| Gamma Kappa | |
|---|---|
| ΓK | |
 | |
| Founded | February 16, 1923 |
| College | College of William & Mary |
| Location | Williamsburg, VA |
| Homepage | http://www.kappa.org |
| Media related to Gamma Kappa Chapter | |
College of William and Mary established in 1693 in Williamsburg, Virginia
Founded February 16, 1923 - 12 Charter Members
_____ initiates (as of 2011)
Some of the Chapter's Outstanding Alumnae:
Fraternity Council Officers:
Cindy Bennett Jarboe, Foundation Treasurer, 2008-2012, Fraternity Treasurer 2008-2012; J. Dale Brubeck, Field Secretary, 1971-1972; Fraternity Executive Director, 1987-2005; Executive Director Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, 2005-2008 (Need to verify dates)
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
J. Dale Brubeck, 2000
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients
Dr. Virginia “Gini” Anding La Charitié, 1990, award-winning scholar and author with a focus on French poetry; Elizabeth Louise Anderson, 1974, organic chemist; authority on air pollution from pesticides; government science adviser; Phyllis Galanti, 1974, Chairman of Board of National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia; Sally Ives Gore, 2008, human resources expert; revolutionized employee benefits at W. I. Gore & Associates; Cynthia Casson Morton, 2010, internationally known cytogenetics expert who studies homan genes to find cures for many diseases.
The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)
When Gamma Kappa Chapter was installed on February 16, 1923, the state of Virginia was in Beta Province. The General Convention at the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, created Lambda Province to include Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.
Upsilon Delta Beta, a local group formed by four William and Mary students in September of 1920 enjoyed a vigorous life of three years, aimed early for a Kappa charter, and achieved it after very little initial encouragement. Success was announced in the form of a telegram that arrived during a college basketball game, and exulting Upsilon Delta Betas sat through it to the end because they didn’t want to be conspicuous. Their last meeting was held on January 22, 1923, and their minutes read: “The meeting closed with the customary ritual and the singing of the Upsilon Delta Beta song, after which the members adjourned to eat apples and to talk of the joys of fraternity life.”
Traditions
The chapter is fortunate in its Williamsburg location. The college is surrounded by interesting 17th- and 18th-century buildings and presents varied programs. Colonial Williamsburg is said to be more an experience than a museum and it presents a variety of subjects for study: history, architecture, gardens, plant material, design, antiques and decorating. Many students work part time in the Williamsburg program, gaining invaluable experience. In October 1931, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the surrender of Cornwallis, a Sesquicentennial celebration was held in which students participated. They helped seat the honored guests, among whom were President Hoover, General Pershing, and Marshal Petain. Students also took part in the entertainment, which included a historical pageant. Campus elections have drawn Kappas into important student government offices, and yearbook and other publication staffs. Some have sung with the choir and glee club, and many have taken part in theatrical productions. The chapter has also had its share of sponsors, beauty queens and May Court members.
In 1950, Gamma Kappa began working with patients at Eastern State Hospital for the mentally ill. Four or five girls go out for an evening, with cookies and drinks, to play games with the children and read to them. Dr. Davis Y. Paschall, William and Mary president, presented in 1964, the first-place scholarship award to Gamma Kappa. The chapter has held first place for ten semesters.
When the National Panhellenic Conference met at the Williamsburg Lodge in October 1966, the entire Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Council was invited to attend. The actives of Gamma Kappa were honored one afternoon when the whole Council came to the house for tea.
The Sesquicentennial of Phi Beta Kappa, the first Greek-letter fraternity (founded by William and Mary students in 1776), was held in Williamsburg in 1926. Up to 1974, 52 members of Gamma Kappa had been elected to Phi Beta Kappa and 73 members to Mortar Board.
World War II Years
During World War II, a Gamma Kappa alumna organized the Army and Navy Association, a group aiding service men’s wives. Out of this grew one of Kappa’s most important World War II projects, the service women’s centers in 14 cities throughout the United States.
