Difference between revisions of "Gamma Chi"

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Gamma Chi
ΓX
Founded	June 7, 1929 (1929-06-07) (95 years ago)
College	George Washington University
Location	Washington, DC
Homepage	Gamma Chi Homepage
Media related to Gamma Chi Chapter

George Washington University established in 1821, Washington, D.C.

Gamma Chi founded June 7, 1929 -- 12 Charter Members

1,805 initiates (as of June 2018)

Charter Members:

Myrtle Vines Crouch, Naomi Crumley, Winifred M. Faunce, Alice Archer Graham, Jean van Loan Jackson, Merla Glenn Mathews, Charlotte Frances Louise Murphy, Sally McCormick Osborn, Margaret Elizabeth Selvig, Roberta Shewmaker, Mary Thornton Sproul, Caroline Dodge Willcox.

Fraternity Council Members:

Julie Martin Mangis - Director of Alumnae, 1996–98; member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees and Museums Chairman since 2004; Beverly Alexander (Tuller), Field Secretary 1958-1961; Hannah Eskridge (Mirmiran), Field Secretary 1999-2000

Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients

Pauline Tomlin Beall, 1978, Long time adviser at Gamma Chi, helped fund the renovations of the formal dining room in The Heritage Museum in Columbus, Ohio. 2010: Julie Martin Mangis—former executive director of Ballston Virginia Square Partnership; freelance writer and fundraising consultant for George Washington University and the Arlington Arts Center; active civic leader; served as adviser to Gamma Chi Chapter from 1967–90; former President of the Northern Virginia Alumnae Association; Province Director of Alumnae, 1990–94; Regional Director of Alumnae, 1994–96; Ritual Chairman, 1998–2002;

Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Mary Freeman Kelly, 1966, Olympic swimmer; University of Pennsylvania’s women’s swimming coach; served on national boards of directors; Commander Mary Thomson Sproul, 1982, Scientist; researcher; creator of one of the earliest U.S. blood blanks; earned Navy Commendation Medal; Edith Petersilia Mayo, 1996, Curator/supervisor of the Smithsonian Institution’s Division of Political History; author; speaker; Doris Buffett, 2012, Philanthropist, author, dedicated her life and fortune to helping people in trouble through no fault of their own to get back on their feet.

Additional Outstanding Gamma Chi Alumnae:

Elaine Smith (Woolman), Graduate Counselor 1947-1948; Beverly Alexander (Tuller), Graduate Counselor 1957-1958; Mary Owen (Winkler), Graduate Counselor 1958-1959;; Deanna Thielen (Dopslaf), Chapter Consultant 1990-1991;

The Early Years[edit]

Gamma Chi at The George Washington University and Gamma Psi at the University of Maryland have the distinction of being the only two Kappa Kappa Gamma chapters to be installed at the same time, June 7, 1929; and in the same place, the College Park house of the Maryland local, Sigma Delta. They were known as “The Heavenly Twins.”

The George Washington University, chartered as The Columbian College of the District of Columbia in 1821 by Congress, was a Baptist college for its first 75 years. In 1873, the name was changed to Columbian University. In 1904, by Act of Congress, it was removed from denominational control, placed under a self-perpetuation board of trustees, and called The George Washington University. It is the only university in the United States whose charter is signed by a U.S. President (James Monroe). President Monroe attended the first Commencement, along with several cabinet members and the Marquis de Lafayette.

The university plays an unusual role in the city’s educational system since, from early years, its night classes have given daytime employees opportunities for professional advancement. Because of the university’s location, national and international events are significant to its students who are offered the greatest resource material available in the U.S. It is not surprising that many students work in this matrix of governmental institutions while attending school.

The campus is in Washington, D.C. The university does not have rolling hills and playing fields, but academic buildings amid town houses. Women’s groups usually have suites of rooms in university buildings. Gamma Chi has had four, starting with the one rented in 1922 by Gamma Beta Pi, the local sorority that later became a Kappa chapter. During the 1960s, the groups were moved to “Sorority Hall” on F Street.

Highlights of the 1920s[edit]

On March 6, 1920, six girls, feeling that four women’s fraternities on campus did not adequately provide for the increasing number of female students, established a local organization called the Coalition Club and immediately wrote Kappa Kappa Gamma asking to be put on record as a petitioning group. Within a few months, the name was changed to Gamma Beta Pi, in order to conform with Panhellenic rules.

Real interest was not shown until the 1923 formation of the Kappa Washington, D.C., Alumnae Association, and the first formal request to petition was presented to the Extension Committee in 1926. At that time the group was neither discouraged nor given permission to petition, and it was only after the 1928 General Convention that Gamma Beta Pi was to be allowed to petition formally. In April 1929, it was learned that the local would become a new Kappa chapter. The winter of uncertainty was over and ended in a night of celebration with congratulations from the university president, other fraternal groups and the student body.

One week before Installation, the chapter’s Vice President, a young public school teacher, died from drowning, but her name is on the charter as a founding member. In her honor, her mother presented the new chapter with a hand-illuminated and lettered Book of Ritual, a highly prized possession, always used for chapter ceremonies.

On June 7 and 8, 1929, the two new chapters were installed. Beta Iota, Swarthmore, sponsored Gamma Chi, actives from Beta Alpha—Pennsylvania, and Gamma Kappa—William and Mary, took part, and the Washington alumnae assisted. More than 200 attended the banquet at the historic Willard Hotel and heard the address by the Fraternity President, Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Eta—Wisconsin.

During its nine years as a local, Gamma Beta Pi had successfully rushed against the national groups on campus, developing inwardly and gaining strength. The group was outstanding in athletics, publications, dramatics and the scholarship cup was almost a fixture in the Gamma Beta Pi rooms.

Firsts

The chapter has recorded many “firsts” over the years. It claimed the first female president of a graduating class, first recipient of a Ph.D. in psychology, and the first female editor of the student paper, the Hatchet. The first year there were female cheerleaders, three were Kappas. (In 1957 five out of nine cheerleaders were Gamma Chis.) In the early 1970s, a Kappa became the first Panhellenic woman to serve on the university board of trustees. Since the chartering of Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board at George Washington University, scarcely a year has gone by without at least one Kappa being elected. The earlier organizations, Sphinx and Hour Glass, honored many members of Gamma Beta Pi and Kappa.

The Washington, D.C.–Suburban Maryland Alumnae Association and the Northern Virginia Alumna Association are keenly interested in the Capital Kappas’ activities, and supply Advisory and House Board members. Joint meetings, especially on Founders Day, gifts, food for Rush (now Recruitment), supportive activities, even financial help, have made the word “alumna” synonymous with “friend” in Gamma Chi vocabulary. Advisory Board relationships have always been strong, and generally warm and close.

The 1960s[edit]

As the 1960s opened, the university had a strong Greek system. As late as the fall of 1967 it was a privilege, an honor, and fun to be a Greek at George Washington. It remained a privilege and honor to be a Kappa, but as national and international events threw Washington into turmoil, it became less and less enjoyable. The seeds of protest and change had been germinated. A U.S. President, a presidential candidate, and a civil rights leader had been assassinated. Washington led the nation in the rise of delinquency and the use of narcotics. The “group” approach and the Establishment were challenged. The Civil Rights Movement exploded into violence when Martin Luther King, Jr., was slain in the spring of 1968. The Peace Movement against U.S. military intervention into Southeast Asia became another revolution of protest. Confrontation took place in the streets, in organizations and on campuses.

