retreat that night at the Kappa house with Chapter Council members, which included playing games, eating good food, and learning the traditions and rules of Kappa.	+	Not only was 2013 a year of growth for the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, but individually as well. Since winning the award of the “Overall Most Improved Chapter” at the National Convention, and also receiving the Greek Gala award “Outstanding Chapter President,” I feel that we have held
		+	ourselves to a very high and positive standard. Since then, we tremendously increased our participation in greek life and with Drake University as a whole.
		+
		+	This year, our chapter had very high participation with all chapters philanthropies. We did the best we could to win in each by helping everyone raise money, and also by having fun! This competitive fun and participation resulted in us taking first place in Alpha Phi’s “Fast Phi’t” and Phi Gamma Delta’s “Fiji Island.” This year we have taken high placement in all Sororities and Fraternities philanthropies and our participation was nearly doubled since last year. This year with Kappa Klassic, not only did we have wonderful weather, but we raised over $5,000 for the Children’s Cancer Connection, Rose McGill fund and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This amount raised was absolutely amazing and was the best we have ever done. Not only was Kappa Klassic the only thing we did this year to raise money for a foundation, but we were involved in the Belize Dance Marathon. This was a very memorable and touching sisterhood event experience. We had one hundred percent participation and we raised nearly $2,000. The money went to the James Arthur Albert foundation which provided
		+	money for Belize children to go to high school. This was an amazing bonding experience for us and we are involving ourselves to continue to do it annually.
−	The next couple months continued with fun, memorable events for the new members. Key Sis week was one of the best weeks of the Spring semester. The bigs had surprises for their littles every night, and the last night was the Big Little Reveal. The girls were so excited to finally be a part of a “Kappa family.” The next major event was Initiation. Inspiration Week was a time for our chapter to reflect on why we went Kappa and what Kappa means to each of us. Sisterhood and the traditions of Kappa were built stronger that week, and the new members got to be exposed to the true meaning of being a sister. Initiation was followed by Mom’s Weekend festivities. Mothers and daughters had a lovely brunch at the Dallas Country Club. The next day was an open house at the Kappa house and an Akola Project trunk show for the mothers to enjoy. The spring semester also consisted of Kappas going on spring break together and our fun social formals, Victory and Monmouth. Selected Chapter Council members attended Kappa Province in Lubbock, TX and were proud to come back with the award “Outstanding Performance in Risk Management.”	+	The leader of this foundation, James Albert, was extremely thankful that the Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and was especially fond of the women of Kappa. As well as being involved within our chapter, many of our members are involved with different organizations on campus. This year we had many members who served
		+	as a PMAC on campus and also 3 members were elected to sit on Panhel, one being the new Panhel President.
−	The spring semester ended, and summer came around with lots of opportunities for our SMU Kappa members. Kappa sisters took summer school, studied abroad, and also worked incredible internships all over the country. Fifteen SMU Kappas studied in Innsbruck, Austria for six weeks together traveling to different countries every weekend. Another group of five Kappas  studied in Madrid, Spain. Other Kappas were sprinkled out over Europe studying in Italy, London, and Paris.	+	We have a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of the new Drake Honors Magazine, The Annual. In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. This
		+	semester alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of service to our local community. Additionally we keep improving our GPA and our academics even though the street is hard competition. During the spring we participated heavily in the Drake Relays with street painting which dozens of girls participated
		+	in to make a painted square devoted to Kappa. Overall 2013 was a year to remember for Gamma Theta. It will be a year to look back on and feel proud of all the improvement we made. We are looking forward to what 2014 will have in store.
−	School started back in August, and all our Kappa members became extremely busy with academics, preparing for Recruitment, philanthropy events, and SMU football games and boulevards. Our first philanthropy event was “Kappacino Kafe” and was held on the lawn with little sweet treats and frozen yogurt. We successfully raised money for The Akola Project. The next philanthropy event we hosted, Kickin’ it with Kappa,” was even more successful raising money for RIF. It was a workout out class for the girls in SMU’s Dedman athletic center. Philanthropy donated the rest of the philanthropy budget to The Kappa Foundation at the end of the term. Kappa members also participated with Homecoming week. We painted a banner with our theme and also a wooden Peruna (our mascot).	+	'''Campus:'''Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.
−	We participated in Canstruction, Rock the Vote, field day, and building a float. This week was hard work, but we loved coming together as a chapter to support our wonderful homecoming candidate Mackenna Scripps. Kappas continued to enjoy having a tent on the boulevard each game day and supporting the Mustangs at the SMU football games. SMU Family Weekend was a fun weekend for Kappa moms and dads to meet each other and enjoy SMU’s campus and Dallas. We enjoyed our two social events of the semester Pick a Mister for your Sister date dash and Kite and Key formal. A few Kappas also participate in SMU Student Foundation and put on the Celebration of Lights, which is always a special night that the school comes together to celebrate the Holidays right before final exams.We finished the year strong academically. We were also awarded the “Outstanding Member” award by SMU Panhellenic for Lexy Hammesfahr’s incredible performance in SMU, Kappa, and her career. At the end of the semester, we slated for new Chapter Council positions, and our chapter was excited about the new leaders in the house.	+	'''Chapter:''''A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.
−	SMU is located in the center of Dallas.  It’s a great location because of the easy routes to downtown, uptown, and other areas in Dallas.  The campus is beautiful and is surrounded by green grass and tall trees.  SMU is a friendly campus with small classes.  The professors make the learning experience great.  They are available and willing to meet with students individually. One of the 2013 highlights on campus was the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library. SMU also built new dorms, tennis courts, cafeteria, and band room. SMU offers an atmosphere that’s prestigious and thriving, and Kappas are excited for the new students each year.
−	We have a very diverse chapter consisting of ladies from different parts of the world and from all over the U.S. The diversity allows Kappas to share different ideas and learn from each other.  Our members are involved in many different organizations and groups at SMU and outside of SMU.	+	==Highlights of 2014==
−	Our greatest challenge this year was accountability. We do not fine members for not attending events.  Therefore, it is hard to hold members accountable for attending events.  To address this issue, we looked to motivation and a type of “punishment.”  The punishment involves making some events mandatory, and if members do not attend, they are sent to standards.  Usually the punishment would entail not being allowed to attend the upcoming social events.  The motivation and encouragement paid off and was a successful strategy.	+	2014 was a great year for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Members were not only actively involved within the Gamma Theta chapter, Drake Greek life, and campus organizations, but they were also able to excel academically.
		+	One of the most important aspects of creating a strong chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is having a successful recruitment. Our chapter was honored to have received an honorable mention Kappa Kappa Gamma Recruitment Award at Convention in the summer of 2014. Gamma Theta proved to be deserving of this award in the spring of 2014 when we initiated 4 members after informal recruitment, and in the fall, when we initiated 36 members after formal recruitment. Our newly initiated members have been exceptionally involved within the chapter, as well as on Greek street and in campus organizations. They have proved to be role models to the rest of the chapter, and ensure that the future of Gamma Theta will be in good hands.
−	==Highlights of 2014==	+	Gamma Theta became more philanthropic in 2014 through the incorporation of sisterhood and service. One member of our chapter created Little Ladies Leading; a sisterhood event focused on empowering young girls in Des Moines public elementary schools. Members of the chapter spent the duration of the event partnered with the a "little lady," and led by example what a strong woman leader looks like. Gamma Theta also became actively involved with Graham's Gift; a non-profit organization founded by the brother of one of our members. We spent sisterhoods making rainbow loom bracelets to be sold to raise money for childhood cancer research. This aligned closely with our local philanthropy, Children's Cancer Connection. Gamma Theta also had the privilege of being nominated for the ALS Bucket Challenge. We willingly participated and donated, as well as nominated the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapters at Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Simpson College.
		+
		+	As for involvement in philanthropies within Drake University Greek life, Gamma Theta proved to be actively engaged. In the fall of 2014, we won Theta Chi's philanthropy week, as well as Kappa Alpha Theta's serenades. Not only did this prove to encourage participation among the chapter, it also proved to be a great way to unite as sisters. Sisterhood also flourished during our chapter's philanthropy week for Kappa Klassic, when we raised $3,500 for our local philanthropy and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. There were several new aspects to Kappa Klassic in 2014 that enhanced the week. We sold cups and mason jar mugs that sold remarkably well. We also had a book drive that collected 300 books to be given to the children battling cancer at Blank Children's hospital. Gamma Theta is continually adapting to make sure that we are hosting the best possible philanthropy that we can.
		+
		+	Gamma Theta also spent 2014 focused on making improvements to our academics. In 2014 alone, we improved our GPA by .1, had 25 women obtain 4.0s, and had 56% of our returning members improve their GPA from the spring to fall semester. We also had 3 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the Drake University pharmacy program.
−	2014 was a great year for the Gamma Phi Chapter at SMU. This year, our chapter saw incredible academic performance improvement, successful new social activities, and a remarkable Recruitment. In the summer of 2014, the Gamma Phi Chapter received the prestigious “Panhellenic Award” at the Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention in Houston, TX. This award recognized our chapter as the Kappa chapter that nationally best exemplified true Panhellenic leadership and relations in the college campus community. The Gamma Phi Chapter also received “Honorable Mention” for “Finance Award”, “Recruitment Award”, and “Advisory Board Award.” During the fall semester on game day weekends, we invited the gentlemen of a different fraternity every week to join us for a favorite Kappa tradition – Friday brunch at the Kappa house.	+	Gamma Theta has also been actively involved in organizations outside of Kappa Kappa Gamma. This year, we had three members serve on the Panhellenic Council (one as president), as well as have two women elected into Panhellenic positions for the 2015 year. Additionally, we had 5 members act as recruitment counselors for formal recruitment in the fall of 2014. Our involvement, however, branches into other aspects of campus life as well. We have 7 student-athletes, Drake University's College of Arts and Sciences senator, the editor-in-chief of our university news paper, the Times Delphic, and have 70 women involved in clubs, organizations, and business fraternities. Some of our accomplishments on campus include getting first place in "Yell Like Hell," (a Drake homecoming tradition), and being intramural soccer champions. We are very proud to have women that excel within the classroom, on Drake campus, and of course, within Kappa.
−	Gamma Phi Kappas also enjoyed our inaugural Sapphire Ball for Kappas and their dates, during such a special formal night to remember in November. Also during November, a group of Kappa members hosted a Reading is Key event, while we read to underprivileged elementary school children and donated hundreds of books for the children to take home. Furthermore, in the fall semester, we invited the SMU campus and Kappa alumnae for our first ever spirit event before the SMU season opener basketball game, called Kappa Kappa Gameday. In December the semester concluded with our successful inaugural philanthropy event. Our “Kappa Holiday Bazaar” brought all types of vendors to a shopping event for Kappas, to raise money with a portion of all profits to be donated to RIF. In total, we raised over $2,700 in support of Reading is Fundamental. The Akola Project, the non-profit philanthropy that our chapter always supports, was also in attendance at the bazaar and sold a great amount of jewelry to help raise additional funds for their causes. The chapter is also proud to have a Kappa member represent the chapter as Emily Provost was elected to serve as the 2015 SMU Panhellenic President. We are very proud of all of our accomplishment	+	Campus: Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.
−	This year, Southern Methodist University has continued its celebration of our centennial. Panhellenic had the most number of girls ever sign up for rush with numbers topping 600 girls. This allowed the Gamma Phi chapter to welcome a higher than usual new members to our 2015 pledge class. The Gamma Phi chapter continues to strive for excellence and improvement creating a sense of drive and determination throughout our chapter. Our chapter's outlook on the 2014-2015 Gamma Phi year is hopeful and ambitious as we continue our tradition of excellence in leadership, campus involvement, academics, and sisterhood.	+	Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.
−	We hold chapter meetings in our chapter house on the North edge of campus, owned by our chapter. The chapter-owned house we currently have was built in 2008. It is the second house in our chapter's history. It houses 40 of our Kappa sisters, mainly upperclassmen and we are so lucky to have the wonderful Jill Rusher as our house mother. We are thankful to our Alum and House Board for helping our incredible in-house experience run smoothly.	+	Gamma Theta holds chapter meetings in the dining room of our chapter house. The women of Gamma Theta reside in the Millie Y. and Frank P. Mattes House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1910, this building was originally a farm house, and was converted to a sorority house in 1959, when it was purchased by the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Since its purchase, the house has undergone two expansions to accommodate for the growing chapter. Our house has 19 sleeping rooms and can hold 50 women, and has been the home of Kappa Kappa Gamma women since its purchase.
	==Highlights of 2015==		==Highlights of 2015==
−	2015 was a great year for the Gamma Phi Chapter at SMU. This year, our chapter saw incredible academic performance improvement, successful new social activities, and a remarkable Recruitment. In the spring, we gained 58 new members. We enjoyed a fun-filled and celebrated Bid Day in January and officially initiated our new members on March 21, 2015. The week of February 22nd, we enjoyed a week-long visit from our leadership consultant and learned of ways we can improve our chapter and heard of things we were doing well. On March 30th, we had our first Easter event with the Wesley-Rankin after school program with the men of Pi Kappa Alpha. We had an Easter egg hunt, played games, and had a cookout for the kids, and it was a tremendous success. We had another successful Monmouth formal with Pi Beta Phi on April 18th and enjoyed the traditional formal that is a rich part of our history. This fall, we had many new and exciting changes and activities at the Gamma Phi Chapter. We continued our tradition last year of having “Brunch with the Boys” where one Friday a month we invited a different fraternity to have brunch with us at the house. A new tradition that we have not practiced in over 10 years was a candlelight celebration during which we celebrated one of our senior members who got engaged in June. In October we also participated in a Halloween service event at Wesley-Rankin’s after school program again with the men of Pi Kappa Alpha. We played games, spent time with the kids, helped them with homework, and ate LOTS of candy! November was an incredibly busy month for the Gamma Phi chapter. For the first time ever, the entire Gamma Phi chapter celebrated the 145th Founders Day with the Kappa Dallas Alumnae Association at the Dallas Country Club. We were honored to be included in the celebration and meet Kappas who have been dedicated to our chapter for many years. On November 15th, we had our second annual Holiday Bazaar to raise money for Reading is Fundamental and enjoyed huge success with the event. The Akola Project, the non-profit philanthropy that our chapter always supports, was also in attendance at the bazaar and sold a great amount of jewelry to help raise additional funds for their causes. On November 22nd, we hosted our second annual Kappa Kappa Gameday event in which we celebrated the start of the SMU basketball season with a gathering outside of the gymnasium. We are incredibly proud of the success our chapter has had this year and look forward to an outstanding 2016.	+	2015 was a positive year for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Through academic
		+	and philanthropic success, as well as active involvement on campus and within Kappa, 2015 proved
		+	to be an influential year for Gamma Theta.
		+
		+	It is important, as a chapter, to place an emphasis on recruiting women to uphold the ideals of
		+	Kappa Kappa Gamma. In 2015, Gamma Theta initiated 2 women following informal recruitment,
		+	and 28 women following formal recruitment. The new actives have proven to be actively involved
		+	within the chapter and on campus. We are excited to see where these women will take Gamma
		+	Theta throughout the upcoming years.
		+
		+	In 2015, Gamma Theta worked hard to create a successful philanthropy week for our local
		+	philanthropy, Children’s Cancer Connection, and for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. As a
		+	result, our chapter was able to raise $5,500. This year, our philanthropy week included new
		+	additions and some traditions. In addition to Kappa Klassic, our fundraising golf tournament
		+	where 120 golfers participated, Gamma Theta sold 300 t-shirts, held a mini putt-putt competition,
		+	and arranged a Graham’s Gift bracelet making event where chapters of Drake’s Greek life
		+	community produced 2,000 bracelets to be donated and sold for childhood cancer research.
		+	Graham’s Gift is a non-profit organization founded by the brother of one of our members. Although
		+	Graham’s Gift is not our traditional philanthropy, we find that the mission of the organization is
		+	relevant to our mission of supporting childhood cancer research, and in addition, is supporting one
		+	of our sisters and her family.
		+
		+	Gamma Theta is proud to have our passion for philanthropy expand beyond our philanthropy
		+	week. In addition to Kappa Klassic, we had sisters create a Love Your Melon campus crew and
		+	MEDLIFE chapter at Drake University in 2015. We are proud to have these organizations led by
		+	Gamma Theta women, and to have them actively advocating for our philanthropy and the overall
		+	healthcare of individuals outside of our chapter and in the Des Moines community. Also, our
		+	chapter continues to work with Little Ladies Leading, an event founded by one of our members,
