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{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Epsilon ChiBeta Omicron|GreekSymbol= EXBO|Image= [[File:Epsilon_ChiBeta_Omicron.jpg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|19781904|0905|3011}}|College= [httphttps://www.dartmouthtulane.edu/ Dartmouth Tulane University], formerly H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College]of Tulane University|Location= HanoverNew Orleans, NHLA|Homepage= [httphttps://chapterstulane.kappakappagammakappa.org/epsilonchi/ Epsilon Chi Beta Omicron Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Epsilon_Chi Beta_Omicron Media related to Epsilon Chi Beta Omicron Chapter]}} '''Tulane University (formerly Newcomb College of Tulane University) established in 1886, New Orleans, Louisiana''' '''Beta Omicron founded May 11, 1904 - 13 charter members''' '''3,048 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
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'''Charter members:'''
Hilda Margaretta Blount, Maria Fugenia Breazeale, Hester Isabel Craig, Hazel Ellis, Adele Ford, Florence Ford, Mary Minor, Gertrude Monroe, Katie Adair Monroe, Charlotte Prentiss, Pamela Robertson, Lucile Reynolds Vardell, Phoebe Nixon Williams.
'''Dartmouth College established in Hanover, New HampshireFraternity Council Members;'''
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
'''Some of Epsilon Chi’s Outstanding Fraternity AlumnaeAchievement Award recipients:'''
'''Additional Outstanding Beta Omicron Alumnae:'''
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The story of how Beta Omicron began has two versions—one in the 1930 History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, and this one, told by charter members (as written in the History of Kappa Kappa Gamma, 1870–1976).
Pi Beta Phi was well established on the Sophie Newcomb campus. At a party in 1902, a Pi Phi’s brother, dressed as a girl, had the audacity to kiss one of the pledges. Her father made her break her pledge, so she gathered some friends together to form a new group. After consultation with prominent New Orleanians, Kappa was petitioned; and the group was turned down. Allegedly, the reason given was that well-bred southern girls did not go to college, but had governesses and tutors in their homes. So back went another petition. This time an officer was sent to look over the group. Sponsors and families did all they could do to entertain and impress, yet the group was rejected again. No one could believe it. This time the reason was that they were too social-minded. Yet they continued to want to be a part of the “best Fraternity.” They tried once more, and this time they were accepted.
At first, the chapter members were mostly New Orleans girls, but as the college grew, more out-of-town girls were pledged. During those early years, the alumnae worked tirelessly One charter member in particular was especially generous, inviting the chapter and rushees for weekends in her Gulf Coast home, supplying much of the wherewithal for chapter room furnishings, taking care of other expenses, and giving of her love and interest. Several charter members continued to take an interest in “their” chapter. It was a treat to have any one of them attend a Kappa function and show the actives what a vital force Kappa was in their lives.
'''Traditions and Changes'''
The festivities were well attended by Fraternity officers, Kappa actives chapter started a cultural program of talks and alumnae from throughout displays of art at the northeastchapter house in 1965. Representing The whole college is invited. For this program, Beta Omicron received an honorable mention at the Fraternity were: President Jean Hess Wells, Georgia; Director of Chapters Sally Moore Nitschke, Ohio State; Chairman of Extension Marjorie Matson Converse, Purdue; Lorna Jean Telfer, McGill, Alpha Province Director of Chapters; following General Convention. Foreign students are entertained every year in an effort to get to know them better and Mary Sexton Brooks, Purdue, Alpha Province Director of Alumnaehelp them feel at home.
Active-alumna relationships are excellent. Advisers are interested and are proud of the chapter. In the fall of 1970, the chapter was helped by Patricia Ann Nealon, a Graduate Counselor. In 1971, the chapter decided that it was mature enough to handle house matters without a house mother. Permission was given, and there were no major problems.
