| Gamma Zeta | |
|---|---|
| ΓZ | |
 | |
| Founded | January 3, 1920 |
| College | University of Arizona |
| Location | Tucson, AZ |
| Homepage | Gamma Zeta Homepage |
| Media related to Gamma Zeta Chapter | |
University of Arizona, established in 1885
Gamma Zeta founded on January 3, 1920
3,658 initiates (as of June 2018)
Charter Members:
Bess Louise Alexander, Dorothy, Galpin Andrews, Ruth Sinclair Bird, Grace Coralie Chatham, Kathryn Vinson Haga, Edith Isabelle Harrison, Clara Bess Hildebrandt, Hazel Hodges, Isabelle Annette Irvine, Dorothy Elinor Knox, Frances Louise Leeson, Margaret Drucille Loflin, Zella Temple Jay Matthews, Ann Beatrice Pace, Eva Cathrine Prina, Ruth Prina, Florence Shelby, Lucy Anne Stanton, Mildred Margarite Stark, La Verna Stevens, Lois Augusta Wendell, Helen Louise Equen Westover, Helen Willits, Lillian Grouse Wood.
Fraternity Council 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.)
Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
"Kim Stanley" (nee Patty Reid Conway), Loretta McCarthy, 1984, A top executive with American Express; Doris Born Monthan, 1984, Author, authority on American Indian culture; Jewell McFarland Lewis, 2002, Former chairman of the board of Media America; Holly Busche Cottor, pediatric respite-care facility co-founder, Founder of Ryan House, 2012;
Additional Outstanding Gamma Zeta Alumnae:
Molly Roller (Spingler), Graduate Counselor 1958-1959; Sue Forster (Vincent), Graduate Counselor 1959-1960; Loretta McCarthy, Graduate Counselor 1969-1971; Mary Hendershott (Itani), Graduate Counselor 1969-1971; Ellen Ruth (Ivey), Graduate Counselor 1971-1972 Loretta McCarthy, Field Secretary 1968-1970; Ellen Ruth (lvey), Field Secretary 1971-1974; Vicki Luciani, Leadership Consultant 2010-2011; Morgan Weaver, Leadership Consultant 2015-2016; Morgan Agster, Leadership Consultant 2016-2017
Contents
The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)Edit
The story of Gamma Zeta's growth is also the story of the growth of the University of Arizona from the small 1,088 student Land Grant school of the 1920s to the fine university of over 27,000 students which it is today. The few university buildings of the past and the simply-structured student government have resulted in the complex campus of the 1970s.
Several Tucson women not then attending college organized Alpha Sigma, a local sorority, in the fall of 1916 for the purpose of "obtaining a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, also to derive social and scholastic benefits, and to promote college spirit as an organized society." The following year only one member, Norma Brazee (Sexton), returned to the university. Two other local groups existing then were receiving charters from Kappa Alpha Theta and Pi Beta Phi so it was important to reorganize Alpha Sigma quickly. Eight freshmen were pledged who became the core members of the reorganized Alpha Sigma.
In 1918-1919 Alpha Sigma partitioned Kappa, and on January 3, 1920, Grand President Lydia Voris Kolbe, Akron, and members of Gamma Beta (New Mexico) installed Gamma Zeta Chapter and its 24 charter members. Norma Brazee. whose "History of Alpha Sigma" is part of Gamma Zeta's was not able to be initiated,
The chapter's first decade was one of varied activities distinct social pattern. Teas, dinner dances, house dances (girls only), and powdered wig banquets were the order. Early records refer to wedding and baby gifts for members, notably silver card trays and silver salt and pepper shakers.
Decorous behavior was the rule: no smoking in public, no smoking together of actives and pledges, and no smoking by men in the Gamma Zeta house. Pledges could not date before 4:30 p.m. nor during weekday nights. Juniors and seniors were allowed week night dates between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m. after which the house was locked for the night.
Intersorority tournaments were big campus events. Gamma Zeta won many basketball and hockey games. Individuals excelled in horseshows and other sports, dramatic presentations, and work on the Desert yearbook and Wildcat newspaper. YWCA also made up a busy program for the Arizona Kappas.
Special note is made in early chapter records of three non-related events: a 1921 pledge-sponsored Christmas formal (which continued in 1975 as a pledge sponsored Christmas activity); the sudden death in 1922 of charter member Dorothy Andrews, who was "so lively and enthusiastic and ... very talented in music and athletics and a brilliant student who was admired by every student and faculty member"; and a house fund started in 1923 into which every active, pledge, and alumna put $25.
When a larger chapter house became necessary (a small house had been bought in 1923) a lot was purchased with a Fraternity loan and ground was broken on Founders Day 1934. The chapter moved into the new house on February 10, 1935. The "Kappa Kottage," a house on an adjacent lot, was remodeled and first used in 1956-1957. In 1963-64 a complex of adjacent to the Kottage was used for the first time after having been purchased by the Gamma Zeta Building Association. During 1966-67 the house was completed with the addition of the Dorothy Musser room, a large recreation room which connects the apartments and the west wing (formerly the Kottage).
The second decade started off slowly socially, but well scholastically. All national sororities at Arizona were denied social privileges during the first semester for rush irregularities, and Gamma Zeta lost its social privileges in the spring because of failure to keep a sign-out book. Eventually parties resumed which included mother-daughter banquets, scavenger hunts, brother and sweetheart dinners, "intellectual hours" and serenade, slumber and roller skating parties. Social life was maintained "in spite of the Depression."
Kappas were busy with campus activities: drama, athletics, Associated Women Students. Rush was conducted for a few girls at a time, and swim parties, shows, and spring teas for high school girls were common. Freshmen and pledges were required to attend all football games, chewing gum was not allowed in public, pledges could smoke only in the basement, and had to be in bed by 11:00. Secret marriages were in vogue. During this time it seemed perfectly natural that two members of Delta Delta Delta had their meals for a year at the Kappa house since there was as yet no Tri Delta chapter on the Arizona campus.
The excellent grades of the early 1930s began to drop by the mid-1930s. The initiation average was lowered, and scholarship seemed to hit a new low in 1940 when the requirement for initiation was lowered again, yet ten out of 28 pledges still did make their grades.
At this time World War II was a reality for most of the world and the University of Arizona felt its impact. Girls gave dances for officers at Davis Monthan Air Base and for the Cavalry Post. Victory Fund dances and War Bond contests were waged between sororities and fraternities. Kappas worked in canteens and rolled bandages. Gamma Zeta adopted an English war orphan and decided that house fines would purchase bonds. Girls saved their razor blades, magazines, and old clothes, and turned their ration books in to the house director. However, the house director was given an alligator purse and a sterling silver compact for Christmas.
With men so scarce, the girls concentrated on rodeos, swimming and volleyball. In November, 1941, the members were shocked to learn that a member had been thrown while riding and died. In the spring of 1945 another death occurred, that of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and the spring formal was cancelled in respect of mourning traditions.
The late 1940s found Gamma Zetas excelling in journalism and by 1949 they were dominating many activities. They built shiny whales, pink elephants, "Arks of Triumph," and storks "expecting expansion." The chapter won top honors and took Sweepstakes prizes with these constructions. There were pledge classes of 40. Individual and team honors were won in golf, swimming, tennis, rifle, and fencing. Gamma Zetas were officers of Associated Women Students, Student Government, and drama organizations. Repeatedly they took scholarship trophies among living groups (dormitories, sororities, fraternities). There were several queens and a Miss Alaska. Near the decade's end the chapter was delighted to pledge daughters of two film stars, the cowboy idol Johnny Mack Brown and the versatile Anthony Quinn.