How did all this affect Greek life at The George Washington University? On January 5, 1968, the student newspaper began to interview sorority women to determine their views on “chapter discrimination and related policies.” In April, the practice of holding Rush prior to the start of school was vetoed by the administration as interfering with university orientation. (It was believed by many that the university simply did not want to appear to be favoring Greek activities.)

By late spring, the Black Students Union called for a Human Relations Act to guarantee that “no group or organization, recognized by the university, discriminate on the grounds of race, religion or national origin through its policies or in fact.” By the fall of 1968, one-third of the Greek organizations (one-half of the women’s organizations) had left campus, either because they could not comply or because they felt the atmosphere was stifling. Gamma Chi’s chapter President provided a bridge of understanding and negotiation and maintained a note of conciliation and civility in an extremely hostile and frenetic atmosphere.

The Early 1970s[edit]

In the winter of 1970, a Panhellenic meeting was called so that the seven remaining groups could determine a course: to stay, or to recommend general withdrawal. The then Gamma Chi President was the next to last speaker. The entire tenor had been, “It’s no use … we don’t have fun or even like each other … what are we here for? … Greeks are no longer wanted on campus.” But with a few careful words, she brought the entire meeting to a re-appraisal. She declared, in part, “Something must be wrong with Kappa. We love our pledges, we love each other and our alums. We are staying. When you have left, we shall be here. We’ll welcome you back, and we’ll be the oldest and only continuous chapter on campus.” Six of the seven decided to remain. By the fall, however, only three groups were left: Kappa, Delta Gamma and Kappa Alpha Theta.

Throughout this trying period there was inestimable support from the Fraternity, as well as the chapter’s Advisory Board. The next several years were hard, but Gamma Chi weathered the storm. Rush numbers dropped from 300 to around 30. Chapter size dwindled from 45 to as low as eight. Gamma Chi’s. Chapter Council was the chapter; Gamma Chi’s committee operations were the chapter meetings. Each member doubled or tripled her officer duties. And today Gamma Chi remains a chapter mighty in spirit.

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

Highlights of the 1980s[edit]

In 1985 and 1986 the Panhellenic Association is reactivated following the installations of Alpha Epsilon Phi and Sigma Delta Tau, joining Phi Sigma Sigma and Delta Theta. Kappa Kappa Gamma, as the oldest chapter on campus, is responsible for forming Panhellenic.

For our second Panhellenic Formal Recruitment in the Fall of '87, a Kappa music video was produced which resulted in thirteen new pledges, bringing the total membership to 41. Not too long ago there were only four sisters. With Kappa at the helm of Panhellenic for the past two years, there has been greater participation in sorority life. Another highlight was the visit of Fraternity President, Marion Klingbeil Williams, Missouri, the first time a national president visited GWU.

Points of pride include doubling our membership with spring and fall pledge classes in 1988 and 1989, winning awards for Ritual, Finance and Chapter/Adviser relations at the Biennial Convention in Boca Raton, Fla. Greek life continues to increase, with the addition of two new sororities. The success of our Heart sister program led to a stronger Big/Little sister program. For philanthropies, Gamma Chi raised money for the homeless, supported Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy and the D.C. Big Brother/Sister program.

In 1989Gamma Chi hosted Lambda Province Meeting where we won the scholarship award. At Founders Day we commemorated the 60th anniversary of our installation with speakers representing four decades of Gamma Chi. Chapter membership has grown from 55 to 71 women, and we have had to schedule chapter meetings in the student center, because we had outgrown our Kappa suites. The biggest challenge was the enforcement of the newly instituted alcohol policies.

At the 1990 Convention in Dallas, Gamma Chi won the award for philanthropy. Our active year included an all night sports event to raise money for a local homeless crisis center, dancing for 30 hours to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy and Jerry's Kids, winning Sigma Chi Derby Day by turning the Sigma Chi house into a bluegrass band club with square dancing. Money raised went to Help Me Up, a horse to benefit handicapped children. The pledge philanthropy project was a trip to a shelter for battered women and children, performing skits and reading stories. Also, we keep a Kappa Korner, a room at the D.C. General Hospital which we stock with books and toys for the patients.

Highlights of the 1990s[edit]

The Office of Campus Life awarded Gamma Chi an “Outstanding Chapter Award of 1991” over all Greek organizations on campus. The Washington, D.C. Alumnae Association honored us with a scholarship award for the highest GPA, at 3.1. And at Province Meeting at the University of North Carolina, Gamma Chi received awards for pledge, membership and social graciousness. For philanthropies we sponsored an owl at the National Zoo, collected grocery receipts raising $7,507 to buy computers for schools, support “Kappa Korner,” a reading room at D.C. General Hospital, funded by a car wash with Pi Kappa Alpha, sponsored a walk to benefit AIDS and held a successful blood drive with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, breaking our record from the previous year.

Although the Greek system on campus suffered setbacks due to the charter revocation of Kappa Sigma and the loss of residence for Sigma Phi Epsilon, other Greek organizations worked hard to solidify the position of Greek life. A Kappa played an important role as president of the Panhellenic Association. Gamma Chi had the highest GPA on campus, plus the pledge class with the highest GPA. A host of new activities were held, including barbecues with fraternities and two chapter retreats. At Convention in Phoenix an amendment to the ByLaws changed the name of the Personnel Committee to the Standards Committee, although the purpose stays the same. This year the chapter president was elected Homecoming Queen and the chapter came in second overall. Once again Kappa placed first in Sigma Chi Derby Days.

Our president from '94-'95 won the Greek Woman of the Year Award. And at Province Meeting in Roanoke, the chapter won awards for philanthropy and Advisory Board. Gamma Chi has members on the boards of Order of Omega, the Panhellenic Association and the Dean's Advisory Council. A fashion show raised funds for Breast Cancer Research and Greek Life on campus increased dramatically with the approach of the university's 175th anniversary. New social events included a toga party, a picnic in Great Falls, a moonlight cruise on the “Spirit of Washington,” and a Tie mixer with Kappa Sigma, where each sister had to find her date by figuring out who's tie she was wearing.

In 1996 the campus celebrated the 175th anniversary of the university. Greek Life continues to increase, with a new sorority coming onto campus, Alpha Delta Pi. During the 175th Homecoming weekend Gamma Chi won first place for our banner and first place for our parade performance. Our chapter has several members in Order of Omega, Golden Key Honor Society, in The Student Association, Panhellenic Council and the Dean's Advisory Council. The financial committee and the Standards committee did an excellent job of motivating sisters to meet financial obligations and participate in events, with the invention of the “Vermonster,” a huge Ben and Jerry's ice-cream sundae. Every sister paying their dues earned their spoon and was invited to enjoy the ice-cream and company of her fellow sisters.

