Beta Theta
| Beta Theta | |
|---|---|
| BΘ | |
 | |
| Founded | August 25, 1914 |
| College | University of Oklahoma |
| Location | Norman, OK |
| Homepage | Beta Theta Homepage |
| Media related to Beta Theta Chapter | |
University of Oklahoma, established 1890
Chapter founded in 1914
3,996 initiates (as of June 2015)
Some of Beta Theta’s Outstanding Alumnae: (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 Council Members: Helen Smart Brenholts, Director of Chapters 1943-1944, Field Secretary 1941-1944; Helen Cornish Hutchinson, Fraternity Vice President 1950-1952, Director of Alumnae 1952-1956; Jane Young Barrett, Director of Chapters 1998-2000, Director of Standards 1994-1998; Heloise Smartt (Brenholts), Field Secretary 1941-1944; Ruth Tyler, Field Secretary 1953-1956; Virginia Merritt (Autry), Field Secretary 1960-1962; Deidra Ballard, Field Secretary 1973-1975; Linda Dickey (Hilsabeck), 1974-1976; Field Secretary; Patti Gilliard (Smith), Field Secretary 1975-1977; Linda Schmidt, Field Secretary 1978-1979 Allyson Coffey, Traveling Consultant 1984-1985; Crystal Marcum (Bacon), Leadership Consultant 2006-2007
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients: Helen Robson Walton, 1990, Philanthropist, volunteer, served on a governor’s commission on literacy among other areas; Becky Powell Casey, 2000, CEO for Harold’s Stores, Inc. (men’s and ladies apparel)
Additional Outstanding Beta Theta Alumnae: Martha Rowsey (Anthis), Graduate Counselor 1950-1052; Lynette Mehl (Hilliard), Graduate Counselor 1965-1966; Caren Cook, Graduate Counselor 1976-1978; Patti Gilliard (Smith), Graduate Counselor 1976-1978; Lisa Schmidt, Graduate Counselor 1979-1980; Crystal Marcum (Bacon), Graduate Counselor 2006-2007
Contents
The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)
In 1912 six girls at the University of Oklahoma formed a local organization, Sigma Tau Omega, with the idea of petitioning Kappa Kappa Gamma. Other campus groups had petitioned unsuccessfully, but these girls had a quiet determination, and by the spring of 1913 were ready to reveal their plans. With the help of three faculty wives who had resigned as patronesses of other sororities, five leather-bound petitions were compiled; a Kappa national officer, Mary Rodes Leaphart, inspected the chapter; and at the 1914 Convention in Estes Park, Colorado, Beta Theta was installed. Beta Mu was the installing chapter.
The new chapter, having first rented the home of a professor on leave of absence, moved into a larger house in 1915. During the World War 1 years members of the chapter did Red Cross hospital work; worked at the Food Administration whose headquarters were at the university; and sent gifts and money to the Kappa project in France.
In 1918, the chapter won the Panhellenic Scholarship Cup for the third consecutive year. Shortly after that the Kappa furnace blew up and other Greek groups invited the Kappas to meals until the house was restored. A few years later, after a four-year rental of the old Sigma Nu house, a new Kappa house was built at 519 Boulevard. From 1923 to 1939 that was Beta Theta’s address.
In the fall of 1926 the chapter was cited for a rush violation, but the penalties imposed by the campus Panhellenic were declared unjust by the national Panhellenic, and reduced to a single restriction – that the Kappas should not be permitted to attend any Fraternity affairs for one year.
There was much controversy about cigarette smoking in 1928 and Beta Theta went into action with the first university approved smoking room. Other houses followed quickly.
The Hoover-Smith presidential race brought excitement to the Kappa Kitchen and Herbert Hoover, who had been a KKB, was officially invited by the Kappa Kitchen Boys to become an honorary Beta Theta KKB.The chapter was host to a smashingly successful state convention in the spring of 1929, its purpose to arouse alumnae support. A large pledge class of 37 in the fall of 1929 meant remodeling the third floor of the house, lovingly called thereafter “Seventh Heaven.”