In 1956 the chapter began its foreign student program by inviting a young student from Denmark to live in the house. Since then the girls have enjoyed guests from Uruguay, Holland, Argentina, Peru, Germany, and Norway.
The Gamma Zetas of the 1960s didn't rest on past laurels. Scholarship was of paramount importance, and members were in almost every honorary. There were many queens, many hostesses, recognition in swimming and dance groups. In 1963-1964 the presidents of all four class levels of women's honoraries (Mortar Board, Chimes, Spurs, and Alpha Lambda Delta) were Kappas. They excelled individually and as a group, but perhaps in reaction to the war years seemed unconscious of the outside world, turning away from interest in or participation in anything beyond the campus.
At the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s social concerns again began to be of importance to members of Gamma Zeta. They participated in voter registration drives, political campaigns, and stepped up their philanthropy concerns. The Vietnam War divided the chapter as it did the American people, but the girls were able to resolve their differences peacefully and respect each other's rights to differing opinions.
Across the country the legal age of maturity was being lowered in Arizona to 18, and the University of Arizona Regents debated whether drinking on campus concept and began to stress individual rights and privacy. House keys were now issued to each girl, her hours were hers to decide, and her grades were to be given to her alone (not even to her parents). The scholastic rank of a chapter could be found out but not the names of houses above or below. Individuality and “doing your own thing" held sway. Apprehension arose among the alumnae concerning scholarship, almost always Gamma Zeta’s outstanding quality. Fears ceased when, in the spring of 1972, 22 pledges out of 22 were initiated and a Kappa won one of the two awards for outstanding senior women.
"You're a university woman," the statement made to pledges, implies dignity, personal responsibility, and promise for the years to come for Gamma Zeta.
Gamma Zeta members who have given special service to the Fraternity include graduate counselors Sue Forster (Vincent), 1959-60; Molly Roller (Spingler), 1958-59; Mary Hendershott (ltani), 1969-70; and Natalie Graff; and field secretary Ellen (Missy) Jester Ruth, 1971.
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 1970sEdit
Women's liberation was a large factor in influencing the activities in this time period, especially reflected through social and clothing trends. The Vietnam war divided the chapter in differing opinions about the war. Also important to the members at the time was conservation. An increased awareness about reusing and recycling took effect.
The inaugural year for U of A's Spring Fling was 1975, a carnival themed event that involved all organizations on campus.
Housing:
There was a period of transition for the house "mom" after the chapter had to dismiss one woman who apparently falsified her application and treated the members in a harsh manner.
Highlights of the 1980s:Edit
In 1985, Gamma Zeta strived to reach their chapter goal of "Image of Excellence" by making themselves more visible in the community. The three main points emphasized with this chapter goal were to excel in scholarship, increase awareness of fraternity standards, and exhibit respect and consideration to one another.
Some of the challenges they faced involved delinquent payments and alcohol infractions. The bylaws were amended to reflect current standards, and stricter enforcement of the rules were put in place.
Gamma Zeta experienced a sad loss of one of its members in 1985. Lauren Kay McLaughlin was killed in an automobile crash. Members of the chapter, alumnae, and the Greek system at Uof A mourned her loss.
The pledges of 1985 won the scholarship award for the highest pledge class GPA among the sororities on U of A's campus. The women of Gamma Zeta continued to participate in many campus clubs and organizations, and many members were named to honorary societies. Gamma Zeta consistently had strong and successful rush events, and one of the favorite party themes continued to be "Willy Wonka and the Kappa Factory."
The many social events included theme parties, holiday gatherings, homecoming float decorating, football game gatherings, Parents Weekend, and formals.
The Gamma Zeta chapter hosted Province Meeting in 1989. In 1989 University of Arizona's student body was 35,000. Gamma Zeta had 203 active members the same year.
The members of Gamma Zeta maintained positive morale by introducing programs like Sisterhood Cozies, Kappa of the Week, Hoots & Salutes, Sweetest Kappa, Outstanding Pledge, and Outstanding Senior.
Philanthropy:
Philanthropy continued to be an important focus of Gamma Zeta. Some of the organizations that benefited from the chapter's support were the Tucson Boys Club, Cancer Center, local women's shelters, the Rose McGill Fund, American Red Cross, and the Tucson Table.
Chapter Convention Awards:
At the 1983 Province Meeting in Santa Barbara, Gamma Zeta received an award for chapter excellence as well as an award for the highest grade point average in the Kappa Province. At the 1985 Province Meeting held in San Diego, Gamma Zeta won the House Board Award, alumna Thelma Dahlen, Minnesota, won the Betsy Prior Loyalty Award, and the chapter won the Chapter Excellence Award.
Gamma Zeta earned the Norma Dow Patton Gracious Living Award at the 1989 Province Meeting.
Highlights of the 1990sEdit
The members of Gamma Zeta continued to maintain a high profile on the campus of University of Arizona. The women of the chapter were involved in scholarship honorary clubs, campus-wide efforts, student government, special interest clubs, and Greek hosted events.
Ritual, standards, and sisterhood were core values that the Gamma Zetas focused on through their activities and programming. Big Sis/Little Sis programming was successful, along with non-alcoholic exchanges, Parents Weekend events, alumnae events, and scholarship events. The Gamma Zetas shared chapter news through its newsletter, Keyholes. Reports from officers were included, highlights from campus activities, adviser spotlight section, and a dedication to graduating seniors all contributed to a rich publication full of information.
In 1990 the sisters of Gamma Zeta initiated the Irimajiri Art Scholarship Fund in memory of one of their members, Maki Irimajiri, a student who died in an automobile crash. Director of Chapters, Jennie Helderman, Alabama, visited the chapter in 1991.
The members focused on scholarship with quiet study hours after 7 p.m., study buddies, scholarship awards, and study files. The chapter goal in 1991 "Shoot for Pi - 3.14" earned recognition in Kappa's Key magazine.
In Spring of 1991, eleven Gamma Zetas earned a 4.0 GPA.
In 1995 there were 16 sororities on the campus of University of Arizona. Aproximately 15% of the U of A students are members of the Greek system.
Fall recruitment theme parties included Kappa Kountry and Kappa Goes to Hollywood. In the fall of 1998, 55 women were initiated. This was the most women the chapter had ever initiated at one time. This was the first year that the chapter transitioned into the New Member program.
Chapter meetings were made interesting by adding a Romance Award, Hoots and Salutes, A's for the Week, Scholarship Bucks, and the Friendship Award each week.
In 1998 Gamma Zeta was voted Most Outstanding Panhellenic Chapter on U of A's campus. Also exciting for the chapter was receiving first place in Social Programming, second place in Scholarship Programming, Most Outstanding Adviser, a Kaplan Scholarship, and both the Freshman and Sophomore Greek Woman of the year.
Housing:
In 1991 a new house director started at Gamma Zeta; Shirley Roy. In 1997 the house installed three new computers in its library to aid with studying. This computer lab was the first time Gamma Zeta had Internet access in the house.
In 1998 much of the house was remodeled. Tile replaced carpeted areas in the TV room, bulletin boards were placed in the front hall making it easier to get announcements to all of the women in the house, and some rooms were repainted and recarpeted.
