Epsilon Delta
Arizona State University, established in 1885 in Tempe, Arizona
Epsilon Delta founded April 24, 1959
_______ initiates (as of 2012).
Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:
Fraternity Officers:
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)
On April 24, 1959 Epsilon Delta Chapter at Arizona State University became the first Kappa chapter to be installed at a Province Convention.
The story of the chapter really began 12-years earlier when Cleo Hedde Woodall, Cummard (Barlow), Hillsdale, a former member of the Arizona State faculty was asked by the university administration to present the possibility of colonization to Kappa Kappa Gamma. Marjorie Miller Hoar, Arizona, Province Director of Chapters, reported findings to the Province Convention, and in 1948 the application was presented to the Extension Committee.
The committee decided not to colonize at that time but to place Arizona State on the approved list and bring it before the next biennial convention.
The campus was closed to further colonization in 1949 and was not reopened until 1956 when Mrs. Cummard had a request from Dean Catherine Nichols asking Kappa to reconsider. The Scottsdale alumnae voted unanimously in favor of the move, and later the Phoenix alumnae gave approval.
At the 42nd Biennial Convention in 1958, it was unanimously voted to colonize at Arizona State. Alphonsine Clapp Howard, Nebraska, was appointed local colonization chairman. There were months of preparation. Members of the Arizona Chapter came by bus for the last two parties and February 15, 1959, 29 girls received pledge pins.
Epsilon Delta received its charter at the Fraternity Province Meeting in Tucson. Formal installation and initiation of 28 pledges took place in the Mountain View Presbyterian Church. The chapter's first full year began with 21 members living together on the third floor of C Wing, Palo Verde Hall. The chapter furnished and maintained a kitchen, chapter room, and pledge room, and the university furnished the bedrooms. Here fraternity life developed, and scholarship took precedence over all.
Mrs. Cummard presented a diamond key for the member receiving the highest grades, and Lillian Waterman Mieg, Indiana, gave a "flat" key award to be worn by the member showing the greatest scholarship improvement.
Two other awards have became very important to the members. A worthy undergraduate who needed financial aid was given an outright grant from the Louise Diercks Memorial Fund, named to honor an outstanding young Kappa who died in her senior year. In 1964 the active chapter presented a plaque to Alphonsine Howard in appreciation for all she had done for the chapter. Each year since then, the Howard Award has been given to the alumna the chapter feels has been most helpful.
To the girls of Arizona State, Mrs. Howard was a living legend. In addition to her part in colonization, she served on the advisory board of the chapter and as president of the house board; was adviser representative to Convention in 1960; was alumna house representative, 1960-70; Kappa Province Director of Alumnae, 1972-75; and State Reference Chairman, 1959-75. The Fraternity’s Alphonsine Clapp Howard Association Membership Reference Award is presented at the Biennial Convention. An antique silver tray was presented to the Fraternity to represent this award.
In 1965 the chapter won the Arizona State College Bowl championship, and received the Gleim-Stokes Award at Province Convention. Between 1964 and 1966 the chapter was represented in every honorary and auxiliary; had girls on the cheerleading and pom-pom squads; captured more than 10 queen and sweetheart crowns; and members were presidents of Mortar Board, Panhellenic, and Associated Women Students; as well as being chosen Arizona Maid of Cotton and Miss Wool of Arizona.
Actives assisted two alumnae associations with annual fashion shows, and each year they donate time, services, and money to a philanthropic project.
The chapter received the Mu Advisory Board Award at the 1970 Centennial Convention. At the final banquet, the Convention closed with the singing of the "Centennial Prayer," with lyrics and music written by Cheryl Edel (Stewart), then an Epsilon Delta pledge. The song was a real contribution to Kappa's 100th birthday by an 11-year-old-chapter.
Centennial Prayer
"I pray for the light and dark blue And I pray for the golden key And I pray that my path may be brightened With Fleur-de-lis. And if my prayer could be answered I would always be A Kappa Kappa Gamma through eternity A Kappa Kappa Gamma through eternity."
