Gamma Omicron
| Gamma Omicron | |
|---|---|
| ΓO | |
 | |
| Founded | February 25, 1927 |
| College | University of Wyoming |
| Location | Laramie, WY |
| Homepage | Gamma Omicron Homepage |
| Media related to Gamma Omicron Chapter | |
University of Wyoming, established in 1886 in Laramie, Wyoming
Gamma Omicron founded February 25, 1927
2,075 initiates (as of June 2016)
Charter Members: Bess Bell Burris, France Elise Hays, Lillian Helsberg Hubbard, Patricia Lynch Jensen, Marie Mathew, Margaret Matilda Moudy, Eileen Elizabeth O'Mara, Kathleen McLaughlin O'Mara, Patricia Molly O'Mara, Ruth Prout, Catherine Helen Shicora, Doris Villers Spencer, Oselia Louise Stendahl, Etta Winnona Weaver, Auril Carmen Williams.
Fraternity Council Members:
Heather Blockovich (Belt), Leadership Consultant, 2005-2006; Collett Beers Rangitsch, Director of Chapters, 2010-2014;
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
Margaret McIntosh Boice, 1964, Humanitarian and civic leader who worked to establish juvenile and domestic relations court in Wyoming; Margaret Simson Curry, 1964, Author, journalist, poet; M. Margaret McKeown, 2000, Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals judge;
Additional Outstanding Gamma Omicron Alumnae:
Donna Waite (Brosn, Graduate Counselor 1977-1979; Ann Osborn (Chopich), Graduate Counselor 1977-1979;
Contents
The Early Years (from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870-1976)
The University of Wyoming, founded in 1886, four years before Wyoming was admitted to statehood, is unique in that it is the state’s only four-year university.
Wyoming was the first state to give women the right to vote, the first to have a female governor, many of the university’s first students were women, and Wyoming women and female students then and now have been outstanding leaders in their fields.
On November 9, 1920, Gamma Zeta, a local group, was established on campus with the hope from the beginning of becoming a Kappa chapter, living up to all of Kappa’s standards, and observing Panhellenic regulations. A strong and active organization was developed, entering every phase of university life and twice winning the Panhellenic scholarship cup. A strong supporter was Anna Broady Haggard, Nebraska, a member of the university’s board of trustees. Patroness Frances Longan Arnold, Missouri, gave much support and interest. Kappa alumnae from Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado were much involved in spite of the great distances between them and Laramie.
In 1926, Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Wisconsin, then Fraternity Director of Provinces and Chairman of Extension, visited Gamma Zeta and liked what she saw. That summer at the General Convention, permission was given for a formal petition. The petition was favorably received and on February 25, 1927, Gamma Omicron Chapter was installed. Mrs. Lloyd Jones, by then Fraternity President, was the installing officer. Representatives of Beta Mu Chapter at Colorado University assisted. Members from Sigma Chapter at the University of Nebraska were also present. There was an initiation of the charter members and of Gamma Zeta alumnae who held degrees from the university. There was a formal banquet and a breakfast given by the other women’s fraternities in honor of Gamma Omicron.
Housing
In 1924 Gamma Zeta had purchased a house at 605 Grand Avenue in Laramie. The present house, located at 1604 E. Sorority Row, was built in 1940 to house 34 members although a few more could be squeezed in. In 1963, girls returning after summer vacation were greeted by a fine addition containing a larger dining room and kitchen, a large study and chapter room, three new bedrooms, bath and laundry room. The “old” part of the house had been redecorated and Gamma Omicron had the house on Fraternity Row.
Campus Honors
In 1973-74, Gamma Omicron was first in scholarship among the Greek houses, with the highest average ever recorded for an active chapter on the Wyoming campus. That year, six out of 21 Mortar Board members were Kappas, there were two Phi Beta Kappas and three Phi Kappa Phis. Spring of 1974 saw 16 Gamma Omicrons as graduating seniors, the highest percentage of a pledge class to graduate in the chapter’s history.
