Omicron Deuteron

 

Omicron
OΔ
Founded	April 10, 1880 (1880-04-10)
College	Simpson Centenary College, now Simpson College
Location	Indianola, IA
Homepage	Omicron Deuteron Homepage
Media related to Omicron Deuteron Chapter

Omicron Deuteron, Simpson College Simpson College established in 1860, Indianola, Iowa Omicron founded April 10, 1880; Closed 1890 - 65 initiates (as of closure 1890) Reinstated as Omicron Deuteron in 1990 - 38 charter members of Omicron Deuteron 535 initiates (as of June 2018)

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Charter members:

Ida Alexander, Nellie Lydia Boyd, Edna Cooke, Jeannette Hastie, Mary L. Hastie, Laura Hoffman, Rose A. Kimball

Fraternity Council Officers:

Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:

Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Additional Outstanding Omicron Deuteron Alumnae:

Nicole Downing (Faust), Chapter Consultant 1999-2000

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The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)

A quote from the Phi Gamma Delta quarterly appeared in the December, 1889, issue of The Key: “Kappa Kappa Gamma has revoked the charter of her Omicron…this chapter has existed for about 10 years and we can merely conjecture that the status of the institution failed to keep pace with the fraternity’s advancement, and so representation there became undesirable. The fraternity has made good its loss by placing a chapter in the University of Pennsylvania…the first to organize the newly-established Woman’s Department…”

The Omicron letter that month was cheerful as ever: “Simpson opens this year with a new president and three additions to the faculty…the financial outlook of the school was never brighter—our chapter has eight active members.” Omicron’s June, 1889, letter reported 330 students in the college and a faculty of five…and that very little was accomplished by Omicron in the way of literary work “owing to the shortness of the term.” A few years earlier, December, 1885, the chapter had complained of feeling isolated from her sister chapters and has mentioned attending the national convention. (Omicron did not send delegates in 1881 or 1884.) In June, 1883, The Golden Key carried the chapter’s letter about the many chapter marriages…”What will we do with our girls?” This letter was signed “Bob Proudfoot.”

If Omicron had acted diplomatically, the chapter might have been saved. But Omicron’s next move was to ask to be excused from paying tax to the Fraternity because the girls had been paying for the new science hall at Simpson.

The Grand Council decided that Simpson was not an institution where a chapter should be, and the 1889-90 province vote resulted in the recall of Omicron’s charter. Kate Cross, (Shenehon) then grand president, mentioned, “reports extending over a number of years as to the low standard of the college…” Omicron’s objection, stating that the college had improved since the chapter was placed, was true. The answer was that Kappa, too, had changed, and standards had been raised. Other reasons for withdrawal of the charter included “repeated statements by Omicron regarding faculty opposition”…and “a belief that Omicron was apart…in spirit.” No Omicron delegates attended the 1881 and 1884 Conventions. Moreover, there had been a bad example in 1888 when the delegate arrived late, left early, and showed lack of interest. The Grand Council was sorry and said the decision to remove the charter was not personal but “a desire… to consolidate the Fraternity body so that it might work unitedly…” This was done February 10, 1890, and the charter and archives were sent to the Grand Council on March 7. Omicron had 10 years of relative insignificance.

However, the chapter had one shining star, a member born in Ireland September 25, 1865. This was Kate Shelly, a student at Simpson during 1882-1883. The May, 1883, issue of The Golden Key announced her initiation and referred to her as “our brave girl.” Through her own efforts Kate had saved a train-load of people on the night of July 6, 1881. Kate Shelly came to Simpson as a nationally known heroine…actually internationally known, for she has letters from England, Scotland, and Ireland. She had a medal awarded by the legislature, a handsome gold watch and chain from the Burlington Road, and a beautiful silver lantern from the Chicago Northwestern. Kate Shelly became a Kappa as a member of soon-to-die Omicron chapter. She stayed at Simpson only a year. During this time as an active, she is described as “perhaps a little below medium height, with dark hair, blue eyes, small even teeth, a shapely figure, and a pretty hand and foot.”

In the words of the Omicron correspondent to The Golden Key, “As an example of one of the highest aspects of courage, we are glad and proud to record…Kate Shelly, the heroine who saved an express train at night under circumstances of great danger to herself, whose noble deed was chronicled throughout the country and perpetuated in the popular declamatory verses bearing her name…(is) a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma.” It is good to remind ourselves that in Kate, Omicron had its moment of glory.

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 1990s

On February 10, 1990, an historic date for Kappa Kappa Gamma and Simpson College, the charter was returned to Omicron Chapter exactly 100 years to the day since it had been surrendered to the Fraternity.

Founded in 1866, Simpson is a liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Indianola, Iowa (20 miles south of Des Moines), that offers an atmosphere of support and congeniality among the administration, faculty, and students. A longstanding tradition exists between the Greek letter organizations and the College and Kappa is proud to join Alpha Chi Omega, Delta Delta Delta, and Pi Beta Phi women's fraternities. The Interfraternity Council is composed of Alpha Tau Omega, Lambda Chi Omega, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Kappa Theta Psi, a local fraternity.

The weekend of celebration began with an informal gathering of members of the installation team, advisers, initiates and pledges of the colony. Fraternity President Kay Smith Larson, Washington, spoke about Kappa installation traditions and the Fraternity's pride in welcoming the young women to membership. The undergraduates then shared their many accomplishments and achievements since becoming a colony, including their overall 3.1 G.P.A.