Many girls could not return to school during the Depression, but Beta Theta continued to pledge in the high 20s. Some traditions begun in the 1920s have lasted. Faculty tea became faculty dessert in 1970. Kappas won campus stunt night time and again. The first two Engineer Queens were Kappas and there have been many winners since. Homecomings, Moms Day and Dads Day began in the 1920s.
In 1932 a new kind of rush, the party system, was adopted and the Kappa Monte Carlo Party was the best of all. In 1932 the dean ordered no more walkouts. (In the early 1970s the Greeks were having their own walkouts with Panhellenic approval and guidelines.) Walkouts are similar to class sneaks…a bus is rented and a cabin in the country or at a lake is the destination for a weekend of fraternity lore, group closeness, and song composition, both serious and foolish.
The social life of 1934 had the added attraction of an evening with the university president, his wife, and his mother, and two evenings with the dean of women. For the first year the chapter dance was held outside the chapter house.
The chapter newsletter, A Peek in Beta Theta’s Keyhole, was started in 1935, and was first a fortnightly, now an annual publication. Blind Dates for pledges were started in 1935, a custom which has varied from actual dates nightly for several consecutive nights to several 30-minute mixers in an evening. Blind Dates live on! The excitement of 1936 was placing third in a radio sorority singing contest. Another highlight of the year was planning a new chapter house. Kappa architect Margaret Read, Colorado, helped local architects, and in 1939 the Kappas moved into a new house. Although there would be an addition and occasional redecorating, this was to remain the chapter house for years to come.
The talk of the entire campus in the spring of 1939 was the fact that singer Jeannette McDonald had stayed in the Kappa house when she came to Norman for a concert.
With the 1940s came World War II. There was a naval base in Norman and Kappa philanthropic activities were centered there. It was a time of entertainment at the Naval hospital, of blind dates with cadets, open houses, and present-filled Christmas stockings. Knitting for the Red Cross was part of the war effort.
Frontier Week highlighted the 1945-1946 school year. Everyone wore blue jeans to class. Second semester started with a bang…a dance…and the boys were back on campus!
Beta Theta was proud in 1947 when it helped install Delta Sigma Chapter at Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University). The scholarship point system was inaugurated and members without a certain number of points could not vote. A scholarship fund was started and each girl donated $1 for a student in financial need. Beta Theta won the Panhellenic Scholarship Cup seven times between 1947 and 1953.
A change in chapter organization took place in 1948, when the standards chairman became the vice-president. This was also a big football year at the university. A listening party, that is a party held in an especially decorated basement of “rec” room to listen to an out-of-town game, was a happy event. In 1948 the Oklahoma Sooners smashed North Carolina in the Sugar Bowl as many Kappa listeners cheered the Big Red team.
By 1950 the university carnival had become the Sooner Scandals. Competing acts satirized university life, and Kappa Doll House took first place. Being first was not news…there is a long-standing tradition of leadership in the chapter. In 1951 one girl stands out: Nadine Nortan (Holloway) was elected president of the Senior Class – an honor for her and for Kappa.
In 1952 Beta Theta received the Standards Cup at Convention and in 1955 the silver service of the highest average at Kappa’s State Day. Kappas won second place at the Sooner Scandals in 1956, and seven intramural trophies in 1958-1959. That year several bedrooms, an enlarged dining room, and a remodeled kitchen helped care for a growing number of Beta Thetas.
In the 1960s Homecoming was full of excitement. Not only were there queens, there were extravagant house decorations. One was a huge, revolving, musical birthday cake. When a Daily Oklahoman photographer asked to have the cake’s motor turned off so he could snap a picture, he was surprised to see it stop on its own, a move inspired by the 20 Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges and 10 Kappa actives inside the cake!
