| Theta | |
|---|---|
| Θ | |
 | |
| Founded | April 2, 1875 |
| College | University of Missouri |
| Location | Columbia, MO |
| Homepage | http://kappakappagamma.org |
| Media related to Theta Chapter | |
University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, established 1839
Chapter Founded April 2, 1875
3,689 initiates (as of 2011)
Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:
Fraternity Council Officers:
1890-1892 Grand Registrar - Gay Hancock (Blake)
1906-1908 Grand Registrar - Edith Stoner (Robinson)
1908 Grand Secretary - Edith Stoner (Robinson)
1908-10 Grand President - Edith Stoner (Robinson))
1930-1934 Grand Registrar - Marie Bryden Macnaughtan
1972-76 Director of Personnel - Marian Klingbeil Williams
1976-78 Director of Field Representatives - Marian Klingbeil Williams
1978-80 Director of Membership - Marian Klingbeil Williams
1980-84 Director of Chapters - Marian Klingbeil Williams
1984-88 Fraternity President - Marian Klingbeil Williams
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipient: Marie Bryden Macnaughtan, 1956
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
Carey Boone Nelson, artist and sculptor, 1943; (Ellen) Jane Froman (Ross, Burn, Smith), singer; the movie With a Song in My Heart portrays her life, 1954
The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976.) Six close friends from among 30 women students at the University of Missouri became Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma on April 2, 1875, with large flat keys and a charter from Grand Chapter Alpha as proof. The first female student had been admitted to the university only five years before, and Greek-letter organizations were as unfamiliar as the women.
Little is known about Theta Chapter’s founding except that it was accomplished “through Delta by correspondence.” Records probably were destroyed during the five years of sub rosa existence beginning in 1880, when the university banned secret societies. The Kappas continued to meet and initiate during these years, and there seems to have been a system of honorable dismissal with later reinstatement.
In 1876 a charter member was one of the first two women to graduate with a degree, and she became the first woman to win the Stephen’s Medal for oratory. To walk among the four buildings on campus, the early Thetas wore “walking suits,” as well as hats, gloves and veils. College life was serious; debates and literary programs enlivened the meetings.
In 1900, a daring idea struck the chapter—a house! Two year later one was rented and nine girls and a chaperone moved in. House rules ordered that bills must be paid; a budget must be kept; and social rules obeyed. The social rules, submitted for the dean’s approval, stipulated: No riding in carriages after dark unless to a dance; only three parlor dates a week; and callers leave before 10 p.m. Lingering farewells provoked a chorus of heels beating on the upstairs floor.
Edith Stoner (Robinson), chapter president and financial watchdog, was in charge when the Kappa Convention came to Columbia in 1904. She became Grand President four years later, after serving as Grand Registrar and Grand Secretary. During the Convention, Theta Chapter hosted a dance for the delegates in Read Hall despite a shortage of men. “No active on pain of death was allowed to dance, only the delegates.”
At the 1906 Convention, an opening and closing ritual for chapter meetings written by an early member of Theta Chapter was adopted.
Increased enrollment resulted in the formation of the Women’s Council and in 1909, Kappa called the first Panhellenic meeting as Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Phi and Delta Gamma had joined Pi Beta Phi and Kappa on the campus.
Marie Bryden Macnaughtan, for many years a Fraternity officer and a 1956 Loyalty award recipient, described her years in 1912–16 in college as years of gracious living in an orderly community.
Each year a larger house was moved into until 1913, when one was especially built for the chapter. Buying and furnishing the 10-room, Hitt Street house was a tremendous undertaking. The chapter was limited to 25; dues were $1; and monthly board, $20.
World War I
World War I saw fraternity houses turned into barracks, days crowded with Red Cross work, bond drives and nursing courses. The Chapter required each girl to spend two hours per week working for the Red Cross. A large jar of rock candy served as the only “refreshments” during rush. The city of Columbia was closed during the 1918 influenza epidemic, and when flu masks were discarded and the Armistice proclaimed, a coal shortage forced the closing of the university.
The chapters of the 1920s were intimate groups on a self-contained campus. A student arrived in town on the “Wabash Cannonball” and stayed until vacation. A few cars appeared before rush week, but soon went back to the family garage. Everyone walked everywhere.