One of the outstanding members of Beta Omicron is Agnes Guthrie Favrot, longtime chapter adviser and former Fraternity Rose McGill Fund Chairman. “I do believe,” she says, “I know as much about our chapter, or more, than any other single person. And I am very proud of being a Kappa.” “Aunt Aggie,” with four sons and no daughters, took the chapter into her heart and life. The Kappas, she said, filled a real need, and she does everything she can to make Beta Omicron a happy, successful chapter. Her portrait is one of the chapter’s prized possessions. She received the Loyalty Award in 1966.
Highlights (scholarship, honors/awards, special events, philanthropy and service projects, etc.):
'''Housing:'''
'''Philanthropy:'''
'''Chapter Convention Awards:''' ==A New Millennium- Highlights of 2000-2010== The Beta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma would like this year to be remembered as a time when the chapter came together to benefit the community. In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Beta Omicron worked on several community house-gutting projects. Also, the chapter came together once again for Kappa Kollection, a designer trunk show where the chapter raised $6,000 in one day for ovarian cancer research. Tulane University has become a place of unity since Hurricane Katrina. The students and faculty take great pride in knowing that everyone who is here is here despite the negative effects of the hurricane. Also, the culture and history that is the city of New Orleans can be seen in all aspects of the campus like never before. Like Tulane University itself, the Beta Omicron chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is unified in a way that only comes from experiencing the same hardships. The chapter is full of loyal, intelligent girls who are always willing to help each other and have fun. Along with these similarities, Beta Omicron prides itself on the diverse and unique talents and interests of its members. Beta Omicron faced numerous challenges resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Building a sense of unity was easy after the storm, but dealing with the loss of members who could not return after the storm was difficult. Continuing with Recruitment after a semester away was also difficult. Not only did the house have one month to accomplish what usually takes an entire semester, but the smaller pool of potential new members made Recruitment intensely competitive. In January 2007, 37 exceptional young women joined the new member class, thanks in part to the hard work of the Membership Chairman and her assistant. Throughout the spring semester, Chapter Council worked to improve the chapter’s overall involvement and attitude. Fall semester: The chapter teamed up with Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity and participated in Greek Week. On October 15, the chapter celebrated Founders Day with some of our oldest alumnae. In November, the chapter rallied behind the Philanthropy Chairman to put on the second Kappa Kollection, an event that raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Of the chapter’s many achievements of 2007, one of the greatest came in the area of scholarship. With the work and encouragement of the chapter Vice President of Academic Excellence, the chapter GPA rose to 3.39, the second-highest sorority GPA on campus. Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of six NPC-recognized sororities at Tulane. In the 2007–08, nearly all active members were involved in other campus clubs, sports and organizations. As mentioned above, the Fall ’07 chapter GPA rose to 3.39, which was higher than the all-sorority, all-Greek, and all-women’s GPA. Scholarship was also highlighted in April, when five Kappas were inducted into the Order of Omega, and in the fall, when six Kappas were named to the Greek 4.0 Club. This year the chapter worked diligently to place a continuous emphasis on the importance of scholarship. VP-Academic Excellence and her Scholarship Committee held a study skills workshop for New Members to promote organization and time-management, held weekly study hours for the entire chapter, and encouraged the chapter to provide support for those struggling with stress or anxiety. The positive attitude and ongoing encouragement of the Scholarship Committee is reflected in the chapter’s academic success. This past year, Beta Omicron has really grown as a chapter, sharing many moments of laughter and getting through tough times together as sisters. On January 25th, 2009, the chapter welcomed a new member class full of enthusiastic, kind and generous women ready to indulge in the tradition and pass on the legacy. Although there were not as many social events spring semester, this was not seen as a damper to our chapter, rather more of an opportunity to