		+	where women of our chapter focus on empowering elementary aged girls in the Des Moines
		+	community. Gamma Theta was proud to win the Outstanding Community Service Award in 2015 at
		+	the Drake Greek Gala as a result of our active involvement.
		+
		+	Scholarship continues to be a focus for Gamma Theta. We are proud of the improvements that we
		+	have made regarding our academics, but continue to strive for excellence. In 2015, the academic
		+	committee was proactive in creating a positive learning environment for Gamma Theta. They
		+	implemented a Scholarly Sister of the Week, weekly Nerd Herds, Owl Pals (academic mentors for
		+	new members), and continuous support for all members, regardless of GPA or personal situation.
		+	As a result, 22% of our chapter held 4.0s in the Spring of 2015. We also had 10 women study abroad
		+	throughout the calendar year, and 2 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the
		+	Drake University pharmacy program.
		+
		+	To support a high morale within the chapter, Chapter Council implemented a positive incentive
		+	program called Kappa Kash. Women in the chapter received Kappa currency throughout each
		+	semester for exhibiting behaviors that go above and beyond what is expected of them. For
		+	example, women received Kappa Kash for attending intramural events, supporting sisters at
		+	presentations and concerts, getting exemplary grades, and holding leadership positions in campus
		+	organizations. At the close of each semester, Gamma Theta holds an auction, where Kappa gear
		+	and gift cards are auctioned off. So far, Gamma Theta is proud of how well the program is being
		+	received, and is excited to see how it will develop over the coming years.
		+
		+	Although Gamma Theta is always proud of our members’ involvement within Kappa, 2015 proved
		+	to be a year of leadership for Gamma Theta members throughout the Drake community. We had 2
		+	members hold positions on the Panhellenic Council for the 2015 year, and 1 member inducted in as
		+	president for the upcoming year. We also had 6 recruitment counselors during formal recruitment
		+	in the Fall of 2015. Some additional examples of our involvement outside of Kappa include, but are
		+	not limited to: Drake Dance Team Captain, Mortar Board President, members of Order of Omega,
		+	founder of TedxDU, resident hall president and executive council members, journalists for campus
		+	publications, Greek FOCUS executive council members, and professional fraternity members in
		+	executive council positions. Gamma Theta members continue to seek involvement throughout the
		+	Drake community, strive for academic excellence, and of course, pursue the ideals of Kappa Kappa
		+	Gamma.
		+
		+	Campus: Drake University is a small, private university that has ample opportunities for students to
		+	get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school. Recently, the
		+	campus as a whole has become actively aware of global and domestic issues that face our
		+	generation. With the presidential election coming up in the next year, Drake University was proud
		+	to hold a nationally televised Democratic Presidential debate.
−	This year, Southern Methodist University finished its four-year long centennial celebration. Panhellenic had the most number of girls ever sign up for rush with numbers topping 600 girls. This allowed the Gamma Phi chapter to welcome a higher than usual new members to our 2015 pledge class. The Gamma Phi chapter continues to strive for excellence and improvement creating a sense of drive and determination throughout our chapter. Our chapter's outlook on the 2016 Gamma Phi year is hopeful and ambitious as we continue our tradition of excellence in leadership, campus involvement, academics, and sisterhood	+	Chapter: Gamma Theta is a well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women
		+	who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both
		+	on campus and within the chapter.
	Chapter Philanthropy:		Chapter Philanthropy:
−	What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?	+	What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in
		+	your community?
		+	Gamma Theta’s local philanthropy is Children’s Cancer Connection. We support this organization and its cause in various ways. In addition to raising funds for Children’s Cancer Connection through our main philanthropy event, Kappa Klassic (a golf tournament), Gamma Theta provides fundraising opportunities for the Drake University community throughout the week of our philanthropy.
		+
		+	Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
		+	Cancer is a disease that has impacted everyone in one way or another. It is our goal, at Gamma Theta, to bring light to this issue and support the many children who are battling for their life every single day. Children’s Cancer Connection provides hope for children and their families, and as Kappa Kappa Gamma women, we
		+	want to make sure that that hope is in ample supply.
		+
		+
		+	==Highlights of 2016==
−	We traditionally raise money for Reading is Fundamental and our local chapter philanthropy, the Akola Project. For service hours, we have become very involved in the local Wesley-Rankin after school program over the last several years.	+	2016 proved to be a memorable and exciting year for Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our members were involved within Kappa as well as outside campus organizations. Academic, recruitment and Panhellenic successes contributed to an overall great year.
−	Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?	+	Gamma Theta had a very strong year for recruiting substantial new members to our chapter. Spring semester, we informally recruited eight new members after a bowling sisterhood and a Graham's Gift bracelet making philanthropy event. In the fall, Gamma Theta put a strong emphasis on a values-based mission for formal recruitment. Our chapter very successfully formally recruited and initiated 29 exceptional women in the fall. These new actives have shown dedication, exuberant participation, and are overall a valued asset of our chapter.
−	Reading is Fundamental is our national philanthropy and one that the Gamma Phi chapter holds dear. We are fortunate to attend such an outstanding university and wish to promote the love for learning and reading by hosting book drives and raising money for RIF. The Akola Project was started by a Gamma Phi alum and seeks to promote female empowerment and business leadership in impoverished countries such as Uganda through its jewelry business. We believe in our alums and providing a helping hand to women who seek to empower their communities in places that usually do not value women or see them as world changers. The Wesley-Rankin after school program aligns with our mission of spreading the love for reading and learning is working to make a impact on the youth of south Dallas. We have loved the kids we mentor, tutor, and love on their and hope to continue our partnership going forward.	+	As college students, our academics hold highest priority within Gamma Theta. This year, we have made many achievements towards our academic goals through family study challenges, professor dinners, Nerd Herds, and Owl Pals. As a chapter, we raised our spring GPA from 3.32 to 3.39 in the fall. This was the most significant GPA improvement out of all the sororities on Drake's campus. This year, we strived to become more acquainted with Drake faculty in order to help us in our scholarship goals. One way we did this was by hosting two professor dinners this year, one in both the spring and fall. We had a great turnout with 15 total professors join us at our house. Finally, in November, we conducted a family study challenge that was a huge success. As a chapter, we logged 1,100 study hours in three weeks, and the winning family had 190 of those hours alone. This was a great way to motivate each other to strive toward academic excellence!
		+	This past year, our Panhellenic representation was of great importance as one of our own members served as the Panhellenic President. This was a huge milestone for Gamma Theta and encouraged overall Panhellenic participation throughout the year. Moreover, during formal recruitment, nine of our members served as Rho Gammas. On top of participation in other chapter’s philanthropy events, Gamma Theta also partook in the second annual Panhellenic Philanthropy event. Drake University's Sororities collaboratively reach out to young ladies in developing countries on the importance of education for becoming strong women. This event was a great time to bond with our sisters as well as the sorority community as a whole.
−	==Highlights of 2016==	+	Our philanthropy week was a success as we tried out a new approach by implementing a Kappa Kickball Tournament and Kappa Con Queso events during our philanthropy week. Our kickball tournament was a way to get more Drake students involved in our philanthropy, and successfully amounted to 106 total participants. We ultimately raised $2,554 as well as additional funds towards the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Gamma Theta also put on a children's book donation drive and received 260 books for Everybody Wins! Iowa. Lastly, as previously mentioned during our recruitment, Gamma Theta made bracelets for Graham's Gift philanthropy that one of our sister's started a couple years ago.
−	2016 was a year of tremendous growth for the Gamma Phi Chapter at SMU. This year, our chapter saw incredible academic performance improvement, outstanding community service involvement, a successful recruitment, and new social activities. In Spring 2016, our chapter GPA rose above the All-Sorority Average and we ranked fourth out of eight Panhellenic chapters on campus. Outside of academics, we completed over 950 hours and raised money for our philanthropies, the Akola Project and Reading is Fundamental. In addition to serving our philanthropies we also participated in numerous fundraising events on campus. Kappas participated in SMU’s annual Relay for Life which took place on April 8th as well as participating in Dance Marathon which is a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals that SMU had the pleasure of hosting for the first time. In February, March, and August, we enjoyed week-long visits from two leadership consultants where we evaluated the strengths of our chapter as well as areas for improvement. In the spring, we gained 55 new members who were offically initiated on April 16, 2016. A few days later on April 18th we had another successful Monmouth formal with Pi Beta Phi and enjoyed the traditional formal that is a rich part of our history. This fall, we had many new and exciting changes and activities at the Gamma Phi Chapter. We continued our tradition last year of having “Brunch with the Boys” where one Friday we invited fraternity members to have brunch with us at the house. We also participated in the Homecoming festivities including building a Nevada-themed float and supported our wonderful homecoming candidate, Anna Hugg. On November 7th the chapter celebrated our Founders Day where we had a history presentation while enjoying themed treats. Chapter Council was invited to celebrate the 146th Founders Day with the Kappa Dallas Alumnae Association at the Dallas Country Club. We were honored to be included in the celebration again and to witness Kappas getting their 50 and 65 year badges. This fall semester we also had two successful panhellenic events. The first was a Yogurt & Yoga event which we hosted at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and invited the sisters of Alpha Chi Omega. The other panhellenic event was an Ice Cream Social with the sisters of Delta Gamma. We also spent time with the sisters of Kappa Alpha Theta when we had our annual Kite & Key formal on November 12th. Two days later on November 14th we had our first ever Fall Fest with the men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon which raised money for The Akola Project. The gathering included fall-themed games and treats such as corn hole and apple cider. On November 20th, we had our second annual Holiday Bazaar to raise money for Reading is Fundamental which was a huge success. The Akola Project, the non-profit philanthropy that our chapter always supports, was also in attendance at the bazaar and sold a great amount of jewelry to help raise additional funds for their cause. We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements our chapter has had this year and look forward to an outstanding 2017.	+	This summer, our chapter sent five of our chapter counsel members along with our chapter counsel advisor to Convention in San Diego! This was a great opportunity for us to gain new knowledge and insight that these women brought back to our chapter. Gamma Theta gained a new level of appreciation for our ritual after learning about ritual experience with Kappas from around the nation. Our chapter counsel integrated new aspects, learned at Convention, of improving leadership by increasing transparency to the chapter as a whole. Additionally, Gamma Theta sent one of our members to the Annual Kappa Leadership Academy. This member explained to our chapter all the team building activities and leadership takeaways she learned from her experienced. She connected with Kappas from other chapters and learned that communication is a key component of leadership by example.
−	This year, Southern Methodist University Panhellenic had the most number of girls ever sign up for recruitment with numbers topping 617 girls. This allowed the Gamma Phi chapter to welcome a more new members to our 2016 pledge class than usual. The Gamma Phi chapter continues to strive for excellence and improvement creating a sense of drive and determination throughout our chapter and in our community. We are proud of the events we hosted and participated in on campus with other sororities and look forward to continuing these strong relationships in the future. Our chapter's outlook on the 2017 Gamma Phi year is positive and ambitious as we continue our tradition of excellence in leadership, campus involvement, academics, and sisterhood.	+	In addition to Kappa involvement, Gamma Theta's members have been active and high achieving on Drake's campus as well as by furthering their career goals. This year, we had members engaged in campus PMACs (Peer Mentor Academic Consultants) positions during freshman orientation, summer internships, and leadership positions in campus organizations such as student activities board, Greeks Against Sexual Assault, and Professional Fraternities. Two of our members also co-founded the Women in Business campus organization. We are also proud to have sent a total of six women on travel aboard programs. 2016 has been a very successful year for Gamma Theta as a chapter and on an individual basis.
−	We traditionally raise money for Reading is Fundamental and our local chapter philanthropy, the Akola Project. In addition, our chapter participated in fundraising events for numerous other oganizations such as Relay for Life and Dance Marathon.	+	Campus: Drake University is a small, private university with many leadership and involvement opportunities in and out of campus. It is known as a liberal arts school. This past year, Drake has been actively involveed in the 2016 Presidential Election with many politicians and celebrities visiting our campus. The rapper, Drake, also made a secret appearance on campus as well as our chapter house this past fall, but unfortunately no one was awake to answer the door.
−	Reading is Fundamental is our national philanthropy and one that the Gamma Phi chapter holds dear. We are fortunate to attend such an outstanding university and wish to promote the love for learning and reading by hosting book drives and raising money for RIF. The Akola Project was started by a Gamma Phi alum and seeks to promote female empowerment and business leadership in impoverished countries such as Uganda through its jewelry business. We believe in our alums and providing a helping hand to women who seek to empower their communities in places that usually do not value women or see them as world changers.
−	We hold chapter meetings in our chapter house on the North edge of Southern Methodist University campus. Our house was recently redecorated and remains under the ownership of our chapter.	+	Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.
	==Highlights of 2017==		==Highlights of 2017==
−	This year, we placed a high focus on academic performance, Panhellenic relations, and	+	The Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has made quite an impact on the year of 2017. This year has been memorable for many reasons. Our chapter members have been involved in numerous Kappa oppurtunities, both on-campus as well as off-campus organizations. Our commitment to academics, recruitment success and overall Panhellenic involvement has contributed to a memorable and accomplished year.
−	volunteerism on campus. We have greatly improved our academic performance to an overall
−	chapter GPA of and multiple chapter members received merit based awards from the University.
−	We drastically increased the number of girls with 4.0 GPAs and started “Academic Spotlight of
−	the Week” for members who exhibited strength in academics or unique academic interests.
−	Additionally, there were multiple girls who received academic excellence awards.
−	Our chapter improved its Panhellenic relations by holding an event for the whole Panhellenic
−	community - mental health and domestic violence awareness night as well as several socials with
−	houses we haven’t mixed with in the past year. We also supported other house’s philanthropy
−	events, including playing in the Gamma Phi Beta Moonball tournament.
−	Our chapter’s average volunteer hours per member drastically improved in the Spring and Fall
−	semesters to 8.6 and 8.4 hours, respectively. With the addition of our Hurricane Harvey Relief
−	efforts, we raised $2,000 with the help and support of the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
−	We also brought a new fundraising event to our campus called “Kappa Karnival” which raised
−	about $1,000 for Reading is Fundamental. Finally, our other great pride was hosting the Girl’s
−	Academy weekend-long retreat for middle school girls.
−	Our Panhellenic community is about to increase due to the highest number of girls signed up for formal recruitment in our University's history.  The Gamma Phi chapter looks forward to welcoming new members into the Panhellenic community so that we can share our love of Greek Life with the rest of the SMU campus.	+	Gamma Theta began the informal recruitment process in the Spring of 2017. In mid-Feburuary, Kappa invited 15 women to the Kappa house for Monday night dinner and other various activities that took place throughout the week. When the week came to an end, we unfortunately were unable to extend a bid to any potential new members due to academic requirements. Our new member chair planned a miraculous winter-wonderland themed bid day of roller skating and snacks. We ended up treating our bid day as a sisterhood and had a lot of fun bonding. With high morale and an eagerness to welcome new members to our home, fall could not come soon enough. Fall formal recruitment commenced mid-August with work week. During work week, Gamma Theta was introduced to the select-a-sis voting app. We were able to use this handy device for SS while voting on potential new members. We practiced rotations until our feet hurt as well as natural conversations with sisters. Work week went swimmingly. When actual recrutiment came along, our members were able to give potential new members a glimpse into the Gamma Theta Chapter. At the end of recruitment, we were fortunate enough to welcome 33 new members home with our carnival themed bid day on September 10. Kappa reached quota, so we did not have to give out any snap bids or continous bids. We intiated our new members on November 4.
−	Historically, our chapter has raised money for Reading is Fundamental and our local chapter philanthropy, The Akola Project. Additionally, we participate in on-campus philanthropy events such as the SMU Dance Marathon and Relay for Life. This year our chapter chose to hold our very first Girls' Academy.
−	Reading is Fundamental is KKG's national philanthropy which we look forward to supporting each year because as college women, we understand the importance of education and the great opportunity we have been given to attend such an esteemed university where we feel we can learn to thrive.
−	The Akola project is another philanthropy that we cherish not only because of its mission but because it was founded by our very own Brittany Underwood, a Gamma Phi alum. She began this foundation in hope of transforming the lives of impoverished women and families of Uganda through training, employment and holistic care.