Philanthropy:
The Gamma Zetas continued to excel in the area of philanthropy. They participated in the American Red Cross blood drive, Cedric Depmsey Cancer Run, the American Cancer Society's Climb "A" Mountain to Conquer Cancer Benefit Walk, Tucson Area Literacy Coalition aerobics-a-thon, receycling events, ALS foundation fundraiser, senior home volunteer hours, Casa de los Ninos holiday party, and Ronald McDonald House meal preparation.
Highlights of 2000-2010Edit
The members continued to focus on sisterhood. This was particularly important because the size of their house is so large. They focused on activities such as Greek Week, Spring Fling, Kore family activities, sisterhood retreats, all house lock-ins, Scholarship Recognition dinners, Apple Polisher Dinners, House Board Appreciation Dinners, Homecoming, Dad's Weekend (one year), Mom's Weekend (the next year), and Staff Appreciation Dinners.
The Gamma Zeta chapter received recognition and a variety of awards from the University of Arizona. Members were involved in intramural sports, all-Greek competitions, student government, homecoming festivities, clubs, and honorary societies.
Gamma Zetas often shared their archives at the Founders Day brunch. Old scrapbooks were the favorite item on display, and some years the Gamma Zetas put together a slide show to show the brunch attendees.
In 2006 there were 11 housed sororities on the U of A campus and more than 20 fraternities. The 2007 newsletter of Gamma Zeta was titled "Keys and Fleur-de-Lis."
In 2007 the pledge class of Gamma Zeta was composed of 70 new members. Members of Gamma Zeta attended the Kappa Kappa Gamma Leadership Conference in San Diego in 2009. Scholarship was an area of focus during this time frame. Study tables were a popular way to encourage members with a low GPA to spend more time on their school work.
Some of the challenges faced by Gamma Zeta in 2009 and 2010 were communications and stealing. Officers improved their ways of communicating with chapter members regarding mandatory event attendance. Measures were taken to reduce the risk of stealing personal items in the house and in members' mailboxes.
Housing:
Seventy-five Gamma Zeta members lived in the house in 2006.
Philanthropy:
The primary organization that Gamma Zetas supported was the Giving Tree Foundation, an effort that supports homeless and needy children. In 2009 Gamma Zeta was able to raise $12,000 for this organization through their Hoops4Hope basketball tournament. Other organizations that received financial or volunteer support from the members included Race for the Cure, Rose McGill Magazine Drive, RIF, the Ally Adelman Foundation, and the Bobbi Olsen's Foundation for Women's Cancer Research.
Highlights of 2011-2019Edit
Highlights of 2011Edit
Social, scholastic, and philanthropic events continued to fill the calendars of members of Gamma Zeta. Activities included Dad's Weekend, study hours, sisterhood events, Sigma Chi Derby Days philanthropy, Firefighter Challenge philanthropy, recruitment review sessions, Hoops for Hope philanthropy for Cystic Fibrosis, Spring Fling, theme parties, Greek Week, Senior Week, Recruitment, War of Roses philanthropy, Parent's Weekend, Founders Day, and Homecoming Week. A Kappa Trainer visited the chapter in 2011 and educated the members about Kappa standards and protocol.
As of current 86 women live in the house, located across the street from campus. It is the hub of the chapter members and creates the dynamic and lasting friendships between the members of Gamma Zeta.
Philanthropy efforts included Toast for Technology, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, cooking meals at the Ronald McDonald House, and working at a community food bank. As a chapter, Gamma Zeta hosts a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the University of Arizona, Hoops for Hope.
Highlights of 2012Edit
Throughout the year of 2012, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus. Classes resumed on Wednesday, January 11th, but our house re-opened several days before, Sunday, January 8th, to allow the girls time to unpack and get settled before beginning classes again.
Our first chapter meeting was held on Monday, January 16th. During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Amy Noble, in order to prepare for fall recruitment. Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Allie Finnegan, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals.
Throughout the month of February, many philanthropy projects were held, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald volunteering. On the 14th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event and later in the month we had Mom’s weekend, February 24th-26th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their moms. On February 19th, a Kappa Trainer gave a presentation to the girls to inform them about regulations and life as a Kappa. Study hours were implemented during the semester to ensure that the girls were keeping their grades up. Study hours occurred every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for 3 hours. This helped our chapter, for our all house GPA average for the spring semester of 2012 was 3.060 and our new members had an average of 3.106.
We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, headed by the philanthropy chair, Taylor Sloan. Taylor ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event. $10,500 was raised and the money was donated towards the Steele Children’s Research Center. During March, the girls participated in Sigma Chi’s “Derby Days” field day philanthropy as well as Pi Kappa Alpha’s “Firefighter Challenge.” Spring break was March 11th-18th. When the girls returned from break, there were multiple recruitment meetings for the entire chapter in preparation for fall recruitment.
Throughout the semester we had a few date dashes as well as our annual formal. We had Spring Fling from April 9th-13th. It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. Later in the month was Senior Week. After Senior Week was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation. The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 3rd, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment. Bid Day took place on August 19th, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 82 new members. The president was Lauren Mueller and the recruitment chair was Amy Noble. The new member chair, Audrey Lewter, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter.
Key Sis week began near the end of August and continued through the middle of September. These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel even more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Phi’s War of Roses philanthropy. This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members. We had our first date dash of the semester at the end of September. This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night. Big/Little week occurred shortly after. The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal. We then had Inspiration Week beginning October 8th, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events. Each day the girls were encouraged to wear certain colors that highlighted a few of the main aspects of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Blue for Beauty, Red for Integrity, Yellow for Friendship, and Green for Loyalty). This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another. The new members were then initiated on October 13th and the Founder’s Day Tea was hosted later that morning. The education chair, Ali Castillo, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni.
Following this, we had Parent’s Weekend, as well as Pledge Presents. The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to the lovely ladies of the chapter. On October 24th, a pumpkin carving event was hosted with our members as well as with the ladies of Delta Gamma. Girls from both chapters got together to celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday by carving pumpkins with each other. Homecoming Week began on November 5th, with the men of Pi Kappa Phi. On Thursday, November 8th, we had a date dash with those gentlemen. Our Reading is Key philanthropy event was held on November 16th. Each member went to Rio Vista Elementary School were the members of Kappa Kappa Gamma promoted the fun and importance of reading to the children through activities such as creating bookmarks, snacks, and reading one of their favorite books.
The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 19th, and voting occurred the week of Thanksgiving break. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on November 26th, and began training with the old Chapter Council on December 3rd. To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 4th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games. As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 13th. Overall, the year of 2012 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year. The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.
Highlights of 2013Edit
Throughout the year of 2013, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus. Members were excited to be back together as a complete chapter after a long winter vacation. During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Lila Shtull, in order to prepare for fall recruitment.
Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Jill Smith, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals. Throughout the year, many philanthropy projects were held weekly, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald House volunteering in order to give back to the community and give our members frequent opportunities to serve. On the 8th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event and on the 13th we had a cookie-decorating event. On February 15th we had our formal date dash, which was a great success. Later in the month we had Dad’s weekend, February 22th-24th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their dads. On February 27th, we attended a presentation on nutrition, and on March 5th we had a sisterhood event called “How to be Healthy” to help our members maintain a healthy lifestyle. Study hours were implemented during the semester to ensure that the girls were keeping their grades up. Study hours occurred every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for 3 hours. Our all house GPA average for the spring semester of 2013 was 3.134
On March 19th we had a roller blading sisterhood event to welcome all our sisters back after a wonderful spring break. On March 20-23rd we participated in the gentlemen of Sigma Chi’s philanthropy Derby Days. From March 28-30th we helped that gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha with their philanthropy the Pike Firefighter Challenge. Starting on April 1st we had senior week all while maintaining regular recruitment practices and ritual reviews. We had Spring Fling with the men of Sigma Chi from April 8th-13th. It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. On April 14th we had a cookie-decoration event with Alumni, which was a great experience for our girls to bond with Kappa Kappa Gamma alumna. We also held events with other sororities like academic programming with Chi Omega in order to spread Panhellenic love. Throughout the semester we had a few other date dashes. We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, on April 28th headed by the philanthropy chair, Brooke Beard. Brooke ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event. $15,000 was raised and the money was donated towards Generosity Water. After Hoops for Hope was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation. The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 11th, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment.