Notable Alumnae and Campus Honors
Five Gamma Kappas have been graduate counselors including former Fraternity Executive Director and Executive Director of the Foundation, Dale Brubeck; four have been field secretaries, including Dale Brubeck. Four have served on Associate Council and two helped colonize Epsilon Gamma at the University of North Carolina.
At the time of Gamma Kappa’s founding, there were 72 on the William and Mary faculty; in 1973, there were 426. The 16 buildings of 1923 became 106; and the 854 students 5,558.
50th Anniversary
On February 17, 1973, nearly 100 Gamma Kappas gathered at the Kappa house to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the chapter’s Installation. Three of the five alumnae who were given 50-year pins were charter members; two had been initiated later that same year. Those honored five recalled interesting, isolated facts of chapter history, such as the year the old Debtors’ Prison in Colonial Williamsburg was used for chapter meetings; the season the dean of women’s office was in the Kappa house, the first chapter home of yellow stone with an old-fashioned porch and a zigzag roof. They must have remembered, too, the thrill of seeing Gertrude Wood (Thatcher), BI—Swarthmore, Kappa’s Fraternity Treasurer, when she came to inspect the local Upsilon Delta Beta—the first live Kappa they had ever seen—and of passing her Kappa key from hand to hand, thinking of the future and a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at William and Mary.
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
In 1973 100 Gamma Kappas gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gamma Kappa's charter. Gamma Kappa alumna Phyllis Galanti distinguishes herself nationally with her Vietnam P.O.W. Cause – including a 1973 Newsweek magazine cover entitled “Free at Last!” (pictured with husband Paul upon release.) Phyllis rose to hero status after leading a national campaign of wives of POWs imprisoned in Vietnam. Husband Paul (Navy Lt. Commander and pilot) was shot down in 1966 and held for almost seven years in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” While incarcerated, Phyllis set in motion a national campaign to publicize the plight of POWs and became chair of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. In adddition to pressure on US politicians – on up to the President himself – thousands of letters were written to the North Vietnames urging humane treatment and, of course, eventual release.
Gamma Kappas served as “Big Sisters” to the members of Epsilon Sigma at the University of Virginia when that chapter was colonized in Charlottesville. In addition, in 1975 Gamma Kappa worked with Eastern State Hospital making Christmas cards and having an art show for local children.
In 1976, Gamma Kappa spread goodwill among other Greeks as they presented baked goods to fraternities on their respective Founder’s Day. Kappa also stole the show at Homecoming with three women serving as princesses representing the upper classes. Kappas participated in the '76 Presidential Debate on campus between Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. That year recruitment was changed from January to September.
In 1977, Gamma Kappa won the intramural Softball Championship, continued the annual Monmouth Duo dance with Pi Beta Phi, and the annual "Pumpkin Walk" to all sororities. Pledge class activities included helping out at the Kappa house. Sigma Chi started their Derby Days philanthropy that sparked campus-wide involvement. Gamma Kappa has always taken an interest in other Greek philanthropies and this was no exception. In addition, Gamma Kappa changed the pledge formal to first semester in 1977. We had always participated in Spring rush, but the switch to fall caused the change in the formal. The pledge class stained porch furniture and painted the cloak room in the house. Homecoming traditions were established when we won the homecoming float competition in 1977 and 1979.
Highlights of the 1980s
A change in policy occurred in 1980 that revoked legacy status to great granddaughters. Two members of the chapter took first place in the Fraternity Education on Founders Day and another Kappa was chosen as a student liaison for the Board of Visitors.
Clue Week had been known as Peanut Week until 1982, where big sisters were revealed as a surprise. Each day was assigned a different color for inspiration, as each word had an associated meaning. This year, it was voted to combine R and W rooms during initiation ceremonies. An amendment was made to the chapter standing rules which would free the membership chair from living in the chapter house.