grow. The Kappa house became more of a home than ever, as Thursday lunches on the Kappa porch were bustling with joyful KKGs, the couches packed with girls studying for finals or laughing together while watching ridiculous television shows, and the pantry stocked for snacking any time of the day. Sisterhood events such as ice sundaes and water bottle decorating, Kappa T-shirt tie-dying, competitive laser tagging, and philanthropic pumpkin carvings were great opportunities for strengthening sisterly bonds. Our sorority joined forces with Kappa Sigma for Greek Week (October 18-24), and although we did not have the greatest turnout, we definitely displayed the most spirit. On November 14, the Kappa house was transformed into a boutique for our fourth- annual Kappa Kollection, bringing in more than $3,000, which was donated to the St. Bernard Project, a nonprofit organization established in response to Hurricane Katrina. In the beginning of 2009, our chapter struggled with several Panhellenic infractions after Bid Day, which caused some hesitation in having as many social functions as usual. However, the new member class was extremely patient as we worked through our challenges as a chapter. The whole experience made the chapter stronger, as we increased communication with the Fraternity and our advisers. Along with working to create a stronger relationship with the Fraternity officers, the chapter struggled to create a positive relationship with Panhellenic and Tulane, in general. The members’ involvement within the sorority and campus improved greatly, as we increased encouragement and incentives. The several sisterhood events greatly improved the unity within our chapter, as well. The chapter continues to emphasize involvement and public relations. Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of seven NPC-recognized sororities on Tulane’s campus, with the recent addition of Phi Mu. However, our chapter does not go unnoticed, as the majority of our members are actively involved on campus through clubs, sports, or organizations—such as Up ’til Dawn (in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Tulane Emergency Medical Service, Peer Health Advocates, and Green Envy (a cappella group). The women of Beta Omicron maintain a balanced lifestyle achieving an average GPA of 3.334 for Spring 2009—higher than the all sorority (3.329), all-Greek (3.147), all-women’s (3.115), and all-student (3.050) average at Tulane. Beta Omicron began 2010 with a strong bond of sisterhood, culminating in a successful spring Recruitment period. We welcomed a new member class of 50 bright, charismatic and involved new members who quickly settled in to life at the Kappa house. The older girls really enjoyed getting to know and bond with the newest pledge class, with sisterhood events such as tie-dying tank-tops, laser tag and a visit to the haunted houses of New Orleans. In addition to these events, a line could be found winding out of the chapter room as girls came in for dinner on Monday nights before Chapter meeting, and lunch on Thursdays. Our social calendar took off at high speed with mixers and a disco-themed date function. Formal was a highlight of the year, downtown in the picturesque French Quarter. The fall brought more bonding with various mixers, crush parties, the creation of an all-star flag football team and a new garden party with the Kappa alumna of New Orleans. Along with new parties, 1033 Audubon Street also received a new roof, and the chapter room was updated with a new coat of paint and floor. Kappa paired with Alpha Epsilon Pi during Greek Week, and performed a fully choreographed routine for the Greek Sync Competition. Even though we didn’t win, we had a full team of girls, which increased the participation of our chapter and our enthusiasm level for the rest of the semester. Beta Omicron also raised the participation of the chapter in Philanthropy events to a new level, with the entire chapter participating in Habitat for Humanity, and working shifts at Kappa Kollection, which raised more than $11,000 for the St. Bernard Project. There was also a clothing drive at the same time, which collected clothing for the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. Even though home is on Audubon St., Beta Omicron participated in Beautify Broadway, helping clean up one of the main streets around Tulane’s campus. A literacy event that the chapter participated in at a local elementary school was named a RIF program of the month. The majority of the chapter participated in several philanthropies each in the past year, which shows the increased level of involvement of Beta Omicron on campus and in the community. We also did a Halloween philanthropy called Owl-O-Ween with another sorority that shares the Kappa symbol of the owl, Chi Omega. We carved