At Province Meeting in 1977 Gamma Chi won won the pledge award for our endeavors as a pilot chapter in the new member program, and the Advisory Board won for best Advisory Board. The chapter participated in many philanthropies including the Washington, D.C. AIDS walk, Clean Up Foggy Bottom to make our community a cleaner, safer place, the annual Greek Fashion Show and our second annual “movie night” to raise money for Breast Cancer research. Several workshops focused on rituals, fraternity education and on rape conducted by the DC Rape Crisis Center.

Gamma Chi received the highest award in April, 1998, the Dean's Award for Superlative Chapter Achievement. In the spring semester we had the highest GPA of all sororities and fraternities. We were also the one of the first chapters to begin using the new “Chapter Finance System” and the House Corporation purchased a new computer for the chapter which came with the new Fraternity program installed. In the spring of 1998, the Standards Committee gave out its first Perfect Attendance Award, completing a goal of increasing participation.

We began planning for Province Meeting to be held in the Spring of 1999 which Gamma Chi will host. Twenty one sisters earned a place on the Dean's List with a 3.5 GPA or better. The chapter as a whole achieved a 3.14 GPA, the highest of the 24 sororities. In the fall of 1999, with a large pledge class of 25, a challenge to unify the New Members started a number of one-on-one events such as “Sister of the Week.” Each week a New Member would meet with one sister for dinner or just to talk and get to know each other.

Besides hosting seven other Kappa chapters at Province Meeting in the spring 0f 1999, the Fraternity asked Gamma Chi to participate in the recruitment and initiation of a new chapter at John's Hopkins University in Baltimore. Sisters also participated in such philanthropy events as doing yard work and planting flowers at Sasha's House, a home for patients battling the AIDS virus, and displaying tee shirts made by women who have been victims of domestic violence.

Highlights of 2000-2010[edit]

Early in the decade the university built Townhouse Row and we were thrilled to have a home at last. In the fall of 2005, we welcomed 28 new members, hosted Founders Day with a display of historical documents and photographs of our chapter's rich legacy. Our new philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, has been a great addition this year, as we made bookmarks for local schools. Our Kappa Kickball raises funds for our RIF events. Upon the building of townhouse row three years ago, Kappa was awarded the F house, one of the coveted positions on campus. With eight sororities and twelve fraternities on campus, now Gamma Chi had to prove their right to keep their home, banding together and participating in every Greek function on campus, strengthening our unity as a chapter. Our officers created a fantastic presentation highlighting our chapter strengths and goals and the university offered us another year in the house.

Late in the fall of 2006 we held an academic dinner to help guide younger sisters in making their new schedules for 2007 and address any concerns they had about the new academic calendar. Our Kappa Kickball tournament helps fund our Reading is Fundamental philanthropy. Sister events this year included family dinners, pumpkin carving, Thanksgiving dinner, a St. Patrick's Day party, an Oscar party, making Valentines and socials. In the spring of 2007 sisters distributed books to D.C. Schools. We spent much of 2007 planning a nation-wide event involving sisters across the country and RIF. Gamma Chi will pilot this event in the beginning of February, 2008. We celebrated Founders Day Oct. 16, 2007 and for this year we focused on improving our rituals, with a Kappa ritual trainer perfecting our initiation and formal meeting ceremonies. Coming back from winter break, Kappa Kappa Gamma began the busy year of 2008, which included everything from formals and sweetheart competitions to philanthropy events and Spring Jam.

Spring Jam was one of the highlights of spring semester. We were paired with Alpha Tau Omega, Sigma Pi, and Sigma Nu. We had a lot of fun with the dance and band competitions. Although we didn’t place very high in the competitions, we enjoyed the environment of Spring Jam altogether! The weekend of Spring Jam, we also held our Philanthropy called Breakfast at Kappa, a tradition in the forming, and it was a fantastic way to recap a week full of exciting events. The day was very successful, and we had great community and alumnae turn out.

Homecoming was an exciting start to fall semester. We were paired with Sigma Phi Epsilon, Alpha Epsilon Pi, and Delta Kappa Epsilon. We won the lip-sync competition and plan on making it a tradition. During sweetheart week we also held our fall Philanthropy event, which was called Kappa Kappa Jamma. We invited everyone we knew over to our chapter house for Buffalo Wild Wings and karaoke. All of the men who were running for our sweetheart got up on stage to sing karaoke with their Fraternity brothers. The philanthropy was a huge success, and our living room was packed.

Fall semester also included the Leadership Academy, attended by one of our members on behalf of our chapter. Who was proud to share the things she learned from other Kappa Chapters. We were paired with Gamma Phi Beta for our sisterhood event in the spring. We decorated cookies and made holiday cards for the soldiers. We also gave each other house tours of our chapter houses.

After recruitment in 2009 was completed, our chapter expanded significantly. We gained 51 new girls and celebrated by telling stories about ourselves and bonding with our fellow sisters with weekly dinners and study time. GW has an urban, eclectic feel. We have an impressive career development program that helps students attain internships and participate in federal work-study programs. Our chapter values all that GW has to offer. Gamma Chi boasts an impressive yearly GPA. As active members in Greek Life, we try to contribute positively by participating in Greek Week, being kind to others and continuing our support of other chapters’ projects like Pike’s Fireman Challenge and Sigma Chi’s Derby Days. We are dedicated to our philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental and we raise money during our Kappa Kickball event to support RIF. Gamma Chi is also committed to Reading is Key as our signature event where we read to elementary school children and promote Children’s Literacy.

Highlights of 2011[edit]

In 2011, our chapter was put on social and disciplinary probation and has lost our house due to hazing allegations. While Gamma Chi is not defined by bricks and morter, we value the time we have spent in our townhouse. Members from every pledge class visit the house when they need the support of their sisters, and our town house is a place where sisters can bond and be their true selves. Chapter Council has met every Sunday before our chapter meetings to discuss how we are going to keep morale high and encourage the sisters to keep their heads up through this tough time. In placing as one of the Gold Chapters on campus in Spring 2009, we are confident that our chapter will shine even without our townhouse. Furthermore, Chapter Council agrees that there needs to be more transparency between chapter members, chapter council, Headquarters and the University. Communication and trust is one of the most effective ways that our Chapter can prove how kind and thoughtful we are.

Highlights of 2012[edit]

This previous calendar year was absolutely great for Gamma Chi! On the note of scholarship, a junior in Gamma Chi, Erica Tafuro, was already accepted in GW Medical School and is the current President of GW Med Life! We've had many campus reps from companies make presentations at our chapter meetings in the hopes of improving the academics of our chapter as a whole. We are a chapter of leaders both within KKG and the greater GW and DC communities. Our leaders are always looking to gain insight on how to be better at what they do for our chapter.

Last summer, three of our members including our past President, Sarah Potter, attended the biennial national Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity convention in Jacksonville, Florida.They were able to work on leadership skills and learn new ways to promote sisterhood bonding. Outside of Kappa related business, many of our members are involved in other extra-curricular activities. To name a few of these affiliations: GW Panhellenic Association, City Hall Residence Council, GW for Obama, Colonial Army, SAAC Council, and Class Council.

