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→Highlights of 2017
{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Gamma Delta Kappa|GreekSymbol= ΓKΔK|Image= [[File:Gamma_KappaDelta_Kappa.jpeg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|19231938|0211|1618}}|College= [httphttps://www.wmmiami.edu/ College University of William & MaryMiami]|Location= WilliamsburgCoral Gables, VAFL|Homepage= http://www.kappa.org[Delta Kappa Webpage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Gamma_Kappa Delta_Kappa Media related to Gamma Delta Kappa Chapter]}}
'''College University of William and Mary Miami established in 1693 in Williamsburg1925, Coral Gables, VirginiaFlorida'''
'''Founded February 16Chapter founded November 18, 1923 - 12 Charter Members1938'''
'''1,781 total initiates (as of June 2018)'''
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'''Some of the Chapter's Delta Kappa’s Outstanding Alumnae:'''(If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
'''Fraternity Council Officers:Members;'''
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award:'''
'''Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
Doris Hart, 1958, third Kappa to win the U.S. Women’s Open Tennis Championship; won every major tennis tournament of her time;
Jo Ann Pflug (Woolery), 1972—actress who played Lt. Maria “Dish” Schneiderstar in the movie version of M*A*S*H, 1970; star of Candid Camera; philanthropist;
Dr. (Mary) Kathryn Hammock, 1986—neurosurgeon; founding board member of National Brain Research Association; Virginia McMIchael Sittler, 1994, computer scientist for the Department of Defense
'''Fraternity Additional Outstanding Delta Kappa Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
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The University of Miami, founded in 1925, began to build south of Coral Gables in 1926. The incomplete structure was severely damaged by a hurricane that September, and another building was found closer to Coral Gables. It was only partly finished, had no partitions and classrooms were made with huge sheets of wallboard. The name “Cardboard College” stuck for years.
In 1947, the site was changed and the university, tremendously grown, is now situated on a large, beautifully landscaped campus.
Dr. Bowman F. Ashe, president of the university, was host at a tea March 1, 1939, at his home for distinguished writer Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Ohio State, attended by actives and alumnae. Mrs. Ashe was one of the original members of the Kappa Mothers’ Club of Miami. She had a daughter who was the first initiate of Delta Kappa.
The Mothers’ Club was formed in the fall of 1940 and has always been a great help to the chapter. The club has contributed a silver tea and coffee service, the scholarship punch bowl, dishes and stainless flatware, the installation of a terrazzo floor in the Kappa suite, an annual $50 bond for highest scholarship and another for greatest improvement, a Christmas tree and holiday dinner, a champagne brunch for graduates plus a gift for each senior.
The chapter rented its first house in September, 1939. In 1950, Gamma Kappa began working with patients at Eastern State Hospital for 1942 sorority houses were no longer sanctioned by the mentally ill. Four or five girls go out for an evening, with cookies university and drinks, the chapter returned to play games a room. By the chapter’s 20th anniversary Delta Kappa was housed in the Panhellenic Building with all the children and read to themother sororities. Dr. Davis Y. PaschallThe suite of a large living room, conference room, William kitchen and Mary president, presented bath was in 1964, the prize location on the first-place scholarship award floor next to Gamma Kappathe entrance. The custom of chapter has held members wearing light and dark blue dresses started with the first place for ten semestersrush and proved to be a fine way of identifying Kappas to the Rushees during the silent period.
The chapter purchased a $500 War Bond in 1943. Pledges won the scholarship cup and Kappas were elected to every senior class office but one in 1945-46. Delta Kappa won the Song Fest, and three Kappas were on the university’s All-American Girls Volleyball Team in 1947-48.
'''World War II YearsHonors and Traditions'''
Many scholastic honors have come to the chapter and its members. In 1951 Kappas were graduated magna cum laude, summa cum laude, and cum laude. In 1964–65 five Kappas were named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, setting a record at Miami.
The highlight of 1971-72 was the chapter’s philanthropy—special education classes and contributions to the drug rehabilitation center.
Delta Kappa’s year (1996) began with spring semester. It was full of great socials with various fraternities on campus. These included a mixer with Pi Kappa Alpha, one with Kappa Sigma and Sigma Alpha Mu during Greek Week. There were also a number of philanthropic activities in which the chapter participated. Some included Fun Day which was a day dedicated to the enjoyment of children and adults with disabilities and Sigma Chi’s Derby Days which benefited their philanthropy. The chapter received individual and chapter awards at the Association of Greek Letter Organizations awards banquet. A major event of the spring was the Sapphire Ball, held at the Intercontinental on Biscayne Bay. Elegant and beautiful, it showed Kappa’s charm and class.
