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|Homepage= [http://chapters.kappakappagamma.org/zetaiota/ Zeta Iota Homepage]
|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Zeta_Iota Media related to Zeta Iota Chapter]}}
'''Villanova University established in 1842, Villanova, Pennsylvania''' '''Zeta Iota founded November 13, 1982 - 60 charter members''' '''1,322 initiates (as of June 2012)''' --------------------------- '''Some of Zeta Iota’s Outstanding Members:''' (If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.) '''Fraternity Officers:''' Christine Orr (Sullivan), Traveling Consultant 1991-1993; Robyn A. Tierney, Traveling Consultant 1999-2000 '''Fraternity Loyalty Award:''' '''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:''' '''Additional Outstanding Zeta Iota Alumnae:''' Kathleen Wall, Chapter Consultant 1993-1994 --------------- ==About Villanova University== Villanova University has been sponsored by the Augustinian Order since its founding in 1842. Today, the University is comprised of five colleges: Liberal Arts and Sciences (Villanova College), Engineering, School of Business (formerly known as the College of Commerce and Finance), Nursing and the School of Law. The University traces its origins to old Saint Augustine’s Church in Philadelphia, which the Augustinians founded in 1796, and to its parish school, Saint Augustine’s Academy, established in 1811. Since its founding, Villanova has been privileged to mediate Saint Augustine’s vision of education as a community activity of scholars searching for truth in open discussion, commitment to ethical values, and dedication to social justice and human rights. This commitment is realized in its humanities programs, which are an integral part of the curriculum of each of its professional schools, and in the three essential characteristics of our Augustinian tradition: the relationship between mind and heart, the role of community, and the unity of knowledge. This commitment and tradition also provides the key for interpreting Villanova’s mission statement which states that the University is a community that "seeks to reflect the spirit of Saint Augustine by the cultivation of knowledge, by respect for individual differences, and by adherence to the principle that mutual love and respect should animate every aspect of University life." ==Installation== It was a chilly fall morning, but just as words in the ceremony referred to reflections of sunshine in each life, the sun came out on cue to add to the brightness of smiling faces and shining keys. And with this bright omen, Zeta Iota, Kappa's ll1th active chapter, was installed at Villanova University on November 12 and 13, 1982. Founded 140 years ago and named for the 16th century Augustinian, St. Thomas of Villanova, the university admitted women for the first time in 1968. They comprised about 35 of the student population of 10,000 the year Zeta Iota was founded. A wide variety of undergraduate and master’s programs and a few doctoral programs appealed to the hard working student body. The suburban campus just north of Philadelphia also offered the many advantages and cultural opportunities of the city. Delta Kappa Nu formed as a local in 1974 was the first service-social sorority and had been an outstanding group, providing strong leadership on campus. They petitioned Kappa, were accepted, and on April 14th, 68 excited young women were pledged as charter members of Zeta Iota Colony. Two carloads of Kappas from Zeta Beta-Lafayette and many alumnae from the Delaware, West Chester, and Philadelphia Alumnae Associations added to the celebration. During the remainder of the spring semester, and again in the fall, Zeta Iota Colony plunged into work and study to become initiated members. Carol Tesner, Miami (Ohio), came to the campus as graduate counselor. Margaret Porter Cardamone, Penn State, put her super energies to work in two capacities -as installation chairman and as chapter council adviser. Area alumnae were eager to serve as advisers and met for a training session early in the fall with Beta Province director of chapters, Shirley Mertz Arther, Allegheny. Finally, when the anticipation could rise no higher, it was time. Quietly, but with a strong undercurrent of excitement, 60 young women walked into a candlelit room at the Philadelphia Country Club to take their first step into initiation as members of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Deanie Hosmer Miller, Penn State, had arranged for a lovely Fireside Service, but the glow from the