The “permanent” house became crowded, and by 1928, two annexes were in use. It was decided to build and two lots across the street were purchased. A $70,000 Georgian Colonial was built, decorated, and moved into - all in one year’s time.
When the Depression came in, lavish entertaining went out. Some students had to leave, a few chapters folded, and jobs were in demand.
World War II
The impact of December 7, 1941, was felt more by young alumnae than by the actives, but soon life changed drastically on campus. Servicemen replaced fraternity men; party costs were donated to the Red Cross, and gas rationing eliminated Parents Weekend.
A milestone was reached by December 1947, when the mortgage was burned, the house paid for a full five years ahead of time.
Four daughters of former university presidents were among the nearly 400 alumnae returning for the chapter’s Diamond Jubilee in 1950. A Sunday coffee given by the actives ended the program of reunions, teas and a formal banquet.
Then followed four straight years of chapter firsts in scholarship as well as Sorority Sing. Trophies crowded the sun parlor shelves including four Convention awards.
The house acquired a new Georgian front, a circular drive and a patio in the late 1950s. Panty raids hit the campus. It was an era of silliness followed by community awareness and concern. Worthwhile projects, such as painting the Cerebral Palsy Nursery in partnership with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, continued for many years.
The Kappa Homecoming Queen was also a national chairman for the Young Democrats, an example of the political interest that marked the 1960s. Freak Week competed with Greek Week as anti-fraternity sentiment waxed then waned. Theta Chapter successfully adapted to the stresses common to the nation’s colleges in the latter part of the decade.
Columbia Kappas explored ways to make the house more comfortable for the 52 girls squeezed into space planned for 36. The house next door was purchased, and in 1968, 12 new bedrooms, four baths, a chaperone’s quarters, kitchen and dining room for 108 appeared.
The winds of a century of change had blown in Theta Chapter’s bustles and blue jeans past. The University of Missouri’s oldest fraternity for women reflected upon an impressive history and looked to the future with confidence.
Chapter Convention Awards:
1950 Fraternity Finance
1954 Standards
1962 Fraternity Appreciation
1964 Westermann Efficiency
The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976, and from From Bustles to Blue Jeans, A History of Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 1875-2000.
Highlights of the 1970s During the second half of the ‘70s decade, the Mizzou campus reflected a change of mood in the country different from the turbulent years of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s when protests against the Vietnam War and “love-ins” by drug-using hippies had made the nation’s headlines. Perhaps it was a backlash from those times that gave rise to a more conservative mood in the country and on the campus.
Theta Chapter’s long-awaited centennial celebration and reunion took place the first weekend in April of 1975. More than 400 Kappas arrived in Columbia, Mo., for the birthday celebration of the founding of Theta Chapter. Alumnae in attendance included daughters of three former university presidents. There were campus and house tours and a formal banquet at which 50-year pins and chapter awards were distributed. Council greetings were expressed by Theta’s Marian Klingbeil Williams, Fraternity Director of Personnel. She presented a $1,000 rehabilitation scholarship to the university in the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The chapter announced that it had collected $200 for the Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia, and that it was donating money for an overhead projector at Fraternity Headquarters in honor of its Centennial. The program included a light-hearted history, and misty-eyed seniors were recognized as Kappa alumnae for the first time. The Kappa Pickers entertained, charming everyone with their country-style costumes, playing on such instruments as a banjo, saw, washboard, spoons, guitar, kazoo and flour sifter and singing songs ranging from “Big Jim Folsom” to a 1940s pop medley. A Sunday brunch at the chapter house brought the festivities to a close.
The women returned home with memories of a weekend full of happy reunions with old friends, late-night talk sessions in motel rooms, leafing through scrapbooks and Savitars, catching up on what everyone had been doing over the years since leaving Mizzou. Everyone agreed it was a grand and glorious celebration of Theta Chapter’s 100th birthday.
In 1975 a Kappa was crowned Homecoming Queen - the first of a three-year succession of Kappa Homecoming Queens. 1975 also was the first year Rush Week rules permitted house tours by the rushees. In comparison to the wool dresses, suits, hose, heels, hats, gloves that were worn on the first day of rush in the 1940s and ‘50s, the women wore “T-shirts, pants, casual skirts and summer dresses” for the ’76 Rush Week. Nine hundred women went through rush the next year and Kappa picked 35 of the best. The Kappa Pickers entertained.
