| Eta Theta | |
|---|---|
| HΘ | |
 | |
| Founded | November 15, 2003 |
| College | Harvard University |
| Location | Cambridge, MA |
| Homepage | Eta Theta Homepage |
| Media related to Eta Theta Chapter | |
Eta Theta, Harvard University Harvard University, established 1636, Cambridge, Mass.
Founded November 15, 2003
38 charter members
538 initiates (as of June 2015)
Some of Eta Theta’s Outstanding Members: (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 Officers:
Fraternity Loyalty Award:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
Contents
Harvard University History:
Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, established in 1636 by vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was named after the College’s first benefactor, the young minister John Harvard of Charlestown, who upon his death in 1638 left his library and half his estate to the institution. A statue of John Harvard stands today in front of University Hall in Harvard Yard and is perhaps the University’s best known landmark. Eight Harvard alumni signed the Declaration of Independence.
The University has grown from nine students with a single master to an enrollment of more than 20,000 degree candidates including undergraduate, graduate and professional students. As of 2012, there are more than 360,000 living alumni in the U.S. and more than 190 other countries. Harvard University has 12 degree-granting schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. As of 2012, eight U.S. presidents have received Harvard degrees: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Rutherford Hayes, Theodore Roosevelt,; Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
The Early Years
In 2003, Kappa Kappa Gamma proudly announced the colonization of its soon-to-be 131st chapter to be installed at Harvard University. The colonization process began in October of that year with the recruitment of charter members and culminated with formal installation in November. Kappa complemented two existing women’s fraternities on campus: Kappa Alpha Theta and Delta Gamma.
“Kappa was chosen because of its strong national reputation and resources. It also has a large number of successful chapters nationwide and that was a factor in our decision as well,” said Thayer S. Christodoulo, Kappa Alpha Theta member and president of Harvard’s Panhellenic Council. Information from The Key, Summer 2003, page 6
On November 15, 2003, 38 Harvard University women were initiated as members of Eta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The chapter was guided by Janice (Jan) Franklin Larson, Akron, Coordinator of Chapter Development, and Felicity Meu, UC Berkeley, Traveling Consultant. Information from The Key, Winter 2003, page 2
Highlights of 2003-2010:
(Information 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.)
In 2005, the chapter’s archives display included a scrapbook of its events with pictures of bid day, initiation and other sisterhood activities such as a trip to pick apples. There was a scrapbook-unveiling party to celebrate the completion, and the book was put on display during a chapter meeting. This book preserves the fun and bonding that the chapter experienced during the past year.
The chapter became truly united without any divisions between pledge classes this year. The members participated in many date events together, as well as several low-key functions. Eta Theta matured as a cohesive chapter thanks in large part to dedicated efforts to plan and execute events and to include all members of the chapter. A Professors Tea made it possible for Kappas to meet professors and to learn about their sisters’ accomplishments and fields of study.
The Philanthropy Committee had an outstanding year. It started a new mentoring program with a Cambridge school and mobilized a significant effort to participate in Relay for Life. The chapter became a force on campus.
At Harvard, the chapters do not have houses, so the meetings were held in the same all-male social club every week. Most of its functions were held at local restaurants and spaces while low-key functions were frequently held in each other’s suites.
Eta Theta was composed of intelligent, talented women, including athletes, artists, writers and scientists. It was a diverse group, but everyone had a great time when they got together. Diversity and individuality, as well as classiness, define the chapter.
As a relatively new chapter, the members had to funnel significant efforts into publicizing the chapter in order to show it as a group that potential new members would want to join. The chapter had to establish itself. In a large part, they succeeded in accomplishing this successfully during 2005. During the weeks following recruitment in 2008, several sisterhood events were held. These helped the new members bond with the older members, further enhancing chapter unity. The initiation was truly a special event as the chapter welcomed one of its largest pledge classes. The social events included Sapphire Ball, Kite and Key and an Army Krush Party. On the philanthropy side, many of the women participated in the big spring event, Relay for Life, to combat cancer.
