| Delta Upsilon | |
|---|---|
| ΔY | |
 | |
| Founded | February 14, 1948 |
| College | University of Georgia |
| Location | Athens, GA |
| Homepage | Delta Upsilon Homepage |
| Media related to Delta Upsilon Chapter | |
University of Georgia established in 1785
Delta Upsilon founded in February 14, 1948
3,231 initiates (as of June 2017)
Charter Members:
Phyllis Jane Blakey, Maebelle Breen, Ethel Mahon Bryan, Dianne Marilyn Castle, Ann-Perry Conroy, Barbara Ann Cronk, Eleanor Ewing Folwell, Nancy Bayley Giblin, Kathryn Priscilla Ginn, Jean Cathlean Hess, Mary Lou Illges, Patricia Howard Long, Mary Aillene Minor, Janice Henderson Persons, Elizabeth Marion Snelling, Henrietta Parker Swain, Mary Frances Thomason.
Some of Delta Upsilon’s Outstanding Alumnae:
(If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
Fraternity Council Members:
Jean Hess Wells, Vice President 1970-1972, Director of Chapters 1972-1976, Fraternity President 1976-1980, (Charlotte) Joyce Thomas (Fuller), Field Secretary 1952-1953;
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Jean Hess Wells, 1988
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients
Wicke Oliver Chambers, 1982, Emmy-award-winning producer for children’s TV, children’s book author
Additional Outstanding Delta Upsilon Alumnae:
Deede Sharpe, Graduate Counselor 1965-1966; Frances Davis (Roberts), Graduate Counselor 1978-1980; Carol Anna Nichols, Graduate Counselor 1979-1980; Linda Vaughn (Schreiner), Graduate Counselor 1981-1983; Virginia Monfort (Rabun), Graduate Counselor 1981-1983
Contents
The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)
Delta Upsilon was the first chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma in Georgia. Its organization had been delayed by a campus not ready for expansion and by World War II.
The idea to colonize on the Athens campus was conceived at the 1946 General Convention. The invitation from the university’s administration came that December, and official visitors arrived to inspect the campus. A graduate counselor, Betty Lanier (Parrish), Rollins, was sent to the chapter in the spring of 1947. Two more graduate counselors were added to the team: Annie Laurie Ragsdale (Parker), Alabama, and Lynn Latham (Chaney), Louisiana State. The fall of 1947 brought transfer Kappas from five other chapters. Mary Jim Lane Chickering, Arkansas, swerved as colonization chairmen.
The colony’s beautiful ante-bellum home, the first on campus to be professionally decorated, was opened September 22, 1947. (Three Kappa husbands had persuaded the owner to sell his old mansion on Prince Avenue).
Hundreds of rushes saw the Kappa house for the first time during a week of elaborate rush parties. The Hotel Fleur-de-lis party was a great success. A Kappa bellhop, giving out golden door keys as favors, met rushes at the door. There was a tour of the house, and in the Blue Room Cocktail Lounge, singing waiters entertained. Milk Cocktails were served. The preferential, “Kappa Heaven,” closed with the girls in black cocktail dresses, holding lighted candles on the stairway, singing Kappa songs. This was the beginning of a continuing tradition.
On an icy, sub-freezing Valentine’s Day in 1948, Delta Upsilon Chapter was installed with 17 of the original groups as charter members and nine first pledges. Ruth Kadel Seacrest, Nebraska, Kappa president; Helena Flinn Ege, Pittsburgh, director of alumnae; Clara O. Pierce; and Mary Jim Len Chickering were the installing officers. Gamma Pi was the sponsoring chapter. Initiation banquet speaker Dean Edith Stallings advised the new chapter, “Responsibilities in campus living are proportionally increased by your privileges.”
There were growing pains but during the early years standards of dress, graciousness, and scholarship were set. Chapter scholarship was especially noteworthy. University officials praised the young chapter. “In an age,” wrote the Dean’s Department director of women’s activities, (The Key, April, 1948), “when it is necessary to justify sorority and fraternity groups . . . I am delighted to see . . . good scholarship.” She even wrote a congratulatory letter after the formal party. “Your dance was lovely in all respects and has certainly set the pace, not only for future Kappa chapters but for other groups on the campus.” She went on to praise the girls for introducing themselves and their dates to the chaperones.”
Evening dresses were elaborate, formal, and worn over collapsible hoops, carried in tiny hat boxes en route. Raincoats had to be worn over shorts until reaching the gym or tennis courts. Kappas wore proper dress in the lower floor formal rooms at 1001 Prince Avenue, except on “closed night” (Monday), when no visitors were allowed, and robes could be worn.
There was house space for only 28, and scholarship determined the place on the waiting list. There were two telephones, one downstairs, and one near the attic stairs, (the only place for a tete atete). The house director had a private phone for herself and emergencies. Kappas did not use alcohol, and smoking was permitted only on the lower floors.
An all-time scholastic high was reached during fall quarter, 1950, when the chapter achieved the best sorority average, the highest for any women’s organization in the history of the university’s coed experience.
