Zeta Tau
| Zeta Tau | |
|---|---|
| ZT | |
 | |
| Founded | May 1, 1989 |
| College | Washington and Lee University |
| Location | Lexington, VA |
| Homepage | Zeta Tau Homepage |
| Media related to Zeta Tau Chapter | |
Washington and Lee, Lexington, Va. Founded in 1749
Zeta Tau founded May 1, 1989 -- 84 Charter Members
991 initiates (as of June 2018)
Some of the Outstanding Zeta Tau Alumnae (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 Council Members
Loyalty Award Recipients
Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients
Washington & Lee is a small, private, liberal arts university nestled between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in Lexington, Va. It is the ninth oldest institution of higher learning in the nation.
In 1749, Scotch-Irish pioneers who had migrated deep into the Valley of Virginia founded a small classical school called Augusta Academy, some 20 miles north of what is now Lexington. In 1776, the trustees, fired by patriotism, changed the name of the school to Liberty Hall.
Four years later the school was moved to the vicinity of Lexington, where in 1782 it was chartered as Liberty Hall Academy by the Virginia legislature and empowered to grant degrees. A limestone building, erected in 1793 on the crest of a ridge overlooking Lexington, burned in 1803, though its ruins are preserved today as a symbol of the institution's honored past.
In 1796, George Washington saved the struggling Liberty Hall Academy when he gave the school its first major endowment--$20,000 worth of James River Canal stock. The trustees promptly changed the name of the school to Washington Academy as an expression of their gratitude.
In 1813, the name of the academy was changed to Washington College. By then, the college was established on its present grounds in Lexington. General Robert E. Lee reluctantly accepted the position of president of the College in 1865. Because of his leadership of the Confederate army, Lee worried he "might draw upon the College a feeling of hostility," but also added that "I think it the duty of every citizen in the present condition of the Country, to do all in his power to aid in the restoration of peace and harmony."
After Lee's death in 1870, the trustees voted to change the name from Washington College to Washington and Lee University. Once an all-male institution, Washington and Lee first admitted women to its law school in 1972. The first undergraduate women matriculated in 1985. Since then, Washington and Lee has flourished.
Washington and Lee University observed its 250th Anniversary with a year-long, national celebration during the 1998-99 academic year.
Washington and Lee, Lexington, Va. Founded in 1749, a Liberal Arts College in a small town a Liberal Arts College in a small town with a population of 7,000, and a Student Faculty ratio of 10:1. Originally a male-only institution, women were first admitted in 1985. Six Panhellenic sororities are present: Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Delta, Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Alpha Theta and Chi Omega.
Contents
The Early Years
Zeta Tau Colony of Kappa Kappa Gamma was established at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, with the formal pledging of charter members on January 28, 1989.
Presentations were made to a committee of administrators and students on January 5 by a team of Fraternity representatives. Invitations were extended on January 11 to three NPC groups who conducted a colonization rush beginning January 22.
KKG is joined by Kappa Alpha Theta and Chi Omega as the first women's fraternities to be established on this previously all-male campus. Women were admitted as undergraduates in 1985, breaking a 236 year tradition.
Zeta Tau was installed May 1, 1989, as Kappa's 119th active chapter. The chapter was installed with many Fraternity officers, Kappa relatives and Big Sisters from other chapters in Lambda Province in attendance. All but four members of the pledge class, who were abroad, were initiated. Members of the Virginia chapter served as Big Sisters. Installing officers from the Fraternity included Fraternity President Kay Smith Larson, Washington; Jennie Miller Helderman, Alabama; J. Dale Brubeck, William and Mary and Marian Klingbill Williams, Missouri.
On Sept. 19, Zeta Tau began its first informal rush and welcomed eight new members on Sept. 30.
Highlights of the 1980s:
The first group of 87 members in January of 1989 went on to become charter members of Zeta Tau with initiation and installation in May 1989. An informal rush was held in the fall of 1989 and Zeta Tau gained eight new pledges. The main challenge was actually becoming a chapter, learning the responsibilities of the officers and of the chapter as a whole. The chapter goal was Unity.
Some of the events held included a Fancy Dress dinner, Grab-a-Date bowling party, Kite and Key party with Kappa Alpha Theta, Parent's Weekend cocktail party, Big/Little sister drive-in movie, Bowl-a-Thon for United Way and Senior's Night Out. Kappas were active on campus in many activities, sports and honor societies, such as Phi Beta Kappa.