Bid Day took place on August 25th, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 96 new members. The president was Danielle Dozer and the recruitment chair was Lila Shtull. The new member chair, Allie Finnegan, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter. Key Sis week began near the end of August and continued through the middle of September. These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. On September 13th the new members had a sleepover at Kappa to help them bond as a pledge class. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Alpha's Firefighter Challenge philanthropy again for the 2013-2014 school year. We also participated in Alpha Epsilon Pi’s philanthropy Hollywood Nights. This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members. We had our first date dash of the semester at the end of September.
This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night. Big/Little week occurred shortly after. The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal. We then had Inspiration Week beginning October 6th, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events. Each day the girls were encouraged to wear certain colors that highlighted a few of the main aspects of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Blue for Beauty, Red for Integrity, Yellow for Friendship, and Green for Loyalty). This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another. The new members were then initiated on October 12th and 95 of the 96 new members were initiated so we displayed a great retention rate.
The Founder’s Day Tea was hosted later that morning. The education chair, Hayley Shwartz, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni. Following this, we had Parent’s Weekend, as well as Pledge Presents. The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to the lovely ladies of the chapter. Homecoming Week began on November 4th, with the men of Pi Kappa Alpha.
On Thursday, November 8th we had a date dash with those gentlemen. The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 24th, and voting occurred on Monday, December 2nd at chapter. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on December 9th, and began training with the old Chapter Council throughout the month of December.
To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 8th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games. As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 18th. Our fall semester all house GPA was a 3.185 which was above the all sorority average and we moved up to fourth place for highest GPA for all Panhellenic chapters. Overall, the year of 2013 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year. The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.
Over this past year, construction has continued to take place to the trolley system that will run around campus and travel downtown, as well as to University Boulevard. This system travels along the street located in front of the Kappa house. It is now being tested for use and will be usable in the near future. Also, a new couch was added to the house and the courtyard in the middle of our apartments was renovated. The kitchen was also updated. Our wifi system was improved so that our members can have better internet connection all over the house. As always, the University of Arizona is a beautiful and sunny campus with wonderful scenery. Most days of the year, the weather is warm and inviting, encouraging students to spend time outside. Kappa Kappa Gamma is located directly behind the Student Union, making it extremely accessible to members. Due to its location and large size, the house is easily noticed for all to see. The Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of the largest chapters on the campus of the University of Arizona. 95 women were initiated into our chapter this past year.
Each and everyone of the girls within our chapter have been striving for success, both academically and socially. While actively getting to know all of their new sisters, girls were keeping up with their academics. This chapter is composed of classy women that represent the ideal of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Highlights of 2014Edit
Throughout the year of 2014, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus. Classes resumed on Wednesday, January 15th, but our house re-opened several days before to allow the girls time to unpack and get settled before beginning classes again. Our first chapter meeting was held on Monday, January 27th. Members were excited to be back together as a complete chapter. During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Grace Herr, in order to prepare for fall recruitment. Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Natalie Ramirez, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals.
Throughout the year, many philanthropy projects were held weekly, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald House volunteering in order to give back to the community and give our members frequent opportunities to serve. On the 8th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event and on the 13th we had a cookie-decorating event. On February 7th we had our formal date dash, which was a great success. Later in the month we had Dad’s weekend, February 22th-24th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their dads. On February 27th, we attended a presentation on nutrition, and on March 5th we had a sisterhood event called “How to be Healthy” to help our members maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Study hours were implemented during the semester to ensure that the girls were keeping their grades up. Study hours occurred every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for 3 hours. This On March 20-23rd we participated in the gentlemen of Sigma Chi’s philanthropy Derby Days. From March 28-30th we helped that gentlemen of Pi Kappa Alpha with their philanthropy the Pike Firefighter Challenge. Starting on April 1st we had senior week all while maintaining regular recruitment practices and ritual reviews. We had Spring Fling with the men of AEPI from April 8th-13th. It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. On April 14th we had a cookie-decoration event with Alumni, which was a great experience for our girls to bond with Kappa Kappa Gamma alumna.
We also help events with other sororities like academic programming with Chi Omega in order to spread PanHellenic love. Throughout the semester we had a few other date dashes. We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, on March 29th headed by the philanthropy chair, Waverly Newton. Waverly ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event. $17,000 was raised and the money was donated towards the Dermatology Division Arizona Cancer Center. After Hoops for Hope was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation.
The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 9th, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment. Bid Day took place on August 24th, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 109 new members. The president Caitlin Goebel and the recruitment chair was Grace Herr. The new member chair, Morgan Weaver, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter. Key Sis week began near the end of August and continued through the middle of September. These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. On September 13th the new members had a sleepover at Kappa to help them bond as a pledge class. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Alpha's Firefighter Challenge philanthropy again for the 2014 school year. This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members. We had our first date dash of the semester at the end of September. This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night. Big/Little week occurred shortly after. The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal. We then had Inspiration Week beginning October 13th, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events. Each day the girls were encouraged to wear certain colors that highlighted a few of the main aspects of Kappa Kappa Gamma (Blue for Beauty, Red for Integrity, Yellow for Friendship, and Green for Loyalty). This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another. The new members were then initiated on October 18th and 105 of the 109 new members were initiated so we displayed a great retention rate.
The Founder’s Day Tea was hosted later that morning. The education chair, Lauren Thorell, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni. Following this, we had Parent’s Weekend, as well as Pledge Presents. The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to the lovely ladies of the chapter. Homecoming Week began on November 3rd with the men of Kappa Sigma. On Thursday, November 8th with the men of Kappa Sigma. We also hosted our very first food philanthropy, Kappa Kon Queso, which was a huge success.
The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 3rd, and voting occurred on Monday, December 1st at chapter. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on December 8th, and began training with the old Chapter Council throughout the month of December. To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 12th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games. As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 17th. Overall, the year of 2014 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year. The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.
After last year's construction of the new trolly system, construction is finally finished. It runs around campus and travels downtown, as well as to University Boulevard. This system travels along the street located in front of the Kappa house. As always, the University of Arizona is a beautiful and sunny campus with wonderful scenery. Most days out of the year, the weather is warm and inviting, encouraging students to spend time outside. Kappa Kappa Gamma is located directly behind the Student Union, making it extremely accessible for members. Due to its location and large size, the house is easily noticed for all to see.
Gamma Zeta holds chapter every Monday in our chapter room located in our house. With our new 2014 initiated class being 109, it is a tight squeeze, but we make do.