Joyce Thomas (Fuller), a charter pledge, became a field secretary 1952-53, and later Fraternity chairman of chapter scholarship, chairman of undergraduate scholarships, and chairman of alumnae programs.
Delta Upsilon was 1949 Province Convention hostess with all meetings in the house. Chapter advisers won fleur-de-lis earrings at the 1950 General Convention; and Delta Upsilon, honorable mention for improvement in finance. The chapter newsletter, Keynotes, was the 1952 Publication Award winner.
Delta Upsilon Kappas held the presidency of Panhellenic and Women’s Student Government in 1955, and Evelyn Hunt Sanders was first female valedictorian. Miss Athens, 1960, and Miss Georgia, 1961, were chapter members. In 1959-60 Becky Birchmore (Bedingfield) was campus tennis champion, sixth ranking doubles player in the United States, third ranking Southern Women’s player, and first in Georgia.
The Nowell Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1957, in memory of Robert L. Nowell, Jr., who was “through his life and from the founding of this chapter in 1948 until his death in 1956, a true and loyal friend of Kappa Kappa Gamma.” The purpose of this fund is to aid a worthy student of the University of Georgia in continuing her education and in further serving her university.
Delta Upsilon had the honor of sponsoring Georgia’s second chapter, Epsilon Epsilon, and participating in its installation in the spring of 1959 at Emory University in Atlanta. Parties in the late 1950s included Mexican suppers, spring alumnae luncheons, pledge dances, fraternity exchange dinners, and formal dances with Phi Mu. This was the sweater-skits-white bobby socks era. On Sunday noon a Sunday dress, on Wednesday nights “heels and hose” were musts. Kappa was the only campus group to abide by the no-drinking rule, and had a reputation for graciousness and charm, winning the respect of the administration. Kappa gained strength throughout Georgia.
Decades of Change
In 1960 the southern campuses began to experience radical changes with pressures of integration, riots, threats to the fraternity system, and general unrest. Winter rush January, 1961, was deferred because of integration problems. Yet a happy atmosphere prevailed with a delightful new house director from Australia, Mrs. Margaret Estes, who served tea on Saturdays and held Vespers (with refreshments) on Thursday nights. The girls loved “Aunt Peg’s” innovations.
Delta Upsilon won honorable mention for Panhellenic achievement in 1962, and Dorothy McCampbell Nowell, Texas, was elected Fraternity director of chapters.
Now, in the 1960s, it had become evident that a larger house was needed. The Georgia Power Company bought the Prince Avenue property; a previously purchased property on Lumpkin Street was sold back to the university; and a desirably located lot was acquired.
Dreams came true when the chapter moved into the stately mansion built of Williamsburg-tone brick in Greek revival style at 440 South Milledge Avenue on September 13, 1963. There was an unfounded rumor that the big while columns were moved from Prince Avenue, but one tangible part of the old house did come to the new – a cement block with the letters ΚΚΓ was removed from the rock mantel in the old card room and placed in the ground near the walk leading to the driveway of the new house. Valuable furniture and equipment included silver and mahogany, oriental lamps, a fine antique desk, and chairs from the Hearthstone.
The 1960-70 decade was one of change. There was a time of “unstructured rush” with few skits or set plans. In the early 1970s, the pendulum began to swing back with formal or “non-deferred” rush returning, and once more skits were used. Hundreds of girls signed up – a new experience for the present day chapter.
Dress went through change too: from bobby socks to sack dresses, mini and maxi skirts and pants suits, from bouffant hair-does to long straight hair. Even the house director wore pant suits. Another change came in 1970 – no curfew. Keys to the side door were issued to juniors and sophomores (with parental permission). Seniors had keys without parental permission, and freshmen continued under curfew. Dates entered the house through the lounge door and waited there instead of in the foyer as in years past. Stress was on individual study instead of mandatory study hall. Apartment living became an accepted way of life.
Chapter Honors
Delta Upsilon continued to be one of the strongest and largest groups on campus. The chapter was second runner-up for the Gracious Living Award at the 1962 Convention, reaffirming the high ideals of the Fraternity at a time when the fraternity system was being questioned.
The chapter won the Agnes Guthrie Favrot Award for excellence at province convention in 1967. Awards in 1968 were the Edith Crabtree Panhellenic Award and first runner-up for the coveted Efficiency Cup. A silver bowl, named for charter member Jean Hess Wells, was designated by the chapter to be awarded annually to its outstanding member. Mrs. Wells was elected Fraternity vice president in 1970, and director of chapters in 1972. Dawn Reynolds Staples, a past chapter president, died in 1970, and a silver punch bowl set was presented in her memory by her family and friends.
Debera Sharpe was a graduate counselor and Barbara Hagey (Watson) a field secretary in the middle and late 1960s. Dr. Fred Davison was appointed of the university in May, 1967. His wife, Dianne Castle Davison, was a charter member of Delta Upsilon.
In 1963, one parking lot was sufficient, and an old man from the apartments next door gardened heard of this remarked, “I thought I’d heard everything!” The “garden” space was reclaimed and paved as a second parking lot. In 1973 a third space was paved.