Three annual dances of the 1960s were the Barbeque, the Christmas Formal, and the Monmouth Duo with the Pi Beta Phis. This started in 1960 as the annual spring party. The annual philanthropy became a Christmas party for mission children which was given with Delta Upsilon. There was much social activity among the Greeks: the Chi Omega pizza party (which became an annual Owl-o-ween celebration) and dinner exchanges. Greek Week was exciting, with exchanges, Greek Games, and awards banquet.
In 1963 lending a hand to neighbors became a social affair. Early that fall the ΣΑΕ house next door burned nearly to the ground and the Kappas did the neighborly thing and invited the guys-next-door to lunch. Kappas made lovely houseboys!
The campus turned in the 1960s to philanthropic involvement through Campus Chest. The chapter was cited several times for the best booth, and in 1964 the pledges’ marriage cave within a mountain took the honors. Having fun while helping others is one matter; there was also fun for fun’s sake. Fraternities developed contests for the afternoons of big spring parties and all sororities took part. Egg hunts (raw eggs); tricycle relays, pie-eating, tugs of war, pillow fights over mud pits, and later, beer-drinking contests were just a few. Nearly all involved slime and grime for the contestants. Kappas often won a muddy prize. It was all in fun!
Cars on the campus were growing in number and there was a parking problem, so in 1962 a parking lot was finished behind the house. After a “lot warming” members of Beta Theta Pi decided to share this wonderful facility. Finally the problem was remedied with a fence, a guard, and a few towed-away cars. The Kappa lot was called the meanest and most exclusive on campus!
In 1960 a record-breaking class of 53 was pledged. These were days of Panhellenic concern over scholarship and girls were required to stay in their rooms studying, with no talking, no music, no television, for nearly every hour they were not in class. Such campusing lasted for one week before finals.
A landmark year was 1964-1965, Beta Theta’s 50th Anniversary. There was a splendid banquet with all the remaining founders as guests of honor. The program telling of the chapter’s founding stirred pride in everyone there.
It was quite a year. One dark, stormy night there was a two-hour power failure and word came by special messenger that the chapter had won the Kappa Sigma trophy for “Sorority of the Year.” Everyone gathered for a spirit session with songs and cheering despite the storm.
A young Kappa made history in 1965 for the University of Oklahoma, as well as for her chapter. Vicki Gotcher was elected the second woman Student Senate president in the country. She was the first woman president at Oklahoma.
And so, the 1960s rolled along, the chapter continued in campus leadership; social events crowded study time; scholarship awards were won, with more Kappas in Mortar Board and honoraries than any other group. One year the presidents of three major honoraries were all Beta Thetas.
The Centennial Year of the Fraternity was entered into with pride as Beta Theta alumnae, old and young, joined actives for a banquet and heritage program. Those new to Kappa were awakened to the knowledge that they stood on the threshold of a second century with the challenge of making the second one hundred years as outstanding as the first.
The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
Highlights of the 1970s
(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:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Highlights of the 1980s:
(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:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Highlights of the 1990s:
(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:
Chapter Convention Awards:
Highlights of 2000-2010
(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: Beta Theta has an average of 274 members and an average in the high 60s of new members. The highest number of new members was 80 in the fall of 2004. The house slept 94-96 so filling the house seemed to be no problem.
Philanthropy: The chapter raised more tha $135,000 in the 2000s. Each year they had a golf tournament, Kappa Klassic, and a spaghetti dinner at the chapter house. They donated the funds raised to the JD McCarty Center in Norman and to the Rose McGill Fund.
Convention Awards: Through the 2000s the chapter has received honorable mention in the following: Technology, Standards, Risk Management; Recruitment, Panhellenic, Public Relations, New Member Program, Excellence in Chapter Management, Gracious Living, House Board, Chapter/ AB, Most Outstanding Chapter
Highlights of 2011-2019:
(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 2012
Scholarship Spring 2012 GPA - 3.372 - Rank - 4th Place Fall 2012 Member GPA - 3.4 - Rank - 1st Place Fall 2012 New Member GPA - 3.313 - Rank - 3rd Place
Kappa Tutors The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
Adopt-a-Prof In spring of 2012, Kappa was happy to be matched with Juanita Vargas, prominent leader and professor from the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. Many of our members have enjoyed meeting with her and welcoming her and her family into our home.