With a strong returning Chapter Council, the chapter was ready to take on new challenges, forcing it to grow exponentially.
The members grew closer through sisterhood events and several date events: Match Made in Heaven on Halloween and Rock ‘N Bowl (bowling). The musical and philanthropy events included helping to pack cans for a canned food drive.
Fall 2008 marked the fifth anniversary of Eta Theta’s founding. The members took time to reflect on the progress that had been made in those five years and everything that has been accomplished. Harvard does not officially recognize campus sororities. However, it is hoped that such events as Professors Tea will help to legitimize Eta Theta’s status on campus.
During 2008-2009, two of the biggest challenges were the continued problem of housing (or lack thereof) as well as the deficiency in philanthropy hours. Chapter members looked ahead and contemplated realistic steps the chapter could take to better itself. The goals the chapter members set included to further legitimize its status on the Harvard campus, establish a House Board with the hopes of acquiring a house in the near future, increasing committee involvement, multiplying philanthropy involvement and increasing the members’ awareness of the Kappa Foundation.
The lack of housing placed a burden on the chapter as the meeting places, with the exception of chapter meeting, have been scattered around the campus. The members hoped by establishing a House Board and putting all the pieces in place, they could acquire a house.
In February 2009, Eta Theta welcomed 40 new members into the chapter. These women proved themselves to be exemplary members and integrated extremely well into the chapter. The annual Sapphire Ball was held at The Estate in Boston, the seniors were honored with a classy senior dinner and during the summer the women stayed in touch with a letter-forwarding chain organized by the Corresponding Secretary.
After settling back into school for the fall 2009 semester, the members traveled to Nantucket for Columbus Day weekend for a relaxing and well-deserved getaway at one of the member’s homes. That weekend continues to be one of the favorite and most-talked-about Kappa memories for many of the members.
The campus moves at a fast pace, and its atmosphere at times can be overwhelming and stressful. This is why the members always need their Kappa sisters. Harvard doesn’t formally recognize the Greek organizations on campus, and Harvard meeting space can’t be reserved for any activity related to Greek life. The chapter rented meeting space from one of the all-male social clubs for its weekly chapter meetings and other sisterhood events. Relations between the administration and the Greek community showed some improvement, but the Greek organizations still weren’t recognized.
The members of Eta Theta in 2009 were extremely poised, composed, competent, motivated and friendly women who sought bonds with other like-minded women. The chapter experienced tremendous growth since its founding, and this year there were 83 active members.
Eta Theta Chapter faced significant challenges in finding a place to call its own. Each semester, the chapter signed a contract with one of Harvard’s all-male social clubs to rent space for weekly chapter meetings. Despite persistence on the part of the House Chairman and President, the progress toward obtaining property for the chapter moved slowly. The members showed remarkable professionalism and poise while dealing with the housing matter and made the best of a difficult situation.
During 2009, Eta Theta had difficulty with philanthropy. Even though many philanthropy events were planned, circumstances often seemed to intervene at the last minute that forced the chapter to cancel several of the events.
2010
Eta Theta Chapter members assisted the Fraternity to colonize a new chapter at neighboring Northeastern University in 2010.
Social events this year included the Sapphire Ball, a Back-to-School crush event, Kappa Kosmic Bowling and the first Kappa Kappa Glamour Masquerade Ball. Philanthropy activities included the chapter’s continuing commitment to RIF, organizing a blood drive Give Blood for Your Mother, participating in Relay for Life, organizing a river clean-up day and participating in UNICEF trick-or-treating to raise money. The chapter again held its Professors Tea and was involved in the campus Women’s Week to legitimize the reputation of the chapter as well as all of the members’ involvement in other campus activities.