Our house, owned by the university, and being one of the largest on campus, houses 84 girls. There are four living styles; the sleeping porch, the doubles, west wing (4 or 6 person room) and the apartments. The sophomres live in the sleeping porch, the doubles and west wing in the house, while the juniors typically live in the apartments in the back. Each and everyone of the girls within our chapter have been striving for success, both academically and socially. While actively getting to know all of their new sisters, girls were keeping up with their academics. This chapter is composed of classy women that represent the ideal of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Living in the house not only gives you a place to eat and sleep, but also a place to study and receive tutoring help if needed. Our sisters are our best resources.
Highlights of 2015Edit
Throughout the year of 2015, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma participated in a variety of events, both social and also philanthropic, representing our chapter on campus. Classes resumed on Wednesday, January 14th, but our house re-opened several days before to allow the girls time to unpack and get settled before beginning classes again. Our first chapter meeting was held on Monday, January 26th. Members were excited to be back together as a complete chapter. During the first few weeks back, the new members attended many rookie recruitment meetings with the recruitment chair, Kalyanne Younker, in order to prepare for fall recruitment. Ritual Review meetings also took place with our Marshall, Brianna Marek, to become informed of initiation and chapter rituals.
Throughout the year, many philanthropy projects were held weekly, such as Adopt a Street and Ronald McDonald House volunteering in order to give back to the community and give our members frequent opportunities to serve. On the 13th of February, we held a Valentine’s Day Sisterhood event. Later in the month we had Dad’s weekend, February 20th-22th, in which the ladies were able to spend time with each other and their dads. On February 27th, we attended a presentation on nutrition. On the 10th of March, we had our Formal Date Dash, which was a great success!
Our chapter, for our all house GPA average for the spring semester of 2015 was 3.133 and our new members had an average of 3.5. We had several academic workshops including time management, final exam preparation, etc. We had Spring Fling with the men of Delta Tau Delta from April 6th-12th. It was a week filled with festivities, fun, and games. On April 13th-18th we participated in the gentlemen of Sigma Chi’s philanthropy Derby Days. Starting on April 20th we had senior week all while maintaining regular recruitment practices and ritual reviews. Before the Homecoming game, on April 11th Alumni stopped by to tour the house. We also help events with other sororities like yoga with Alpha Epsilon Phi, our sisterhood sorority, in order to spread PanHellenic love.
Throughout the semester we had a few other date dashes. We held our annual philanthropy event, Hoops for Hope, on May 2nd headed by the philanthropy chair, Jaime Hewitt. Jaime ran a very smooth, successful, and organized event. Approximately $31,000 was raised and the money was donated towards Stand up to Cancer. After Hoops for Hope was complete, girls took their finals and then moved out and back home with their families for a nice summer vacation. The girls returned to the Kappa Kappa Gamma house on August 19th, for Work Week and Formal Recruitment. Bid Day took place on August 23rd, where the ladies of Kappa Kappa Gamma welcomed 104 new members. The president was Morgan Agster and the recruitment chair was Kalyanne Younker. The new member chair, Emily Sill, did a fantastic job informing the new members of the history of the Gamma Zeta chapter.
Key Sis week began near the beginning of September and continued through the middle of September. These weeks were when the new girls were paired up with the older active members in order to get to know them and feel more welcome in the chapter, as well as to potentially find their big/little. On September 4th the new members had a sleepover at Kappa to help them bond as a pledge class. The ladies participated in Pi Kappa Alpha's Firefighter Challenge philanthropy on September 21st-25th. This was a great way for the new members to get involved, as well as the older members. Big/Little Week occurred September 28th-October 1st. The big sisters left anonymous clues and treats for the little sisters each day of the week, leading up to the exciting reveal.
We had our first date dash of the semester at the first weekend of October. This was the first date dash for the new members and ending up being a very successful and safe night. Following this, we had Family weekend, as well as Pledge Presents. The new members were given the opportunity to show their parents the Kappa Kappa Gamma house and to also introduce them to their new sisters of the chapter. The Founder’s Day Tea was hosted on October 18th. The education chair, Paloma Marcotte, ran the event which was a great day involving the participation of many alumni. Homecoming Week began on October 22nd, with the men of Sigma Chi.
We had Inspiration Week later this year, beginning November 2nd, where the new members were introduced to the rituals and values of Kappa Kappa Gamma through a variety of sisterhood events. To start off the week, the girls were encouraged to wear blue on Monday to highlight beauty as one of the main aspects of Kappa. This week was also filled with a variety of sisterhood events that gave the girls another opportunity to bond with one another. The new members were then initiated on November 7th and we displayed a great retention rate. Our philanthropy chair, Hailey Clark, was in charge of our food philanthropy for the second time ever, Kappa Kon Queso on November 12th and it was a huge success.
The first part of the election process for the new Chapter Council began on November 9th, and voting occurred on Monday, November 30th at chapter. The new members of Chapter Council were installed on December 7th, and began training with the old Chapter Council throughout the month of December. To celebrate the holidays, Kappa hosted the Kappa Kozy event on December 6th, in which the girls participated in a gingerbread house decorating competition, was well as other holiday games. As the end of the semester came to a close, the girls really buckled down for their upcoming finals; the last day of finals being December 17th. Overall, the year of 2015 for the Gamma Zeta chapter was an outstanding and successful year. The values and ideals of Kappa Kappa Gamma were upheld and the meaning of sisterhood was expressed throughout the various activities throughout the year.
The construction from the new Environment and Natural Resources 2 building finally finished. The Trolley system that was finally completely last year has been running smoothing around campus and travels downtown, as well as to University Boulevard. This system travels along the street located in front of the Kappa house. As always, the University of Arizona is a beautiful and sunny campus with wonderful scenery. Most days out of the year, the weather is warm and inviting, encouraging students to spend time outside. Kappa Kappa Gamma is located directly behind the Student Union, making it extremely accessible for members. Due to its location and large size, the house is easily noticed for all too see and admire.
Highlights of 2016Edit
During 2016 Gamma Zeta had an amazing year as a chapter. Gamma Zeta and its powerful Chapter Council provided great structure and support throughout the year. At our National Convention in June Gamma Zeta was recognized and awarded Outstanding Chapter with the National Ritual Award, along with Honorable Mention in Panhellenic, Standards, and Academics. During The University of Arizona's Panhellenic Banquet in December, Gamma Zeta was awarded with Outstanding Dedication to Philanthropy and Highest Attendance in Reflections. We were #2 out of 15 chapters for G.P.A. for the entire Panhellenic Council and #5 for G.P.A. for all of Greek life we and have been able to maintain this GPA for the spring and fall semesters of 2016-2017. Our chapter main focus is on the importance of grades and has implemented many different activities to maintain this high distinction including: Geek of the Week Awards, Smarties Pants Awards, Most Improved G.P.A., 4.0 Pearls, Academic Workshops, and Planner Parties. Our Panhellenic Delegate did an excellent job keeping the chapter involved with the Greek Community. Members are encouraged to participate in other chapters philanthropy events. We had a Monmouth Duo Tea Party with Sister Sorority Pi Beta Phi. While we were able to participate in events outside our chapter, the best events were the ones spent with our sisters. A couple events we help this past year include Kappa Kozy Christmas Party with Delta Delta Delta, Kappa Kappa Grammies Sisterhood Event, New Member Sleepover Sisterhood Event, Founder's Day Celebration and Brunch, Spring Fling with Alpha Epsilon Phi, Keys Overseas, Big/Little Mentorship Program, Homecoming with our neighbors Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Sisterhood Movie Night where over 250 women attended. During chapter, we recognize those sisters who have gone above and beyond to help everyone with Supportive Sister Award (monthly), Sapphire Sister Award (weekly), and Kappa Kisses (weekly).