−	Each year our chapter has a Kappa team that takes part in the Dance Marathon to support Children's Health and Children's Miracle Network in greater Dallas. Additionally, Relay for Life is another organization that we hold dear. One of our chapter members was honored as one of the top participants. WE will participate in this again this April.	+	As college students, our academics remain the highest priority. During the year of 2017, Gamma Theta Chapter improved leaps and bounds in academics. In the Spring of 2017, our Vice President of Academic Excellence, did a wonderful job scheduling academic programming at chapters. We were able to have HR programming, as well as a professor dinner. We have also kept our nerd herds, Geek of the Week and A's and B's Challenges consistent. These competitions give chapter members a friendly reason to stay motivated. In the summer, Kappa was notified of our grade point average improvement. Our overall chapter grade point average went from a 3.3 to a 3.4 in the spring. We moved from fourth on the street to third on the street. With scholarship in mind, two of our very own chapter members received a Kappa Scholarship. We also had a member receive a national scholarship worth $3,000.
−	In conclusion, our chapter hosted our first Girls' Academy at a local school in Dallas.  Girls Academy is a week-end long program designed to teach, motivate and empower middle school girls to be proud of who they are and comfortable in this won skins which is a cause that our chapter women really identified with and enjoyed volunteering in and putting on the event.	+
−	We meet in the dining room of our chapter house on the SMU campus.	+	Our philanthropy involvement has increased over the year of 2017.  At chapter council, we created and implemented a rule to engage and encourage members to attend and participate in philanthropy events. For other chapters' serenades Kappa now requires certain committees to attend at least one serenade a semester. If you are unable to attend, you are required to find a replacement . As a chapter we participated in over 6 philanthropy weeks throughout the year, with each member attending at least 2 events from an outside philanthropy event. We were able to raise the most money for St. Jude's Up Til' Down event and gained enough points to obtain the runner-up honor for Sigma Phi Epsilon's philanthropy week. Our philanthropies included an alumni brunch in the Spring where we hosted generations of Kappas for food and fun. During the brunch, there was a silent auction with donated items from businesses all around Des Moines. Fall semester we hosted our annual Kappa Kickball Tournament, Book Drive and Grabba Grabba Donut. We collected over 250 books for Reading is Fundamental and raised over $2,000 for the Children's Cancer Connection. For service hours, we constructed a little ladies leading program at Molten Elementary during the CFUM after- school program. We also read to children at BruBaker Elementary in Des Moines for Reading is Fundamental.
		+
		+	As Drake's Panhellenic council transitions into a new year, positions will be transitioning as well. Kappa has two out-going council members and two in-coming council members. The newly elected Kappa's will serve as Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Management for the Panhellenic council.
		+
		+	In the Spring, a few of our Chapter Council members traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to attend the Kappa Leadership Academy. Over the long weekend, they learned many new strategies and skills to help lead Kappa toward continued success. We were fortunate enough to have one of our very own members be recognized for the outstanding new member award from Drake's Panhellenic Council. After spring semester came to an end and the summer months began, Kappa was lucky enough to have a few members selected to be Peer Mentor Academic Counselors, as well as 8 recruitment counselors. Gamma Theta also had 7 women go abroad for a full semester in the spring, as well as multiple internships and careers.
		+
		+	As a chapter we have struggled with utilizing our council committees. Luckily chapter council caught this problem early on and resolved the issue. Our Vice President of Organization revamped and reorganized our committees. We now utilize our time wisely at chapter committee meetings and delegate more tasks to the members appointed to do so. This takes a lot of weight off the chapter officers' shoulders and develops leadership skills in other members gradually. Gamma Theta has also stuggled with our overall behavior at events, dates included. We have recently shut down this issue with a strict no tolerance policy. Our chapter's overall well-being has improved tremendously over the past year, ever since being placed on a warning of probation. Gamma Theat will be re-evaluated in December 2017.
		+
		+	Recently, we were able to welcome 33  oustanding new members home. Our chapter has grown and so has our appreciation for sisterhood. Our new members are inspiring us in so many different ways. They are already taking on leadership positions through Kappa and other organizations, on-campus and off-campus. With that being said, we were placed on a warning of probation around a year ago. This was a serious issue for Gamma Theta, and we take the status of the chapter seriously. As a chapter we took all necessary precautions and procedures to ensure we got back on the right track and to an acceptable status. Gamma Theta will be re-evaluated this December. Our no tolerance policy has made for successful events. We have also implemented many sisterhoods to ensure bonding time with one another without the need of alcohol or dates. These sisterhoods have been mandatory and non-mandatory. Some of the sisterhoods that took place this year included the Farmer's Market, gingerbread house-making, writing a friendly letter to your sister and the white elephant Christmas party. Many of these sisterhoods took the place of normal events. The improvements that have taken place give us high hopes for the future of Gamma Theta.
		+
		+	Gamma Theta supports the following philanthropies:
		+	Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation/Rose McGill Fund
		+	Children's Cancer Connection
		+	Reading is Fundamental
		+
		+	The Gamma Theta Chapter has specifically chosen Children's Cancer Connection foundation, because it is local to Des Moines, and it is close to our hearts. We have many family members and friends who are currently diagnosed or who have been diagnosed with cancer. This organization allows us to give back in honor of our loved ones and contribute to the research that will hopefully one day find a cure. It also allows many children diagnosed with cancer to attend a camp that is like a dream come true for them.  Kappa's close connection with Children's Cancer Connection geographically and emotionally gives our philanthropy a strong and passionate meaning. Reading is Fundamental is just as important to Kappa because of the development of young children's education. Kappa strives for academic success and supporting an organization that strongly encourages reading and the furthering of education is something Kappa has and will always promote. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation is national, so it is not specific to Gamma Theta, but we support it nevertheless. We will always be there for a sister in need.
		+
		+	We meet in our own chapter facility every Sunday evening at 7 pm. We meet in our kitchen since it is the largest space in the house and can fit all of our members comfortably.
	==Highlights of 2018==		==Highlights of 2018==
		+	The Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has made 2018 a wonderful year. We have strengthened our sisterhood, while also maintaining strong academics and campus involvement this year.
		+	[[File:Gamma Theta Chapter Council.png|thumb|Gamma Theta Chapter Council members]]
−	After finally being lifted from probation we have been making an effort to boost the morale and ensure that everyone is enjoying their time in the chapter.  With the new academic standard Kappa has set, we have been trying to work with the chapter to try to ensure a fair GPA is set, we concluded for a 2.5 for actives and 2.7 for new members. We also held a Founders Day event in which Kappa's from 50 and 70+ years came and enjoyed an afternoon with our chapter and sharing stories from their past.  We also won the Chapter and Advisory Board Relations award at Convention, a huge honor after coming off of probation win which we were constantly praised for our improvement and commitment to betting the Gamma Phi chapter's name as well as community service efforts.	+	At Gamma Theta, it remains evident that we hold each other accountable to high academic standards. We have moved toward our academic goals through continuing professor dinners, Geek of the Week, Nerd Herds, and Owl Pals. As a chapter we have raised our GPA from a 3.36 to 3.44. We ended up tying with another sorority for most improved GPA of the semester and we kept our rank at third on the street, which is something we consider to be a great accomplishment. In addition, we are excited to say that two of our very own Gamma Theta sisters were granted the Kappa scholarship as well. Throughout the semester, we encouraged members of all grades to talk within their majors as a way to give the new initiates help as they push through their first semester at college. This became something known as Owl Pal groups, a resource to get new sisters the help they need when struggling in a course or deciding on what courses to take during registration. In addition, we had the opportunity to connect on a deeper level with some of our favorite professors attending the February Professor Dinner, with a total of 10 professors in attendance! The feedback from both professors and women within the chapter was extremely positive, we hope to do it again in the future semesters.
−	No recent changes on campus, Panhellenic Board has created different guidelines and mandatory events for Greek life and our chapter has made an effort to comply with all decisions they have set.	+	[[File:Gamma Theta Seniors - Graduation Day.png|thumb|Graduation day - senior class 2018]]
−	Our chapter supports the Akola and Dallas Genesis Women's Shelter. At Kappa Karnival with SAE we raised $1560 for both the Dallas Genesis Women's Shelter(which we chose because it is local charity that provides support to domestic violence victims) and Akola Project(chosen because it was started by an SMU Kappa alumna and promotes female leadership/entrepreneurship)	+	As the 2018 spring semester began, Gamma Theta was ready to improve all areas of the chapter. In February, we had 29 women certified and trained to be members of our event ERT (Emergency Response Team). This commitment by the chapter to ensure safe and enjoyable events was displayed throughout the year at our various events including two formals and two date parties. In the spring of 2018 we did a dynamic duo date party at the Garden nightclub in Downtown Des Moines, as well as our spring formal with senior superlatives/awards at the Marriott hotel. In the fall of 2018 we had Barn Party at Beer Can Alley and winter formal at a new venue that we have never used before. The venue was The Tuscany Event Center in Urbandale, Iowa. Our events have run smoothly and for the most part, everyone has been very well behaved during the past year. We hope to continue to move forward in this positive direction for upcoming events.
		+	Our 2018 philanthropy week was an overwhelming success this year with our Kappa Dodgeball Tournament and Kappa Con Queso. We raised more than $1,200 for Children’s Cancer Connection. Additionally, our philanthropy efforts have only continued to increase this year. We collected more than 250 books that were donated to the Youth Emergency Services and Shelter of Iowa.  Our members participated in more than 900 service hours in the spring and 1,400 hours this fall! Gamma Theta has also persisted as the top fundraiser for the campus wide event, St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn, and participated in more than 15 different philanthropic events for the Panhellenic community.
		+	This summer, our chapter sent five of our chapter council members, along with an advisor, to Convention in Denver, Colorado! This was a great experience for the women to gain knowledge on how to improve the Gamma Theta chapter, especially in areas regarding recruitment and initiation. Additionally, we sent one member to represent Gamma Theta at the Annual Kappa Leadership Academy in Marengo, Ohio, where she was able to connect with other Kappas and hear about their personal leadership experiences.  Last, Gamma Theta has a member serving on the Collegiate Advisory Board who was able to attend a conference at Headquarters in October. She continues to give feedback on fraternity policies to help make Kappa the best it can possibly be!
		+
		+	In 2018, Gamma Theta had great involvement in the Panhellenic community and campus wide. We had two members of our chapter serving as Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Management for the 2018 Panhellenic Council. On the 2019 Panhellenic Council, a member of our chapter will be serving as the Vice President of Recruitment. Additionally, we had seven women serving as Recruitment Counselors during formal recruitment in the fall. Moreover, we showed significant involvement through Panhellenic Sisterhoods with Alpha Delta Pi and Delta Gamma. This was a great opportunity to spend time with and strengthen the bonds between our different chapters.
		+
		+	Gamma Theta began the formal recruitment process in the Fall of 2018. After a successful work week, we recruited our new members with ease. On September 9th, we were grateful to be able to welcome our 32 new members home to Kappa at our Candyland themed bid day. Kappa reached quota, so we did not have to give out any snap or continuous bids. We initiated our new members on November 3rd. [[File:Gamma Theta Bid Day New Members 2018.png|thumb|Bid Day!  New Members 2018]]
		+
		+	During the recent months, we have been able to welcome our new members into our beautiful brick home. We have been able to watch these women grow into newfound leaders and friends. With the bond of our members continuing to grow, it is evident that Gamma Theta has made significant progress in our sisterhood. We hosted numerous sisterhoods this semester, including a Valentine’s Day gift exchange, cosmic bowling, and a self-defense sisterhood. We also sent care packages to our sisters abroad and implemented new chapter programming. “Polished Kappa” was introduced to the chapter as a way to recognize a sister’s kind efforts. “Spotlight Sister” was added to chapter programming to promote relations between alumni and collegiate sisters. Overall, 2018 proved to be a great year for the Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma! [[File:Gamma Theta Cosmic Bowling.png|thumb|Cosmic Bowling sisterhood event]]
		+
		+	The Gamma Theta Chapter has chosen to support Children's Cancer Connection as our local philanthropy as it allows us to give back to others in honor of our loved ones who have had cancer. This organization remains very close to our hearts. We continue to support Reading is Fundamental as it aligns with our values of scholarship and allows us to give back to the children in our community. Last, we support our sisters and thus in turn support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.
	==Highlights of 2019==		==Highlights of 2019==
		+	The women of Gamma Theta have had an exciting year! Our commitment to academics, recruitment success, and overall Panhellenic involvement have contributed to a memorable and accomplished year. We enjoyed 2019 and look forward to 2020!
		+
		+	The year started with spring informal recruitment, our chapter decided to participate and we are so lucky. We welcomed four amazing new members on February 10th and they were all initiated just a few weeks later. During our initiation, we had a fun movie sisterhood at the local movie theatre with popcorn and candy.
		+
		+	Unfortunately, in March we lost our loving advisor Mary Canady Laughlin, her passing deeply affected our chapter and we hosted a ritual in her memory. A month later, at the annual Drake FSeLebration, Mary was awarded the Outstanding Chapter Advisor award, and in her honor, Drake Fraternity and Sorority Life decided to rename the award to the ‘Mary Canady Laughlin Advisor of the Year’. Along with this incredible honor, Kappa was recognized for other awards. Our Philanthropy Chairman, Ashlie Bunten, was awarded the Outstanding Community Service award and our chapter received the 2018 Outstanding Harm Reduction & Risk Management Award.
		+
		+	Five of our members and our Chapter Council Advisor attended the Kappa leadership conference in Dallas and had a great time working with other chapters to better their leadership skills within Kappa.
		+	We hosted multiple amazing events in the Spring including a resume building workshop with Drake’s Women in Business, a rock and roll themed date party, Mom’s weekend and a beautiful spring formal at Des Moines’ Rollins Mansion. We hosted Banana Splits and Books to benefit Reading is Fundamental where we raised around $1,000. $400 was used to purchase books for Monroe Elementary School here in Des Moines, 2.5% went to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, and the rest went to RIF.
−	The previous calendar year, 2019, was an eventful and special time for the Gamma Phi Chapter. We experienced many special events that further bonded us and supported Chapter Council's goal to make our chapter more connected as a whole. To start, we were able to host many formal events thanks to the help from our incredible Event Chair, Taylor Nielson, and Risk Management chair, Corina Gonzalez-Molina. Some of these were formal parties paired with other sororities on campus, and others were "date dashes," where members dress in costume according to a given theme.	+	As college students, our academics remain the highest priority. During the year of 2019, Gamma Theta Chapter improved leaps and bounds in academics. We finished the spring semester with a 3.39 GPA.
−	We also participated in the homecoming parade, where we nominated our Treasurer, Sarah Anania, to represent our chapter. We paired with SAE in the parade, and we had a lot of fun building our float together.
−	Additionally, one of our member's hard work in the classroom paid off. Elizabeth Kelley, our New Membership Chair, is the first recipient to be awarded the Wendy Weber Smith scholarship, a scholarship honoring Wendy Weber Smith, an SMU Kappa almuna. Our chapter was able to properly thank the scholarship donors by inviting them to our Founder's Day celebration and thanking them in person.
−	Regarding philanthropy, our Philanthropy Chair, Katie Skillman, organized two events where our chapter raised $3197. Our chapter members thoroughly enjoyed coming together to support others and give back to our community.
−	Lastly, the Gamma Phi Chapter made eco-friendly strides regarding the consumption of styrofoam in the house. With 40 girls living in Kappa and styrofoam being the main source of plates, bowls, and cups, we throw away a mass amount of it on a daily basis. Luckily, our President, Gwen Everett, and House Chair, Ashley Anthony, met with our House Board to discuss "going green" and introducing paper plates. By using paper, we would be reducing our carbon footprint, but also spending more money because paper costs more than styrofoam. With these extra expenses in mind, we feel very grateful that House Board granted us permission and the funds to use paper plates and support our initiative to "go green."
−	As a Chapter Council, we set one main goal for the year. We wanted our chapter to feel more inclusive and cohesive. While the members in our chapter are kind to one another, we noticed slight divides between different groups of girls. To break these divisions, our VP Standards Chair, Shelby Nutter, planned free workout classes to help promote various fitness studios and also encourage girls to spend time with members outside their typical social circle. These classes were successful, as chapter members feel the classes gave them an opportunity to get to know each other better. Additionally, as our chapter is gearing up to welcome home our new pledge class, PC'20, our youngest pledge class, PC'19, has been doing an incredible job including each other while practicing for recruitment. We believe that the environment within our chapter is much more cohesive than we were in January.
−	While we had a very successful year, we faced an unexpected challenge. With apartment living so common for the junior and senior classes, we struggled to fill the house with girls to live in it. While we were eventually able to fill it this past year, unfortunately, this challenge appears to be rising again for the 2020 academic year. However, our House Chair, Ashley Anthony, is doing an incredible job encouraging girls to live in the house and communicating its many benefits. While this is a challenge Chapter Council has to face, since we were able to fill the house before, we are confident we will be able to fill it again.
