Beta Theta
| Beta Theta | |
|---|---|
| BΘ | |
 | |
| Founded | August 25, 1914 |
| College | University of Oklahoma |
| Location | Norman, OK |
| Homepage | Beta Theta Homepage |
| Media related to Beta Theta Chapter | |
University of Oklahoma, established 1890
Chapter founded in 1914
4,242 initiates (as of June 2018)
Charter Members:
Avis Caroline Barbour, Nellie Jane McFerron, Perrill Elizabeth Munch, Stella Cecilia Ostenberg, Florence Nellie Van Buskirk, Lillian Ethel White.
Fraternity Council Members:
Helen Smart Brenholts, Director of Chapters 1943-1944, Field Secretary 1941-1944; Helen Cornish Hutchinson, Fraternity Vice President 1950-1952, Director of Alumnae 1952-1956; Jane Young Barrett, Director of Chapters 1998-2000, Director of Standards 1994-1998; Heloise Smartt (Brenholts), Field Secretary 1941-1944; Ruth Tyler, Field Secretary 1953-1956; Virginia Merritt (Autry), Field Secretary 1960-1962; Deidra Ballard, Field Secretary 1973-1975; Linda Dickey (Hilsabeck), 1974-1976; Field Secretary; Patti Gilliard (Smith), Field Secretary 1975-1977; Linda Schmidt, Field Secretary 1978-1979 Allyson Coffey, Traveling Consultant 1984-1985; Crystal Marcum (Bacon), Leadership Consultant 2006-2007
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
Helen Robson Walton, 1990, Philanthropist, volunteer, served on a governor’s commission on literacy among other areas; Becky Powell Casey, 2000, CEO for Harold’s Stores, Inc. (men’s and ladies apparel); Mareta West, 1970
Additional Outstanding Beta Theta Alumnae:
Martha Rowsey (Anthis), Graduate Counselor 1950-1052; Lynette Mehl (Hilliard), Graduate Counselor 1965-1966; Caren Cook, Graduate Counselor 1976-1978; Patti Gilliard (Smith), Graduate Counselor 1976-1978; Lisa Schmidt, Graduate Counselor 1979-1980; Crystal Marcum (Bacon), Graduate Counselor 2006-2007
Contents
The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)
In 1912 six girls at the University of Oklahoma formed a local organization, Sigma Tau Omega, with the idea of petitioning Kappa Kappa Gamma. Other campus groups had petitioned unsuccessfully, but these girls had a quiet determination, and by the spring of 1913 were ready to reveal their plans. With the help of three faculty wives who had resigned as patronesses of other sororities, five leather-bound petitions were compiled; a Kappa national officer, Mary Rodes Leaphart, inspected the chapter; and at the 1914 Convention in Estes Park, Colorado, Beta Theta was installed. Beta Mu was the installing chapter.
The new chapter, having first rented the home of a professor on leave of absence, moved into a larger house in 1915. During the World War 1 years members of the chapter did Red Cross hospital work; worked at the Food Administration whose headquarters were at the university; and sent gifts and money to the Kappa project in France.
In 1918, the chapter won the Panhellenic Scholarship Cup for the third consecutive year. Shortly after that the Kappa furnace blew up and other Greek groups invited the Kappas to meals until the house was restored. A few years later, after a four-year rental of the old Sigma Nu house, a new Kappa house was built at 519 Boulevard. From 1923 to 1939 that was Beta Theta’s address.
Highlights of the 1920s
In the fall of 1926 the chapter was cited for a rush violation, but the penalties imposed by the campus Panhellenic were declared unjust by the national Panhellenic, and reduced to a single restriction – that the Kappas should not be permitted to attend any Fraternity affairs for one year.
There was much controversy about cigarette smoking in 1928 and Beta Theta went into action with the first university approved smoking room. Other houses followed quickly.
The Hoover-Smith presidential race brought excitement to the Kappa Kitchen and Herbert Hoover, who had been a KKB, was officially invited by the Kappa Kitchen Boys to become an honorary Beta Theta KKB. The chapter was host to a smashingly successful state convention in the spring of 1929, its purpose to arouse alumnae support. A large pledge class of 37 in the fall of 1929 meant remodeling the third floor of the house, lovingly called thereafter “Seventh Heaven.”
Many girls could not return to school during the Depression, but Beta Theta continued to pledge in the high 20s. Some traditions begun in the 1920s have lasted. Faculty tea became faculty dessert in 1970. Kappas won campus stunt night time and again. The first two Engineer Queens were Kappas and there have been many winners since. Homecomings, Moms Day and Dads Day began in the 1920s.
Highlights of the 1930s
In 1932 a new kind of rush, the party system, was adopted and the Kappa Monte Carlo Party was the best of all. In 1932 the dean ordered no more walkouts. (In the early 1970s the Greeks were having their own walkouts with Panhellenic approval and guidelines.) Walkouts are similar to class sneaks…a bus is rented and a cabin in the country or at a lake is the destination for a weekend of fraternity lore, group closeness, and song composition, both serious and foolish.
The social life of 1934 had the added attraction of an evening with the university president, his wife, and his mother, and two evenings with the dean of women. For the first year the chapter dance was held outside the chapter house.
The chapter newsletter, A Peek in Beta Theta’s Keyhole, was started in 1935, and was first a fortnightly, now an annual publication. Blind Dates for pledges were started in 1935, a custom which has varied from actual dates nightly for several consecutive nights to several 30-minute mixers in an evening. Blind Dates live on! The excitement of 1936 was placing third in a radio sorority singing contest. Another highlight of the year was planning a new chapter house. Kappa architect Margaret Read, Colorado, helped local architects, and in 1939 the Kappas moved into a new house. Although there would be an addition and occasional redecorating, this was to remain the chapter house for years to come.
The talk of the entire campus in the spring of 1939 was the fact that singer Jeannette McDonald had stayed in the Kappa house when she came to Norman for a concert.
World War II Era
With the 1940s came World War II. There was a naval base in Norman and Kappa philanthropic activities were centered there. It was a time of entertainment at the Naval hospital, of blind dates with cadets, open houses, and present-filled Christmas stockings. Knitting for the Red Cross was part of the war effort.
Frontier Week highlighted the 1945-1946 school year. Everyone wore blue jeans to class. Second semester started with a bang…a dance…and the boys were back on campus!
Beta Theta was proud in 1947 when it helped install Delta Sigma Chapter at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). The scholarship point system was inaugurated and members without a certain number of points could not vote. A scholarship fund was started and each girl donated $1 for a student in financial need. Beta Theta won the Panhellenic Scholarship Cup seven times between 1947 and 1953.
A change in chapter organization took place in 1948, when the standards chairman became the vice-president. This was also a big football year at the university. A listening party, that is a party held in an especially decorated basement of “rec” room to listen to an out-of-town game, was a happy event. In 1948 the Oklahoma Sooners smashed North Carolina in the Sugar Bowl as many Kappa listeners cheered the Big Red team.
Highlights of the 1950s
By 1950 the university carnival had become the Sooner Scandals. Competing acts satirized university life, and Kappa Doll House took first place. Being first was not news…there is a long-standing tradition of leadership in the chapter. In 1951 one girl stands out: Nadine Nortan (Holloway) was elected president of the Senior Class – an honor for her and for Kappa.