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:
In 1984 Epsilon Delta was ranked #1 for GPA among the sororities. The chapter participated in many campus-wide events celebrating ASU's 100th. The chapter goal in 1985 was to perfect the flow of information within the chapter. An emphasis was also placed on ritual, and efforts were made to increase member awareness about the foundation of Kappa's history.
In Spring of 1985 there were 115 members in the chapter. The members participated in successful events including Greek Week, intramurals, theme parties, Watermelon Bust, Sigma Nu relays, Sigma Chi Derby Days, Pledge Presents, Kappa/Pi Phi Monmouth Duo, active/alumnae events, and Parents Weekend. The Kappas placed fourth in Greek Sing with a team of Sigma Nu, Beta Theta Pi, and Lambda Chi Alpha. Kappas ended the Greek Week by winning the first prize participation award. The chapter also encouraged member involvement in other campus organizations and activities including honorary groups, sports, and student government. Many members received scholarship and honor awards.
Rush and pledgeship were also big events, and included activities such as walk-out and the Mom-Dot program. Rush welcomed 50 new girls who joined only six holdovers.
Kappas ranked fourth on ASU's campus in scholarship, and their pledges ranked second. Tutoring and study tables continued to be offered to the actives throughout the semester.
In 1986, a Fraternity membership adviser Joyce Carlson visited the chapter during rush week. The opening day theme was "Kappas on the Koast," skit day was a slumber party theme, activities day was a football theme, and preference night’s theme was blue and blue.
The chapter hosted a new event in the spring. A "Scholarship Cozy" was hosted so that older members could assist and advise younger members as they completed their course pre-registration forms. It was a great success.
Epsilon Delta had some royalty in their midst in 1987. Cheryl Sokolosky was voted Miss Phoenix Rising, Karrin Kunasek was on ASU's Homecoming Court, and Angela Herbert was a Fiesta Bowl Princess.
The Chapter Goal in 1988 was "To uphold and improve the standards of Kappa Kappa Gamma in the areas of finance, personal conduct, and scholarship." The pledge class goal was "Through loyalty, trust and responsibility we shall strive for pledge class unity."
Traveling Consultant Martha Timmons, Colorado, visited the chapter in 1988. At the time, there were twelve sororities on the campus of Arizona State University, and Epsilon Delta had a pledge class of 46.
In 1988 new programs began to increase morale, unity, and individual responsibility within the chapter. Chapter meetings ended with "Keynotes" - inspirational notes written by members to their roommates, other friends, or the whole house. Also added was "Officer of the Week," "Committee Member of the Week," and "Adviser of the Month." The chapter also began a sharing program with other Kappa chapters through communications with the Province Director of Chapters. Also in 1988, the tradition of Kite-and-Key began. This was an informal, themed event co-hosted with the Kappa Alpha Thetas.
In 1989, the Epsilon Delta pledge class was composed of strong 42 young women. Epsilon Delta celebrated the "retirement" of alumna Patty Nye who served as Chapter Council Adviser for 10 years.
Housing:
A highlight at Epsilon Delta was the redecoration of the chapter room in 1985. New wallpaper was added to brighten it up.
In 1987 the couches were reupholstered, carpet replaced, and walls painted. The House Board also purchased a computer for the chapter.
In 1989, the House Board cleaned and organized the storage closet. This allowed the officers to have a safe orderly place to keep their items. Redecoration of the pledge room took place with new carpet and a new pull-out couch.
Philanthropy:
Philanthropy activities included an aerobirun, canned food drive, all-Greek football tournament, city-wide rubber duck water race, and a volleyball tournament. Charities that were supported by members and the Epsilon Delta chapter included Southwest Human Development, United Way, YMCA, community hospitals, Valley Big Brothers, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Rose McGill Fund.
Province Awards: In the early 80s at Province Meeting, Epsilon Delta was awarded the Philanthropy Cup Award and the Award of Excellence. At the 1985 Province Meeting Epsilon Delta received the Non-Housed Efficiency Award
Highlights of the 1990s
The chapter was a strong sorority on the campus of in the 1990s. Members were involved in many campus organizations, and they continued to participate in campus-wide activities including student foundation, Panhellenic, homecoming committee, dance line, Fiesta Bowl Court, and Devil Darlings.