Housing:
Since the colonization of sororities on the Washington and Lee campus, the Panhellenic Housing Committee has been actively working with faculty, and a poll was conducted as to the long term and immediate needs of the sororities. Results showed a desire for houses comparable to the fraternity houses, followed by a desire for a permanent space for storage and ritual. The housing committee will continue to seek alternatives to Kappa housing.
Philanthropy:
Bowl-a-Thon for United Way, weekly visits to the Mayflower Retirement Home, Babysitting to benefit the Adelphe Campaign.
Chapter Convention Awards:
Highlights of the 1990s
The early '90s consisted of learning the rules and rituals of Kappa, attending our first Biennial Convention in Dallas, and welcoming a new sorority on campus, Delta Gamma, which has since dissolved. With the help of Chapter Consultants to guide us, we stayed near the top academically with a 3.0 and socially with campus activities. 1990 will be remembered by the completion of our first formal rush, pledging 33 girls. We returned from Convention filled with ideas. At Province Meeting in Chapel Hill in 1991 we received honorable mention for Social Awareness and our Pledge Program, plus the Trendsetters Award for overall excellence. In the wake of the failure of Delta Gamma, Zeta Tau worked especially hard with Panhellenic to see that Pi Beta Phi was established. New activities were the Jump Rope for the Heart for the American Heart Association, sponsoring a foreign child and collecting Christmas presents for Lexington-area underprivileged children.
In 1996 we had our first ever “Kappa Kickoff” retreat and continue our commitment to academic excellence with sisters on the Honor Roll, Dean's List, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma. We welcomed a new sorority, Kappa Delta, helped at a retirement home and in building a Habitat for Humanity house. In 1997 at Province Meeting in Williamsburg we placed in the Founders' Circle for achieving excellence in all aspects of Kappa life as outlined by the Challenge to Excellence. We also received the Membership Award and honorable mention for finance and trendsetting chapter.
In 1999, we celebrated the colonization of Kappa, Theta and Chi Omega ten years ago. The switch to the New Member program went smoothly and we received a Philanthropy Award at Province Meeting for supporting an underprivileged boy in Mexico. For several years our chapter goal was enthusiasm which increased attendance at chapter events.
Housing:
By 1994 the University gave each of the four women's groups a campus suite in a residential hall for storage space, a guest room and office and meeting area. It is discouraging that at the same time two fraternities received new chapter houses, showing male/female disparities are still evident.
In 1997, the former Delt house has become a Panhellenic dorm annex for Greek women, housing 19 girls and a student RA. We have an option to put four sophomore girls in the house by 1998. Also, in 1998, the news is out about a proposal for the construction of five sorority houses to go before the Board of Trustees. They will be on a wooded site, close to campus and able to house 20-25 girls and a house mother, have a common room and a meal plan for the entire chapter. August 1999 saw the completion of the new Kappa house, which would house 20 women and host all of Zeta Tau's activities. Finished in August, all the Greek women at Washington and Lee finally had a place of their own.
Philanthropy:
Projects such as co-sponsoring the American Heart Association's Jump Rope for Heart, sponsoring a foreign child, faculty baby sitting, Christmas gift collection for Lexington area underprivileged children; Balloon Sales Parents' Weekend, annual Bowl-A-Thon benefiting United Way, activities at Mayflower Retirement Home, participating in the Rose McGill Holiday Sharing Program and many activities supporting other Panhellenic philanthropies kept us busy in the community and campus.
Chapter Convention Awards:
1996 – Tarpon Springs Convention, Honorable Mention for membership and Panhellenic.
Highlights of 2000-2010
In the Fall of 2000 the women of all five sororities became the first to move into the incredible new houses. Panhellenic was also focusing on the possibility of the future colonization of a sixth sorority on campus.
In 2005, Zeta Tau welcomed 39 new members and had an impressive 3.364 GPA for the 2004-2005 school year. Members are involved in varsity athletics, the Student Recruitment Committee, Williams Investment Society, Fancy Dress Committee, school newspaper staff and 40 Kappas were on the Fall 2005 Dean's List. Our “Senior Star” program for upperclassmen gave incentive to participate in Kappa events.
Some challenges have been keeping upperclassmen participation high. The implementation of a “senior star” system as well as increased enforcement by the standards committee has helped our upperclassmen find new incentive to participate in Kappa events.
In 2009, Zeta Tau ranks number one for the highest GPA of all sororities on campus. The addition of Apha Delta Pi extended a sixth sorority to W & L's row. Most of the challenges faced this year were within the realm of recruitment. But we had great participation and the process went smoothly. With the addition of a sixth sorority, more competition is always challenging.
Housing:
Campus built houses on sorority row house the Panhellenic chapters.