In 1952 Beta Theta received the Standards Cup at Convention and in 1955 the silver service of the highest average at Kappa’s State Day. Kappas won second place at the Sooner Scandals in 1956, and seven intramural trophies in 1958-1959. That year several bedrooms, an enlarged dining room, and a remodeled kitchen helped care for a growing number of Beta Thetas.
Highlights of the 1960s
In the 1960s Homecoming was full of excitement. Not only were there queens, there were extravagant house decorations. One was a huge, revolving, musical birthday cake. When a Daily Oklahoman photographer asked to have the cake’s motor turned off so he could snap a picture, he was surprised to see it stop on its own, a move inspired by the 20 Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges and 10 Kappa actives inside the cake!
Three annual dances of the 1960s were the Barbeque, the Christmas Formal, and the Monmouth Duo with the Pi Beta Phis. This started in 1960 as the annual spring party. The annual philanthropy became a Christmas party for mission children which was given with Delta Upsilon. There was much social activity among the Greeks: the Chi Omega pizza party (which became an annual Owl-o-ween celebration) and dinner exchanges. Greek Week was exciting, with exchanges, Greek Games, and awards banquet.
In 1963 lending a hand to neighbors became a social affair. Early that fall the ΣΑΕ house next door burned nearly to the ground and the Kappas did the neighborly thing and invited the guys-next-door to lunch. Kappas made lovely houseboys!
The campus turned in the 1960s to philanthropic involvement through Campus Chest. The chapter was cited several times for the best booth, and in 1964 the pledges’ marriage cave within a mountain took the honors. Having fun while helping others is one matter; there was also fun for fun’s sake. Fraternities developed contests for the afternoons of big spring parties and all sororities took part. Egg hunts (raw eggs); tricycle relays, pie-eating, tugs of war, pillow fights over mud pits, and later, beer-drinking contests were just a few. Nearly all involved slime and grime for the contestants. Kappas often won a muddy prize. It was all in fun!
Cars on the campus were growing in number and there was a parking problem, so in 1962 a parking lot was finished behind the house. After a “lot warming” members of Beta Theta Pi decided to share this wonderful facility. Finally the problem was remedied with a fence, a guard, and a few towed-away cars. The Kappa lot was called the meanest and most exclusive on campus!
In 1960 a record-breaking class of 53 was pledged. These were days of Panhellenic concern over scholarship and girls were required to stay in their rooms studying, with no talking, no music, no television, for nearly every hour they were not in class. Such campusing lasted for one week before finals.
A landmark year was 1964-1965, Beta Theta’s 50th Anniversary. There was a splendid banquet with all the remaining founders as guests of honor. The program telling of the chapter’s founding stirred pride in everyone there.
It was quite a year. One dark, stormy night there was a two-hour power failure and word came by special messenger that the chapter had won the Kappa Sigma trophy for “Sorority of the Year.” Everyone gathered for a spirit session with songs and cheering despite the storm.
A young Kappa made history in 1965 for the University of Oklahoma, as well as for her chapter. Vicki Gotcher was elected the second woman Student Senate president in the country. She was the first woman president at Oklahoma.
And so, the 1960s rolled along, the chapter continued in campus leadership; social events crowded study time; scholarship awards were won, with more Kappas in Mortar Board and honoraries than any other group. One year the presidents of three major honoraries were all Beta Thetas.
The Centennial Year of the Fraternity was entered into with pride as Beta Theta alumnae, old and young, joined actives for a banquet and heritage program. Those new to Kappa were awakened to the knowledge that they stood on the threshold of a second century with the challenge of making the second one hundred years as outstanding as the first.
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
While a students in the 1970s mostly wore straight leg Levi’s or bell-bottomed blue jeans to class, the women of Beta Theta chapter wore dresses to dinner two nights a week. It was a time when participation in the Greek system had declined in popularity, and chapter members rarely wore a Kappa T-shirt on camps, because professors were prone to discriminate against sorority and fraternity members. The houses were smaller and chapter members worked hard to prove themselves academically, on campus and in the community.
New members had to achieve a minimum 2.5 grade point average in their first semester in order to qualify for initiation, and Kappas participated in campus events like Homecoming, Sooner Scandals, the University Sing and intramurals. Kappas supported the Norman community with Head Start, and cheered on the Sooner football team, which was at its pinnacle during the mid 1970s, when Barry Switzer and his Wishbone offense winning two national championships back to back. Games were usually won in the first quarter, so Kappas would retreat early to the Kappa house to enjoy a post-game spread of delicious snacks, often with family and friends.
Highlights of the 1980s
For the women of Beta Theta in the 1980s, the height of fashion meant Mopeds, madras, Cole Haan loafers, Laura Ashley, topsiders, big T-shirts or sweatshirts, and white Keds with bows in their hair. There were protests against the Shah of Iran in south oval, and members remember watching the first Space Shuttle Mission land from the television in the six-girl room.
Kappas were regularly first academically, and took on many leadership roles on campus, serving as Panhellenic presidents and cheerleaders, and one Kappa was even a Miss Oklahoma.
The chapter purchased the annex (the little house right behind the chapter house) to accommodate overflow, and it became a home for seniors. All chapter members were expected to live in the house for three years, as a sophomore, junior and senior. There was one formal meal a month with the chapter’s house mom, where the chapter members could learn formal manners.
There were many events with fraternities, and Pinnings were celebrated a lot: if a fraternity brother was dating someone seriously, he would pin her with his fraternity pin, a candle would be lit, and then he would be thrown into the duck pond by his fraternity brothers. Another popular event was Fraternity Lil Sis – when a fraternity would pick girls to be their “Lil Sis’s”. They’d come to the Kappa house during formal dinner in coat and tie, give a chosen girl a rose, and then serenade them.
Football continued to be big on campus, as the university continued to be national champs, and Brian Bosworth was the big man on campus.
Highlights of the 1990s
In the 1990s, chapter members bobbed their hair, donned big hoop earrings and wore flowery skirts and dresses from Laura Ashley as they listened to Bon Jovi.
All the fraternities and sororities worked on becoming more diverse, a trend the chapter also followed. Kappas were awarded Outstanding Senior Women, and served as Panhellenic president.
Highlights of the 2000s
The members of Beta Theta chapter continued to be a strong and very active presence on campus and beyond during the 2000s. Recruitment ranged from 60 to 80 new members per year, and the chapter consistently ranked in the top half of that all sorority GPA. The chapter led the Greek system in campus involvement. They participated in University Sing, regularly winning awards for their performance, competed in Sooner Scandals where they regularly won awards, and many chapter women served on Campus Activities Council Executive Committees.
Beta Theta actively supported philanthropies at other fraternity and sororities, and hosted two key philanthropy events each year. The Kappa Klassic annual golf tournament raised money for the JD McCarty Center in Norman, and the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser raised money for the Rose McGill Fund. Beta Theta also rang bells for Salvation Army donation buckets at Christmas, volunteered at Oklahoma University gymnastics meets, and participated in blood drives and Big Event, a campus-wide community service project. Other highlights included building a Habitat for Humanity home for a Norman family, and reading bedtime stories to young children with developmental disabilities as part of the Fairy Tale Friends program at the JD McCarty Center.