To ensure that all incoming leaders have solid roots in their positions, of past VPO held a great transition workshop to have the incoming officers meet the girls in their position. They were able to receive great advice from the outgoing officers! As a chapter, we have tried to make our presence on campus as positive as possible. We have had great success at philanthropic events in the past few semesters. In our own event, Kappa Kickball, we raised over 12,000 dollars for RIF! KKG Gamma Chi won Phi Kappa Psi's Philanthropy last spring, were Greek Week winners ( along with Phi Psi and KA)this past fall, and won Sigma Chi's Derby days philanthropy week! Our chapter was super involved in all of the philanthropic events and showed both ourselves and GW that we are an amazing group of girls. Our chapter has also participated in events such as "GW Students Against Sexual Assault 90& campaign" and GWU Invisible Children for Kony 2012.

We also had chapter members, Ivanka Farrel and Tessa Bay working on the Obama campaign this past semester which was very exciting! Gamma Chi had a fun and successful formal this past December which gave all the girls a chance to blow off some steam before finals! Gamma Chi also had many sisterhood events this year such as Ice Skating in Georgetown, trips to the White House, and many barbeques with other greek organizations.

Greek life on GW's campus has been much more active and involved these past few semesters. As a whole Greek community, each indivdual chapter is striving to promote the perception of Greek organizations to the greater public. The relations between the different councils (IFC, MGC, and Panhel) are growing and growing each day! As a chapter, Gamma Chi strives to show GW and the Greek community that we are a united front of woman. We are strong, talented, and ambitious young women who work hard to succeed in all of our endeavors. There has been a very large boost in morale these past few semesters as all the members have the same yearning to raise the standards of Gamma Chi and the Greek community as a whole. We are extremely focused on reaching our goals as a chapter.

Highlights of 2013[edit]

This past semester Gamma Chi was very involved in The George Washington University community. The chapter hosted a screening of the movie “Miss Representation” and made it an open event for all of the GW community to attend.  One of the goals for the chapter this semester was to make sunday chapter a really special meeting. For example, at one chapter, KKG members were served Ben and Jerry's ice cream. The semester has been busy and productive for Gamma Chi, which will continue into the fall semester.   

Highlights of 2014[edit]

2014 with the George Washington Gamma Chi Chapter was very eventful. The school year began on August 25th with the first day of classes. We started off the year with recruitment preparations beginning the end of August, followed by formal recruitment starting on Friday September 12th and ending the following Monday. We added close to fifty new members to our chapter. This time was very successful and fun for us and we were excited to welcome this new pledge class into our sorority. Bid day took place on Tuesday September 16th when the new pledge class was “Krowned Kappa” on the National Mall.

During Bid Week a series of unsanctioned media postings were made by a fraternity member, which resulted in an investigation of our conduct as a sorority by the George Washington University. These allegations were brought to Nationals attention. We began to reassess our goals and values as we sought to realign ourselves with the core principles of Kappa.

In the meantime, formal pledging took place Friday September 19th and we were excited to welcome our new pledge class. We had a sisterhood event on Saturday September 20th where we all did Zumba together and bonded with our new members.

On October 10th PC ’14 had a bonding retreat where they got to know each other while doing crafts. On Sunday October 12th we had the Founder’s Day Brunch and the LC began her visit on Sunday ending the following Friday. We had Big/Little Week beginning on Monday October 20th and finished with Big/Little reveal on Saturday October 25th.

Soon after on Saturday November 1th Kappa Kickball took place. Fraternities came together with fraternities and organizations to form teams lead by Kappa members. We raised a significant amount for the organization Reading Is Fundamental. On Sunday at chapter on November 2nd the nominating committee presented the slated officers for the New Chapter Council and at Chapter Council on Wednesday November 12th we had a joint chapter council with old officers and the new voted Chapter Council.

On Friday November 14th we had Fireside and the new member overnight followed by formal initiation on Saturday November 15th. It was a very special day for us all and we even had a special surprise from some Kappa Moms who came in to initiate their daughters. An Academic Excellence Banquet took place on November 23rd. The year ended with final exams beginning on December 10th and ending with winter break starting December 19th.

During the last part of 2014 the new chapter council and members have rededicated themselves to upholding the values of the University and Nationals and it continues to be a work in progress.

Highlights of 2015[edit]

This previous calendar year in the Gamma Chi Chapter has been extremely productive and eventful. We have carried our goals from semester to semester, referring back to them in everything we do from sisterhood event planning to attending weekly Chapter meetings. Our members have been focused on pursuing the Kappa values in every aspect of our campus life. The Spring semester of 2015 was a time dedicated to defining our goals, and establishing how we were going to achieve them. Some big events of this semester included a chapter wide Sisterhood Event in March where we had a Leadership Consultant and Kappa Trainer work with us on establishing what values we are most proud of, and what we want to work on in the future. Within Chapter Council we made the decision to add the position of Chapter House Chairman so we could have a person dedicated to planning our event spaces and be in charge of the Storage Unit that holds all of our historic memorabilia. We had a large number of our members abroad this semester, and we were so proud of them as they both physically and symbolically wore their Kappa letters abroad.

We started off the school year with a values based recruitment, initiating 55 members on the formal initiation date of November 21st. We were so proud to welcome these new members into our chapter, as the values-based recruitment allowed us to bring in new members that exemplified all the values we were looking for, including academic dedication, campus involvement, and girls with genuine, sisterly attributes. We have been getting to know these new members through Sisterhood Events, such as our Zumba Event in October, where we had a chance to get to know the new members while also getting some exercise and spending time with our old friends. We also had a Sisterhood Event in November that was a Holiday-themed Bowling party, where we could take a break from finals preparations to spend time bonding with our fellow sisters.

The close bond we have been fostering really became evident when we gathered outside Whole Foods to host our Kappa Kappacinos fundraiser. A group of sisters spent the day selling baked goods to locals in order to raise money for our philanthropy Reading is Fundamental. After selling countless brownies, cookies, and coffee, we were able to raise 260 dollars. In addition to our own philanthropy, we have played an active role in the philanthropies of others such as Sigma Chi’s Derby Days, as well as Delta Tau Delta’s Taugate.

We have had many campus representatives from organizations on campus make presentations to us on topics that are very relevant within Greek Life across the country. We had a Sexual Assault and Prevention Workshop as well as a workshop on Alcohol Safety. These workshops were very important to us as we learned how to take care of ourselves on campus, and learn how to best help our fellow sisters. Outside of Kappa related business we have been so proud of our sisters for achieving their goals this year, from amazing internships within Washington DC to our senior’s acceptance into Grad programs. Some of these include acceptance into Sciences Po. Masters program, involvement in GW Globe Med, an internship at the Peace Corp., running a marathon, and involvement as the president of GWU Best Buddies.

Our Chapter Council has been extremely dedicated this year, making a change from our usual one-hour council meeting, to a more comprehensive two-hour weekly meeting where we were given the opportunity to cover more topics and make sure all chapter council members understand their weekly tasks and can help one another with the completion of these. Chapter Council worked extremely hard on their Action Plans over the semester, and made sure they achieved all their goals. We were so happy to elect a new Chapter Council in November, and we feel as if this new Council will make an extremely successful transition. To help ensure that the new sisters of Chapter Council were adequately prepared for their new positions, we held a two-hour Leadership Day where the Outgoing Chapter Council trained the new Chapter Council. During these two hours, new Chapter Council members met with the outgoing officer of their position, as well as their advisor. Both the outgoing officer and advisor served as a mentor for the incoming officer as they showed her how to navigate the Kappa website, as well as where to locate any resources she could need throughout the duration of her time on Chapter Council.

