Delta Kappa | |
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ΔK | |
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Founded | November 18, 1938 |
College | University of Miami |
Location | Coral Gables, FL |
Homepage | Delta Kappa Webpage |
Media related to Delta Kappa Chapter |
University of Miami established in 1925, Coral Gables, Florida
Chapter founded November 18, 1938 -- 19 charter members
1,620 total initiates (as of 2011)
Some of Delta Kappa’s Outstanding Alumnae (If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
Fraternity Council Members;
Jenny Scott (Lee), Traveling Consultant 1994-1995
Fraternity Loyalty Award:
Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
Doris Hart, 1958, third Kappa to win the U.S. Women’s Open Tennis Championship; won every major tennis tournament of her time; Jo Ann Pflug (Woolery), 1972—actress who played Lt. Maria “Dish” Schneiderstar in the movie version of M*A*S*H, 1970; star of Candid Camera; philanthropist; Dr. (Mary) Kathryn Hammock, 1986—neurosurgeon; founding board member of National Brain Research Association; Virginia McMichael Sittler, 1994—computer scientist for the Department of Defense
Additional Outstanding Delta Kappa Alumnae:
Mary Moore (Wagner), Graduate Counselor 1941-1942; Mary Carnegie (Edmund), Chapter Consultant 1984-1986; Sonja Schnell (Broderick), Chapter Consultant 1992-1993; Paula Cote (McBride), Chapter Consultant 1997-1998; Tracie A. Johnson, Chapter Consultant 1998-1999;
Contents
The Early Years
The University of Miami, founded in 1925, began to build south of Coral Gables in 1926. The incomplete structure was severely damaged by a hurricane that September, and another building was found closer to Coral Gables. It was only partly finished, had no partitions and classrooms were made with huge sheets of wallboard. The name “Cardboard College” stuck for years. In 1947, the site was changed and the university, tremendously grown, is now situated on a large, beautifully landscaped campus.
Seven girls on the Miami campus were selected in 1927 by Kappa alumnae to be the nucleus of a local group, Lambda Phi, which would someday become a Kappa chapter.
In 1938 Lambda Phi’s petition was accepted and Delta Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was formally installed that year on November 17, 18, and 19. Nineteen charter members were initiated. Actives from Rollins and Alabama aided in the 1938 installation. Lambda Phi alumnae had the privilege of becoming Kappas at regular initiation services for the next five years. An interesting feature of the installation banquet was the showing of movies of the newly built Kappa Hearthstone at Winter Park, the 33rd Convention at Hot Springs, and the film that Lambda Phi sent with its petition.
Clara O. Pierce, Ohio State, conducted the model meeting November 20, 1938. Chapter officers were installed, talks were given on standards and responsibilities, and the contents of the archives chest were displayed.
Dr. Bowman F. Ashe, president of the university, was host at a tea March 1, 1939, at his home for distinguished writer Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Ohio State, attended by actives and alumnae. Mrs. Ashe was one of the original members of the Kappa Mothers’ Club of Miami. She had a daughter who was the first initiate of Delta Kappa.
The Mothers’ Club was formed in the fall of 1940 and has always been a great help to the chapter. The club has contributed a silver tea and coffee service, the scholarship punch bowl, dishes and stainless flatware, the installation of a terrazzo floor in the Kappa suite, an annual $50 bond for highest scholarship and another for greatest improvement, a Christmas tree and holiday dinner, a champagne brunch for graduates plus a gift for each senior.
Housing
The chapter rented its first house in September, 1939. In 1942 sorority houses were no longer sanctioned by the university and the chapter returned to a room. By the chapter’s 20th anniversary Delta Kappa was housed in the Panhellenic Building with all the other sororities. The suite of a large living room, conference room, kitchen and bath was in the prize location on the first floor next to the entrance. The custom of chapter members wearing light and dark blue dresses started with the first rush and proved to be a fine way of identifying Kappas to the rushes during the silent period.