Other members of the installation team were: Vera Lewis Marine, Colorado College, Director of Alumnae and Council Officer for Omicron Deuteron; Virginia Anding La Charite, William & Mary, Fraternity History Chairman; Marian Klingbeil Williams, Missouri, Chairman of Extension; Martha Galleher Cox, Ohio Wesleyan, Coordinator for Chapter Development; Valerie Nelson Renner, Indiana, Omicron Province Director of Chapters; Sally Kiehne Kelby, Minnesota, Omicron Province Director of Alumnae; Fraternity Field Representatives who assisted were Omicron Deuteron's Chapter Consultant, Barbara Sterner, Missouri, and Traveling Consultants, Linda Finnegan, Washington State; Linda Hoffman, New Mexico; Amy Mendenhall, Clemson/Indiana; and Denise Rugani, UC Davis. The Big Sisters were from the four chapters of Omicron Province: Chi-Minnesota, Beta Zeta-Iowa, Gamma Theta- Drake, and Delta Omicron-Iowa State.

The men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and their advisers hosted an evening reception attended by other Greek groups, campus friends, administrators, and faculty members in their chapter house to honor the new chapter. KKG balloons, blue and blue streamers, welcoming banners, and bouquets of iris, served as a festive setting for this gracious occasion.

The installation began on Friday evening with the Fireside service followed by a reception at which many gifts were presented to the new chapter from alumnae and chapters of Omicron Province, the Kansas City Alumnae Association and individual Kappas. Indianola alumnae, who also served as advisers Edie Sowars Butler, Iowa State; Sally Fulton Kirtley, Drake; and Ann Chase Clodfelder, Washington U., gave each initiate a gift made for the occasion. When the Fraternity President returned the charter to the chapter President, Paula Sliefert, during ceremonies Saturday morning, the colony became Omicron Deuteron Chapter.

More than 200 parents, relatives, friends, faculty members, administrators, and representatives of other Greek organizations, attended a reception for the chapter given by the Fraternity. Beautiful bouquets of flowers from Simpson College, the Alumni Association of Simpson, and each of the campus men's and women's Greek groups contributed to a warm and joyous welcome to Kappa Kappa Gamma.

The program for the Installation Banquet included introductions and appreciation to the local alumnae by Marty Cox, and special welcomes to the new Kappas and everyone who had been so supportive of our return to Simpson. Highlighting the evening were the announcement by President Jennings that a house had been purchased that day for the chapter and would be ready for occupancy by fall 1990; presentation of the chapter history 1880-1890 which was prepared by the Fraternity History Chairman; and presentation of the President's badge. This historic golden key with the Omicron guard attached belonged to Berta Sabina Swope, initiated in 1886, and will be worn by the Presidents of Omicron Deuteron as a symbol of the chapter's unique and honored place in the history of the Fraternity.

Summer, 1990, The Key That first year Omicron Deuteron focused on sisterhood as a new chapter of independent women. The first formal rush went smoothly, pledging eight women who all became active in the chapter. They recorded the second highest G.P.A. of the four Panhellenic groups on campus and won Greek Week.

An extensive renovation of the new house was scheduled for the spring of 1991, as soon as the ground thawed! It was to be completed by the start of the fall term and included completely gutting the original structure and putting on an addition, as well as turning the attic of the house into a sleeping dorm. When the chapter members returned in the fall, the remodeled house could hold 37 women.

By 1995, Kappa was firmly reestablished on the Simpson campus and won several awards, including Outstanding New Member, Outstanding President and Outstanding Greek Woman of the Year.

Highlights of 2000-2010

Kappa’s reputation at Simpson was strong in the 2000s, with women highly involved and setting the standard for others. In the early 2000s, several members were named to the Dean’s List, the President’s List and the National Dean’s List, and many more were in honor societies. Omicron Deuteron had a great academic reputation and went eight consecutive semesters winning the Grade Cup on campus – something members considered their proudest achievement!

New member retention was a priority for Omicron Deuteron, and the chapter retained 91% of the women who pledged and were initiated.

The members were active in campus events and consistently won the Simpson Greek Week championship. They worked hard on maintaining good relations with alumnae and advisers, increasing communication to get alumnae more involved in the house and chapter activities. Omicron Deuteron won many Convention awards during the decade, including honorable mentions in Philanthropy, Finance, Scholarship, Rose McGill magazine sales, Panhellenic, Heritage and Chapter Management

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

The Omicron chapter had a very successful 2012. We started off the year by informally recruiting 3 new girls. All three were initiated and love their new home at Kappa! Throughout the spring semester we held many fun activities such as Mother/Daughter Day, Monmouth Duo and Spring Formal. Our chapter also participated in Greek Week on campus, which we won!! This was a very fun week and brought us closer as a chapter and a Greek community.

We were also able to send one member to Leadership Academy this year, which has strongly benefited us as a chapter. Our experiences with the Leadership Consultants that were were lucky enough to receive were also beneficial.

During the spring semester we had three girls abroad: two in Argentina and one in Tahiti. Throughout the year we also held many philanthropy events, these included a car wash, our signature Adoption Day, and a bake sale.

In the fall of 2012 Omicron chapter recruited 21 new girls! With this number we achieved quota plus one and extended the most bids of any house! Having had most of those girls initiate, we are now 51 active members strong. Many of these members have brought pride to Kappa through academic, athletic, musical, and other achievements.

We are very proud of our girls and the way that we have handled some of our challenges. These challenges have included working with Simpson to receive a new meal plan, standards committee fighting chapter unity and household responsibility issues, and overall moral difficulties. For all of these challenges we have done our best to pull together as a house and overcome them!

Simpson College's campus received some major improvements during the year 2012, making it a very exciting time to be a student here! Thanks to current students, alumni, and friends of the college we have been lucky enough to receive new facilities and improvements to old facilities. Bill Buxton Stadium received a new track, astroterf field, and overall improvements. Cowles Fieldhouse was given a new basketball court. Pfieffer Dining Hall was remodelled and upgraded.

We received a new communications building and improvements to our art studios. Dirlam Lounge/Holy Grounds Coffee Shop also received a facelift. The most exciting improvement to campus was the completion of our new student center, Kent Campus Center. Kent was opened to students on homecoming and includes state of the art facilities. Kent is now home to staff offices, heath services, event spaces, and study places. Kent also offers students and staff new eating options, including Millies (a Starbucks serving coffee shop), Tyler's Grill, Au Bon Pain, and Red Mango. As students of Simpson, Omicron chapter has been very excited and thankful for these new facilities. We have continued to be active on campus and represent Kappa well out and about and in the classroom.