On Halloween in 1982 Gamma Kappa delivered carved pumpkins to the other sororities and to President Graves. The chapter vocal group, Fit Your Fancy, performed during Rush and Mother-Daughter Tea. The philanthropy, Kappa Kakes, was revived this year, winning the chapter recognition at the National Convention with the Pauline Tomlin Award for Outstanding Philanthropic Work. The chapter also won honorable mention for their Cultural Activities.
Among this year's highlights of 1983-84 was capturing fourth place in the sorority float division during Homecoming, and having the Fall Pledge Dance at the lovely Williamsburg Lodge. Gamma Kappa also sponsored the Best of Rush as a Panhellenic gesture and to show pledges and alumnae the favorite skits of each sorority. In February, Gamma Kappa hosted several Fraternity officers at the annual Celebration of Sisterhood Banquet.
In the spring of 1985 four Gamma Kappas traveled to Blacksburg to stand as big sisters to a new chapter, Zeta Mu at Virginia Tech. The Gamma Kappa chapter presented Zeta Mu with a brass key to commemorate their installation. The highlight was meeting Fraternity President, Marian Klingbeil Williams.
Also in 1985 the House Board did a complete renovation of the chapter house with new wallpaper and paint, new furniture and new countertops in the re-done kitchen. Chapter size increased with a record pledge class of 38 young women. In fullfilling the chapter goal of “Commit Yourself,” the chapter saw improvements in scholarship and philanthropy. For philanthropy the chapter supported a foreign foster-child, participated with Theta Delta Chi fraternity in an Easter egg hunt at Eastern State Hospital and with the Sigma Chi Circle K Christmas Party. Kappas won the overall first prize at their Sigma Chi Derby Day balloon sale. The chapter newsletter, The Owlette, reported changes on the campus, such as the departure of President Graves, succeeded by President Verkuil, the opening of a new restaurant, Sakura, a popular Japanese restaurant, and the plans to renovate Ewel Hall and build a new Campus and Recreation Hall behind William and Mary Hall in 1987.
Gamma Kappa consistently had the highest GPA on campus and this year, held an Easter Egg Hunt with Theta Delta at Eastern State Hospital.
Highlights of 1987 included chapter involvement in the colonization and installation of Zeta Omicron at the University of Richmond, helping with rush and serving as big sisters during initiation. The chapter philanthropy event raised funds for Multiple Sclerosis and placed third in Sigma Chi's Derby Day raising money for Red Cross and Sigma Chi's Wallace Foundation. The Gamma Kappa float placed fourth in the Homecoming Parade. Eight members attended Province Meeting at The University of West Virginia and for the first time, Gamma Kappa alumnae began an annual drive for funds to help the House Board fund improvements in the chapter house.
The Gamma Kappa alumnae newsletter changes its name in 1988 to the Kolonial Kappa with the news that the chapter won “Outstanding Greek Chapter” award, selected by the Dean of Student Affairs, and at the National Convention in Boca Raton, won the Fraternity Ritual Award and Honorable Mention for Scholarship. Alumnae contributions to the House Fund continued, making it possible to remodel the upstairs bathroom and purchase new porch furniture. Actives stay busy on campus and in the community in a variety of philanthropy activities such as Habitat for Humanity, Childfest at Magruder Elementary and the annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children of Eastern State Mental Hospital. Scholarship shines, with the chapter grade point rising from 3.07 to 3.21, and the scholarship committee presenting a program linking working alumnae around the country to seniors in search of careers.
For the second year, Gamma Kappa is named “Outstanding Chapter” at William and Mary. The chapter goal was Keyed up for K(appa) K(ommittee) G(rowth) aiming to increase chapter efficiency and productivity within their committees. On Halloween the chapter carved pumpkins with each of the other sorority's letters and delivered them, singing “Pumpkin Carols,” and hosted a Kappa Kostume Party, inviting fraternities and sororities with “Kappa” in their name to bring canned goods for the Salvation Army. Four Kappas were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa
Housing:
The chapter is housed at 111 Richmond Rd. in Williamsburg. The building is owned by the College, and is operated under the same rules as the dormitories. The Gamma Kappa House Board sees to the upkeep and furnishing of the house, but the College is responsible for repairs, painting, etc.