That first year ended with a good report after winning the scholarship cup, the athletic trophy, and the trophy for the best decorated house during homecoming. Chapter members were in varied activities and garnered trophies and honors through the years.
During 1940, the “Powder Puff Bowl,” a football game between the Kappas and Chi Omegas, became a tradition; the chapter won two of three awards at Mu Province Meeting; and a member was voted outstanding senior in the province.
The chapter purchased a $500 War Bond in 1943. Pledges won the scholarship cup and Kappas were elected to every senior class office but one in 1945-46. Delta Kappa won the Song Fest, and three Kappas were on the university’s All-American Girls Volleyball Team in 1947-48.
Honors and Traditions
The chapter had many beauty queens: one chapter president was chosen to represent the U.S.A. at the Lima, Peru, Fair; Mary Davison (Mills) was 1951 Orange Bowl Queen; Jo Ann Pflug (Woolery), the actress who received the Kappa Alumnae Achievement Award in 1972, was a Miami queen in 1960 and the first president of College Board; nine members were selected as “best dressed” at the 1961 Greek Week; and there were 12 Kappas in the 1969 Homecoming queen contest. Delta Kappa also had a national title winner in 1970, Deborah Shelton (Castro), “Miss U.S.A.” Kappa teams won athletic trophies and had national sports figures too. Doris Hart was the third-ranking national women’s tennis player in 1947-48 and was an Alumnae Achievement Award winner in 1958. Judy Eller (Street) played on the Curtis Cup Golf Team in Nottinghamshire, England, in 1959-60.
Many scholastic honors have come to the chapter and its members. In 1951 Kappas were graduated magna cum laude, summa cum laude, and cum laude. In 1964–65 five Kappas were named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, setting a record at Miami.
The highlight of 1971-72 was the chapter’s philanthropy—special education classes and contributions to the drug rehabilitation center.
Among the many alumnae who helped Delta Kappa, Carol Engles Harmon, who served as Mu Province director, 1963-1967, and Fraternity director of alumnae, 1966-1970, received an award from the Miami Alumnae Association in appreciation of her service.
One of Delta Kappa’s favorite songs with words by Randy Mebane (McDonald), a member of the first pledge class, is sung to the tune of “Till We Meet Again.” It ends “Let us pledge each other that we’ll keep, Kappa friendships strong and deep, “till we meet again.” Delta Kappa’s spirit has always been “strong and deep.”
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
Delta Kappa had a successful year in 1987. The chapter won the Greek Week for the fifth consecutive year. They had a successful fall rush resulting in 19 enthusiatic pledges, filled quota and chapter total. These pledges won the second consecutive Pledges on Parade. Campus wide involvement and visibility were both very strong this year. This was promoted with jersey days every Friday and two mixers a semester were held.
1988 was a fantastic year for Delta Kappa. The campus saw the largest rush participation in 11 years. The chapter extended 27 bids all of which were accepted.
The 50th anniversary of Delta Kappa’s founding was observed in 1988. The chapter and local alumnae association celebrated with a cocktail party, Founders Day activities which included perusing old chapter scrapbooks and composites. Many DK alumnae attended the activities.
The Kappa Convention held nearby in Boca Raton in 1988. It was an exciting week for the many chapter women and local alumnae groups that helped host the Convention.
Chapter activities included such things as Greek Week and mixers with various fraternities. The members participated in various campus philanthropies, also.
The chapter worked on improving scholarship by having study halls twice a week and providing tutors for those having difficulty with particular classes. They achieved this goal by moving from 5th place to 2nd place of the Panhellenic groups.
Highlights of the 1990s
Delta Kappa had another great year in 1990. The chapter experienced success with a pledge class of 33 new members and winning its eighth Greek Week trophy.