Highlights of 2013

January: 4 members started their semester abroad in Germany and Thailand. We had informal recruitment throughout the month and gave bids to 3 girls.

February: We participated in a Monmouth Duo event with the Iowa Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi on the 7th. We had our annual Mother-Daughter day on the 16th. 5 girls helped the Indianola Public Library Board celebrate Dr. Seuss's Birthday by working a breakfast event for children's literacy on the 23rd.

March: We initiated 3 women over the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd.

April: Our chapter participated in Campus Day on the 3rd. 10 girls participated in the Polar Plunge as a part of Special Olympics Iowa and raised $750.00 dollars. We participated in Greek Week (April 7th-11th) and came in 4th overall. During Greek Week we won the Greek Olympics with the Beta Alpha chapter of Alpha Tau Omega as well as won the Lip Sync event with the Iowa Sigma chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. 38 members participated in the Belize Dance Marathon as a part of Greek Week and raised $760.00 dollars as a chapter. Our spring formal was the 12th. Our spring car wash was the 13th. We raised $273.45 dollars for the Amanda the Panda Greif Center in Des Moines.

September: Four girls traveled abroad for the semester to London, England. We participated in formal recruitment (8th, 9th and 11th) and got quota plus 1 on bid day. Savannah Ferguson represented our chapter at the Leadership Academy 12th-14th. Our fall car wash was the 29th. We raised $440.00 for Reading is Fundamental.

October: Our annual Father-Daughter day was the 5th. We participated in Homecoming week (September 7th-11th) and came in 4th overall. We won the Homecoming street painting competition with our Rosie the Riveter themed mural. We placed 2nd in the Homecoming Yell Like Hell stomp competition. We hosted Kappasata and raised $297.00 dollars for Warren County Necessity Pantry. We participated in Safe Block with the Iowa Sigma chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon on the 31st.

November: We initiated 16 women the weekend of 15th-16th. We participated in Adoption Day at the court house in Des Moines on the 23rd as well as had our fall party on the evening of the 23rd.

Chapter Goals: Some of the goals that we had as a chapter were to understand the chapter budget, build chapter unity within members as well as house board and improve new member education as well as Panhellenic education. We met these goals with more detailed presentations of the budget to the chapter. We also had more events as a chapter, especially during initiation weeks in the spring and fall to bring members together. We worked with our house board to improve our house in several areas and house board made 2 different presentations to the chapter. Our membership and new member officers improved new member education with excellent programs for new members, making them feel very welcomed by the chapter. Our chapter was represented with 2 women in the spring on the Panhellenic executive board as well as in the fall and several members regularly attended Panhellenic meetings throughout the year.

Chapter Challenges: In the spring semester of 2013, we struggled with cleanliness in the kitchen as well as missing and/or broken dishes. After failed attempts to improve the problems, the house chair had to close the kitchen for a weekend. After the kitchen was re-opened, attention to detail improved with dishes but lack of respect for the kitchen still existed. The problem was overcome in the fall semester with a new system of dish duties and a more general respect that dishes and cups are shared with the entire chapter.

Chapter Achievements and Awards: Nine members of our chapter were Wesley Service Scholars in the spring, 10 members were Wesley Service Scholars in the fall. Our chapter received Province awards in the forms of an honorable mention for scholarship excellence and an award for excellence in upholding standards. We won the grade cup in fall with the highest Greek average GPA of 3.553.

Group and Individual Achievements and Awards: Amiee Loats represented the First years and Sarah Beadle represented the Sophomores on Simpson’s Homecoming court. In the spring of 2013, Lauren Doocy received a meritorious award in the Interdisciplinary Contest in Modeling, top 13% internationally. Stephanie Cox, Bree Gaster, and Lauren Doocy all were named to the 2013 IIAC Fall All-Academic Team. Bree Gaster also received “most improved runner” for the Simpson College Cross Country team. Jacy Gomez was named the College Public Forum Debate National Champion as well as Pi Kappa Delta Public Forum Debate National Champion. Emily Magers receive the Iowa Academy of Science Poster Presentation award in the spring of 2013. Emily Magers and Lauren Mulder received the Who’s Who Among Students in Colleges and Universities award. Lauren Mulder was inducted into the Beta Beta Beta biology honor society as well as earning the Floyd S Doft Scholarship for excellence in a science major and the Joe K Moody research scholarship. Lauren Mulder, Sammie Moenning, Lauren Anderson, Lauren Doocy and Emily Magers were inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership society in the Spring of 2013. Emily Magers, Lauren Anderson and Bree Gaster made the Dean’s list in the Spring of 2013. Sammie Moenning made the President’s list in the spring of 2013. Madison Wilson, Sarah Beadle, Sammie Moenning, Emily Magers and Lauren Anderson made the Dean’s list in the fall of 2013.

Changes to Campus: The Cowles fitness center was closed for renovation in March 2013. The on campus pool was filled due to lack of use as well as a new pool and YMCA center in town. The new space is being renovated into a larger fitness center named the Steven Johnson Fitness Center. It will open in January 2014 which will house fitness equipment, on campus fitness classes as well as other amenities.

Changes to Chapter: During the summer of 2013, our house board renovated our basement pit with new paint, lighting, couches and picture frames, making the space much more comfortable and useable compared to previous semesters. They also improved the organization and cleanliness of the kitchen. During the winter break of 2013, the house board made plans to organize our main storage room, making storage more accessible and useful to officers, chairmen and members.

Highlights of 2014

January: We had informal recruitment throughout this month and gave bids to three girls.

February: On Feb. 6th, we participated in a Monmouth Duo event with the Iowa Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi. We had our annual Mother-Daughter day on the 8th. On Feb. 23rd we hosted the Zeta North LEAD conference.