One special occasion at the house included a “mourning dinner” at which conversation could only be about “bad tests, teachers and this frustrating establishment called school.” The chapter began sign-ups for each meal everyday instead of signing out for the ones they intended to miss. Kappa triumphed during Greek Week ‘76. A Kappa was chosen Queen and the Kappa-Beta Theta Pi skit won first place.
During this era Theta Chapter members were active in all phases of college life. A Kappa was president of the business fraternity. Many members were fraternity “little sisters.” Some participated in intramural tennis, softball, volleyball, and basketball. Teams placed in swim and were undefeated in football. Others were cheerleaders, Golden Girls, pompon girls, and MoMaids. Kappas were chosen for many honoraries including Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, Fanfare for Fifty, Who’s Who, Omicron Delta Kappa, German Honor Society, KEA, SRS. Pledges took first place in the Lambda Chi Alpha Watermelon Festival, and the Phi Psi 500 had a Kappa freshman queen.
During a visit to Theta Chapter in 1977 Fraternity President Jean Wells stated “You have one of the most gracious houses I’ve seen, thanks to your generous alumnae. I believe there is a great feeling of tradition here and strong loyalty to the chapter by both actives and alumnae. Theta Chapter is also the fourth chapter to pass its centennial mark which is something to be proud of.”
Housing:
The beautiful Georgian house that doubled in size in 1968, was filled to capacity during this decade. Seniors key privileges began (with parental permission). In the late ‘70s, seniors were allowed to live outside the house. An electric door lock was installed to eliminate lost keys and a constant ringing of the door bell. However, girls still had problems getting locked out and resorted to climbing up the fire escape. New safety features included the installation of a dawn to dusk light in the parking lot. Outside doors were replaced with Plexiglas to prevent any type of shattering caused by accidents. Smoke detectors were added.
Other improvements included a new bath tub and hot water heater, plus extensive work on the plumbing. In addition, a new range, deep fryer, and InSinkErator were acquired. China with the Kappa crest, stainless flatware, water goblets, tablecloths and napkins were all purchased to enhance life at 512 Rollins. And, several bedrooms received new dressers and bunk beds. Paint brightened the outside trim of the new wing and front door, along with the columns. Kappa Mothers made air-conditioning on the first floor possible. The new chapter room was just barely completed in time for the Zeta Province Meeting. Coed dormitories came into vogue.
Philanthropy:
The chapter donated $200 to the Rusk Rehabilitation Center in Columbia. At Christmastime it gave door decorations to the Center, and sang carols. Kappas joined the Betas in a project at Woodhaven, a home for retarded children. In a charity carnival for Butterfield Boys Ranch sponsored by the ag fraternities, the Mizzou girls won first place.
Chapter Convention Awards:
1976 Chapter Publications
1978 Advisory Boards
The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976, and from From Bustles to Blue Jeans, A History of Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 1875-2000.
Highlights of the 1980s The 1980s at 512 Rollins and on the Mizzou campus began a period of steady growth for both the entire Greek system and Theta Chapter. Some described these years as being “the height of preppy fashion.” Kappas wearing pearls wasn’t just a stereotype, it was a true statement. They also wore clothing such as wool crew-neck sweaters with turtlenecks, Polo button-downs, pleated poplin slacks, cotton sweaters, Izod knits and Barracuta jackets. During football season the Kappas wore pleated skirts with knee socks and loafers, even if it was very hot outside. The campus was described as being carefree during this Reagan era. Girls would intern for their state senators over the summer and return with stories.
The House Director in the ‘80s was still “Mom C.” who was described as being very well mannered and expected the girls to be well mannered back. The girls worked together to keep the house in good condition for her. Mr. Paul was in charge of all of the maintenance in the house. Edna was the head cook whose kitchen was often a meeting place after class where the girls would tell her about their day and then sneak a cookie or banana.