There were several improvements to the house, which was always filled to the brim with Kappas. In 2007, alumnae donated a new building called Kappa Hall, which is used for chapter meetings, practice, banquets, and parents’ weekend, among other things. In 2008, new wood floors were laid in the upstairs hallway, the study room was completely redone, the dining room chairs reupholstered, and the walls repainted. In 2009, the house got a new heating and air conditioning system, a new sound system for recruitment, and a new ice cream machine. And in 2010, there were new wood floors.
Beta Theta hosted two events for alumnae and their children every year: a spring Easter egg hunt, and Halloween trick or treating at the Kappa House.
Chapter women were awarded Outstanding Sophomore, Big Woman on Campus and Homecoming Queen in 2004, and there was a homecoming queen finalist in 2005, 2006, and 2007. In 2007, there was also a runner up in the Lambda Chi Alpha rose pageant, and in 2008 a Miss Oklahoma University pageant runner up. There were also Lambda Chi Alpha rose pageant winners in 2008 and 2009.
Highlights of 2011
Kappa had another successful year in 2011.
Beta Theta chapter was runner-up for the President’s Trophy, the University of Oklahoma’s most prestigious award in the Greek community. We hosted five multicultural events, more than any other sorority or fraternity on campus. Some of these were mixers with the student organization Pan-Am.
We also had members involved in every single Campus Activities Council Executive Committee, a leadership organization in charge of almost all of the events on campus. We had Kappas participate by serving in CAC and volunteering at each event. The Vice President of UOSA (University of Oklahoma Student Association) and the CAC Homecoming Queen was Laura Bock, a junior Beta Theta member. Our chapter also won first in the homecoming float contest and third in homecoming overall. In another CAC event, Dance Marathon, which raised over $73,000 for Children’s Mercy Network, we won the highest attendance award.
In the area of philanthropy, we also hosted our first ever Reading Is Fundamental book assemblies in three Title 1 Elementary schools. Each student got to choose a book to take home. At the assemblies, Kappas acted out The True Story of the Three Little Pigs for the elementary school students and shared our favorite books. Held on the Kappa lawn, The Reading is Fundamental Book Bash, which features tacos and a DJ, was a huge success. Another philanthropy event was Kappa Kupcakes, where we sold tickets to people who could then enjoy cupcakes from bakeries across the Norman area. We had a DJ on the Kappa lawn, Christmas lights and over 2,000 cupcakes at the event, with 100% of the proceeds benefitted the Center for Children and Families in Norman. We raised $4,500, four times the amount we raised from our Spaghetti Dinner in 2010. As a house, we supported numerous Greek philanthropic events such as Chi Omega Cravings, Pi Phi Gives You Wings, Delta Delta Delta Pancake Breakfast, Theta Pancake Breakfast, Delta Gamma Anchorsplash, Fiji Olympics, Sigma Chi Derby Day, and Gamma Phi Chill CookOff.
Other important accomplishments of the Beta Theta chapter include placing first in intramurals and participating in both Sooner Scandals and University Sing. These two competitions involve musical productions put on by different pairs of Greek houses. Our chapter won numerous awards in both of these competitions such as Best Song and Best Beatles rendition.
The year 2011 brought 71 new Kappas into our chapter. This year’s pledge class received second in grades. As a sorority, we received third in grades overall. This is a wonderful accomplishment because our sorority is one of the few houses on campus that does not have a rigid study hour system requirement. We had a very successful and eventful year in 2011 and are looking forward to an even more prolific 2012.
Highlights of 2012
Scholarship Spring 2012 GPA - 3.372 - Rank - 4th Place Fall 2012 Member GPA - 3.4 - Rank - 1st Place Fall 2012 New Member GPA - 3.313 - Rank - 3rd Place
Kappa Tutors The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
Adopt-a-Prof In spring of 2012, Kappa was happy to be matched with Juanita Vargas, prominent leader and professor from the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. Many of our members have enjoyed meeting with her and welcoming her and her family into our home.
In the fall of 2012, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
Smart Cookie Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
Period of Support This is a new program that Kappa established to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
Owl Groups Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
Group Honors/Awards - University of Oklahoma Homecoming Queen 2012 - Maggie Cannon Campus Activities Council Sooner Scandals - 1st Place Campus Activities Council University Sing - 2nd Place Best Supporting Actress Campus Activities Council Homecoming - 3rd Place Overall Banner Competition - 1st Place Float Competition - 2nd Place Panhellenic Standards of Excellence Awards Academic Achievement Commitment to Founding Values • Leadership and Membership Development • Risk Management and Social Responsibilities • Recruitment and Education of New Member • Develop & Foster Relationships with Stakeholders • PanHellenic Outstanding Alumni Award - Jane Barrett • PanHellenic House of the Year for International Greek Exchange 2012
2012 Kappa Convention Awards New Member Program Award Winner Honorable Mentions:Advisory Board Award; House Board Award; Chapter/Advisory Board Relations Award; Technology Award; Philanthropy Award; Philanthropy Signature Event Award; PanHellenic Award; Recruitment Award; Public Relations Award; Excellence in Chapter Management Award Traditions
Senior Bump Line The last chapter meeting of the year, all active members, except seniors, recreate the recruitment ‘Bump Line’ in Kappa Hall. The seniors then enter and we ‘bump’ them in for their last chapter.
Special Events • Soonerthon Miracle Child - Lucy Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy. We threw her a birthday party with presents, cakes and ended the night with a sleepover.
Owl-O-Ween For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks.
Dad’s Day For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle.
Mom’s Day For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
Relay for Life One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma.
Soonerthon Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event.
Big Event Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
University Sing Beta Theta was paired with Sigma Phi Epsilon to the theme “Picture Perfect” for U-Sing 2012. The chapter had to choose a picture from an old year book and build a performance around it.
Sooner Scandals To the theme, “Be Careful What You Wish For,” Kappa put together an incredible show alongside Delta Tau Delta about a boy who wished to be apart of the circus and later finds out, it was not what he expected. Kappa took first place in Scandals 2012!
Homecoming “Let the Games Begin” was the Homecoming theme for 2012. Each group chose a board game of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Sigma Alpha Epsilon to the theme ‘Jumanji’.
Kite and Key Paired with Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa had a formal evening with a live band at the Farmers Market in downtown Oklahoma City.
Glo Kappa Kappa’s dance the night away in all neon gear at Norman’s Red Room
Monmonth Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park.
KKG Where Will You Be Kappa’s dressed as who they wanted to be in ten years. Everyone made their costumes unique and all their own.
Philanthropic Involvement RIF Book Drop Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. In years past, we were able to give to a book to every child. This year in particular,we collected over 2,500 from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. One elementary school was a low income rural school just outside of the Norman. This school had been hit by a tornado so our books help rebuild their school library.
Kappa Kupcakes "Kappa Kupcakes," a public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester in April. At this event, local businesses collectively donate thousands of cupcakes for attendees, a local DJ plays music on the front lawn, the chapter house is decorated, chapter members dress up (some actually dress up as cupcakes) or wear our Kappa Kupcakes t-shirt, and PanHellenic chapters participate in a cupcake cook off. Funds raised go to Center for Children and Families Inc.
Goodwill At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in.
Local Fire Department When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty.
