Gamma Omicron
University of Wyoming, established in 1886 in Laramie, Wyoming
Gamma Omicron founded February 25, 1927
1884 initiates (as of 2011)
Some of Gamma Omicron’s outstanding alumnae:
Fraternity Officers: Collett Beers Rangitsch, Director of Chapters, 2010-2012
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
The Early Years (from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870-1976)
The University of Wyoming, founded in 1886, four years before Wyoming was admitted to statehood, is unique in that it is the state’s only four-year university.
Wyoming was the first state to give women the right to vote, the first to have a female governor, many of the university’s first students were women, and Wyoming women and female students then and now have been outstanding leaders in their fields.
On November 9, 1920, Gamma Zeta, a local group, was established on campus with the hope from the beginning of becoming a Kappa chapter, living up to all of Kappa’s standards, and observing Panhellenic regulations. A strong and active organization was developed, entering every phase of university life and twice winning the Panhellenic scholarship cup. A strong supporter was Anna Broady Haggard, Nebraska, a member of the university’s board of trustees. Patroness Frances Longan Arnold, Missouri, gave much support and interest. Kappa alumnae from Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver, Colorado were much involved in spite of the great distances between them and Laramie.
In 1926, Georgia Hayden Lloyd-Jones, Wisconsin, then Fraternity Director of Provinces and Chairman of Extension, visited Gamma Zeta and liked what she saw. That summer at the General Convention, permission was given for a formal petition. The petition was favorably received and on February 25, 1927, Gamma Omicron Chapter was installed. Mrs. Lloyd Jones, by then Fraternity President, was the installing officer. Representatives of Beta Mu Chapter at Colorado University assisted. Members from Sigma Chapter at the University of Nebraska were also present. There was an initiation of the charter members and of Gamma Zeta alumnae who held degrees from the university. There was a formal banquet and a breakfast given by the other women’s fraternities in honor of Gamma Omicron.
Housing
In 1924 Gamma Zeta had purchased a house at 605 Grand Avenue in Laramie. The present house, located at 1604 E. Sorority Row, was built in 1940 to house 34 members although a few more could be squeezed in. In 1963, girls returning after summer vacation were greeted by a fine addition containing a larger dining room and kitchen, a large study and chapter room, three new bedrooms, bath and laundry room. The “old” part of the house had been redecorated and Gamma Omicron had the house on Fraternity Row.
Campus Honors
In 1973-74, Gamma Omicron was first in scholarship among the Greek houses, with the highest average ever recorded for an active chapter on the Wyoming campus. That year, six out of 21 Mortar Board members were Kappas, there were two Phi Beta Kappas and three Phi Kappa Phis. Spring of 1974 saw 16 Gamma Omicrons as graduating seniors, the highest percentage of a pledge class to graduate in the chapter’s history.
That same year, Panhellenic had offered a new All Greek House Award based on points for girls receiving honors, chosen as queens, for scholarship, leadership and service to the community and university, and general campus participation. Gamma Omicron was proud to be the first to win this new award. Through the years, many campus and chapter leaders have gone on to national recognition. Gamma Omicron has claimed three Miss Wyoming pageant winners who have placed in the top 10 in the Miss America finals, and one runner-up. Karen Morris (Gowdy) reigned as American’s Junior Miss 1974-75. Margaret Simson (Curry) was a member of the journalism honoraries while in school and wrote for and edited campus publications. She was an instructor in creative writing at Casper College and published articles, poetry, short stories, novels, and children’s books.
Just as the women of Wyoming were the first to vote, so were the Kappas of Gamma Omicron leaders in other matters. When the famous contralto Marian Anderson came to the university for a scheduled concert, none of the local hotels would give her lodging. The Kappas were proud to have her as their honored guest. Gamma Omicron was the first NPC chapter on campus to sponsor a foreign student. Elizabeth Scott, an exchange student from London, stayed at the house during 1950-51. Sally Shotgun, an Indian student, lived at the house in 1957-58 and added much to the chapter although she was not a member.
The World War II Years and Beyond
The World War II years were interesting for Gamma Omicron as well as sad. The large chapter became very close and family-like due to the lack of social life. In 1946, the Kappa spring dinner-dance was held for the first time in four years. Spring 1949 saw a 100% initiation of a pledge class – a first for Gamma Omicron. Like so many other Greek groups, Gamma Omicron hit a low spot between 1965 and 1970. It was a hard fight to remain afloat, but with third-generation Gamma Omicrons coming to a larger and better university, and outstanding Wyoming women becoming Kappas, the chapter was poised to continue its leadership on campus.
The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
Highlights of the 1970s
Gamma Omicron was pleased to celebrate its 50th anniversary as part of the University of Wyoming campus by giving two $300 scholarships. In addition, philanthropy continued to be a big part of the chapter’s tradition. The chapter collected money for the Wyoming Multiple Sclerosis Society and by holding a Read-a-thon and Walk-a-thon for the four elementary schools in the area.
Homecoming was an important part of the University’s fall calendar. Throughout the seventies, the Kappas were often a part of the Homecoming Court and won awards for their floats. In the ten years between 1975 and 1985 the Gamma Omicrons took first place four times in the annual Homecoming Sing.
In 1975 and 1976 Gamma Omicron received awards for achievement in Panhellenic and Gracious Living.
Highlights of the 1980s
During the early 1980’s Wyoming experienced a “boom period” where high energy prices boosted the state’s coal, oil, and natural gas industries. Unfortunately, the economic boom was short lived. By the mid 1980’s energy prices were falling and the economy was hurt by its lack of diversity. Thankfully, tourism did see a surge in popularity.
Gamma Omicron’s challenge during this time was to dispel the myths of fraternity life. The members worked hard on their reputation on campus and in the community by doing multiple community service projects, instilling values regarding members’ behavior at social functions and promoting interests and friendships outside of Kappa.
Throughout the decade the chapter was pleased to receive awards for outstanding academic achievement and public relations.
Highlights of the 1990s
Highlights of 2000-2010
By the beginning of the new millennium, the University of Wyoming had a student population of approximately 13,000 with about 4% of the campus population involved in the Greek community.
Gamma Omicron took on several challenges throughout this decade. They felt it was necessary for the chapter to understand the role of Panhellenic on their campus. As a result of this increased understanding, several members served on the Panhellenic Council in a variety of positions. Next, the chapter concentrated on developing their relations with their alumnae. It was particularly rewarding for the chapter when they were able to celebrate Gamma Omicron’s 80th anniversary with one of the chapter’s founders. Finally, the chapter also worked to enforce its attendance policies while limiting the number of events in which the chapter would be involved. This resulted in better chapter participation.
Philanthropy continued to be a strong suit for Gamma Omicron. The chapter continued to organize its Mr. Wyoming pageant for the benefit of the Red Cross. Wing Fling (a buffalo wing dinner), an AIDS Walk, and a Holly’s House Silent Auction. Numerous community service hours were also contributed to Safe Treat (a Halloween trick-or-treat event), the local elementary schools and other various community organizations.
Gamma Omicron continued to receive many Greek Week awards and their members were recognized for their service to the University and the community. At the 2008 Kappa Convention, the chapter received the Housed Gracious Living Award and honorable mentions for the Most Improved Chapter, Academic Excellence and Finance. At the 2010 Kappa Convention, Gamma Omicron received recognition for its New Member Program and honorable mentions for Gracious Living, Heritage, Standards and Panhellenic.
Highlights of 2011-2019: (From chapter history reports, scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
Highlights of 2020s: (From chapter history reports, scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
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!