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Gamma Alpha
ΓA
Founded	September 23, 1916 (1916-09-23) (108 years ago)
College	Kansas State University, formerly Kansas State Agricultural College
Location	Manhattan, Kansas
Homepage	Gamma Alpha Homepage
Media related to Gamma Alpha Chapter

Gamma Alpha, Kansas State University (formerly Kansas State Agricultural College), established in 1863, Manhattan, Kansas

Chapter Founded September 23, 1916

2,786 initiates (as of June 2012)

Outstanding Gamma Alpha Alumnae

Fraternity Council Officers: Marilyn Nichols Bullock, Vice President 1996-1998, Director of Alumnae 1994-1996, Director of Membership 1990-1994; Marjorie Moree Keith, Director of Philanthropies 1978-1982; Arma Jo Smith (Northup), Field Secretary 1947-1949; Sally Denton (Van Artsdalen), Field Secretary, 1953-1955; Krista Harms, Traveling Consultant 1985-1986; Emily Haake (Brandjord), Leadership Consultant 2006-2007; Amelia Roudebush (McCormick), Leadership Consultant 2005-2006

Loyalty Award Recipient: Marilyn Nichols Bullock 2004

Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Anna Maude Smith, 1950, Business owner/manager; active in National Restaurant Association; Dr. Sharon Carlson Wilsnack, 1990, Expert on women’s health and alcoholism; author Additional Outstanding Gamma Alpha Alumnae: Arma Jo Smith (Northup), Graduate Counselor 1945-1946; Gay Linvill, Graduate Counselor 1976-1978; Donna Towers (Hemingway), Graduate Counselor 1979-1981

The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)

Kansas State Agricultural College was established in 1863 in Manhattan under authorization of an Act of Congress.

A group of coeds which had begun as The Witches had organized itself into a local fraternity, Lambda Lambda Theta, by 1906. Lambda members stressed scholarship and participation in college activities. They were campus leaders. In 1909 the local moved into its first house, and later into a larger home known as the “Lambda Farm,” where a cinder path led to the campus. This posed a problem because of the high heeled shoes, which were a must with the currently popular hobble skirts, cart wheel hats, and high coiffures. In 1913 the college paved the way for national organizations, and three local clubs became Kappa Kappa Gamma, Pi Beta Phi, and Delta Delta Delta.

Lambda’s first attempt at affiliation with Kappa was discouraged because the Fraternity frowned on agricultural colleges. In 1915 the Kappa policy was changes and a second petition brought a charter in the spring of 1916.

Grand President Lydia Voris Kolbe, Akron, conducted the installation September 23, 1916. She was assisted by 14 members of Omega, the sponsoring chapter at the University of Kansas in Lawrence; two members from Sigma at the University of Nebraska; and two Kappas who lived in Manhattan.

This was the height of rushing season and the Omegas helped rush at a dance given the night before installation. After the ceremony and a short business meeting, there was another initiation for the nine girls who had joined the group since the 21 charter members who had signed the petition.

There was a reception given for the townspeople and faculty members, followed by a banquet for the Kappas. A golden key, gleaming with electric lights, adorned one wall of the banquet hall. Gamma Alpha’s first year was crowned with success. The chapter led in scholarship, and placed first at Aggie Pop Night, an annual stunt competition sponsored by the YWCA. Gamma Alpha also won a silver coffee urn presented by Panhellenic for being first in scholarship three consecutive years.

Gamma Alpha’s first permanent home was purchased in July, 1918, from a former president of the college. That 1917-1918 college year was a trying one due to the influenza epidemic and World War I. The Kappas were active in Red Cross work and at Camp Funston.

As is customary with the establishment of new chapters buying houses and furniture, Gamma Alpha had accumulated debts. In 1920 all debts were paid and in 1930 the chapter was able to finance a new chapter house without placing heavy financial burdens on the chapter or the alumnae. An imposing new house was completed at 517 North Delaware Avenue in time for fall rushing in 1930.

During the first 14 years of Gamma Alpha’s history, the chapter was represented regularly in Purple Masque, glee clubs and orchestras, class offices, YWCA presidencies, and Mortar Board. Kappas were elected to home economic, music, science, forensic and journalism honorary societies as well as Phi Beta Kappa. Members were chosen Homecoming Queens, Royal Purple Queens, and Regimental Commanders.