Beauty, brains, and ability still prevail. Members of Delta Upsilon won the Miss Athens and Miss Georgia crowns twice, and one made the top ten in the Miss America contest from 1963-73. There have been a total of 26 Phi Beta Kappas, nine Mortar Boards, and 15 in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities during the chapter’s first quarter century.
The purposes and ideals of Kappa still operate in a “now” generation. Truth, goodness, and beauty have not become old fashioned. Kappa‘s spirit lived beyond its first 100 years and Delta Upsilon’s first 25.
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:
(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.)
During the latter part of the 1970s the chapter had many socials and events with many different fraternities and sororities. Upon receiving invitations to socials, the chapter voted to determine which events would be attended. In addition to social events with fraternities and sororities, attending football games, going on dates, and playing bridge were some of the women’s favorite hobbies. The chapter women were well respected on campus and within the Greek system.
Once pledged, all of the new members would wear "recognition pins" all over campus to show that they were a "Kappa." They also loved to sing "Kappa" songs at social events and around campus.These women were very competitive and sought to be successful in everything. In doing so, they were very active in intramurals, leadership organizations, athletic teams, and academic organizations. When members won awards, success was made known by painted signs on the front lawn. In addition, they were very loyal to and valued their Kappa traditions. They sang beautiful preference round songs and prepared for fall Recruitment year round.
Highlights of the 1980s:
(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.)
During the early 80s the chapter was as ever social and outgoing as always. There were many socials and events with many different fraternities and sororities. During Rush the members of Delta Upsilon went outside on the lawn and did the walk song and sang other Kappa songs while the potential new members waited anxiously on the sidewalk. As freshman, the new members were required to make a scrap book before Initiation, showing all of the fun times they had as a member of the Delta Upsilon Chapter. The new members also had large wood keys made they had to decorate and get signed by the entire chapter. The scrap book and wooden key would be two things the girls would always have to remember their earliest times as a Kappa. When a sister would get "lavaliered," candle ceremonies were held before and after chapter in celebration. As for fashion, the girls usually wore bright colored clothing with big hair. During this time, not only did sophomores live in the house, but girls of all ages did, which allowed pledge classes to intermix more easily. Some girls lived in the house for up to three years, as the house was a very desirable place to live.
The Delta Upsilon Chapter had challenges with grades. Overall, the G.P.A. was not very impressive and a lot of hard work was done to improve it. The chapter women began to consider the G.P.A. of the potential new members more than in the past in hopes of improving the chapter grade point.
Nationally, the women during the early 1980s clearly remember the "Challenger" spacecraft that exploded in flight while they were living in the Kappa Kappa Gamma house. This was a national crisis for all Americans and this made an impression on many of the members of Delta Upsilon at the time. In the Athens community, the women recall that the adorable downtown of Athens was not like it is today at all. Unlike today, it was not cute or a place where the students often spend their free time. There were not many shops or restaurants to enjoy, but instead it was rundown and scary at times. The city of Athens was in the process of reviving downtown during this time period. As for the Georgia Bulldogs, the football team was at its height of success. The outstanding Herschel Walker played for the University of Georgia during 1980-1982, leading them to many victories. Throughout the campus, students were full of Georgia pride.
The chapter was as social as ever between the years of 1985 and 1995 and attended many social events with fraternities and sororities. Spring Recruitment parties created excitement for the women because incoming freshmen would attend them, and the chapter did its best to make sure these women had a great time so that they would pledge Kappa. During Recruitment, the chapter would sing loud songs on the front lawn while fraternity men drove up and down Milledge Avenue to watch. Once the young women pledged Kappa, they were expected to take weekly quizzes about the chapter, to attend all functions, and to get their wooden keys signed by 100 active members. The women loved living in the house because it provided a great social atmosphere, especially with the two large television rooms where they gathered to watch their favorite soap operas. Everyone wore Greek jerseys on campus, and football season was always an exciting time for everyone. There were many music venues in Athens that provides for great social spots. Chapter women from each class interacted with each other within the chapter.
One of the chapter's main challenges was keeping grades up. The chapter ranked relatively low among sororities in terms of G.P.A. It was especially important for the freshmen to have good grades in order to be initiated. Academics became a focus for the chapter.
The music industry was transformed around 1985 when bands first produced CD's. Members of the chapter were constantly listening to music from their compact disk players. Athens was a major music town with many popular venues, and these were great places to hang out with friends. It was common to see bands like REM play on a weekend night, and bands like Widespread Panic were just starting out at fraternity parties. Another change was the legal drinking age was increased in 1984 from 19 to 20 and then again to 21 the following year. This caused a national change for college campuses, and members of the chapter were affected by the change in the law.
Highlights of the 1990s:
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.)
Housing
Philanthropy
Convention Awards
Highlights of 2000-2010:
(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.)
