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Epsilon Mu of Kappa Kappa Gamma has come a long way since March 7, 1970. Kappa has become well-established on the campus of Clemson University.
==Highlights of the 1970's==
During the years of 1975-1985, Kappa Kappa Gamma was faced with several challenges of varying degrees. First and minor was the 1975 chapter room in the basement which was described as small, ugly, and unwelcoming. Thankfully, several alumnae helped redecorate the room and the chapter began using it again. A second noted issue and more serious was the difficulty all women, not only Kappas, faced in selecting and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated majors and career paths such as architecture, engineering, and pre-med. In the early 1980s, perceived and identified sexual orientation of women who were lesbian or bisexual (or at the time named queer or gay) was often ill-handled and found “unacceptable.” Other reported challenges during the early 1980s were: the changing drinking age from 18 to 21, hazing younger members, and eating disorders.
The time between the years of 1975 and 1985 presented some very significant events, nationally and locally. In 1975, the long-lasting Vietnam War finally ended. Also in 1975, Bill Gates invented Microsoft. Jimmy Carter was elected President of the United States in 1976. Following Carter, Ronald Reagan was elected to office in 1980 and was re-elected in 1984. Another national event during this time was the winning of the U.S. Ice Hockey Team in the Olympics.
These years also presented exciting and interesting events on campus. In 1977, Charlie Pell was hired as Clemson University’s 20th football coach. However, he accepted a coaching job at the University of Florida in December of 1978. He was replaced by Danny Ford, who coached the football team in the bowl game that year. Clemson University the 1981 College Football National Championship and won the 1987 and 1984 NCAA Soccer Championships. Clemson football continues to be the “biggest” sport on campus with an ever-growing alumni fan base.
The women of Kappa described much pride in their achievements during 1975-1985. In the late 1970s, Kappa Laura Hoke won Homecoming Queen and another Kappa, Jan Matthews, won Miss Clemson.
Dixie Days was a popular event consisting of three competitions – Sorority Sing, Miss Magnolia, and the Scholarship Award. Women from all sororities participated in each competition and the woman with the most wins captured Overall Dixie Days accolades. Kappa dominated in the Sorority Sing competition in 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1983. It is reported that Kappa was most successful in the Scholarship Award; however, we were only able to collect year 1978, 1984, and 1985 as wins. In 1978, a Kappa, Ashley Timmons, won Miss Magnolia. The overall Dixie Days award was secured by a Kappa in 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1983, and 1984.
According to a Kappa alum who was a collegiate member during 1978-1982, the chapter was named the Best Overall Sorority on campus 3 of these 4 years. In 1978, Kappa won the Panhellenic Scholastic Award. In 1985, Kappa was recognized as having the highest GPA among all sororities on campus. Perhaps one of the most exciting awards Kappa has received was being recognized nationally as having the #1 ranking in membership. As described, Kappa was a very successful chapter at Clemson, and this snapshot provides insight into their positive impact on the larger community at Clemson.
==Campus and chapter trends:==
For the decade of 1975-1985, there were similar trends with each passing year. A common statement was, “[we] always won everything.” Kappa women excelled scholastically and for the years 1984 and 1985, the chapter hosted a Scholarship Tea inviting faculty to mingle with actives. Kappa has been supporting Multiple Sclerosis through their philanthropic events for decades. In 1975 and 1976, Kappa hosted an all-night volleyball tournament. During the years 1983-1985, women also sold Kappa Calendars featuring “Men of Clemson” to support research for MS. Alumnae also noted, in high numbers, their memories of “candle lights,” a ritual for the women who were “lavaliered” a Greek engagement. Another longstanding element of EM is the Kappa Kidnap social function which began in 1977 and continues today. Alumnae note that it was the “hot party” to be invited to. Many 1975-1985 alumnae mentioned the Kappa New Year’s Party, interestingly, it was held in April.
Today, Fraternity and Sorority Life is much larger than it was during the seventies and eighties. In 1975, there were only four sororities – KKΓ, XA, KAΘ, Δ Δ Δ. However, in 1977
two sororities were added to the Clemson Greek community - ADπ and πBΦ. An identity Kappa continues to be proud of is the “diversity” of their members. Some were athletes, some were beauty queens, and some lived in the library. Kappa was considered the sorority of the “All American Girl.”
Many interesting trends of not only Kappa Kappa Gamma but University-wide during 1975-1985. In the late 1970s, some of the most popular trends on campus were toga parties, the disco dance, and shagging. Michael Jackson was high on the list of favorite music artists. One fashionable trend at this time was the “preppy” style, which typically included khakis and the colors pink and green. Another clothing style included platform shoes, bell bottoms, and stonewashed jeans, and big hair which involved lots of hairspray and hot rollers. Tanning was also the “it” thing to do. Today, Greek Life and non-Greeks alike, hold themed parties, listen to MJ, and dress in a variety of clothing styles, including preppy.
==Highlights of the 1980s:==
'''1980'''
At the Fraternity’s Biennial Convention, Epsilon Mu won a Panhellenic Award.
'''1984'''
At the Fraternity’s Biennial Convention, Epsilon Mu won a Membership Award.
'''1985'''
Spring 1985 was a very busy time for Kappa sisters. Beginning with Greek Leadership Day on March 2 up to the JUGS (Just Us Girls) party at Y-beach. In between there were such social functions as the Happy New Year party and a mixer with the SAEs. Dixie Day was a blast – Kappa finished first in games, the scavenger hunt, and scholarship and second in sorority sing (we sung “Cats”). A Kappa, Nancy Humphries, was also crowned Miss Magnolia.
Kappas were honored by being asked to perform a skit at the Province Convention. A Rookie workshop was held for all the new sisters to learn about rush procedures and selection sessions. Regular rush workshop was held April 14 at which time name tags were made for parties and scrolls for preference parties.
Easter Egg Hunt was held April 2. Selections for guys for the ’86 calendar for M.S. are underway.
In the fall, Clemson Kappas finished redecorating the Elevator Room and started redecorating the Chapter Room. Practices started for Sorority Sing for the following April; the song is from “A Chorus Line.” There was an outstanding Winter Formal and Parents’ Day. Mixers with Beta Theta Pi and Alpha Tau Omega topped the year.