		+	During the summer our members worked hard taking summer classes, tackling amazing internships and getting ready to head back to campus! Some of our members worked at organizations all across the country like EMC Insurance, Edward Jones, Congress, The Heritage Foundation, Boston Medical School, and so much more.
−	While there have not been many significant changes on campus, the chapter's overall nature is positive and encouraging. The girls in the chapter seem to genuinely want the best for each other, and this positivity continues to grow. Our chapter is especially excited because recruitment is right around the corner. We feel prepared, and we are confident that we will welcome home a group of well-rounded, "kappa classy" girls in January 2020!	+	In the fall we were eager to start up the formal recruitment process. After an exciting work week, we started our fall semester ready to take on the rest of the year. One of our members received her Occupational Therapy white coat alongside two members who received their Pharmacy white coats.
−	Our chapter supports Reading is Fundamental, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, and the Akola Project.	+	After an exciting and hard-worked five day recruitment, we welcomed 33 new members with a game-day themed bid day! And, after deciding to continuously open bid, we welcomed two more new members! 34 women became new actives in early November with their family members in attendance who were also Gamma Theta alumni and Kappas from all over the country.
−	Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation are Kappa's nationally supported philanthropies. Reading is Fundamental supports children's literacy in underprivileged schools. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation helps support Kappas in times of adversity. Our third local philanthropy is the Akola Project. The Akola Project was founded by an SMU Kappa in the mid 2000s. The Akola Project serves to employ impoverished women in Uganda by making handcrafted beads for jewelry.	+	Our fall philanthropy event was Kamp Kappa, we hosted the Drake community at our house where we played board games, made s’ mores, and invited members of Des Moines Children’s Cancer Connection. We raised around $3,050 which 10% went to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and the rest went to benefit Children’s Cancer Connection.
		+	Gamma Theta had overwhelming campus involvement this year. With two members serving as Orientation Leaders, our President, Sophie, serving on the Peer Advisory Board which oversaw Welcome Weekend for first-years and Peer Mentor and Academic Consultants, which included eight Kappa members, one woman on Panhellenic Council and six recruitment counselors. In the 2020 year, we will have four of our members serving on the Drake Panhellenic Council in positions including VP of Recruitment, VP of Recruitment Counselors, VP of Marketing and VP of Community Engagement. We were also involved in continuous clubs and organizations such as leading Active Minds, Drake Rowing Team, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Drake Magazine, Order of Omega, CBPA Ambassadors and so many other organization across Drake’s campus.
−	The chapter celebrated Founders Day by hosting the Dallas alumni that were receiving their milestone pins at the house. We hosted an afternoon tea with trays of snacks, beautiful flower arrangements, and speeches to express our gratitude and respect for the members receiving their pins. Per chapter ritual, six Chapter Council members conducted the candle light ceremony, which all of the attendees enjoyed.	+	Our fall events included our annual Barn Party at American Outlaws, winter formal at the Des Moines Embassy Club and we finished the semester off with an ice skating sisterhood! Our members made a commitment to ensure safe and enjoyable events, which was displayed throughout the year and we hope to continue to move forward in this positive direction for upcoming events.
		+	During recent months, we have been able to welcome our new members into our beautiful brick home. We have been able to watch these women grow into newfound leaders and friends. With the bond of our members continuing to grow, it is evident that Gamma Theta has made significant progress in our sisterhood. Overall, 2019 turned out to be an amazing year for the women of Gamma Theta.
−	The Gamma Phi Chapter is aware and excited for Kappa's 150th anniversary approaching in 2020. Brainstorming for a unique and fun celebration has recently begun, and with our chapter's various creative minds, we are excited to take submissions for ideas. We are considering the budget for a chapter-wide event to celebrate the huge milestone. As time goes on, we will have a more concrete answer as to how we are going to celebrate 150 years of Kappa.	+	The Gamma Theta Chapter has chosen to support Children's Cancer Connection as our local philanthropy as it allows us to give back to others in honor of our loved ones who have had cancer. This organization remains very close to our hearts. We continue to support Reading is Fundamental as it aligns with our values of scholarship and allows us to give back to the children in our community. Last, we support our sisters and thus in turn support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.
		+	We celebrated our Founders Day at the local Windsor Heights Community Center, where we had a beautiful brunch spread with alumni and current members. For the first time in a few years we held the Founders Day ritual ceremony as well. We also played a fun Kahoot game where members and alumni had to answer questions about Kappa history. It was a beautiful morning in October and our members look forward to it every year!
		+
		+	==Highlights of 2020s:==
	==Highlights of 2020==		==Highlights of 2020==
−	This past year a lot in our chapter has changed due to COVID-19. Thankfully, we still got through a successful initiation for PC’20 before SMU shut down. This semester, we were unable to hold any Kappa in-person events. This includes date dashes, the Sapphire Ball, and different philanthropic events. However, that did not stop us. This year marked the 150th year of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We decided to donate over 150 books, and give out blue hand sanitizer. We also held a virtual meals on wheels event last semester. This semester we held a virtual workout class with Lync. All the proceeds went towards the Bridge Breast Network. We also held a scholarships. This includes the Dallas Alumnae Association Gamma Phi Chapter Scholarship, the Wendy Weber Scholarship and the Nancy Moses Scholarship. Junior, Hailey Haase received the Wendy Weber Scholarship and seniors, Candice Cramer and Isabelle Wyant received the Nancy Moses Scholarship. Since members could not be together in the house, the standards chairman organized different sisterhood events like going to a drive-thru movie theater in Dallas!	+	To say that change was a major theme of this year would be an understatement for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. As for most people, no one would have expected a global pandemic at the start of 2020, but it proved to be an opportunity for growth. The chapter council had set many goals for the year and planned on making many positive changes for the chapter. Some of the goals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic included increasing transparency between the chapter council and the chapter as a whole. The weekly chapter council meetings were made open to the whole chapter to help encourage this transparency.
		+
		+	The council also made it the main goal to keep the sisterhood strong during the pandemic. This was accomplished by numerous virtual sisterhoods including, Bingo, Jack in the Box Games, Trivia, and much more. Another goal the council accomplished was introducing two Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chairman that served as our chapter’s resource to learn more about how to be an ally. They offered programming to our chapter and led with an open-discussion format. Our chapter found this very beneficial and want to continue to grow and expand this position and its duties.
		+
		+	Although this year was not normal our chapter was excited to receive an honorable mention for the Risk Management award for chapters with 118 or fewer members.
		+
		+	We also were able to continue to raise money and have philanthropic activities for our members through an initiative called Krafty Kappas. During what normally would have been our philanthropy week we collected craft supplies to donate to Children’s Cancer Connection in Des Moines for children to play with while they wait for treatment. We made the transition to fully online activities during the lockdown in March and carried out virtual chapters, meetings, and sisterhoods for the length of the year.
		+
		+	To help our members cope with the pandemic we also instituted two Covid Chairs. The two women selected, one living in the house and one residing in the dorms on campus, served as a resource for members for any questions related to the pandemic or the functioning of the chapter. Overall, while this year was not what we expected, we have made our best efforts to embody Kappa’s values and keep the traditions and sisterhood alive.
		+
		+	Chapter Philanthropy: what organizations did the chapter support? Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Children’s Cancer Connection. We chose to support CCC because we are passionate about helping children and families in the Des Moines area who have been affected by cancer. Partnering with CCC has been an honor.
		+
		+	How did your chapter include diversity, equity and inclusion in their initiatives this year? Our chapter made enormous strides in regards to DEI initiatives. We elected our first DEI officer to our chapter council. She has led many programmings and discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion, and we have had a very positive chapter response. Another way our chapter has included diversity, equity, and inclusion is through our social media. Throughout 2020 we have done many social media campaigns supporting causes related to these topics. We also have our HIRO’s which is our programming system that hosts 1-2 diversity, equity, and inclusion seminars a semester. Lastly, our Panhellenic Council created a Black Lives Matter programming that lasted the entirety of the fall semester to help engage all of the chapters on our campus in discussions regarding race, privilege, and many more topics.
		+
		+	How did your chapter celebrate Kappa's 150th birthday? All year long, our chapter has done bi-weekly history nuggets to learn more about our founders and Kappa’s history. Our chapter LOVES them. We also partnered with Simpson college and had a joint Sesquintennial celebration via Zoom. Many alumna were able to attended as well. We loved being in break out rooms and getting to know alumna and current members from other chapters. We shared stories of our sisterhood and what Kappa means to us!
		+
		+	[[File:Big and littles 2020.jpeg|thumb|bid day 2020]]
		+	[[File:Bid day 2020.jpeg|thumb|bid day banner]]
		+	[[File:Big and littles 2020.jpeg|thumb|bid day 2020]]
		+
		+	==Highlights of 2021==
		+
		+	The members of Gamma Theta have come back stronger than ever after the pandemic of 2020! As our chapter has changed yet again, our commitment to excellence is still firmly intact. We have loved getting back into more “regular” activities such as in-person chapters and events while building new connections with our new actives and the Panhellenic community. Our chapter council made it our goal to rebuild this chapter after the pandemic, and wow, did they ever.
		+
		+	The spring of 2021 began with informal recruitment and many online activities. We welcomed four new members. As the vaccine became more available, our guidelines shifted, and we were able to hold some of our first in-person sisterhoods. Although our chapter facility was not open, our members made it a priority to get together. We hosted many sisterhoods such as a spa night, one-on-one sisterhood dates, and treat bags for our members during finals week.
		+
		+	In May of 2021, the Drake Fraternity and Sorority Life community hosted their annual awards. Gamma Theta was awarded Outstanding Programming, Outstanding Sisterhood, and Chapter of the Year. Our chapter advisor, Kailey Huilick, was also awarded Outstanding Chapter Advisor and senior Anna Sutterer who won the Outstanding FSL Leader Award. To say that we are proud would be a major understatement! These awards were a tribute to our “covid” chapter council and all of their hard work. We hope to grow and continue to earn recognitions such as these in the future!
		+	[[File:Gamma Theta Painted Streets.jpg|thumb|Painted Streets]]
		+
		+	Transitioning to the Fall of 2021, we held our first in-person recruitment since pre-covid, which was a smashing success. We welcomed 22 new members into this chapter and hosted our first barn party and formal! It has been so fun getting to know everyone through these events, and the chapter council is very proud of all that has been accomplished. While this year was full of new adventures, we were able to reconnect and reevaluate what we wanted this chapter to look like. Our DEI officers contributed tons of practical programming, and they created a space for safe conversation. Our members have grown closer through these activities as well.
		+	[[File:Gamma Theta Bid Day.jpg|thumb|Bid Day Fall 2021]]
		+	[[File:Gamma Theta House Tours.jpg|thumb|Recruitment Fall 2021]]
		+	[[File:Gamma Theta Recruitment 2021.jpg|thumb|Recruitment 2021]]
		+	[[File:Gamma Theta Big-Little Reveal.jpg|thumb|Bid/Little Reveal]]
		+
		+	During the spring semester, we held a philanthropy event supporting our previous national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. Additionally, our chapter members participated in a “Giving Challenge,” which engaged them in a friendly competition to see which pledge class could complete the most hours of service, volunteering, and philanthropic actions. During the fall semester, we held an earring sale with a KKG alumna. A portion of the proceeds from this sale was donated to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. To support our new national philanthropy, Mental Health and Well-Being, we participated in our specific partner’s annual walk – NAMIWalks. We engaged in fundraising and service during this event, by raising $600 for NAMI and volunteering at the event. We also hosted a fall philanthropy event titled “Movie Night with KKG – Starring: Children’s Cancer Connection” to support our local philanthropy. In addition to our internal philanthropic involvement, we also participated externally. We did so by donating and participating with other chapters and their philanthropies. We also participated in a group volunteering opportunity at Meals from the Heartland, a local food packaging organization.
		+
		+	Throughout all of the activities, our members have proven again that sisterhood and connection are important. To see our members grow and return to a semi-normal world has been nothing short of amazing. Overall, 2021 has been a year full of trail-blazing, connection, and fun for the members of Gamma Theta.
		+
		+	Our local philanthropy organization is Children’s Cancer Connection. We support this organization through initiatives that are like our national philanthropies – fundraising events, service opportunities, etc. We support this organization because it is part of Des Moines community and is a cause that our members are passionate about. Knowing that so many families are affected by childhood cancer, encourages us to do what we can to help support, advocate, and build connections with an organization such as Children’s Cancer Connection. Additionally, the proximity of this organization (only a few miles) allows us to directly work with them in-person, which allows for more deeper and genuine connections.
−	Our chapter supports Akola Jewelry during philanthropy day. We have worked with this organization for years. It is a business run by women to empower other women. It helps the lives of those less fortunate and we are very lucky to work with a company started by an SMU Kappa alum.	+	During the spring semester, we primarily focused on supporting our previous national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We did so by hosting a philanthropy event titled, “Kookies and Kappas,” and raised over $1000. This semester, we supported the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation by fundraising during an earring sale during recruitment. This gave our members the opportunity to participate in the fundraising and donating, while also supporting the KKG Foundation. Additionally, we supported the Foundation through education about the philanthropy. Through multiple presentations throughout the year, our members became more aware of what the Foundation does for its’ members and what role in plays within our chapter and why we support this organization. Our chapter was very excited to learn about our new national philanthropy initiative, Mental Health and Well-Being. We began our support by choosing our partner. To do so, we held an information session introducing all the potential partners and then voted on which we thought was the best fit for our chapter at this time. We chose NAMI! After this selection, we immediately got engaged with the organization by participating in our local NAMIWalks. We raised a total of $600 and got to complete service by volunteering during the event. Like the Foundation, we continued our support of the organization through education. Informing our chapter about NAMI and Mental Health in general is something that we wanted to include in our chapter. One way we did this was by participating in Mental Health Week by writing positive comments and by learning more about mental health and well-being.
−	This year we are adding a DEI member to chapter council. This position will be elected by the new chapter council this spring. This position will include chapter training and awareness.	+	Throughout the year, diversity, equity, and inclusion has played a key role in our chapter. With diversity, equity and inclusion becoming a chair within the past 2 years, it has continued to grow and has made a continuous effort to raise awareness of the issues in our current world, as well as ensuring an inclusive environment is maintained to welcome everyone. There are two co-chairs that have brought different activities to the chapter. These activities raised important talking points and allowed people the opportunity to truly get to know one another. To ensure issues in the chapter were being addressed, the co-chairs continuously opened the floor for suggestions. By doing this, they were able to create activities and PowerPoints that addressed the needs of the chapter. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is for everyone to learn, so putting forth the effort to address each suggestion was extremely important. Other positions in our chapter took what the DEI chairs presented and incorporated this into their positions to ensure our chapter was doing the best they could to make sure everyone feels as though Kappa is a safe place for them. As the diversity, equity, and inclusion chairs continue throughout the years, many new issues will arise, but our chapter has proven they will do all that they can to learn and create a safe environment everyone can thrive in
−	This year marked the 150th year of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We decided to donate over 150 books, and give out blue hand sanitizer. The books went to benefit Reading is Fundamental which is our national philanthropy. We also gave out Kappa history and fact sheets to active members.	+	How did your chapter operations change due to COVID-19 (e.g., how did it affect recruitment, initiation, etc. Were events/activities held virtually?). Share what you have done this year. This year was closer to normal then we have been in a very long time. Our spring semester was still tainted by the pandemic. Initiation and recruitment were online as well as our chapter facility was shut down. That did not stop us though from pushing for connection and sisterhood through more socially-distant events such as yoga. The fall of 2021 however has been a ray of sunshine through these days. Our chapter facility reopened to eager members itching to live there. Our campus allowed in-person recruitment and chapter activities including events! While it is still not 100% normal, we are so close!
−	[[File:Smuhouse.jpg|thumb|Front steps of house]]	+	==Highlights of 2022==
−	[[File:Smuworkout.jpg|thumb|working out together]]