The year 2004 was filled with success, improvement, involvement and fun for the Delta Upsilon chapter. The chapter set three main goals. The women wanted to have better alumnae relations, create a parents' club, and become more involved on campus. The chapter proudly succeeded in meeting all these goals. We had many visits from alumnae and included them in what was going on within the chapter. The president, Kristen Charbonnet, created the first-ever parents' club to involve Kappa parents in the Delta Upsilon chapter. The chapter was also involved all over campus with events such as Homecoming, Dance Marathon, H.E.R.O. for Children, tutoring and mentoring local children and actively participated in Derby Days. The chapter had an exciting year and made many new memories.
The year 2005 was one full of continued success and improvement. The new parents club, formed in 2004, met for the first time during parent’s weekend in the spring. At the meeting, a parents club president was elected and various projects were discussed that could improve or aid the chapter. Kappa's own philanthropy, the Crawfish Boil, raised the most money ever. Kappa was proudly able to donate $25,000 to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Kappa continued its involvement in campus activities such as Dance Marathon, Homecoming, other philanthropies sponsored by the other Greek groups and tutoring local children. Kappa made 2005 yet another exciting and memorable year.
Delta Upsilon had some problems with Recruitment in previous years. However, the women corrected those problems by creating a fair and fun Recruitment environment for all of the incoming freshman girls. The women wanted everyone to feel welcome at Kappa and it paid off by the chapter pledging the best pledge classes ever. Another challenge that the chapter overcame was the chapter’s academic standing. By improving our academic resources such as the test files and awards for good grades, the chapter moved from 17th of 18 sororities to 15th. By working hard together, the chapter was able to make many improvements.
In 2006 Delta Upsilon's parents' club thrived as the group met for the third year during brunch on parents' weekend. The parents' club had more members than ever. Throughout the year, Delta Upsilon's members participated in campus activities including other Greek organization's philanthropies, varsity and intramural sports, Homecoming and countless other activities. The chapter had another successful Crawfish Broil in April where money was raised for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
In 2007 the chapter had an extensive social calendar filled with socials, date nights, formals and semi-formals with other sororities and fraternities. The women hosted the annual philanthropy and gave the proceeds to St. Jude’s Children’s Research and Common Ground in New Orleans which benefited the victims of hurricane Katrina. The chapter was especially proud of the amount raised for both organizations and excited when notified of the chapter’s entrance into the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation’s Bronze Level of the Adelphe Society.
The chapter had a problem with chapter attendance, but after it enacted a new system to monitor attendance it drastically improved. The women increased the G.P.A. ranking among other sororities on campus. In the past, chapter finances were not properly monitored, but during the past year the treasurer and new finance committee worked diligently to reverse past issues. Standards dramatically improved by stressing proper individual behavior and assigning appropriate consequences when necessary.
In 2008, the chapter achieved many great accomplishments including: a third place ranking academically among all 17 sororities, winning the sisterhood event with Kappa Alpha Theta benefitting the impoverished of the Athens/Clarke County community, raising money to provide basic necessities for Victor (a young boy the chapter sponsored through donations), and receiving national recognition for the annual Crawfish Boil benefitting St.Jude's Hospital. The women were extremely honored to be featured in the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital newsletter for its generous contribution to the foundation. Due to a successful Crawfish Boil Delta Upsilon continues as a member of the Kappa Foundation’s Adelphe Society.
The year 2009 was a very important for Delta Upsilon. The chapter was removed from a focus letter which was initially issued to address specific concerns the Fraternity had regarding several areas of chapter management. In accordance with the goals and challenges placed upon the chapter, the women greatly excelled in areas of standards, communication with the advisers, risk management, and education. The chapter worked especially hard to meet the standards and requirements of the focus letter and the removal from it was by far the most notable recognition of 2009. In addition, the chapter won Outstanding Philanthropy, Gracious Living, and Most Improvement in Standards Awards at the Mu Province Meeting in Atlanta in January 2009.
The women had an extensive social calendar filled with socials, date nights, formals and semi-formals with other sororities and fraternities. The women hosted the annual philanthropy, Crawfish Boil, which raised $34,805 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The chapter also had the second annual philanthropy event with Phi Mu and Kappa Alpha Theta benefitting the impoverished of the Athens/ Clarke County community. In addition, the women hosted a progressive dinner with four other sororities, Phi Mu, Alpha Delta Pi, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Chi Omega, benefitting the Make A Wish Foundation. The chapter had striven to be more active in Greek Life organizations and events. The women participated for the first time in the Greek Grind Competition, a contender in the Miss Sorority Row Pageant and five competitive intramural sports teams.
Delta Upsilon hosted the Mu Province Meeting. In addition, it also hosted the annual philanthropy, Crawfish Boil, in April which raised about $60,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Crawfish Boil continued to be a fun event with live music, lots of crawfish, tshirts, and hundreds of people. The chapter women made lunch bags with Kappa Alpha Theta and gave them to the homeless people of Athens. The lunch bags also were given to the Boys and Girls Club of Athens and included books for the children. While there the members read to the children and helped them with their homework. These were two great ways that the Delta Upsilon Chapter has become more involved in the community. The chapter won the 2010 Panhellenic contest called Dawgs Have a Heart, supporting The American Heart Association. Since being removed from the focus letter in 2009, our chapter has continued to uphold the value of standards, risk management, education, and more. Through its very active and full social calendar, the Delta Upsilon Chapter had very high attendance rates at all social events.