The Gamma Chi chapter looks forward to upholding the values of Kappa Kappa Gamma and will continue to move in a positive direction meeting our goals as a chapter.

Highlight 2016[edit]

The 2016 calendar year proved to be eventful for the Gamma Chi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We have capitalized on the goals we set in years prior to ultimately be productive and increase our chapter standing. Our sisters have prioritized pursuing the values of a Kappa woman as they know they proudly wear their letters twenty-four seven. At the beginning of the year, Gamma Chi learned that we would remain on probation in order for headquarters to ensure that we reach our maximum potential. With their help, we know that we can achieve greatness within the Greek community at the George Washington University.

The spring 2015 semester concluded the academic year with many exciting achievements and events. We hosted an Alice in Wonderland themed day party, won Beta Theta Pi’s philanthropy, and had a laser tag sisterhood event that fostered bonding and friendship. We kick off the 2016-2017 school year off with formal recruitment beginning in late September. The University thought this was a more appropriate time for recruitment as it did not interfere with finals as it did in years prior. We welcomed 45 new members that all possessed the values we set out to look for: positivity, sisterly, involvement, scholarly. We followed recruitment with a Big Little week where our new members were showered in gifts from their loving Bigs.

In order to better integrate these new members into Gamma Chi, we held two sisterhood events, our annual Kappa Kickball, and two social events throughout the semester. “Omniscape” was our first sisterhood event where sisters divided into teams to use given clues in order to devise a code to “escape the room” they were placed in. We followed this event with a “The Great Gatsby” themed crush party. As we danced the night away in our pearls and fringe dresses, we enjoyed the catered &Pizza and embraced the new additions to our Kappa families. Following this social event, we had multiple programming work shops in the hope of increasing our knowledge and functionality to be a productive, responsible chapter. These workshops included another visit from the Title IX office who led a Sexual Assault and Prevention workshop and a Kappa alum who educated us on Alcohol consumption. In addition to our annual philanthropy week which concludes with Kappa Kickball, we commuted to the Boys and Girls club to read and do homework with the after school students who attend. Our sisters who attended were welcomed with hugs and joy from the children who valued our assistance so greatly. We were able to gift the children with the goody bags filled with markets, coloring pages, and stickers that we made with Potential New Members during philanthropy night of recruitment. Gamma Chi ended the semester with another sisterhood event involving a trip to the National Zoo for the annual Zoo Lights show. Each and everyone one of these events fostered commradery and love amongst the many sisters of Gamma Chi.

In addition to our dedication to our sisterhood, Gamma Chi woman have proved to be academically successful. We had four women earning 4.0 GPAs, and countless sisters with prominent internships such as interning for the White House. Our sisters give back to the community as well, as one of our members is training to become a CorePower instructor, and another serves as the President of Chabad.

The members of Gamma Chi are successful not only in their endeavors as dedicated sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma, but also as members of society in an academic and social setting. With the help of our newly elected Chapter Council, our chapter will continue to be led in a positive direction hopefully resulting in Gamma Chi being placed off of probation. The 2016-2017 Chapter Council is full of dynamic women with fresh ideas, and exciting passion. We have recently held a Leadership Day where the outgoing Chapter Council was able to pass on incite to the incoming Chapter Council. This day was very productive because very positions advisor was there and were able to pass on new ideas and knowledge to the incoming Chapter Council. This day will insure that there will be a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming Chapter Council.

We are very proud of what our chapter has accomplished this academic year and we hope to continue to grow as a chapter and increase our sisterhood.

Highlights of 2017[edit]

The 2017 calendar year proved to be an eventful one for the Gamma Chi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. With the installment of a new chapter council at the end of 2016, every position excelled and took their position above and beyond its requirements. This past year our chapter members attended multiple national Kappa conferences to help enhance their positions and meet other sisters. Our President, Vice President of Standards, Membership Chairman, New Member Chairman and Risk Manager attended the Kappa leadership conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Each officer came back with new ideas and was eager to implement them into our chapter. Also one of our sisters was selected to serve on the Kappa collegiate advisory board and visited headquarters this fall. She surveyed chapter council on ideas we would like to see Kappa try in the future and took those with her to the conference. Lastly, our Public Relations Chairman attended Leadership Academy this fall. She came back with many ideas and solutions to some of our chapter’s problems and loved the experience of meeting new Kappas from all across the country.

In terms of scholarship, our GPA increased this semester from a 3.12 to a 3.26. The Vice President of Academic Excellence increased the number of study sessions and moved them to more convenient times (e.g. before chapter). Gamma Chi focused more on chapter history this past year, beginning with hosting a founder’s day celebration. Our Education Chairman invited alumnae in the area and hosted a fun evening where we talked about the founding of Kappa while enjoying spending time with the girls who help keep it alive. At this event, there were chapter archives displayed along with scrapbooks from 1989 and 2016.

During Spring semester, our Event Chairman hosted Spring Formal, which was a great way for all the sisters to bond before parting ways for the summer. This fall we had a Halloween themed crush party that went over great and was a fun way to get everyone into the spirit. Lastly, our Winter Formal went smoothly and was the last event before the start of finals. These events would not have been possible without the hard work and collaboration of our Event Chairman and Risk Manager.

Celebrating recruitment and Reading is Fundamental at Gamma Chi in 2017.

Over 2017, our philanthropy involvement increased tremendously. We participated in Delta Tau Delta, Kappa Sigma, Pi Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Phi, Zeta Beta Tau and Kappa Alpha Order philanthropies. We donated to their cause along with participating in the fun events that help bind Greek life together. Within the Greek community, we participated in Greek week with our partner, Kappa Sigma. We donated over 150 cans of food to food banks in the local area and helped increase our involvement on campus. One big part of our fall semester was our informal recruitment we hosted. GW moved formal recruitment to the Spring semester this year, so we ran informal recruitment and had sophomores come and learn about our chapter. We hosted one event at a restaurant on campus and had casual conversations with all the girls. Later that week we voted and took 12 amazing new sisters. Each one of them offers something new and exciting to the chapter. Each girl had a special big little week and an exciting reveal at our philanthropy event on the national mall.

2017 was a big year for Gamma Chi, as this is just a short summary of what we accomplished. Our chapter goals for this year were to increase our campus involvement, GPA, and recruit girls that are devoted to Kappa. Through all of the events listed above, we believe we have achieved all these goals and could not be more excited for what the future years bring to Gamma Chi.

Chapter Philanthropy Our chapter donated the most money this semester to Reading is Fundamental (RIF) through our Kappa Kickball fundraiser. This October, Gamma Chi raised over $3,000 dollars for RIF through t-shirt sales, penny wars, and a hot dog cook out. All these events were open to everybody which was a great way to strengthen our involvement on campus. Our chapter loves to support RIF because we all understand how important literacy is in our world today. Along with donating to RIF, Gamma Chi also participated in many fraternity philanthropies and donated over $1,500 dollars in total to all the fraternities different philanthropies. Also, during this past holiday season, Gamma Chi “adopted” a foster child and took on the responsibilities to buy their Christmas presents this season. The entire chapter council was eager to do this and this will definitely be a tradition for every holiday season. Along with donating money, almost all of our sisters have donated their time to help the greater Washington, DC community. Some of the organizations where our sisters volunteered were Jumpstart DC, Martha’s Table, Meals on wheels, We are Family, and Turning the page.