In the fall of 2012, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
Smart Cookie Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
Period of Support This is a new program that Kappa established to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
Owl Groups Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
Group Honors/Awards - University of Oklahoma Homecoming Queen 2012 - Maggie Cannon Campus Activities Council Sooner Scandals - 1st Place Campus Activities Council University Sing - 2nd Place Best Supporting Actress Campus Activities Council Homecoming - 3rd Place Overall Banner Competition - 1st Place Float Competition - 2nd Place Panhellenic Standards of Excellence Awards Academic Achievement Commitment to Founding Values • Leadership and Membership Development • Risk Management and Social Responsibilities • Recruitment and Education of New Member • Develop & Foster Relationships with Stakeholders • PanHellenic Outstanding Alumni Award - Jane Barrett • PanHellenic House of the Year for International Greek Exchange 2012
2012 Kappa Convention Awards New Member Program Award Winner Honorable Mentions:Advisory Board Award; House Board Award; Chapter/Advisory Board Relations Award; Technology Award; Philanthropy Award; Philanthropy Signature Event Award; PanHellenic Award; Recruitment Award; Public Relations Award; Excellence in Chapter Management Award Traditions Senior Red Room The seniors have the opportunity to go through Red Room ritual as a second time in their last semester as an active Kappa.
Senior Bump Line The last chapter meeting of the year, all active members, except seniors, recreate the recruitment ‘Bump Line’ in Kappa Hall. The seniors then enter and we ‘bump’ them in for their last chapter.
Special Events • Soonerthon Miracle Child - Lucy Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy. We threw her a birthday party with presents, cakes and ended the night with a sleepover.
Owl-O-Ween For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks.
Dad’s Day For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle.
Mom’s Day For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
Relay for Life One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma.
Soonerthon Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event.
Big Event Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
University Sing Beta Theta was paired with Sigma Phi Epsilon to the theme “Picture Perfect” for U-Sing 2012. The chapter had to choose a picture from an old year book and build a performance around it.
Sooner Scandals To the theme, “Be Careful What You Wish For,” Kappa put together an incredible show alongside Delta Tau Delta about a boy who wished to be apart of the circus and later finds out, it was not what he expected. Kappa took first place in Scandals 2012!
Homecoming “Let the Games Begin” was the Homecoming theme for 2012. Each group chose a board game of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Sigma Alpha Epsilon to the theme ‘Jumanji’.
Kite and Key Paired with Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa had a formal evening with a live band at the Farmers Market in downtown Oklahoma City.
Glo Kappa Kappa’s dance the night away in all neon gear at Norman’s Red Room
Monmonth Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park.
KKG Where Will You Be Kappa’s dressed as who they wanted to be in ten years. Everyone made their costumes unique and all their own.
Philanthropic Involvement RIF Book Drop Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. In years past, we were able to give to a book to every child. This year in particular,we collected over 2,500 from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. One elementary school was a low income rural school just outside of the Norman. This school had been hit by a tornado so our books help rebuild their school library.
Kappa Kupcakes "Kappa Kupcakes," a public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester in April. At this event, local businesses collectively donate thousands of cupcakes for attendees, a local DJ plays music on the front lawn, the chapter house is decorated, chapter members dress up (some actually dress up as cupcakes) or wear our Kappa Kupcakes t-shirt, and PanHellenic chapters participate in a cupcake cook off. Funds raised go to Center for Children and Families Inc.
Goodwill At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in.
Local Fire Department When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty.
Chapter Goals For the year 2012, our chapter goals were to: Increase academic accountability To achieve this goal, we put a huge emphasis on academics on a weekly basis. At the beginning of the fall semester, we had each member and new member write down their GPA goal. We combined them all and came up with a chapter goal. Throughout the semester, we had encouragement to help us reach our goals.