That same year, Panhellenic had offered a new All Greek House Award based on points for girls receiving honors, chosen as queens, for scholarship, leadership and service to the community and university, and general campus participation. Gamma Omicron was proud to be the first to win this new award. Through the years, many campus and chapter leaders have gone on to national recognition. Gamma Omicron has claimed three Miss Wyoming pageant winners who have placed in the top 10 in the Miss America finals, and one runner-up. Karen Morris (Gowdy) reigned as American’s Junior Miss 1974-75. Margaret Simson (Curry) was a member of the journalism honoraries while in school and wrote for and edited campus publications. She was an instructor in creative writing at Casper College and published articles, poetry, short stories, novels, and children’s books.
Just as the women of Wyoming were the first to vote, so were the Kappas of Gamma Omicron leaders in other matters. When the famous contralto Marian Anderson came to the university for a scheduled concert, none of the local hotels would give her lodging. The Kappas were proud to have her as their honored guest. Gamma Omicron was the first NPC chapter on campus to sponsor a foreign student. Elizabeth Scott, an exchange student from London, stayed at the house during 1950-51. Sally Shotgun, an Indian student, lived at the house in 1957-58 and added much to the chapter although she was not a member.
The World War II Years and Beyond
The World War II years were interesting for Gamma Omicron as well as sad. The large chapter became very close and family-like due to the lack of social life. In 1946, the Kappa spring dinner-dance was held for the first time in four years. Spring 1949 saw a 100% initiation of a pledge class – a first for Gamma Omicron. Like so many other Greek groups, Gamma Omicron hit a low spot between 1965 and 1970. It was a hard fight to remain afloat, but with third-generation Gamma Omicrons coming to a larger and better university, and outstanding Wyoming women becoming Kappas, the chapter was poised to continue its leadership on campus.
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
Gamma Omicron was pleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary as part of the University of Wyoming campus by giving two $300 scholarships. In addition, philanthropy continued to be a big part of the chapter’s tradition. The chapter collected money for the Wyoming Multiple Sclerosis Society and by holding a Read-a-thon and Walk-a-thon for the four elementary schools in the area.
Homecoming was an important part of the University’s fall calendar. Throughout the seventies, the Kappas were often a part of the Homecoming Court and won awards for their floats. In the ten years between 1975 and 1985 the Gamma Omicrons took first place four times in the annual Homecoming Sing.
In 1975 and 1976 Gamma Omicron received awards for achievement in Panhellenic and Gracious Living.
Highlights of the 1980s
During the early 1980’s Wyoming experienced a “boom period” where high energy prices boosted the state’s coal, oil, and natural gas industries. Unfortunately, the economic boom was short lived. By the mid 1980’s energy prices were falling and the economy was hurt by its lack of diversity. Thankfully, tourism did see a surge in popularity.
Gamma Omicron’s challenge during this time was to dispel the myths of fraternity life. The members worked hard on their reputation on campus and in the community by doing multiple community service projects, instilling values regarding members’ behavior at social functions and promoting interests and friendships outside of Kappa.
Throughout the decade the chapter was pleased to receive awards for outstanding academic achievement and public relations.
Highlights of the 1990s
(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:
Highlights of 2000-2010
By the beginning of the new millennium, the University of Wyoming had a student population of approximately 13,000 with about 4% of the campus population involved in the Greek community.
Gamma Omicron took on several challenges throughout this decade. They felt it was necessary for the chapter to understand the role of Panhellenic on their campus. As a result of this increased understanding, several members served on the Panhellenic Council in a variety of positions. Next, the chapter concentrated on developing their relations with their alumnae. It was particularly rewarding for the chapter when they were able to celebrate Gamma Omicron’s 80th anniversary with one of the chapter’s founders. Finally, the chapter also worked to enforce its attendance policies while limiting the number of events in which the chapter would be involved. This resulted in better chapter participation.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy continued to be a strong suit for Gamma Omicron. The chapter continued to organize its Mr. Wyoming pageant for the benefit of the Red Cross. Wing Fling (a buffalo wing dinner), an AIDS Walk, and a Holly’s House Silent Auction. Numerous community service hours were also contributed to Safe Treat (a Halloween trick-or-treat event), the local elementary schools and other various community organizations.