One of the most amazing things going on during 2016 was the preparation and planning we had to undertake as a chapter prior to the beginning of a multimillion dollar construction process that began in December. Everyone had to come together to accommodate each other, as women were moving out of the rooms being torn down and into different ones. The new construction is going to include new rooms, allowing more women to live in, new president and standards rooms, a new study room and tv room. A new and improved chapter room is the focus point of this construction. This new enlarged meeting area will provide improved technology and additional seating to encourage more members to attend meetings. We are so excited to see our beautiful home when completed in August 2017. We will be able to use all the new facilities when we return for recruitment and classes.
As Kappa Kappa Gamma, we are granted the privilege to choose an organization that has touched our chapter personally. After much deliberation over wonderful organizations, our chapter voted upon supporting the Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation. In total we raised over $27,000 for PMP Cancer Reasearch. We also had our annual Kappa Con Queso event to support Kappa's national philanthropy Reading Is Fundamental. In total we raised $4,450, collected 450 books, and donated 60 hours to Reading Is Fundamental. As a chapter we raised $15,620 and donated this to The KKG Foundation. Gamma Zeta members spent 900 hours doing campus service projects and over 2,400 hours to community service projects.
After much deliberation over wonderful organizations, our chapter voted upon supporting the Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Research Foundation. Alumni Taylor Wood's father and a current member of Gamma Zeta Maddie Wood's uncle Dave Wood (a former University of Arizona football player) was unexpectedly diagnosed with PMP Cancer this past year. Because we found this to be one of the unexpected things in life that make us thankful for our sisterhood, we donated over $27,000 from our annual Hoops for Hope event to PMP Cancer Research. Hoops for Hope is Saturday morning/afternoon event in April we put on at a nearby school's basketball courts and has been our of our most successful fundraisers. Our chapter has continually made Reading Is Fundamental a part of our philanthropy projects throughout each year and have connected with our alumnae group to expand our efforts. In November of 2016 we had an extremely successful annual event called Kappa Con Queso, that all proceeds went to RIF. Kappa Con Queso is always a well attended event that we put on where everyone is invited into our chapter to join us for loaded and delicious nachos!
We meet in our chapter room inside our house located at 1435 E 2nd St, Tucson, Arizona 85719. Capacity issues in our current chapter room over the past years has lead us to have joint meetings with our house board and new construction of our house beginning December 2016- ending August 2017. These rennovations will include a new second story to the house and a new and improved chaper room that should service Gamma Zeta for many years to come. We are very excited about the rennovations and the new chapter room that will be able to house our chapter of over 350 girls comfortably. This new chapter room will help our chapter stand out among other houses who have had to turn to meeting in lecture halls as their chapter sizes have also increased. Holding chapter in our own house continues to keep the authenticity of ritual and binds our chapter together even more.
Highlights of 2017Edit
Throughout the year of 2017, our Gamma Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma received a variety of awards, hosted two large philanthropy events and was very persistent in achieving our chapter goals for the year. Our social and philanthropic events and involvement on campus are very important to our members and we were all very excited for the school year to begin again. When we returned back to school, spring classes began on January 11th and our first chapter of the year was held on the following Monday on January 23rd. Our house was began construction for our new renovations over winter break and finally finished in August. We were very excited to add another story on a part of our house in order to house a total of 93 girls. During the first months back, our youngest PC attended rookie recruitment practices on Sundays beginning in February with our recruitment chair, Hannah Matthiessen, in order to get them familiar with songs, rules, and the dos and don’ts of recruitment in the fall. There were also a handful of ritual reviews with our Marshal, Kate Hall, that began with our first one on February 7th, to become informed about initiation and chapter rituals.
Throughout the year there were multiple opportunities for volunteering such as Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, and serving at school carnivals. The chapter was very adamant about giving back our community and encouraging all our members to participate in a service. On January 17th we had our 'Kappa Krush Formal,' which was a great success and our members were very excited to attend. On February 24th - 26th we had our Dad's Weekend where we offered our girls to purchase baseball tickets for the baseball game and a BBQ at our house for them and their dads. On March 5th, we had a sisterhood event at Funtasticks where girls could go-kart and mini golf together. We had an amazing turn out and also filmed part of our recruitment video at this sisterhood event. On March 28th, we attended a presentation about Greek Rape Culture to inform our members about the dangers of sexual assault. After spring break, we had a Free Throw contest in our parking lot to begin raising money for our spring philanthropy Hoops for Hope. This year, we voted to support the National Meningitis Association because of the harmful effect the sickness had on some of our sisters' closest friend.
On April 1st we held our annual Hoops for Hope event which is a 3 on 3 basketball game of the teams that our girls coached. We raised about $21,790 for the National Meningitis Association. On April 2nd we had a senior event where there was a photoshoot for our seniors as they captured their last couple of months of being together. The week of April 3rd, we had our Spring Fling with the men of Kappa Sigma, and our members were excited to participate in festivities and games during the week. On April 20th we had a "How to Survive Finals" presentation to ease the stress of our members while they prepared for the busy week of tests soon to be coming up. On April 23rd we held an Alumni brunch at our house which was very successful. The alumni were excited to see how the construction of our house was coming along and have a blast from the past having another meal here. On April 24th-28th we had our senior week. We celebrated our seniors with fun events during the week such as icecream nights, bowling, and a date dash in celebration of their last couple of weeks at the university. We finished the last month of school with finals and then moved back home to enjoy our summer. On August 5th and 6th, everyone returned back to school and excited to begin practicing for recruitment during Work Week.
Our Formal Recruitment began on August 13th and finished with Bid Day on August 20th where we welcomed 98 lovely new members into our chapter. This years theme was influenced by the 90's and everyone had a wonderful time celebrating, taking pictures, and dancing during the day. After Bid Day, the new members were brought back to the Kappa house where they were informed about the history and rules of the Gamma Zeta Chapter. The first day of classes began August 21st, and we had a planner party that following Friday to plan out our academic year together. New Member meetings began on Sunday the 27th and continued every Sunday until they were ready to be initiated. On August 30th we had a trunk show with Sunny Co Clothing where girls were excited to purchase swimsuits, skirts, and other apparel for our hot Arizona months. We also had a Kappa clothing trunk show and Lululemon trunk show at our house the following two weeks for girls to purchase apparel here as well. On September 16th, we had our first date dash of the semester called 'Kappa Kabana.' This date dash had a pool and our members were very excited to attend. At the end of September, pledge class 16 began having ritual reviews again to prepare for initiation in November. Beginning on October 2nd we had our 'Big Little Week' with the final reveal to our littles on October 5th. All the members who finally received littles were so excited to finally be the role model and life long friend to the new members of our chapter. The weekend of October 13th we had Family Weekend beginning with a Pledge Presents brunch where big and little were presented together in front of the new members' families. We also rented out a Kappa section for the football game and offered brunch for our Kappas and their families.
On October 20th we had another sisterhood event at a pumpkin patch to get into the fall spirit. We had a great turn out and received a lot of pictures and participation in the activities at the pumpkin patch. Founder's Day was celebrated on October 21st and our members were very excited to socialize with our alumni as they shared their Kappa memories and we all celebrated the love for Kappa together as we had a lovely brunch. From October 22nd - 27th we celebrated Homecoming with the men of Pi Kappa Alpha and had a wonderful week of bonding and celebrations with them. Following Homecoming week, we had our fall food philanthropy, Kappa Kampfire. We raised $4,080 for our national philanthropy Reading is Fundamental where we sold tickets for students to come eat s'mores, hotdogs and hamburgers as we played music, took photo booth pictures, and socialized with our supporting students. The new members were initiated on November 12th, and we officially welcomed 96 new members into our Kappa family. On December 3rd, we had our annual Kappa Kozy at our house to celebrate the holiday season. We invited our sister sorority of the semester, Alpha Chi Omega to join us in making gingerbread houses, taking polaroid pictures, and raffling off prize baskets.