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
Delta Upsilon had a social calendar filled with socials, date nights, formals, and semi-formals with other sororities and fraternities in 2011. Also, on April 21st, the women hosted the annual Crawfish Boil that raised $54,000 for St.Jude's Children's Research Hospital. This is always a fun event with great food and live music in our front lawn. This year, the chapter stressed the importance of getting involved in other philanthropic organizations on campus. The women participated in UGA Hero’s date auction which raised money for children in Georgia affected by HIV and AIDS, and had a team at Sigma Chi's Derby Days week-long event. At this event, members of the chapter competed in a volleyball tournament and worked a booth at a fair for children in the Athens community. The chapter gave back to the Athens community by having the whole chapter read to the children at the Athens Boys and Girls Club and help them with their homework. A team of members participate in the annual Greek Grind competition for the third year, and provided a contender in the Miss Sorority Row Pageant. The chapter had many successful intramural sports teams to further involve the chapter on campus. Overall, the Delta Upsilon chapter worked hard to get involved in many facets of the UGA community.
Highlights of 2012
As a whole, we had another very successful year in terms of membership and philanthropically. In January, Emily Smith Poole (Delta Upsilon Class of 2000) joined us as the New House Advisor. We donate food and volunteer service to the Panhellenic Pantry, an anonymously run organization by Panhellenic to provide food to students and faculty members who need it. Advisor, Whitney Winburn Goodstone’s (Delta Upsilon Class of 1988) daughter Sydney taught the chapter about a Bone Marrow Drive for one of her friends in school and Kappa was very involved in being a part of the Bone Marrow Registry and spreading awareness.
We won several competitions and awards including: UGA Miracle philanthropy Dodgeball Tournament. We won first place in UGA Panhellenic’s Kaplan Challenge. McCall Stiles, member class of 2015, won Delta Sig’s Philanthropy Pageant, Miss Sorority Row. We received an award from Nationals for most money raised for Philanthropy across all Kappa Chapters with our Crawfish Boil benefiting St. Judes. Kellie Holt, member of class of 2013, received the Order of Omega Award. Delta Upsilon had a very successful year as usual.
We have a very strong chapter that has only been enhanced with our large recruitment class in Fall of 2012 bringing us to a grand total of 221 women in our chapter. Many of our members are involved in all types of service, leadership and scholarship opportunities around campus. Many of the Delta Upsilon women are part of the Honors Program at UGA and some are Presidential Scholars. Delta Upsilon has a reputation of serving the University well with many different activities, clubs and programs.
Highlights of 2013
As a whole, 2013 was another great year for the Delta Upsilon chapter. We had lots of philanthropic involvement, as far as events that we hosted and also participating in other fraternities’ and sororities’ events. Our annual Crawfish Boil that benefits St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital was once again a huge success and a fun afternoon with live music and delicious food on our front lawn, and we received an award from Nationals for most money raised for philanthropy across all Kappa Chapters. We donated a large number of children’s books to local underprivileged kids through our Books for Keeps book drive. We also started a new philanthropy event this year, which was a blood drive that we hosted with Chi Phi. It was extremely successful, and we plan to make it an annual tradition.
We volunteer for and donate food to the Panhellenic Pantry, an organization that provides food to students and faculty members who need it. Kappa also won first place in the UGA Hero’s Unity Step Show with Alpha Phi Alpha. We raise money for UGA Miracle, which benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and we created a team for UGA Relay for Life’s Color Run, which benefits the American Cancer Society. Kappa had the most members sign up for the Color Run out of all the sororities, so we won a booth at the event. We participated in various other philanthropy events including Sigma Delta Tau’s Greek Grind, Delta Sig’s Miss Sorority Row, and Sigma Chi’s Derby Days.
In February, we had 4 Kappas attend the Mu Province meeting in Orlando. Delta Upsilon won 2013 Province Awards for Risk Management and Gracious Living. In August, Elizabeth Bailey, Vice President of Nationals, came to our chapter and talked to us about the history of Kappa, our values, our image, and the importance of a name. Also in August, Hilary Hilgers, member of the class of 2015, was elected panhellenic senator for UGA’s panhellenic council. In November, a Kappa trainer came to our chapter and talked to us about how to implement diversity into our daily lives.
One challenge we have faced is our overall chapter’s GPA, which is relatively low compared to other sororities. To overcome this challenge, we started having study hours every week, and we gave out awards during chapter to women who made 4.0’s or Dean’s List. In October we were placed on a focus letter, but we have worked hard to address the concerns mentioned in the letter. To address leadership and chapter management, each chapter council member sends the recording secretary a monthly report regarding their goals, and we also greatly increased our webinar attendance. To address member commitment, we had a Kappa trainer come talk to our chapter, and we started having more ritual reviews.