pumpkins and made Halloween cards for St. Anna’s Residence for the elderly. There has never been a better time to be a Kappa at Tulane. ==Highlights of 2011-2019== (See Chapter History Report) Highlights (scholarship, honors/awards, special events, philanthropy and service projects, etc.): ==Highlights of 2011== Beta Omicron began 2011 with a strong bond of sisterhood, culminating in a successful spring recruitment period. We welcomed a new pledge class of over 50 bright, charismatic and involved new members who quickly settled in to life at the Kappa house. The older girls really enjoyed getting to know and bond with the newest pledge class, with sisterhood events such as tye dying tank tops, laser tag and a visit to the haunted houses of New Orleans. In addition to these events a line could be found winding out of the chapter room as girls came in for dinner on Monday nights before Chapter meeting, and lunch on Thursdays. Our social calendar took off at high speed with mixers and a disco themed date function. Formal was a highlight of the year, downtown in the picturesque French Quarter. The fall brought more bonding with various mixers, crush parties, the creation of an all star flag football team and a new garden party with the Kappa alumna of New Orleans. Along with new parties, 1033 Audubon St. also received a new roof, and the chapter room was updated with a new coat of paint and floor. Kappa paired with Alpha Epsilon Pi during Greek Week, and performed a fully choreographed routine for the Greek Sync Competition. Even though we didn’t win, we had a full team of girls which increased the participation of our chapter, and our enthusiasm levels for the rest of the semester. Beta Omicron also raised the participation of the chapter in Philanthropy events to a new level, with the entire chapter participating in Habitat for Humanity, and working shifts at Kappa Kollection, which raised over $11,000 for the St. Bernard Project. There was also a clothing drive at the same time, which collected clothing for the Metropolitan Center for Women and Children, a local women’s center. Even though home is on Audubon St., Beta Omicron participated in Beautify Broadway, helping clean up one of the main streets around Tulane’s campus. A literacy event that the chapter participated in at a local elementary school was named a RIF program of the month. The majority of the chapter participated in over 3 philanthropies each in the past year, which shows the increased level of involvement of Beta Omicron on campus and the area around it. We also did a special Halloween philanthropy called Owl-O-Ween with another sorority that shares the Kappa symbol of the owl, Chi Omega. We carved pumpkins and made Halloween cards for St. Anna’s Residence for the elderly. There has never been a better time to be a Kappa at Tulane. '''Campus:''' Tulane University is private university located in the uptown area of New Orleans, with an undergraduate student population of a little over 6,500. The Panhellenic Council has been growing on campus, with more than 30% of women involved in a Greek organization. This year we were very lucky to have a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma serve on the elected executive board, along with several Kappas serving as recruitment counselors and panhellenic delegates. '''Chapter:''' Kappa Kappa Gamma is one of seven NPC-recognized sororities on Tulane’s campus, with the recent addition of Phi Mu. However, our chapter does not go unnoticed, as the majority of our members are actively involved on campus through clubs, sports, or organizations—such as the entire executive board of Up ‘til Dawn (in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), Tulane Emergency Medical Service, Peer Health Advocates, and the Student Conduct Board. The women of Beta Omicron balance all of these activities with academics, achieving an increased average GPA of 3.346 for Spring 2009—the same as the all sorority (3.346), and higher than the all greek (3.286), all women’s (3.278), and all student (3.226) average at Tulane.
One of the largest challenges that faced our chapter this year was at the first event of the semester, where we had a minor infraction involving several active members. However, Beta Omicron reacted quickly by re-evaluating their risk management policies, and having the members that were responsible provide an educational program about alcohol consumption for the chapter at meeting. As a result, we also improved our communications with Nationals, as well as our local advisers. The lack of social events did not dampen spirits though, but helped to enforce the sisterly bond that we all look to in our sorority. Beta Omicron has not had any problems since, which shows that our new risk management policies have been extremely successful.