Chapter Goals For the year 2012, our chapter goals were to: Increase academic accountability To achieve this goal, we put a huge emphasis on academics on a weekly basis. At the beginning of the fall semester, we had each member and new member write down their GPA goal. We combined them all and came up with a chapter goal. Throughout the semester, we had encouragement to help us reach our goals.
Increase campus involvement and leadership Beta Theta successfully had continuous involvement in over 70 different student organizations on campus. Campus Actives Council (CAC) hosts the campuses main events throughout the year such as Homecoming, Dance Marathon and ten other campus wide activates. Kappa has representation in all twelve executive committees.
Educate members of general etiquette To better inform our members on general etiquette, we invited Kate Stanton, Executive Director of Student Affairs, to speak about the importance of maintaining social etiquette. She was engaging, funny and members learned a lot from her presentation.
Invite honored Beta Theta alumnae to speak at chapter Chapters advisors came to introduce themselves at weekly chapter meetings. We hope to expand beyond advisers this year to alumnae that are prominent leaders in the state.
Increase attendance on campus events As a chapter, we provided more incentives to get involved. The New Member Educator also invited organization liaisons to the new member meetings to better inform them on organizations on campus. We also added calendars on the back of chapter announcements.
Improve visibility on PanHellenic leadership This past year, Beta Theta strived to have at least two people apply for every open PanHellenic position. We also had several members as Rho Gamma’s during formal recruitment.
Host a multicultural event Beta Theta hosted three different multicultural events including a pumpkin carving night with a multicultural group on campus.
Publicize philanthropic causes Beta Theta has gone to great lengths to insure quality PR. We updated our website, set up a twitter and instagram account and utilized social media. We also continue to make t-shirts for events as well as banners to hang outside our house. This past year we have also personally gone to other chapters on campus to share events.
Increase Chapter knowledge and understanding of ritual After convention, we knew we needed to come back and improve our rituals. We held ritual reviews weekly for members to make sure everything was in place for initiation. When the time rolled around, Beta Theta was fully prepared to do everything by the book. Our chapter is extremely proud of the accomplishments and changes we have made this past year with our rituals.
Give a detailed budget presentation each semester Nicole Upshaw, our chapter treasurer for 2012, put together a PowerPoint slideshow both semesters to better explain where each dollar of our dues was going and why.
Increase chapter unity through fun activities As a chapter, we attended a Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball game. We also had a movie night on the front lawn of the Kappa house where we rented a giant TV screen and laid out lounged on blankets and had popcorn.
Foster an environment of accountability and increase morale in Standards Standards Committee did a great job of making sure all situations were dealt with equally and fair to all members. The Vice President of Standards made presentations throughout both semesters to make sure all members understood the standards guidelines.To increase morale, the Standards committee has several fun activities for the chapter including ‘mocktinis’ the chapter before spring break along with a standards presentation.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment.
PanHellenic Community Service Hours PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa has adapted and encouraged our members to abide by the changes.
Emergency Plan Over the summer of 2012, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
World/Local Events OKies for Africa A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall,where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa.
Opportunity Boxes Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
Presidential Campaigns Several members of our chapter were campaign callers during the presidential election. They were prepared to answer questions about the campaign as well as take donations.
Watch Party The University of Oklahoma Student Government Association hosted watch parties for each presidential debate, at which Kappa’s were in attendance.
Natural Disasters Fires swept through areas of Oklahoma, taking homes, businesses and caused countless other damages. Beta Theta took supplies such as food and water to rescue workers.
Highlights of 2014
Scholarship
•Spring 2014 GPA - 3.333
•Fall 2014 Member GPA - 3.361
Rank – 2nd Place
•Kappa Tutors: The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
•Adopt-a-Prof: In the fall of 2014, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
•Smart Cookie: Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
•Period of Support: Kappa established this program to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
•Owl Groups: Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
Group Honors/Awards
University of Oklahoma
•Homecoming Queen 2014 – Sarah Campbell
•President’s Trophy Award
•Campus Activities Council University Sing
•Soonerthon Miracle Network Award
•Campus Activities Council Homecoming
•Pep Rally Competition- 1st Place
Special Events
•Soonerthon Miracle Child – Lucy Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy, whom we have been paired with in the past. The Kappas have developed a great relationship with her and her family and are happy to be able to support her again this year. This past semester we went to Andy Alligator’s with the Soonerthon group and then continued the fun back at the Kappa house! We had presents for Lucy and a yummy ice cream bar. We played for hours, painted each other’s faces, and shared a lot of laughs. We ended the night with a sleepover.
•Owl-O-Ween: For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks.
•Dad’s Day: For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle.
•Mom’s Day: For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
•Relay for Life: One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma for the past three years .
•Soonerthon: Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event. Sarah Campbell, a junior kappa, was the chairman for the event and ended up raising $318,711.14 to donate to the OU Children’s Hospital.
•Big Event: Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
•University Sing: Beta Theta was paired with Delta Tau Delta for U-Sing 2014. The chapter had to choose a picture from an old year book and build a performance around it.
•Homecoming: “Bound as One” was the Homecoming theme for 2014. Each group chose a story book of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi, and Lambda Phi Epsilon to the theme ‘Water for Elephants.
•Kappa Kappa Galaxy: Kappa’s have fun dressing up as aliens, robots, and other futuristic costumes with a kappa twist in downtown Oklahoma City.
•Centennial: Last year, the Beta Theta Chapter celebrated their 100th anniversary! The entire chapter had a luncheon, fun activities, and a dinner party for all of Beta Theta’s past and present members to enjoy for the weekend. The Centennial Ball took place at the Embassy Suites located in Norman.
• Monmonth: Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park.
Philanthropic Involvement
•RIF Book Drive: Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. This year we had the opportunity to donate to our local philanthropy, CCFI, also. They used the books in their Holiday Wishes gift drive. This year we collected over 2,000 books from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. We are now participating in a volunteer and mentoring program with one of the schools that received donations from us. The book drive was extremely successful this year and we are happy to spread the love for reading to children all around Norman.
•Kappa Kupcakes: "Kappa Kupcakes” is our public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester. Last year we had it in April and this year it will be held on March 4th. At this event, the Norman and OU community have the chance to come to Kappa and eat cupcakes to support our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. Attendees enjoy cupcakes and a cake-decorating contest, along with a photo booth and lovely outdoor seating. Last year we presented a check for $4,800 to CCFI. This year we aim to make above and beyond last year’s total. This event is not only full of yummy treats, but it benefits a great cause and provides wonderful community interaction.
•Goodwill At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in.
•Local Fire Department When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty.