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Latest revision as of 00:14, 16 May 2022

 

Gamma Theta
ΓΘ
Founded	September 10, 1921 (1921-09-10) (104 years ago)
College	Drake University
Location	Des Moines, IA
Homepage	Gamma Theta Homepage
Media related to Gamma Theta Chapter

Drake University established in 1881 in Des Moines, Iowa

Founded April 30, 1921

2,309 initiates (as of June 2018)

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Charter Members:

Bernice Bramhall, Agnes Buchanan, Isobel Helen Carothers, Isabel Childs, Anna Laura Clark, Margaret O. Clark, Anna Laura Copeland, Marian E. Kerr Devine, Doris Dickinson, Agnes Flach, Agnes Henderson, Dorothy Rosemary Kirk, Eleanor MacRae, Mary Martin, Eleanor Morning, Elizabeth Morning, Maxine Van Meter, Gretchn Winterrowd.

Fraternity Council Members:

Florence Tomlinson Myers (Wallace), Grand President (1930-1932), National Registrar (1928-1930; Marjorie Kyes Amend, Director of Membership (1946-1948); Mary Pat Rooney, Vice President (2018-2020), Academic Excellence Director (2015-2018)

Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:

Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Mary Elizabeth Kelly, 1966, Lieutenant colonel and deputy director of the Women’s Army Corps, fiscal officer; Karen Kolbe Goodenow, 1998, Longtime leader within the National Association of the State Boards of Education; June Braun Bent, 2010, World War II WASP pilot, awarded Congressional Gold Medal;

Additional Outstanding Gamma Theta Alumnae

Margaret Miller (Brucker), Graduate Counselor 1961-1963; Penne Longhibler (Prigge) Graduate Counselor 1966-1967; Michele Starzyk, Chapter Consultant 1999-2000; Katy Stovall, Province Director of Chapters (2011-2014), Regional Director of Chapters (2014-2016), District Director (2016-2018)Technology Chairman (2018-)

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The Early Years[edit]

The foundations of Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, were laid by men of broad vision and liberal culture. When General Francis Marion Drake was appealed to for an initial gift of $20,000, he replied that he could and would do it and to go ahead with the building. A modest frame building was erected, followed immediately by Old Main, which stood at the center of the group of first buildings.

The day Gamma Theta Chapter was installed at Drake University by Sarah B. Harris (Rowe), Northwestern, Grand President of Kappa Kappa Gamma, was one of the most momentous days in the annals of Fraternity history. The date was April 30, 1921. On that day the chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Gamma and Chi Omega were established on the Drake campus. Epsilon Tau Sigma, the petitioning local sorority which had been organized at Drake in February, 1903, was the first of the petitioning groups at the school to receive an answer to its petition. Word had been received on March 14, 1921, that Kappa Kappa Gamma had granted it a charter. Inasmuch as charters were soon granted to the other three local sororities, the national councils of the four fraternities conferred and decided to enter the university on the same day, thereby giving each group an equal start on the campus. This decision doubtless accomplished much in promoting congeniality and a true Panhellenic spirit.

When one looks through the archives and reads through the reports of each year’s activities and the honors won by the chapter and by individual members, it is difficult to decide whether Gamma Thetas are athletes, beauties, activity girls, or bookworms.

In its first year, Gamma Theta won first place in scholarship, and since then the scholarship trophy has often been at the Kappa house.

The Kappas have had, perhaps, more than their share of the homecoming queens, princesses, queen’s attendants, D Club sweethearts and Quax beauties.

When outstanding representative Drake women are elected, Kappas again are winners. In 1924, out of the three girls chosen as Representative Drakes, two were Kappas. In 1943, a member was elected Miss Drake and then caused a great sensation on campus when she was chosen Drake Relays Queen—the first time a Drake woman had been given the honor. Gamma Theta contributed a winner to the Miss Iowa contest in 1953. Fraternity sweethearts, too, were common in the chapter. The athletic awards captured by the chapter read like something from the sports pages. They are good sports and good at sports also.

Each year many Gamma Thetas were elected to the honorary organizations on the campus in recognition of their abilities. Long lists of Kappas’ names were on the membership rolls of Sieve and Shears, Margaret Fuller Club, Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities, as well as music, drama, education and other such organizations.

Gamma Theta leadership was shown through the work done on the campus publications. The Quax was at times been edited by Kappas, and other Gamma Thetas served as business managers. The weekly edition of the Times-Delphic had Kappas on the staff nearly every year. Kappawise, Gamma Theta’s chapter news publication won the award for the best mimeographed paper at the KKG General Convention in 1958, when Julia Brower (Lyon) was editor.

All years have not been a round of social activities mixed in with the academic endeavors. The war years found the Kappas at Drake doing their share of war work and going without. To read their accounts, they went without almost everything—including men. Social activities were limited to small house dances and inter-sorority exchanges. Kappas won some degree of fame, however, through serenades to Army Air-Corps students.

During the 1942–43 school year, the chapter voted to donate all but their three most recently won trophy cups to the metal salvage drive. That was the year that Gamma Theta had the honor of having Miss Drake, the Relays Queen and the Editor of the Quax.

A French student from Algeria entered Drake as a Kappa exchange student in 1939. Europe’s war and the Atlantic’s submarine peril prevented an active from being Drake’s exchange student to the University of Toulouse, France.

Gamma Theta claimed “Mrs. America of 1960,” Margaret King Priebe of Des Moines.

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

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Highlights of the 1970s[edit]

From chapter’s History Report: During the 1970’s Gamma Theta emerged on campus as one of the leading sororities. The had the most improved G.P.A.( exceeding 3.0) as well as being honored for most involved chapter with Honorable Mention at Province in 1976. Gamma Theta’s sisterly bonds grew as it met quota for each fall rush and created bonds of sisterhood that would never be forgotten. Through these years the ladies of the Gamma Theta chapter also participated in the Bulldog Olympics making the Kappa name on campus great.

Housing:

During the 1970’s chapters of other Greek organizations were closing on campus, but Kappa thrived and gained steam through successful Recruitment and an increased emphasis on academics.

Philanthropy:

In 1971, the Revitalization Corps in Des Moines, Iowa had 11-12 Gamma Thetas volunteer to work with the underprivileged of Des Moines by tutoring, serving free meals, counseling former mental patients and supervising youth recreation.

Chapter Convention Awards:

Highlights of the 1980s:[edit]

Philanthropy:

Gamma Theta participated in and hosted philanthropic activities that benefited Drake and the Des Moines community. Some events that the chapter held were dance-marathons and a Halloween party for underprivileged first graders in a local school. A favorite event to be involved in was the Iowa Lung Walk-a-thon for the American Lung Association, but the most well know event was the Drake Relays. This is an annual, nationally recognized track-and-field event. During the week leading to the event there are activities and competitions between many campus organizations. Gamma Theta members created floats to proudly show off Kappa to the Drake community!

Chapter Convention Awards:

Highlights of the 1990s[edit]

Panhellenic constantly changed the schedule for rush (now called Recruitment) during the 1990’s. By the the end of the decade it was condensed into a three day event. Like Panhellenic, the chapter also had a tradition of frequently changing the themes from year-to-year for their various rush parties. This helped keep the members excited for membership recruitment.