Interest in women’s athletics and fitness was growing and Kappas won the 1980 women’s basketball intramurals. Theta Chapter received the Best Chapter award at the Zeta Province meeting in 1981, a year in which the chapter had set as its goal a strong emphasis on scholarship and increased involvement by members in house and campus activities. The year’s slogan was: “Go For It!” In 1984 the Missouri Kappas received the Standards award at the national Convention. The Mizzou girls felt that they were members of the best Kappa chapter in the world and loved to share their thoughts with rushees.
1985 was Theta Chapter’s 110th birthday. In light of the anniversary, a project called “110 Years Wonderful” set a goal to raise $200,000 by April of that year. The money was to be used to refurbish the first-floor rooms of the Kappa house, and establish a permanent fund for scholarships and house maintenance. On Friday, April 26, 1985, a dinner was held at the Columbia Country Club for this fundraiser. The following Saturday there was a tour of the newly decorated Kappa house first floor with the Standards award silver bowl proudly on display. That Saturday night there was an event in the Ramada Inn ballroom in which national Fraternity President, Marian Klingbeil Williams, Theta Chapter alumna, spoke. Other presentations included a 65-year key, 50-year pins to 10 chapter alumnae and commemorative keys to 61 major donors to the campaign.
The name of the scholarship that came from this campaign was the Golden Key Scholarship, which is still in existence. Its purpose is: “To foster and promote intellectual excellence through the granting of scholarships to qualified female undergraduate, third or fourth-year students, who belong to the National Panhellenic Conference of the Panhellenic Council at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The corporation shall not discriminate in the granting of scholarships on the basis of race, creed, color or national origin.” Some of the Kappas’ campus accolades included president of Panhellenic, Homecoming Queen, Homecoming Court, cheerleader, and Golden Girls.
In l987, rush information was computerized. Pledges had 10 hours of study hall hours assigned to them each week and the 46 pledges’ “walkout” consisted of spending the night in the United Methodist Church.
However, as this decade ended crime rates rose on campus. There was date rape, alcohol abuse and racial tension. “Unfortunately, these are the overlying issues at the University of Missouri this ’89-’90 school year” reported the Theta Chapter president. And a favorite collegian hangout, The Shack, vanished to make room for the Reynolds Alumni Center.
Housing:
The Kappa House was especially beautiful in 1984 because it had just been redecorated to a totally updated look unlike any other sorority on campus. There were about 10 sophomores at the time who had to live outside of the house. Grades were used to determine who could move in.
“110 Years Wonderful” raised $200,000 to refurbish the first-floor rooms of the Kappa house, and to establish an endowment fund for scholarships and house maintenance. In 1988 the fund made a $25,000 loan to the House Board for a new roof and new upper-story windows. Pledge class numbers increased each year from 46 in 1986 to 56 four years later putting more pressure on living space inside the house and parking space in the side lot. The 40 spaces were highly prized and a source of constant problems. The upstairs was still not air-conditioned.
Outside the front door was painted, new brass letters were hung above the door, and a restored carriage-lantern added. The front walk leading from both the driveway in back and front, and the back porch were redone to match. Inside, a second floor pipe had broken and damaged the sun porch so the far east wall, a couch and the ceiling were all redone.
Philanthropy:
With the help of the ZBTs, Theta donated $5,000 to the Cancer Society. Members gave blood and also assisted with the blood drive. Pledges assisted the Rusk Rehabilitation Center by contacted former donors.
The Golden Key Scholarship Fund (GKSF) awarded its first $1,000 scholarship for 1987-88 to a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. By 1989 the Fund had grown to $95,000 making possible the awarding of two more scholarships.
Chapter Convention Awards:
1980 Advisory Boards
1982 Efficiency (Housed)
1984 Standards
1987 Gracing Living (Housed)
The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976, and from From Bustles to Blue Jeans, A History of Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 1875-2000.
Highlights of the 1990s The 1990s saw many pressures on the Greek System as hazing, drinking, and diversity became major issues. However, the “favorites” – Homecoming and Greek Week – thrived. Homecoming continued to be a much loved event. Fraternties would serenade sororities hoping they would choose them as partners for making house decorations and performing skits the night before the Homecoming game. Skits would introduce a story, create and solve the plot’s problem in six minutes. The Kappas and the Sigma Nus won first prize for house decs one year. A Kappa reigned as Greek Week Queen. Many Kappas were vegetarians, but the most popular meal was the once-a-semester Happy Hour Buffet, featuring all junk food.