Our selection process for the 2018 Chapter Council began on November 12th and after voting was completed, the new Chapter Council was installed on December 4th. Everyone was very excited and encouraging of what our new Chapter Council will bring for the upcoming year. As the end of the semester came to a close, everyone began studying for finals and 24 hour quiet hours were enforced throughout our house. Overall, the 2017 school year for Gamma Zeta was filled with hard work, success, and of course some fun. The values and morals of what it means to be a Kappa were enforced,and the members showed this through their actions and participation in everything they accomplished.
Although no significant changes has happened on our campus during this year, the University of Arizona continues to be a safe and beautiful campus that we are all thankful to be a part of. The warm weather gives us the opportunity to take advantage of our campus pool, participate in outdoor sports, or simply sit outside and do homework without being concerned about harsh weather. Our chapter is located in a very convenient spot that is close to most classrooms, University Boulevard, and the Student Union. This allows all our members, whether they live in or not, to come around often and spend time in the Kappa house before they have to run to class again. With that being said, the largest and most recent change for our chapter this year was the construction of our house. It is wonderful that we can now house more girls than we have ever had, and have a new chapter room that can fit all of our members-giving us the opportunity to host chapter in our house.
We supported Reading is Fundamental because it is our national philanthropy that we host a food philanthropy every fall to donate money to this organization. We also supported the National Meningitis Association because a group of our sisters were greatly affected by the death of their closest friend from having Meningitis. Later, we also found out that one of our alumni's son was also affected by Meningitis and passed away at a young age. We were excited to be able to raise money for an organization that supported more than one of our past and current members.
Our chapter meets in our chapter room located in the Kappa House. We have one of the largest chapters at the University of Arizona and we are very excited that we can fit all of our women in our newly built chapter room that now has a sound system and a projector for easy hearing and viewing purposes during Chapter.
Highlights of 2018Edit
Throughout the year of 2018, the Gamma Zeta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has thrived and been successful in completing a number of goals. This past year we have received a variety of awards, hosted two successful philanthropy events, and welcomed home an amazing new pledge class. Our social and philanthropic events and involvement on campus are very important to our members and we were all very excited for a new semester to begin in January. When we returned back to school, spring classes began on January 10th. Our transitional meeting to welcome in the new Chapter Council was held the following Saturday on January 13th and our first chapter of the new year was held on Monday, January 15th. During the first few months back, our youngest pledge class attended rookie recruitment practices on Sundays beginning in February with our recruitment chair, Claire Gordan, in order to familiarize them with song, rules, and the do's and don't of formal recruitment in the fall. Our Marshal, Allie Kelley, also held a handful of ritual reviews that began in February, for the newest pledge class to become informed about initiation and chapter ritual.
Throughout the year there were multiple opportunities for volunteering such as Ronald McDonald House, Girl Scouts of America, Special Olympics, and serving at school carnivals. Our philanthropy chair, Kelsey Hodge, encouraged our members and was very adamant about giving back to our local community in Tucson and at the University of Arizona. On February 16th-18th we had our Mom's Weekend where we offered a variety of activities for members and their moms. We offered a mother-daughter spin class taught by one of our members, rented out a restaurant for everyone to mingle, and hosted a beautiful brunch made by our chefs in our Kappa house. The next weekend, on February 24th, we had our annual spring Formal, which was a great success and all of the members were so excited to attend. After returning back from spring break on March 11th, we began the final preparations for our spring philanthropy, Hoops for Hope. Our members were were excited to make basketball teams and promote the hot dog eating contest we held at Kappa the night before the event. This year, we voted to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention because of the tragic impact suicide had on two of our sisters' family.On March 24th we held our annual Hoops for Hope event which is a 3 on 3 basketball game of the teams that our girls put together and coached. We raised over $30,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
On August 4th and 5th, everyone returned back to school to begin practicing for recruitment during Work Week. Our Formal Recruitment began on August 12th and finished with Bid Day on August 19th where we welcomed 111 lovely new members into our chapter. The theme for this year was "The Ride of Your Life" and was inspired by Harley Davidson. Everyone had a great time taking picture, celebrating, and dancing during the day. Right after the Bid Day celebration, the new members were brought back to the Kappa house where they were given a brief history, rules, and expectations of the Gamma Zeta chapter. The first day of classes began August 20th.
No significant changes have happened on our campus during this year, but the University of Arizona continues to be a safe and beautiful campus that we are all thankful to attend. The warm weather gives us the opportunity to take advantage of our campus pool, participate in outdoor sports, or simply sit outside and do homework year round. Our chapter is located in a very convenient spot that is close to majority of classroom buildings, University Boulevard, and the Student Union. This allows all our members, whether they live in or not, to come around often and spend time in our beautiful house before they have to run to class again. While we didn't have any new construction on our chapter's house, we did come back from summer break to find that our living room had been redone and the paint on the exterior of the house had all been made the same uniform color. Nobody knew that these updates were happening to the house and everyone was very excited upon our return. Our chapter also welcomed a new house mom, Kelly, this year. Kelly has been so helpful, supportive, and involved this semester and has had such a positive impact on our chapter and members.
We supported Reading is Fundamental because it is our national philanthropy and we host a food philanthropy event every fall to donate money to this organization. We also chose to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the spring because two of our sisters had recently been greatly affected by the death of a close family friend as a result of suicide. We were so honored to be able to support our Kappa sisters, the Dusses, by raising money for an organization that could provide the help and resources that their family friend did not have.
Highlights of 2019Edit
Throughout 2019 Gamma Zeta thrived and was successful in completing a number of goals. We received a variety of awards, hosted two successful philanthropy events and welcomed home an amazing new member class. Throughout the term there were multiple opportunities for volunteering, such as Ronald McDonald House, Girl Scouts, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Spiders and Ciders. In February we had our Dad's Weekend where we offered a variety of activities for members and their dads. There was a father-daughter workout class taught by one of our members, bowling, and a beautiful brunch at the Kappa house. In March we held our spring philanthropy, Hoops for Hope. Our members were excited to make basketball teams and promote the Kappa Carnival held the night before the event. Hoops for Hope, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament made up of teams our members put together and coached, raised over $32,000. The money will support Lighthouse for Hope, an organization that supports families dealing with pediatric cancer. This is a cause especially important to us because of a member of our chapter who dealt with pediatric cancer.
Our formal recruitment in August was very successful and we welcomed 122 new members. The theme for Bid Day was "Go Kappa! It's Your Bid Day" and was inspired by Kappa blue and blue. In October we held our Krispy Kreme with KKG event, where we sold doughnuts and chocolate milk to raise over $16,000 for Reading is Fundamental and the KKG Foundation. In addition we read to children at a local elementary school and did a book drive for the same school. In November, we held our initiation of our new members.