Challenges faced by Eta Theta in 2010 were acquiring a space of its own on campus and learning to account for the diverse activities of all of its members. The House Board moved forward to find space and hoped to sign a contract for specific space. It was hoped that the efforts of the House Board would be rewarded and the chapter members were eager to discover how the space would positively influence the chapter. The second challenge related to the chapter’s growing pains as the chapter grew in size and so many of the members were involved in so many other activities. Members were encouraged to become involved in chapters committees and attend and participate in chapter and philanthropic activities.
It was hoped that, by addressing these challenges, Eta Theta would only become stronger and more unified.
Highlights of 2011-2019:
(Information 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.)
Highlights of 2011
The Leadership Consultant visited the chapter during Recruitment 2011 and gave the chapter suggestions to help it strengthen itself. During the first month of the year, the chapter was busy holding various events: a Fleur-de-Lis dinner, Valentines for Vets, a philanthropy study break and the Sapphire Ball winter formal. A brunch was held during Harvard’s Junior Parents’ Weekend which allowed all chapter juniors to bring their parents to get to know one another and show the great family which Eta Theta represents. Between many study breaks, including a Women’s Week self-defense event, a scrapbooking activity and a night out at the local Mexican restaurant Border Café, the new members became more integrated into the chapter. Initiation was held after spring break at the home of a Kappa alumna near Cambridge. The Kappa Garden Party, Professors Tea, Blue and Blue Dinner to honor the seniors and the final philanthropic activities Relay for Life and the Give Blood for Your Mother blood drive brought the semester to an end. The fall semester began with sisterhood events including Big-Little lunches, Kappa Kayaking on the Charles, a yoga session, apple picking and quilt making.
The chapter celebrated Founders Day at Northeastern University with wonderful Kappa alumnae and other undergraduate Kappas from the area.
Philanthropic activities included Tough Mudders, Queen for a Day and Be Bold Be Bald. Social events included Kappa Kosmic Bowling, a Krush Event and the fall formal Kappa Kappa Glamour.
The renowned Harvard vs. Yale football game was held at Yale in 2011. The Kappa chapter at Yale invited Eta Theta members to spend the night with them. This was a wonderful bonding experience for both of the chapters. Most of the year was spent securing a space for the chapter in Harvard Square. This was one of its greatest challenges to overcome. It was great to finally have a convenient place to gather that the chapter can call its home. Many sisterhood activities took place in this space which drew the members closer to each other and made them more passionate about being Kappas.
Kappa’s visibility on campus was raised by regular gear days when the members proudly wore their letters while doing activities such as eating together in the dining hall or working out together at the university gym.
The chapter’s greatest challenge continued to be getting Harvard to officially recognize sororities and fraternities on campus. Harvard revoked the official status of recognizing fraternities in 1984 because of “gender-discriminatory recruitment policies of the social organizations.” Since the other Harvard Greek organizations also struggle with this challenge, each organization hoped to legitimize the reputation of men’s and women’s fraternities on the campus. The chapter knew it must help Harvard to understand that being part of an organization surrounded by sisters or brothers one can depend on and trust is an integral part of self-development during the years of one’s undergraduate education and beyond.
Highlights of 2012
At convention the summer of 2012 the Eta Theta Chapter received an award for our chapter's financial improvements. The chapter has worked diligently under the leadership of our treasurer to maintain records and keep our finances in order.
In regard to philanthropy, Eta Theta participated in a variety of events in the spring and fall. This spring began with our participation in Queen for a Day, where Kappas visit a local hospital to bring joy to seriously ill children through a make-over, manicures and tiara. Eta Theta also participated in Tough Mudder, Relay for Life, and Give Blood for Your Mother Blood Drive with the Red Cross in the Spring. In the fall the chapter participated in cleaning up the Charles and partnered with Unicef to trick or treat for change to support the work Unicef is doing.
Eta Theta also was very active in regard to scholarship this year. In the spring several senior program events were held that were highly attended such as Etiquette Tea, study breaks and a screening of Gordie and discussion about college alcohol consumption. The final spring event was Professors Tea where members invite their professors to participate in tea and showcase the academic accomplishments of the chapter. In the spring the chapter continued to attend study breaks, and held a "Check your Boobies" event on identifying breast cancer.