A new tradition was announced in the 1990s; an all-house retreat at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott, Arizona. This was a successful event, and continued to be a highlight among chapter members year-after-year.
The members celebrated Epsilon Delta's 30-year anniversary during Founders Day with alumnae from the greater Phoenix areas.
Chapter challenges included participation in Epsilon Delta activities and scholarship. The chapter formed "social committees" of 13-14 members and a Kappa leader. The leader would communicate regularly with the members of her social committee in order to increase the attendance of members at events.
Scholarship continued to be an important focus for the women of Epsilon Delta. Weekly study tables, scholarship cozies, and recognition at meetings for those whose GPA was 3.0 or higher proved to be good morale boosters. The chapter also continued their tradition of an scholarship awards banquet at the end of each semester.
In 1990's Fall pledge class, there were 31 young women. They participated in activities such as a pool party, study tables, Big Sis/Little Sis Progam, weekly meetings, formals, and exchanges.
In 1995, Epsilon Delta hosted Province Meeting. Founders Day was a special event with pledges, actives and alumnae due to the celebration of Kappa Kappa Gamma's 125th year. Also in 1995, Epsilon Delta ranked 2nd in GPA compared to the other 14 sororities on campus. Five Epsilon Delta members received a 4.0 grade point average.
In 1996 Epsilon Delta participated in Spring Rush events for the first time in a few years and pledged nine new members.
Scholarship continued to be an area of focus, and the chapter was proud to report that nine Epsilon Delta members earned a 4.0 GPA in the Spring, 1997 semester. In the Fall of 1998, eleven members achieved a 4.0. The chapter continued its tradition of study buddies to assist members with improving scholarship efforts each semester.
In 1998 Epsilon Delta received the distinguished ASU Leadership Development Award, an honor of being chosen from 450 organizations on campus.
One challenge faced by Epsilon Delta was the transition into the new member program, a Fraternity change that Kappa Kappa Gamma introduced in 1998. The chapter adjusted fairly quickly to the changes, and continued their success recruiting quality members.
The Fraternity’s Biennial Convention was held in Scottsdale in 1998, and Epsilon Delta members were very involved in planning and hosting the event.
Housing:
The kitchen was remodeled in 1990 which included new wallpaper, floor covering, paint and cabinets. The Board also added an ice machine, and the Parents' Club donated a big screen television for the chapter room.
The House Board redecorated the Chapter Room in 1998. In 1998 campus discussions began with ASU regarding the proposal of moving sorority housing out of Palo Verde Main and into the Sonora Residence Hall. It was agreed that new housing would be built to accommodate all sororities on Apache Trail.
Philanthropy:
Epsilon Delta continued to participate in the all-Greek football tournament to raise money for a variety of charities. They also decorated the floor for trick-or-treating children, went Christmas caroling, played in a volleyball tournament, and participated in a fun run. The annual Greek Sing was also a philanthropic event that raised money for Camp Sunrise, a retreat for kids with cancer.
In 1994, members logged 300 volunteer hours with the Junior Achievement organization. In 1995 the members volunteered more than 300 hours for the Thunderbirds to raise $1,000,000 for local charities. Epsilon Delta was asked to present a workshop about its philanthropy program at the national COOL conference held at ASU (focusing on innovative community service oriented projects). The chapter was also able to raise more than $1,600 for the Rose McGill Fund.
In 1997, the ASU's campus underwent a restructuring of rules and regulations surrounding the philanthropic events of sororities and fraternities. The idea was to explore time management in the chapters for hosting and attending different functions. As a result, Epsilon Delta only hosted the Kappa Kickoff football tournament to benefit Rose McGill Fund. Members did seek off-campus organizations to assist in fundraising and volunteer hours.
Province Awards:
In 1995 the chapter was given the Florence B. McLaughlin award for the chapter which has best contributed to its community through philanthropic projects during the 1993-1995 biennium. They also received the Norma Dow Patton Award for thoughtfulness, courtesy, support, and interaction with alumnae, and the Debbie Wamser Russell Miller Award for the maintenance of our chapter facility and all other aspects of house board programming.
Convention Awards:
In 1998 the chapter received honorable mentions in the areas of Philanthropy and Finance.