Gamma Zeta enjoyed our Founders Day brunch with our alumnae, recognizing our 50 and 65 year members. We are looking forward to the Fraternity's sesquicentennial as Gamma Zeta will celebrate its centennial year while the Fraternity celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Highlights of 2020Edit
This year our entire world was flipped upside down. Starting in March, our school and chapter events
went completely virtual. We held chapters on Zoom from March until December. We held a completely virtual recruitment and gained a new member class of 105 women. Bid day was held over Zoom and so was Big/Little Reveal. We wore masks around the house and almost every room in the house was rearranged to allow for more social distancing. For the first time in a long time, the house was not filled to capacity with live-in members. Sleeping porch rooms were rearranged to allow for less women sleeping in the same space and were converted to two person rooms. House Board worked tirelessly to allow us to safely return to our chapter house in the fall semester. Dividers were put in between sinks in shared bathrooms to allow for physical distancing. Plexiglass was also installed in some sleeping rooms between bunk beds. Initiation was held completely virtual as well as all Inspiration Week activities. The initiation ceremony was a 35 minute condensed version of normal initiation. Alumni were invited to join the Zoom to welcome our legacy members. All 105 new members that we started with were initiated over Zoom. Our chapter also raised money for one of our housekeepers, Rosa, as her father passed away from Covid-19 in November. We were able to donate $2,335 to go towards his funeral costs. Even in a pandemic, we found a way to support one another.
We supported the Joyful Heart Foundation for our philanthropy this year. Our normal event is called Hoops for Hope in which we host a basketball tournament to raise money for our organization. It was scheduled for late March of 2020 so unfortunately our event was cancelled. We were still able to donate $12,000 to the organization through jersey sales. This organization was brought to our attention when one of our dear sisters came to us with this organization that supports survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The cause was very near to her heart and many of our sisters. This organization empowers and educates society to change the negative perception of survivors of these horrendous events. The organization was started by Mariska Hargitay, an actress who plays Olivia Benson on the show Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The contents of the script and the work she did to prepare for the role made her realize she wanted to do more to help women who were victims of sexual assault. The organization’s mission is to “transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever.” As we all may know, on college campuses the rate of sexual violence is high. This is a cause we can all get behind as many college women experience this or know someone who has.
This year our chapter introduced a DEI committee to educate our chapter. They held presentations at chapter meeting to promote diversity and inclusion within our chapter. We educated new members on the importance of acceptance and love. All members attended the Ross Lawrence presentation which educated us on the history of Greek life’s founding. We were educated on the inherent racism in Greek life and how we can work to change it. We also reviewed the importance of accepting the LGBTQ+ community. One of our sisters who is a member of that community, shared some of her experiences with bias against her because of her sexuality and she educated the chapter on the importance of acceptance and inclusion. We also had a presentation on the importance of mental health. As a chapter we were able to have an open dialogue about our mental health and the importance of seeking help. This presentation/discussion was led by Zach Westerbeck, a well known mental health speaker.
This year we held a virtual Founder’s Day celebration over Zoom. We had alumnae attend our Zoom meeting and we held ritualistic activities in accordance with our bylaws. We also showed the Gail Owen 150 year video provided by the Fraternity. The video told the story of many Kappa women and what being a Kappa Kappa Gamma means to them, even after graduation. We had many alumnae attend over Zoom, even more than we may have had in person. The one good thing about meeting virtually is almost everyone is able to attend even if they are not in the area.
Highlights of 2021Edit
At the end of the Spring 2021 semester, our Gamma Zeta chapter received recognition for #1 GPA amongst all UA Panhellenic chapters. We recruited a class of 112 new members in the fall. Gamma Zeta held a virtual Founder’s Day and a lovely brunch celebration in the Kappa Kitchen post-meeting. We were recognized with academic achievement for the fall of 2021 with an average active member GPA of 3.46. We held a special date dash event which was Golden Globes themed at a local Tucson restaurant and were shuttled to and from in buses.
In the spring of 2021, Gamma Zeta supported Pathway to Work as our local philanthropy. This foundation was proposed by an active member, Lauren Dill of PC ‘19, whose adult brother has Autism. When faced with the challenges of the next step after schooling, her mother organized a program for individuals with developmental disabilities to gain a solid footing to enter the workforce. Our donations of over $8,000 allowed this foundation to purchase a brand-new vehicle for staff members to assist program members in job interview searches.
Since Kappa changed its national philanthropic focus from Reading is Fundamental to mental healthbased organizations, Gamma Zeta voted on the JED Foundation. This nonprofit founded by Tucson parents who lost their son named Jed to suicide protects the emotional health of the nation’s teens and young adults through the implementation of programs in high schools, colleges, and universities to prevent suicide. We supported this philanthropy through our annual Krispy Kreme with KKG evening fundraiser with a mask mandate. This was a wonderful event with nearly 3,000 donuts sold, designed sweatshirt & beanie merchandise, a DJ, streamers, balloons, and an igloo photobooth. We raised over $15,000 for the JED Foundation!
Kappa Kappa Gamma members expanded their awareness on DEI initiatives under the education of our newly elected DEI chairman. We had the opportunity to learn with short weekly educational sessions at the end of our chapter meetings on various topics proposed by our active members via Google Forms. Our primary social media platform, Instagram, was used to promote anti-hazing week and suicide prevention week with encouraging posts. Additionally, our chapter attended a few informational sessions on anti-hazing and promoting growth within Greek life. Gamma Zeta no longer recognizes legacies during the recruitment process to create a fair recruitment process for each potential new member. Grade risks are dealt with privately and no longer voted on as an entire chapter, to preserve the integrity of each student and respect their academic record.
During the spring and fall of 2021, all live in members were required to wear masks while indoors. COVID-19 was under control due to our high regulations. We had several rooms allocated for active members to quarantine for up 14 days after exposure or testing positive. Food was delivered to their doorsteps each day by kind volunteering members to avoid any face-to-face interaction. Our chapter was fortunate to still meet weekly for in-person chapter meetings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Students with prior obligations or illness were able to attend chapter virtually via Zoom. In the spring of 2021, our philanthropy chairman held a virtual auction with donated items and raised nearly $8,000 in funds for our local Tucson foundation, Pathway to Work. Our recruitment was half virtual. Short 1-minute-long videos were shown for Set 1, while Set 2 and 3 were held on Zoom. Set 4, Preference, was held in person since girls were paired up by twos. One of the biggest changes to the recruitment process was the timeline. Instead of sorority recruitment taking place one week prior to the start of school, recruitment began over a weekend and finished the following weekend. The first week of school with in-person classes broke up the flow of recruitment. Our lovely princess-themed bid day was held in person with a bounce house, DJ, tent, personalized napkins, catered food, watercolor face-tattoo artist. Our shirts were labeled “Kappaly Ever After,” with pink accents, and masks were encouraged since this event was held outdoors. Initiation in the fall was completely in person and masks were worn. During I-Week, we held sisterhood bonding events at the house. We held our annual Kappa Kappa Grammys where girls thought of kind awards for different Kappas in their new member class. For example, some ideas included, “Most likely to hold the door open for another Kappa” or “Most likely to be on Broadway.” Kappa Campfire consisted of all chapter members sharing stories in small circles of their best memories with other Kappas. We adjusted by eliminating the overnight portion of the ceremony and creating smaller ceremony groups. Alums were still able to attend and serve as readers. This initiation was a unique experience for PC 20 since their initiation took place online the previous year. They played a key role in the behind-the-scenes activities such as bracelet making. Our key pin shipments were delayed several months due to supply chain issues from COVID-19. We distributed temporary key badges and distributed flower arrangements and personalized sweatshirts for the Member Class of 2023.
Highlights of 2022Edit
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!