Campus image continued to improve through member participation in all aspects of campus life which included Panhellenic, Mortar Board, Rho Lambda and Student Government to mention a few. The chapter also received the highest overall scholarship award for actives and pledges. Activities this year included a pledge retreat and a well attended Fun Day which benefited children with disabilities in the area. During Greek Week the chapter won the philanthropy award and raised the most money for Cerebral Palsy. Another Kappa Krush was a hit and the annual Christmas Party was well attended.
Thirty-eight pledges started1991off right. Next came Greek Week where the chapter donated the most blood, took first place in the Greek Sing, midday events, lip synch, spirit and finished in second place overall.
In March a large Delta Kappa delegation attended Mu Province Meeting at Clemson. The chapter won two awards. April included several great mixers and an awesome Sapphire Ball. At the 1991 Greek Leadership Awards the chapter won eight out of nine awards.
Fall rush was a great success with a pledge class of 53 who won Pledges on Parade. The chapter enjoyed a visit from Province Director of Chapters Shelley Melvin, West Virginia. In November was Homecoming in which the chapter won second place. Chapter members traveled to the University of Florida and Florida State University to enjoy some football. The month ended with a mixer. December brought the annual Christmas party which was put on by the pledges for the chapter and alumnae. December ended with the Alpha Sigma Phi Beach day and Bar-B-Q that helped all relax and get ready for finals.
The chapter has 110 members who increased sisterhood and respect for each other through more fun activities getting to know each other better. The women also had more beach days and had dinner together on Fridays.
Delta Kappa started 1994 with a 26 new members. The women participated in Greek Week taking first place overall. They also took first place in the Zeta Beta Tau volleyball tournament and the Lambda Chi Alpha volleyball tournament.
During the summer the chapter suite was redecorated. There were also many changes on the campus. New trees were planted to replace those destroyed during Hurricane Andrew. New sidewalks were constructed with brick. The recreation center was demolished and a new state of the art student wellness center was built.
Fall started with another successful rush resulting in 37 new members. These pledges participated and won Pledges on Parade. The chapter won second place overall in Homecoming. During Homecoming the women joined to help with Hurricanes Help the Hometown effort on campus which helped victims of Hurricane Andrew.
Kappa continued to be strong on campus. Members were involved in student government, academic and leadership honor societies, cheerleading, resident assistants, orientation assistants, peer counseling programs and intramural sports to mention a few.
During this year the chapter decided to have unity with an emphasis on sisterhood as its goal. The focus was to become closer to better the chapter as well as its members. This goal was met through various activities such as going ice skating, to the beach, to a club on campus to watch Beverly Hills 90210 on Wednesday and on Fridays for the club’s promotional night. This has strengthened the chapter and brought the members closer together.
The chapter continued to work on academic excellence. This year Panhellenic study hours were installed to help all pledges and members maintain a good GPA. Those with a GPA below 2.3 were required to attend study hours to improve grades.
Delta Kappa started 1995 with a new member class of 26 amazing women. Shortly after rush the chapter held Kappa Krush at the Chilli Pepper in South Beach and the annual Sapphire Ball at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables which brought a memorable time and fun for everyone. The chapter participated in Greek Week and placed second in cheer, third in Greek Sing, first in blood drive, third in Olympic Day and third overall. The end of spring semester brought graduation and a tearful goodbye to members who have meant a lot to the chapter.
Fall brought the chapter 23 wonderful new members. Then came Homecoming where the chapter was paired with Alpha Sigma Phi and earned a third place trophy overall. Delta Kappa members were active in almost every aspect of college life. They were a visible chapter; they participated in Greek Week, Homecoming, Pledges on Parade and the various sorority and fraternity activities. From Student government and clubs to intramural sports, varsity sports, master tutor program, peer counseling programs and leadership in honor societies; members were very active on campus. This year brought unforeseen challenges to the chapter. Leadership left the chapter in a rebuilding stage with the graduation of the seniors. The new officers tried hard to keep the chapter together and united by trying to improve attendance and participation at meetings and fraternity events. The chapter had Wednesday nights on the town and gathered at the Rathskellar, a campus restaurant and pub. Senior Night, Heart Sister Day and Big/Little Sister Day were some other activities held to promote chapter and sisterhood.