Philanthropy:
Habitat for Humanity, Childfest at Magruder Elementary School, Eastern State Mental Hospital, Salvation Army.
Chapter Convention Awards:
1982 – Outstanding Philanthropic Work, 1988 Fraternity Ritual Award
Highlights of the 1990s
For the third consecutive year, in 1990, Gamma Kappa was recognized on campus as the “Outstanding Chapter,” and also received the first “William and Mary Scholarship Achievement Award.” With a 3.2 GPA, it was the highest of any Greek organization. At Convention in Dallas, Gamma Kappa won honorable mention for Pledge Programming and Heritage Awards. It was especially memorable to be presented the Heritage Award by Gamma Kappa alumna, Gini Anding LaCharite, Fraternity Historian, who also won the Alumnae Achievement Award at Convention. This year's chapter goal was “RISE-Reaching Out to Someone Else” to increase our philanthropic activities and increased support of community and campus charity projects.
As war broke out in the Middle East with Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the chapter demonstrated its support by launching Operation Desert Heart. At the annual Kite and Key winter dance, both Kappas and Thetas brought Valentine letters to mail to the troops. During the dance a photo was taken of the Gamma Kappas with a large banner reading “We love our troops.” A video camera was rolling, and the sisters were able to sing and talk to the soldiers and send personal messages to friends and relatives . Copies of the video and the Valentines were mailed to the Middle East. At Lambda Province Meeting, Gamma Kappa received the newly created Efficiency Award, as well as Honorable Mention for the pledge and personnel programs, and for the Trendsetters Award. A change for Chapter Council is the addition of a new elected office, the Philanthropy Chair. A poignant moment occurred at the Senior Banquet when a charter member, initiated in 1923, presented her sister's badge to the 1991 Outstanding Athlete.
In 1995 Chapter unity was high due to the chapter goal “Plan to Participate” which encouraged each sister to take some responsibility for work performed by the chapter, no matter how small. Once again the chapter took home the trophy for Sigma Chi Derby Days, maintained an all campus high GPA, and continued the tradition of Rainforest Romp, an annual 5K run/walk to raise money to save the rainforests. An addition to weekly chapter meeting is an award called Character Key, recognizing one sister each week. At the Atlanta Convention the chapter and alumnae together won five awards: Ritual appreciation, Fraternity Appreciation, Rose McGill Foundation Award, Chapter/Alumnae Relations and Chapter Support. The Gamma Kappa Fund allowed the House Board to recarpet the front rooms and redo the kitchen with new teakwood cabinets, floor tile and wallpaper.
Recruitment in 1996 resulted in the largest pledge class ever with the total of 39 new members. Rainforest Romp was so successful, Kappas grossed $3,450 to buy acres of rainforest, and the event was so popular, they had to reorder tee-shirts. The chapter goal “Seek your Sister” had Kappas making an effort to reach out to each other, and attendance was up at sister retreats, date parties and formals. The chapter began working toward plans to host Province Meeting, delegating jobs and fundraising by selling candy and holding raffles.
The chapter goal for 1997, “Direct your Dedication,” was a great aid in the promotion of participation in Gamma Kappa and campus Greek activities. The philanthropy chair broadened the scope of activities to include raising money for UNICEF, helping the chapter to have a global understanding of the effects of famine and poverty, in addition to the successful annual philanthropy of Rainforest Romp. A new program, SEEK (Self Esteem for Every Kappa) was implemented to anonymously pass a small stuffed animal and an inspirational note to sisters facing a particularly difficult week. Also in 1997, Gamma Kappa and the Williamsburg Alumnae Association hosted Province Meeting.