Philanthropy:
Supporting a foreign child, Pictures with Santa, volunteering at a retirement home, pumpkin carving at an elementary school, an annual Race for Charlie to benefit neuroblastoma cancer research, powderpuff football to benefit the Children's Miracle Network, support of other groups' philanthropies. Chapter 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.:
Highlights of 2012
The Zeta Tau Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had a great year in 2012. We began with a very successful recruitment in early January. In the spring, we initiated 33 excellent new members into the chapter. This was a great source of pride for our chapter. Our members continue to be actively involved all over Washington and Lee's campus in extracurricular and service-oriented activities.
Our members excelled on varsity athletic teams, as Bonner Leaders, as Johnson Scholars, and as leading members of a variety of campus organizations. The Executive Committee, Fancy Dress Committee, Mock Convention, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Student Recruitment Committee, Panhellenic Council, and Kathekon all benefit from leaders and members who belong to Kappa Kappa Gamma.
In the spring, we hosted a successful concert that benefitted the charity "One Love" and involved participants from all over campus. In the fall, we hosted a fun event with first-year women to raise money for Reading is Fundamental. Additionally, we enjoyed a number of sisterhood and social events, including a spring formal in Charlottesville, VA, and a fall formal in Charlottesville, VA. Our chapter continues to thrive and maintain a strong presence on Washington and Lee's campus. We look forward to growing as a chapter in the coming year.
Greek life continues to be extremely popular on Washington and Lee's campus. Alpha Delta Pi, the most recently colonized sorority at W&L, is our next door neighbor. Having an additional sorority on campus has continued to promote Greek Life on campus, as well as make recruitment more competitive. In the past year, we have seen many changes to W&L's Panhellenic Council, which has had a positive impact on all of the sororities; we have a new head of Greek Life. Panhellenic Council is currently working to improve sorority life in ways like discussing updating W&L's recruitment process.
Highlights of 2014
The Zeta Tau Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, on Washington and Lee University campus, had an excellent 2014 year. In March, we initiated 30 new members into the chapter. This was an exciting moment for the chapter after all the hard work put into informal and formal rush. Since that initiation, one member has transferred schools, leaving the chapter with 29 members of the class of 2017 pledge class. As a group, the night before initiation, during our Big-Little Reveal, the sophomore and freshmen pledge classes walked together with their big/little in the Relay For LIfe walk on campus. Our members are active leaders and participants in all aspects of campus, both extra-curricular and service-oriented.
Last spring a member of our chapter was elected to be the president of the Executive Committee on campus. This is one of the highest accomplishments and honors one can receive at Washington and Lee, and she has proved this fall to be an excellent leader of the student body. In addition to this most esteemed post, we also have Johnson Scholars, Bonner Leaders, and varsity athletes. Members of our chapter actively participate in many groups and organizations on campus such as Fancy Dress Steering Committee, Mock Convention, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Student Recruitment Committee.
In the spring we hosted the first annual Concert For Kelsey, raising money for the Kelsey Durkin foundation. Kelsey Durkin was a member of our chapter who passed away in a fatal car accident last winter. The chapter has spent the last year recovering from this horrible accident, and raising awareness on campus about the harms of drunk driving. This coming spring we will host the second Concert for Kelsey, continuing to remember her legacy. This summer our president attended the Kappa National Convention in Houston. She learned a lot about Kappa and has helped our chapter implement many new ideas. Following that convention, a member of our new pledge class attended the Kappa Leadership Council. She enjoyed getting to meet Kappas from all over the nation, sharing ideas, and exchanging Kappa memories.
This fall we hosted a philanthropy event called "Tye Dye and Blue Sky" where students were invited to come make Tye Dye shirts and eat cookies from a favorite local restaurant. This was a successful event and we raised $750. As a chapter council, and an entire chapter, we are constantly working on improving our image on campus through social media, attendance at events (especially other sororities' events), and generally just playing a more positive role throughout the campus. Our chapter has been focusing a lot in recent months on changing the overall nature of the chapter. We have been implementing new attendance policies and incentives for members to attend chapter meetings and other events, which have proved to be very effective. We also have extended the time allotted for chapter council, allowing more in-depth discussion about current issues, events, ideas, etc. We have also implemented a program called Professor of the Month. Each month members of our chapter nominate their favorite professor, and the winning professor is invited to dinner at the house where he or she is able to socialize with our chapter and get to know students he or she may not have had in their classes. We are also working on improvement of our rituals. We are working up towards memorization of the formal chapter sequence, and practice for initiation events. We have also implemented a better new member education program, with more in depth learning about Kappa Kappa Gamma, and our chapter as a whole.