The Delta Upsilon chapter is made up of 229 women from a variety of backgrounds. The majority of our chapter is out-of-state. We have women from Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, Virginia, and many more states. We had 26 legacies pledge Kappa in 2013. We have a number of women in UGA’s honor program, a number of women receiving scholarships, and even several women with presidential scholarships. We have several women involved in university sports, and in 2013 Kappa had intramural soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams. Last, we have a very active social calendar with high attendance at all of our events.
Highlights of 2014
Overall, 2014 was another successful year for the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Philanthropy continued to be a strength for our chapter, as we hosted several events of our own and participated in many other philanthropic events on campus. The annual Kappa Crawfish Boil benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital raised tremendous profits and was an evening filled with delicious food and live music on our front lawn. Furthermore, in February we held our first-ever Kappa Color Run, which we hope will become an annual tradition for our chapter. Our chapter co-hosted the Color Run with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and together we raised over $5000, which was donated to Books for Keeps. We have continued to volunteer for and donate food to the Panhellenic Pantry, an organization that provides food to students and faculty members in need. Our chapter raised money for many organizations on campus including UGA Miracle, UGA Heroes and UGA Relay for Life. We also participated in numerous philanthropic events hosted by other Greek organizations, such as Miss Sorority Row, Sound of Milledge, and Sigma Chi’s Derby Days. One of our most exciting achievements for 2014 was winning second place in Sigma Delta Tau’s annual Greek Grind dance competition benefitting Prevent Child Abuse America. Not only was our chapter awarded money towards our philanthropy, but our Greek Grind participants were also invited to perform their routine during half time of the UGA Basketball Team’s first home game. Another exciting achievement was when member, Hilary Hilgers, was voted a Homecoming Court nominee. During spirit week, our chapter’s team participated in many Homecoming activities, and we won first place in the Street Painting Mural competition.
One challenge we have faced is our overall chapter's GPA, which is relatively low compared to other sororities. In an effort to correct this, our VP of Academics has given awards at our weekly chapter meetings to members who have earned A's in their courses, as well as women who have made the Dean's List. To address leadership and chapter management, each month the Recording Secretary submitted a report to nationals that outlined each chapter council member's accomplishments of the previous month and goals for the upcoming month. Lastly, our Marshal held several intensive ritual reviews to help our chapter continue to learn and appreciate Kappa ritual.
In September, Panhellenic decided to instate an Extension Exploratory Committee. The committee was created to discuss the possibility of bringing additional sororities to the University of Georgia for future recruitments. Our chapter supported and encouraged this committee, believing that additional sororities will give the growing number of women coming through recruitment more opportunities to become a part of Greek life at our university. The Delta Upsilon chapter is made up of 239 women from a variety of backgrounds. The majority of the chapter is out-of-state. We have women from Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, Virginia, California and many more states. We had 19 legacies pledge Kappa in 2014. We have a number of women in UGA's honors program, a number of women receiving scholarships, and even some members with presidential scholarships. We have several members involved in UGA sports, including Lacrosse and the Majorettes. Our chapter also participates in intramural soccer, volleyball and basketball. Lastly, we have a very active social calendar with high attendance at all of our events. Below is a list of our 2014 social events:
JANUARY 2014: 17: Social with Sigma Chi
FEBRUARY 2014: 1: Formal 6: Social with KA 13: Social with Chi Phi 20: Semi-formal with Chi O 22: Kappa Color Run
MARCH 2014: 17: Formal chapter 21-22: Spring Parents’ Weekend
APRIL 2014: 10: Semi-formal with Theta 13: Ritual Review 14: Formal Chapter 24: Crawfish Boil 25: Field Party 27: Cutting of the Ivy
JUNE 2014: 25-29: Convention
AUGUST 2014: 3: In-house girls move in 13-17: Recruitment 18: Bid Day 25: Formal Chapter 28: Social with Sigma Nu
SEPTEMBER 2014: 4: Social with Lambda Chi 11: Social with Sig Ep 19-20: Fall Parents’ Weekend 25: Social with Chi Phi 26: First New Member Meeting 29: Formal Chapter
OCTOBER 2014: 2: Social with KA 5: New Member Retreat 17: Fireside 18: Initiation 23: Semi-formal
NOVEMBER 2014: 13: Semi-formal with Phi Mu 17: Formal Chapter/Voting for New Officers
DECEMBER 2014: 1: Formal Chapter/Formal Transitions 4: Semi-formal
Delta Upsilon holds its chapter meetings in our chapter-owned facility. Delta Upsilon's facility was the only house built at the University of Georgia that was actually intended to be a sorority house. Furthermore, it is a tradition that all Delta Upsilon members have the opportunity and are highly encouraged, to live in the sorority house during their sophomore year. There are currently 60 sisters that occupy the house.
Highlights of 2015
The Chapter of Delta Upsilon has had another great year in 2015, continuing to strengthen itself as a chapter and to improve the UGA campus at large. In February 2015, Delta Upsilon welcomed a new advisor to our chapter, Sharon Moore Jenkins. As a previous member of Delta Upsilon, we were very excited and privileged to have her as a new advisor, to serve along with the rest of our advisors. On February 6-8, 2015, three officers attended the Kappa Regional meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. President, Caroline Groover, Recording Secretary, Jordan Dick, and Philanthropy Chairman, Katerina Papadopoulos were all in attendance.