Gamma Omicron continued to receive many Greek Week awards and their members were recognized for their service to the University and the community. At the 2008 Kappa Convention, the chapter received the Housed Gracious Living Award and honorable mentions for the Most Improved Chapter, Academic Excellence and Finance. At the 2010 Kappa Convention, Gamma Omicron received recognition for its New Member Program and honorable mentions for Gracious Living, Heritage, Standards and Panhellenic.
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.)
Highlights of 2012
The Spring 2012 semester started off with officer transitions, and Samantha Gimelli was appointed as the new president of the Gamma Omicron chapter. The newly installed officers worked diligently with one another to ensure that the chapter was operating at it's highest possible potential and efficiency.
After installing a wonderful team of new officers, 3 new members were added to the chapter through Spring recruitment. All 3 of these women became initiated members after learning about the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma and their chapter through a very informative New Member Program in the Spring. After a wonderful Formal Recruitment in the fall, the chapter welcomed 22 new members on the most patriotic Bid Day yet! The theme for the Fall 2012 bid day was Kappa Olympics, and the girls got to know their new sisters while participating in fun team games. After completing a New Member Program and all the necessary components, 20 of those new members were initiated on November 10, 2012.
In June, the Gamma Omicron chapter was represented by 5 of our lovely members when they attended National Convention in Jacksonville, Florida, where we received an award for our Ritual, and also an honorable mention for our Standards. In addition to those awards, the chapter also received the Sisterhood award at the All Greek Awards.
Multiple women represented the chapter in a variety of Greek life activities. In 2012, our chapter had 5 women serve in Panhellinic. Katie Cook was the programming chair, Molly Stevens was our delegate, Hayley Czarnecki was the public relations chair, Lauren Robertson was the Executive Vice President of Panhellinic, and Rachael Carlsgaard held the position of Panhellinic President. In addition to the chapter's Panhellinic involvement, the chapter had 6 members serve as recruitment leaders for Fall 2012 Sorority recruiment.
Scholarship is always important to the members of Gamma Omicron. There are a large portion of women in the chapter who represent Kappa Kappa Gamma in various Honor Societies at the University of Wyoming. At the end of the Spring semester, the chapter ended at a 2.98 average grade point average, which was just shy of the all women's average of 3.1, and the Sorority average of 3.13. Being so close to success served as motivation for our chapter to set its goals higher in the Fall, with a goal grade point average of 3.55.
In addition to scholarship, the chapter also focused on giving back to our local and national philanthropies. In the Spring, the philanthropy chairman organized our annual Wing Fling. We were able to raise $1,100 for our philanthropic partner, Reading is Fundamental and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. On Halloween, the women of the chapter dressed up in their favorite costumes, and participated in an event called Safe Treat, where they created a safe and fun experience for children who wanted to trick-or-treat. In the Fall, our philanthropy chairman got the entire chapter involved in planning the Mr. Wyoming pageant. It was a hilarious experience watching the men perform their best talents, answer insightful questions, and dress up in their fanciest evening wear. The pageant also raised $4,295.18 through ticket sales and donations for our local philanthropy, the Albany Red Cross. Members of the chapter are also involved in various service organizations, and participate in service projects. For example, some women participated in cleaning up the campus, others volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army, and other women are involved in Relay for Life.
After working hard, the chapter celebrated with social events. The chapter's Event Chairman planned the annual Sapphire Ball. It was an awesome opportunity for the women to dress up, take pictures, and to bond with their sisters and their dates. Once everyone returned to school for the fall, the chapter celebrated with their annual Barn Dance. The girls and their dates donned their best country-themed attire, and everyone boarded one of two chartered busses to Cheyenne where we had Barn Dance at the Terry Bison Ranch. The officers and alumnae involved worked together to make sure that we were safe, that the event ran smoothly, and that everyone had a good time. The members of the chapter love to get together and dance and sing. The music chairman and the ladies of the Gamma Omicron chapter choreographed a dance for the Greek Week Talent show, and in the fall, the women showed their Wyoming Poke Pride by performing their own original song and dance at the Homecoming sing. The ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma took initiative and built a Homecoming float that they then rode on in the parade, while singing songs, and passing out candy.