Housing:

In 1991, the Gamma Theta house was renovated which generated a lot of excitement among the actives. There 128 women in the chapter after pledging 34 new members. During the nineties, members of Gamma Theta were the beneficiary of a robust House Board and were the recipients of constant updating and decorating. In the summer of 1998, the House Board restored the house to what it originally looked like when the chapter was founded in 1921.

Philanthropy:

Gamma Theta excelled in their philanthropic spirit and by the end of the 1998 school year they had fulfilled their goal of raising $10,000 for Project 2000. They enjoyed hosting their annual Chili Kook-off to benefit the recipients of Rose McGill and also participated in several other community and Panhellenic philanthropic events.

Chapter Convention Awards:

Highlights of 2000-2010[edit]

At Province meeting Gamma Theta received the following awards: Most Improved Chapter, Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Programming, and Honorable Mention for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship and Programming. The chapter was also recognized during Greek Week with the Dean of Students Award.

In 2007, the chapter welcomed an incredibly large pledge class. Gamma Theta members were active in other campus organizations such as; Student Senate, American Marketing Association, Drake Magazine, and fraternities of business and pharmacy. Taking it one step further, many of the members also held leadership positions in other campus organizations.

When Gamma Theta incurred standards and financial reporting hurdles, the members quickly took action and developed plans which increased chapter morale and accountability.

Philanthropy:

In the spring and fall of 2005 Gamma Theta won Alpha Phi and Delta Gamma's philanthropy events and placed second in both Sigma Chi Derby Days and the Sig Ep's philanthropy. Kappa Kasino, had the best turn-out in its history during 2007 and raised approximately $3,700 that went directly to the Heart Connection.

Chapter Convention Awards:

6/30/08 Standards Honorable Mention 6/30/06 New Member Program Honorable Mention 6/30/06 Sally Moore Nitschke Lifelong Education Honorable Mention 6/30/06 Standards Honorable Mention 6/30/00 Panhellenic Honorable Mention

Highlights of 2011-2019[edit]

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

Highlights of 2012[edit]

2012 was a year of growth for the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Not only did our chapter grow as a whole, but individually as well. This personal growth as a chapter lead us to win the "Overall Most Improved Chapter" at the National Convention. We also received the Greek Gala award "Outstanding Chapter President" for our previous president Jessica Reisig. We tremendously increased our participation in greek life. We did the best we could to become more involved in other Fraternities' philanthropies. This increase in participation resulted in us taking first place in Delta Gamma's "anchor splash." We were noted for having many women in our chapter participate in Sigma Phi Epsilon's philanthropy. We ended up placing second for their "queen of hearts" softball tournament. We also took second place in Alpha Phi's "Fast Phi't" and FIJI's "FIJI Island."

Our switch of philanthropy from Kappa Kasino to Kappa Klassic was a huge success. We had a great turn out and raised over $4,000 for our local philanthropy and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This fall we had a very memorable sisterhood event. All the women in our chapter were invited to unite in the kitchen where we watched the inspiring documentary "Finding Kind." This sisterhood was such a bonding experience for us and encouraged everyone to look deep within themselves. This sisterhood was one that made a lasting impression on the women. I foresee it being talked about years from now.

We also started a new tradition of creating scrapbook pages for every big sister and little sister. We are very excited to be able to look back at these pages and remember all the fond moments. As well as being involved within our chapter, many of our members are involved with different organizations on campus. This year we had 4 members who served as a PMAC on campus and 2 members who served as student ambassadors on campus. We also have a member who is the president of the finance club and a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of Man Up Magazine.

In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. This semester alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of service to our local community. All of our chapter members took part in the Belize Dance Marathon this year, which raised money for building primary schools in Belize. The leader of this foundation, James Albert, was extremely thankful that the Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and was especially fond of the women of Kappa. Additionally we keep improving our GPA and our academics even though the street is hard competition. During the spring we participated heavenly in the Drake Relays with street painting which dozens of girls participated in to make a painted square devoted to Kappa. Overall 2012 was a year to remember for Gamma Theta. It will be a year to look back on and feel proud of all the improvement we made. We are looking forward to what 2013 will bring.

Campus: Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.

Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Chapter Convention Awards: 2012- Most Improved Chapter

Highlights of 2013[edit]

Not only was 2013 a year of growth for the women of the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, but individually as well. Since winning the award of the “Overall Most Improved Chapter” at the National Convention, and also receiving the Greek Gala award “Outstanding Chapter President,” I feel that we have held ourselves to a very high and positive standard. Since then, we tremendously increased our participation in greek life and with Drake University as a whole.

This year, our chapter had very high participation with all chapters philanthropies. We did the best we could to win in each by helping everyone raise money, and also by having fun! This competitive fun and participation resulted in us taking first place in Alpha Phi’s “Fast Phi’t” and Phi Gamma Delta’s “Fiji Island.” This year we have taken high placement in all Sororities and Fraternities philanthropies and our participation was nearly doubled since last year. This year with Kappa Klassic, not only did we have wonderful weather, but we raised over $5,000 for the Children’s Cancer Connection, Rose McGill fund and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This amount raised was absolutely amazing and was the best we have ever done. Not only was Kappa Klassic the only thing we did this year to raise money for a foundation, but we were involved in the Belize Dance Marathon. This was a very memorable and touching sisterhood event experience. We had one hundred percent participation and we raised nearly $2,000. The money went to the James Arthur Albert foundation which provided money for Belize children to go to high school. This was an amazing bonding experience for us and we are involving ourselves to continue to do it annually.

The leader of this foundation, James Albert, was extremely thankful that the Gamma Theta chapter partook in this and was especially fond of the women of Kappa. As well as being involved within our chapter, many of our members are involved with different organizations on campus. This year we had many members who served as a PMAC on campus and also 3 members were elected to sit on Panhel, one being the new Panhel President.

We have a member who is the Editor-in-Chief of the new Drake Honors Magazine, The Annual. In addition to on-campus involvement we have also stayed involved with different things off-campus. This semester alone members of Gamma Theta donated over 600 hours of service to our local community. Additionally we keep improving our GPA and our academics even though the street is hard competition. During the spring we participated heavily in the Drake Relays with street painting which dozens of girls participated in to make a painted square devoted to Kappa. Overall 2013 was a year to remember for Gamma Theta. It will be a year to look back on and feel proud of all the improvement we made. We are looking forward to what 2014 will have in store.

Campus:Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.

Chapter:'A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Highlights of 2014[edit]

2014 was a great year for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Members were not only actively involved within the Gamma Theta chapter, Drake Greek life, and campus organizations, but they were also able to excel academically.

One of the most important aspects of creating a strong chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is having a successful recruitment. Our chapter was honored to have received an honorable mention Kappa Kappa Gamma Recruitment Award at Convention in the summer of 2014. Gamma Theta proved to be deserving of this award in the spring of 2014 when we initiated 4 members after informal recruitment, and in the fall, when we initiated 36 members after formal recruitment. Our newly initiated members have been exceptionally involved within the chapter, as well as on Greek street and in campus organizations. They have proved to be role models to the rest of the chapter, and ensure that the future of Gamma Theta will be in good hands.

Gamma Theta became more philanthropic in 2014 through the incorporation of sisterhood and service. One member of our chapter created Little Ladies Leading; a sisterhood event focused on empowering young girls in Des Moines public elementary schools. Members of the chapter spent the duration of the event partnered with the a "little lady," and led by example what a strong woman leader looks like. Gamma Theta also became actively involved with Graham's Gift; a non-profit organization founded by the brother of one of our members. We spent sisterhoods making rainbow loom bracelets to be sold to raise money for childhood cancer research. This aligned closely with our local philanthropy, Children's Cancer Connection. Gamma Theta also had the privilege of being nominated for the ALS Bucket Challenge. We willingly participated and donated, as well as nominated the Kappa Kappa Gamma chapters at Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Simpson College.

As for involvement in philanthropies within Drake University Greek life, Gamma Theta proved to be actively engaged. In the fall of 2014, we won Theta Chi's philanthropy week, as well as Kappa Alpha Theta's serenades. Not only did this prove to encourage participation among the chapter, it also proved to be a great way to unite as sisters. Sisterhood also flourished during our chapter's philanthropy week for Kappa Klassic, when we raised $3,500 for our local philanthropy and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. There were several new aspects to Kappa Klassic in 2014 that enhanced the week. We sold cups and mason jar mugs that sold remarkably well. We also had a book drive that collected 300 books to be given to the children battling cancer at Blank Children's hospital. Gamma Theta is continually adapting to make sure that we are hosting the best possible philanthropy that we can.

Gamma Theta also spent 2014 focused on making improvements to our academics. In 2014 alone, we improved our GPA by .1, had 25 women obtain 4.0s, and had 56% of our returning members improve their GPA from the spring to fall semester. We also had 3 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the Drake University pharmacy program.

Gamma Theta has also been actively involved in organizations outside of Kappa Kappa Gamma. This year, we had three members serve on the Panhellenic Council (one as president), as well as have two women elected into Panhellenic positions for the 2015 year. Additionally, we had 5 members act as recruitment counselors for formal recruitment in the fall of 2014. Our involvement, however, branches into other aspects of campus life as well. We have 7 student-athletes, Drake University's College of Arts and Sciences senator, the editor-in-chief of our university news paper, the Times Delphic, and have 70 women involved in clubs, organizations, and business fraternities. Some of our accomplishments on campus include getting first place in "Yell Like Hell," (a Drake homecoming tradition), and being intramural soccer champions. We are very proud to have women that excel within the classroom, on Drake campus, and of course, within Kappa.

Campus: Small, private university that has an enormous amount of opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school.

Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Gamma Theta holds chapter meetings in the dining room of our chapter house. The women of Gamma Theta reside in the Millie Y. and Frank P. Mattes House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1910, this building was originally a farm house, and was converted to a sorority house in 1959, when it was purchased by the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Since its purchase, the house has undergone two expansions to accommodate for the growing chapter. Our house has 19 sleeping rooms and can hold 50 women, and has been the home of Kappa Kappa Gamma women since its purchase.

Highlights of 2015[edit]

2015 was a positive year for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Through academic and philanthropic success, as well as active involvement on campus and within Kappa, 2015 proved to be an influential year for Gamma Theta.

It is important, as a chapter, to place an emphasis on recruiting women to uphold the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In 2015, Gamma Theta initiated 2 women following informal recruitment, and 28 women following formal recruitment. The new actives have proven to be actively involved within the chapter and on campus. We are excited to see where these women will take Gamma Theta throughout the upcoming years.

In 2015, Gamma Theta worked hard to create a successful philanthropy week for our local philanthropy, Children’s Cancer Connection, and for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. As a result, our chapter was able to raise $5,500. This year, our philanthropy week included new additions and some traditions. In addition to Kappa Klassic, our fundraising golf tournament where 120 golfers participated, Gamma Theta sold 300 t-shirts, held a mini putt-putt competition, and arranged a Graham’s Gift bracelet making event where chapters of Drake’s Greek life community produced 2,000 bracelets to be donated and sold for childhood cancer research. Graham’s Gift is a non-profit organization founded by the brother of one of our members. Although Graham’s Gift is not our traditional philanthropy, we find that the mission of the organization is relevant to our mission of supporting childhood cancer research, and in addition, is supporting one of our sisters and her family.

Gamma Theta is proud to have our passion for philanthropy expand beyond our philanthropy week. In addition to Kappa Klassic, we had sisters create a Love Your Melon campus crew and MEDLIFE chapter at Drake University in 2015. We are proud to have these organizations led by Gamma Theta women, and to have them actively advocating for our philanthropy and the overall healthcare of individuals outside of our chapter and in the Des Moines community. Also, our chapter continues to work with Little Ladies Leading, an event founded by one of our members, where women of our chapter focus on empowering elementary aged girls in the Des Moines community. Gamma Theta was proud to win the Outstanding Community Service Award in 2015 at the Drake Greek Gala as a result of our active involvement.

Scholarship continues to be a focus for Gamma Theta. We are proud of the improvements that we have made regarding our academics, but continue to strive for excellence. In 2015, the academic committee was proactive in creating a positive learning environment for Gamma Theta. They implemented a Scholarly Sister of the Week, weekly Nerd Herds, Owl Pals (academic mentors for new members), and continuous support for all members, regardless of GPA or personal situation. As a result, 22% of our chapter held 4.0s in the Spring of 2015. We also had 10 women study abroad throughout the calendar year, and 2 women receive their white coats as they were inducted into the Drake University pharmacy program.

To support a high morale within the chapter, Chapter Council implemented a positive incentive program called Kappa Kash. Women in the chapter received Kappa currency throughout each semester for exhibiting behaviors that go above and beyond what is expected of them. For example, women received Kappa Kash for attending intramural events, supporting sisters at presentations and concerts, getting exemplary grades, and holding leadership positions in campus organizations. At the close of each semester, Gamma Theta holds an auction, where Kappa gear and gift cards are auctioned off. So far, Gamma Theta is proud of how well the program is being received, and is excited to see how it will develop over the coming years.

Although Gamma Theta is always proud of our members’ involvement within Kappa, 2015 proved to be a year of leadership for Gamma Theta members throughout the Drake community. We had 2 members hold positions on the Panhellenic Council for the 2015 year, and 1 member inducted in as president for the upcoming year. We also had 6 recruitment counselors during formal recruitment in the Fall of 2015. Some additional examples of our involvement outside of Kappa include, but are not limited to: Drake Dance Team Captain, Mortar Board President, members of Order of Omega, founder of TedxDU, resident hall president and executive council members, journalists for campus publications, Greek FOCUS executive council members, and professional fraternity members in executive council positions. Gamma Theta members continue to seek involvement throughout the Drake community, strive for academic excellence, and of course, pursue the ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Campus: Drake University is a small, private university that has ample opportunities for students to get involved on and around campus. It is typically known as a liberal arts school. Recently, the campus as a whole has become actively aware of global and domestic issues that face our generation. With the presidential election coming up in the next year, Drake University was proud to hold a nationally televised Democratic Presidential debate.

Chapter: Gamma Theta is a well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Chapter Philanthropy:

What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community? Gamma Theta’s local philanthropy is Children’s Cancer Connection. We support this organization and its cause in various ways. In addition to raising funds for Children’s Cancer Connection through our main philanthropy event, Kappa Klassic (a golf tournament), Gamma Theta provides fundraising opportunities for the Drake University community throughout the week of our philanthropy.

Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support? Cancer is a disease that has impacted everyone in one way or another. It is our goal, at Gamma Theta, to bring light to this issue and support the many children who are battling for their life every single day. Children’s Cancer Connection provides hope for children and their families, and as Kappa Kappa Gamma women, we want to make sure that that hope is in ample supply.