huge fieldstone fireplace could hardly match the glow on the initiates’ faces. Later, the punch and cookies disappeared quickly as Zeta Iotas chatted with the many guests and Fraternity officers. Did the girls sleep that night? Maybe not, but they did arrive bright and early at the Baptist church in the Great Valley for initiation. It was fun for them to discover later that the two men directing parking on the church grounds were Kappa husbands doing their bit to see that things went smoothly while enjoying the excitement around them. Installing officers Sally Moore Nitschke, Ohio State, Fraternity president, and Gay Chuba Barry, Penn State, Fraternity vice president, were assisted by Rheva Ott Shryock, Pennsylvania, former Grand Presiident (Fraternity President 1936-1940); Shirley Arther; Barbara Cranston Granat, Michigan State, Beta Province director of alumnae; Carol Tesner and Peg Cardamone. Others who took part in the ceremony in various ways were visiting graduate counselors Susan Howells, Miami (Ohio), at Massachusetts; Heather Hering, Ohio Wesleyan, at Vermont; and field secretary Pam Anthrop, Purdue. It was a proud chapter president, Kathleen Henneberry, who accepted the charter on behalf of Zeta Iota Chapter.Replace After a buffet lunch provided by the alumnae, the new Kappas and Fraternity officers returned to Villanova to conduct a model chapter meeting. There was little time to catch their breath before changing for the Installation Banquet at Stouffer's Valley Forge Hotel. A many-mirrored banquet room could do little to heighten the effect of 200 smiling faces. Fraternity officers, committee members, alumnae friends, parents and the new Kappas of Zeta Iota Chapter enjoyed warm conversations and a delicious dinner arranged by Judy Noone Richardson, Pittsburgh. Toastmistress Shirley Arther introduced Sally Jo Harris, president of Lafayette who offered a toast to the new chapter. Kathy Henneberry graciously responded and thanked Dr. Robert Langren, faculty moderator for Delta Kappa Nu, and all who helped the members reach this text special day. Dr. Richard A. Neville, Vice President of Student Life, and Gary H. Bonos, Assistant Director of Student Activities, welcomed the Zeta Iotas on behalf of the university and encouraged them to continue their fine record of scholarship, service and participation in college activities. Gay Barry read a few of the many greetings from chapters and alumnae groups nation-wide and even from the alumnae club of London, England. Sally Nitschke welcomed the chapter to the Fraternity and the heritage of excellence established by others in the past. They, and all Kappas, have unlimited opportunities to contribute to the continuing growth and excellence of the fraternity. A special moment for Kathy Henneberry was the pinning on of the president's badge, a special key given by the Philadelphia Alumnae Association and presented by Mary Hutchinson Tucker, Northwestern, alumnae president. After the traditional closing, with the singing of the Banquet Song and the eight chapter presidents participating in the Passing of the Light Ceremony, Barbara Granat presided over the opening of gifts sent to the chapter. All the necessities, from silver candlesticks to a corn popper, were received with expressions of surprise and delight from the members. To tie it all together, the Delaware Alumnae Association gave a trunk, painted blue and decorated with a fleur-de-lis, in which to store the chapter's goodies. Kathy Henneberry said it was like an early Christmas. A campus reception on Sunday afternoon ended the festivities. Arranged by Betsy Granat, Penn State, it enabled faculty, administration and members of the 13 men's fraternities to welcome the Zeta Iotas to campus as they joined Delta Delta Delta as National Panhellenic Conference groups at Villanova. Alpha Chi Omega had a colony on the campus at the time of Zeta Iota’s founding and two other groups remained locals. It was all over but the shouting . . . the much anticipated event was now a wonderful memory, as Installation treasurer Odette Hutchison Locher, herself a charter member at Bucknell, balanced the books and registration chairman Jane Hall Cobb, New Mexico, checked off those who had attended. Carolyn Horner Wilson, West Virginia, and Debbie Schultz, Iowa State, packet up initiation equipment. La Von Gehrke Arms, Colorado College, and Marlie Richards Williams, Wisconsin, collected the decorations while Jane Coombs, Miami (Ohio), and Karen Collins, Hillsdale, were en route back to Columbus in the blue and