Chapter meetings are held in the Kappa Kappa Gamma House, on campus. This is a university owned facility, rented out to the chapter for living and eating purposes. Our chapter has a house on Washington and Lee's campus. Each year 20 sophomores are selected to reside in the house. The house is university owned, and the chapter leases the house from the university. This is the only house that the chapter has ever lived in.
Nature of our chapter:
Our members participate in a number of varsity athletic teams including the equestrian, soccer, field hockey, and tennis teams. We have members who participate both in the dance company and other dance organizations on campus. Our members are involved as student tour guides, volunteers, and members of organizations across campus. They continue to pursue academic excellence. Our involvement leads to a strong and positive presence on W&L's campus. Our presence really reflects the united and caring nature of our chapter.
Highlights of 2015
The Zeta Tau Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, on Washington and Lee University campus, had an excellent 2015 year. In March, we initiated 32 new members into the chapter. This was an exciting moment for the chapter after all the hard work put into informal and formal rush. The Kappa Kappa Gamma Zeta Tau Chapter was recognized as Washington and Lee’s Chapter of the Year at the annual Lead Banquet. Our members are active leaders and participants in all aspects of campus, both extra-curricular and service-oriented. They are Johnson Scholars, Bonner Leaders, varsity athletes. Members of our chapter actively participate in many groups and organizations on campus such as Fancy Dress Steering Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, and Student Recruitment Committee. A member was elected Panhellenic President for the coming year. Members have been selected as state chairs for Mock Convention. In April, three members were selected as Peer Counselors and a member was selected as Head Peer Counselor. A member was elected by the student body to serve on the Executive Committee, one of Washington and Lee’s greatest honors.
In the spring we hosted the second annual Concert For Kelsey, raising money for the Kelsey Durkin foundation. Kelsey Durkin was a member of our chapter who passed away in a fatal car accident. The chapter has dedicated a great deal of time and energy raising awareness on campus about the harms of drunk driving, a cause very near to their hearts. This coming spring we will host the third annual Concert for Kelsey, continuing to remember her legacy. This fall, a member of the new pledge class attended the Kappa Leadership Council. She enjoyed getting to meet Kappas from all over the nation, sharing ideas, and exchanging Kappa memories.
This fall we hosted a philanthropy event called "Tye Dye and Blue Sky" where students were invited to come make Tye Dye shirts and eat cookies from a favorite local restaurant. This was a successful event and we raised $2,864, a huge increase from last year’s $750. As a chapter council, and an entire chapter, we are constantly working on improving our image on campus through social media, attendance at events (especially other sororities' events), and generally just playing a more positive role throughout the campus.
Our chapter has been focusing a lot in recent months on changing the overall nature of the chapter. We have been implementing new attendance policies and incentives for members to attend chapter meetings and other events, which have proved to be very effective. We have also implemented a program called Professor of the Month. Each month members of our chapter nominate their favorite professor, and the winning professor is invited to dinner at the house where he or she is able to socialize with our chapter and get to know students he or she may not have had in their classes. We have implemented “Polished Kappa,” a program in which each week, a sister of Zeta Tau is recognized for an achievement or act of kindness. The “A basket” is passed around at every chapter so that those excelling in academics can be recognized. We are also working on improvement of our rituals. We are working up towards memorization of the formal chapter sequence, and practice for initiation events. We have also implemented a better new member education program, with more in depth learning about Kappa Kappa Gamma, and our chapter as a whole.
Highlights 2016
The Zeta Tau Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, on Washington and Lee University campus, had an action-filled 2016 year. Our members are active leaders and participants in all aspects of campus, both extra-curricular and service-oriented. They are Johnson Scholars, varsity athletes, team captains, and Appalachian Adventure trip leaders. Members of our chapter actively participate and lead in many organizations on campus such as Fancy Dress Steering Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, and Generals’ Activity Board, University Ambassadors, LEAD, Williams’ Investment Society, and Real Estate Society. They participate in University Singers, Washington and Lee Dance Company, Jubilee Acapella group, Reformed University Fellowship, YoungLife, LIFE, and the University Big Program. Members have rejuvenated the Students’ Arts League on campus. Members serve as Panhellenic delegates and Peer Counselors. In March, we initiated twenty-nine new members into the chapter. This was an exciting moment for the chapter after all the hard work put into informal and formal rush. At the start of this academic year, we welcomed in a new house director. Out House Chair has done an incredible job getting her settled and acquainted to the Washington and Lee community, the members, and the advisors. We’re glad to have Mrs. Mary on board! Third Annual Concert For Kelsey, raising money for the Kelsey Durkin foundation. Kelsey Durkin was a member of our chapter who passed away in a fatal car accident. The chapter has dedicated a great deal of time and energy raising awareness on campus about the harms of drunk driving, a cause very near to their hearts. This coming spring we will host the Fourth-annual Concert for Kelsey, continuing to remember her legacy. This summer, three members attended the Kappa National Convention. They learned a lot about Kappa and have helped the Zeta Tau chapter implement many new ideas. They especially enjoyed the opportunity to take a photo with Beth Black! Following that convention, a member of the new pledge class attended the Kappa Leadership Council. She enjoyed getting to meet Kappas from all over the nation, sharing ideas, and exchanging Kappa memories. This fall we hosted a philanthropy event called "Tye Dye and Blue Sky" where students were invited to come make Tye Dye shirts and eat cookies from a favorite local restaurant. This was a successful event and we raised $1,558. As a chapter council, and an entire chapter, we are constantly working on improving our image on campus through social media, attendance at events (especially other sororities' events), and generally playing a more positive role throughout the campus.