==Highlights of 2012==
The last chapter of the semester was dedicated to the senior class. Our education chair gave each senior a gift and the juniors put together a slide show of pictures in honor of their bigs. Classes resumed in August and the entire chapter was excited to continue improving our standings with nationals. The sophomore class came back to school early to help with Freshmen Move-In. On august 24th Chapter Council had a full day retreat where they discussed ways to improve the chapter as a whole. Throughout the semester the sophomore class met once a moth to prepare for our spring recruitment.
After received a new focus letter our Academic Excellence chair began holding weekly study hours to try to improve our chapters GPA. Every week member’s signed up to attend study hours for at least three hours a week. We are trying very hard as a chapter to improve our GPA. During the first week of December our LC Charlotte visited again. She held a few fun and educational events including a Kappa history talk and a review of the bylaws and standing rules. Our outgoing officers held great officer transition meetings for our new chapter council. The newly elected Chapter Council was eager for the spring semester to star so they could continue the great work of our previous officers in continuing to better our chapter as a whole.
==Highlights of 2014==
The spring of 2014 got off to great start with an amazing recruitment. Although there were some problems with Bid Day the year before last, this year’s Bid Day went off without a hitch. Bid Day was held of MLK day for the second year in a row, which in the past was usually a day of service of Tulane Students. Bid day was held late in the afternoon so all Greek women could still participate in the day of service. Many of our members participated in local service activities throughout the New Orleans community. All actives were on their best behavior during Bid Day to make sure that the new members felt welcome and comfortable.
In the fall of 2013, Tulane welcomed a new sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. Our chapter tried very hard to make sure the women of Alpha Delta Pi felt welcome at Tulane and prepared to recruit new members. During the workweek of recruitment we held a “mock recruitment” with them so they would feel comfortable speaking to potential new members during formal recruitment. Kappa was the only sorority on campus that did this with Alpha Delta Pi.
==Highlights of 2015==
As we continued to strive to meet the standards and expectations of nationals set out by our probation letter, our members took an active role in becoming positive role models for the new members. Before our first social event, Glo Kappa, all members met at the Kappa House to watch a brief presentation on alcohol safety. Due to the super bowl and carnival season coinciding, Mardi Gras was early in the semester this year. Mardi Gras is always a great way for the new members to bond with the actives. The New Member Chairs put together an excellent presentation the meeting before Mardi Gras that went over safety and proper behavior.
As a sisterhood event, all of the families (littles, bigs, grandbigs, great grandbigs) got together to make food for a bake sale. It was a lot of fun and really allowed the girls to bond. Initiation went very smoothly. It was quite the experience to see someone so committed to the chapter for so long. Throughout inspiration week, new members continued to bond with the actives through nightly pledge class activities. Our marshal had been holding ritual reviews sessions throughout the semester, which helped the actives be fully prepared for the day of initiation. We were fortunate enough to have alumni be a part of our initiation, and we held a brunch at the house after initiation for the entire chapter and the alumni. An alumnus even came to renew her pledge!
At the end of March, we held a joint philanthropy event with Pi Phi called the “Red Hot Angel Wing Eating Contest.” It was a hit and members throughout the Greek community came to support us. In April, our LC, PDC, and RDC came to deliver our probation letter. While it definitely came as a shock at first, we have definitely come a long way. The last chapter of the semester was dedicated to the senior class. Our education chair gave each senior a gift and the juniors put together a slide show of pictures in honor of their bigs.
The economic crisis made it difficult month of November was filled with philanthropy events. At the start of the month, we held our biggest event, Kappa Kollection. We had a lot of new vendors this year, which was exciting, and we were able to raise money for college graduates the New Orleans Womens shelter and The Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. After electing a competent nominating committee our chapter was presented with a new slate during mid November. Members voted to find jobs; students graduating with accumulated debt found their future bleak; approve the entire new slate the war in Iraq officially endedfollowing week.