At the end of this decade many changes were in store for rush. Instead of Rush Week it became “Membership Recruitment.” Pledges became “new members.” Initiation was six weeks after Recruitment, instead of new members waiting an entire semester and making their grades. Pledge moms disappeared in favor of a Kore, made up of a sophomore, junior and senior members. No skits or decorations were permitted under the new rules. Parties became “events” and the three-party day was devoted to a philanthropy project.
Housing:
As new member class sizes rose, space in the house was at a premium. Freshman continued to live in dormitories but upper-class members and new members vied for rooms in the house. Those assured of living in were chapter officers and seniors, if they chose to do so. During 1992-94 chapter officers and the junior pledge class lived in the house while other juniors, sophomores and new initiates qualified for rooms by grade point ranking. In 1995.there were 57 pledges, and 89 girls living in the house.
The Kappa house was crammed to capacity with close to 90 girls living in and more than 100 living out. In 1999 there were 61 new members bringing the chapter total to 206 members. The dining room only could hold 180 for a formal sit-down meal.
Security became another issue. The front door code combination was changed every two weeks. Windows were wired to set off alarms in case of break-ins. Fire safety concerns initiated the installation of sprinklers, exit signs and smoke alarms. Regular fire drills were held, and lighted candles and burning logs in fireplaces became things of the past.
In August of 1998, when 900 young women went through Membership Recruitment the heat index was100˚. The Golden Key Scholarship Fund (GKSF) made possible the complete air-conditioning of the house. The Pit, the old basement study room, was converted into a computer room. The next summer the GKSF board approved a loan to renovate and refurbish the Kappa house in preparation for the chapter’s 125th anniversary. The front lawn was relandscaped, and a concrete porch with a low, red brick wall was added in the front. The slender white columns were replaced with handsome larger ones. There were new window draperies and blinds, new wallpaper and carpets, and reupholstered furniture. And, a 60” television set was installed on the east wall of the dining room.
House rules included: •No pets allowed except fish. •Housemother’s table must be filled first in the dining room •Grace is sung before and after formal meals. •A formal dinner is held every Monday night, when slacks, skirt or dress can be worn. •Shoes must be worn at every meal. •Boys may be in the downstairs part of the house from 8:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. •Men are allowed upstairs on football Saturdays two hours before kick-off and one hour after the game ends. •No alcohol is allowed on Kappa property. •No dinner is served Sundays and football Saturdays. •No smoking is allowed inside the house and outside preferably behind the house. •Parking spaces are assigned first to seniors, then to junior officers, then to juniors, then sophomore officers, and last, to sophomores.
Philanthropy:
The three-day event (party) of Membership Recruitment was now devoted to philanthropy. One year potential new members and Kappas made colored tissue flowers for the Rusk Rehabilitation Center.
In 1998 the GKSF awarded seven $1,000 scholarships to Panhellenic women including two Kappas. The fund that started with $60,000 now totaled nearly $400,000. Interest from the fund’s investments had made it possible to award 54 scholarships to young women on the Mizzou campus during the preceding 11 years.
The previous information was excerpted from From Bustles to Blue Jeans, A History of Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 1875-2000.
Highlights of 2000-2010
In 2000 Theta Chapter proudly celebrated its 125th Anniversary. Alumnae from all over the world attended the two-day event on the MU campus. Alumna Jann Carl, co-host of Entertainment Tonight, returned to her alma mater as master of ceremonies.
Theta Chapter made excellence in scholarship a top priority for its reputation and legacy on Mizzou's campus. With its academically diverse members spanning many majors, Theta Chapter maintained a consistent presence in the top tier of sorority grades – always above the all sorority average. To encourage academic prowess, members were recognized for their accomplishments and given special treats for their hard work. Those who earned a 4.0 GPA for two consecutive semesters were given a pearl for their Kappa badge. Each member set a goal GPA in at the beginning of the semester. When she reached her goal, she was rewarded with undergarments that read “Smarty Pants.” A sophomore was presented the Koller Scholarship for Theta Chapter women with outstanding leadership and excellence. The Scholarship was established in memory of Hortense Peetse Koller, a 1933 Theta Chapter initiate.