Increase campus involvement and leadership Beta Theta successfully had continuous involvement in over 70 different student organizations on campus. Campus Actives Council (CAC) hosts the campuses main events throughout the year such as Homecoming, Dance Marathon and ten other campus wide activates. Kappa has representation in all twelve executive committees.
Educate members of general etiquette To better inform our members on general etiquette, we invited Kate Stanton, Executive Director of Student Affairs, to speak about the importance of maintaining social etiquette. She was engaging, funny and members learned a lot from her presentation.
Invite honored Beta Theta alumnae to speak at chapter Chapters advisors came to introduce themselves at weekly chapter meetings. We hope to expand beyond advisers this year to alumnae that are prominent leaders in the state.
Increase attendance on campus events As a chapter, we provided more incentives to get involved. The New Member Educator also invited organization liaisons to the new member meetings to better inform them on organizations on campus. We also added calendars on the back of chapter announcements.
Improve visibility on PanHellenic leadership This past year, Beta Theta strived to have at least two people apply for every open PanHellenic position. We also had several members as Rho Gamma’s during formal recruitment.
Host a multicultural event Beta Theta hosted three different multicultural events including a pumpkin carving night with a multicultural group on campus.
Publicize philanthropic causes Beta Theta has gone to great lengths to insure quality PR. We updated our website, set up a twitter and instagram account and utilized social media. We also continue to make t-shirts for events as well as banners to hang outside our house. This past year we have also personally gone to other chapters on campus to share events.
Increase Chapter knowledge and understanding of ritual After convention, we knew we needed to come back and improve our rituals. We held ritual reviews weekly for members to make sure everything was in place for initiation. When the time rolled around, Beta Theta was fully prepared to do everything by the book. Our chapter is extremely proud of the accomplishments and changes we have made this past year with our rituals.
Give a detailed budget presentation each semester Nicole Upshaw, our chapter treasurer for 2012, put together a PowerPoint slideshow both semesters to better explain where each dollar of our dues was going and why.
Increase chapter unity through fun activities As a chapter, we attended a Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball game. We also had a movie night on the front lawn of the Kappa house where we rented a giant TV screen and laid out lounged on blankets and had popcorn.
Foster an environment of accountability and increase morale in Standards Standards Committee did a great job of making sure all situations were dealt with equally and fair to all members. The Vice President of Standards made presentations throughout both semesters to make sure all members understood the standards guidelines.To increase morale, the Standards committee has several fun activities for the chapter including ‘mocktinis’ the chapter before spring break along with a standards presentation.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment.
PanHellenic Community Service Hours PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa has adapted and encouraged our members to abide by the changes.
Emergency Plan Over the summer of 2012, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
World/Local Events OKies for Africa A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall,where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa.
Opportunity Boxes Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
Presidential Campaigns Several members of our chapter were campaign callers during the presidential election. They were prepared to answer questions about the campaign as well as take donations.
Watch Party The University of Oklahoma Student Government Association hosted watch parties for each presidential debate, at which Kappa’s were in attendance.
Natural Disasters Fires swept through areas of Oklahoma, taking homes, businesses and caused countless other damages. Beta Theta took supplies such as food and water to rescue workers.
Highlights of 2014
Scholarship
•Spring 2014 GPA - 3.333
•Fall 2014 Member GPA - 3.361
Rank – 2nd Place
•Kappa Tutors: The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
•Adopt-a-Prof: In the fall of 2014, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
•Smart Cookie: Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
•Period of Support: Kappa established this program to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
•Owl Groups: Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
Group Honors/Awards
University of Oklahoma
•Homecoming Queen 2014 – Sarah Campbell
•President’s Trophy Award
•Campus Activities Council University Sing
•Soonerthon Miracle Network Award
•Campus Activities Council Homecoming
•Pep Rally Competition- 1st Place
Special Events
•Soonerthon Miracle Child – Lucy Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy, whom we have been paired with in the past. The Kappas have developed a great relationship with her and her family and are happy to be able to support her again this year. This past semester we went to Andy Alligator’s with the Soonerthon group and then continued the fun back at the Kappa house! We had presents for Lucy and a yummy ice cream bar. We played for hours, painted each other’s faces, and shared a lot of laughs. We ended the night with a sleepover.