Fall was busy as usual for DK. The chapter had a tailgate with Zeta Beta Tau before Rush.
Fall was full of activity with Recruitment resulting in an exciting 38 new members! Pledges on Parade experienced some changes this year and is now known as Presenting Our Pledges. The New member class was excited to win the honor of Best Song and Most Creative Banner. This semester also included mixers with various fraternities and participation in other Greek events. The Founders Day brunch was held at the lovely Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables where chapter members spent time reminiscing with alumnae. The chapter placed first in Homecoming this year with Kappa Sigma Fraternity. The chapter went camping for their chapter retreat. The season ended with a semi-formal date function and a holiday party.
Delta Kappa begn1999 with a bright young chapter council full of ideas. Kappa trainers helped prepare the women for spring Recruitment which was the first main event of the year. The amazing trainers gave the chapter many useful pointers that they were able to use during future Recruitments as well. Spring Recruitment added seven wonderful young women to the chapter. The chapter went on to have the annual Kappa Krush at Penrod’s on South Beach and participate in Greek Week, winning second place over-all. The women went on to have mixers with several fraternities such as Lambda Chi Alpha and Kappa Sigma.
While they were having fun with the fraternities, Delta Kappa was winning awards also. Chapter representatives attended Province Meeting hosted by Emory, where the chapter won the Risk Management Award and the Jan Stamper Communications Award. A traveling consultant visited the chapter later that semester, meeting with each officer, answering questions and providing helpful hints. At the Association of Greek Letter Organizations Banquet the chapter won awards for Chapter Involvement for having the most members involved in campus activities of all the sororities. As the semester came to a close the annual Sapphire Ball was held at the Wyndham Hotel on Miami Beach in the Starlight Room as well as Senior Week which is a time to honor the graduating senior class. At the end of the semester we were given the opportunity to extend three more bids to amazing women. This resulted in the addition of two new members who were initiated in the fall just prior to fall Recruitment.
A change Chapter of GAMA (Greek Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol) was colonized in policy occurred in 1980 that revoked legacy status the spring of the year to great granddaughtershelp the Greek community openly discuss and resolve Risk Management issues with one another. Two members of In the chapter took first place in fall, Panhellenic expanded with the addition of Delta Delta Delta Fraternity Education on Founders Day and another Kappa was chosen as a student liaison for the Board Interfraternity Council expanded with the addition of VisitorsSigma Phi Epsilon.
Spring semester began with continuous open bidding where the chapter pledged four amazing new members. Following a five- week new member period, initiation was held on April 8th. During the 2006 calendar year the women participated in various fraternity philanthropy events. First was the Sigma Chi’s Derby Days where one sister won the title of Miss Derby Days. Then there was Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s first annual Paddy Murphy Week where the chapter won first place overall as well as winning the Miss Minerva competition. Also, there was Sigma Phi Epsilon’s Week of the Heart which the chapter placed second overall. Lastly, there was Greek Week 2006 where the chapter placed second in the Blood drive. As for social events, there was an amazing Crush Party with Sigma Chi at John Martins and the chapter finished off spring semester with a fabulous formal at Hibiscus Island near Miami Beach.
Fall semester began with Recruitment and the chapter welcomed 35 new members. A five week new member period followed and ended with initiation on October 29th. Also in the fall, some sisters participated enthusiastically in the National Gandhi Day of Service as well as Homecoming activities. The chapter also participated and placed second in Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropy event Watermelon Bust. There were a few social events, a Grab-a-Date function at Laser World where the women and their dates enjoy a few games of laser tag. The chapter also held a celebrities party with Sigma Phi Epsilon at Señor Frog’s in Coconut Grove. The fall semester ended with a fun-filled semi-formal at Uva Restaurant in Coral Gables.
The implementation of the new Reading is Fundamental program was still a challenge. To meet this challenge, the philanthropy committee coordinated a book drive and got other sororities involved. These books along with pencil boxes and other school supplies were donated to underprivileged children. The philanthropy committee also planned a book fair in cooperation with Scholastic Books to be held on campus in the spring.
In the fall, the chapter had the opportunity to attend an alumnae and actives brunch in Miami. The women mingled with fellow Delta Kappa alumnae as well as other Kappas who now call Miami home. In September, the chapter had a very successful Recruitment which resulted in ten wonderful new members. October marked a fantastic Founders Day and which was celebrated during a brunch with Alumnae. The chapter’s newest members performed a skit as our Founders, and everyone enjoyed a keynote presentation by a Delta Kappa alumna.