Chapter Goals
For the year 2014, our chapter goals were to:
Green Quadrant:
•Improve Chapter Council's understanding of chapter budget
•Prepare chapter budget and present to chapter
•The treasurer will hold office hours once a week
•Familiarize members with Panhellenic and encourage greater participation
•Provide incentives for attending weekly Panhellenic meetings
•Continue to nominate at least two individuals for Panhellenic office
•Increase member involvement with chapter events
•Utilize Chapter Council to individually encourage the chapter to support members who have planned events
•Improve attendance at campus events
•Have campus applications readily available in the house to encourage member involvement
•Post weekly campus events calendars around the house to remind members of opportunities
•Implement “Kappa on Kampus” to reward a member each month who has shown great involvement
Blue Quadrant:
•Increase chapter knowledge of History and Ritual
•Implement short ritual reminder of the week/kappa fact at each chapter meeting
•Enhance level of committee involvement
•Restructure committee chapters with a greater emphasis on the importance of committees
•VP - Organization will have a meeting with each committee head to discuss leadership strategy and plans
Yellow Quadrant:
•Motivate and encourage members in their academic endeavors
•Continue to update and organize the chapter’s test files
•Implement incentives program and recognition for individuals with a high GPA, not strictly those who receive a 4.0, like a weekly “smart cookie” award
•Reinstall academic excellence as a priority in recruitment
Red Quadrant:
•Further accountability of Standards and increase morale
•Pursue consistent and fair consequences for Standards violations
•Educate chapter on the Standards process and consequences
•Morale will plan and host sisterhood events to increase morale and bond within the chapter
•Improve chapter image within the community
•Promote positive PR through social media outlets, local newspapers, and community
•Promote positive PR throughout campus by hosting a social media awareness event
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
•PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy: The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the OU PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment. Beta Theta has continued improved over the two years and has expanded from a day focused on individual community service to the chapter's heart for philanthropy.
•PanHellenic Community Service Hours: PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa requires 15 hours of community service per semester, per member. We offer endless opportunities for our members to serve the community.
•Emergency Plan: Over the summer of 2014, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
World/Local Events •OKies for Africa: A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall, where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa.
•Opportunity Boxes: Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
•Guatemala Mission Trip: Three members of Beta Theta raised money to go on a mission trip to Totonicapan, Guatemala. They worked with Habitats for Humanity and built two homes for those in need.
Highlights of 2015
Scholarship
• Spring 2015 GPA - 3.396
• Fall 2015 Member GPA - 3.361
Rank – 2nd Place
• Kappa Tutors
The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
• Adopt-a-Prof
In the fall of 2015, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
• Smart Cookie
Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
• Period of Support
Kappa established this program to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
• Owl Groups
Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
Group Honors/Awards
University of Oklahoma
• President’s Trophy Award
• Campus Activities Council University Sing
• Soonerthon Miracle Network Award
• Campus Activities Council Homecoming
Special Events
• Soonerthon Miracle Child – Lucy
Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy, whom we have been paired with in the past. The Kappas have developed a great relationship with her and her family and are happy to be able to support her again this year. This past semester we went to Andy Alligator’s with the Soonerthon group and then continued the fun back at the Kappa house! We had presents for Lucy and a yummy ice cream bar. We played for hours, painted each other’s faces, and shared a lot of laughs. We ended the night with a sleepover.
• Owl-O-Ween
For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks.
• Dad’s Day
For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle.
• Mom’s Day
For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
• Relay for Life
One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma for the past three years .
• Soonerthon
Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event.
• Big Event
Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
• University Sing
Beta Theta was paired with Beta Theta Pi for U-Sing 2015. The theme was "The Show Must Go On" and the chapter chose the Amazing Spiderman and built a performance around it.
• Homecoming
“Historical Moments from the 60s” was the Homecoming theme for 2015. Each group chose a historical moment from the 60s of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Phi Kappa Psi and Alpha Phi to the theme Moon Landing.
• Blue & Blue
Kappa’s have fun dressing up in all things blue and had a good time at Andy Alligators.
• Kappa Holiday Hoopla
Kappa's all dressed up as different holidays and had a fun evening in downtown Oklahoma City.
• Monmonth
Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park. The event was formal with a Casino Royale theme; each girl brought a date and there was dancing, catered hors d’oeuvres, and various poker games to play.
• Sundaes with Steve
At one of our chapter events we hosted Steve Ashmore for Sundaes with Steve. The reason why he held the event is to understand a little bit more about Steve. He also spoke about how to better prepare ourselves in college in regards to social events. We got to discuss a little more with him about how to make wise decisions in college and in life after college. After the event was over we had Roxy’s Ice Cream come to serve ice cream sundaes to our chapter members and guests.
• Military Heroes Card-Making
This is our first year to partner with the Kappa Sigma fraternity for a philanthropic event! We are hosting a Military Heroes Card Making event in order to honor those who have served and still continue to serve our country. Each attendee will make five cards for the military heroes. Kappa Kappa Gamma is very excited to host this group service project at our home. We will be making new friends, while also honoring those who most deserve it before Veterans Day.
• Founder's Day
For our Founder’s Day we celebrate the beginning of Kappa Kappa Gamma with a ritual service every year. This year, we decided to spruce it up by asking alumnae to come and speak about their Kappa Days. We had Mollie Blackburn Andrews, class of ’85, come and speak about her experience in Kappa. She talked about how things are different and how they are the same. There were stories about recruitment then and now, and how the specific Kappa house has changed over the years. But then finished explaining that the one constant was the sisterhood in Kappa. She spoke of how her membership in Kappa has been there for life and how her friends and relationships in Kappa have been some of the sweetest in life. It was a very special time to celebrate the beginning of Kappa with a reflections and education from one of our wonderful alumna.
Philanthropic Involvement
• RIF Book Drive
Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. This year we had the opportunity to donate to our local philanthropy, CCFI, also. They used the books in their Holiday Wishes gift drive. This year we collected over 2,000 books from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. We are now participating in a volunteer and mentoring program with one of the schools that received donations from us. The book drive was extremely successful this year and we are happy to spread the love for reading to children all around Norman.
• Kappa Kupcakes
"Kappa Kupcakes” is our public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester. Last year we had it in April and this year it will be held on March 4th. At this event, the Norman and OU community have the chance to come to Kappa and eat cupcakes to support our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. Attendees enjoy cupcakes and a cake-decorating contest, along with a photo booth and lovely outdoor seating. Last year we presented a check for $4,800 to CCFI. This year we aim to make above and beyond last year’s total. This event is not only full of yummy treats, but it benefits a great cause and provides wonderful community interaction.
• CCFI Diaper drive
Beta Theta hosts an annual diaper drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate diapers of all sizes so that families without the means to cover the costs of diapers can obtain them for free. This year, we were also able to donate 5,700 diapers to our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. They used the diapers to distribute to the community from their Diaper Pantry that they house inside of CCFI. This year we had an outstanding turnout donation wise, which was a great way to start the year! The diaper drive was a great community service event to introduce the freshman to CCFI and just a little taste of what they offer. We are grateful for the opportunity to support CCFI in any way. It was very neat for our members to be able to visit CCFi to personally drop off the diapers once the drive was over.
• Goodwill
At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in.
• Local Fire Department
When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty.