This year was a great one for the Gamma Omicron chapter, but it did not come without challenges. The biggest challenge the chapter faced as a whole was the closing of the kitchen. Due to insurance and safety reasons, it was decided that the kitchen was to be closed. Prior to this decision, women were allowed to walk freely in and out of the kitchen, and to use to the stove and oven to cook for themselves. With the new rule, only staff were allowed within the kitchen. This was quite the adjustment for many of the members, but everyone cooperated and followed the new rules. It was a challenge because the chapter requires the use of the kitchen for certain events during the year, the members were not always able to access the leftovers, and many women had to find other arrangements for eating if they were used to preparing some of their own meals. After much thought and consideration, our House Board was able to work with Nationals to re-open the kitchen under very specific conditions. Since the members of the house are not trained to use commericial-grade cooking appliances, we are unable to use the stove or oven. However, we are able to be present in the kitchen during certain hours, able to access leftovers, and to use appliances for specific events under supervision. This was the biggest challenge for the chapter in 2012, but it was able to resolved
The University of Wyoming is constantly making changes to the campus, and in 2012, the campus underwent construction. Specifically, the University added landscaping in front of the Education building.
The overall nature of the chapter is supportive, honest, loyal, and fun. There are always women around to listen and with suggestions when someone is having a rough day. The women of the chapter support one another, are looking out for each other's best interests, and are loyal. We always have the best time at our social events, philanthropy events, and in everything we do together. The women of the chapter encourage one another to succeed and to reach their fullest potential. Members of the Gamma Omicron chapter are hilarious, interesting, and exquisite women, who appreciate one other and the bond of sisterhood. It's an honor to be a Kappa Kappa Gamma, and an honor to be a part of the Gamma Omicron Chapter.
Highlights of 2013
The past 2013 year has been another great year for Gamma Omicron chapter. The Spring semester started out by appointing Ms. Lora Waeckerle as the chapter’s president along with her new officers that would be serving on Chapter Council. The newly transitioned officers took pride in their leadership positions and were very enthusiastic with new ideas they could bring to the chapter.
Along with the gaining new women in leadership roles, the chapter also gained 6 New Members through an informal Spring recruitment. All 6 of these women were initiated after completing their New Member period and learning about the history and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity. After a diligent and successful work week before the new school year started, the chapter was fully prepared and optimistic for Fall Formal Recruitment. Their optimism prevailed and 36 new members were welcomed into Gamma Omicron chapter with a Vegas themed Bid Day. Feeling very “lucky”, not only to have new women joining the chapter and “lucky to be a KKG”, the women played fun Vegas gambling games, took pictures in the photo booth and hit the wedding chapel in celebration. Of these 36 women, 35 were pledged and officially recognized as New Members. The chapter was very excited as this was the biggest pledge class Gamma Omicron has had in a long time. After completing a well-organized New Member Program put on by the New Member Chairman, Katy Zahorik, and fulfilling the requirements for a New Member, 31 of these women were initiated on November 9, 2013.
Throughout the year our chapter and individuals within the chapter received awards and held positions on Panhellenic council. In April, our Greek community held the Greek Week Awards where chapters were given awards based on results from our annual Greek Week and awards that were voted individually by each chapter. Gamma Omicron as a chapter was awarded the Most Community Service award and the Greek Adviser award. Mary Gokanakonda did the chapter proud and was awarded the New Member of the Year award.
Two of our members served on Panhellenic Council: Lauren Robertson was Panhellenic President and Carolyn Hammersmark served as programming chair. Two of our members also were selected to serve as recruitment leaders for the Fall 2013 Sorority Recruitment. Even though we did not have much representation on the Panhellenic Council, the chapter fulfilled one of our chapter goals of becoming more involved in the Panhellenic community by attending events and philanthropies put on by other chapters and attended Panhellenic meetings weekly. Members of the chapter also attended and represented Gamma Omicron at the Eta Province in Boulder, Colorado where we were awarded Outstanding Communication, Fraternity Education and Ritual, and House Board Excellence and honorable mention for Panhellenic and Campus Involvement.
With Philanthropy being one of our four pillars, Gamma Omicron was very dedicated and successful in fundraising for our philanthropies and Natalie Basolo, our Philanthropy Chairman, was more than prepared to make this happen. In March we hosted our annual Wing Fling fundraiser which raised $1650 to be divided equally between Reading is Fundamental, the Kappa Gamma Foundation and our Relay for Life team. Along with Wing Fling, our philanthropy chairman organized our chapter to participate as a team in the university’s Relay for Life. The chapter raised $1600 (which included the $550 from Wing Fling) after a long night of walking and fundraising for a great cause.
