Changes

The Gamma Alpha chapter is a strong chapter consisting of about 170 members. Each member is unique and individual and this creates an atmosphere of acceptance and camaraderie. The diversity displayed throughout the chapter instills a deep appreciation of Kappa in each and every woman. We are extremely proud of how our members are involved on campus and how we show incredible initiative outside of Kappa’s walls. Our members are involved in the K-State Student Government Association, Student Foundation, Student Alumni Board, the Executive Honors Board, Order of Omega, Silver Key - Sophomore Honorary, Freshman Honorary, and countless other organizations. Gamma Alpha members truly understand the importance of involvement! Overall, the Gamma Alpha chapter provides a safe, healthy, positive, and supportive environment for all members. ==2013== 2013 was a year of great success and accomplishments for the women of Gamma Alpha. In 2012 one of our sisters, Emily Mayfield, was diagnosed with Leukemia. We are happy to report that Emily is now in remission and she was able to return for the 2013 fall term.  Officer transitions took place in 2013. Women who possess great leadership skills filled the leadership roles and have made a great impact on the chapter. Our 18 officers went above and beyond their duties to help make the Gamma Alpha chapter stronger than ever.  '''Scholarship:'''The Gamma Alpha chapter did exceedingly well in grades during the 2013 school year. We placed fourth in grades out of fourteen sororities in the spring semester. While this was a lower ranking than hoped for, the women of the chapter worked together to continue striving academically. “Kappa Studyhall” is still in place and has been going very well. For the fall semester of 2013 Gamma Alpha placed second in grades overall, with the pledge class of 2013 placing first. We were very excited and proud of our accomplishments. '''Philanthropy:'''Gamma Alpha had two new philanthropy events that were very effective and successful during the 2013 school year. During the spring semester we organized an event along with Gamma Phi Beta called “Sundae Funday,” which was hosted at Gamma Alpha. We sold ice cream with various toppings. Our chapter members enjoyed mingling with the Kansas State community and promoting our chapter. We divided the proceeds evenly with Gamma Phi Beta. Sundae Funday was effectively promoted using social media and campus resources. There was a wonderful turnout. Gamma Alpha’s half of the profits were given to “Reading is Fundamental”, “KKG Foundation” and “Manhattan Public Library Summer Reading Program.”  For the fall philanthropy, we organized an event called “Kappaccino.” We rented a booth space in the student union where we sold French Vanilla Cappuccinos as well as packaged bags of Kappaccino mix and t-shirts. Proceeds from Kappaccino were given to our local philanthropy, The KU Cancer Center. Both of these events were well suited for the weather at the time—ice cream during the spring and cappuccinos in the winter. We really enjoyed them both.  During the 2013 calendar year chapter members recorded community service hours weekly. For the spring semester our chapter had a total of 894 hours of community service. In the fall semester we gathered 3, 740 hours. We are excited to expand our community service both individually and as a group for the upcoming year.  '''Province Awards:'''Province 2013 was an exciting weekend spent in Lawrence, Kansas. The Gamma Alpha chapter was awarded the Outstanding Recruitment Award, the Outstanding Financial Chapter Management Award and an honorable mention for the House Board Award. The Manhattan Alumnae Association was also awarded the Gavel Award.   '''Special Events:'''During the Fall 2013 semester we had the great privilege to help start a Kappa chapter at Wichita State University. Our chapter members traveled to Wichita three times to assist with the recruitment and formal pledging process. Then, 50 active members traveled back in November for the Installation and Initiation of the Wichita State University Eta Upsilon Chapter. This was such an amazing experience, and we made memories that will last a lifetime. We are excited about this newfound sisterhood and being able to share such sacred memories with each other.  '''Campus:'''Kansas State University is achieving great things and 2013 was a testament to that. In August the Princeton Review’s article; “The Best 378 Colleges,” acknowledged K-State for ranking 2nd for great campus and community relations, 5th for student satisfaction, 6th for happiest students, and 7th for best quality of life.  Spring 2013 was an especially exciting time for sports. Both the men’s basketball and men’s baseball teams were Big 12 Conference Champions, and the Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium construction was completed before the first home football game of the 2013 football season.  K-State recently launched a strategic plan to become one of the top 50 research universities in the country by the year 2025. This plan includes many updates to the campus, programs and majors, athletics, and student life. We are all excited about the continued expansion and improvements to the university.  '''Chapter:'''In August of 2013 the Gamma Alpha chapter welcomed a new house mom; Mom Julia. She has been a great addition to the house and the chapter members appreciate all the hard work she does. There are over 170 active Gamma Alpha members. Each one of us brings such unique qualities to this chapter and mesh together very well. The women of this chapter balance schoolwork, part-time jobs and extra-curricular activities in addition to Chapter events and activities. We have really taken advantage of social media to promote our house in a positive way. With having a Twitter account, @ksukappa, everyone is able to tweet about how special Kappa is to them. During the past year our chapter worked on maintaining a positive reputation at Kansas State University. We can’t wait to see how much more we can achieve in the next calendar year.