Rush this year was quite longer than usual due to the addition of Alpha Chi Omega at Clemson. However the new chapter had no effect on Epsilon Mu’s rush. Kappa had an outstanding return and return rate – 99.5% for pref night. The fifty pledges went to Lake Murray for the annual pledge retreat. At the end of the semester, they went caroling with the Chi Omega pledges at a home for the elderly in Clemson and attended the annual sister/pledge Christmas Dinner. They ended the year by giving the chapter a VCR for the chapter room!
Kappa once again received the Scholarship Award among the Greeks, third semester in a row. The chapter held its annual Scholarship Tea for the faculty and staff of Clemson. Ten Kappas made the President’s List (4.0) and 22 made the Dean’s List (3.5).
The chapter worked toward its goal of improving communication among actives, pledges, and alumnae, by doing such things as sending different sisters to the pledge meetings. Kappas have a babysitting list for alums in the area and help them out when they need someone to look after their children. The chapter also held a Baked Potato party with the Greenville, SC alumnae.
The ongoing chapter goal was to promote a positive attitude and unified feeling within the chapter by increasing participation among sisters through more efficient utilization of the committee system. They also worked on a project of selling a “Kappa Calendar” with 12 photos of 12 different male Clemson students. This project raised $2000 for MS in the fall of 1985.
Member Nancy Humphries was awarded first runner up in the Miss South Carolina USA pageant. There were two Epsilon Mu varsity cheerleaders and 2 JV cheerleaders and multiple local and state pageant participants and winners.
The incoming president was Kathy Junk of Worthington, Ohio, an honors student and CIS major, and the outgoing president was Karen Freed. The chapter had a traveling consultant, Maureen “Moe” Kelly.
'''1987'''
Epsilon Mu received the first Standards award ever given at the Mu Province Convention in Columbia, SC. The entire weekend was a lot of fun sharing ideas and good times with Kappas from all over. Epsilon Mu welcomes Laura Harmon, an affiliate from Florida State. Laura is a bubbly sophomore from Jacksonville, Fla. And has definitely been a welcome addition to the chapter. Sigma Chi Derby Day was especially fun this year! Kappas really got involved in all of the activities. EM claimed the title of Derby Day Football Champions, and the Derby Day queen was the chapter’s own Ashley McTeer.
Rush was quite successful this year, and there were fifty-two wonderful new pledges to show for it. Membership and selection sessions were very well planned. The chairman implemented a new legacy program that worked quite well.
Epsilon Mu Kappas boasted five Homecoming participants in the Homecoming Court of Ten. The Tiger-Rama skit “The Smurfs” was chosen to be one of the five skits presented at the traditional Homecoming Tiger-Rama.
A new philanthropy project that Epsilon Mu began this year was a Christmas Clothes and Canned Food Drive. The sisters and pledges donated all kinds of “goodies,” and the project was very successful.
The scholarship committee started a new Study Hall for Pledges, which was a much needed addition to the pledge program. The program was also very useful for sisters. To help promote the chapter goal of Knowledge Kneads Growth (KKG) of Fraternity and Academic Education, a new Ritual trivial was started.
The seniors were presented with a “Kappa Cookbook” loaded with everyone’s favorite recipes. All of the recipes were compiled together and presented to the seniors at the Senior Banquet.
Epsilon Mu was very involved in the Panhellenic system at Clemson. A new sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, was recently established at Clemson. Ten Kappas served as big sisters to the Gamma Phi pledges. Two of Epsilon Mu’s sisters served as co-chairmen of Greek Week and Rush Week activities.
Nancy Humphries was 1987 Miss South Carolina, and the chapter had more cheerleaders and Rally Cats. Nicole Holbrook was selected to be a 1988-89 chapter consultant.
'''1988'''
Epsilon Mu received the Fraternity Appreciation Award and an Honorable Mention for Pledge Education at the 1988 Biennial Convention. The entire weekend was a lot of fun, meeting and sharing ideas with Kappas from all over.
This past year, EM has been busy helping Clemson celebrate its Centennial birthday. The chapter participated in a time capsule photograph. The floats that were built for First Friday had a centennial theme. It was a fun and exciting celebration.
Sorority Smash was extremely exciting this year. To start it off, the chapter’s two representatives in Miss Greek (Anna Whitesides and Lee Ann Chandler) placed Queen and fourth runner up, respectively. Epsilon Mu won Sorority Sing and 1988 Sorority Smash winners.
Rush this year was quite longer than usual due to the addition of Gamma Phi Beta at Clemson. However the new chapter had no effect on Kappa’s rush. The chapter got fifty-three wonderful new pledges who enjoyed the traditional pledge retreat at the lake. There was one change to rush – Tigertown Party was changed to Annie, which seemed to be very beneficial. The sisters also had new pref dresses. A Kappa sister was one of the Panhellenic Co-Chairs for Rush.
The chapter is pleased with its scholarship program, as once again it is first among the Greeks. Twenty-three Kappas were on the Dean’s List (3.5), and seventeen were on the President’s List (4.0) in Spring 1988. 33 were on the Dean’s List in the Fall, and twelve on the President’s List.
To increase the chapter’s knowledge of Ritual, Epsilon Mu started initiatives such as presenting a Ritual tip to the sisters at each meeting, new Ritual workshops, a new officer training, and an exciting program night about the Kappa museum in Columbus. To test the chapter’s knowledge, the sisters played Kappa Pursuit, and everyone did well.
A new philanthropy was added: KKG-KA Jail-A-Thon. It raised $1000 for MS. Once again over $3000 was raised by selling the “Kappa Calendars.” Epsilon Mu participated in an Easter Egg Hunt for underprivileged kids, Derby Day with Sigma Chi and other sororities to raise money for the DAR school, Toys for Tots, and a trick-or-treating carnival for abused and underprivileged children.
The chapter started a designated driver program for parties.
Margaret Richardson is heading up Greek Week this year and hoping to reorganize the whole thing. The chapter continued to have cheer squad and Rally Cat members, student government leaders, many members of student honors organizations, and a member of the Southeastern Theater Conference.