We were awarded the Highest Fundraising Sorority and Greek Chapter from Relay for Life which was a great achievement for our first year with outstanding participation from the chapter. In the fall, the chapter decided to make a change and move our annual Mr. Wyoming Pageant to the upcoming spring semester and held our first annual Kappa Con Chili fundraiser. At this event we charged a small fee for guests to enjoy all you can eat chili and cornbread. This was an adjustment period for Gamma Omicron but we are excited for the hopeful success this event will hold in the future. The chapter raised a total of $600 again to be divided between Reading is Fundamental, the foundation and Relay for Life. Along with our two main fundraisers, the chapter participated in other philanthropic events on campus and in the community such as Safe Treat on Halloween, serving at the soup kitchen, participating in Campus Clean Up, and many others.
After all of the hard work put into our philanthropies our Event Chairman, Secia Porreco, awarded everyone with fun and exciting events throughout the year. In March, we had our annual Sapphire Ball which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn here in Laramie. Although Wyoming weather isn’t always the warmest, it agreed with us that night as we walked to the Hilton, chanting our Kappa songs and showing our pride with our dates in arm. In April women of the chapter competed in Greek week activities and took 2nd place in the large group talent competition performing an upbeat dance choreographed by our music chair, Savannah Moyte. In all the events the ladies of Gamma Omicron represented Kappa Gamma with great sportsmanship and class.
The major events for the fall came with Homecoming Week where we were paired with the gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha. Secia planned a week filled with events to get to know the men and build our pirate ship Homecoming float. Again, the Wyoming weather cooperated with us and we rode and walked in the parade while passing out candy and chanting songs with pride on the ship before the football game. A couple weeks later we had our annual Barn Dance. The girls put on their jeans or dresses and cowboy boots to showcase their inner cowgirl. The event was held at the Hilton and was filled with delicious food, great music to swing dance to and a good time.
As always, our academics are very important to us and always is a main focus. However, this past year it was one of our greater challenges that we had to overcome. With not being ranked as high as we would have liked on our GPA among the other chapters, Gamma Omicron was given an Academic Focus Plan. This plan required every member to complete a mandatory 5 study hours per week with supervision of our Vice President of Academic Excellence, Sami Gimelli, and her committee. Although this plan was a dramatic change for the chapter, the women worked together and motivated one another to improve our academics. The focus plan has helped improve the chapter’s GPA and we are very optimistic about continuing our academic improvement.
The University has made some changes in the past year both administrational and architectural. After his 35 years at the university with eight of those years as the president, Tom Buchanan retired from his office at the end of summer of 2013. The University of Wyoming hired Bob Sternberg to fulfill the position as president in July. However, Sternberg’s office was short-lived, resigning from office in November. Dick McGinity then served as the interim president for the remainder of the year.
The university is also undergoing major construction to different aspects of the campus. There are three major construction projects that impact the student body. They are currently making renovations and additions to the Half Acre Recreational Gym, renovation and expansion to the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, and currently building a brand new welcome center called the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center. Students are eager for the completion of these new additions and renovations. Even though the campus is making many additions, the university lost one of their chartered chapters this past year. Our Monmouth sisters of Pi Beta Phi are no longer a chapter on campus. Although the Greek community was very saddened by this, we are all hoping to increase our membership numbers and hopefully bring their chapter back in the near future.
Our chapter has also had changes to our house management and our physical appearance. Our house board hired a new house director, Ms. Clare Graziano. She has brought great ideas to the house and has been very efficient in her position. She recently discovered there were hard wood floors under the carpet on our staircase and front hall way so they were refurnished and are a great addition to the house. Because we are limited by our budget and lack of membership, there is not enough money to support any other major changes to the house at this time.
The overall nature of Gamma Omicron chapter is growing in more ways than one. Throughout the past year our chapter has grown in numbers, in our bonds of sisterhood, and through our challenges that we have faced as a chapter. Our chapter nature is very positive and we are very supportive of one another in all that we do. The chapter also remains very loyal and honest to one another and to the fraternity.