The chapter also participated in several social events this year. In the spring the chapter held an ice skating event at Frong Pond, Blue and Blue dinner, Big Little activities, and Sapphire Ball. In the fall the chapter had weekly lunches in the space for members to hang out with their sisters. We also had a Holiday Dinner and Kappa Glamour.
The Greek community at Harvard has continued to grow this year. We welcomed a class of 60 new members in the spring. With the addition of our new class, our space has continued to be a gathering place for all members of the chapter. From baking to crafting to movie nights, the space has provided a location to continue to bond with our new members. In addition to the informal events, our chapter also held a variety of events to welcome our new class.
This fall the chapter celebrated its tenth year on campus and hosted a chapter birthday party at the space. As a continued presence on campus, Kappas continue to create a strong community as well as share the talents and skills they learn in Kappa and apply them to the numerous other organizations our members participate in. At the spring professors tea we totaled the number of organizations our members participate in, and the list totaled over 300. We view that as the best sign, to know our members are both committed to their Kappa community as well as their campus community.
Due to the expanded interest in Greek life at Harvard we will be welcoming a new sorority on to the campus in the spring. They will begin recruitment after formal recruitment is completed in the spring.
Highlights of 2013
Overall 2013 represented a great year for the Eta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Harvard University. Our chapter was active in organizing wonderful philanthropy, academic, and social events over the course of the year. We started this year by participating in recruitment and welcoming a diverse group of 66 new members. We purchased new member pins this year and were able to begin their journey as sisters in Kappa Kappa Gamma with the pledge ceremony. Throughout the new member period, our co-chairs guided the new members to learn about all areas of Kappa, paired them with their big sister, and shared the magic of Kappa.
Additionally, the Eta Theta Chapter sent a delegation of 7 active members and two advisors to the Annual Alpha-Rho Province Meeting on April 5th-7th dates. These members were thrilled to meet Kappas from a wide variety of chapters and learn new skills to bring back to the chapter from the various workshops. The chapter received the award for the Most Improved from our Province Director of Chapters.
In regard to our philanthropic activities, our chapter was very involved in a variety of projects and events. Annually our chapter participates in Tough Mudder, Relay for Life, and Give Blood for Your Mother sponsored by the Red Cross. This fall we planned a brand new event for our philanthropy Reading is Fundamental by inviting author Eileen Christelow of the children’s books “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed.” We were able to invite her to read to children from the community and donate 250 books for local children as well. Overall, the event was quite successful and is something we hope to continue each fall.
Academically our chapter continues to thrive. We encouraged both academic achievement as well as time to relax and maintain health through study breaks bi-weekly and providing resources to study groups. Additionally we recognized the achievements of our seniors who completed their thesis and the overall academic accomplishments of our members at our annual professors tea. This event allows members to grow a relationship with one of their faculty members by inviting them to have refreshments as well as showing our faculty the multitude of academic accomplishments of our members. We also had many helpful events for our seniors to prepare them for next year including an Ann Taylor event on professional dress, and personal finance workshop.
We also were able to have fun with our sisters through a variety of events. We hosted two formal events this year Sapphire and Glamour, which were a smashing success. Additionally we hosted Kosmic Bowling and our Kappa Krush date events that our members thoroughly enjoyed. We also spent time with our sisters apple picking at Honey Pot Hills, Blue and Blue and Holiday dinners and many more.
As you may know, this past Spring the Boston Marathon Bombing occurred. As a chapter in Cambridge, a suburb of Boston, we were impacted by the event as well. From the day of the marathon emails were sent over the list about chapter members who were running and where they were, and making sure that everyone was safe. We also received mail and love from other Kappa chapters which was greatly appreciated.