Highlights of 2016[edit]

2016 proved to be a memorable and exciting year for Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our members were involved within Kappa as well as outside campus organizations. Academic, recruitment and Panhellenic successes contributed to an overall great year.

Gamma Theta had a very strong year for recruiting substantial new members to our chapter. Spring semester, we informally recruited eight new members after a bowling sisterhood and a Graham's Gift bracelet making philanthropy event. In the fall, Gamma Theta put a strong emphasis on a values-based mission for formal recruitment. Our chapter very successfully formally recruited and initiated 29 exceptional women in the fall. These new actives have shown dedication, exuberant participation, and are overall a valued asset of our chapter.

As college students, our academics hold highest priority within Gamma Theta. This year, we have made many achievements towards our academic goals through family study challenges, professor dinners, Nerd Herds, and Owl Pals. As a chapter, we raised our spring GPA from 3.32 to 3.39 in the fall. This was the most significant GPA improvement out of all the sororities on Drake's campus. This year, we strived to become more acquainted with Drake faculty in order to help us in our scholarship goals. One way we did this was by hosting two professor dinners this year, one in both the spring and fall. We had a great turnout with 15 total professors join us at our house. Finally, in November, we conducted a family study challenge that was a huge success. As a chapter, we logged 1,100 study hours in three weeks, and the winning family had 190 of those hours alone. This was a great way to motivate each other to strive toward academic excellence!

This past year, our Panhellenic representation was of great importance as one of our own members served as the Panhellenic President. This was a huge milestone for Gamma Theta and encouraged overall Panhellenic participation throughout the year. Moreover, during formal recruitment, nine of our members served as Rho Gammas. On top of participation in other chapter’s philanthropy events, Gamma Theta also partook in the second annual Panhellenic Philanthropy event. Drake University's Sororities collaboratively reach out to young ladies in developing countries on the importance of education for becoming strong women. This event was a great time to bond with our sisters as well as the sorority community as a whole.

Our philanthropy week was a success as we tried out a new approach by implementing a Kappa Kickball Tournament and Kappa Con Queso events during our philanthropy week. Our kickball tournament was a way to get more Drake students involved in our philanthropy, and successfully amounted to 106 total participants. We ultimately raised $2,554 as well as additional funds towards the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. Gamma Theta also put on a children's book donation drive and received 260 books for Everybody Wins! Iowa. Lastly, as previously mentioned during our recruitment, Gamma Theta made bracelets for Graham's Gift philanthropy that one of our sister's started a couple years ago.

This summer, our chapter sent five of our chapter counsel members along with our chapter counsel advisor to Convention in San Diego! This was a great opportunity for us to gain new knowledge and insight that these women brought back to our chapter. Gamma Theta gained a new level of appreciation for our ritual after learning about ritual experience with Kappas from around the nation. Our chapter counsel integrated new aspects, learned at Convention, of improving leadership by increasing transparency to the chapter as a whole. Additionally, Gamma Theta sent one of our members to the Annual Kappa Leadership Academy. This member explained to our chapter all the team building activities and leadership takeaways she learned from her experienced. She connected with Kappas from other chapters and learned that communication is a key component of leadership by example.

In addition to Kappa involvement, Gamma Theta's members have been active and high achieving on Drake's campus as well as by furthering their career goals. This year, we had members engaged in campus PMACs (Peer Mentor Academic Consultants) positions during freshman orientation, summer internships, and leadership positions in campus organizations such as student activities board, Greeks Against Sexual Assault, and Professional Fraternities. Two of our members also co-founded the Women in Business campus organization. We are also proud to have sent a total of six women on travel aboard programs. 2016 has been a very successful year for Gamma Theta as a chapter and on an individual basis.

Campus: Drake University is a small, private university with many leadership and involvement opportunities in and out of campus. It is known as a liberal arts school. This past year, Drake has been actively involveed in the 2016 Presidential Election with many politicians and celebrities visiting our campus. The rapper, Drake, also made a secret appearance on campus as well as our chapter house this past fall, but unfortunately no one was awake to answer the door.

Chapter: A well-rounded group of individuals that come together as young women who excel in many areas (academically, athletically, socially), and hold leadership positions both on campus and within the chapter.

Highlights of 2017[edit]

The Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has made quite an impact on the year of 2017. This year has been memorable for many reasons. Our chapter members have been involved in numerous Kappa oppurtunities, both on-campus as well as off-campus organizations. Our commitment to academics, recruitment success and overall Panhellenic involvement has contributed to a memorable and accomplished year.

Gamma Theta began the informal recruitment process in the Spring of 2017. In mid-Feburuary, Kappa invited 15 women to the Kappa house for Monday night dinner and other various activities that took place throughout the week. When the week came to an end, we unfortunately were unable to extend a bid to any potential new members due to academic requirements. Our new member chair planned a miraculous winter-wonderland themed bid day of roller skating and snacks. We ended up treating our bid day as a sisterhood and had a lot of fun bonding. With high morale and an eagerness to welcome new members to our home, fall could not come soon enough. Fall formal recruitment commenced mid-August with work week. During work week, Gamma Theta was introduced to the select-a-sis voting app. We were able to use this handy device for SS while voting on potential new members. We practiced rotations until our feet hurt as well as natural conversations with sisters. Work week went swimmingly. When actual recrutiment came along, our members were able to give potential new members a glimpse into the Gamma Theta Chapter. At the end of recruitment, we were fortunate enough to welcome 33 new members home with our carnival themed bid day on September 10. Kappa reached quota, so we did not have to give out any snap bids or continous bids. We intiated our new members on November 4.

As college students, our academics remain the highest priority. During the year of 2017, Gamma Theta Chapter improved leaps and bounds in academics. In the Spring of 2017, our Vice President of Academic Excellence, did a wonderful job scheduling academic programming at chapters. We were able to have HR programming, as well as a professor dinner. We have also kept our nerd herds, Geek of the Week and A's and B's Challenges consistent. These competitions give chapter members a friendly reason to stay motivated. In the summer, Kappa was notified of our grade point average improvement. Our overall chapter grade point average went from a 3.3 to a 3.4 in the spring. We moved from fourth on the street to third on the street. With scholarship in mind, two of our very own chapter members received a Kappa Scholarship. We also had a member receive a national scholarship worth $3,000.

Our philanthropy involvement has increased over the year of 2017. At chapter council, we created and implemented a rule to engage and encourage members to attend and participate in philanthropy events. For other chapters' serenades Kappa now requires certain committees to attend at least one serenade a semester. If you are unable to attend, you are required to find a replacement . As a chapter we participated in over 6 philanthropy weeks throughout the year, with each member attending at least 2 events from an outside philanthropy event. We were able to raise the most money for St. Jude's Up Til' Down event and gained enough points to obtain the runner-up honor for Sigma Phi Epsilon's philanthropy week. Our philanthropies included an alumni brunch in the Spring where we hosted generations of Kappas for food and fun. During the brunch, there was a silent auction with donated items from businesses all around Des Moines. Fall semester we hosted our annual Kappa Kickball Tournament, Book Drive and Grabba Grabba Donut. We collected over 250 books for Reading is Fundamental and raised over $2,000 for the Children's Cancer Connection. For service hours, we constructed a little ladies leading program at Molten Elementary during the CFUM after- school program. We also read to children at BruBaker Elementary in Des Moines for Reading is Fundamental.

As Drake's Panhellenic council transitions into a new year, positions will be transitioning as well. Kappa has two out-going council members and two in-coming council members. The newly elected Kappa's will serve as Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Management for the Panhellenic council.

In the Spring, a few of our Chapter Council members traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to attend the Kappa Leadership Academy. Over the long weekend, they learned many new strategies and skills to help lead Kappa toward continued success. We were fortunate enough to have one of our very own members be recognized for the outstanding new member award from Drake's Panhellenic Council. After spring semester came to an end and the summer months began, Kappa was lucky enough to have a few members selected to be Peer Mentor Academic Counselors, as well as 8 recruitment counselors. Gamma Theta also had 7 women go abroad for a full semester in the spring, as well as multiple internships and careers.

As a chapter we have struggled with utilizing our council committees. Luckily chapter council caught this problem early on and resolved the issue. Our Vice President of Organization revamped and reorganized our committees. We now utilize our time wisely at chapter committee meetings and delegate more tasks to the members appointed to do so. This takes a lot of weight off the chapter officers' shoulders and develops leadership skills in other members gradually. Gamma Theta has also stuggled with our overall behavior at events, dates included. We have recently shut down this issue with a strict no tolerance policy. Our chapter's overall well-being has improved tremendously over the past year, ever since being placed on a warning of probation. Gamma Theat will be re-evaluated in December 2017.

Recently, we were able to welcome 33 oustanding new members home. Our chapter has grown and so has our appreciation for sisterhood. Our new members are inspiring us in so many different ways. They are already taking on leadership positions through Kappa and other organizations, on-campus and off-campus. With that being said, we were placed on a warning of probation around a year ago. This was a serious issue for Gamma Theta, and we take the status of the chapter seriously. As a chapter we took all necessary precautions and procedures to ensure we got back on the right track and to an acceptable status. Gamma Theta will be re-evaluated this December. Our no tolerance policy has made for successful events. We have also implemented many sisterhoods to ensure bonding time with one another without the need of alcohol or dates. These sisterhoods have been mandatory and non-mandatory. Some of the sisterhoods that took place this year included the Farmer's Market, gingerbread house-making, writing a friendly letter to your sister and the white elephant Christmas party. Many of these sisterhoods took the place of normal events. The improvements that have taken place give us high hopes for the future of Gamma Theta.

Gamma Theta supports the following philanthropies: Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation/Rose McGill Fund Children's Cancer Connection Reading is Fundamental

The Gamma Theta Chapter has specifically chosen Children's Cancer Connection foundation, because it is local to Des Moines, and it is close to our hearts. We have many family members and friends who are currently diagnosed or who have been diagnosed with cancer. This organization allows us to give back in honor of our loved ones and contribute to the research that will hopefully one day find a cure. It also allows many children diagnosed with cancer to attend a camp that is like a dream come true for them. Kappa's close connection with Children's Cancer Connection geographically and emotionally gives our philanthropy a strong and passionate meaning. Reading is Fundamental is just as important to Kappa because of the development of young children's education. Kappa strives for academic success and supporting an organization that strongly encourages reading and the furthering of education is something Kappa has and will always promote. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation is national, so it is not specific to Gamma Theta, but we support it nevertheless. We will always be there for a sister in need.

We meet in our own chapter facility every Sunday evening at 7 pm. We meet in our kitchen since it is the largest space in the house and can fit all of our members comfortably.

Highlights of 2018[edit]

The Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has made 2018 a wonderful year. We have strengthened our sisterhood, while also maintaining strong academics and campus involvement this year.

At Gamma Theta, it remains evident that we hold each other accountable to high academic standards. We have moved toward our academic goals through continuing professor dinners, Geek of the Week, Nerd Herds, and Owl Pals. As a chapter we have raised our GPA from a 3.36 to 3.44. We ended up tying with another sorority for most improved GPA of the semester and we kept our rank at third on the street, which is something we consider to be a great accomplishment. In addition, we are excited to say that two of our very own Gamma Theta sisters were granted the Kappa scholarship as well. Throughout the semester, we encouraged members of all grades to talk within their majors as a way to give the new initiates help as they push through their first semester at college. This became something known as Owl Pal groups, a resource to get new sisters the help they need when struggling in a course or deciding on what courses to take during registration. In addition, we had the opportunity to connect on a deeper level with some of our favorite professors attending the February Professor Dinner, with a total of 10 professors in attendance! The feedback from both professors and women within the chapter was extremely positive, we hope to do it again in the future semesters.

As the 2018 spring semester began, Gamma Theta was ready to improve all areas of the chapter. In February, we had 29 women certified and trained to be members of our event ERT (Emergency Response Team). This commitment by the chapter to ensure safe and enjoyable events was displayed throughout the year at our various events including two formals and two date parties. In the spring of 2018 we did a dynamic duo date party at the Garden nightclub in Downtown Des Moines, as well as our spring formal with senior superlatives/awards at the Marriott hotel. In the fall of 2018 we had Barn Party at Beer Can Alley and winter formal at a new venue that we have never used before. The venue was The Tuscany Event Center in Urbandale, Iowa. Our events have run smoothly and for the most part, everyone has been very well behaved during the past year. We hope to continue to move forward in this positive direction for upcoming events.

Our 2018 philanthropy week was an overwhelming success this year with our Kappa Dodgeball Tournament and Kappa Con Queso. We raised more than $1,200 for Children’s Cancer Connection. Additionally, our philanthropy efforts have only continued to increase this year. We collected more than 250 books that were donated to the Youth Emergency Services and Shelter of Iowa. Our members participated in more than 900 service hours in the spring and 1,400 hours this fall! Gamma Theta has also persisted as the top fundraiser for the campus wide event, St. Jude Up ‘til Dawn, and participated in more than 15 different philanthropic events for the Panhellenic community.

This summer, our chapter sent five of our chapter council members, along with an advisor, to Convention in Denver, Colorado! This was a great experience for the women to gain knowledge on how to improve the Gamma Theta chapter, especially in areas regarding recruitment and initiation. Additionally, we sent one member to represent Gamma Theta at the Annual Kappa Leadership Academy in Marengo, Ohio, where she was able to connect with other Kappas and hear about their personal leadership experiences. Last, Gamma Theta has a member serving on the Collegiate Advisory Board who was able to attend a conference at Headquarters in October. She continues to give feedback on fraternity policies to help make Kappa the best it can possibly be!

In 2018, Gamma Theta had great involvement in the Panhellenic community and campus wide. We had two members of our chapter serving as Vice President of Marketing and Vice President of Business Management for the 2018 Panhellenic Council. On the 2019 Panhellenic Council, a member of our chapter will be serving as the Vice President of Recruitment. Additionally, we had seven women serving as Recruitment Counselors during formal recruitment in the fall. Moreover, we showed significant involvement through Panhellenic Sisterhoods with Alpha Delta Pi and Delta Gamma. This was a great opportunity to spend time with and strengthen the bonds between our different chapters.