The chapter was very busy in March. In addition to Inspiration Week, they placed third in Delta Gamma’s Anchor Bowl, won the Sorority Spirit Award during Greek Week and first place in Beta Theta Pi’s Beta Blast. In addition, the chapter held its annual book fair, Reading is Key event, chapter elections and had a joint leadership day with PDC Chrissy Haddad, Emory.The semester continued with a luau themed mixer with Phi Delta Theta at Finnegan’s on the River. The annual Senior Week was a bittersweet goodbye to the graduating seniors. The seniors also participated in a Senior Tea where they were inducted into the alumnae association. Spring semester ended with Sapphire Ball at the Westin Colonade in Coral Gables.
The Super Bowl was held in Miami in 2010. The members had fun taking advantage of all the free concerts and events the city offered. During the spring five mixers were planned. The chapter had an "I'm so glad I'm not…" mixer with Beta Theta Pi, a "B.C." mixer with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a Mardi Gras mixer with Alpha Epsilon Pi, a "Cowboys & Indians" mixer with Pi Kappa Phi, and a "P is for Party" mixer with Lambda Chi Alpha. Members also participated in Greek Week.
This was an opportunity for the women to bond as a sisterhood and participates in events such as Organized Cheer, a blood drive, Olympic Day, and Coin Wars. In March the chapter won the Spirit Award for Relay for Life on campus and raised more money than any other Greek organization. The relay theme was "England" and sisters dressed up as traditional English guards as part of a fundraiser. Delta Kappa participated in Sigma Alpha Epsilon's Paddy Murphy Week and won the first place trophy! Sisters competed in a brother's auction, a pageant, and flag football. The chapter also competed in Lambda Chi Alpha'Chapter Convention Awards:'''s Watermelon Bust, which included such events as a volleyball tournament and decorate a brother contest. Delta Kappa came in second place in this contest.
Delta Kappa kicked off the fall semester with Continuous Open Bidding Recruitment events. Four wonderful new members were welcomed into the chapter. An exciting new project to raise money for Reading is Fundamental was held. The Delta Kappa is the proud home of the KappaGirl lipstick, a color that is just Kappa Kappa Gammas. The proceeds from the sales of these lipsticks benefit RIF. The project has been very successful so far and will hopefully carry on in the future. The end of September brought Kappa's new and improved philanthropy weekend. Besides the annual volleyball tournament that benefits Camillus House, the chapter held a coin wars competition and co-hosted a comedy night at the Rat Restaurant on campus, where a writer from The Daily Show performed. The weekend was very successful and raised $2,000.
In October, members participated in the Pi Kappa Alpha Pike Platoon, where members competed in various events and cheered on a sister in a pageant. Founders Day was celebrated this month with a very successful brunch with the alumnae association at a hotel in downtown Coral Gables. Members also enjoyed the fall semester by going to football games together and cheering on the Hurricanes. By the end of October it was time for a favorite chapter event - Homecoming. Chapter women participated in events such as a blood drive, Organized Cheer, an Alma Mater singing contest, a parade float contest, and a philanthropy day called Hurricanes Help the Hometown. The chapter came in second place for the second year in row in Homecoming events. In November members created and performed a dance for Sigma Phi Epsilon's Dance for the Heart contest.
The chapter had one mixer in the fall with Alpha Epsilon Pi with an "N is for November" theme. In addition, the chapter president surprised members during a chapter meeting with a spontaneous trip to Finnegan's River, a restaurant downtown. Chapter members had lots of fun during this spontaneous party. Fall semester ended with semi-formal at Uva, a salsa club in Coral Gables. The chapter had a great time enjoying the end of the semester and bonding with sisters.
The Delta Kappa chapter is proud of its strong sisterhood that it has had since its founding in 1938. The Delta Kappa chapter members are extremely involved on campus, with leadership positions in such organizations such as Homecoming Committee, Student Government, UMTV, Yearbook, and countless other organizations. The chapter has continued its involvement in multiple philanthropic events as well.
In the fall the Delta Kappa chapter participated with Phi Delta Theta fraternity in homecoming, placing 2nd overall. Additionally, Kappa sister Alix Bigley was crowned homecoming queen, which marked the second year in a row that Kappa held the Queen title. This was great PR for the sisters and really fostered a growing relationship with the brothers of phi delta theta. Later in the fall the presidential election excited the campus and many sisters helped with both political sides of the campaign. Finally the year came to a close with lots of secret santa's, donating to the those in need including the Kappa holiday sharing program, and sister Lauren Ruben, worked tirelessly on a campus wide hurricane sandy relief fund. 2012 was a year of great success in recruitment and academics as well as social and campus wide events for the sisters of the Delta Kappa chapter!