March: On March 1st, we had eight girls participate in the Polar Plunge and raised $625 dollars for Special Olympics Iowa. Simpson Panhell celebrated National Badge Day on the 3rd. We initiated three women over the 21st-22nd weekend.

April: The chapter participated in Campus day on April 2nd. During the week of March 31st- April 4th, we sold “Kappa Kupcakes” and raised $164.60 for the KKG Foundation. We had spring formal on the 5th. From the 7th-11th we celebrated Greek Week.

June: Sarah Beadle represented our chapter at Kappa Convention in Texas from the 24th-29th.

September: We had two girls study abroad in Ireland and Adelaide, Australia. We participated in formal recruitment, the 5th-7th, and recruited fourteen new girls reaching quota plus one. Madi Wilson represented our chapter at Leadership Academy from the 11th-14th. We had our fall car wash on the 27th, and raised $594 for Reading is Fundamental.

October: Our annual Father-Daughter Day was the 4th. We participated in Homecoming week (13th-18th), we placed 2nd in the Homecoming Yell Like Hell stomp competition and came in 4th overall. We hosted Kappasta the 21st and raised $615 for the Iowa Foster and Adoptive Parenting Association.

November: We initiated fourteen women the weekend of the 7th-9th. We participated in Adoption Day at the Polk County Courthouse in Des Moines on the 15th.

December: Multiple girls signed up to “Ring the Bell” on the 4th to raise money for the Salvation Army.

Chapter Achievements and Awards: We won the grade cup, meaning we had the highest Greek average GPA, in both the fall and spring semesters. In the fall semester we won with a 3.555, and in the spring semester we won with a 3.56. Our chapter received many Honorable Mentions for awards presented at Convention, including: Recruitment award (4 or less Panhellenic groups), Most Improved Academic Excellence (4 or less Panhellenic groups), New Member Program Award (Chapters with less than 75 members), Greatest Improvement Award (All Chapters). Our chapter also won the Panhellenic Excellence Award (4 or less Panhellenic groups) at Convention.

Group and Individual Achievements and Awards: Emily Magers and Sammie Moenning represented our chapter’s seniors in Homecoming court. We had three girls, Rachel Hoffman, Madi Wilson, and Karli Wittorf, inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. In addition, Karli Wittorf was elected President of Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. Emily Magers, Lauren Mulder, and Natasha Shehade got elected President, Vice President, and Treasurer of Tri Beta National Honor Society, respectively. For the spring semester, five girls received a 4.0 and were on the President’s List, and nineteen girls received a GPA of a 3.75 or higher and were on the Dean’s List. For the fall semester, twelve girls were on the President’s List and eighteen girls were on the Dean’s List. Bree Gaster, Lauren Doocy, and Bri McCloskey were Academic All Conference Athletes. In addition, Bri McCloskey was the Simpson Cross Country MVP and Most Improved Runner, and was voted November’s Athlete of the Month.

Changes to Campus: In January, the new Steven Johnson Fitness Center opened and houses a new fitness center/equipment, on campus fitness classes, new classrooms, as well as other amenities. In November, Simpson’s new pedestrian plaza was completed and made it much easier and safer for the students of Simpson to walk across campus.

Changes to Chapter: In the fall, our house board graciously purchased new furniture for our formal living room and a lounge area on the second floor.

We hold meetings at our Chapter's house which is owned by Simpson College. Our chapter has a house that is owned by Simpson College and 35 girls can live in. This is the only house that our chapter has lived in.

Highlights of 2015

January: We had move-in on January 11th and classes began on the 13th. Four of our members began their semester abroad in Germany and Thailand.

February: In February we had an all sisterhood exchange on the fifth. On Saturday, February 7, we had Love and Loyal Tea. This event was for our Omicron Deuteron alumni to come back and talk with the current members and tour the house! February 10 was our chapter’s birthday! Valentine’s Day, February 14, we had kappa kisses. February 19 we had a sisterhood activity and on February 21 we hosted mother/daughter day at the house.

March: The 3rd was International Badge Day. Also, March 3rd through the 5th, our chapter had Kappa Kappaccino for a philanthropy event and we raised $59.45. March 22nd to March 27th was Greek Week and our Leadership Consultant, Hana, visited our chapter. On March 23rd we had a scrapbook event and on March 24th was sisterhood event. On the 26th, we had Spring Open House. On the 31st, there was a recruitment workshop for new members.

April: On April 2nd, there was a chapter retreat. There was a senior program on the 3rd. The chapter participated in campus day and before the service event, some girls from the chapter went to Irving Elementary to read books to children. On April 11th, the chapter had a philanthropy event at Second Chance Dog Rescue and our spring formal was that evening. On the 29th of April, we welcomed home our sister Allyson Zarr from her semester abroad experience in Germany.

May: During May of 2015, many girls from Kappa Kappa Gamma took May term courses or traveled home for the summer; some girls even went out of the country! First-year Allie Karpurk, and seniors Lauren Doocy and Kolby Warren were enrolled in the course “Exploring Washington D.C.” They spent eight days traveling our nation’s capital. First-year Megan Myers and sophomore Rachel Farner traveled to Colorado to do service work. Junior Alexa Cashatt and sophomore Madi Wilson traveled together on the “Discovering the British Isles trip. Whereas sophomores Maddie Young and Erin Boggess did service work in Merida, while Hannah Freisen and Erin Wendover went on the Madrigal May term trip. May 2nd, 10 of our Kappa seniors graduated from Simpson College. On May 11th, we welcomed home our sisters Hallen Phung and Bree Gaster from their semester abroad trip to Thailand and on May 23rd, we welcomed home our sister Erin Wendover from her semester abroad in Germany.

August: On the 23rd our members moved back into the house early for Work Week. Work Week consisted of cleaning the house, preparing the house, and our members for recruitment. On the 29th, our members helped welcome the first year students to campus by moving them into their dormitories.