•Owl-O-Ween: For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks.
•Dad’s Day: For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle.
•Mom’s Day: For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
•Relay for Life: One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma for the past three years .
•Soonerthon: Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event. Sarah Campbell, a junior kappa, was the chairman for the event and ended up raising $318,711.14 to donate to the OU Children’s Hospital.
•Big Event: Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
•University Sing: Beta Theta was paired with Delta Tau Delta for U-Sing 2014. The chapter had to choose a picture from an old year book and build a performance around it.
•Homecoming: “Bound as One” was the Homecoming theme for 2014. Each group chose a story book of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi, and Lambda Phi Epsilon to the theme ‘Water for Elephants.
•Kappa Kappa Galaxy: Kappa’s have fun dressing up as aliens, robots, and other futuristic costumes with a kappa twist in downtown Oklahoma City.
•Centennial: Last year, the Beta Theta Chapter celebrated their 100th anniversary! The entire chapter had a luncheon, fun activities, and a dinner party for all of Beta Theta’s past and present members to enjoy for the weekend. The Centennial Ball took place at the Embassy Suites located in Norman.
• Monmonth: Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park.
Philanthropic Involvement
•RIF Book Drive: Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. This year we had the opportunity to donate to our local philanthropy, CCFI, also. They used the books in their Holiday Wishes gift drive. This year we collected over 2,000 books from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. We are now participating in a volunteer and mentoring program with one of the schools that received donations from us. The book drive was extremely successful this year and we are happy to spread the love for reading to children all around Norman.
•Kappa Kupcakes: "Kappa Kupcakes” is our public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester. Last year we had it in April and this year it will be held on March 4th. At this event, the Norman and OU community have the chance to come to Kappa and eat cupcakes to support our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. Attendees enjoy cupcakes and a cake-decorating contest, along with a photo booth and lovely outdoor seating. Last year we presented a check for $4,800 to CCFI. This year we aim to make above and beyond last year’s total. This event is not only full of yummy treats, but it benefits a great cause and provides wonderful community interaction.
•Goodwill At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in.
•Local Fire Department When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty.
Chapter Goals
For the year 2014, our chapter goals were to:
Green Quadrant:
•Improve Chapter Council's understanding of chapter budget
•Prepare chapter budget and present to chapter
•The treasurer will hold office hours once a week
•Familiarize members with Panhellenic and encourage greater participation
•Provide incentives for attending weekly Panhellenic meetings
•Continue to nominate at least two individuals for Panhellenic office
•Increase member involvement with chapter events
•Utilize Chapter Council to individually encourage the chapter to support members who have planned events
•Improve attendance at campus events
•Have campus applications readily available in the house to encourage member involvement
•Post weekly campus events calendars around the house to remind members of opportunities
•Implement “Kappa on Kampus” to reward a member each month who has shown great involvement
Blue Quadrant:
•Increase chapter knowledge of History and Ritual
•Implement short ritual reminder of the week/kappa fact at each chapter meeting
•Enhance level of committee involvement
•Restructure committee chapters with a greater emphasis on the importance of committees
•VP - Organization will have a meeting with each committee head to discuss leadership strategy and plans
Yellow Quadrant:
•Motivate and encourage members in their academic endeavors
•Continue to update and organize the chapter’s test files
•Implement incentives program and recognition for individuals with a high GPA, not strictly those who receive a 4.0, like a weekly “smart cookie” award
•Reinstall academic excellence as a priority in recruitment
Red Quadrant:
•Further accountability of Standards and increase morale
•Pursue consistent and fair consequences for Standards violations
•Educate chapter on the Standards process and consequences
•Morale will plan and host sisterhood events to increase morale and bond within the chapter
•Improve chapter image within the community
•Promote positive PR through social media outlets, local newspapers, and community
•Promote positive PR throughout campus by hosting a social media awareness event
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
•PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy: The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the OU PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment. Beta Theta has continued improved over the two years and has expanded from a day focused on individual community service to the chapter's heart for philanthropy.