Delta Kappa’s year (1996) began with spring semester. It was full of great socials with various fraternities on campus. These included a mixer with Pi Kappa Alpha, one with Kappa Sigma and Sigma Alpha Mu during Greek Week. There were also a number of philanthropic activities in which the chapter participated. Some included Fun Day which was a day dedicated to the enjoyment of children and adults with disabilities and Sigma Chi’s Derby Days which benefited their philanthropy. The chapter received individual and chapter awards at the Association of Greek Letter Organizations awards banquet. A major event of the spring was the Sapphire Ball, held at the Intercontinental on Biscayne Bay. Elegant and beautiful, it showed Kappa’s charm and class. Fall was busy as usual for DK. The chapter had a tailgate with Zeta Beta Tau before rush.
By the time recruitment was completed the chapter doubled in size with 46 new members. The semester marked the beginning of the new member Program. Chapter members were a little nervous at first, but successfully used this program to initiate the new members. The new members place second in Pledges on Parade, dressing up as food and making everyone smile! The social calendar was full. The first mixer of the semester was with Sigma Alpha Phi with an Olympic theme. Tailgates followed with Sigma Chi and Alpha Epsilon Pi. Founders Day united the chapter with alumnae at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel for brunch. The chapter received second place in the Panhellenic Salvation Army tree philanthropy and wrapped presents at Barnes and Noble to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The season ended with a Christmas party, Senior Night and date party at Pen rod’s on South Beach.
Fall semester was successful academically with the chapter earning the highest grade point average in the Greek system. Many members pledged honor societies and fraternities as well as participating in the President’s 100, student government, philanthropic committees and campus wide program committees. Delta Kappas were involved all over campus and frequently held leadership roles!
The 61st Kappa convention was held this year in Tampa, Florida, in June 1996. Several Delta Kappas attended the Convention and were very proud to accept the Panhellenic Award and the Finance Award for the chapter.
Spring 1997, was full of excitement with many socials and philanthropic events. The chapter participated in a Healthy Eating Seminar where they learned about many eating disorders. Some of the activities included Kappa Krush, mixers with Alpha Sigma Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Kappa Sigma and Phi Delta Theta. The chapter won Greek Week this year and won awards at the Association of Greek Life Organizations for both the chapter and individuals. Sapphire Ball was held at the Rusty Pelican restaurant on beautiful Biscayne Bay.
Fall was full of activity with Recruitment resulting in an exciting 38 new members! Pledges on Parade experienced some changes this year and is now known as Presenting Our Pledges. The New member class was excited to win the honor of Best Song and Most Creative Banner. This semester also included mixers with various fraternities and participation in other Greek events. The Founders Day brunch was held at the lovely Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables where chapter members spent time reminiscing with alumnae. The chapter placed first in Homecoming this year with Kappa Sigma Fraternity. The chapter went camping for their chapter retreat. The season ended with a semi-formal date function and a holiday party.
In the fall of this year, Delta Kappa earned the highest grade point average of all Greek organizations with members pledging honor societies and fraternities as well as participating in the President’s 100, student government, philanthropic committees and campus wide program committees. Delta Kappas were involved all over campus and frequently held leadership roles! The year 1998 started with informal spring rush which included three nights of events that gave the chapter members an opportunity to mingle and meet new women. This effort resulted in seven new members. The chapter participate in many mixers and philanthropic events. DK started an annual event Kappasta Dinner. The chapter women served members of the college and local community a spaghetti dinner from which all the proceeds went to a local philanthropy, the Love Jen Fund at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
One of the concluding events of the semester was the Association of Greek Letter Organizations Award Banquet. Kappa had an exciting evening with the highest chapter grade point average, highest pledge class GPA, highest sorority woman overall GPA, Rho Lambda spirit award, Marilyn Gerstein Coller senior woman of the year, Mary B. Merritt outstanding Panhellenic award, most outstanding junior woman of the year and the William Butler Scholarship for volunteering. The GPA for the semester was 3.178 exceeding the Fraternity’s Region Two Strive for Pi and attaining the highest sorority average on campus. The final event for the semester was Sapphire Ball at the Wyndham Resort Biscayne Bay.