September: Our sister Karli Wittorf studied abroad in London. We participated in formal recruitment, the 11th-13th, and recruited seventeen new members reaching quota plus one. Erica Heidler represented our chapter at Leadership Academy from the 17th-20th. We had our fall car wash (Kappa Karwash on the 26th, and raised $437 for Reading is Fundamental.

October: We participated in Homecoming week (4th-10th). During homecoming weekend we had an Alumni Tailgate and open house. We placed 2nd in the Homecoming Yell Like Hell stomp competition and placed 1st in Street Painting. We hosted Kappasta on the 13th and raised $338 to buy books for Reading is Fundamental. Our annual Father-Daughter Day was the 17th. We also had a Leadership Consultant visit, named Carly Wooldridge.

November: Throughout the month of November Lambda Chi Alpha, Kappa Theta Psi, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon came to our house and performed a serenade for our chapter. November 6th was professor appreciation day. Our Inspiration Week was Monday 9th – 13th. On Monday the 9th we had a formal meeting to start the week, Wednesday the 11th we had a sisterhood activity, and Friday the 13th we had Blue and Blue dinner with initiation the following morning on Saturday the 14th, where we initiated 15 new members. Also, Monday 9-12th girls registered for spring day classes. On Monday the 16th we had slating to elect new officers for the coming year.

December: In December we had a Christmas exchange with Kappa Theta Psi at 7pm. On December 6th we had our Triplet meeting with the new officers, advisers, and old officers in order to train the new officer, this was held at 3pm in the Pioneer Conference room. The last day of classes was the 11th of December and finals began the following week. Our semester ended on December 17th.

Chapter Achievements and Awards: We won the grade cup, meaning our chapter had the highest Greek average GPA, in the spring semester we won with a 3.662 GPA. Also, during Greek Week in the spring of 2015 our Chapter won the award of Outstanding Chapter Operations and our advisor Kaela Phillips received the Outstanding Advisor award.

Group and Individual Achievements and Awards: Sarah Beadle represented our chapter’s seniors in Homecoming court, Student Body Vice President, and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership fraternity. Megan Myers was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta honor society as the President in the spring of 2015. Megan Myers, Lindsey VandeKieft, and Rachel Farner were founding members of the new Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization on Campus. Our sister Aimee Loats founded the Love Your Melon society on Simpson College’s campus. Bri McCloskey received the IIAC Academic All-Conference Award for the spring and fall semesters of 2015. During Greek Week in the spring semester Erin Boggess received the Emerging Female Leader of the Year award. Hallen Phung created an Agape fundraiser in Thailand for an elementary school. Morgan Moline received a varsity letter in track spring of 2015 and a varsity letter in cross country fall of 2015. We also had four sisters represent Kappa on Panhellenic Council; Alexa Cashatt was Panhell President, Sarah Beadle was the Vice President of Internal Affairs, Mary Galanis was Vice President of Marketing, and Steph Lash was Vice President of Programming. For the spring semester, twenty-three of our members received the honor of being members of either the Dean’s or President’s List. In order to be on the Dean’s List you must have a 3.7 GPA or above, and in order to be on the President’s List you must have a cumulative GPA of 4.0 for the semester.

Changes to Campus: In the spring the new sorority Sigma Lamba Gamma became a colony on Simpson College’s campus. In the summer Simpson College decided to hire a new Veteran recruiter in order to bring more Veteran’s to campus.

Changes to Chapter: In the fall, our house board graciously purchased new dining room tables and chairs for our dining room on the first floor. We hold meetings at our Chapter's house which is owned by Simpson College. Our chapter has a house that is owned by Simpson College and 35 girls can live in. This is the only house that our chapter has lived in.

Chapter Philanthropy:

What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?

Omicron Deuteron at Simpson College has been donating our time and raising money towards Reading is Fundamental. A few of our Philanthropy events are a Car Wash, pen pals with the local elementary school, Adoption Day in Des Moines, Second Hand Dog Shelter outside of Indianola, Polar Plunge for special Olympics, and various other organizations.

Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?

Our chapter chose these organizations by either voting on where the entire chapter wanted to spend our time or the Philanthropy chair decided our locations. Also, a few of these projects we have been partnering with for many years.

Highlights of 2016

The Omicron Deuteron chapter had a very successful year in 2016. Our members were able to thrive in their academics, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. We prospered in the face of adversity and ameliorated our sisterhood with events and activities throughout the year. Our year started off with a nutrition program, where we learned about the importance of being conscious regarding what we put into our bodies. The semester continued with many other fun events including Mother- Daughter Day, Kappa Kisses, Monmouth Duo, and Spring Formal. Throughout the fall we had additional events, including a homecoming tailgate, Father-Daughter Day, Fall Formal, and Kappa Krush. Each semester we held an open house so people outside of Kappa could see our wonderful home and the changes that had been made to it. We also held Love and Loyaltea in February, where alumnae were invited back to spend a day reminiscing on their dear Kappa days, meeting current members, and sharing stories with the girls. During the spring semester, we had three girls studying abroad: two in Argentina and one in Tahiti. Through their studies, the girls were able to enjoy a new and different lifestyle. As one of the girls put it, “the lessons I learned will follow me throughout my entire life.” Kappas were also able to explore foreign lands during their Mayterm adventures. Some of the girls traveled to New Zealand, while others went to the Dominican, another went to Costa Rica, one went to Jordan & Israel, and some event went to Paris!