•PanHellenic Community Service Hours: PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa requires 15 hours of community service per semester, per member. We offer endless opportunities for our members to serve the community.
•Emergency Plan: Over the summer of 2014, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
World/Local Events •OKies for Africa: A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall, where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa.
•Opportunity Boxes: Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
•Guatemala Mission Trip: Three members of Beta Theta raised money to go on a mission trip to Totonicapan, Guatemala. They worked with Habitats for Humanity and built two homes for those in need.
Highlights of 2015
Scholarship
• Spring 2015 GPA - 3.396
• Fall 2015 Member GPA - 3.361
Rank – 2nd Place
• Kappa Tutors
The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
• Adopt-a-Prof
In the fall of 2015, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
• Smart Cookie
Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
• Period of Support
Kappa established this program to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
• Owl Groups
Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
Group Honors/Awards
University of Oklahoma
• President’s Trophy Award
• Campus Activities Council University Sing
• Soonerthon Miracle Network Award
• Campus Activities Council Homecoming
Special Events
• Soonerthon Miracle Child – Lucy
Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy, whom we have been paired with in the past. The Kappas have developed a great relationship with her and her family and are happy to be able to support her again this year. This past semester we went to Andy Alligator’s with the Soonerthon group and then continued the fun back at the Kappa house! We had presents for Lucy and a yummy ice cream bar. We played for hours, painted each other’s faces, and shared a lot of laughs. We ended the night with a sleepover.
• Owl-O-Ween
For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks.
• Dad’s Day
For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle.
• Mom’s Day
For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
• Relay for Life
One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma for the past three years .
• Soonerthon
Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event.
• Big Event
Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
• University Sing
Beta Theta was paired with Beta Theta Pi for U-Sing 2015. The theme was "The Show Must Go On" and the chapter chose the Amazing Spiderman and built a performance around it.
• Homecoming
“Historical Moments from the 60s” was the Homecoming theme for 2015. Each group chose a historical moment from the 60s of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Phi Kappa Psi and Alpha Phi to the theme Moon Landing.
• Blue & Blue
Kappa’s have fun dressing up in all things blue and had a good time at Andy Alligators.
• Kappa Holiday Hoopla
Kappa's all dressed up as different holidays and had a fun evening in downtown Oklahoma City.
• Monmonth
Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park. The event was formal with a Casino Royale theme; each girl brought a date and there was dancing, catered hors d’oeuvres, and various poker games to play.
• Sundaes with Steve
At one of our chapter events we hosted Steve Ashmore for Sundaes with Steve. The reason why he held the event is to understand a little bit more about Steve. He also spoke about how to better prepare ourselves in college in regards to social events. We got to discuss a little more with him about how to make wise decisions in college and in life after college. After the event was over we had Roxy’s Ice Cream come to serve ice cream sundaes to our chapter members and guests.
• Military Heroes Card-Making
This is our first year to partner with the Kappa Sigma fraternity for a philanthropic event! We are hosting a Military Heroes Card Making event in order to honor those who have served and still continue to serve our country. Each attendee will make five cards for the military heroes. Kappa Kappa Gamma is very excited to host this group service project at our home. We will be making new friends, while also honoring those who most deserve it before Veterans Day.
• Founder's Day
For our Founder’s Day we celebrate the beginning of Kappa Kappa Gamma with a ritual service every year. This year, we decided to spruce it up by asking alumnae to come and speak about their Kappa Days. We had Mollie Blackburn Andrews, class of ’85, come and speak about her experience in Kappa. She talked about how things are different and how they are the same. There were stories about recruitment then and now, and how the specific Kappa house has changed over the years. But then finished explaining that the one constant was the sisterhood in Kappa. She spoke of how her membership in Kappa has been there for life and how her friends and relationships in Kappa have been some of the sweetest in life. It was a very special time to celebrate the beginning of Kappa with a reflections and education from one of our wonderful alumna.