Fall started of wonderfully with rush resulting in 28 amazing new members who proved to be outstanding sisters and assets to the chapter. There were numerous tailgates and mixers with fraternities which helped increase chapter morale and helped the chapter get to know the new members better. The chapter showed its spirit and pride and won first place in Homecoming working with Kappa Sigma. Founders Day was celebrated with local alumnae with a lovely lunch at the Riviera Country Club in Coral Gables. Another Kappasta Dinner was held raising more money for the Love Jen Fund. The year ended with a semi-formal date function and a sisterhood holiday party to say goodbye for the winter break. Chapter members were tapped for numerous honor societies and participated in many campus organizations, philanthropic events, Panhellenic Council, and President’s 100.
Delta Kappa begn1999 with a bright young chapter council full of ideas. Kappa trainers helped prepare the women for spring Recruitment which was the first main event of the year. The amazing trainers gave the chapter many useful pointers that they were able to use during future Recruitments as well. Spring Recruitment added seven wonderful young women to the chapter. The chapter went on to have the annual Kappa Krush at Penrod’s on South Beach and participate in Greek Week, winning second place over-all. The women went on to have mixers with several fraternities such as Lambda Chi Alpha and Kappa Sigma.
While they were having fun with the fraternities, Delta Kappa was winning awards also. Chapter representatives attended Province Meeting hosted by Emory, where the chapter won the Risk Management Award and the Jan Stamper Communications Award. A traveling consultant visited the chapter later that semester, meeting with each officer, answering questions and providing helpful hints. At the Association of Greek Letter Organizations Banquet the chapter won awards for Chapter Involvement for having the most members involved in campus activities of all the sororities. As the semester came to a close the annual Sapphire Ball was held at the Wyndham Hotel on Miami Beach in the Starlight Room as well as Senior Week which is a time to honor the graduating senior class. At the end of the semester we were given the opportunity to extend three more bids to amazing women. This resulted in the addition of two new members who were initiated in the fall just prior to fall Recruitment.
In the fall the chapter prepared for formal Recruitment by having a Sisterhood Retreat in Hialeah where they were able to practice some useful techniques to bond with one another. A traveling consultant also helped the women market themselves better during Recruitment. Fall Recruitment added 20 wonderful new members to the chapter. During the semester the chapter participated in Alcohol 101 and several philanthropies, mixers and tailgates with fraternities such as Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Phi Epsilon. The Founders Day Brunch was held at the Riviera Country Club the morning after Initiation, which was pushed back due to Hurricane Irene. Kappa Krush was held again this semester at the Wilderness Grille. The Kappasta Dinner to raise money for a local philanthropy, the Love Jen Fund was held also. The chapter was teamed with Pi Kappa Alpha for Homecoming placing second overall. The semester ended with a Sisterhood Retreat at a nearby campground, a holiday party to exchange gifts and to say goodbye for the semester break.
A Chapter of GAMA (Greek Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol) was colonized in the spring of the year to help the Greek community openly discuss and resolve Risk Management issues with one another. In the fall, Panhellenic expanded with the addition of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity and the Interfraternity Council expanded with the addition of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
A New Millennium --Highlights of 2000-2010
Spring semester began with continuous open bidding where the chapter pledged four amazing new members. Following a five- week new member period, initiation was held on April 8th. During the 2006 calendar year the women participated in various fraternity philanthropy events. First was the Sigma Chi’s Derby Days where one sister won the title of Miss Derby Days. Then there was Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s first annual Paddy Murphy Week where the chapter won first place overall as well as winning the Miss Minerva competition. Also, there was Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Week of the Heart which the chapter placed second overall. Lastly, there was Greek Week 2006 where the chapter placed second in the Blood drive. As for social events, there was an amazing Crush Party with Sigma Chi at John Martins and the chapter finished off spring semester with a fabulous formal at Hibiscus Island near Miami Beach.