Chapter Facility Our chapter facility is the Marvin Center. We host all of our chapter meetings and chapter council meetings here.

Oral History “Looking back on my first year in Kappa, I am so thankful for everything Gamma Chi has given me. As a freshman living on the Vern, joining Kappa allowed me to meet so many new people that I probably would not have overlapped with in any other setting. Some of these people became my closest friends. I met two of my current roommates, Hope Rothenberg and Sophia Ertel, through Kappa and this semester has been full of countless laughs and great memories with them. I also became especially close with Francesca Skedros, Berkley Lane, Jackie Borelli, Diarra Samb, Scout Alexander-Jaffe, Ashley Brown, Eden Lenner, and many others. We bonded over events such as our rooftop barbeque and a class at CorePower last spring, as well as a trip to the pumpkin patch this fall. We were also lucky to add a wonderful group of COBs to to our chapter this semester. I was able to take an awesome Little, Alex DeRiso, and had a blast spoiling her during Big/Little Week. I have a feeling most of these girls will be my friends for life and I can’t wait to watch them all succeed in life beyond GW.

I’ve also been amazed by the evolution of our chapter’s character over the past year. We have come so far under the outstanding leadership of our president, Ofir Hadari, and all of the girls on CC who work so hard to make Gamma Chi the best it can be. I’m so excited to follow in their footsteps and serve as Public Relations Chairman on CC this coming year. I feel like girls are becoming more engaged with Kappa than they have been in the past and I’m confident that by the time I graduate, Gamma Chi will have made significant strides towards becoming a more responsible and participatory organization. As for where we are right now, we have our Formal at L8 Lounge and we are in the midst of planning recruitment in January. I’m so excited to meet PC 18 and I know we will get so many fantastic young women who will uphold Kappa’s values. There are so many wonderful things to look back on from my time with Gamma thus far, and I’m confident there are so many more amazing things to come.” • Elizabeth Power PC16

“I went through Recruitment hoping to find my home away from home. Kappa was that place for me and I could not be happier with my choice. My mom was a Kappa at the University of Arizona and pledging Kappa has allowed us to have a new bond, which would not have occurred without Kappa. Looking back on these last four years, I know my life would have been very different if I had not been a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. I have made my best friends in this sorority and the girls in Gamma Chi have helped me get through tough times. My most memorable moments in college have come from some of the memories I have shared with my Kappa sisters. My favorite memory is getting my little, Rosa. I remember meeting her for the first time at a Kappa event and I knew that she was the perfect little for me. We hit it off completely and were inseparable. That event was the day before we got our littles and I was so happy to have found someone that I knew was going to be perfect for me. Her big little week was as exciting for me as it was for her. It was so hard to not tell her that she was my little because she had become an important part of my life. I remember reveal clearly and I will never forget the look on her face when she saw me holding the sign that said I was her big. She ran into my arms and it was such an exciting day for me. This girl who I had met a week before suddenly became not only my little but one of my best friends who I will cherish forever. This relationship that Kappa gave to me is one of the best friendships I have had and has allowed me to be a mentor to not only my little but my grand-littles as well. I consider everyone in my family to actually be a part of my real family. I am so happy that I decided to join Kappa, which allowed me to meet girls who I am so lucky to have in my life. I just want to thank Kappa for bringing me some of my closest friends in college and giving me many opportunities that I would have never encountered if I did not join Greek life. These past four years have flown by and I am so lucky to call myself a sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma not only for four years but also for life.” • Rachel Dennen PC 14

Highlights of 2019[edit]

The 2019 year started off strong for the Gamma Chi chapter, as we participated in the GW Panhellenic Association's formal recruitment. We welcomed 42 new members of Gamma Chi in GW's University Yard. Following this initial bid day celebration, we traveled to the National Building Museum in downtown DC, where we held a race car themed event to celebrate our growing chapter. The new member experience period was filled with meetings with each of the Chapter Council members, including a special Risk Manager and Marshal meeting, outlining the roles and responsibilities of becoming an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The New Member Courses were filled out altogether during these meetings to ensure they were accurately completed and turned in. Big Little Week occurred and the new members met their Bigs and Families on the National Mall, by the Lincoln Memorial. This was an exciting morning for everyone, especially considering the reveal took place at the Lincoln. Big Little Week is one of Gamma Chi's most beloved traditions, as the Littles receive many treats and Kappa gear the week leading up to the exciting reveal. Inspiration Period is where many events took place to prepare PC 19 to become initiated into Gamma Chi chapter. The Marshal held an Intro to Inspiration Period meeting, outlining the events that were going to take place and making sure all new members were comfortable with the initiation procedures. The Marshal webinar encouraged the position to make sure no details of Fireside and Initiation were left out, ensuring everyone's comfortability. The returning of the new member pins took place. Following the ceremony the VPAE and Marshal teamed up a plan a fun Kappachino study event, where there were many snacks for everyone to enjoy while studying. The big sister hood event is where baked cookies and made bracelets as a chapter. Each of the PC 19 members were there which was so special. Here they were able to mingle with older members of Gamma Chi, as well as their own pledge class. Following Fireside, PC 19 had a sleep over in the District House basement on campus. At the sleepover, new members enjoyed pizza, bonding activities, and games to prepare them for the exciting morning that followed. Both events were held in the Marvin Center. Kappa alum and a few Chapter Council advisors attended these ceremonies, sharing support for the newly initiated members. A brunch was organized by the New Member Chairman, exclusively for PC 19 to connect, once again, and enjoy some breakfast together.

Events: Gamma Chi hosted a crush party in February. The theme was Kappa Cupid, and it was PC 19's first event as new members of Kappa. Our Spring Formal occurred in April. The theme was Kappa Ever After, and our Event Chairman did a wonderful job with beautiful, spring-themed decorations. The following semester, we held a Welcome Back Party in September. We also hosted a space themed crush party in November. Our Fall Formal was masquerade themed and took place in December.

Academics: The VPAE placed heavy emphasis on the importance of academics, and planned Kappachino study hours multiple times a month. During the two weeks leading up to finals, as well as finals week, she reserved study rooms for members to use for most of the day and evening. Kappachinos were a fun way to study with sisters and oftentimes there were snacks. In Spring 2019, 6 members received 4.0 GPAs. The VPAE began a tradition of celebrating academically excellent members with an academic banquet that included snacks, bonding, and a certificate.

Awards: At the Kappa Leadership Conference that oak place in February, our VPO received recognition. Maddie Appel was chosen as the alternate to represent the Lambda District at the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute. This was chosen from all Kappas who have positions in their respective chapters.

At the GW Greek Night of Achievement, Kappa Kappa Gamma accepted several awards. We received Silver recognition in Active Leadership, Gold in Community and Bronze inService. This event was hosted in April.