Highlights of 2014
The first major event of 2014 was the appointment of a new president, Mary Gokanakonda. Along with the appointment of the new president the Gamma Omicron chapter also transitioned several new women into the variety of officer positions. Briana Long and Oliva Haugh also both held panhellinic positions.
With spring came informal spring recruitment. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed seven new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. After a successful informal spring recruitment the chapter began thinking about fall formal recruitment. After a stressful and exiting work week the women of Gamma Omicron were prepared for requirement week. The planning and preparation were well worth it when the chapter pledged 27 new members. The new members were welcomed with a kappily ever after themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairmen, Alex Jelly, and initiation took place on November 15 conducted by the marshal Traci Folkman. With the new initiates the chapter has a total of 94 initiated members.
The Gamma Omicron chapter also received awards at the annual Greek Awards. The chapter received the risk management award for its dedication to safety and the perseverance of the risk management chairman Taylor Chaulk. Gamma Omicron also received the honor of being the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy the Red Cross of Albany County. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and Chili con Kappa. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city wide clean up event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Savanah Moyte.
The women of Gamma Omicron also had the opportunity to participate in social events, coordinated by the event chairmen, Taylor Campbell in the spring and Molly Duncan in the fall. Some of the events that were organized were the spring formal and the annual fall barn dance. The women of Gamma Omicron also involved in Greek Week, paired with Pi Kappa Phi and Homecoming week, with Sigma Phi Epsilon. Winning the women's division for homecoming sing.
A focus of Gamma Omicron in the 2014 year has been academics. With the help of the vice president of academic excellence, Alyssa Huckins, the ladies of Gamma Omicron's GPA continued to rise and their hard work paid off with an average chapter GPA above both all women’s and all sorority GPA.
The University of Wyoming continues to change and grow. A major change was the completion of the Gateway Center. Along with the continued work on the gym on campus, Half Acre, that should be completed during 2015. The changes occurring at the University of Wyoming go beyond new and renovated buildings. The University began implementing the plus/minus system. With this new grading policy came supporting and opposing arguments. The chapter house has also seen changes including, new beds, new furniture, new light fixtures, and new wall paper and paint. The physical changing to the house and the growing numbers have not changed the overall nature of Gamma Omicron. It continues to be a positive and supportive chapter. The women of the chapter remain loyal to one another and to the fraternity as a whole.
The Chapter of Gamma Omicron holds chapter meetings in the Chapter Room, located in the basement of the house. This is a chapter owned facility. The Gamma Omicron chapter has the privilege of owning a house that provides the opportunity for the chapter members to live together. The Kappa Kappa Gamma house for the chapter of Gamma Omicron has only been relocated once in the mid-1900s. It was moved from Grand Ave. to its current location on Sorority Row.
Highlights of 2015
The first major event of 2015 was the appointment of a new president, Jessica Johnson. Along with the appointment of the new president the Gamma Omicron chapter also transitioned several women into a variety of officer positions. Briana Long, Kellsey Hansen, and Elizabeth Cardenas all were elected to hold Panhellenic positions.
With spring came informal spring recruitment. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed two new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. After a successful informal spring recruitment the chapter began planning for fall formal recruitment. After a stressful and exiting work week lead by the membership chairman Casandra Herndon and her assistant Yonne Helene the women of Gamma Omicron were well prepared for requirement. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with a welcome to the jungle themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Savanah Moyte, 27 new members initiated. Initiation took place on November 14, with the guidance of the Marshel Christine Bulgrin. With the new initiates the chapter has a total of 83 initiated members.
Gamma Omicron chapter received an award at the annual Greek Awards. Janet Anderson received an award for her dedication as an advisor for Gamma Omicron. Gamma Omicron also received the honor of being the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life
A focus of Gamma Omicron in the 2015 year has been academics. With the help of the vice president of academic excellence, Ciera Mendicino, the ladies of Gamma Omicron's GPA continued to rise and their hard work paid off with an average chapter GPA above both all women’s and all Fraternity and Sorority GPAs both semesters. Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
The University of Wyoming continues to change and grow. A major change was the completion of the Half Acre gym. The Gamma Omicron chapter house has also seen some changes over the year including, new carpet in the formal living room and game room. The physical changing to the house and the growing number of members have not changed the overall nature of Gamma Omicron. It continues to be a positive and supportive chapter, with a focus on sisterhood.
