Difference between revisions of "Zeta Lambda"

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Zeta Lambda
ZΛ
Founded	April 7, 1984 (1984-04-07) (40 years ago)
College	Washington and Jefferson College
Location	Washington, PA
Homepage	Zeta Lambda Homepage
Media related to Zeta Lambda Chapter

Washington & Jefferson College established in 1781 in Washington, Pennsylvania

Zeta Lambda founded April 7, 1984 - 35 charter members

642 initiates (as of June 2012)

Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Members: (If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)

Fraternity Officers:

Fraternity Loyalty Award:

Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Washington & Jefferson College is a private liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania, in the United States, which is 30 miles south of Pittsburgh. It is is one of America’s oldest and most distinguished co-ed, four-year liberal arts colleges for undergraduate students.

The college traces its origin to three log cabin colleges in Washington County established by three Presbyterian missionaries to the American frontier in the 1780s: John McMillan, Thaddeus Dod, and Joseph Smith. These early schools eventually grew into two competing academies and colleges, with Canonsburg Academy, later Jefferson College, located in Canonsburg and Washington Academy, later Washington College, in Washington. These two colleges merged in 1865 to form Washington & Jefferson College. The 60-acre campus, located in Washington, Pennsylvania, has more than 40 buildings, with the oldest dating to 1793. While the college has historically had a difficult relationship with the city of Washington, including clashes over college expansion and finances, recent efforts have been made to improve those relations.

During the 1860s, a state charter united Washington College with Jefferson College, which was located in nearby Canonsburg. Washington and Jefferson remained an all-male school until 1969, when the college authorized the granting of undergraduate degrees to women and inaugurated a new curriculum. The first undergraduate female students were admitted in September of 1970.

The Beginning

On April 7, 1984, Zeta Lambda Colony became Kappa’s 113th active chapter. Zeta Lambda’s Installation capped several months of exciting activity that began in the fall when Kappa accepted W&J’s invitation to colonize, joining Delta Gamma and Pi Beta Phi on campus. With a student body of approximately 1,000, including more than 400 women on campus, the college determined that a third sorority was needed. During the weekend of November 8–10, 1983, Kappa Kappa Gamma colonized Zeta Lambda at Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania.

“We are very pleased that Kappa Kappa Gamma agreed to colonize here at W&J,” said the associate dean of students. “As we narrowed the field of prospective sororities, it became clear that Kappa’s fine national reputation was well deserved. KKG is a welcome addition to W&J’s Greek system and will offer yet another excellent alternative to our undergraduate women.” The warm welcome and unflagging assistance of W&J’s administration and Greek-letter organizations were outstanding. Panhellenic circulated publicity, helped sign up eligible upperclassmen, and assisted in many other ways.

Colonization Week

Colonization Week began with a well-attended open house at the Student Center. Kappa’s Extension Team, local alumnae, and a group of actives from Beta Upsilon, West Virginia, gathered to meet the 46 excited, curious students who had come to learn more about Kappa.

Refreshments were served by the alumnae, a slide presentation about the Fraternity was shown, and the Beta Upsilon actives sang several Kappa songs. The event was capped by an enthusiastic rendition of “Pat Said She,” which they taught to the W&J women.

As the open house ended and the assembled Kappas realized that every girl had signed up for an interview the next day, it was clear that the open house had been a resounding success. The Extension Team consisted of Marjorie Matson Converse, Purdue, Chairman of Extension; Jan Singleton McAllister, Mississippi, Director of Personnel; and many others.

For Zeta Lambda’s first preference party, the Student Center was decorated with flowers, candlelight, and white-clothed banquet tables. Cheesecake and coffee were served to the 26 girls, as well as the hungry colonization team, alumnae, and the Beta Upsilon actives, which again made the journey from Morgantown, W.Va. to conduct the colonization. Several songs were sung by the W. Va. actives, interspersed with readings about the meaning of Kappa.

As the girls filed out to make their important decision, they were clearly filled with excitement and anticipation. That excitement was certainly shared and possibly exceeded by the Kappa actives and alumnae who remained behind to await the results and prepare for the formal pledging ceremony.