'''1989'''
For the second year in a row, Epsilon Mu was the overall winner in Greek Week. The chapter placed second in Sorority Sing, second in the Step Show, and two sisters, Beth Clayton and Ashley McTeer, placed fourth and second in the Miss Greek pageant.
This fall, Epsilon Mu placed first in Derby Day games. Cathy Leitch placed third in Derby Queen, and the chapter received second place overall. EM was the only sorority to place in all events. Kappa’s skit for Tiger-Rama, “Murder on the Tiger Town Express,” got in the top six, so the chapter was able to perform it on the night of Tiger-Rama in the stadium. It went on to receive second place.
During Rush, the sisters switched “Annie” and “Toy Shop” skits, which was very effective. The return rate for the first three skits was 98%, and it was 94% for pref night. The chapter received 49 wonderful new pledges due to hard work, organized parties, and effective voting sessions.
To reach the chapter goal – participation, enthusiasm, and promptness – sisters made a graph each week showing the attendance of each class. Signs for information or just for fun to show enthusiasm helped. Everyone tried her best to be on time. Other activities to promote these goals were a Kappa-Go-To-Class week, study hall for pledges, study breaks, and the new Kappa Info Line on the answering machine in the Chapter Room.
Epsilon Mu raised thousands of dollars for MS by making and selling calendars of the Clemson men. The chapter also helped other philanthropies such as the KA Jail-A-Thon, DG’s Anchor Splash, and $2400 for Helping Hands of Clemson with PiKA’s First Friday events. Epsilon Mu’s rep, Julie Gibson, was the First Friday Queen.
The chapter continued to have cheer squad and Rally Cat members, student government leaders, and many members of student honors organizations and other student clubs.
==Highlights of the 1990s==
At the Biennial Convention, Epsilon Mu received Honorable Mention for the Excellence Award and Honorable Mention for the Personnel Award.
The chapter won the entire First Friday Parade with the best float. Beck Bamford captured the title of Miss First Friday by raising the most money out of all the other sororities.
Rush was very successful, and Epsilon Mu welcomed thirty-nine new pledges, with the highest pref return rate on campus The traditional pledge retreat at the lake was held. Membership and selection sessions were well-organized and went smoothly, with no Rush infractions that week. A traveling consultant, Catherine Carbonetta, visited the chapter in August and assisted during Rush.
The chapter had three Homecoming contestants in a court of ten. Kappas were involved with the new alcohol policy program GAMMA and the new CLASS program.
Epsilon Mu’s goal for 1990 was to raise scholarship of all members. Each member and pledge was to raise her individual GPA .2 of her previous average. This goal was met successfully Spring semester, and Kappas placed second out of all the sororities.
Epsilon Mu was very involved panhellenically. Zeta Tau Alpha came to campus, and Kappas served as big sisters to the Zeta pledges. Sisters also helped install Zeta Upsilon chapter at Georgia Southern.
More sisters-only events were organized, including a whitewater rafting trip. Epsilon Mu placed in two Greek Week activities, including second place in Sorority Sing and second in the Step Show. The chapter continues to have cheerleaders, Rally Cats, student government leaders, and members of many student organizations and honor societies on campus.
'''1991'''
1991 Rush was very successful, and Zeta Tau Alpha has joined Clemson as its eleventh sorority. Epsilon Mu welcomed 38 new pledges and entertained them at a fun pledge retreat at Lake Hartwell. Thanks to the Rush and Membership Committees the membership and selection sessions were well organized and went smoothly. Epsilon Mu received no Rush infractions during Rush week. The pledges threw a Christmas party for their big sisters, while the sisters maintained close relations to the pledges by attending many KROP parties (Keep Rushing our Pledges).
Epsilon Mu Kappas were well represented in Clemson’s Homecoming. For sisters participated in the pageant, more than any other organization. In a Homecoming court of ten, two of the contestants were Kappas. Kappa also won Clemson’s Tiger-Rama and Miss First Friday for the fourth year in a row.
Epsilon Mu’s chapter goal of 1991 was “To strengthen sisterhood through participation and unity by enacting the Owls, Keys, and Fleur-de-lis program.” The goal was successfully reached through a great increase in enthusiasm and participation in Kappa functions. Kappa won first place for participation in the Derby Day events. There also were sister-only events, such as a whitewater rafting trip.
Epsilon Mu organized a Monmouth Duo by having an ice cream social with the Pi Beta Phis. To express EM’s enthusiasm the chapter held a “Kappa Wear Your Letters Day” every other Tuesday. Epsilon Mu Kappas started a new philanthropy in the spring, “Paw Printing for Safety.” On the day of the Orange and White football game, the Kappas fingerprinted children for safety. In October, the Kappa floor hosted another successful Trick-or-Treating for Helping Hands. Epsilon Mu’s Philanthropy Committee worked hard on the calendar to raise money for MS.
Epsilon Mu, with the help of area alumnae, hosted the 1991 Province Meeting, where the chapter also won the Lillian Fishback Gracious Living Award.
'''1994'''
As usual, Kappas displayed their strong sense of spirit in the First Friday parade with their Peter Pan float. Clemson had chosen a Disney theme. EM Kappas participated in Tiger-Rama during Homecoming with their Back to the Future skit, winning second place.
EM Kappas showed how much they cared by hosting a walk-a-thon for the chapter’s philanthropy to help with Multiple Sclerosis.
For Founders Day, EM Kappas celebrated by welcoming all area alumnae and advisers.
1994 Rush had a wonderful turnout for EM. EM was happy to welcome forty-two terrific new pledges. This was with a huge thanks to the Rush and Membership committees who organized everything so well. EM chapter president Gina Brown represented Kappa beautifully on the Homecoming Court. Blaire Barre and Britta Zeimer also represented Kappas in the First Friday and Derby Day pageants.
This year, EM Kappas decided to take on the challenge to improve participation with more enthusiasm than ever! They developed a points system which would require each member to have accumulated a certain amount of points in order to go to certain Kappa functions. They could receive these points by participating in philanthropy activities, attending meetings regularly and punctually, and other activities that would benefit the chapter and others. This system was so wonderfully successful, the chapter plans to continue this for many years.