Many improvements in organization and the general atmosphere of the chapter have been implemented in the past year. Our House Chair has made a huge effort to establish and clarify the rules for the house—a project that the entirety of the sorority has benefited from. The House Chair also planned a “Staff Appreciation Day” in which the cooking staff, cleaning staff, and House Director were given the day off of work and a well-deserved appreciation gift of cards and flowers. The Recording Secretary promoted and encouraged better attendance at chapter and all Kappa related events. Consequently, there was a huge improvement in attendance. She has also adjusted very well to the new system on KeyReports and encourages all of the chapter to review her minutes that she posts! This helps to keep all of our members on the same page when it comes to meeting details.
We have further developed relationships with other sororities on our campus. In fact, this year, our Panhellenic delegate coordinated with Pi Phi to coordinate our chapter’s first ever Monmouth event! The event was a huge success. Because both philanthropies have to do with childhood literacy, we decorated bookmarks for children as we enjoyed some hot apple cider and local doughnuts. We also contributed to and participated in “Meet the Greek” events such as bonfire smoores, dinners at houses, and ice cream socials!
We made huge improvements academically—we shot right up to the second highest GPA on campus, with an average of 3.535. Our Academic Excellence chair supported us in raising this GPA by passing around an “A” basket during chapter—a name is drawn out of the basket and awarded with candy. She also had pizzas delivered to the library during exam crunch time!
Our events and risk chairs have worked very hard to orchestrate safe and fun formals for us! We had a winter formal at the Robert E. Lee, a Spring formal at the Lime Kiln theater, and a fall formal at the Coupes Bar in Charlottesville. We’ve had sisterhood dinners—pizza at Salerno’s! Our chapter has had adapted well and accepted the new standards we have set for formals and Kappa events. The sisters of Zeta Tau most definitely make their positive mark on the Washington and Lee Campus. We are leaders, scholars, and athletes. It will be exciting to see where these women go next!
The Nature of the Zeta Tau Chapter has changed drastically this past year. Our Probation Status has called us to re-evaluate our Chapter's traditions and day to day organization. Our President, Vice President of Organization, Vice President of Standards, and Chapter Council as a whole have set a very positive tone as we strive to make these beneficial changes. Our LC visitors have helped to point us to specific ways we can continue to improve, whether large or small. We still have improvements to be made; however, we are getting there! It is our goal to continue our positive progression, to continue to make the overall nature of Kappa a healthier place where each Zeta Tau sister can be her best self!
Students Against Rockbridge Area Hunger (SARAH) -Participate in Lip Sync (organized by the Fraternity Pi Phi) -Members of the new pledge class are organized into random groups; each group makes up a dance performs it on lip sync night.
Project Horizon -Through "Kappa Kollection," members donate used clothes and toiletries. -All of the Donations go to Project Horizon, a women’s shelter in town for domestic abuse victims.
Reach out and Read (community engagement) -Members meet with children at Rockbridge Health PLLC to read to them every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-5 through a partnership with Dr. Schirmer -Members donate books two times each year to Rockbridge Health PLLC -We participate in this philanthropy because it perfectly aligns with out national philanthropy: Reading is Fundamental. Through promoting childhood literacy, we can connect with Kappas nationwide!
John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Research Center - In "Love for Liza," members sell Chickfila heart shaped biscuits in commons every February in honor of our former Zeta Tau member, Liza Haynie, who passed from a synovial sarcoma last year. Participating in this philanthropy is our way of remembering Liza and supporting Liza's family and those who are currently battling synovial sarcoma. -The money we raise goes to the “Love for Liza Fund,” which goes towards the John Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Research Center. Last year was our first time holding the event, and we raised $1,083.11.