The Academic Excellence committee put in a lot of effort this year to help our girls be as successful as possible in their classes, and it worked! We were able to win back the grade cup with our 3.594 GPA. The grade cup wasn't the only academic award we received this year either! Our president, Madi, traveled to San Diego for the Kappa convention, where we were honored with the Academic Excellence Award! In 2016, we truly surpassed the term “wise owls”. Over the summer, our house was renovated with new paint throughout the first floor and the stairwells. Simpson purchased new couches and chairs for our informal living room; and additionally, house board purchased a new sanitizer for the kitchen and made it possible for us to get a new entertainment stand and new tables to go with the furniture. They also supplied the house with some new decor! Simpson saw some changes this year, too. The art education program was terminated as a major, causing two art instructors to no longer teach classes at Simpson. The school replaced their positions with a full-time graphic design professor. Simpson added a new major, clinical health science. The clinical health science program was introduced, in part, to replace the athletic training major. Students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or other health-related programs are encouraged to explore the Clinical Health Science major as it “can provide the hands-on skills and knowledge necessary for admission to a variety of graduate programs.” Senior Vice President and Academic Dean Steve Griffith retired in the spring; and in the fall, it was announced that long-time professor Fred Jones, who taught classes in sociology and criminal justice, would be retiring at the end of the school year. Kappas, along with the rest of the Simpson community will miss their presence dearly.

Kappa made some changes to our Chapter Bylaws and Standing Rules with hopes that the changes will resolve any foreseeable issues within the house. The definition of acceptable excuses for absences was redefined to include a clear definition of what immediate family members consist of and to clarify that a chapter member’s birthday is an acceptable excuse. There was clarification on what appropriate formal meeting attire is and when it is acceptable to be out of formal meeting attire on Dress to Pin days. Finally, our biggest change was in the way we decide on rooming and parking. Both will now be determined by seniority using the lottery system for each pledge class. This lottery system is the same as what Simpson College uses, which is fitting since they own our home. Making the changes was tedious and took a while, we even had to table the first meeting where we were supposed to vote on them to make further clarifications, but we believe it was worth it to create the best environment for our sisters. We are very proud of our girls in how they have handled our challenges. The standards committee used sisterhood activities to pull the house together, boost chapter morale, and remind each other that above all, we are sisters and no matter what is going on in our lives, we will always be there for one another. Our chapter also came together in a big way to support various philanthropies. In the spring we held our first ever Kappa con Queso, a competition-based event where people used their purchased tickets to vote for their favorite queso dip. In the fall, we decided to replace the Kappa Car Wash with a book drive to make our fall philanthropy event something that would get girls excited about humanitarianism. The new events were a huge success! Between them, we raised over $500 and collected over 200 books!

In the fall of 2016, the Omicron Deuteron chapter initiated 11 new members! Our house was blessed with an extraordinary group of girls from Iowa, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. The girls are each beautiful and unique in their own way and we are so happy they have found a home in Kappa! The year had many ups and downs, especially being that it was an election year. Politics and current events without a doubt affected our lives on a daily basis. From caucuses to presidential debates, our girls were able to be involved with the election in a variety of ways. We had a standards activity where girls registered to vote and learned more about how caucusing works. This was a great, as it was the first time the majority of us would be able to vote. Simpson was also very fortunate in that a majority of the presidential candidates actually took time to visit our campus! Kappas took advantage of this, and some even got to ask candidates questions regarding their plans for the nation. Campaign stops brought a lot of attention to our little school in the heart of Iowa. Simpson also received a lot of attention towards the end of the year for a devastating reason. Two police officers who were alumni of the college were shot and killed while working the night of November 1st-2nd. The passing of Justin Martin, ’15 and Tony Beminio, ’01 has been extremely difficult for students to deal with, but in light of the circumstances it has shown our community’s resiliency and willingness to come together, despite our differences. Kappas have shown support for the fallen officers in a variety of ways: baking cookies for the Urbandale & Des Moines Police departments, attending candlelight vigils, and donating to the families dealing with an inconceivable pain. We even came together with our arch enemy, Central, and showed support by participating in their “blue out” to pay respects to Officer Martin and Sergeant Beminio.

One Kappa has had to deal with a difficult time of her own. Over the summer, she was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer. After undergoing surgeries to remove the tumor, she spent two weeks off-campus going through radiation to kick cancer’s butt. Not seeing her smiling face in the house created quite a void. Our house was missing something, and the day she came back to us was one of the highlights of 2016. We are ecstatic to say our president, homecoming queen, and more importantly, our sister, is doing extremely well!

2016 was quite a year. It was one in which we proved the strength and bond within our sisterhood. We have continued to be active on campus and represent Kappa well through our involvement in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities. And in the years after, with tears and with laughter, we’ll always remember our dear Kappa days.

Highlights of 2017

The first Saturday back from winter break, we opened our doors to PNMs as a part of the Secondary Recruitment Open House. The following week we held two Continuous Open Bidding events, during which we ate snacks, worked on a craft for Reading is Fundamental, and got to know our PNMs better. On Monday the 23rd many of us met in the art gallery on the second floor of Kent to extend bids. Over the course of the next week, 8 lovely new members accepted their bids and on the following Monday we got to celebrate Bid Day after meeting.

On Saturday, February 4th we had a former member of the Bush administration visit our chapter to present about her achievements and staying motivated. Seven of our new members pledged on the 8th and the final member of our new pledge class pledged on the 9th. On Valentine’s Day, we spread the Kappa love by placing Kappa Kisses (cards with Hershey kisses) around the buildings on campus. For our sisterhood event, we went roller-skating at Skate South in Des Moines. The following week, we had our second annual Kappa Con Queso philanthropy event to raise funds for Reading is Fundamental. Teams from various organizations on campus made their own queso and competed to win best queso. The 25th was our Mardi Gras themed Mother-Daughter Day. We had a full house of moms and actives here to make masks, have snacks, and give house tours.

After spring break, we hosted Kappa Kupcakes to raise money for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. We also hosted an alumni event, Love and Loyaltea on the 18th, where alums were welcomed back into the house and able to relive their dear Kappa days. The recently pledged new members received their bigs on March 13th. I-Week was the following week and consisted of a sisterhood event, ritual practices, and Blue and Blue dinner. We initiated six members the morning of the 25th and two on the evening of the 27th. On the 30th we hosted an open house for students, alums, friends, and family to get a peek inside of what Kappa life is like.