Academic achievements also were honored at a Scholarship Dinner; faculty was recognized at a Professors’ Dessert Social; and a Scholarship Directory was provided for members to reference classes and professors. Also, guidance was offered to girls having academic difficulties, and lighthearted rewards provided for studying and final exams. Kappa established academics as a priority, and Theta Chapter continued to maintain and strengthen the fraternity's legacy of excellence at Mizzou.
Kappas served as Tri-Director for Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol (GAMMA), and president of the University of Missouri Panhellenic Association (PHA). At the end of the decade, two Kappas were selected for Mizzou ’39, which honored 39 outstanding seniors for academic achievement, leadership and service to the university and community. Only 39 of more than 3,000 graduating seniors at the University of Missouri earned this distinction each year. This prestigious award pays tribute to the spirit of service displayed by the university's founding families in 1839.
Greek Week was a three-week-period in the spring when Greek students participated in programming, events, and service projects that celebrated the values of Greek life. It benefited approximately 15 local and national organizations with a wide variety of causes. Greek service projects raised approximately $140,000 each year for deserving organizations. During this decade Theta Chapter members won overall Greek Week, reigned as Greek Week Queen, received a Sisterhood award, the President’s Cup for Programming, and the President’s Cup for Excellence in Campus Involvement. Kappa also participated in Fling, a competition in which houses put on a skit with a preselected theme. The Mizzou girls received recognition for Blood Drive, Games, Programming, skits, Public Relations, Special Events and Sports. Houses competed in soccer, volleyball, flag football, and basketball. Those who didn’t play cheered the teams on with KKG temporary tattoos on their faces, wearing blue on blue, and shaking light-up blue maracas Mizzou’s 99th Homecoming proved to be one of the most exciting and eventful weekends in Mizzou history. Kicking off the events was the 25th Annual Homecoming Blood Drive. Kappas and their partners helped contribute 4,217 total units of blood. Next Kappa, AEPi and Delt Sig’s Scrabble- themed skit, and both Kappa In Between Acts (IBAs), made it to finals. Two Junior Kappas performed an acoustic version of Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface,” while a member of the sophomore new member class sang “If I Die Young” by The Band Perry. Those who couldn’t be there watched from their computer screens, the first year Talent was streamed live online. The next day while throwing candy to the crowd, Kappas walked with their float in the Homecoming parade. Saturday’s football game, the ESPN College Game Day of the week against undefeated Oklahoma, marked an epic win for the Tigers.
Theta Chapter won many awards for its contributions to Homecoming activities: Banner, Talent, Campus House Decks, Decorate the District, Best Storyline for Campus Decs, Most Creative Script in Talent, Superlative Full Points in Service, Merchandise, Special Events, Best Choreography in Fling, Homecoming Overall, parade, royalty and the Spirit Award. Kappas also were on Homecoming steering committees.
Recruitment themes and skits were as creative and clever as when you were in school. Dr. Seuss’s Kappaville theme for Philanthropy Day emphasized the chapter’s commitment to Reading Is Fundamental (RIF). Potential new members received tours of the house led by enthusiastic “Cat in the Hat” guides. In 2010 chapter members sported TOMS shoes on Philanthropy Day. For every pair of shoes purchased, the TOMS organization donated a pair to children in developing countries. Another theme was the Miss Kappa Kappa Gamma Pageant hosted by the Spartan Cheerleaders. Kappa Pickers entertained.
More than 1,500 women were going through Recruitment by the end of the decade. To make more room, all the main floor furniture was moved to a truck parked behind the house. In 10 years time new member classes had increased by almost 20. Initiation had moved to the Alumni Center. Theta Chapter had 212 members, with 86 girls living in-house. There were more than 3,000 sorority members on campus, or 13% of the women students.