The lights were dimmed and the 25 girls reentered the room and received their New Member pins in a lovely ceremony presided over by Jan McAllister.

Congratulatory wishes filled the air and, before the first New Member meeting, everyone ran to the Beta monument, a W&J Greek landmark, to sing several rousing verses of their first and already favorite Kappa song … Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma, I’m so happy that I am a Kappa Kappa Kappa Gamma, Nobody knows … how happy I am!

Recruitment and Housing

The months between Colonization and Installation passed quickly. In February, the colony took part in formal Recruitment and gained 13 new members. With the able assistance of Fraternity officers, Field Representatives, Advisory, and House Board members and the installation chairman, the new colony thrived while alumnae raced against the clock to finish remodeling the new chapter house in time for Installation. Although owned by the college, the Zeta Lambda house was lovingly furnished by its House Board.

Installation

When the installation weekend arrived, 35 young women gathered at the Kappa House in a state of anticipation on Thursday as Fraternity officers from near and far began arriving. The new members enjoyed a dinner with the installing officers including Sally Moore Nitschke, Ohio State, Fraternity President; Jan Singleton McAllister, Mississippi, Director of Personnel, Marjorie Matson Converse, Purdue, Extension Chairman; and Marjorie Cross Bird, Colorado, Council Assistant, as well as local advisers and alumnae.

On Friday evening, actives from all over Beta Province joined the group for a lovely Fireside Service at the colonial home of a local alumna and House Board President. Punch and cookies were served and the Zeta Lambdas and guests later returned to the Kappa house where songs were sung. The girls shared their last-minute excitement with their active visitors from Beta Upsilon and Beta Province.

Saturday dawned chilly but clear and the girls had a short trip across the street to the Church of the Covenant where Initiation took place. The installing officers were assisted by the Chapter Council Adviser, the Advisory Board Chairman, and Field Secretaries as well as several Presidents of Beta Province chapters. Zeta Lambda’s President proudly accepted the charter on behalf of her newly-initiated sisters.

After a buffet luncheon in the church social hall provided by alumnae, the new Kappas and Fraternity officers moved to a meeting room in the church to conduct a model chapter meeting. Afterward, following a quick change of clothes, everyone gathered at the chapter house for a well-attended reception where family and friends gathered with members of W&J’s administration, faculty, and Greek community to congratulate the Zeta Lambdas.

On Saturday evening, almost 200 Kappas and their guests gathered at the George Washington Hotel for dinner. Toastmistress Marj Converse introduced the president of Beta Upsilon—West Virginia, who offered a toast to the new chapter. The Dean of Students and Associate Dean of Students and Panhellenic adviser spoke as representatives of the college and officially welcomed Kappa Kappa Gamma to Washington & Jefferson. The members of the advisory board were introduced, and Sally Nitschke welcomed the new chapter to the Fraternity.

One of the evening’s highlights occurred when the chapter President received a badge, a special key given by the Pittsburgh-South Hills Alumnae Association. The key is set in garnets to represent W&J. Many other special gifts to the new chapter were opened as well.

After the traditional closing ceremony, the tired but happy Zeta Lambdas drifted out of the hotel talking about dozens of memories that were already a part of their Kappa storehouse of dreams. Zeta Lambda’s Installation was over, but the excitement and sisterhood had just begun.

Highlights of the 1980s:

Zeta Lambda continued to grow and prosper at W&J throughout the remainder of the 1980s. In spring 1985 and again in fall 1985, a Chapter Consultant was assigned to Zeta Lambda to help the young chapter get on its feet.

Throughout the rest of the decade, the Kappa chapter at W&J continued to have success during Recruitment. Formal Recruitment was held every spring and Zeta Lambda added an average of 23-25 new members each year. The chapter also gained new Kappa sisters during a series of fall Recruitment periods.