On Sunday, April 2nd, the seniors attended a presentation on post-grad financials given by an advisor. Simpson’s annual Campus Day was cancelled due to rain, but that didn’t stop us! Some of our sisters traveled to Park Avenue Elementary to put on a carnival for second graders. After students won a carnival game, they picked out a book and read it to a Kappa member. We loved seeing the direct impact we could have on a child’s life. The next week was Greek week. We kicked things off with an all-Greek service project. All members of the Greek community attended a SARA (Sexual Assault Response Advocates) presentation. The next day, Greek pairings competed in a volleyball tournament, which we, along with SAE, won. Everyone’s favorites ultimate musical chairs and lip sync were the next two days, and one of our very own members won Greek Woman of the Year. Kappa Kappa Gamma won second place in Greek Week. After Easter break, we honored our seniors with a senior appreciation night at their last meeting. The following week was finals and graduation. We had 12 seniors graduate on April 29th.

Many of our members participated in various May term courses and learned about music, pop culture, and the ethics of WWII. We also had sisters travel abroad for May term to London, Italy, France and Wales. After a full year of activities and traveling, we all welcomed summer vacation!

Kappas enjoyed the summer sun, but many were also hard at work with summer internships. Our sisters were out doing amazing things such as interning at Impact7G, a medical fellowship in Peru, teaching an ACT English course for high school students, and working with team Europe for the Solheim Cup in Des Moines.

As the end of summer drew closer, Omicron Deuteron chapter moved back to campus on the 22nd. We partook in a very beneficial and efficient workweek where we focused on our values and bonded as a chapter. Greek life as a whole helped the first-years move in on the 26th and classes started on the 29th. We kicked off primary recruitment events with the Greek BBQ where active members were able to mingle with potential new members and play yard games.

In the month of September the members of Omicron Deuteron participated in a three-day Panhellenic Primary Recruitment. The chapter recruited 15 new members. In addition, they added 4 more new members through COB. The new member class of Fall 2017 pledged Kappa Kappa Gamma on September 18th and September 25th. On September 23rd, the chapter held their annual Kappa Krush event where they utilized the new fire pit on campus. The girls roasted marshmallows and played games with the newest members of Kappa. Simpson announced that for any student applying for graduation from now on would pay a graduation application fee of $100.

Chapter pictures took place on October 1st. Members participated in a stomp routine for Yell Like Hell during homecoming weekend, in which we placed second. The day of homecoming was very dreary, but that didn’t keep us down. Kappa set up a tailgating tent with a photobooth in it that was very popular during the rainy day. After fall break, we had a Halloween themed big/little reveal on the 30th. Simpson approved an honors program on campus starting in the fall of 2018.

On Simpson College’s campus, we are fortunate to have the Monmouth Duo of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Pi Beta Phi. For our event this year, we hosted a joint philanthropy event called Breakfast for Books. The proceeds went to Reading is Fundamental and Read Lead Achieve respectively. The first Full week of November was I-Week where members were able to reflect on their love for this organization using daily hashtags on social media and then veg out during a “spa night” sisterhood event. We rounded out the week with Blue and Blue dinner at the house and imitated 18 new members. During I-Week, we also had a leadership consultant stay with us. She was very helpful for all our officers and during the initiation process. On the 18th, members and their dates attended the Kappa Gamma Gala in the Kent Campus Center. Right before Thanksgiving break, we had our third annual Kappa Thanksgiving where we were all able to sit down and eat together as a family. We ended the month with an education program on Body Positivity presented by one of our seniors. Simpson announced the “Simpson Promise” which is the first year of tuition for students the following year that fall under a parental income of $60,000 or less will be free.

In the month of December the new Chapter Council was installed and received training in their new positions through joint-triplet meetings. The new chapter council also participated in a leadership day. On December 6th the chapter hosted a philanthropy event called Kappa Kappuccino where they sold cappuccinos to the Simpson community in front of the library. All proceeds went to Reading Is Fundamental, our national philanthropy. The chapter participated in “Scoops” and Kappa Christmas on December 7th, a joint celebration of academic excellence and the upcoming holiday season. Finals week began on December 12th, and on December 15th the girls of Omicron Deuteron began a much-needed winter break!

New on the Simpson campus this year is The Simpson Promise, beginning in the fall of 2018. This allows low-income students whose parents make less than $60,000 a year come to Simpson tuition free for the first year. Every year after that, they will have to pay the difference in the tuition increase. Simpson Alumni Association funded a project to get a firepit on campus, which we utilized earlier this fall. In the fall of 2018, Simpson will begin an honors program. Every student applying to graduate will now have to pay a graduation application fee of $100.

Our chapter is the most cohesive group of people we've had at Omicron Deuteron in a long time. We have had a lot of difficult things (death, other harships, etc.) to support our sisters through this year, and we have done so with grace. We work well together and hope to continue in improving our chapter.

We mainly raise money for RIF and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This past year, we helped raise money for the Children's Miracle Network through Dance Marathon and events for dance marathon. We have many girls that participated in the second annual dance marathon in February, and we help their committees raise money. When Kappas help with committee fundraisers, half of the money goes to RIF.

Highlights of 2018

Our year started off in with an open house for informal recruitment on the 20th of January. PNMs were able to tour the house, eat snacks and work on a craft for Reading is Fundamental. We were able to extend bids and gained 3 awesome new members. We hosted a bid day before meeting for our new members with the theme "Happy I Amma" in early Feburary to celebrate.

On February 5th, we were able to pledge all 3 of our new members. That same week we hosted Kappa Con Queso. Many organizations around campus came together for our annual queso competition. Teams made their queso and students on campus could pay to come try and judge them. All of the proceeds from this successful event went towards Reading is Fundamental. On Valentines day, Kappa's went around and put Hersey kisses with small loving notes on tables in Kent Campus center for students to enjoy. At the end of February, we hosted a Mother Daughter day with the theme Sweet Tea with the Fleur de Lis. Mothers of the Fraternity women came to the house for tours and to get to know the other women of the house. Many of the members purchased matching tshirts and were able to take pictures with their mothers.