Philanthropy: Philanthropy is an important part of being an active member of Gamma Chi. In Spring 2019 we participated in three fraternities philanthropy weeks, supporting other Greek organizations and their special philanthropies. We also donated to the GW Dance Marathon and Chabad's Purim Party, where we had a game for attendees to participate in. A total of 4 Reading is Key events were organized this year, two in each semester. We visit the Boys and Girls Club to hangout and read to the students who attend the after school program. We helped the kids with their homework, set up arts and crafts, played games and danced,and had a great time. At the end of our visit, every child was able to go home with a new book, snack, and some school supplies.

In September, during Parent's Weekend, Gamma Chi hosted its ever first Philanthropy Gala. The Gala raised nearly $10,000 for Reading is Fundamental and it was an incredible event. The event was catered with snacks and there were raffles and a silent auction. We intend on counting the Parent's Weekend Philanthropy Weekend, so it becomes a tradition.

Gamma Chi's favorite event is Kappa Kickball Week in October. The week is stacked with events for our members and other campus organizations to come and enjoy, participate in, and raise money for RIF and the Boys and Girls Club. The week kicked off with a Bake Sale and Dog visit in Kogan Plaza where $400 was raised. Teams participated in Penny Wars for the entire day, set up in Kogan Plaza. A boss and Girls Club visit occurred and a donation based Barry's Bootcamp Class was hosted at the nearby Barry's location. To round out the week, there Kappa Kickball tournament took place on the National Mall on Saturday. We raised over $6,000 this year from Kappa Kickball. This was perhaps the most successful Kickball Week Gamma Chi has ever hosted.

Sisterhood Events: Gamma Chi hosted many wonderful events for our members to attend this year to foster sisterhood. These include a 305-Fitness class, a self-defense class, an Equinox yoga class, a Wizards basketball game, Recruitment filming, Picking Sisterhood event, a Kappa Friendshipgiving, and many more. We loved participating in so many great activities with our sisters and Kappa families this semester.

Seniors: In Spring we had a large group of graduating seniors. In the months leading up to their graduation, the Education Chairman planned a Milk Bar Store cake decorating class for the seniors, a brunch, senior agreement meetings, and a special senior send-off during the final Formal Chapter of the semester. At this chapter, seniors were showered with notes, flowers, a candle, and the Kappa stoles to be worn at graduation. In the Fall, 3 seniors were graduating early. For the Class of 2020, the Education Chairman planned brunch and programming events. In the final Formal Chapter of 2019, the 3 seniors were given notes from their friends and Kappa families, flowers, and a cupcake.

Changers on campus and the chapter's overall nature: The Fall 2019 semester, brought along many changes for the overall campus attitude and relations with Greek Life, specifically the GW Panhellenic Association. Chapter Council members of Gamma Chi and our advisors attended many workshops and meetings centered around diversity and inclusion hosted by the University and Greek Life office. Gamma Chi also held meetings for Kappa members exclusively. For the majority of the Fall 2019 semester, there was a hold on all social events mandated by the university. This encouraged our chapter to plan even more sisterhood, academy and bonding events for everyone to enjoy. The nature of the chapter has continued to improve in regard to academics, accountability, and overall sisterhood. The 2019 Chapter Council worked incredibly well together to make sure we had an appropriate balance to support our members and allow for sisterhood to continue to grow.

Philanthropy: Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and Boys and Girls Club in Washington, DC. The KKG Foundation is our national philanthropy and the Boys and Girls Club in Washington, DC has been an important organization we have supported for many years. Traveling to the Boys and Girls Club regularly has been a traditional philanthropy event our chapter members have enjoyed participating in throughout the years.

Founders Day: Founders Day fell on a Formal Chapter meeting. We ordered cookies and alongside other Chapter Council members we completed the Founders Day ritual prior to chapter. We sent invitations to alumnae on the DMV region, invited our advisors, and posted in the DMV Kappas Facebook group. We shared some Gamma Chi and Kappa Kappa Gamma facts.

Sesquicentennial Celebration: We placed heavy emphasis on the importance of Founders Day, as well as Kappa traditions. During each formal chapter meeting, history nugget was read aloud to inform members of the incredible history our sorority has. Many ritual reviews were planned to continue to educate members of our amazing and scared ritual. The newly elected 2020 Chapter Council is already working hard to plan fun and educational events and meetings geared toward Kappa's 150 anniversary.

Highlights of the 2020s:[edit]

2020 has been quite an eventful year for Gamma Chi. In January, we were able to hold recruitment in person and recruit 33 amazing girls! We were able to celebrate Bid-Day at the national mall with our new sisters. In February, we had our first Kappa event, a Mardi-gras themed social event called Krewe de Kappa. We then participated in our first Sisterhood event of the year: A Rumble Boxing class! Soon after was Big Little week. After a week of spoiling our new members, we held our reveal by the Washington Monument. On the 28th, we were fortunate enough to be able to visit the Boys and Girls club, which is an organization that we hold close to our hearts. As March started, so did our inspiration period. Before our new members were initiated, we held our annual get together where new members and a handful of officers were able to hang out, enjoy pizza and cookies and get to know each other better. We successful initiated 29 girls on March 7th. A few days later, we held our first Sisterhood event with our now-initiated sisters! Following this Sisterhood event, GW notified us all that we would be doing online school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This changed our chapter operations significantly. Despite not being able to see each other in person, we continued to hold chapter via Zoom. As we could no longer visit the Boys and Girls club in person, we participated in an online fundraiser that Go Puff held for the Boys and Girls club in April. In order to keep our sisters connected, we wanted to continue with our Sisterhood events, and we were able to host a virtual yoga class. Although we didn't get the opportunity to say goodbye to them in person, we hosted a Senior Sendoff virtually on April 26th. On May 6th, Gamma Chi made history when we conducted our first ever virtual initiation. The four remaining girls who were unable to attend initiation in March were able to be initiated in a one-of-a-kind virtual ceremony. Throughout May, we were presented with the opportunity to donate resources to the Boys and Girls club as they were opening a daycare for the children of essential workers. Following many protests over the summer after the passing of George Floyd, Gamma Chi held a "listening Session" via Zoom in which we discussed diversity and inclusion within our chapter and beyond. We were fortunate enough to have our facilitator, Marla Williams, join us. As the Fall 2020 semester came around, we learned that we would not be resuming in-person learning and that all campus activities would continue to be suspended. As the Boys and Girls club was still seeking permission to operate, and we weren't allowed to meet in person, we were unable to hold our annual Kappa kickball for philanthropy week. Though out October, we continued to place importance on staying in touch with our sisters, as we held Kappa Ketchups, in which we would have a video chat in small groups to catch up and see how everyone was doing. 2020 was a very important year for Kappa Kappa Gamma, as we celebrated our 150th Founders Day! We held a formal chapter and performed the Virtual Founders Day Ceremony. We were lucky enough to be joined by our advisors, and we held a virtual recognition of the members of our advisory board as well. We made sure to end October off strong with another virtual Sisterhood event. This time, we were joined by Kacy O'Brien, who helped us all relax and unwind ahead of mid terms with a mediation workshop. On November 8th, we were able to hold virtual elections for our brilliant new Chapter Council.! We are so proud of the new leaders of our chapter. A couple days after elections, we were able to volunteer at the Boys and Girls club virtually which was such a nice experience, despite the distance. Despite not being able to connect with the children at the Boys and Girls club, we held a Thanksgiving fundraiser for them virtually! Although we faced many limitations to our operations this past year, Gamma Chi has continued to remain an engaged and active community.