Gamma Theta began the formal recruitment process in the Fall of 2018. After a successful work week, we recruited our new members with ease. On September 9th, we were grateful to be able to welcome our 32 new members home to Kappa at our Candyland themed bid day. Kappa reached quota, so we did not have to give out any snap or continuous bids. We initiated our new members on November 3rd. During the recent months, we have been able to welcome our new members into our beautiful brick home. We have been able to watch these women grow into newfound leaders and friends. With the bond of our members continuing to grow, it is evident that Gamma Theta has made significant progress in our sisterhood. We hosted numerous sisterhoods this semester, including a Valentine’s Day gift exchange, cosmic bowling, and a self-defense sisterhood. We also sent care packages to our sisters abroad and implemented new chapter programming. “Polished Kappa” was introduced to the chapter as a way to recognize a sister’s kind efforts. “Spotlight Sister” was added to chapter programming to promote relations between alumni and collegiate sisters. Overall, 2018 proved to be a great year for the Gamma Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma!

The Gamma Theta Chapter has chosen to support Children's Cancer Connection as our local philanthropy as it allows us to give back to others in honor of our loved ones who have had cancer. This organization remains very close to our hearts. We continue to support Reading is Fundamental as it aligns with our values of scholarship and allows us to give back to the children in our community. Last, we support our sisters and thus in turn support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

Highlights of 2019[edit]

The women of Gamma Theta have had an exciting year! Our commitment to academics, recruitment success, and overall Panhellenic involvement have contributed to a memorable and accomplished year. We enjoyed 2019 and look forward to 2020!

The year started with spring informal recruitment, our chapter decided to participate and we are so lucky. We welcomed four amazing new members on February 10th and they were all initiated just a few weeks later. During our initiation, we had a fun movie sisterhood at the local movie theatre with popcorn and candy.

Unfortunately, in March we lost our loving advisor Mary Canady Laughlin, her passing deeply affected our chapter and we hosted a ritual in her memory. A month later, at the annual Drake FSeLebration, Mary was awarded the Outstanding Chapter Advisor award, and in her honor, Drake Fraternity and Sorority Life decided to rename the award to the ‘Mary Canady Laughlin Advisor of the Year’. Along with this incredible honor, Kappa was recognized for other awards. Our Philanthropy Chairman, Ashlie Bunten, was awarded the Outstanding Community Service award and our chapter received the 2018 Outstanding Harm Reduction & Risk Management Award.

Five of our members and our Chapter Council Advisor attended the Kappa leadership conference in Dallas and had a great time working with other chapters to better their leadership skills within Kappa.

We hosted multiple amazing events in the Spring including a resume building workshop with Drake’s Women in Business, a rock and roll themed date party, Mom’s weekend and a beautiful spring formal at Des Moines’ Rollins Mansion. We hosted Banana Splits and Books to benefit Reading is Fundamental where we raised around $1,000. $400 was used to purchase books for Monroe Elementary School here in Des Moines, 2.5% went to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, and the rest went to RIF.

As college students, our academics remain the highest priority. During the year of 2019, Gamma Theta Chapter improved leaps and bounds in academics. We finished the spring semester with a 3.39 GPA.

During the summer our members worked hard taking summer classes, tackling amazing internships and getting ready to head back to campus! Some of our members worked at organizations all across the country like EMC Insurance, Edward Jones, Congress, The Heritage Foundation, Boston Medical School, and so much more.

In the fall we were eager to start up the formal recruitment process. After an exciting work week, we started our fall semester ready to take on the rest of the year. One of our members received her Occupational Therapy white coat alongside two members who received their Pharmacy white coats.

After an exciting and hard-worked five day recruitment, we welcomed 33 new members with a game-day themed bid day! And, after deciding to continuously open bid, we welcomed two more new members! 34 women became new actives in early November with their family members in attendance who were also Gamma Theta alumni and Kappas from all over the country.

Our fall philanthropy event was Kamp Kappa, we hosted the Drake community at our house where we played board games, made s’ mores, and invited members of Des Moines Children’s Cancer Connection. We raised around $3,050 which 10% went to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and the rest went to benefit Children’s Cancer Connection.

Gamma Theta had overwhelming campus involvement this year. With two members serving as Orientation Leaders, our President, Sophie, serving on the Peer Advisory Board which oversaw Welcome Weekend for first-years and Peer Mentor and Academic Consultants, which included eight Kappa members, one woman on Panhellenic Council and six recruitment counselors. In the 2020 year, we will have four of our members serving on the Drake Panhellenic Council in positions including VP of Recruitment, VP of Recruitment Counselors, VP of Marketing and VP of Community Engagement. We were also involved in continuous clubs and organizations such as leading Active Minds, Drake Rowing Team, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Drake Magazine, Order of Omega, CBPA Ambassadors and so many other organization across Drake’s campus.

Our fall events included our annual Barn Party at American Outlaws, winter formal at the Des Moines Embassy Club and we finished the semester off with an ice skating sisterhood! Our members made a commitment to ensure safe and enjoyable events, which was displayed throughout the year and we hope to continue to move forward in this positive direction for upcoming events.

During recent months, we have been able to welcome our new members into our beautiful brick home. We have been able to watch these women grow into newfound leaders and friends. With the bond of our members continuing to grow, it is evident that Gamma Theta has made significant progress in our sisterhood. Overall, 2019 turned out to be an amazing year for the women of Gamma Theta.

The Gamma Theta Chapter has chosen to support Children's Cancer Connection as our local philanthropy as it allows us to give back to others in honor of our loved ones who have had cancer. This organization remains very close to our hearts. We continue to support Reading is Fundamental as it aligns with our values of scholarship and allows us to give back to the children in our community. Last, we support our sisters and thus in turn support the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation.

We celebrated our Founders Day at the local Windsor Heights Community Center, where we had a beautiful brunch spread with alumni and current members. For the first time in a few years we held the Founders Day ritual ceremony as well. We also played a fun Kahoot game where members and alumni had to answer questions about Kappa history. It was a beautiful morning in October and our members look forward to it every year!

Highlights of 2020s:[edit]

Highlights of 2020[edit]

To say that change was a major theme of this year would be an understatement for the Gamma Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. As for most people, no one would have expected a global pandemic at the start of 2020, but it proved to be an opportunity for growth. The chapter council had set many goals for the year and planned on making many positive changes for the chapter. Some of the goals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic included increasing transparency between the chapter council and the chapter as a whole. The weekly chapter council meetings were made open to the whole chapter to help encourage this transparency.

The council also made it the main goal to keep the sisterhood strong during the pandemic. This was accomplished by numerous virtual sisterhoods including, Bingo, Jack in the Box Games, Trivia, and much more. Another goal the council accomplished was introducing two Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chairman that served as our chapter’s resource to learn more about how to be an ally. They offered programming to our chapter and led with an open-discussion format. Our chapter found this very beneficial and want to continue to grow and expand this position and its duties.

Although this year was not normal our chapter was excited to receive an honorable mention for the Risk Management award for chapters with 118 or fewer members.

We also were able to continue to raise money and have philanthropic activities for our members through an initiative called Krafty Kappas. During what normally would have been our philanthropy week we collected craft supplies to donate to Children’s Cancer Connection in Des Moines for children to play with while they wait for treatment. We made the transition to fully online activities during the lockdown in March and carried out virtual chapters, meetings, and sisterhoods for the length of the year.

To help our members cope with the pandemic we also instituted two Covid Chairs. The two women selected, one living in the house and one residing in the dorms on campus, served as a resource for members for any questions related to the pandemic or the functioning of the chapter. Overall, while this year was not what we expected, we have made our best efforts to embody Kappa’s values and keep the traditions and sisterhood alive.

Chapter Philanthropy: what organizations did the chapter support? Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, Children’s Cancer Connection. We chose to support CCC because we are passionate about helping children and families in the Des Moines area who have been affected by cancer. Partnering with CCC has been an honor.

How did your chapter include diversity, equity and inclusion in their initiatives this year? Our chapter made enormous strides in regards to DEI initiatives. We elected our first DEI officer to our chapter council. She has led many programmings and discussions surrounding diversity and inclusion, and we have had a very positive chapter response. Another way our chapter has included diversity, equity, and inclusion is through our social media. Throughout 2020 we have done many social media campaigns supporting causes related to these topics. We also have our HIRO’s which is our programming system that hosts 1-2 diversity, equity, and inclusion seminars a semester. Lastly, our Panhellenic Council created a Black Lives Matter programming that lasted the entirety of the fall semester to help engage all of the chapters on our campus in discussions regarding race, privilege, and many more topics.

How did your chapter celebrate Kappa's 150th birthday? All year long, our chapter has done bi-weekly history nuggets to learn more about our founders and Kappa’s history. Our chapter LOVES them. We also partnered with Simpson college and had a joint Sesquintennial celebration via Zoom. Many alumna were able to attended as well. We loved being in break out rooms and getting to know alumna and current members from other chapters. We shared stories of our sisterhood and what Kappa means to us!

Highlights of 2021[edit]

The members of Gamma Theta have come back stronger than ever after the pandemic of 2020! As our chapter has changed yet again, our commitment to excellence is still firmly intact. We have loved getting back into more “regular” activities such as in-person chapters and events while building new connections with our new actives and the Panhellenic community. Our chapter council made it our goal to rebuild this chapter after the pandemic, and wow, did they ever.

The spring of 2021 began with informal recruitment and many online activities. We welcomed four new members. As the vaccine became more available, our guidelines shifted, and we were able to hold some of our first in-person sisterhoods. Although our chapter facility was not open, our members made it a priority to get together. We hosted many sisterhoods such as a spa night, one-on-one sisterhood dates, and treat bags for our members during finals week.

In May of 2021, the Drake Fraternity and Sorority Life community hosted their annual awards. Gamma Theta was awarded Outstanding Programming, Outstanding Sisterhood, and Chapter of the Year. Our chapter advisor, Kailey Huilick, was also awarded Outstanding Chapter Advisor and senior Anna Sutterer who won the Outstanding FSL Leader Award. To say that we are proud would be a major understatement! These awards were a tribute to our “covid” chapter council and all of their hard work. We hope to grow and continue to earn recognitions such as these in the future!

Transitioning to the Fall of 2021, we held our first in-person recruitment since pre-covid, which was a smashing success. We welcomed 22 new members into this chapter and hosted our first barn party and formal! It has been so fun getting to know everyone through these events, and the chapter council is very proud of all that has been accomplished. While this year was full of new adventures, we were able to reconnect and reevaluate what we wanted this chapter to look like. Our DEI officers contributed tons of practical programming, and they created a space for safe conversation. Our members have grown closer through these activities as well.

During the spring semester, we held a philanthropy event supporting our previous national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. Additionally, our chapter members participated in a “Giving Challenge,” which engaged them in a friendly competition to see which pledge class could complete the most hours of service, volunteering, and philanthropic actions. During the fall semester, we held an earring sale with a KKG alumna. A portion of the proceeds from this sale was donated to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. To support our new national philanthropy, Mental Health and Well-Being, we participated in our specific partner’s annual walk – NAMIWalks. We engaged in fundraising and service during this event, by raising $600 for NAMI and volunteering at the event. We also hosted a fall philanthropy event titled “Movie Night with KKG – Starring: Children’s Cancer Connection” to support our local philanthropy. In addition to our internal philanthropic involvement, we also participated externally. We did so by donating and participating with other chapters and their philanthropies. We also participated in a group volunteering opportunity at Meals from the Heartland, a local food packaging organization.

Throughout all of the activities, our members have proven again that sisterhood and connection are important. To see our members grow and return to a semi-normal world has been nothing short of amazing. Overall, 2021 has been a year full of trail-blazing, connection, and fun for the members of Gamma Theta.

Our local philanthropy organization is Children’s Cancer Connection. We support this organization through initiatives that are like our national philanthropies – fundraising events, service opportunities, etc. We support this organization because it is part of Des Moines community and is a cause that our members are passionate about. Knowing that so many families are affected by childhood cancer, encourages us to do what we can to help support, advocate, and build connections with an organization such as Children’s Cancer Connection. Additionally, the proximity of this organization (only a few miles) allows us to directly work with them in-person, which allows for more deeper and genuine connections.

During the spring semester, we primarily focused on supporting our previous national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We did so by hosting a philanthropy event titled, “Kookies and Kappas,” and raised over $1000. This semester, we supported the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation by fundraising during an earring sale during recruitment. This gave our members the opportunity to participate in the fundraising and donating, while also supporting the KKG Foundation. Additionally, we supported the Foundation through education about the philanthropy. Through multiple presentations throughout the year, our members became more aware of what the Foundation does for its’ members and what role in plays within our chapter and why we support this organization. Our chapter was very excited to learn about our new national philanthropy initiative, Mental Health and Well-Being. We began our support by choosing our partner. To do so, we held an information session introducing all the potential partners and then voted on which we thought was the best fit for our chapter at this time. We chose NAMI! After this selection, we immediately got engaged with the organization by participating in our local NAMIWalks. We raised a total of $600 and got to complete service by volunteering during the event. Like the Foundation, we continued our support of the organization through education. Informing our chapter about NAMI and Mental Health in general is something that we wanted to include in our chapter. One way we did this was by participating in Mental Health Week by writing positive comments and by learning more about mental health and well-being.

Throughout the year, diversity, equity, and inclusion has played a key role in our chapter. With diversity, equity and inclusion becoming a chair within the past 2 years, it has continued to grow and has made a continuous effort to raise awareness of the issues in our current world, as well as ensuring an inclusive environment is maintained to welcome everyone. There are two co-chairs that have brought different activities to the chapter. These activities raised important talking points and allowed people the opportunity to truly get to know one another. To ensure issues in the chapter were being addressed, the co-chairs continuously opened the floor for suggestions. By doing this, they were able to create activities and PowerPoints that addressed the needs of the chapter. Diversity, equity, and inclusion is for everyone to learn, so putting forth the effort to address each suggestion was extremely important. Other positions in our chapter took what the DEI chairs presented and incorporated this into their positions to ensure our chapter was doing the best they could to make sure everyone feels as though Kappa is a safe place for them. As the diversity, equity, and inclusion chairs continue throughout the years, many new issues will arise, but our chapter has proven they will do all that they can to learn and create a safe environment everyone can thrive in

How did your chapter operations change due to COVID-19 (e.g., how did it affect recruitment, initiation, etc. Were events/activities held virtually?). Share what you have done this year. This year was closer to normal then we have been in a very long time. Our spring semester was still tainted by the pandemic. Initiation and recruitment were online as well as our chapter facility was shut down. That did not stop us though from pushing for connection and sisterhood through more socially-distant events such as yoga. The fall of 2021 however has been a ray of sunshine through these days. Our chapter facility reopened to eager members itching to live there. Our campus allowed in-person recruitment and chapter activities including events! While it is still not 100% normal, we are so close!

Highlights of 2022[edit]