Chapter Goals
For the year 2015, our chapter goals were to:
Green Quadrant:
•Improve Chapter Council's understanding of chapter budget
•Prepare chapter budget and present to chapter
•The treasurer will hold office hours once a week
•Familiarize members with Panhellenic and encourage greater participation
•Provide incentives for attending weekly Panhellenic meetings
•Continue to nominate at least two individuals for Panhellenic office
•Increase member involvement with chapter events
•Utilize Chapter Council to individually encourage the chapter to support members who have planned events
•Improve attendance at campus events
•Have campus applications readily available in the house to encourage member involvement
•Post weekly campus events calendars around the house to remind members of opportunities
•Implement “Kappa on Kampus” to reward a member each month who has shown great involvement
Blue Quadrant:
•Increase chapter knowledge of History and Ritual
•Implement short ritual reminder of the week/kappa fact at each chapter meeting
•Enhance level of committee involvement
•Restructure committee chapters with a greater emphasis on the importance of committees
•VP - Organization will have a meeting with each committee head to discuss leadership strategy and plans
Yellow Quadrant:
•Motivate and encourage members in their academic endeavors
•Continue to update and organize the chapter’s test files
•Implement incentives program and recognition for individuals with a high GPA, not strictly those who receive a 4.0, like a weekly “smart cookie” award
•Reinstall academic excellence as a priority in recruitment
Red Quadrant:
•Further accountability of Standards and increase morale
•Pursue consistent and fair consequences for Standards violations
•Educate chapter on the Standards process and consequences
•Morale will plan and host sisterhood events to increase morale and bond within the chapter
•Improve chapter image within the community
•Promote positive PR through social media outlets, local newspapers, and community
•Promote positive PR throughout campus by hosting a social media awareness event
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
• PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy
The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the OU PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment. Beta Theta has continued to improve over the past three years and has expanded from a day focused on individual community service to the chapter's heart for philanthropy.
• PanHellenic Community Service Hours
PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa requires 15 hours of community service per semester, per member. We offer endless opportunities for our members to serve the community.
• Emergency Plan
Over the summer of 2014, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
World/Local Events
• OKies for Africa
A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall, where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa.
• Opportunity Boxes
Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
• Guatemala Mission Trip
Three members of Beta Theta raised money to go on a mission trip to Totonicapan, Guatemala. They worked with Habitats for Humanity and built two homes for those in need.
Highlights for 2016
Pledge Date 8/16/2016 Initiation 10/22/2016 80 active seniors, 80 active juniors 85 active sophomores, 86 active freshman 331 total active members
Founders Day: Kappa’s 146th Anniversary
Hannah Henry, Madison Mobley, and Sally Bock got into dental school.
Sarabeth Coatney and Mallory Tucker received University College PACE Award.
Heather Hamilton received a position on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Beta Theta completely remodeled the attic and the basement of the house. The basement now has a full workout room.
Monmouth date party with Pi Beta Phi
Kountry Kappa date party
Kappa Kappa Galaxy date party
Kite and Key date party with Kappa Alpha Theta
Beta Theta paired with alpha Kappa Delta Phi, Kappa Sigma Sigma, and Camp Crimson. The Pirates of the Caribbean themed group won 1st for their float and 3rd with their sidewalk chalk.
Beta Theta paired with Delta Upsilon in University Sing. The groups received the Best Choreography Award.
Greek Preview Day provided optimal opportunity for high school seniors and unaffiliated persons and their families to connect with the five Greek councils at OU.
Mom’s Day Beta Theta held a luncheon for the mom’s before the football game.
Dad’s Day Beta Theta held a luncheon for the dad’s before the football game.
Soonerthon Miracle Child: Lucy Beta Theta was paired with Lucy again this year. Members developed a genuine relationship with Lucy and her mother. Members participated in a movie/sleep over night and other fun activities with Lucy throughout the year.
Smarty Pants Every week at chapter, Kappa members can enter their name in a drawing for a small prize. The participants must receive an A on an important academic exam or assignment.
Kappa Tutors Beta Theta continued the Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system where Kappa members can tutor their fellow Kappa sisters. The tutors are paid by Kappa.
Strategic Plan Goals 2016: 1. Continued improvement in member accountability and sisterhood through the standards process 2. Increased understanding and appreciation of our ritual 3. Adherence to both the new member program and senior program in their entirety and ensuring all chapter programming events enhances the lives of members 4. Improvements to chapter management through increased officer knowledge, delegation, and communication with advisers 5. Thorough and continuous education of members on the importance of and adherence to all risk management policies 6. Unity in diversity
The incoming freshman class of 2016 was the largest, highest academically ranked and most diverse class in Sooner history.
Beta Theta members enjoyed watching the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio.
Beta Theta members followed the 58th US presidential election. President Donald Trump won popular and electoral vote.
Our philanthropies include: Reading is Fundamental: Book Drive The Center for Children and Families Inc.: Kappa Kupcakes Soonerthon Relay for Life Big Event Goodwill Every spring semester, Beta Theta hosts "Kappa Kupcakes," which raises money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, The Center for Children and Families Inc. The Norman, OU and Beta Theta community bake cupcakes to be distributed during the event. Attendees can pay an entrance fee and eat cupcakes, participate in decorating contests and take photos during the event. This past spring, Beta Theta raised $18,500 for CCFI.
Beta Theta hosts a book drive every fall semester, and members donate grade-level books to schools in the Norman Public School District and CCFI. This year Beta Theta collected 500 books to give to several Norman schools and CCFI. The book drive was extremely successful, and the schools greatly apprecaite the donations.
Beta Theta hosts a diaper drive every fall semester, and members can donate diapers to donate to The Center for Children and Families Inc. CCFI distributes the diapers to the community from their Diaper Pantry.
Every year, Beta Theta members participate in the campus-wide philanthropy events; Soonerthon, Relay for Life and Big Event.
At the end of each semester, Beta Theta donates extra or unwanted to the local Goodwill.
Weekly chapter meetings are held in Kappa Hall.
Suggested for the Oral History Project are: Madalyn Mantle. Abigayle Biggs, Sarabeth Coatney, Katherine Sleem
Highlights of 2017
The Beta Theta chapter had a Spring GPA of a 3.39 with a total of 62 members who had 4.0s. Pledge Class of 2015 member Katey Leeviraphan won Miss Asian OU 2017 as well as was nominated and awarded the 2018 Panhellenic President. Our chapter created a new philanthropy event, Kappa Kookout, which benefited a Beta Theta alumni with Cystic Fibrosis. Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter. Our chapter as been well adapted to our campuses change. President Boren announced in the fall of 2017 that he would be stepping down at the end of the school year, with no new President appointed at the time. Chapter Philanthropy: What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community? Kappa Kupcakes in March of 2017: We raised money for Center for Children and Families in Norman, OK. Our chapter contributed to the following philanthropy events and charities: Pink and Black Ball benefiting Gender and Equality Center, Soonerthon, Relay for Life, Reading is Key, Roosevelt Elementary Carnvial, Kappa Kookout and Habitat for Humanity.
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support? Beta Theta has been working with CCFI for years as our local philanthropy and we host several philanthropy events in order to benefit the community, such as coats, canned food, and diaper drives, as well as Kappa Kupcakes every spring. Our chapter has had hundreds of members donate their time, daily, weekly, and monthly to theses charities and we have created close relationships with all of the volunteers and members. Chapter Facility: In what kind of a facility does your chapter meet? Please attach a clear photo of where you typically hold chapter meetings – whether in a classroom, chapter house or elsewhere. We hold chapter every Monday at 8 p.m.. It is held in Kappa Hall, across the street from the house. The Beta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is still located at 700 College Ave.
Our President, Abby Biggs, did a tremendous job leading our chapter. She held Beta
Theta to a high standard and helped unite our chapter as a whole.