In 1939, 17 pledges began a revolt against hazing after a particularly bad night. They believed that “Kappa was above all that” and expressed disappointment to the active chapter. From then on, there never again was embarrassing or unconventional hazing, just fun things like lock-outs and sneaks. The same pledge class was creative and economical too. They decorated for the “Winter Wonderland” formal with fir branches, stars, blue streamers and a replica of the Kappa house with lighted windows, with an expenditure of only $5.

Of course things were cheaper then. When the Henry Busse Band played in Junction City, tickets were 98 cents plus tax, and “slack suits” cost from $1.50 to $7.95.

Shirley Karns (Johnson) was won everything in 1940: Military Cadet Colonel, Barnwarmer Princess, and Miss St. Patricia. Jeanne Jaccard (Parker) was a beauty queen, and Paula Kelly had the honor of singing with the Glenn Miller orchestra.

During the 1950s, Gamma Alphas traditionally entertained alumnae at special weekends; gave a tea for faculty at Christmas; had big little sister parties; sang carols for the hospitalized at Fort Riley; and collected toys for needy children at Christmas.

Gamma Alpha Chapter was named runner-up for the Efficiency Cup at the 1952 Fraternity Convention. In the fall of 1961, chapter members moved to the Gillette Hotel in downtown Manhattan with great expectations of adventure, while the chapter house was completely remodeled. But the next fall the house was still not ready for occupancy. The Kappas met this crisis with humor and aplomb, and moved into the empty St. Mary Hospital.

More than 200 Kappa alumnae returned for the 50-year celebration of Gamma Alpha. A buffet dinner at the house was followed by rushing skits and an evening of melody and reminiscing as actives and alumnae traded songs from their chapter days. The banquet the next night was at Kansas State Union. Early days were recalled, charter members honored, and 50-year pins presented.

In 1916 when Gamma Alpha was chartered, there were 3,340 students, 350 faculty members, and 17 buildings on Kansas State’s campus. In 1973 there were approximately 15,000 students, 3,000 faculty, and 70 buildings.

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

Highlights of the 1970s

During the1970s, Gamma Alpha excelled in scholarship and intramurals, and enjoyed domination in University Sing competitions. Recruitment at the university had increased participation resulting in the chapter purchasing the property next door to serve as an annex. Many campus organizations welcomed women for the first time, and Kappas took advantage of this opportunity. Members were involved in the Student Governing Association and Blue Key.

Highlights of the 1980s:

Gamma Alpha maintained high standards in scholarship, placing second on campus during mid-decade. They also were the largest sorority on campus with 116 members. The chapter received the Martha Gallagher Cox award at Zeta Province Meeting. The first woman ever elected president of the student body was a Kappa, Angela Scanlan. The 65th anniversary of the chapter found more than 500 attending the celebration.

Highlights of the 1990s

The 1990s started off on a high note as the chapter’s scholarship ranked first on campus for several semesters. When the chapter’s ranking dropped for a few semesters and didn’t meet its standards the chapter foccused on changing the trend. The efforts were rewarded when it once again attained the number one ranking to close out the decade, and held that ranking for ten semesters.

Gamma Alpha hosted Zeta Province Meeting in 1991. Throughout the decade, the chapter was honored at the Province Meetings, receiving the Marilyn Nichols Bullock Gracious Living award, Excellence in Communication, and the Carolyn Steele Stauffer Scholarship Honorable Mention. Fraternity Convention awards included the Heritage Award and honorable mentions in Chapter Finance and Efficiency. They also were one of the few chapters to successfully achieve 100% in the Challenge to Excellence.

A major event for Gamma Alpha occurred at the end of the decade as major renovations, including additions to the dining room, formal and informal living rooms and handicap accessability were underway. Chapter members faced many challenges throughout the construction, including eating formal dinners on paper plates while sitting on the floor, finding alternate locations to hold chapter meetings, and fewer members able to live-in. The biggest challenge was the need to hold recruitment in a different location. The Kappa Deltas offered their house, and recruitment went as usual with stellar results.

Gamma Alpha’s 75th and 80th anniversaries were celebrated.

Kappa was the only Greek house on campus invited to participate in the 1994 McCain Holiday Homes Tour. Pilanthropy participation remained high. A new philanthropy event, Earthball, enjoyed many years of success. The competition included recycling efforts as well as a soccer/football competition using a five-foot diameter ball. Proceeds benefitted local charities.