blue Kappa van. They carried not only the installation equipment, but also a shadow box showing a miniature chapter room of 1882 and 1982. It was designed and executed by Judy Cutler Diver, Connecticut, and presented to the Heritage Museum by Beta Province. Zeta Iota Installation was history . . . and a special bit of history. Just before the Passing of the Light, Rheva Shryock said to one of the Kappas, “You know, I believe I must be the link. Here I am at the installation of our newest chapter and yet I also touched hands with Louise Bennett Boyd.” Kappa history , Kappa heritage, Kappa members . . . all reflecting the sunshine. ==Highlights of the 1980s== After Zeta Iota was founded, the members worked to create unity and strengthen the sisterhood within the chapter. This was achieved through a variety of programs and retreats, including a Standards Retreat held in the fall each year. Chapter officers also attended an Officer’s Retreat during the spring semester while new members learned about Kappa through an annual retreat. In 1987, Villanova moved Recruitment until the spring semester of freshman year and that year, Zeta Iota welcomed 35 new members. In 1989, the chapter recruited 61 young women and although getting to know everyone was a challenge, it was one the Kappas gladly tackled. Other sisterhood events included ice cream socials, a spring formal, and a Christmas formal. Zeta Iota also worked to prepare members for a future beyond college graduation and hosted a Career Day for juniors and seniors. Zeta Iota acknowledged the importance of a strong relationship between active and alumnae members and often included alumnae in the chapter’s programming. For Founders Day, the chapter joined together with local alumnae. In 1987, Fraternity President Marian Williams, Missouri, joined Zeta Iota and local alumnae for the October celebration. During the homecoming weekend, the Kappas paired up with chapter alumnae for a homecoming formal. Chapter Council was eager to maintain a relationship with the Advisory Board and hosted a dinner so that members could become better acquainted with one another. Throughout the decade, Zeta Iota proved to be a leader on Villanova’s campus. Many members were active in other campus clubs and organizations and several also played on the university’s sports teams. The chapter often had a strong presence in Villanova’s Greek Week. '''Philanthropy:''' The Zeta Iota women were busy with different philanthropic activities throughout the 1980s, such as the popular Kappa Kisses program. The chapter raised money for the Special Olympics through a ring toss with a goldfish prize. The Kappas devoted their time to Christmas caroling at a local nursing home, wrapping Christmas gifts at a local mall, and hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween party with local children. Each year, Zeta Iota participated in Villanova’s Balloon Day, a campus-wide annual fundraising carnival, by clicking edit near hosting activities such as a pretzel booth.Convention Awards: ==Highlights of the 1990s== In the 1990s, Zeta Iota continued many of the traditions that began the decade prior, such as holding a fall and spring formals. In order to maintain the bonds of sisterhood after taking more large new member classes, the chapter held meet-the top right-sister nights where members could enjoy ice cream, bake, cook, dye Easter eggs, and more. Zeta Iota also took weekend trips to the Philadelphia Zoo for the enjoyment of the sisters. The chapter worked hard to improve chapter communications and develop a better understanding of Fraternity Ritual. The Kappas again scheduled several retreats to benefit members, including the Officer Retreat, Pledge Retreat, and Standards Retreat. Zeta Iota also implemented a tutor program and hosted professional development workshops—Career Day for seniors and a résumé writing seminar for juniors—in order to prepare members for academic and professional success. Founders Day was annually celebrated with the local alumnae association, where some Zeta Iotas received awards in recognition of their dedication to the Fraternity. '''Housing:''' '''Philanthropy:''' During the 1990s, Zeta Iota carried on philanthropic traditions and contributed to events such as Villanova’s Balloon Day. In 1996, the Kappas operated a cotton candy booth at the university’s Special Olympics Fall Festival and several sisters held leadership positions on the Festival’s planning committee. The chapter again participated in Christmas caroling and gift-wrapping within the