Kelsey Durkin Foundation -Concert for Kelsey, Zeta Tau Chapter's biggest event of the year, is helf each spring. The chapter's third annual “Concert for Kelsey” was held last year. Kelsey was a member of the Zeta Tau chapter who died in a drunk driving accident in 2013. The concert honors and celebrates Kelsey Durkin’s life and promotes the prevention of drunk driving. -Donations help fund the event which spreads drunk driving awareness. They are also donated to the Kelsey Durkin Foundation, established in Kesley’s honor. Through selling tickets, t-shirts, and receiving general donations, we raised $3,849. 44. We donated 90% to the Kelsey Durkin Foundation, and 10% to the Kappa Foundation. Relay for Life -Each year, Zeta Tau members participate in the Relay for Life walk on Canann green. -Additionally, members participate in the banner challenge and cupcake challenge. -We participate in this philanthropy in an effort to support other meaningful philanthropies that are happening on the Washington and Lee campus.
Komen Give Day -Every October we set up a swipe machine and encourage students to swipe home donations for Breast Cancer research in an effort to support Breast Cancer survivors and help the mission to end Breast Cancer. -We received over 800 donations last year, totaling approximately $23,000.
Reading is Fundamental -At "Tie Dye and Blue Sky," our biggest event of the fall, we tie-dye tshirts and enjoy local Blue Sky pastries. -This year we raised $1,558.20, which we donated to Reading is Fundamental -We are also working on creating an event with a local Reading is Fundamental participant organization, such as the local elementary school, to create an annual event with community engagement and reading. We meet in "The Chapter Room," which is in the bottom floor of the Kappa House.
Highlights of 2017
The Zeta Tau chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has spent 2017 focusing on academics and working hard to get off of our focus letter. Our chapter accomplished an average 3.519 GPA, which we are extremely proud of. Our Concert for Kelsey philanthropy event in May was a success. We had the largest turn out and raised the most money out of any year of the event. This event is to honor the life of Kelsey Durkin, a Zeta Tau member who was killed by a drunk driver.
Our chapter promotes sober drivers and has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. We are hoping to reach an agreement with Kappa nationals to promote sober drivers for all weekend nights. We have to work out insurance logistics with nationals though. Our philanthropy event Tie Dye and Blue Sky raised lots of money this year and allowed us to meet many new potential members of Kappa. Over the past year, we as a chapter were devoted to bettering ourselves, our school, and our chapter. We hope to be off our focus letter come May.
Highlights of 2018
Events – 5 chapter members went to Kappa Leadership Convention in Atlanta in February (pictured): Evy Verbinnen (VPS), Adele Petagna (president), Kathryn Williams (education), Lexie Gottsegen (VPO), and Ally Chebuhar (recruitment chair).
Scholarships -- 2 junior Kappas received grants to do research in South America this Spring/Summer.
Awards -- One junior won an award at W&L's leadership baquet for her work as editor and chief in a new diversity magazine called Diverge.
Traditions -- Concert for Kelsey is always a nice tradition. We also are holding a senior dinner in the spring to wish the senior's goodluck after graduation! We usually try to do it outside since we have such pretty nature to enjoy in Lexington.
Philanthropy Involvement -- In March we had a "women's service day" and we had a bunch of different members participate in different service projects led by W&L Greek women. They worked with a bunch of local organizations such as Campus Kitchen, Project Horizon and Habitat for Humanity.
Reading is Fundemental is the national philanthropy organization of Kappa so we want to support the overall chapter's support in educating local children and promoting literacy. We also chose to donate to the Kelsey Durkin foundation because our chapter has a special connection to this woman. Kelsey was a W&L Kappa who tragically died in a drunk driving accident on campus in December of 2013. Every year we host a concert in the spring and have local bands play, have food, and sell teachers to raise money for Kelsey's foundation and celebrate her life. The W&L business office just sent me a report on how much money the Kelsey Durkin foundation has raised. Thousands of dollars have been donated to the foundation just in this past year. We also hold an event every year called Love for Liza where we sell Chic Fil A sandwhiches (they are very popular at W&L since we don't have a Chic Fil A in town) and donote the proceeds to the Love for Liza Foundation at John Hopkinds that helps to fight synovial sarcoma. We hold this event because Liza was a Kappa at W&L a while back who passed from this tragic disease.
Chapter goals -- We have been working on better communication (specifically in chapter council but throughout the whole chapter as well). We also want to continue to do more sisterhood events! While we feel very connected and close, sometimes people can get too caught up in their friend groups. We recently worked with a new local fitness studio to hold spin classes!