Highlights of 2018
The women of Beta Theta won first place in Scandals awards this year, which was huge honor! Our girls put in so much effort into perfecting their routine. We also held our annual Kappa Kupcakes in March, which benefits CCFI. The event was a huge success and brought in a great crowd. In the fall, we had our second annual Kappa Kookout which benefited Fields and Futures. Also in the fall, we proudly initiated 83 new members to the Beta Theta chapter. Our new pledge class has shown amazing involvement and dedication to Kappa just in their first semester in college. Our chapter is also excited to announce that renovations to our chapter house will begin in May of 2019 and carry into the school year. The women of PC'18 have been so flexible with making the adjustments to living in, and have overcome this challenge with the upmost respect and grace. We are beyond thrilled and thankful to be receiving an updated chapter house! Our campus recently welcomed a new university president. The student body and faculty have warmly received him and are eager to see what changes are in store for our wonderful school. The overall nature of our chapter is so inclusive, kind, warm, determined and enthusiastic. No one is a stranger to the other chapter members, and the friendships are as genuine as they come. It is so encouraging to see the younger members looking for new ways to serve Kappa, and what incredible examples the older members have set. There is a standard of excellence that our chapter has that makes us distinct among other panhellenic chapters. Our philanthropy is CCFI (Center for Children and Families, Inc.) in Norman, OK. CCFI does more than just one thing, which makes it so unique. There is divorce therapy for parents, play therapy for children, a diaper pantry for babies, and family therapy. There is also a Boys and Girls Club attached to the CCFI building. The Beta Theta chapter loves how CCFI tends to the needs of all ages of the families in Norman.
We meet in Kappa Hall.
Highlights of 2019
This year, the Beta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was honored to have our house completely redone! It has been such an honor for our chapter to get this wonderful opportunity to have a new home for PC 19 to live in next year. In addition to our house, Beta Theta chapter members received five different Kappa scholarships from nationals for $3000 each ($1500 per semester). The members who were awarded these scholarships were on regular status and were all enrolled in a minimum of twelve hours. Also, we are really excited for the new initiative from nationals to provide the need-based scholarship for $5000 in addition to the $3000 scholarships. This year, our freshman pledge class, PC 19, had the amazing opportunity to be finalists for the 2019 University Sing. University Sing, also called U Sing, is a theater type performance and competition against all of the sororities and fraternities on campus. The Beta Theta Chapter had the opportunity to perform at Holmberg Hall, the theater stage where University Sing occurs. The awards we got were Best Choreography, Best Directors, Best Act Add, and Reynolds Performing Art Center Award. This was a big deal for our chapter and we were so excited to take part in it. In March, we hosted our annual Kappa Kupcakes event and made $10,662!! All of the proceeds from our event were given directly to CCFI, Center for Children and Families INC, the local organization our chapter works with directly. This year we paired with other Greek organizations and created a Halloween Haunted House open to all of the University of Oklahoma and all of the proceeds we made on the tickets were donated to CCFI and USO, the United Service Organization. In November, we hosted our annual Kappa Kookout and had the amazing opportunity to pair up with Lambda Chi Alpha, a fraternity on OU's campus. We were so privileged to have raised $10,537!! All of the proceeds were given directly to CCFI from this event as well. In addition to our big philanthropic events, we have had many coat/book drives for CCFI and have had many girls go and volunteer at CCFI each week. Also, our members have done a great job in supporting other Panhellenic organizations by going to other sorority's philanthropic events. This year has been amazing and a little challenging for the Beta Theta Chapter. We have had to accommodate for not having our house, but we have been really lucky to have Kappa Hall for everything involving our Chapter. Overall, 2019 has been a great year for the Beta Theta Chapter and we are excited to see what is ahead! The biggest change that our chapter took on this year was the house renovations that took place. We have had major changes with the sophomore Kappas living in Cross, an on-campus living area, and with having everything take place in our beloved Kappa Hall. Kappa Hall has been such a privilege and blessing to us because we have been able to have many events take place in there. House Board set up a living room area and had tables out for us to sit if we wanted to do homework or eat a meal. We are so lucky to have our amazing chef Brenda able to cook for us Monday-Friday, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We had all of our initiation services take place in Kappa Hall as well. Because of the lack of housing, initiation was a combined service. This service ended up working out for us really well and the alumni were very pleased how it went. The New Members were able to have an initiation very similar to the past besides the combined service. Overall, the Beta Theta chapter has taken this renovation in a positive route and we have accommodated smoothly to any problems that happened due to the lack of a house. The chapter's overall nature is kind, giving, and inclusive in all aspects. We are always kind and uplifting to each other by encouraging each and every member to do the best they can in schoolwork and in everyday life. We are giving to our organization CCFI and to other local organizations around Norman. Lastly, we are inclusive with other sororities and with each other within our chapter. Beta Theta is an exceptional chapter filled with girls who are willing to help and encouraging to all. CCFI(Center for Children and Families Inc.) is doing amazing things in the Norman community for foster children and broken homes. We get to play a really hands on role with them by being just down the street! We love CCFI because we are able to be hands on with our philanthropy. It is an local organization, so we have members go there and help the children with homework everyday. Because it is children based, our national organization of Reading is Key plays into what we do at CCFI. Our members help the children learn how to read and we have book drives where we donate to the books straight to CCFI. How did the chapter celebrate Founders Day? Please attach any photos. We had a barbecue food truck at Kappa Hall for the chapter. We recognized our founders and the making of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Everyone hung out and talked to each other in Kappa Hall after chapter. Unfortunately, there was no photos taken at this event. How has the chapter begun to celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary? Share what you have done this year and are planning to do in 2020. Saturday, December 7th, the Minnie Stewart van will be coming to Kappa Hall from 10 am-1 pm. There will be food and drinks provided to members and alumni. Also, we will be streaming the Big 12 championship for everyone to watch!
Highlights of 2020
This past year, the Beta Theta Chapter had to adapt to new ways during these troubled times. Our year first started with moving rush online. We had a very successful rush, but I know it was difficult for morale to be up at times since so much of it was online. However, our rush chairs did an amazing job and making sure an online rush ran smoothly. This year we had to do Big/Little in shifts in order to practice social distancing. We also had an online initiation. Even though we were not able to a full ceremony, alumni were allowed to be with their daughter/ granddaughter, etc. This was very meaningful because we were allowed to have the pinning ceremony stay true to its roots. This year we had online chapter every Monday. I think this was helpful since people could stay at home and not spend time commuting to chapter. As a junior I know school has ramped up and become more difficult. The 10 minutes it took to drive to and from chapter allowed me more time to study which was helpful. Even though attendance seemed to be up, I think it affected the chapter seeing every sister’s face. I know we all missed each other, but we would stay on after chapter was over and zoom with everyone. It was nice to be able to talk even though it was via computer. Our chapter chose this organization because it helps support our national philanthropy; Reading is Fundamental. CCFI is a local organization in Norman that we get the chance to help promote literacy in children. We got the opportunity to do a book drive this year for the children. In years past we read to the children and help promote literacy and reading skills, but COVID-19 made that difficult.
Our Education Chair set up a diversity/inclusive program with a speaker, and a sexual awareness and safety discussion with a speaker. These events were mandatory to help our chapter understand the role of diversity and inclusiveness as well as how to handle uncomfortable situations. It is important our members know when to intervene and use their resources. Our chapter celebrated Kappa’s 150th anniversary by having the Mini Stewart Van came to our chapter house. We also had a food truck. This took place last year. This year we were not able to do much due to COVID-19. Our President and education chair did send out an informational email and encouraged Kappa families to spend time together.