Highlights of 2000-2010
The members of Epsilon Delta continued their strong legacy at Arizona State University. In 2004 with a campus of more than 50,000 students and 11 sororities, the Kappas maintained strong bonds among its 113 members. In 2005, the chapter had 115 members.
The chapter continued to strive in the area of scholarship. Challenges they faced included organization, resistance to change among the members, finances, and a weak standards committee. They addressed these issues by establishing due dates for dues, condensing the calendar, offering strong officer training, hosting more sisterhood events, and improving the standards committee and risk management program. Clear standards and ongoing communication between the officers and the members was a focus for the chapter.
Following the tragedy of 9-11, Kappas participated in campus-wide events honoring the slain victims. A candlelight vigil was held and money was raised through a raffle for the Red Cross. Epsilon Delta continued to organize their archives on an annual basis.
In 2006, the Epsilon Delta chapter received Panhellenic’s chapter of the week two times during the year. ASU's campus was now at a record 55,000 students, and Epsilon Delta had 120 members. By 2008 ASU was maintaining four campuses; ASU West, Poly Technic, East Campus, and ASU Main (in Tempe). There were five Greek Councils: Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, and the National Panhellenic Conference.
In 2008 the chapter was preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and it paid special attention to the archives. Many items were shared with the members throughout the year, old minutes were read, famous Kappas were talked about, and Epsilon Delta's history at ASU was shared.
The chapter also refocused organizational efforts by improving parliamentary procedures, utilizing committee structure more efficiently, and implementing a Leadership Academy plan.
In 2009 there were 134 active members, and Epsilon Delta held one of the most successful Recruitment efforts that they have experienced in recent years. Members of Epsilon Delta continued to participate in campus-wide events related to statewide budget cuts (including reform at college campuses), and multicultural awareness.
By 2010 ASU's campus had grown to 65,000 students, and the Greek system added a new sorority; Alpha Gamma Delta. Kappa Delta closed on the campus. Epsilon Delta Kappas were 150 members strong. In 2010 the members hosted their first Mothers Weekend.
Housing:
In 2001 the Kappas, along with all other ASU sororities, moved into new housing on Apache Trail. In 2004 the cluster housing of Adelphi Commons housed 30 Epsilon Delta members. In 2007, the Kappas moved to a different space in Adelphi Commons, and the cluster rooms housed 20 members.
In 2008 the Kappas won "Cleanest Cluster Award" from ASU's housing department. Fraternity houses were being demolished on Greek Row as part of a redevelopment effort at ASU.
Philanthropy:
Members participated in charitable fundraising events such as Derby Days, a car wash for breast cancer awareness, Valentines for the Phoenix Children's Hospital, a golf tournament, and Autism awareness. Epsilon Delta continued to actively participate in Panhellenic and Interfraternity events to raise money for a variety of charities.
In 2005, the chapter completed 575 hours of community service. In 2006, Kappas raised over $7,000 for RIF (Reading is Fundamental).
The members also gathered gifts and money to be shared with a Kappa in need during the holidays. In 2007 Epsilon Delta started a new philanthropy called "Kappa Karnival" which invited underprivileged children to participate in carnival activities for the day.
Convention Awards:
In 2004 Epsilon Delta received the Chapter/Advisory Board relations award (honorable mention). In 2010 Epsilon Delta won the Standards award.
Highlights of 2011-2019
The chapter continued its strong support of sisterhood events, campus-wide events, alumnae events, and parent involvement. Standards and risk management continue to be challenges for the chapter, and the members strived to bond through alcohol-free sisterhood events. Scholarship was improving, and the chapter GPA in 2011 was 3.11. In 2011 the chapter pledged 77 new members.
ASU formed a Greek vision board to focus on the improvement of Greek life in three areas: space and place, self determination, and thriving chapters. It is expected that Sigma Kappa sorority will colonize in 2012.
Housing:
In 2011, the Phoenix campus of ASU began working on a downtown housing complex called "First 44."
Philanthropy:
Epsilon Delta continued to support a wide variety of charities through their involvement in Panhellenic and Intrafraternity fundraisers. The chapter was recognized nationally through Seven Jeans company by winning the "More for Mankind" philanthropy competition.
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!