A highlight of late '90s was the celebration, with many alumnae, of Gamma Kappa's 75th anniversary. The chapter also implemented new philanthropies: a “Kappasta” dinner, “Kappachino” night and Kappa Kidsfest, a field day for local children from low income areas. The chapter goal, “Reaffirm your CORE,” which stood for Commitment, Openness, Respect, Education, and coincided with the implementation of the New Member Program, which emphasized Core groups instead of big and little sisters and was one of the year's largest successes.
Housing:
The College of William and Mary owns the sorority houses on campus. The Gamma Kappa House Board sees to the upkeep. A Gamma Kappa Fund funded by alumnae donations helps to pay for new furnishings, etc. About 18 women live in the house.
Philanthropy:
UNICEF, Rainforest Romp to save the Rainforests, Clean the Bay Days event, Kappasta and Kappachino, Kappa Kidfest.
Chapter Convention Awards:
1990 Heritage Award, 1994 Ritual Appreciation, Fraternity Appreciation, Rose McGill Foundation Award, Chapter/Alumnae Relations and Chapter Support.
Highlights of 2000 – 2010:
The 2005-2006 year was a year of accomplishments and challenges. The chapter participated in many campus and chapter philanthropy events, raising money for tsunami relief, for UNICEF, Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Leadership Academy. For the first time, instead of displaying the archives during the Founders Day Banquet, the archives were displayed on the morning of initiation reminding older sisters of the chapter history and allowing the New Members to see what they were becoming a part of.. Facing a challenge following being put on a focus letter in 2004, the chapter rallied and improved in areas of risk management, standards and communications, and were taken off the focus letter in March as the result of many positive changes.
In April 2006 the chapter raised funds for breast cancer research during Kappasta, the annual all-you-can-eat pasta night and in October raised money during Kappacino for Reading is Fundamental. At Convention Gamma Kappa won awards in standards and honorable mention in recruitment, new member program, advisory board and hospitality. A representative was sent to Leadership Academy. Since so few women took part in fall formal recruitment, the new member chair, recruitment chair and treasurer worked hard to organize and fund a spring recruitment, with an excellent response and the initiation of seven new members.
Continuing to participate in Greek philanthropy events in 2007, several Kappas served on the executive board for Up 'til Dawn, and the team that raised the most money was a group of Gamma Kappas. This year the philanthropy chair and several sisters were invited to Washington to attend a banquet put on by the National Cervical Cancer Coalition for donating the money raised at Kappasta, a great way to see how our philanthropy events really help others.
Besides being active in Greek philanthropy events, Kappas are active on campus in other organizations such as Student Alumni Council, Orientation Aids, ROTC and Honor Council. Currently, in 1988, a Gamma Kappa holds the position of Inter-Sorority (Panhellenic) president. At Convention, Gamma Kappa received the award for Chapter Excellence. College President Gene R. Nichols resigns and Law School Dean W. Taylor Revely III is named interim president.
In 2009, entertainment was added to Kappaccino as two Kappas sang and played guitar for the event. At Province meeting in March, Gamma Kappa won honorable mention for the new member program and received Excellence in Standards and Overall Chapter Excellence. This year the College of William and Mary was ranked by U.S. News and World Report at 6th among all public universities. In answer to some academic challenges during the last semester in 2009, the chapter implemented new ways to encourage girls to improve their GPA and stay motivated. A study hall with small incentives was set up and also a competition for the most improved GPA rather than the highest. W. Taylor Revely III became the College's 27th president, after serving as interim president following the resignation of President Gene Nichol in 2008.