Highlights of 2021
The Beta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma enjoyed a wonderful and successful 2021. The year was plentiful with events, accomplishments and the great company of sisterhood. To kick off the year we hosted a Valentines Day sisterhood event on February the 14th that included bouquet making, cookies and goodie baskets. This event was beautiful and such a fun way for the chapter to come together in the newly remodeled house for the very first time! On March 6th, the school hosted its annual “University of Oklahoma Dance Marathon (OUDM)” which is the official philanthropy event of the Campus Activities Council at the University of Oklahoma. OUDM benefits Oklahoma's children by raising money for the Oklahoma Children's Hospital Foundation and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Kappa participated and celebrated our Miracle Child, Lucy, and had one of the largest groups of participants at the event! Beta Theta has been celebrating and raising funds for Lucy for a long time and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to do it again in 2021. On March 7th, we hosted “Kappa Kares”. Kappa Kares was a philanthropy event in which Beta Theta collected school supplies and raised money for Reading is Fundamental. Kappa paired with Kennedy Elementary School in Norman and collected wish lists from teachers. In total, our chapter gifted Kennedy over $5,600 worth of school supplies and donated $2,000 to Reading is Fundamental. On April 9th, Beta Theta hosted a Greek Preview Day. For Greek Preview Day, due to COVID-19 still being a large factor last Spring, OU Panhellenic chose the day to be virtual. As a chapter we submitted graphics that contained facts about KKG such as our philanthropy, our values, our “nickname”, and a fun fact. In addition to the graphic, we provided a video to give the PNM’s a look into what it is like to be a Kappa and a Q&A session through Instagram. On April 21st, Beta Theta had our annual “Kappa Kupcakes.” Kappa Kupcakes is our chapter's signature philanthropy event that benefitted the Center for Children and Families Incorporated. Members sold tickets to the OU community who are encouraged to come and enjoy unlimited cupcakes on the lawn. The cupcakes were bought and/or baked and decorated by members and their sisters. Our chapter raised over $7000 at this event and a good time was had by all participants. Work week, designed to prepare for our New Member Class 21’ began on the 7th of August and the sisters of Beta theta experienced ‘work week’ and getting ready for rush until the 17th of August. During work week, we hosted an “Alumni Night” for Alumni to come visit, speak with us about rush, and hear our intentions for the New Member class. During Alumni night, we started off in Kappa Hall with a brief presentation from the recruitment advisor and chairman. The presentation included introductions of the rush team, a Pickers performance, our sisterhood video, and an introduction into Kappa’s new philanthropy. The presentation concluded with a “Kappa through the decades” which included a performance/dance from the seniors and members “bumping out” the alumni as they left. The night was a great morale booster for the upcoming rush week and it was great for us to get to know alumni and learn some of their “rush tips”. The 2021 rush week began on August 17th in person. The members and potential new members all wore masks and after each party sanitation guidelines were followed. The week went splendidly and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the fine young women who came through recruitment in 2021. Bid Day was on August the 22nd, and Beta Theta active and new members enjoyed a DJ, goodie baskets, and celebrated the joy of gaining 81 new forever sisters. On September 1st, Beta Theta enjoyed our first date party in a year since the COVID-19 pandemic halted all in-person events in 2020 and part of 2021. The evening was called “Kappa Kounty Fair” and the night consisted of cotton candy, fair activities such as balloon art and caricatures, and lots of dancing. It was a super fun event that our chapter really enjoyed, and felt extremely lucky to be able to host together in person again. On September 20th, we had Bliss E. Brown the Program Coordinator of Gender-based Violence Prevention Gender + Equality Center come to our chapter to educate us on the important of “Our Voice” and sexual prevention. On October the 13th, we celebrated the 151st anniversary of Kappa Kappa Gamma! We gathered to “Taco ‘Bout 151 years” with a taco food truck on the lawn. Our chapter met at the house and ate dinner and reflected on how far our chapter has come as we celebrated everything Kappa! On October the 15th, We celebrated the University’s Homecoming by participating in a variety of events throughout the week of homecoming! We hand popped a float for the parade, created a dance for the rah rally with a fraternity on campus, and participated in a handful of other events to raise our school spirit. From October the 18th-22nd, we hosted our 2nd ever “Blake’s Week.” Blake’s Week was a partnered philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 2020, Blake Burgess fellow OU student suddenly passed away. This event benefited the Blake Burgess scholarship fund in his honor. During this week-long event Kappa and Sig Ep hosted a powder puff football game, a cornhole tournament, and a movie night on the lawn. In total, we raised $11,438 throughout the week. This event is extremely special to many members in Beta Theta and across our whole campus. On October the 22nd-23rd New Members participated in an event called “Walkout.” Walkout is a freshman new member event where they get to have a big sleepover with their new sisters! This is one of the best ways that they get to know each other and form lasting friendships. This year it was at an alumni’s house where the freshman and new member chair enjoyed s’mores and ice breakers. On October the 30th, Beta Theta hosted a House Dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. We invited alumni to come and tour our newly renovated home. We held a short ceremony that highlighted all of the amazing alumni who assisted with the large project. After the ceremony, we had an official ribbon cutting and ended the event with house tours. On October the 31st, we hosted an Alumni Trick-or-Treat. The chapter invited alumni to bring their children to Trick-or-Treat throughout the Kappa house. We had members dress up and decorated the entire area in cobwebs and festive decor. The children went up and down the halls of the second and third floor ending their time by painting pumpkins and doing crafts outside. On Friday and Saturday November 5th and 6th, the New Members became actives in a very special initiation. Joined by our ritual specialist and members from nationals, Beta Theta PC’21 was welcomed into being official with the traditional ceremony and celebratory brunch afterwards. From November the 10th-13th Kappa participated in performing in the “University Sing” showing, an OU event where sororities and fraternities pair together in a student-led musical. Kappa, paired with Beta Theta Pi, took home the awards, “Best Directors,” “Crowd Favorite,” and “Spirit of University Sing.” The chapter was very proud of the hard work and determination that went into this performance. On November the 29th, Beta Theta hosted their second and final date party of 2021, “Kappa Derby.” We got to watch live horse races at the venue along with delicious food, a DJ and a photo booth. The event was very fun and interactive. On December 1st, we welcomed our new national philanthropy with our final philanthropy event of 2021, “Kappa Kookout.” Kappa Kookout was our first ever mental health awareness philanthropy event benefiting The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Southern Smash. Our chapter provided hot dogs and hosted a “smash the scale” event. Attendees were invited to come and write on a scale and smash the stigma surrounding disordered eating both metaphorically and physically. In total, we raised over $6,500 for The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Southern Smash. Our final event of 2021 was a Holiday sisterhood event that we hosted on December 5th to get morale up for everyone to finish the semester strong. It consisted of cookie decorating, goodie bags, a holiday movie, and a mini donut truck. The goodie bags were full of fun little gifts to help out with finals and self care. The sisters enjoyed a movie while they decorated their cookies. Some even took pictures of their decorated cookies so they could be posted on Instagram. For the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, 2021 was an amazing year packed with events that promoted joy, philanthropic endeavors and bonds that will last a lifetime. Beta Theta is proud of the history of 2021, and is excited for it to be remembered in Kappa’s history for years to come.