Chapter Philanthropy:
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
Gamma Omicron was the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and a joint philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon Kappa’s Sigepic tailgate. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local safe trick or treat option for children on campus. Helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city community service event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Amanda Sisco.
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.
Highlights of 2016
Gamma Omicron Chapter had another successful year at the University of Wyoming. The chapter was led by President Olivia Haugh who led us to accomplish many important things on campus and in the community. She had a strong chapter council behind her who worked very hard for the betterment of our chapter.
The spring semester brought the informal recruitment period. The women of Gamma Omicron welcomed five new initiates, after the completion of their new member period. The membership chairman Madison Watson turned her attention to formal recruitment in the fall after the successful completion of spring recruitment. Madison Watson and her assistant Taylor Chaulk prepared the chapter well for recruitment with a focused and rigorous work week. The new members were welcomed to Kappa Kappa Gamma with a Paradise themed bid day. After a thorough new member period and the guidance of the New Member Chairman, Cassie Herndon, 31 new members were initiated. Initiation took place on October 22, with the guidance of the Marshal Amanda Sisco. The chapter total is 81 with the addition of another group of initiates.
A few of our honors and awards from the previous year include the convention award for risk management and Our Fraternity and Sorority Life awarded one of our own Julianna Emmet as New Member of the Year.
The Chapter put on a few major philanthropy events over the last year as well as joined in on many smaller events. The Mr. Wyoming competition was held in the spring and we donated all the money raised from this event to the Albany County Safe Project. In the spring the chapter also participated in Relay for life, the Jackalope Jump which consisted of jumping in a freezing cold pond to raise awareness for the Special Olympics and lastly, the chapter partnered with the Wyoming Honors Organization to set up an Easter egg hunt for children. In the fall we had a successful Chili Con Kappa event where we received many book donations and money to pass on to Reading is Fundamental. We also helped with Safe Treat on campus and the Big Event which was a campus wide community service project. All of these events combined helped our Philanthropy Chairman reach her goal of involvement in community events and getting us out on campus.
Our wonderful event chairmen continued our traditional Sapphire Ball in the Spring and Barn Dance in the fall. These events are always fun and are a great opportunity for all of us to enjoy ourselves.
Our chapter goals focused on holding sisters accountable and getting everyone involved. Our education chairman aimed to create fun and educational programs for the chapter, she organized an etiquette dinner and worked to improve communication with alumnae and officers for events such as founder's day dinner. Our house chairman focused on improving the craft room in the house.
The University of Wyoming welcomed its first female President Laurie Nichols who is a wonderful leader and very committed to making the University a top rate program with an open environment to learn. Unfortunately, the University is currently experiencing a budget crisis which is effecting degree programs and staff. The students and facility are coming together to try to combat the crisis and come up with new ways to make the University more efficient and to save money where we can. However, Gamma Omicron is thriving and continues to uphold the highest standards. The women have a firm understanding of sisterhood and exemplify strong morals in their everyday lives.
Gamma Omicron was the highest raising sorority for Relay for Life. The chapter continues to raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is fundamental, the Kappa foundation and Gamma Omicrons local philanthropy The Safe Project. Through events such as the Mr. Wyoming Pageant and a joint philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon Kappa’s Sigepic tailgate. Gamma Omicron also participated in Safe Treat, a local safe trick or treat option for children on campus. Helped at the local soup kitchen and was part of the big Event, a city community service event. Gamma Omicron's philanthropic success was headed by the philanthropy chairman Amanda Sisco.
Gamma Omicron choose to donate money to the Safe Project because their mission is to advocate for and empower survivors of stalking, intimate partner, family and sexual violence. Their education and awareness efforts are focused on prevention and improved community response. The women of Gamma Omicron believe that it is important to empower those who feel unsafe. Gamma Omicron also enjoys helping with the Big Event (a community wide service event.) because we believe that the community has supported us and given us so much that it is important to give back.
Highlights of 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!