Fall semester began with Recruitment and the chapter welcomed 35 new members. A five week new member period followed and ended with initiation on October 29th. Also in the fall, some sisters participated enthusiastically in the National Gandhi Day of Service as well as Homecoming activities. The chapter also participated and placed second in Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropy event Watermelon Bust. There were a few social events, a Grab-a-Date function at Laser World where the women and their dates enjoy a few games of laser tag. The chapter also held a celebrities party with Sigma Phi Epsilon at Señor Frog’s in Coconut Grove. The fall semester ended with a fun-filled semi-formal at Uva Restaurant in Coral Gables.
The implementation of the new Reading is Fundamental program was still a challenge. To meet this challenge, the philanthropy committee coordinated a book drive and got other sororities involved. These books along with pencil boxes and other school supplies were donated to underprivileged children. The philanthropy committee also planned a book fair in cooperation with Scholastic Books to be held on campus in the spring.
The Delta Kappa chapter had approximately 105 active women. The chapter was very strong academically having the highest average GPA of the Panhellenic community. Chapter women are extremely involved in other organizations on campus where they held various important positions. Spring 2007 the chapter pledged five amazing new members. Following a five week new member period the women were initiated on February 24th. During the rest of the spring semester the chapter participated in numerous fraternity philanthropy events, such as Sigma Chi's Derby days, where a member won the title of Miss Derby Days the second year in a row. The chapter also participated and were the reigning champs for Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Paddy Murphy Week, with a chapter member winning the title of Miss Minerva and the chapter won the competition overall. Additionally the chapter participated in Greek Week 2007 where a few of the members were Co-chairmen of this event. Furthermore, the chapter held a campus wide Scholastic book fair which raised more than $3,500 which was donated to local reading programs. Spring semester closed with a fabulous Art Deco themed formal.
Fall semester began with Recruitment resulting in 28 new members for the chapter. The women completed a five week new member program and were initiated on October13th. As a chapter the women participated in Homecoming with members being co-chairs of the event. The chapter also participated in Sigma Alpha Mu’s Sam Slam where the chapter placed 2nd overall, and became the Champions of Beta Theta Pi’s first annual Beta Blast fight against measles. Besides Kappa’s friendly philanthropy competitions the chapter had a few social events with fraternities including a holiday party with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Rock and Roll with Phi Delta Theta, and a Used to be Cool with Alpha Sigma Phi. The chapter ended the year with an incredible masquerade themed semi-formal at Town in downtown Miami.
The chapter really wanted to boost its philanthropy focusing on benefiting not only RIF but the local community. The philanthropy chairman and committee set up a Scholastic Books bookfair on campus to help purchase books to be donated to Kenlock Middle Schools creative writing program. The women also went every Friday to Canterbury Preschool to read books to the kids and encouraged them to read. Twice a week throughout the semester chapter women would go to South Miami Community Center where they tutored kids who were struggling in school.
Delta Kappa chapter had 97 active women on its roster in 2007. The women were very strong leaders and involved in numerous other organizations where members held various officer positions. The chapter women also were very passionate academically with the chapter having an average GPA greater than the all-woman’s average on our campus.
In 2008 there was lots of excitement in the Delta Kappa chapter. In January, the chapter started the New Year with a bowling mixer with Kappa Sigma and another mixer with Beta Theta Pi, winning the first annual Beta Blast competition. The women also had a strong showing in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days. In February, the chapter enjoyed going to a Crush Party, as well as competing in Greek Week. Always enthusiastic about philanthropy, Kappa’s Scholastic Book Fair collected $4,200, of which $3,500 was donated to Blue Lake Elementary. The chapter pledged three great new members during C.O.B. events and initiated them in March. In April, the women danced the night away at Formal and came in second place in Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Paddy Murphy Week.