EM Kappas continued the activity of hosting Halloween trick-or-treating on the sorority dorm floor for the children of Helping Hands. It was very successful and appreciated! Epsilon Mu Kappas are participating in a program they call Adopt-A-Grandparent for Clemson Downs Nursing Home. Every week, Kappas will go there to visit with different elderly members to keep them company, telling stories, taking them for walks, and participating in activities that will make them happy.
EM Kappas also sold mistletoe during the holiday season and roses for Valentine’s Day with Pi Kappa Phi in order to raise money for the local animal shelter!
Epsilon Mu had, as always, many members on the cheer squads, Rally Cats, student government, student organizations, and honor societies.
'''1995'''
1995 Rush turned out to be wonderful. Forty-eight new pledges were invited to join Kappa after Rush, and the members committee made them all feel very welcome, especially at the annual Bid Day pool party and pledge retreat! Kappas in 1995 showed how much they enjoyed participating when Ami Lupisella represented Kappa in the First Friday pageant and when Sally Traywick represented Kappa in the Derby Days Pageant hosted by Sigma Chi. Joining in on Derby Days was a lot of fun when both pledges and older sisters entered the line dance.
At the First Friday Parade, Kappas continued to show off the spirit that they have every year. For the cartoon theme, Kappas used Superman to show their Clemson and KKG pride. The crowd showed how much it loved the float with its cheering, and Kappa won second place. Tiger-Rama also was a lot of fun and a real honor for KKG to be able to perform its “Lucky Charms of Clemson University” skit. The EM Kappas celebrated Founders Day at a banquet for many alumnae and advisers, which turned out to be a wonderful gathering.
The chapter decided to challenge, again this year, the chapter’s participation to show their sisterly love and make everyone feel included by using a points system. This points system requires members to participate in order to gain a certain number of points at important events, leading up to a points party. Kappa also challenges Kappas to represent the chapter well, and sisters are rewarded with recognition as Officer of the Week, Sister of the Week, Sister of the Year, and many other honors.
Kappa won second place in scholarship among sororities for Spring 1995. At the 1995 Mu Province Meeting, Kappa won the “Gracious Living” category and first place in the improvement of “Standards Performance” and received honorable mention in “Membership.”
Kappas dwell in helping others. In the EM chapter of Kappa, they pride themselves at being active at many things. Hosting some trick-or-treaters with candy on Halloween on the sorority floor thrilled them when Children from Helping Hands came by. Adopt-a-Highway is a big project that all of the pledges take part in. Epsilon Mu participated in an MS walk in Greenville; each sister raised at least $25, and overall, Epsilon Mu raised over $1,200. Over the holidays, the chapter also held a toy drive, in cooperation with the local battered women’s shelter. The women at the shelter also received gift bags with toiletries, many of which were donated by local hotels.
Kappas also like to be with each other. Holding “Melrose Monday” in the Chapter Room gave everyone a chance to be together. Another event that was enjoyed were sorority swaps with other sororities to get to know other chapters on campus.
Epsilon Mu had, as always, many members on the cheer squads, Rally Cats, reps at the homecoming pageant, student government, student organizations, and honor societies.
'''1996'''
Epsilon Mu sisters and pledges dressed like “young girls of the eighties” for the First Friday parade. The crowd cheered the loudest for the Kappas. EM participated in the Tiger-Rama skit during homecoming week, with the theme “A Rock Solid Tradition,” placing second.
The Founders Day banquet was a really special treat, with alumnae attending and participating in a competition among the tables about Kappa trivia.
Fall Rush went very well, with forty-three new pledges. There were many activities and gifts to welcome them into the chapter.
Derby Days with Sigma Chi was a great week of events, and Kappa participation was high; the chapter placed third in the line dance.
Epsilon Mu’s challenge for the year was increasing sister relations. The relationship of most importance in the goal was between the pledges and the older sisters. To accomplish this the chapter held Crop Parties, which were special activity gatherings followed by ice cream or candy. The parties featured activities that would bring the pledges closer to the older sisters. Everyone had a great time with these parties.
The EM Kappas again had “Melrose Mondays,” which helped everyone come together for some fun in the Chapter Room. The chapter adopted a highway for cleaning up once a semester and also participated in the MS Walk-a-thon, which is great exercise along with great philanthropy. There are other chapter philanthropies as well, one of which was a calendar featuring men of Clemson that women from other sororities bought.
Epsilon Mu had, as always, many members on the cheer squads, Rally Cats, reps at the homecoming pageant, student government, student organizations, and honor societies.
''1997'''
Epsilon Mu started off the year with a bang by participating in the annual First Friday Parade. This year’s theme was the Wild West, and all the Kappas dressed up like surfer girls to show Clemson spirit! During Homecoming Week, the Kappa Tiger-Rama skit about the “Magical World of Clemson” won EM third place. Kappa really showed the entire campus how much hard work and dedication can pay off. Rally Kappa!
The Founders Day banquet in October was especially meaningful to all the Epsilon Mus this year. There was a beautiful dinner, a special ceremony, and the company of dozens of Kappa alumnae.
The chapter had a fantastic rush this past fall, and it was proud to welcome forty-four new pledges. The entire chapter worked hard to make them feel at home, with dozens of sister-only barbecues and ice cream parties so they could meet all the sisters.
All across campus Kappa left its mark! Last spring EM place first in four Greek Week events, including SPIRIT, and first overall. EM also proudly brought home the Greek Bowl championship trophy (another first place) and two second place trophies for campus intramurals in soccer and softball. That’s not all Kappa did! It also placed second overall in Sigma Chi Derby Days. Epsilon Mu’s spirit and involvement is famous all across campus!
The chapter’s challenge this past year was “Strive for Pi,” and everyone was committed to raising the chapter’s GPA to 3.14. To meet this goal, there was recognition at every chapter meeting for girls who had gotten As on tests, had spent long hours in the library, or Kappas who simply worked hard all the time in school. This was a great way for everyone to encourage and support one another and to meet the chapter goal. Early in the Fall there was a “Strive for Pi” party to recognize all of the girls who had GPAs of 3.14 or higher.