Our second-annual Kappa Kolor Run 5K race was held on March 21, 2015. The event raised over $7,500 for Books for Keeps, which is a local nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged children reach books of their own. We also surpassed our goal from last year by $2,500. Active member and VP of Academic Excellence Officer, Caroline Coleman, was featured in a spotlight blog post from UGA Panhellenic, which commended her academic achievements as a Foundation Fellow, and highlighted her world travels including, Oxford, England, South Korea, Bali, India, and a medical internship in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
In August 2014, our Public Relations Chairman, Paige Gaston, and her assistant, Margot Warren, spearheaded and launched our own chapter’s website (uga.kappa.com). In September, we held a candlelight ceremony for one of our members, Morgan York, who got engaged this year! It was exciting to reveal who was engaged, and hear the romantic engagement story, where her fiancé proposed to her under the Eiffel Tower. On September 17, 2015, our Corresponding Secretary, Allie Freeman, attended Kappa’s Leadership Academy in Ohio. In October, our chapter won first place at SDT’s Greek Grind charity event, benefitting Prevent Child Abuse America. Led by choreographer and Philanthropy Chairman, Katerina Papadopoulos, our first-place title earned us a $1,000 check to put towards our own philanthropy, Books for Keeps. In December, our entire chapter sent out Holiday Greeting Cards to friends, family and teachers to wish our community a happy holiday.
KEY DATES:
•JANUARY 2015: o5: Formal Chapter o24: Kappa Formal
•FEBRUARY 2015 o5: “Winter Wipeout” Semi-Formal with Chi Omega o6-8: Kappa Regional Meeting o9: Formal Chapter o20-22: Kappa Parents’ Weekend
•MARCH 2015 o2: Formal Chapter o17: “My Tie” Semi-Formal Date Night o21: 2nd Annual Kappa Kolor Run
•APRIL 2015 o9: “Kite and Key” Semi-Formal with Kappa Alpha Theta o6: Formal Chapter o23: Kappa Crawfish Boil o26: Cutting of the Ivy Ceremony for graduating members
•AUGUST 2015 o2: In-house girls move into Kappa o12-17: Recruitment o17: Bid Day
•SEPTEMBER 2015 o14: Formal Chapter
•OCTOBER 2015 o9-10: Kappa Parents’ Weekend o12: Formal Chapter o26: Formal Chapter
•NOVEMBER 2015 o2: Formal Chapter o7: Initiation o9: Formal Chapter and Chapter Council Elections o19: “Tacky Holidays” Date Night with Alpha Delta Pi
•DECEMBER 2015 o11: Kappa Kasino Semi-Formal
Overall, 2015 was another year of progressive change for the Delta Upsilon Chapter. Both our chapter officers and our members worked incredibly hard to improve our chapter. Our younger members also show promise to continue to work to improve the chapter in years to come. Our chapter’s main strength is friendship within our chapter, as well as the loyalty we have to serve one another. We consistently excel in philanthropy, and work well together to accomplish our goals with our diverse, strong group of 267 women in our chapter. Our members come from all over the nation, including Texas, Tennessee, California, Washington D.C., Louisiana, New York, and we even have several members from Switzerland. During Recruitment, our Recruitment Chairman, Jordan Legg, worked extremely hard to ensure that our return rate was 96% during the first round. Throughout the year, our Marshal, Kate Hollett, was dedicated to thoroughly educating our members about ritual and improving our Initiation held on November 7, 2015. In January 2015, President, Caroline Groover, announced to the chapter that Panhellenic had voted to bring an 18th sorority to the University of Georgia, Delta Phi Epsilon, and would eventually be voting again to bring a 19th sorority to our campus in the following years. This change would positively affect Greek Life at UGA, allowing more girls to participate in sorority life and be exposed to more opportunities on campus.
Chapter Philanthropy:
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
Philanthropy has consistently proven to be a strong-suit for our chapter in most recent years. Historically, our chapter has fundraised and donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital by hosting an annual Kappa Crawfish Boil. Since St. Jude’s is Delta Delta Delta’s national philanthropy, our Philanthropy Chairman, Katerina Papadopoulos, as well as the rest of the officers, concurred to fundraise for an organization that is more aligned with Kappa’s national philanthropy called Books for Keeps. Books for Keeps is a local Athens nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged kids reach books of their own. Both Kappa’s Kolor Run on March 21, 2015 and Kappa’s Crawfish Boil on April 23, 2015, along with a $1000 check from SDT’s Greek Grind charity event, raised approximately $34,000 collectively for Books for Keeps. Throughout the year our chapter also volunteers for and donates food to the Panhellenic Pantry, an organization that provides food to students and faculty members who need it. Besides our own philanthropy, we have members involved in UGA Miracle, UGA Relay for Life and UGA HEROs philanthropic organizations.
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
Books for Keeps directly aligns with the mission of Kappa’s national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, and serves the Athens community on a higher level.