The morale of members was kept high through the development of “Hoot ‘n Salutes” and other awards that were given to Zeta Lambdas at chapter meetings. The chapter also reached the goal of its “S.O.S.-Save Our Scholarship” initiative by improving scholarship. In order to advertise their presence on campus, and to have a little fun, Zeta Lambda participated in campus activities throughout the period such as the annual Greek Week celebration and often placed in competitive events. The chapter even created its own activity, Apache Relay, to challenge other members of the Greek community during W&J’s annual Carnival weekend. Other chapter traditions that were created in this period include the annual Kappa Krush semi-formal.

Housing:

During the 1980s, Zeta Lambda was housed in a historic home owned by the College but lovingly furnished by the House Board. Although the entire membership of Zeta Lambda was unable to live in the house together, the house on Beau Street remained the center of chapter activity.

Philanthropy:

Although a new chapter, Zeta Lambda placed an emphasis on chapter philanthropy. The women gathered donations for a variety of organizations, including Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, through activities comprised of only chapter members as well as events pairing Kappas with another campus group. The Balloon Derby was held annually in order to raise money for Washington Youth Social Services. The Balloon Derby was discontinued in 1989 in favor of a campus-wide Twister game, a more environmentally-friendly way to support the community. Zeta Lambda was also a frequent participant in philanthropic events sponsored by other Greek organizations, such as Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash. Chapter Convention Awards:

Highlights of the 1990s

Zeta Lambda began the 1990s as a strong chapter ready to lead Greek Life at W&J. The chapter excelled in Recruitment throughout the decade, averaging between 15-21 new members each year. The strong Recruitment numbers each year reflected the chapter’s hard work and the success the numerous Recruitment workshops held throughout the year.

Scholarship remained a top priority of the chapter, and through careful chapter programming and supportive sisters, the Kappas at W&J repeatedly ranked first on campus out of all Greek organizations. During this period, Zeta Lambda focused on strengthening the bonds of sisterhood within the chapter. Fun activities, such as Secret Santa and Secret Spooks, held during Christmas and Halloween, brought the sisters together. Eventually, the chapter could boast that they reached their goal of 75% member attendance of sister-only events held each month. Traditions such as the Sapphire Ball spring formal and Kappa Krush also gave the sisters the opportunity to bond and have fun together. Zeta Lambda also proved that sisterhood did not end of the school year as the chapter introduced a pen pal program that kept the W&J Kappas in touch with one another throughout the summer.

Zeta Lambda worked hard to forge strong relationships between the chapter and other Greek organizations on W&J’s campus. Throughout the 1990s, the Kappas held numerous events with other groups, including Monmouth Duo events with Pi Beta Phi and Kites and Keys with Kappa Alpha Theta. After Beta Province Meeting in 1999, Zeta Lambda challenged the W&J Greek community to consider the negative effects of hazing and work to eliminate hazing on campus through an anti-hazing program, Something of Value.

In 1994, Zeta Lambda celebrated its 10th anniversary as a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. By this time, the chapter began wearing its signature blue blazers, a tradition that remains to this day.

Housing:

During most of the 1990s, Zeta Lambda still operated out of the chapter house on Beau Street. When the Beta Province Meeting was held in Washington in 1993, the chapter and its House Board worked tirelessly to update the house by repainting the wood work and giving the entire building a thorough scrubbing. In 1994, the chapter was shocked by the collapsed of the house’s roof. Luckily, the disaster happened during Spring Break and no one was injured.

In addition to the original house, the chapter also used Dorm C for housing. Dorm C was located in the Quads, an area of campus housing dedicated to W&J’s fraternities and sororities. Zeta Lambda was eventually relocated to Dorm C in 1999. The sisters felt that, while it was difficult to adjust to life in a new house, living in the Quads was ideal because the chapter members could maintain a better relationship with members of the other fraternities and sororities on campus. Zeta Lambda faced the end of an era when the old house was demolished on Wednesday, July 28, 1999 at 5:45pm.