In the fall, the chapter had the opportunity to attend an alumnae and actives brunch in Miami. The women mingled with fellow Delta Kappa alumnae as well as other Kappas who now call Miami home. In September, the chapter had a very successful Recruitment which resulted in ten wonderful new members. October marked a fantastic Founders Day and which was celebrated during a brunch with Alumnae. The chapter’s newest members performed a skit as our Founders, and everyone enjoyed a keynote presentation by a Delta Kappa alumna.
The month ended as the chapter participated in Hurricanes Help the Hometown, a service event during Homecoming Week. November included initiation, as well as a fun Peter Pan themed mixer with Alpha Sigma Phi. Delta Kappa’s first annual Hot Wing Eating contest brought out lots of fraternity brothers who eagerly competed and won prizes which gave Kappa great exposure on campus. The chapter also came together around Thanksgiving and enjoyed a holiday meal provided by the Standards Committee. The semester ended with a fun-filled evening at a semi-formal in December. The upcoming year promised to be just as eventful and enjoyable as 2008.
Formal Recruitment started the 2009 spring semester off for the chapter. During this time the chapter was visited by a Leadership Consultant, Angie McNeight, Emory. Recruitment finished with Continuous Open Bidding events which resulted in the chapter pledging 20 amazing new members. In February the chapter held a date function at B.E.D. Lounge on South Beach as well as a My-Tie themed mixer with the men of Beta Theta Pi at Tantra Lounge also on South Beach.
The chapter was very busy in March. In addition to Inspiration Week, they placed third in Delta Gamma’s Anchor Bowl, won the Sorority Spirit Award during Greek Week and first place in Beta Theta Pi’s Beta Blast. In addition, the chapter held its annual book fair, Reading is Key event, chapter elections and had a joint leadership day with PDC Chrissy Haddad, Emory.The semester continued with a luau themed mixer with Phi Delta Theta at Finnegan’s on the River. The annual Senior Week was a bittersweet goodbye to the graduating seniors. The seniors also participated in a Senior Tea where they were inducted into the alumnae association. Spring semester ended with Sapphire Ball at the Westin Colonade in Coral Gables.
Fall started off with a visit from the Leadership Consultant. The chapter participated in Continuous Open Bidding which resulted in six wonderful new members. In September the chapter held a sand volleyball tournament and donated all the proceeds to Camillus House which is a non-profit organization helping homeless people. A chapter member attended the Kappa Foundation’s annual Leadership Academy. The chapter celebrated its 71st birthday at the annual Founders Day luncheon with the alumnae association. Inspiration Week initiated the six new members. The chapter hosted mixers with Alpha Sigma Phi and and Phi Delta Theta. Homecoming was held in November with the chapter placing second. The members participated in the Fraternity’s Holiday Sharing Program with the local alumnae association and finished the semester with the semi-formal at Uva Lounge in Coral Gables.
The 2010 year began with formal Recruitment. The chapter welcomed 30 new members in January. Bid Day was celebrated with a trip to an ice skating rink. Soon enough, classes began and the women were involved in the first philanthropy event of the year, Sigma Chi's Derby Days and enjoyed playing dodge ball, volleyball, and supporting Kappa in the Miss Derby Days pageant. The chapter also participated in Sigma Alpha Mu's Sam Slam. By February, it was time for Kappa’s own big philanthropy event. The chapter held its annual Scholastic Book Fair on campus which helped raise money for children's books. Every member helped out which made it a very successful book fair.
The Super Bowl was held in Miami in 2010. The members had fun taking advantage of all the free concerts and events the city offered. During the spring five mixers were planned. The chapter had an "I'm so glad I'm not…" mixer with Beta Theta Pi, a "B.C." mixer with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a Mardi Gras mixer with Alpha Epsilon Pi, a "Cowboys & Indians" mixer with Pi Kappa Phi, and a "P is for Party" mixer with Lambda Chi Alpha. Members also participated in Greek Week.