This year was an important one for Greek life at Harvard as we welcomed a new sorority onto campus. Due to the continued increased interest in Greek Life, an Alpha Phi chapter participated in its first recruitment last year. This addition shows the strength of the Greek community on campus and continued interest among students. Unfortunately Greek life still continues to be unrecognized by the University at large.
Our chapter has continued to grow this year as we welcomed a new class of 66 new members this January after recruitment. After participating in various new member activities and informational presentations about our chapter activities and fraternity history they became members this spring. Our space continues to serve as a hub of everything Kappa on campus. Whether it is movie nights, Valentine’s breakfast or study time, the space serves as a comfortable space for all our members. Additionally, our members continue to be extremely active on campus in a wide variety of extracurricular activities as well as maintaining excellent academic success.
Highlights of 2014
Over the course of 2014, the Eta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma experienced a lot of pain, joy, and growth. Our hearts broke to hear of the loss of one of our sisters, Haley Rue, who passed away in July while traveling in Germany. Haley was from Tacoma, Washington, and passed away at 19. She was a rising sophomore. She was so loved by her sisters for her sparkling personality and love of life. She loved traveling, writing, photography, and was very athletic. Her kindness and loyalty will forever be remembered by her sisters.
In February we welcomed thirty-seven new members as our "Xi" class. Initiation week was held March 31st to April 4th, with Fireside and Iniation held on April 4th and 5th.
We welcomed Caroline Washnock, a leadership consultant, from October 12th to October 17th. After spending the week with us, she praised our chapter's leadership, involvement on campus, and supportive nature, and encouraged us to work on improved attendence at chapter meetings and increased programming. Since this meeting, both of the aforementioned have increased.
We were pleased to maintain our chapter GPA above 3.5. We implemented Sunday Quiet Hours in the space for designated quiet time to reinforce our emphasis on academic excellence as a chapter. We continued to encourage forming Kappa study groups in the space, and would provide snacks for study groups hard at work before exams. As an additional resource, our Academic Excellence Chair, Anna, hosted Kappa Koffee occassionally to be available to discuss classes and provide academic assistance and access to Harvard resources when possible.
Kappa had a fantastic year philanthropically, partnering with some new organizations and improving our relationship with existing philanthropies. During our Reading is Fundamental event, we were pleased to welcome local Cambridge area school children to the Atrium for a book signing and donated over 200 books to elementary school following the event. In April 24, were able to coordinate some fun programming and crafts to promote reading, as well as pass out books from Recruitment for children at a local YMCA. We also partnered with a new philanthropy: Headbands of Hope. For each of the 50 headbands sold at the event, a headband was given to a terminally ill pediatric cancer patient. On September 11th, members of our chapter worked to create a beautiful memorial outside of Annenburg that was very appreciated by the entire student body. We set up a Kappa Boutique at which members donated clothes and other goods to be "bought" by other members, all proceeds going to the Salvation Army.
We were pleased to host our annual Spring and Fall formals, Sapphire Ball and Kappa Kappa Glamour, at Seaport, Boston and Hyatt Regency, respectively. We also held Kappa Krush at Fire and Ice. In March, we repped our adopted Boston pride at a Red Sox game at Fenway Stadium. In the Fall, we went apple picking and again went bowling. We ended the year with an amazing catered Thai dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving, and finally held our annual Christmas dinner in the Atrium. We were proud to welcome a largely new council in December, and see Marcy Laub move from Philanthropy chair to take on the role of President.
The panhellenic council was pleased to welcome a new sorority last year, Alpha Phi, and February marked the first official recruitment in which all four sororities, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Delta Gamma, and Alpha Phi, participated. A record number of 272 prospective new members.
Chapter meetings are held on Monday nights in a rented facility on campus. It is owned by a men's social organization on campus. Our chapter has leased our space on Church Street in Cambridge over the past few years. The location is very central in the square and a nice escape for our members from the hustle of Harvard Square. It is conveniently close to the Yard which is especially nice for our new members who spend a lot of time in the space for new member meetings and can spend time there getting to know the rest of the chapter. The lease on this space will be up next year, at which time the membership will consider moving to a larger space that is large enough to accommodate the whole chapter for chapter meetings. We do not house members in our space, and our membership lives in on campus housing throughout their four years here, as is standard at Harvard.