EM worked hard as a chapter all year to give back to the community and to promote sisterhood. Twice a year everyone pitches in to clean the chapter’s adopted highway. At Christmas, everyone donates gifts to Toys-for-Tots. To help keep the campus beautiful, everyone spends may long hours painting, cleaning, and planting trees on campus in support of “Campus Sweep.”
For the chapter’s philanthropy this year, there were “Penny Wars,” a friendly competition between pledge classes to raise money for MS. Everyone also participated in the MS Walk-a-Thon. Epsilon Mu had, as always, many members on the cheer squads, Rally Cats, reps at the homecoming pageant, student government, student organizations, and honor societies.
'''1998'''
The Kappas at Clemson were very excited this year to welcome forty-eight new pledges to the chapter. The return rate after the first party was the highest ever seen at Clemson – 99.7%! Themes at the rounds included Greek Life, Kountry Kappa, and Alice in Kappaland. After a successful Rush (now called Recruitment), Kappa was very anxious to get to know the new members. The new members felt right at home at the annual Bid Day pizza and pool party. EM also held many other “get to know you” events throughout the pledge season.
Epsilon Mu started off the year with tons of fun and festivities. The first activity after Rush was participating in the annual First Friday parade. This was a time for the sisters and new members to hang out and get to know one another while working on the float and participating in the parade. The theme this year was “Where the Tigers Play,” and Kappa showed its Clemson spirit with its float “Tiger Trap.”
In October Kappa participated in Homecoming by having a skit in Tiger-Rama. This year’s theme for Tiger-Rama was “Rock around the Clock,” and Kappa brought home Third Place in skit props. Kappa also welcomed parents to Clemson on Homecoming/Parents’ Weekend with a tailgate in honor of sisters’ parents. To raise school spirit for the Clemson/Carolina game, sororities were asked to pain merchant windows throughout the downtown area. Kappa was paired with PiKA to decorate Judge Keller’s and received many compliments on the job.
Kappa’s Founders Day banquet in October was another huge success. Many Kappas were very excited to meet the alumnae from the surrounding area. The banquet consisted of a dinner and a special ceremony to honor Kappa.
Epsilon Mu held its annual Kappa Kidnap party, complete with dancing, a roasted pig, and roasted marshmallows.
Kappa made its mark on Clemson’s campus this year. During First Friday, Kappa placed third in spirit, and during Greek Bowl, the chapter took home third place in the banner competition. For the second year in a row, Kappa was number one during Greek Week. Derby Days was also a time for Kappa to shine, winning first place overall, first place in the banner competition, and the chapter’s Derby Queen, Mary Luchini, got third place for raising money for Children’s Miracle Network.
Kappa has also received many other honors on campus this year. For the second year in a row, Epsilon Mu received highest participation in the blood drive that takes place on campus. It was voted Number One Sorority by the on-campus newspaper, The Tiger. Kappas participated in an on-campus mocktail mixer, where it received first place for its Key Lime Pie Shooter. Epsilon Mu is most proud of its Panhellenic Award of Academic Excellence for Academic Programming.
The chapter this year was striving to achieve the all-sorority average. Many of the incentives for making the grade were through goals and recognitions. At the beginning of the semester, each Kappa completed a card that stated the Grade Point Ratio that she needed to strive for during the semester. After the semester was over, each Kappa who achieved her goal was recognized at a chapter meeting. The chapter also was trying to improve grades by filling out sheets with the amount of hours studied each week. This has helped each member keep track of the amount of hours she is studying. The chapter also had its scholarship banquet where everyone who made the President’s List and the Dean’s List, as well as most improved, was recognized for outstanding scholarship.
This year Kappas were very busy raising money for many organizations on campus, as well as the chapter’s own MS philanthropy. Kappas participated in ZTA’s “Big Man on Campus” to raise money for the Susan G. Comen Breast Cancer Foundation and Sigma Chi’s Derby Days to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Epsilon Mu also raised money for MS by selling Wendy’s coupon books with PiKA. Half of the money made from selling the coupon books was split between the two organizations, with the other half going to the Dave Thomas Foundation. Along with the annual MS walk-a-thon, Kappas also participated in the “Adopt a Highway” program, “Toys for Tots,” and donated clothing to the local women’s shelter.
Clemson worked on an asbestos abatement plan of Smith Hall, the dorm that house the sororities, and so the chapter took advantage of the opportunity to give the fourth floor, Kappa’s home, a makeover!
Epsilon Mu had, as always, many members on the cheer squads, Rally Cats, reps at the homecoming pageant, student government, student organizations, and honor societies.
'''1999'''
The chapter started off the year with some challenges, but it worked hard to overcome them, with morale boosters and chapter spirit initiatives. Rush was awesome this year, as the chapter welcomed forty-nine new members. The sisters were excited to meet the new members after a very successful Rush, and what better place to get to know each other than at the annual Bid Day pool and pizza party.
Epsilon Mu began the Fall off with a week packed full of exciting events. After Rush the chapter participated in Clemson’s annual Frist Friday Parade. This year’s theme was “The Last Football Game of the Century.” The week gave the sisters and New Members an awesome opportunity to get to know one another. In October Epsilon Mu welcomed parents with open arms and the annual tailgate before the Homecoming game.
EM held its annual Sapphire Ball, Kappa Kidnap, Halloween Mixer, and many tailgates and other social events, not to mention all of the sisterhood events.
Epsilon Mu had a visit from a Traveling Consultant, Mary Legakis, for help with a Ritual review, the week after Initiation, for the chapter and the new Initiates. She also attended the Founders Day banquet in October. EM was able to welcome many alumnae from the area. The banquet consisted of dinner and a special ceremony.
Liza Cary was crowned “Miss First Friday,” and Dorsey Wyatt was on the Homecoming Court. EM placed first in Lambda Chi Alpha’s Greek Bowl, and the chapter also placed in Sigma Chi’s Derby Days, raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network.. Last Spring Kappas participated in the MS Walk and were the top fundraiser, raising over $4,000; also EM participated in ZTA’s Big Man on Campus. Kappa participated in Adopt a Highway and made Christmas cards for the children’s floor at Greenville Memorial Hospital and for the children at Shriners Hospital in Greenville.