local community while also taking to to make sandwiches to deliver to homeless in Philadelphia. In 1996, the chapter paired with Lambda Chi Alpha during a softball tournament benefiting the Jimmy V. Foundation. Zeta Iota participated in philanthropy events for other Greek groups, including Alpha Delta Pi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Lip Syncing and Pi Beta Phi’s soccer tournament. '''Convention Awards:''' ==Highlights of 2000-2010== Zeta Iota remained busy as the twenty-first century dawned as the chapter focused on improving the quality of programs offered to members. The Vice President-Academic Excellence implemented new programs that encourage scholastic achievement, such as the “Support Your Sister Award” that acknowledged the hard work of a chapter member. Beginning in 2005, Zeta Iota also offered Alumnae Connections planning events for seniors and alumnae to network. The chapter won multiple awards throughout the decade, including the “Most Panhellenic” award from Villanova’s Panhellenic Council. In 2008, the chapter was honored when an article written by members was published in an issue of The Key. Zeta Iota also remained true to its Kappa roots and celebrated Founders Day with the local alumnae association each year.Housing: '''Philanthropy:''' Zeta Iota’s biggest philanthropic project throughout the decade was breast cancer awareness. The chapter began sponsoring "Hoops for Hope," a campus-wide basketball tournament, to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October, the Kappas wore pink on campus and made trips to local breast cancer treatment centers. In 2007, the chapter had six members participate in the three-day walk through Philadelphia that ended on Villanova's campus. The six sisters raised approximately $2,000 for the walk and, as a whole, the chapter raised a total of $28,000 by selling breast cancer bracelets and ribbons on campus. Every year, Zeta Iota hosted a candle-lighting ceremony to remember those who lost their lives to breast cancer and to honor those who survived the disease. During the 2010 ceremony, a member of the Komen family joined the chapter to talk about Susan and her foundation. The chapter also created a new philanthropy event, the Greek God and Goddess pageant, which was held each year in December. '''Convention Awards:''' ==Highlights of 2011-2019== In 2011, Zeta Iota worked hard to promote sisterhood within the chapter. A sisterhood event was held every month to promote bonding with sisters and growth as a chapter. Examples of the sisterhood events included an ice cream social and a pizza party. In October 2011, 75 members of Zeta Iota attended "Kamp Kappa," a two-day retreat at Camp Green Lane, Pa. for sisterhood bonding and chapter planning. The sisters learned about Kappa values and traditions from a Kappa Trainer and an alumna member led the chapter in a ritual review. That year, chapter officers also received training through participation in the LEAD Seminar at Lafayette College. Academic excellence remained a priority for the chapter as a "study buddy" program was implemented. Zeta Iota also utilized a "Support Your Sister Award" and the Skippy Jar to encourage scholarship among members. '''Housing:''' '''Philanthropy:''' Breast cancer awareness continued to be important to the members of Zeta Iota. The chapter hosted the annual Hoops for Hope 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament to raise money for the cause. The Kappas also sponsored Breast Cancer Awareness Week in October. Throughout the week, the members passed out lollipops with breast cancer facts and ribbons to promote awareness in addition to collecting donations and hosting a vigil where a survivor shared her story. Greek God and Goddess was again hosted by Zeta Iota and benefited Reading Is Fundamental. The chapter also took time to visit children with cancer at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and read books with them. Zeta Iota supported the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation by hosting a charity jewelry party at an alumna member’s house. The chapter continued to participate in philanthropic activities sponsored by other Greek-letter organizations, such as Chi Omega's Karaoke Night, Alpha Chi Omega's Wiffleball Tournament, and Tri Delta's Kickball Tournament. '''Convention Awards:''' ==Highlights of 2020s:== (From chapter’s History Report: 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:''' -------------------------------'''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!