One of the all-time-favorite initiation gifts was Kappa Snuggies personalized to say “everybody loves to Snuggie with a KKG.” Missouri Thetas’ social side was not forgotten. They relived their high school days with a High School Throwback party. Kappas celebrated Halloween by carving pumpkins and having an "Owl-O-Ween," joint date party with Chi Omega. Kaddy Shack recognized winners of Kappa philanthropies, including the Kappa Klassic Golf Tournament. Monmouth was co-sponsored with the girls from right across the street, Pi Beta Phi. Kite & Key with Kappa Alpha Theta was a theme party held each spring. Date socials included a prohibition party and the Sapphire Ball. Kappas, went roller-skating, celebrated Staff Appreciation Week, entertained parents at “their” weekend, and transformed laundry baskets into sleds when it snowed. And they had a “Support Bra” award – for members’ efforts to support their sisters. In August of 2010, a Kappas and her fiancé won the Today Show's wedding. A CPA was hired “to help handled the KKG expenses and budget” but the position of house treasurer was retained.
A 2010 Leadership Consultant stated:”You are one of the most hospitable chapters I (have) encountered this year! You have all the pieces in place to rise together to that next level.”
Housing:
The chapter room was refurbished and christened “The Marian Klingbeil Williams Chapter Room” after the former Fraternity president who also served as president of Theta Chapter. The room features a portrait of Marian.
Renovations and repairs continued on the 80-year-old chapter house and its grounds. The bald cypress tree in the front yard was hit by lightning and couldn’t be saved. A new roof and an irrigation system were installed. Two baths on the second and third floors were remodeled. Tubs were removed, more showers added, tiles and sinks replaced. The New Member Room was remodeled twice during this decade. Comfortable furniture, carpeting, and lighting were added. The third floor television room was gutted and remodeled with new carpet and furniture. New blinds were added on the north side following the previous year’s upgrade of the south side. The House Director’s quarters were updated. Composites photos were hung on the second and third floors. A handicap accessible bathroom was added on the first floor off of the sunroom at the back of the house.
Philanthropy:
The Columbia Boys and Girls Club was Theta’s main philanthropy for many years. Besides donating money earned from their annual Kappa Klasic Golf Tournament, members would visit several times a week to do art projects with the children. As profits from the golf tournament increased to about $20,000, other beneficiaries were added. These included the Voluntary Action Center, Lutheran Family and Children Services, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Two years the Mizzou girls raised more money for their philanthropy than any other fraternity or sorority on campus.
The women of Kappa Kappa Gamma also participated in the RAMS philanthropy, one of the biggest events at Mizzou. RAMS raised money for Multiple Sclerosis. One of the events was the Rock-It lip-synching competition, held at the Blue Note in downtown Columbia. Kappa chose to compete with a Lady Gaga theme as “Kappa Kappa Gaga”. The girls had fun lip-synching, dancing, and dressing up to the sassy music of Lady Gaga.
The chapter collected books and donated them to children in the Columbia area. They participated in, and won, Dream Girl competition that assisted solders overseas. They worked with other Greek and campus philanthropy events benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network, the Salvation Army North American Food Drive, Rainbow House of Mid-Missouri, Coyote Hill Children’s Home, and the University of Missouri’s Safe Driver Program.
In 2010 Theta Chapter instituted a yearly grant program for its philanthropy with the recipient chosen by the entire Chapter from applications. The first recipient was Cedar Creek Therapeutic Riding Center, which provided horseback riding therapy to people with disabilities of all ages in the Mid-Missouri area. The donation helped provide scholarships for participants with the Center. The women of Theta Chapter also volunteered throughout the year at Cedar Creek. The Golden Key Scholarship Fund (GKSF) increased its scholarships from $1,000 to $2,000, and then to $3,000 at the end of the decade. Approximately 12 outstanding Greek women attending the University of Missouri-Columbia received scholarships each year.
Chapter Convention Awards: 2004 Effective Chapter Management 2006 Recruitment (10-14 Panhellenic groups) 2006 Adelphi Society Bronze 2006 Public Relations Honorable Mention 2006 Philanthropy 1-2-3 Honorable Mention 2006 Advisory Board Honorable Mention 2006 Technology Honorable Mention 2006 Gracious Living Honorable Mention (Housed) 2008 Most Outstanding Chapter 2010 Academic Excellence Honorable Mention 2010 Recruitment Honorable Mention
The previous information was excerpted from issues of The Theta News, the Golden Key Scholarship Fund newsletter, and The Key.
Highlights of 2011-2019 From chapter’s History Report: 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:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Highlights of 2020s: From chapter’s History Report: 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:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Note to Chapter Registrar: Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!