This was an opportunity for the women to bond as a sisterhood and participates in events such as Organized Cheer, a blood drive, Olympic Day, and Coin Wars. In March the chapter won the Spirit Award for Relay for Life on campus and raised more money than any other Greek organization. The relay theme was "England" and sisters dressed up as traditional English guards as part of a fundraiser. Delta Kappa participated in Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Paddy Murphy Week and won the first place trophy! Sisters competed in a brother's auction, a pageant, and flag football. The chapter also competed in Lambda Chi Alpha's Watermelon Bust, which included such events as a volleyball tournament and decorate a brother contest. Delta Kappa came in second place in this contest.
Elections were held towards the end of spring semester. The chapter celebrated its sisterhood by going on a chapter trip to see the musical "Wicked" in downtown Miami. By the end of the school year, women were ready to relax and have fun. The formal was held at the Dadeland Marriot and all had a fantastic time dancing the night away.
Delta Kappa kicked off the fall semester with Continuous Open Bidding Recruitment events. Four wonderful new members were welcomed into the chapter. An exciting new project to raise money for Reading is Fundamental was held. The Delta Kappa is the proud home of the KappaGirl lipstick, a color that is just Kappa Kappa Gammas. The proceeds from the sales of these lipsticks benefit RIF. The project has been very successful so far and will hopefully carry on in the future. The end of September brought Kappa's new and improved philanthropy weekend. Besides the annual volleyball tournament that benefits Camillus House, the chapter held a coin wars competition and co-hosted a comedy night at the Rat Restaurant on campus, where a writer from The Daily Show performed. The weekend was very successful and raised $2,000.
In October, members participated in the Pi Kappa Alpha Pike Platoon, where members competed in various events and cheered on a sister in a pageant. Founders Day was celebrated this month with a very successful brunch with the alumnae association at a hotel in downtown Coral Gables. Members also enjoyed the fall semester by going to football games together and cheering on the Hurricanes. By the end of October it was time for a favorite chapter event - Homecoming. Chapter women participated in events such as a blood drive, Organized Cheer, an Alma Mater singing contest, a parade float contest, and a philanthropy day called Hurricanes Help the Hometown. The chapter came in second place for the second year in row in Homecoming events. In November members created and performed a dance for Sigma Phi Epsilon's Dance for the Heart contest.
The chapter had one mixer in the fall with Alpha Epsilon Pi with an "N is for November" theme. In addition, the chapter president surprised members during a chapter meeting with a spontaneous trip to Finnegan's River, a restaurant downtown. Chapter members had lots of fun during this spontaneous party. Fall semester ended with semi-formal at Uva, a salsa club in Coral Gables. The chapter had a great time enjoying the end of the semester and bonding with sisters.
The Delta Kappa chapter is proud of its strong sisterhood that it has had since its founding in 1938. The Delta Kappa chapter members are extremely involved on campus, with leadership positions in such organizations such as Homecoming Committee, Student Government, UMTV, Yearbook, and countless other organizations. The chapter has continued its involvement in multiple philanthropic events as well.
Highlights of 2011-2019
(From chapter history reports, 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.)
The chapter’s annual RIF fundraiser is our book fair. Additionally, the members are excited to announce the creation of an exclusive lipstick expressly created for Kappa. Founder and owner of Montreal-based Shmink Cosmetics, Steven Reti has collaborated with our chapter to create a one-of-a-kind lipstick shade, Kappagirl, with all proceeds from sales to benefit RIF. Kappagirl is a youthful, fashionable and universally wearable pink that is beautiful on every woman who has tried it.
Housing:
Philanthropy:
Convention Awards:
Highlights of the 2020s
(From chapter history reports, scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
Housing:
Philanthropy:
Convention Awards:
Note to Chapter Registrar:
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!