Changes
Eta
,→Highlights of 2020s:
Overall, this year was unlike anything that we could have expected. The way Eta chapter was able to adapt to the circumstances, and find ways to still make Kappa Kappa Gamma meaningful and relevant within a virtual environment is a huge accomplishment. Fingers crossed this pandemic will end before next year's report!
==Highlights of 2021==
This past year has been anything but ordinary for Eta Chapter! Operating in a pandemic is never a small feat, but we have had yet again another fantastic year. We installed a wonderful new executive board in January with President Blake Burnstine leading us in our endeavors. We have welcomed a new executive board position, the Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and have since partaken in workshops and seminars to enrich our knowledge on the topic. The spring was quiet with our events being virtual, but we took things outside in April for a golf tournament supporting our local philanthropy, the American Family Children’s Hospital. In the fall, we welcomed a record new member class of 82 girls. Our bid day theme was Sweet Home Kappa Gamma—we hosted the event in a pandemic safe fashion outside with masks and cowboy hats! As things have slowly gone back to normal, we have been able to get back to hosting date parties and other special events like Grabba Grabba Pizza, an event at our chapter house. On December 4, 2021, we will initiate 82 new members into our chapter, and we could not be more proud of them. In the year to come, we hope to keep the same passion for our philanthropies, continue to grow our already large chapter, and further our education on DEI.
Our chapter supports American Family Children’s Hospital. Our chapter had a longstanding connection with this organization. We are committed to supporting our community at all age levels.
During the spring semester, Eta chapter supported the American Family Children’s Hospital by hosting a golf tournament with another Greek organization. It was a great success and we raised just short of $14,000 (another record for Eta!). During the fall semester, Eta Chapter hosted our annual Grabba Grabba Pizza raising money for Mental Health America and selling late night pizza outside of our chapter house. We raised a total of $18,089 at this event (another new record!).
This year the Eta Chapter introduced its first ever Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The DEI position was important in fostering inclusiveness, creating awareness, leading to conversations and growth in members, the chapter, and the greater community. Some of our first initiatives included hosting a clothing drive for St. Vincent de Paul, giving DEI training before recruitment, and implementing a comprehensive diversity action plan. We are excited to continue to develop this position promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout all chapter operations!
Operating in a pandemic is not an easy thing to take on, but our executive board persevered in order to make the most of the situations given. In the spring semester, we hosted chapter each Monday over Zoom, a medium that we have grown to use quite a lot! We used Zoom for workshops, DEI trainings, and Executive Board meetings. When the fall semester came, we moved chapter meetings to in person and partook in recruitment in person, just with the addition of masks. It was great for the members to feel a sense of normalcy once again in the chapter house. Masks have come to be a large part of our day to day.
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
Please refer to your chapter archives and chapter meeting minutes to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance. Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!