March was a busy month for the members of Omicron Deuteron. Big/Little Reveal took place on March 11th where the new members found out who their bigs were during a candle passing reveal. Greek Week started the very next day with a Hollywood theme. The greek community was able to participate in event such as a lip sync battle and greek games. Kappa had a very sucessful Greek Week and won Greek Week as well as having two of our women win Emerging Greek Woman of the Year as well as Greek Woman of the year. The following week we kicked off I-Week with Love and Loyaltea on the 18th. Many alums were invited back to the house to see the house again and relive their deam kappa days. The new members were then initiated at the end of the week on the 24th. On the 27th, we hosted our first Dodgeball tournament as a philanthropy event for Reading is Fundamental. Teams could pay money to sign up for the tournament and also pay to get members back into the game. On the 30th we were able to have a sisterhood and education event where we were taught self defense. Marched wrapped up with a visit from Senator, Joni Ernst. She came to share her story and answer questions from the girls in the house.

Simpson's annual Campus Day took place in early April. Members were given the option of participating in Campus Day activites by cleaning up the local area or volunteering at local elemantary schools to read to kids. We all enjoyed making a difference in various aspects of our community. The next day, Kappa partnered with Pi Beta Phi for a Monmouth Duo event where we painted canvases. Spring Formal took place on the 14th where we were all able to dress up for A Black Tie Affair themed formal. We received a nice dinner and a night full of dancing and pictures. The next week, we celebrated Scoops where we recognized those who did well in their academics and raffled off Kate Spade items. At the end of April, we had our senior appreciation event where we were able to recognize our seniors before they graduated on the 20th.

Many Kappas participated in May Terms this year and were able to take classes such as Love and Death of Harry Potter and Call of Service. Some women were even able to study abroad to places like Spain, the Dominican Republic and Finland.

Kappas enjoyed the summer with lots of travel and relaxing, but many also kept busy with work oppurtunities and internships. Two of our women also returned back from a semester in Chile in early July.

As summer came to a close in late August, the Kappa women moved back into the house excited to start work week. We had a very efficient work week where we were able to bond with one another and learn what to do when for formal recruitment. At the end of that week, Kappas helped the incoming first-year class move in- a tradition for Fraternity and Sorority Life on Simpson's campus. Kappas were excited to get back to work when classes started on the 28th of August. On the 30th, the Greek community hosted a barbecue where we were able to meet PNMs and tell them about sorority life. During this month, we found out that we had won the academic cup for the previous semester

September started off with an Ice Cream Social where PNMs could come and get ice cream and learn more about sorority life and how recriutment later that week would work. The theme of formal recruitment was No matter the letter, we all rock together and took place the 7-9th. Many Kappas helped organize Recruitment by being Rho Gammas and officers on Panhel. Recruitment was very sucessful and we gained 12 new members. The new members were able to run home and enjoy our Rock n Roll Bid Day with a DJ, snacks and dancing. Most of the new members were able to pledge at their first meeting on the 10th. That weekend, Kappas took chapter pictures in Buxton Park. The next week we started informal recruitment where we had events where we played games, gave tours and made a craft for Reading is Fundamental. We were able to gain 5 more new members and held another bid day for them before the meeting where they pledged.

The last new member was able to pledge on October 1st. The first weekend of October was Homecoming. Kappas were able to participate in many Homecoming activities including a stomp routine where we partnered with Kappa Theta Psi and Lambda Chi Alpha. On Saturday, we held an Halloween themed openhouse where people from the community could tour the house and enjoy snacks. We also had a tailgate where people could come and take fun pictures with props. The next day, Kappa hosted a Father/Daughter day where women of the house could give their dads tours before going to Black Box to play yard games and eat chilli. On the 15th, Kappa had their Big/Little Reveal where the Big hid in a box and popped out to surprize their little. In late October, Kappa hosted Kappasta, an event where people of the community could pay 5 dollars for unlimited pasta. The proceeds of this event were given to the National Alliance on Mental Illness to show support for members of the community after an incident on campus earlier in the year.

The month of November started off with an educational program that helped Kappa women with creating resumes. Fall formal took place on the 10th where women and their dates were able to dance and take pictures with one another. I-Period started the following week which was kicked off with a sisterhood event where we put on facemasks and watched movies. Initiation took place on the 17th and 16 members were initiated. November was finished with officer elections and a visit from a Leadership Consultant to assist with officer transitions.

December started off with the new Chapter Council getting installed and receiving training in their new positions. Our chapter celebrated Kappa Christmas before meeting on the 3rd in order to celebrate the festive season. Kappa Kappaccino took place on the 4th where we sold coffee and hot chocolate to the Simpson Community. Later that night, Senior Appreciation and Scoops was held to recognize our three graduating seniors and recognize those who have done well this semester academically. Before finals, house board hosted a destress event for all of the girls in the chapter to enjoy. Finals week began on the 11th and on the 14th the girls of Omicron Deuteron began a much-needed winter break!

This year, Omicron Deuteron decided to create a new structure for their Chapter Council. The goal of the new structure was to try to get more members involved in the chapter. The newly elected officers will be the first to try this new structure.

We mainly raise money for RIF and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. This year and in past years, we have helped raise money for the Children's Miracle Network through Dance Marathon and events for dance marathon. We have many girls that participated in their annual dance marathon. This year, we also supported the National Alliance on Mental Illness due to an incident on campus earlier in the year.

Highlights of 2020

Chapter operations changed dramatically due to COVID-19. All of our normal events (initiation, fall formal, greek week, recruitment) were either virtual or cancelled completely. Members who did not live in were not allowed at the house. Senior activities were all but totally cancelled. Our normal philanthropy events were all cancelled, as well.

We continue to support Reading is Fundamental. We chose this organization because it provides children with resources that they might not have as well as nurturing a love for reading within them.

How did your chapter celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary? We held a virtual ceremony with Drake’s chapter.

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:

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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!