Working hard to overcome academic challenges in a college with very high academic threshold for students, Gamma Kappa instituted new modes of studying, tutoring and academic contests. At the beginning of the year 2010 the chapter ranked ninth among sororities on campus, moving up to third and earning recognition on the Dean's List and winning the award for Most Improved GPA. This year a New Member Program was implemented, increasing the New Member Period from six weeks to eight, allowing the new members to learn more about Kappa and create bonds. Bid Day was changed, and instead of receiving big/little sisters, they were revealed at the end of Clue Week.
Philanthropy:
Kappaccino and Kappasta raise funds for RIF and other causes, Reading Buddies with alumnae read to Head Start Classes in support of RIF, RIF Carnival for Head Start, support of other groups' philanthropies.
Chapter Convention Awards
2006 – Standards, 2008 – Chapter Excellence
Highlights of 2011 –2019:
In March, 2011, the chapter joined the Williamsburg Alumnae Association in hostessing Province Meeting. The chapter took away honors with Overall Excellence, the Standards Award and honorable mention for the New Member Program. All Kappa chapters began the switch from using Quickbooks to Billhighway to record their chapter finances, allowing members to pay dues online using credit/debit cards or by check. Treasurers no longer accept checks or credit information.
The College of William and Mary, located in Williamsburg, Va., is the second oldest college in the nation. Priding itself on being a close knit community while also being a public university, it has an enrollment of roughly 6,000 undergraduate students. Also named a Public Ivy League college, the low student-to-faculty ratio allows students to receive individual attention and provides for an exceptionally high education. Kiplinger ranked the College fourth as Best Value Among Colleges and Universities in the nation in 2011 while the U.S. News and World Report ranked it sixth among all public universities, 31st overall among the nation's best universities, and fifth nationally among best colleges for commitment to teaching. In addition to academics, students are involved in more than 350 student-interest groups, 27 Greek organizations (roughly 25 % of the student body is in a Greek organization) numerous musical performance groups and 23 intercollegiate athletic teams.
Since 2000, 21 buildings on campus and 5 at VMIS have been built or renovated. The building boom has brought to the campus a new Integrated Science Facility, a new $38 million, 113,000 square foot building for the School of Education on the site of the old Williamsburg Community Hospital, an $11 million Jimmy Laycock Football Center, and a $75 million Mason School of Business. The University Center was renamed the Sadler Center after Vice President of Student Affairs Sam Sadler who served for 44 years. Lake Matoka Amphitheater has been renovated, new Jamestown Road dorms were built and a new wing was added to the Law School, the recreation center and the center for undergraduate admissions.
In 2010, William and Mary welcomed a new mascot, a Griffin, although the nickname Tribe remains. A Griffin is a mythical creature with a lion's body and the head of an eagle. The coat of Arms of King William and Queen Mary was adorned with a lion, so the body evokes the historic founding. The Eagle's head represents our national symbol and our presidents who were educated at the College.
Overall nature of the chapter:
Members of Gamma Kappa are involved in almost every facet of college life at William and Mary. Our women are known as leaders; Gamma Kappas hold many of the positions in college organizations such as Student Alumni Council, the Orientation Aide Program, Health Outreach Peer Educators, as well as the Student Assembly. Many women are Resident Assistants, tour guides and Student Ambassadors. Additionally, our women range from Business majors to Chinese majors, so finding a study buddy is never a challenge. We have several varsity athletes and numerous women participating on club and intermural teams. Our chapter is also very musical, with sisters who sing in an a capella group as well as solo concerts. Many Gamma Kappa alumnae have risen to the tops of their fields and do important work on both the national and international level.
William and Mary's placement among the nation's most elite colleges presents a very high academic threshold for its students. Gamma Kappa has overcome the challenges of staying on top academically by instituting new modes of studying, tutoring and academic contests.
The Chapter House Today
Thanks to a generous donation by a Gamma Kappa, a major renovation of the chapter house began to take shape in 2012, remodeling the baths, reconfiguring the living spaces and improving the air flow systems, to bring the 81-year-old house, built in 1930, up to date.
Highlights of 2011-2019:
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!