==Highlights of 2016==
In February, we held our first philanthropy event with Reading is Fundamental and STAIR. STAIR, or Start the Adventure in reading, is a volunteer based children's literacy organization that provides reading tutors for public school 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade students. By teaming up with these organizations, over 60 members gave one-on-one tutoring to students to improve their reading and language skills over the course of 5 different shifts.
The Moving Dartmouth Forward Initiative is still in effect and previous calendar year has been since 2015much fun for the women of Beta Omicron at Tulane University. Bid Day was Candyland themed! We welcomed approximately 90 new members, and started 2018 in a pretty sweet way. We started this calendar year off with many of our members participating in the Women's March that took place in the French Quarter! The main goal ladies of this system was to cut down on destructive behavior on Kappa Kappa Gamma also supported Stoneman Douglas High School after the shooting, by hanging a "Douglas Strong" banner from our campus porch. We had numerous fun mixers and to make Dartmouth a safer date parties. Some of our best included: Red Hot, Disco Date, and more inclusive environment. Since the springKappa Krush! There were plenty of fun sisterhood events this year, hard alcohol has been banned including snowballs on campus the porch and in compliance attending the Pelican's basketball game as a chapter! Chapters were made fun with this new policycake on Founder's Day, and holidays were made special with cookie decorating at the house! A few of our ladies had great successes for their sporting teams; we have hosted panels members on safe alcohol consumption at Dartmouth the volleyball and rugby teams for the university. This year we had many fun philanthropic events! Beta Omicron switched up our traditional powderpuff football event for a SpikeBall event! This event was called "Spike and Slamma with both sisters Kappa Kappa Gamma" and administratorsthe proceeds went to benefit a local startup called "TopBox Foods". AdditionallyWe also teamed up with two other sororites on campus for a jewelry trunk show outside of the Kappa house that split the proceeds, with Kappa's portion going towards RIF. Lastly, we have hosted a diversity panels finished up 2018 with our traditional fall philanthropy event, "Kappa Kollection", where local stores set up tables in order our chapter room with some merchandise to foster inclusivity sell! The event is held on parent's weekend and understanding within is a great way for potential new members/parents to be welcomed into the house for a fun event! A portion of all proceeds went toward RIF as well. Beta Omicron also participated in fun campus activities as well. We had a team compete in Greek Groove, a dancing competition, that raises money for Tulane Panhellenic Council's philanthropy, Circle of Sisterhood. One of our very own members got selected to go on a trip to Africa with Circle of Sisterhood in 2019! We finished the semester with study snacks at the house. and transformed the chapter room into the perfect place to study with your sisters! The ladies of Beta Omicron
In the fall, thanks to the leadership of President Jaida Maller, Tulane Kappa handled the transition with responsibility and reason. We adapted to social distancing protocols by canceling all social events, moving chapter online, hosting Sisterhood events such as cooking and exercise classes via Zoom, and having ‘to-go’ lunches every Thursday. Thankfully, we were able to fund raise for our philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, with a digital Kappa Kollection this year as well. As our Chapter, our University, and the world as we know it have all changed immensely in the past year, Beta Omicron has prioritized the safety of the New Orleans community and has aimed for its members to be role-models within the Tulane community in regard to wearing masks and social distancing.
Although we dearly miss pre-COVID days, we are thankful we have our sisters to help us through these unprecedented times. We are so excited for the day when things begin to return to normal and we can resume chapter events and be all together in person again!
==Highlights of 2021==
Spring semester of 2021 was held virtually within our chapter for meetings, recruitment, initiation, and all other special events held. Although it was all new to every chapter member and we missed seeing our sisters in- person,
everyone handled it incredibly and Beta Omicron showed resilience. In the 2021 fall semester, we
returned to seeing our sisters in person, while wearing a mask and following New Orleans city
guidelines, for chapter meetings and events. It was a transition period for our new member class,
going from all virtual to back in the house. Melody Li, member class of 2020, was awarded the Kappa
Kappa Gamma Foundation Scholarship for the academic year of 2021-2022.