The challenge for the year was to achieve the all-sorority average, which EM did, with a 3.28 in the spring and a 3.1145 in the fall. The ongoing goal was to increase attendance at chapter meetings.
Epsilon Mu had, as always, many members on the cheer squads, Rally Cats, reps at the homecoming pageant, student government, student organizations, and honor societies.
'''1999'''
Epsilon Mu chapter observed the millenium by celebrating the occasion together. On New Year's Eve 1999, sisters gathered for dinner and a night out in eachothers' company. This memorable occasion is fondly remembered by those who were in attendance.
==Highlights of the 2000s==
After the tragedies of September 11, our chapter made t-shirts to recognize the efforts of the firefighters and emergency personel who worked through the aftermath, and also for the families whose loved ones were involved in the event. Money from these t-shirts went to various charities to help with the relief efforts.
'''2004'''
This year should be remembered as a success, one where our chapter recognized our strengths, and began to improve our weaknesses, striving to become the ideal chapter. Our girls stayed active, not only in Kappa, but all around campus, showing what well rounded greek women we are here at Clemson. We participated in several other fraternities' and sororities' philanthropies, raising money for everything from Breast Cancer to Multiple Sclerosis. The Contestant sponsored by Kappa won the homecoming pageant and we even won Sigma Chi's Derby Day's competeition, which raises money for Children's Miracle Network. Kappa also met the all sorority GPA and had several sisters admitted into honors societies. Kappas also: won homecoming; won Sigma Chi's Derby Days; competed in other sororities’ and fraternities’ philanthropies; met all-sorority GPA; had the #1 fund raiser for MS Walk; was the second largest contributor to race for the cure; improved attendance; held a monthly sisters-only non-alcoholic event; wrote letters to troops.
To help with chapter attendance, we encouraged committees to attend events together. For example, our chapter sponsored a sister in the Homecoming Pageant. Committees were encouraged to come together to the event. We had, by far, the largest showing, and our contestant won!
'''2005'''
This chapter had an extremely successful year here at Clemson. Epsilon Mu is filled with well-rounded and intelligent women who are dedicated to the continuous improvement of our chapter. In February of 2005, Epsilon Mu won several awards of merit at the province meeting. The three awards included Outstanding Achievement in Communication, Outstanding Achievement in Chapter Council/Advisor Board Relations and Outstanding Achievement in Gracious Living. Last spring, Kappa raised money and awareness in addition to participating in the walk to cure Multiple Sclerosis. Epsilon Mu was also involved in the campus wide Relay for Life fundraiser. This past fall, the chapter won the Sigma Chi Derby Days competition, which raises money to benefit the Children's Miracle Network. Kappa teamed with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and performed in the competitive Tigerrama Homecoming Pep Rally. Two of our very own members represented Kappa on the 2005 Homecoming court. Our annual fall philanthropy, Kappa Kick Off, was a huge success in November with 18 fraternities participating in the flag football tournament.
There are over 16,000 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in Clemson University. In Clemson's five colleges, there are at least 70 different fields of study offered. There are ten nationally recognized sororities on Clemson's campus. Epsilon Mu is thriving as one of the larger sororities on campus and continues to represent Kappa Kappa Gamma well.
Epsilon Mu consists of almost 180 active members, many of which are involved in multiple organizations other than Kappa. This August with a lot of preparation, practice, and chapter cooperation the 2005 recruitment was a great success. On October 29th, 48 young women were initiated into Epsilon Mu. This past fall, the Kappa hall was moved to the recently renovated fraternity quad where they share a building, Norris Hall, with two other sororities. It was an honor to be asked to move into this building.
Epsilon Mu faced several challenges this past fall but addressed them with determination and commitment to improvement. A risk management workshop which was mandatory for the entire chapter was held in December. In the workshop there were several speakers, including a Clemson area police officer and a counselor from the campus health center. In addition, the Vice President of Standards and the Risk Management Chairman spent a great deal of time during chapter meetings educating the members and reviewing the guidelines stated in the social contract. This chapter has taken a great deal away from the events of this past semester. Epsilon Mu has become stronger and more united chapter and has made huge strides in the education and raising awareness of risk management. All the members are well aware of how important it is to hold each other accountable for their actions.
'''2006'''
This previous year was extremely significant with Clemson's chapter of KKG. This past summer at, Convention, we received an honorable mention for recruitment. Epsilon Mu always prides itself on our recruitment. Our recruitment was very successful again this fall. This past spring we continued to raise money for our local philanthropy, Multiple Sclerosis. We also hosted a philanthropy event, Kappa Kickoff, as well, which helped to support MS Foundation. We were very involved with various organizations on campus including, Relay for Life and Sigma Chi Derby Days (effort to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network).
There are approximately 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled at Clemson University. Clemson hosts five colleges in which there around 70 fields available. There are ten national panhenellenic sororities on Clemson's campus.
Epsilon Mu consists of approximately 160 intelligent, beautiful members, all of which are involved throughout Clemson's campus. This October, 44 new members were initiated into Epsilon Mu. Kappa Kappa Gamma still holds a hall in the quad on Clemson's campus.
We still face some of the same challenges with attendance and lack of involvement, however, all chapter council members strive to support a unified front to the rest of the chapter. Our biggest challenged yet occurred this summer with the death of Tiffany Souers. This horrible event seemed to add despair to many members of our chapter but allowed us to reach out to one another. Our chapter has worked to keep Tiffany's memory not only within Kappa Kappa Gamma but within Clemson University as she was not only a member of Epsilon Mu but an outstanding student and leader on campus.
Our chapter has made huge strides in the area of Risk Management. Our Risk Management chair has worked to gain respect and cooperation with all members of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We have become a more united chapter and will continue to uphold Kappa Kappa Gamma's excellent reputation on Clemson University's campus.
'''2008'''
This previous year was extremely significant with Clemson's chapter of KKG. The year began with a successful recruitment of fifty-five new members. This past spring we continued to raise money for our local phianthropy, Multiple Sclerosis. We also hosted a philanthropy event, Kappa Kickoff, as well, which helped to support MS Foundation. Additionally Kappa was very involved around campus, winning first place in Sigma Chi Derby Days (effort to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network) , second in Greek Week, and was involved in Relay for Life.