The University of Miami campus is in the process of massive renovations. The Cox Science Center is in the process of adding an addition that will nearly double the size of the main science building on campus. With the addition, more classes will be accommodated as the number of students studying the sciences continues to increase. An art building that was severely damaged during a hurricane and left vacant for years began undergoing renovation in the spring of 2012. The new student activities center is progressing steadily with an anticipated opening date set for fall 2013. In addition, cosmetic changes are occurring all over campus, such as a sidewalk-widening project on San Amarro Drive making the edges of campus more pedestrian friendly. Starting in the fall of 2012 new walls were constructed along the same stretch of road as well improvement of parking lots in the area to accommodate more commuting students. During the fall of 2012 homecoming festivities, a new “U” statue was presented to the campus. The statue quickly became an icon for the school as it sits on the green adjacent to the bookstore.
The women of Delta Kappa continue the chapter’s strong tradition of a close-knit sisterhood. Their kindness and support provide the basis necessary to establish a home away from home. Sisters truly understand and embody the Kappa values of leadership, scholarship, and friendship. Delta Kappa women are represented in all facets of campus life from student government to special interest organizations. Within the chapter, sisters are always sharing their leadership experiences and encourage the chapter to get involved. The University of Miami holds a high academic standard. As a result, Delta Kappa members are driven to make every effort to perform at their best. Friendships formed in the chapter are very strong. Many alumni still come back to visit sisters demonstrating a bond linking Kappas beyond college years.
In the spring of 2013, Kappa welcomed its new members after both a successful formal and informal recruitment. Participating in fraternity and sorority philanthropies, as well as other on campus organization philanthropies, is always a priority for Delta Kappa. The fall and spring 2013 semester included participating in AEPi, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Chi, Kappa Sigma, and SAE’s philanthropy events. Our sister Michaela Hennessy won Sigma Chi’s Miss Derby Days pageant with her singing talent, which aided our chapter towards a third place finish. Additionally, University of Miami’s Greek Week took place in the spring where our chapter was paired up with NPHC and MGC as well as the newly installed Kappa Sigma Chapter. After competing in all the events and working tirelessly throughout the week, we finished third overall, having a lot of fun while raising money for United Cerebral Palsy and building great relationships with the chapters we participated with.
In the fall, we hosted our annual Kappa Kappa Gametime event which raises money for Reading is Fundamental. This year in addition to sororities and fraternities participate in the event, we opened up the volleyball tournament to on campus organizations that wished to play. The chapter also hosted an S&S jewelry trunk show in the suite to raise more money later in the semester, and the Scholastic Book Fair in the spring for RIF. Next year, the chapter is looking to build upon our philanthropy and perhaps revamp Kappa Kappa Gametime to raise even more money for such an incredible cause.
The chapter held several mixers throughout the spring and fall semesters with various fraternities in addition to crush parties, a semi formal in the fall, and a formal in the spring.
The sisters of Delta Kappa continue to be involved in every facet of student life and organizations. Many sisters were tapped into prestigious societies including Michaela Hennessy who was tapped into Iron Arrow, the highest honor at our university, and many sisters tapped into Rho Lambda among others. Two of our sisters were selected to the new Panhellenic Executive Board where Kappa continues to have a strong presence in the Panhellenic community. Our sisters are involved in Student Government, Homecoming, Greek Week, club sports, and philanthropic organizations such as Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Project Sunshine and many, many more. With such high on campus involvement, our sisters truly become role models for everyone in our chapter and new members who are looking to become a part of something new on campus.
As always, the University of Miami is continuing to expand its campus. In the spring of 2013, the Greek community expanding with the re-chartering of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and the re-chartering of Chi Omega in the fall. We welcomed Chi Omega to the Panhellenic community and hosted a joint “Owl-Ween” event in October in honor of both our symbols being owls. We plan to continue to grow our relationship with this chapter in future semesters.
In terms of building expansion, the Student Activities Center was finally unveiled in the fall of 2013—a beautiful three story building overlooking Lake Osceola that is home to student organization suites, ballrooms, offices, and the new Rathskeller. The Toppel Career Center is building built and moving to Ponce de Leon Boulevard. Additionally, the Mahoney dining hall under went massive renovations to both the interior and exterior over the summer of 2013. The Hecht-Stanford dining hall is expecting similar renovations in the summer of 2014. There is also major construction around the Frost Music School, although it is insure if all the building space will be just for recording studios or perhaps classrooms and offices as well. The university is constantly renovating and adding to the campus life, and there will surely be many more adjustments in the near future.