Highlights of 2019
The current members of Zeta Tau chapter are smart, caring, outgoing, and funny women. The women of Kappa are highly regarded throughout campus and are involved in campus life in many ways, including membership in the Williams Investment Society, the Outing Club, the choir, D3 athletics, and more. Five of our members are Peer Counselors, which are students chosen for their leadership and communication skills to guide and advise freshmen who are struggling with aspects of college life. Ultimately, our chapter is made up of many different kinds of people. There are the artistically gifted, the athletes, the outdoorsy types, and the book-worms. Ultimately, our chapter is a group of girls who support and love each other despite our many differences.
We started the year off with welcoming new freshmen women into our chapter. We had a very successful Fireside Ceremony and initiation.. Four mothers of our initiates, Kappa alumnae, even surprised their daughters during the initiation ceremony. The rest of the year continued to be a success. Our new members felt at home right away. We had a sisterhood event in the Spring where we all went to a local fitness studio and took a workout class together. Also in Spring was our annual Concert for Kelsey, honoring a former member of Zeta Tau chapter who was killed in a drunk driving accident a few years ago. We sold t-shirts and tickets for the concert to raise money for the Kelsey Durkin Foundation and ended up raising around $1,119.
We held a pizza party as our first Sisterhood event of the fall. Members from all four grades came to the Kappa house to catch up over pizza. Our annual fund raiser "Love for Liza" was held. We sold Chick-fil-A on campus, which was a huge success and raised about $!,133 for Love for Liza, which supports synovial sarcoma, the type of cancer a former member of our chapter died from. Additionally, we held our annual Tie-dye and Blue Sky event, which raises money for Reading is Fundamental. We sold t-sahirts and tickets for the event, and people from all around campus came to tie-dye shirts and snack on baked good from BlueSky Bakery. In the end, we raised $1,410.
We concluded 2019 with the lighting of the Christmas Tree in honor of Kelsey Durkin. Every year we light a huge Christmas tree in front of the President's house, and member of the community all come to show their support. It truly is a special moment and one that really bonds our chapter as we remember the life of Kelsey.
Philanthropy: Love for Liza, Kelsey Durkin Foundation. Both hold a special place in the heart of our chapter. Liza and Kelsey were both former members of our chapter until their untimely deaths. Support and fundraising for these organizations is a way for us to remember and honor the lives of two wonderful members of our sorority.
Founders Day: We did not celebrate Founders Day. I did forward the email I received from the National Sorority regarding Founders Day is case anyone wanted to watch the live stream on Facebook.
Highlights of 2020s:
This past year, the Kappas at Washington and Lee have done a lot of great work amidst the pandemic. In January, we rushed 23 women into our sorority. Bid day welcomed our new sisters to the sorority. Following bid day, we had initiation, which I was in charge of. With the help our past president,Emily Moran, we had a successful initiation and fireside ceremony. We welcomed in four alumni to help host the initiation. As chapter marshal, it was my duty this past year to teach chapter ritual and tradition. After initiation, I hosted a ritual review with the new pledge class, so they could better understand the history of the ceremonies they just experienced. We went over the handshake, the password, and the different ritual songs. I also shared ritual nuggets with the pledge class. Thankfully, we were able to have initiation before we were sent home early in March. Because initiation happened before we were sent home, my job wasn't effected as much as the other jobs in the sorority. During the pandemic, things slowed down a bit, but people were still involved in chapter and philanthropy. This past semester, our sorority focused a lot on spending meaningful time together in a safe and covid-friendly way. Our event chairman hosted a wonderful outdoor dinner with catered food. In addition, we did a drive-in movie event at one of the local theaters in Lexington. Because of the pandemic, all of our chapter meetings were held virtually each week. Chapter has been great way for all of us to get together virtually, once a week to discuss expectations and schedules. One learning experience we all had this year was the seminar on sexual assault held by a Kappa volunteer. This was a great way for the women to have open conversations about sexual assault on our campus. This year, our chapter has also made diversity and inclusion a major goal of ours. We had open conversations about changes that would need to be made to rush, so our sorority would be more inclusive to people of all races. We have a new diversity committee led by a woman in our sorority, and we plan on creating a new diversity position on chapter council next semester. Our sorority also has created a new resource this year for women struggling with mental health. During the pandemic, it is more important now to address mental health issues on campus. Alice Gooding hosts a weekly meeting for anyone to join if they want to discuss how they feel, or if they are worried for friends. Our standards committee has also worked on making their committee more open to positivity. The Kappas at Washington and Leedon't want to view standards as a place to go when you are punished, but as a place that is welcoming and there to help. Overall, it has been a great year despite the challenges of making things virtual.