Our Founders Day dinner in the fall consisted of an elegant dinner with various alumnae. As a chapter we made a presentation of Kappa's history, consisting of a candlelight ceremony respecting our founders. We also had a display including pictures of active members and alumnae.
There are approximately 17,500 graduate and undergraduate students enrolled at Clemson University. Clemson hosts give colleges in which there around 70 fields available. Clemson is currently ranked as the 22nd best national public university in the country. There are ten natioanl panhenellenic sororities on Clemson's campus.
Throughout the previous year we have become a more united chapter and will continue to uphold Kappa Kappa Gamma's excellent reputation on Clemson University’s campus.
'''2009'''
In 2009, Epsilon Mu grew for the better in many areas, the women of Epsilon Mu took great pride in bettering our chapter and taking everyone's needs and ideas into account. We had a very positive and sucessful formal recruitment. We were rewarded two important awards at the Kappa Provence Conference: Most improved Risk Management and Honorable Mention for Recruitment. Our Chapter Council also worked diligently to surpass Clemson's Greek Chapter Excellence Requirements. As a chapter we strive to achieve academic excellence, and in 2009 Epsilon Mu had the most 4.0 GPAs out of any Kappa Chapter in the nation. This past year, Epsilon Mu had the honor of being one of three sororities chosen to put on a skit in Clemson's well known Tigerrama Homecoming pep rally. It is also noteworthy that a chapter member was the assistant Tigerrama chair. Our chapter prides ourselves on giving back to Clemson's Greek community, and we won first place in the Sigma Chi's Philanthropy Derby Days.
Clemson’s Campus is like no other college campus that I have had the opportunity to visit. Clemson really does embody the big university in a small school setting. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, and Clemson was recently named the happiest college campus in the nation. The school spirit seen throughout our campus is amazing; every student takes such pride in being a Clemson Tiger. Throughout the past couple of years, Clemson has been working vigorously toward becoming one of the nation's top ranked public universities, and we are achieving this goal and moving closer toward our dream. Last year we were named the 22nd top public university in the nation, and we are continuing to move closer toward our goal.
Kappa Kappa Gamma's chapter of Epsilon Mu at Clemson is one if the strongest chapters on Clemson's campus. This past year we became the largest out of all eleven sororities. We have a group of well rounded, campus involved women, who not only strive for academic excellence but also excellence within our chapter. We also have women involved in all aspects of Clemson's campus including Panhellenic President, Student Senate, Order of Omega, Blue Key, GAMMA, as well as student athletes. 75 percent of our chapter members are involved in other organizations on campus. Epsilon Mu chapter prides ourselves on our diversity, which can be seen after the formal recruitment process each year.
Our chapter was faced with many challenges in 2009, but we did a great job of meeting them head on and finding solutions. Epsilon Mu's chapter council and standard's committee worked together in order to implement a positive points system to improve our attendance in campus events. Epsilon Mu has always had committees for each chapter council position, but this year we made the connection between the officer and her committee stronger, and the committees became very involved in the duties of the officer. This also helped the officers out a great deal because they were able to delegate tasks and be more effective in their duties. Prior to 2009, the committees were established, but they did not have any real influence or say in any of their officer's tasks. We wanted to change this in order to allow every chapter member to have a voice and feel that they could contribute something to Kappa. I believe we did a very good job in using our committees more efficiently. Another small problem we faced was incorporating sisterhood events between all pledge classes. We used the committees again to create dinner groups, and had the committees meet a couple times a semester to have dinner and bond. Chapter Council received very positive feedback regarding the dinner groups, and this is something we plan to continue throughout the years.
Chapter Council also wanted to put a lot more time and emphasis on officer transitions because we believed that this would enable the transitions of office to go more smoothly, and therefore we would not lose any time, and we could continue to work diligently on the goals we had. We decided the easiest and most effective way to accomplish this was to set up triplet meetings between the outgoing officer, the incoming officer, and our adviser Monica Patterson. These meetings proved to be very helpful because the outgoing officer came prepared with all of their duties outlines with helpful hints for the new officer as well. Monica was there to be a helpful liaison between the two officers.
The biggest challenge that Epsilon Mu met in 2009 was our budget. In years prior, our housing fees were not paid, and the treasurer, president, and our advisor had to work very hard in order to get the fees paid and be mindful of raising the budget to much considering the current recession. Chapter Council did a great job of cutting costs and moving budget money around within our positions, so our dues were only raised slightly. This increase in dues was presented to the chapter, and our treasurer worked with the chapter members in order to make sure everyone was comfortable with the increase. In 2009, we paid back most of our debt to the housing board, which was a great relief to our chapter.
'''2010'''
2010 was an eventful and productive year for the Epsilon Mu Chapter of
Kappa Kappa Gamma. We celebrated our 40th anniversary by hosting an alumnae dinner last March on the Kappa floor in the Norris Residence Hall. A few alumnae from the Clemson Alumnae Association also attended our Founders Day dinner on October 13th in the Holmes Ballroom of the Clemson House. In the spring of 2010, Kappa was recognized by the Order of Omega, Greek Programming Board, and administrators of Fraternity & Sorority Life for the chapter’s accomplishments in 2009. Kappa earned Chapter of Achievement accolades (falling in the top 5 among 40 chapters on campus) and College Panhellenic Council’s (Panhell) Most Improved Chapter (1 among 11). At the national Convention in summer 2010, Kappa was recognized with several honorable mention awards for: Greatest Improvement, Recruitment, Panhellenic & Gracious Living (among 137 chapters).
In the summer of 2010, Epsilon Mu sponsored two active members, Brett Fornell (president 2010) and Lauren Semsar (Panhellenic delegate 2010) and the chapter council advisor, Monica Patterson to attend Kappa’s biennial Convention in Phoenix, AZ. Kappa continued supporting the national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, with a campus flag football game named “Kappa Kickoff” on November 14th and walked locally to raise money for MS research on May 1st. The office of Fraternity & Sorority Life implemented a new “Standards of Excellence” program charting expectations for meeting minimum standards, achievement, and excellence. Because of this, EM held 6 community service activities and 9 educational programs during 2010, drastically increasing their presence in the campus and surrounding community.