Highlights of 2016
Overall, 2016 was another successful year for the Delta Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Philanthropy continued to be a strength for our chapter, as we hosted several events of our own and participated in many other philanthropic events on campus. This year, we were able to raise nearly $50,000 for our local Athens philanthropy, Books for Keeps. Since our national philanthropy is Reading is Fundamental, Delta Upsilon thought it was fitting to chose Books for Keeps as our local philanthropy. The annual Kappa Crawfish Boil was an beautiful evening filled with delicious food and live music. Although this event is typically held on our front lawn, it was moved to the back parking lot out of respect for the 4 UGA sorority girls that were tragically killed in a car accident that week. The third annual Kappa Color Run took place in February. We have continued to volunteer for and donate food to the Panhellenic Pantry, an organization that provides food to students and faculty members in need. Our chapter raised money for many organizations on campus including UGA Miracle, UGA Heroes and UGA Relay for Life. We also participated in numerous philanthropic events hosted by other Greek organizations, such as Miss Sorority Row, Sound of Milledge, Sigma Chi’s Derby Days and Sigma Delta Tau's Greek Grind.
One challenge we have continued to face is our overall chapter's GPA, which is relatively low compared to other sororities. In an effort to correct this, our VP of Academics has given awards at our weekly chapter meetings to members who have earned As in their courses, as well as women who have made the Dean's List. To address leadership and chapter management, each month the Recording Secretary submitted a report to nationals that outlined each chapter council members' accomplishments of the previous month and goals for the upcoming month. Lastly, our Marshal held several intensive ritual reviews to help our chapter continue to learn and appreciate Kappa Ritual.
Changes around campus:
This fall, Delta Phi Epsilon moved into a house on Milledge Avenue and participated in its first Panhellenic Recruitment week. Most recently, Panhellenic Council voted and approved the founding of a University of Georgia chapter of Alpha Phi. Their first recruitment will take place fall 2018. Recruitment rules were revised to include a two-day break in between rounds 2 & 3 and prohibit the serving of food to potential new members.
Our Chapter:
The Delta Upsilon chapter is made up of 260 women from a variety of backgrounds; the majority of women are from out-of-state. We pledged 12 legacies in 2016. Several of our members are involved in UGA sports, intramural sports, the UGA Honors program and many members receiving scholarships.
Social events:
We have a very active social calendar with high attendance at all of our events. 2016 events included:
January 2016 Sigma Chi social; Semiformal with Chi O
February 2016 Lambda Chi social; Formal; Sigma Nu social; Color Run
March 2016 AEPi Social; Parents' weekend; Semiformal; Philanthropy event with Chi Phi
April 2016 Semiformal with Theta; Senior dinner; Crawfish boil; Field party
August 2016 Senior Braves date night
September 2016 Lambda Chi social; Semi formal with Phi Mu; Parents' weekend
October 2016 Initiation; Semiformal with Theta
November 2016 Semiformal
December 2016 Semiformal
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.)
Housing
Philanthropy 2013: 1st place in UGA Hero's Unity Step Show with Alpha Phi Alpha
Convention Awards
2013:
Risk Management, Gracious Living
Highlights of 2017
This past year Delta Upsilon engaged in many events and activities on and off campus. The chapter hosted its two main philanthropic events, the Kappa Color Run and the Kappa Crawfish boil. All of the proceeds from these two events were given to Books for Keeps, which is a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing books to underprivileged children. Delta Upsilon also participated in SDT's Greek Grind, which raised more than $95,000 for Prevent Child Abuse America. Additionally, many chapter members volunteered as tutors for local children, helping them in many different subjects like reading and math. Kappa knows that sometimes life will throw you into situations out of your control, putting your ability to afford an education in jeopardy. This is why the Kappa Kappa Gamma Organization offers its members scholarships to help them out in times of need. Delta Upsilon believes that education is one of the most important tools in life, which is why the chapter partners with Reading Is Fundamental to encourage everyone to further their education. This past year DY continued to push and encourage its members academically, earning many of them awards in academic excellence. Delta Upsilon hosted and attended many fun social events, continuing to build its relationships with other sororities and fraternities. The chapter's formal was a major success this year with great music and food that everyone could enjoy. Overall, it was an amazing year in all aspects. Changes included the addition of the Business Learning Community to campus, which has benefitted many of the chapter's members, and at this point, 2/3 of the chapter's members are out-of-state, which is very unique for UGA's campus.
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Philanthropy
Delta Upsilon continued to raise money for Books for Keeps, which is a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing books to underprivileged children. The chapter raises money through two different events, the Kappa Color Run in the Fall and the Kappa Crawfish Boil in the Spring. Delta Upsilon was able to raise enough money so that each child receives multiple books that s/he can read over the summer, helping to improve their education. The chapter is so proud of how much was raised for such a generous cause. Also DY is proud to call Reading is Fundamental its national philanthropic partner. Its mission is to encourage and motivate young children to read more in order to further their education. Kappas believe that reading is very important because when a child does not have to books, it makes achieving grade-level literacy very difficult, causing them to fall behind in school. This is why we are proud to partner with Books For Keeps.
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!