Overall, 2013 was an exciting year for Delta Kappa where the sisters continued to foster relationships with one another and other chapters and organizations. We pride ourselves on upholding the Kappa values in our daily lives. A sense of trust and friendship is felt throughout the chapter and we pride ourselves on having the connection of true sisterhood—something special to all of us.
In April 2006 the chapter raised funds for breast cancer research during Kappastaspring we hosted our first ever Kick it with Kappa soccer tournament, the annual all-you-can-eat pasta night and in October inspired by FIFA. The philanthropy raised money during Kappacino for Reading is Fundamental. At Convention Gamma Kappa Each fraternity that participated represented a different country. Lambda Chi won awards in standards and honorable mention in recruitment, new member program, advisory board and hospitality. A representative was sent to Leadership Academy. Since so few women took part in fall formal recruitment, the new member chair, recruitment chair and treasurer worked hard to organize and fund a spring recruitment, with an excellent response and the initiation of seven new members. Continuing to participate in Greek philanthropy events in 2007, several Kappas served on the executive board for Up 'til Dawn, and the team that raised the most money prize was a group of Gamma Kappassocial event with our sisters. This year The Delta Kappa chapter also has restarted their reading buddies program in which the philanthropy chair and several sisters were invited to Washington read to attend a banquet put on by the National Cervical Cancer Coalition for donating the money raised children ever week at Kappasta, a great way local community center. The chapter hopes to see how expand upon our philanthropy events really help othersphilanthropic efforts and raise even more money for Reading is Fundamental in the future.
The University of Miami continues to expand and improve its campus for its students. Both of the dining halls on campus have been remodeled and redone to benefit students. The Frost School of music has a building consisting of more practice rooms for students to utilize. In the summer of 2013 the Hurricane Food Court was remodeled and new dining options were added. Such choices include Subway and Tossed. The University also broke ground on a new hospital being built on campus and in the process has moved Dickinson Drive over a street. The University also announced that president Donna Shalala will be stepping down at the end of the spring 2015 semester; it is unclear who will take over the role. The Kappa Kappa Gamma suite, which is part of a University building, has had its bathroom and kitchen redone and has been painted and has new furniture.
Overall, 2014 was an awesome year for the Delta Kappa chapter. Sisters continue to become closer with one another and also continue to foster relationships with other organizations. The sisters hold their selves to the Kappa values and feel they have the connection of sisterhood—a bond that can never be broken.
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
Since we go to reading buddies on a weekly basis, the kids recognize many sisters and look up to us as role models. Many of them aspire to go to college already at such a young age and want to be just like us when they get older. It is always a very special time for us because we see what kind of positive impact we have on the kids who may be growing up in less fortunate conditions than our upbringing. This year we voted as a chapter to support the Alzheimer’s association because it was a cause dear to us. Alzeimers is a terrible disease that many sisters in our chapter are personally affected by, and because of the personal connection our chapter had with this disease.
==Highlights of 2016==
During Homecoming this fall, we paired up with Alpha Sigma Pi and had a great time participating and cheering on our team. We participated in the opening ceremony, Homecoming King and Queen, Organized Cheer, the parade, boat burning and fireworks. Our sister Toni Farrell competed in Homecoming King and Queen and was named a princess! Many of our chapter members were in the crowd to cheer her on.
This year we had members tapped into Order of Omega, Rho Lambda, and Omicron Delta Kappa. We also had many sisters win individual awards at the AGLO awards night in the spring. During the Kappa Kappa Gamma convention this past summer, the Delta Kappa Chapter won the Gracious Living Award. We also received honorable mention for the Standards and Advisory Board categories.
Last January, the University of Miami inaugurated the sixth President, Julio Frenk. He has started leading the University in new directions through his plan called the “Roadmap to Our New Century.” We are excited to see all that President Frenk accomplishes during his time at UM.
==Highlights of 2017==
Delta Kappa faced a difficult decision this year. Having spent the previous calendar year trying to increase the Chapter's recruitment numbers, the Chapter and the Fraternity made the mutual decision to suspend operations at the end of the 2017-18 academic year, with the hope of returning to campus in the year 2022. The decision lightened the load for the small Chapter and made things considerably less stressful for DK's sisters, who have been able to focus solely on sisterhood and ending the year in happier spirits.
'''Overall nature of the chapterPhilanthropy''':
(From chapter history reports, scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)
'''Housing:'''
'''Philanthropy:'''
'''Convention Awards:'''
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of ''The Key'' to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.
Your efforts will ensure a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!