We also celebrated some achievements in competitions throughout the campus. We were proud to celebrate a senior Kappa, Kathryn Harris, who won Homecoming Queen. EM placed 1st in the Overall Homecoming Float Competition in which we partnered with Sigma Nu, in a new collaboration of fraternities and sororities. Our float also earned 1st place for Movable Parts. Kappa placed 1st in the Lambda Chi Greek Bowl.
The fall 2010 also proved to be a trying time for Greek Life on Clemson’s campus. After concern for continued alcohol violations and reports of hazing, the Student Affairs administration headed by VP for SA, Dr. Gail DiSabatino, requested with urgency that the presidents of the three Greek councils provide action plans for minimizing abuse of alcohol and new members. While the event encompassed Greek Life, the issues mainly stemmed from fraternities. Suzanne Pickens, a senior Kappa and the Panhellenic Council President, helped with open communication between student leaders and administration.
Several structural changes occurred on the Clemson campus in 2010. College Panhellenic Council was one of several student organizations to donate to the construction of the Scroll of Honor Memorial set across Memorial Stadium to honor Clemson alumni who sacrificed their lives serving our country. The Carillon Garden between Sikes Hall, the Outdoor Theater and Tillman Hall was reconstructed for an enhanced pedestrian and landscaping layout.
In efforts by students, faculty, and staff in making Clemson more environmentally stable and the budgetary issues, student caps on printing were implemented. The University faced unprecedented cuts in state support because of the struggling economy. Vacant positions were closed and departments consolidated to save money and restructure the University for more lean and focused times.
In Greek Life, the fraternity Sigma Nu was reinstated while Pi Kappa Phi and Theta Chi each had their charters revoked at Clemson.
Since fall 2008, EM has added five active advisors. Monica Patterson advises chapter council and is the advisory board chair. She has worked with us over the past six semesters. Crystal Tanyag Goins has been advising VP for Standards and Education from Greenwood, SC since spring 2009. Jesse Reese Horton (’09) advises Marshal and New Member from Charleston, SC and joined the board in spring 2010. Natalie Russel Dunham began advising VP for Academic Excellence and Philanthropy fall 2010. She is a Clemson resident along with Monica. Ali Bedard (’06) joined EM spring 2011 and advises VP for Organization and Panhellenic Delegate. EM has also received the support of four different leadership consultants over six consecutive semesters: Kate Green, Stephanie Mathias, Leanne Aurich, and Vicki Luciani. In the fall semester, the LC assists with recruitment and in the spring she helps with continued officer transitions and leadership development.
Over the past couple of years, EM has instituted a few new positions, including: Assistant Event, Assistant Philanthropy, and has grown the Alumnae Chair position and responsibilities. Since Fraternity and Sorority Life instituted their Standards of Excellence program, EM has been using this and Kappa’s Leadership Action Plan to frame all the work we do. EM has added 3 community service events to each semester, emphasizing time spent with the community either by reading at a foster home, cleaning up a local animal shelter, or spending time with residents of a local retirement community. Additionally, Kappa continues to increase attendance at educational programs as well as co-hosting campus programming. Academic excellence has become a priority again for the chapter. While many members earn a 4.0 semester GPR and the sorority ranks 3rd overall within Greek Life, the chapter is doing more to support women with semester GPR’s under a 2.7, the new member and continuing member minimum expectation. All areas of the chapter have drastically improved.
Voting during the selection processes at recruitment or for officers at the end of each calendar year, has become electronic. For two years now, our chapter has used iclickers and computer software to tally votes of over 800 women participating in recruitment and to fill 20 plus officer positions on chapter council.
Kappa, along with CPC, and other Greek organizations have been working with Residence Life and Fraternity and Sorority Life in planning a new Fraternity and Sorority Village. The area of Thornhill residences will be removed to build approximately 30 single homes with room for 10-25 members in a designated Greek area. It is scheduled to open fall 2014.
Clemson Fraternity and Sorority Life along with the Division of Student Affairs made national news with the infamous “cease and desist” for all fraternities and sororities fall 2010. In short, the presidents of five Greek councils: CPC, IFC, NPHC, Order of Omega, and Greek Programming Board were tasked to self-govern societal issues of binge drinking and hazing or administrators would have to bring a “cease and desist” order against Greek Life, as stated by VP for Student Affairs, Dr. Gail DiSabitino. Of course, safety was the main concern of all parties. After the initial self-governance letter issued by the five council presidents, the students began critically examining the situation and appropriately questioning administration while administration scrambled to articulate their role and intentions in what became a debacle. While there are still residual effects of the poor actions based on good intentions, the “cease and desist” was quickly squashed by student leaders and concerned alumni. A Kappa senior, Suzanne Pickens, held a prominent role and facilitated open communication between students and administration as the Panhellenic Council President during this situation. We also had the support and guidance of our advisory board, regional and province director of chapters as well as representatives at headquarters and on fraternity council.
The fashionable trends of this time are using the term “cute” to describe a member or potential new member. Women wear Ugg boots during winters over dark opaque tights alone or under dresses. Also, women wear brown leather boots to class when not wearing Uggs. Another popular type of boot is Hunter rainboots. In the summer, Jack Rogers sandals dominate, and often when going out, women like to wear wedged heels. Throughout the year, a loose wool, cotton, or silk scarf is used as the popular accessory. Oversized, non-fitting tee shirts, especially v-necks are the popular choice for Kappa themed tees. Another popular item that many girls on campus wear is Nike shorts. Many women carry Longchamp, Vineyard Vines, and small across the body bags. Hobo wallets continue to be a favorite. A necklace worn by many Clemson Kappas is the Dogeared brand tiny gold fleur-di-lis charm on a short gold chain necklace. Men’s sized or oversized watches are also in. Men also seem to like to wear Patagonia vests over a long sleeve shirt to class.
==Highlights of 2011==
Early spring 2011, EM held the first Kappa alumnae weekend, when approximately 80 women returned to Clemson, some for the first time since they graduated. At the hosted dinner, EM provided cards for the women to record their stories of Kappa and Clemson during their time as a student.
==Highlights of 2012==