Highlights of 2000-2010

This decade found Gamma Alpha’s membership reaching as many as 182 members. The campus also grew with the construction of the Recreation Complex and Leadership Studies building.

Philanthropy efforts continued to thrive. Chapter members gave their time visiting the Boys and Girls Club to read books and donated for Reading is Key. The campus-wide Earthball competition resulted in donations to the Manhatten Headstart program and the Manhattan Library. The chapter celebrated campus successes with a first place in two Homecoming competitions and first place in campus intramurals.

Awards at Zeta Province Meetings were given to Gamma Alpha for Communication, Advisory Board and Educational Programming. At the 2004 Fraternity Convention the chapter received the Most Outstanding Chapter award. Gamma Alpha member Marilyn Nichols Bullock received the Fraternity’s highest aware, the Loyalty Award, at the 2004 Fraternity Convention held in Kansas City.

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.:

2012

Gamma Alpha is an incredible chapter full of amazing women! 2012 has been a year full of challenges and success, perseverance and reward.

2012 Goals: 1. Effective communication. While we are still working to achieve this goal, we have made great strides in keeping the chapter well informed of events at Gamma Alpha. During chapter, officers announce upcoming events several weeks in advance, we hang up monthly calendars, and send out email reminders to keep members accountable and informed. 2. Foster stronger relationships between active members and alumni. During 2012, we had an incredible alumni turnout for initiation. Our alumni have done an outstanding job of staying in touch with the the chapter. We even had a Kappa sing along event with an alum! 3. Encourage greater participation from members. This was accomplished through a number of fun activities and philanthropic events which boosted moral and provided opportunities for all Gamma Alpha members to be involved.

Challenges: 2012 has been an eventful year for Gamma Alpha. We have had a lot of ups and downs throughout the past year, but despite the hardships, we have grown increasingly stronger and have been able to persevere. The biggest hardship we have experienced was receiving the news that one of our active members, Emily Mayfield, was diagnosed with Leukemia. In response to this news, Gamma Alpha held a bone marrow drive on campus which had an incredible and supportive response! We have stayed in close contact with Emily by sending her letters of encouragement every week, surprise gifts, and we even skyped her during chapter. It is has been incredible to see the support of the Gamma Alpha members as well as other Kappa chapters in the area! Emily is currently recovering from a successful bone marrow transplant and will return to Gamma Alpha next semester! Leadership:

Leadership is another area in which Gamma Alpha has struggled during 2012. Unfortunately, two of our officers resigned due to reasons outside of Kappa last semester, but replacements were made and we were able to readjust to the new leadership quite smoothly.

Scholarship: Scholarship has been an area of focus for the Gamma Alpha Chapter. We placed 6th out of 14 in grades in the 2012 spring semester. Although we were above the all sorority and campus average, 6th place was concerning, so we doubled our efforts and received 4th place in grades for the 2012 fall semester! We have recently started “Kappa Studyhall” which is a designated time to study after chapter. It is optional, but there are prizes to attract members! This has greatly helped boost our academics.

Philanthropy: The Gamma Alpha chapter has always struggled with effective philanthropy, and 2012 was no exception. We took a new approach to philanthropy this year by implementing new ideas and reaching out to a different demographic. Our biggest philanthropy event was “K-State Gladiators” which took place at our local park. We rented several bounce houses, and blow-up slides to attract families with small children as well as college students. Although we had a fair turnout of people, the rent for the activities was expensive and we did not fare as well as we had hoped. We have learned from our mistakes and now have a clearer picture of what will and won’t work for our philanthropies, so hopefully 2013 will be a huge success!

Campus: Kansas State University continues to provide an extremely healthy and happy environment in which students consistently thrive. It has been an exciting year in sports as K-State was #1 in the nation in football at one point during the season. Our football team also made it to the Fiesta Bowl which created a huge moral boost on campus! The Bill Synder football stadium is now undergoing construction and completion is expected by next football season. Apart from sports, Kansas State University is approaching its 150th anniversary and has made several changes on campus to celebrate, ranging from building upgrades to hiring artists to paint pictures of our beautiful campus. There are also over 400 campus organizations and clubs available to students which provide extracurricular activities and experiences that can only be gained outside the classroom. Overall, Kansas State University is thriving, consistently growing, and persistently striving to accomplish huge goals.

Chapter: 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

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: Chapter 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!