Bold textPhilanthropy:

The 1990s were a busy time for Zeta Lambda as the chapter undertook a number of philanthropic endeavors. In 1991, the chapter hosted a Fifties Dance at Southminster Nursing Home, and similar events became an annual occurrence for Zeta Lambda. The chapter also sent care boxes to soldiers fighting in the Persian Gulf in the early 1990s. Zeta Lambda participated in the March of Dimes, the Adopt-A-Highway program, and a local walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society, where, in 1995, the chapter was awarded Outstanding Group Attendance by W&J’s Panhellenic Council. Zeta Lambda also focused on giving back to the W&J community by distributing packets of information about sexual assault to fellow students.

Convention Awards:

1990: Most Improved Chapter; Membership-Runner-up

Highlights of 2000-2010

Zeta Lambda welcomed the 21st century by continuing to improve chapter life. Monthy sister-only events, as well as large chapter activities such as Kappa Krush and the Sapphire Ball, brought the members together and kept morale high. Zeta Lambda continued its tradition of academic excellence throughout the decade by implementing a variety of activities focused on helping sisters reach their individual academic goals. The efforts of the chapter paid off as Kappa’s G.P.A. remained one of the highest on campus.

Recruitment remained a top priority for Kappa, and the chapter introduced a variety of new and interesting Recruitment events such as Kappaccino and the S’mores party. Recruitment numbers were high throughout the decade, and the chapter had several large new member classes, especially in 2005 when Zeta Lambda welcomed 27 women to Kappa.

During this decade, Greek Life at W&J went through several changes and many old campus traditions, such as Carnival and the homecoming parade, were discontinued. However, Zeta Lambda continued to participate in Greek Life activities such as Greek Week and the Snowball Swirl, a formal dance sponsored by the Panhellenic Council in 2007. Kappa proved to be a true leader in the Greek community as several members served in leadership positions for a variety of Greek-centered organizations: W&J’s Panhellenic Council, Order of Omega, and Gamma Sigma Alpha. In 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, a member of Zeta Lambda was chosen as Greek Woman of the Year by Order of Omega.

Special anniversaries did not go unobserved during this decade. In 2004, Zeta Lambda celebrated its 20th anniversary and, in 2009, the chapter commemorated 25 years as a chapter. Alumnae were invited back for the anniversaries to remember the fun times at W&J.

Housing:

Dorm C served as the chapter house for Zeta Lambda in the early portion of the decade. By then, the House Board had assisted the chapter women in decorating the common rooms and making them feel more like a home. In 2005, Greek Life at W&J changed drastically when the College constructed new houses for the fraternities and sororities along Chestnut Street at the edge of campus. Zeta Lambda was able to participate in the planning of the new houses and was allowed to choose the design of the house, paint and carpet colors, and the style of furniture.

At the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year, Kappa remained in Dorm C with half of the fraternities and sororities and waited for the new house to be finished. The other Greek organizations moved to the new houses, leaving W&J’s Greek Life torn in two for a semester. Finally, during Finals Week of the fall 2005 semester, Zeta Lambda packed up and moved to the brand-new house on Chestnut Street. The new house held 24 members and featured a President’s suite, chapter room, and study room, in addition to common areas found on the second and third levels. Because of the new space, Zeta Lambda was able to start holding Initiation and Recruitment events in the house.

Philanthropy:

Zeta Lambda continued its tradition of philanthropy in the 2000s and participated in a philanthropic activity each month. New events included the Jail and Bail fundraiser, where members of other Greek organizations were placed in a pretend “jail” until they were bailed out by their brothers and sisters. The chapter also regularly took part in philanthropies held by other fraternities and sororities, such as Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash and Pi Beta Phi’s Singled Out, as well as events organized by the Panhellenic Council and Inter-Fraternity Council. In 2008, Zeta Lambda began to hold a large philanthropy event, a softball tournament to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. “Catch the Cure” annually attracts teams from across W&J’s campus and has become a huge success.

Convention Awards:

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.)

Housing:

Philanthropy:

Convention Awards:

Highlights of 2020s:

(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.)

Housing:

Philanthropy:

Convention Awards:

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

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