Philanthropic Involvement
• RIF Book Drive
Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. This year we had the opportunity to donate to our local philanthropy, CCFI, also. They used the books in their Holiday Wishes gift drive. This year we collected over 2,000 books from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. We are now participating in a volunteer and mentoring program with one of the schools that received donations from us. The book drive was extremely successful this year and we are happy to spread the love for reading to children all around Norman.
• Kappa Kupcakes
"Kappa Kupcakes” is our public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester. Last year we had it in April and this year it will be held on March 4th. At this event, the Norman and OU community have the chance to come to Kappa and eat cupcakes to support our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. Attendees enjoy cupcakes and a cake-decorating contest, along with a photo booth and lovely outdoor seating. Last year we presented a check for $4,800 to CCFI. This year we aim to make above and beyond last year’s total. This event is not only full of yummy treats, but it benefits a great cause and provides wonderful community interaction.
• CCFI Diaper drive
Beta Theta hosts an annual diaper drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate diapers of all sizes so that families without the means to cover the costs of diapers can obtain them for free. This year, we were also able to donate 5,700 diapers to our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. They used the diapers to distribute to the community from their Diaper Pantry that they house inside of CCFI. This year we had an outstanding turnout donation wise, which was a great way to start the year! The diaper drive was a great community service event to introduce the freshman to CCFI and just a little taste of what they offer. We are grateful for the opportunity to support CCFI in any way. It was very neat for our members to be able to visit CCFi to personally drop off the diapers once the drive was over.
• Goodwill
At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in.
• Local Fire Department
When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty.
Chapter Goals
For the year 2015, our chapter goals were to:
Green Quadrant:
•Improve Chapter Council's understanding of chapter budget
•Prepare chapter budget and present to chapter
•The treasurer will hold office hours once a week
•Familiarize members with Panhellenic and encourage greater participation
•Provide incentives for attending weekly Panhellenic meetings
•Continue to nominate at least two individuals for Panhellenic office
•Increase member involvement with chapter events
•Utilize Chapter Council to individually encourage the chapter to support members who have planned events
•Improve attendance at campus events
•Have campus applications readily available in the house to encourage member involvement
•Post weekly campus events calendars around the house to remind members of opportunities
•Implement “Kappa on Kampus” to reward a member each month who has shown great involvement
Blue Quadrant:
•Increase chapter knowledge of History and Ritual
•Implement short ritual reminder of the week/kappa fact at each chapter meeting
•Enhance level of committee involvement
•Restructure committee chapters with a greater emphasis on the importance of committees
•VP - Organization will have a meeting with each committee head to discuss leadership strategy and plans
Yellow Quadrant:
•Motivate and encourage members in their academic endeavors
•Continue to update and organize the chapter’s test files
•Implement incentives program and recognition for individuals with a high GPA, not strictly those who receive a 4.0, like a weekly “smart cookie” award
•Reinstall academic excellence as a priority in recruitment
Red Quadrant:
•Further accountability of Standards and increase morale
•Pursue consistent and fair consequences for Standards violations
•Educate chapter on the Standards process and consequences
•Morale will plan and host sisterhood events to increase morale and bond within the chapter
•Improve chapter image within the community
•Promote positive PR through social media outlets, local newspapers, and community
•Promote positive PR throughout campus by hosting a social media awareness event
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
• PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy
The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the OU PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment. Beta Theta has continued to improve over the past three years and has expanded from a day focused on individual community service to the chapter's heart for philanthropy.
• PanHellenic Community Service Hours
PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa requires 15 hours of community service per semester, per member. We offer endless opportunities for our members to serve the community.
• Emergency Plan
Over the summer of 2014, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
World/Local Events
• OKies for Africa
A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall, where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa.
• Opportunity Boxes
Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
• Guatemala Mission Trip
Three members of Beta Theta raised money to go on a mission trip to Totonicapan, Guatemala. They worked with Habitats for Humanity and built two homes for those in need.
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!