Philanthropy:' The chapter supports Reading is Fundamental (RIF). In addition the chapter helps combat drunk driving through Concert for Kelsey. We chose RIF because of its mission. This organization's mission is to encourage and motivate young children to read. Through this organization, Kappas can help make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life for children who don't have exposure to books at home or at school. Concert for Kelsey supports the Kelsey Durkin Memorial Fund. Kelsey was a member of the sorority who died tragically in a drunk driving accident. We host a concert every spring term in order to raise awareness.
"Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" - Our chapter made diversity, equity, and inclusion a major goal this year. Led by one of our junior Kappas, Nico Sacci, we have created an open environment to discuss diversity and inclusion. As we rushed girls this past semester, Nico encouraged the whole chapter to extend friendships to people of all races. We plan on adding a new position to our chapter council that will be the head diversity and inclusion (DEI Officer). This position should go into effect next semester. In addition, the whole chapter participated in a diversity and equity seminar hosted by Washington and Lee. This training seminar helped make people aware of the current problems and gave ways to increase our inclusion.
"Sesquicentennial Celebration" - In order to celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary, our chapter decided to make posts on the social media. Many women in the chapter posted on Instagram, and our PR chairman made lots of posts on the Washington and Lee Kappa Instagram as well. Because we couldn't do any in person celebration because of there pandemic, our chapter thought the best way to celebrate would be through social media. We spread the word about 150 years and emphasized the importance of history. In addition, we spent time in chapter going over the history of KKG at Washington and Lee and the history of Kappa as a national foundation.
Highlights of 2021
apter Summary In the past year our chapter has done some great things even with the restrictions of the pandemic placed upon us. Academically speaking our chapter has done a tremendous job bringing up our chapter wide GPA and rank. This fall semester we were ranked 5 of 6 of all the sororities in average GPA. This past winter semester, we placed 2 of 6 with an average GPA of 3.659. We currently have 6 open Merit-Based scholarships. Operationally speaking, we have held some awesome fundraiser events that our DEI heads planned and are currently working to plan our yearly tradition philanthropy fundraiser event for the promise committee at our school which works to prevent drinking and driving on campus. Aside from this, we hope to hold a fun run philanthropy event in the fall. We had a solid rush year and received 4-5 quota additions taking in 30 new members. Following a solid recruitment, we held our ritual and initiation for all new members to be inducted into the chapter. We have an exciting senior kickball event coming up that is being held through our panhellenic council. This event is a fundraiser to donate to a Gofundme for a member on our campus who recently became paralyzed due to a serious accident. One of our chapter wide goals this year is to increase our DEI efforts and work to get some new and fun philanthropy and sisterhood events in!
Chapter Philanthropy
Our chapter supports the Children’s Literacy Foundation through fundraising events we hold on campus. Additionally, we work with the Rockbridge County and elementary schools to raise money for supplies and school supplies for children. We are planning to do a few events in the fall with organizations in the area that support DEI efforts as well.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
While it was difficult to operate as a chapter during the pandemic, we have really been working to get back to our normal operations and have been specifically focusing on DEI efforts and philanthropy events. We plan to hold many philanthropy events in the fall since our philanthropy chair is currently abroad. As far as DEI, our chapter makes strong efforts to increase engagement in diversity engagement and inclusion. Our DEI heads lead meetings every week following chapter to talk about a specific weekly topic which helps raise awareness around such topic. We also have done a collaboration with an organization campus to promote racial equity and inclusion. We held a fundraiser to raise money for children’s school supplies that promote all skin colors (crayons, band aids, etc) as well as posters for the classrooms. We are looking to do some other collabs this spring as well as in the fall. Additionally, we have held chapter wide DEI events in the past year where some outside members came to speak to our chapter on various topics.
Operating in a Pandemic
Operating during the pandemic was a challenge for our chapter. For a long period of time, we were having to do everything virtually (chapter, rush workshop, rush, initiation, sisterhood events). It was most difficult to hold rush virtually due to the technical difficulties we encountered. The inorganic feeling of getting to know someone through a screen made it a challenge for both our members and the PNM’s. While we tried to make it as natural as possible, we felt the experience would have been much better for the PNM’s if it were in person. Chapter and other operations were tough to hold virtually as sometimes it was hard to have effective and solid conversation. However, I think our chapter did a great job trying to make some virtual sisterhood events fun so that we could relax and still get to be together as a chapter.