=Chapter Philanthropy= The Boys and Girls Club offers after-school programs for young people. We chose this organization because of its emphasis on children's learning and advancement which goes hand in hand with the values and mission of Kappa's main philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental. The Boys and Girls Club has continued with their efforts despite the COVID-19 pandemic. With the continuation of fundraisers for necessary school supplies as well as the provision of spaces for children to take their remote classes, the Boys and Girls Club has created a safe and productive work environment that these children might not have otherwise had.

=Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion= Our chapter included diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in our programming by creating a "diversity and inclusion chair" position. All of the chapters a GW Panhellenic have a diversity and inclusion chair, which make up the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership (DIL) Board. These women meet on a weekly basis to discuss plans of action to promote diversity within the Panhellenic community as well as within their specific chapters. Gamma Chi has hosted a number of diversity workshops throughout the year which have been lead by either the diversity and inclusion chair or other speakers. In July, we held a virtual "Listening Session" with Marla Williams' help, in which we discussed the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our chapter and within our world. Over this past semester, our diversity and inclusion chair created informative presentations for our chapter which were followed with interactive activities such as Cahoots in order to gauge our chapter's knowledge.

=Sesquicentennial Celebration= Gamma Chi was able to celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary by holding a virtual Founders Day ceremony. We were joined by our advisory board, who conducted a recognition ceremony for. Following this virtual celebration, our chapter tuned in to the Facebook event by Headquarters.

Highlights of 2021[edit]

2021 was an exceptional year for Gamma Chi at The George Washington University. In January, we were able to participate in the virtual Panhellenic Formal Recruitment where we recruited 24 eager and determined sisters! The chapter held a virtual bid day on January 10th where new members were welcomed for the first time. Gamma Chi recruited another three sisters during continuous open bidding. We hosted our first Boys & Girls Club visit of the year on January 29th where we played games and talked about our favorite shows at the time. We held additional virtual Boys & Girls Clubs visits on February 26th and March 26th. Big Little Week took place in February where new members were showered in gifts and celebrated before reveal on February 27th where new members were able to meet their Kappa family. Inspiration Week began on March 1st and throughout the week, the chapter held ceremonies, a virtual event on the history of Kappa, and we were able to successfully initiate all 27 new members on March 6th. The fourth week of March began our spring Philanthropy week where we held a fun trivia night, a mediation class, a Zumba class, a cooking class, and a visit to the Boys & Girls Club. Overall, Gamma Chi raised $909 that week to donate to Reading is Fundamental. While unable to say goodbye to our seniors in person, we held a virtual send-off ceremony on May 25th. The summer of 2021 brought exciting news to Gamma Chi as GW informed us that we were going to be able to attend classes and organization meetings in person in the fall. Upon returning to campus, Gamma Chi resumed in-person chapter meetings for the first time in a year and a half. As most younger sisters had not had the opportunity to meet one another in person, Gamma Chi facilitated a series of sisterhood dates for all pledge classes to meet and connect. October was a busy month with our fall Philanthropy week, Founders Day, and a Krush party. Our fall Philanthropy week included a bake sale, a profit share, a Boys & Girls Club visit, a Kappa King contest, and our annual kickball event. The night before kickball, PC21 was given a bonding sleepover that is usually done during I-Week but was unable to be done in the spring due to COVID. October 13th included a Founder’s Day celebration with cupcakes and treats to celebrate Kappa’s 151st year! Our first Krush party, themed “Kappa Kountry”, took place on October 15th at Eden. On November 13th, Gamma Chi hosted our 2nd annual Philanthropy Parent’s Gala at Pinstripes where parents, family, and members participated in a raffle contest, discussed our various philanthropies, and raised over $7600. Following the Gala, we hosted a Parents Weekend Event with a full course meal and presentation of our fall Philanthropy week. The semester wrapped up with the election of a new Chapter Council on November 14th. We are proud of these amazing women and can’t wait to see what they do!

gamma Chi supports The Boys & Girls Club-Washington where once a month, we join the after-school programs held for young people. The Boys & Girls Club focuses on children’s learning and advancement and helping young people of all backgrounds to build confidence, develop character, and acquire the skills needed to be productive and responsible adults. Gamma Chi supports this organization for its drive to empower young people and offer resources and activities as well as its dedication to diversity and inclusion, which are important values of the chapter. Gamma Chi was able to donate over $600 to the Boys & Girls Club in Georgetown this past year.

This year, Gamma Chi shifted our philanthropic efforts to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) DC. Through various fundraising and spreading the organization’s resources on mental health to our members and beyond, we have been able to champion the importance of mental health. This year, in total, Gamma Chi raised $6000 for NAMI through our fall Philanthropy week and Gala. In October, we were able to host a speaker from NAMI DC to share about the organization and her role. At the Parents Event, we were also able to invite the president of the DC chapter to the event to speak to everyone. Furthermore, Gamma Chi donated $1000 to the KKG Foundation to support other Kappa women.

Gamma Chi included diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in our programming through the continuance of appointing a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Chair. This member meets weekly with other DEI chairs on the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership (DIL) Board at GW to discuss promoting diversity. This year, the DIL Board offered bystander intervention training to the DEI officers. In April, our DEI Chair gave a presentation on performative activism and genuine allyship which opened a conversation for sisters to discuss these topics and how the chapter can encourage allyship. The chapter continues to make diversity, equity, and inclusion core values in each of our activities, social media posts, and recruitment workshops. In the fall semester, a fraternity at GW was victim to the vandalization of a Torah scroll at their on-campus house. Gamma Chi reacted by denouncing antisemitism, supporting the fraternity in a campus gathering, and opening a dialogue about the incident for members. One of our sisterhood events raised awareness on National Hispanic Heritage Month where we ate traditional Venezuelan cuisine. Gamma Chi will additionally be involved in GW Chabad’s Chanukah event during the first week of December. Gamma Chi’s two philanthropies, the Boys & Girls Club and NAMI, are active in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion which is why we’ve found ourselves closely tied to them.

the COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed our chapter operations as GW went entirely online in March of 2020. Having already spent nearly a year online, the spring semester of 2021 began similarly. We held virtual recruitment in January where we recruited 27 new members through four rounds of recruitment on Zoom. On March 6th, Gamma Chi held its second virtual initiation ceremony where active members, alumnae, and legacy parents helped perform the ceremony. Throughout the spring semester, we held various online activities including a virtual philanthropy week, sisterhood events, and weekly chapter. Gamma Chi additionally visited the Boys & Girl Club virtually where members were able to host games and activities for the students. In the spring, our Education Chair put together the virtual programming for the alcohol skills training from Kappa. In the fall semester, we were able to go back to campus and resume in-person activities. Gamma Chi continued to have a virtual option for chapter meetings to abide by COVID restrictions and keep our members safe. The chapter held some meetings and presentations online and in November, Gamma Chi hosted Dr. Mary Beth Janke for a virtual programming chapter on her life and insights into being a woman in a male-dominated field.