Highlights of 2015
Over the course of 2015, the Eta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma underwent transition, hardship, patience, and growth. In February, we welcomed a record fifty new members as our “Omicron” class. Initiation week was held from March 23rd to March 28th with Fireside and Initiation on March 27th and 28th, respectively. We welcomed two leadership consultants, Caroline Washnock and Jessica Morin, over the course of this year in March and November, respectively. After spending the week with our chapter, both leadership consultants praised our chapter’s leadership, involvement on campus, and supportive nature, and encouraged us to increase programming and improve our chapter attendance. Since meeting with both leadership consultants, our chapter has worked to improve in these areas.
Our chapter continues to excel academically and we were pleased to maintain our chapter GPA above 3.5. Our Academic Excellence Chair, Halle, hosted Kappa Koffees and study breaks throughout the year to encourage our continued academic prowess.
Our sisters excelled in all areas this semester. Some won Ivy League titles, others performed in acapella concerts, musicals, and comedy shows, and a few became members of the esteemed Phi Beta Kappa Society. Kappa had a lot of success with philanthropy this year. Our sisters participated in the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center Walk for Change, a walk for which our sisters alone raised over $2000. Additionally, as we have for the past few years, our chapter organized its own Kappa team to participate in Harvard’s annual Relay For Life. This year we raised just under $1500 to this amazing organization.
We hosted our annual Spring and Fall formals, Sapphire Ball and Kappa Kappa Glamour, at Garage Boston and Guilt Nightclub, respectively. These events were very successful, both in terms of attendance and fun! In the spring, we enjoyed a Red Sox game at Fenway park and in the fall, we went apple picking and had our annual Kappa Kosmic Bowling event. To end the year off, we celebrated Thanksgiving with some delicious Thai food at chapter, followed by our annual Christmas dinner celebration in the Atrium. We excitedly welcomed a new council in December, and look forward to seeing Jordan DeGraaf move from New Member Co-Chair to take on the role of President.
Most recently, our campus has been focusing much attention on changes in social spaces, along with issues concerning mental health and sexual assault. Our chapter has proactively initiated our own conversations and workshops regarding these issues at chapter meetings and beyond to ensure that our sisters feel comfortable and supported through any hardship.
Chapter Meetings and Housing:
Where does your chapter hold chapter meetings? In the chapter owned or rented facility? In a university owned facility, house, dorm, lodge or classroom? We hold our chapter meetings on Monday nights in a rented facility on campus, which is owned by a men's social organization.
What is the history of your chapter’s housing? Have your members had the opportunity to live together in any way? Does your chapter have a house, lodge, apartment or suite? If yes, is it chapter owned or rented, or university owned? How many sisters can live there? Has your chapter owned or lived in more than one house during its history?
A few years ago, the Eta Theta Chapter leased its very first space on Church Street in Harvard Square. This space has been central to sisterhood events, study sessions, new member training, and council meetings for the past few years, and is conveniently located in very close proximity to Harvard Yard and our many academic buildings, which encourages new members and older sisters alike to convene at the space. Our current space includes a kitchen, a living area with a TV and couches, and a larger room for meetings, although our space cannot provide for entire chapter meetings. We do not house members in our space and our membership lives on campus housing throughout our four years, as is standard at Harvard.
The lease on this space is up in September, so many of our sisters and advisers have been researching new facilities to accommodate our chapter. We are especially considering spaces that would accommodate the entire chapter for chapter meetings and other chapter-wide events. At this point, we have not found a facility that suits our needs, but we are hopeful that we will get a new space by the Fall.
Highlights of the 2020s:
(Information 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.)
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!