4,269
edits
Changes
→2012
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.:
==Highlights of 2011== The Beta Phi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has enjoyed a rich history endowed with all that you would expect: Joy, struggle, hysterical laughter and above all the founding of bonds so strong that they far surpasses the term friendship and evolves into sisterhood. Despite how cliché this phrase has become, the Kappa’s of UM do indeed “hold the key to klass”. During Greek Week held in the autumn semester, Kappa teamed with Sigma Nu and Kappa Sigma took first place overall obliterating the other teams with victories in events such as Capture the Flag on Greek Row, a god and goddess competition (Where one of our members was deemed the champion) as well as a float competition. The float built by Kappa and the two other fraternities was clearly the best, a judgment made with absolute objectivity. A gigantic bear head that was furry and absolutely adorable par oozed the streets of downtown Missoula, greeted by mouths that gaped so widely that small animals contemplated taking refuge there. It was indeed a proud day for Kappa Kappa Gamma. Another proud endeavor for us Kappa’s at UM would be our academic achievement during the autumn semester. Kappa had been struggling academically prior to last semester. However, we emerged with the highest GPA average of all the sororities and second highest average in the entire Greek system. It was a major accomplishment and improvement. Also, the chapter has done great work on behalf of philanthropic causes. Kappa has raised thousands of dollars for Camp Make a Wish as well as aided in “Diva Days” which supported finding the cure for breast cancer. Also, another source of pride for Kappa occurred when Jessica Mounts was named Outstanding New Member and Alyissa Canady was named Greek Woman of Year. It was quite a prosperous couple of semesters. The University Of Montana has dealt with a great deal of change this year. Most prevalent, accusations of sexual assault have served as a constant thought in the back of everyone’s mind. The school has been increasing awareness as well as initiating new security measures. The whole ordeal has most definitely changed the carelessness with which students treat their outings and social gatherings. Trends such as long boarding and floating the river have also become popular activities. Independent music has become very popular; nobody having heard of any of the bands anyone else is listening to. Trends change with time and the University of Montana is no exception. Recent changes that Kappa has undergone, includes a large bundle of new members from recruitment in the fall of 2011. The new dynamic of the new member’s is a wondrous thing. The diversity is simply astounding, a diversity that penetrates straight to the heart. Think of a rainbow, but not one that follows the traditional six layer structure, one that shows the obscure colors no one has ever heard of, such as arsenic, chartreuse or a romantic candy apple sunrise. Also a somewhat unusual obsession has overtaken the fraternity. Cats. Oddly enough, cat paraphernalia is abundant. Honestly, it is quite strange however it is a unifying element bonding the sisters closer that before. Security has also been increased ensuring that only members of this fraternity can enter the house. A challenge that the chapter has dealt with was the academic focus plan that we were put on for our prior performance academically speaking, was less than wonderful. Each member was required to complete a certain amount of study hours each week depending on prior academic performance although never less than five. The program was greeted with a great deal of eye rolling and sighing but eventually the chapter’s GPA was raised to above a 3.0. It was really a fantastic outcome. Another event that the chapter was put through would be a break in and theft of many prized possessions. Trophies, plaques, composites and food were taken. This was an ordeal that was hard to overcome, for many of the girls felt their safety was not a guarantee. The items were thankfully returned however anger was abundant. In response to the theft and trespassing, the door locks have been changed, and codes have been renewed. For a while, in house life was dealt with more cautiously and eventually we have reached a level of security that comforts each and every member. ==Highlights of 2012==
2012 was a full year of philanthropy for the Beta Phi chapter. A few of the activities participated in are mentioned as follows:
- 10 Kappas assisted the new fraternity on campus, Pi Kappa Phi, with their Bike-a-thon by biking in hour increments and donating the money received to Push America
As a whole, the Beta Phi chapter received awards that recognized different aspects of the chapter's activities and processes:
The University of Montana is a thriving place--constantly, there are new opportunities made available to students. This year, there were a few new additions on campus:
The women of the Beta Phi chapter mirror the campus attitude in their desire to cultivate and learn in their areas of interest. They wish for their chapter to grow along with the University and to continue to promote KKG as a group of dedicated and hardworking women with outstanding moral character.
==Highlights of 2013==
Formal recruitment for the Beta Phi chapter for 2013 was very successful and had a total of 35 New Members who were initiated on November 9, 2013. Many members of our chapter received the LAS award in scholarship and also the Bright Future Award for incoming freshman students. During the Spring and Fall semester of 2013, 5 of our members received a 4.0 GPA, one of them being a freshman. Unfortunately, we did not receive any Province awards for the 2013 year.
One of our traditions in this chapter is to do a “Snap Cup” at the end of every meeting. This allows us to say something positive about one another or the entire chapter about anything that was good for that week. Special events that we held during 2013 included Sapphire Ball, which was held at the Carousel, Forester’s Ball and Kappa Krush.
The Beta Phi chapter takes pride in our philanthropic involvement around the community and has proudly demonstrated our commitment and perseverance in helping others. We took the initiative to start early and made great communication with many organizations. Within the Spring semester alone for 2013, our chapter has generated 874 hours of community service and volunteered in events such as Forester’s Ball and the Missoula Public Library. During the Fall semester, we increased our total hours from the previous semester which resulted of 913 hours of community service. This included volunteering in events such as Diva Days, Halloween Bash, Up til Dawn, and Dress for Success which were a huge hit for the community and our chapter. Our main goal as a chapter was to remove ourselves from the Academic Focus Plan and we, as a chapter, set our GPA chapter goal to a 3.0. We also made it a goal to have higher philanthropic hours for our Fall semester than the previous Spring semester.
The Beta Phi chapter had the challenge of being on the Academic Focus Plan, and having the chapter cumulative GPA average below the all - sorority average for consecutive 3 terms. We have implemented a required 7 study hours a week for each individual member and relied on encouragement and support for one another. We also used positivity and rewards such as the “Skippy Jar” for those who did not skip class that week. Unfortunately though, we are still on the Academic Focus Letter, but we are striving hard and looking positively to overcome this problem for the 2014 year.
Some recent changes to the University of Montana has included the belief of the word “Thrive” around the campus. It is designed to be the main point and focus of the university to go above and beyond one’s potential from its students, faculty and the community. The university has also cut class sections due to budget cuts. The overall nature of our chapter has been positive in reinforcing our sisterhood. Our challenges has brought us closer as a chapter and are continuing to rise together. Whether if we are at events or just having dinner, there is a presence of having a common ground of being all together. We believe that we can make a positive
impact in overcoming whatever comes our way and wish to promote Kappa Kappa Gamma as
outstanding individuals who strive to go beyond our greater potential
==Highlights of 2020s:==