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'''Charter Members:'''
Patricia Carolyn Bassett, Jane Ann Briggs, Virginia Lee Brown, Barbara Lynn Butler, Sandra Lynne Clary, Jerry Lynn Elliott, Linda Florence Geisler, Dannye Carol Gibson, June Lane Goforth, Penelope Veitch Howell, Mary Felicia Lewis, Tallulah Hitch Long, Theresa Beverly Marchetta, Judith Merritt, Patricia Louise Pearce, Linda Lee Pursley, Nina Sue Reaves, Claire McRea Stanton, Lynne Largelere Thorpe, Catherine Rita Young.
----'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
'''Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:'''
'''Fraternity Council Members:'''
Susannah Erck Howard, '''Fraternity Treasurer, 1988-1992Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
''' Fraternity Loyalty AwardAdditional Outstanding Epsilon Pi Alumnae:'''
Susannah Erck HowardKyle Donnelly: Fraternity Finance Committee (2006-2008), Province Director of Chapters (2008-2011), Assistant to Fraternity Treasurer (2011-2014), Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Finance Committee (2011-2012), 2006Scholarship Reader (2015-2018), Fraternity House Board Chairman (2018-2020).
'''Alumnae Achievement Award RecipientsJessica Coffield:'''Susan Harrell BlackNominating Committee (2014-2016), 1980Standards Specialist (2016-2020), lawKappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (2018-2019), Florida's first female federal judgeStandards Director (2020-2024).
==Early YearsHailey Grisel:==Leadership Consultant (2015-2016), Philanthropy Specialist (2016-2017).
This is the tale of a remarkable but littleMeredith Hutcheson Reuter: Chapter Consultant (1990-known event1991), the story Province Director of the coming of the Greek maidens of Kappa Kappa Gamma to the Land of Flowers, on the shores of the Gulf of MexicoChapters (1993-1995).
At the southern tip of the Appalachian Plateau lies an area long a crossroad for nomadic tribes of Indians, hunters and fisherman. The nowLise Haxton: Traveling Consultant (1993-extinct Apalachee Indians founded a community there; later Creeks and Seminoles replaced them. The place was called Tallahassee1994), Chapter Consultant (“Old Town” or “Old Fields”1994-1995). For centuries the people lived undisturbed. Then came the conquistadors searching for gold and the fountain of youth. They named the area Florida, Chapter Support Committee (“Land of Flowers”2004-2005). De Soto’s band, wintering in Tallahassee, is thought to have celebrated the first American Christmas there, in 1539.
The priests of San Luis Mission, one of the chain built by the Spaniards, lived in peace with the Indians. The mission was destroyed by the English in 1704 as bitter rivalry developed. Americans fought for and received independence; there were Indian uprisings. Ultimately most of the southeastern tribes were moved west in the infamous “Trail of Tears.”
Tallahassee became a frontier town, named state capital in 1824. In 1851 a school, the West Florida Seminary, was established. Within a few years the seminary cadets, with the old men of the town, marched down to Natural Bridge to “whip the Yankees” ----------------------------------Tallahassee was the only capital not captured east of the Mississippi.
After the war, the seminary, succumbing to charges of sex discrimination, opened a separate female department. ==The University of Florida for men was developed in Gainesville, Early Years -- Colonization and in 1909 the school in Tallahassee became Florida State College for Women. A number of sororities sprang up there, but not Kappa Kappa Gamma.Installation==
Following World War I, the automobile came into wide use Love and life became more entertaining for the southern belles, with the lively traffic pattern which developed between Tallahassee and Gainesvilleguidance by many caring Kappas allowed Epsilon Pi chapter to enjoy a great beginning. However, the young ladies still wore hats The culmination of this love and gloves and were allowed concern was exemplified in downtown Tallahassee the beautiful Installation held the first weekend in groups only. All social events February 1976 when 13 new members of Epsilon Pi Colony were chaperonedinitiated as charter members of Epsilon Pi Chapter at the University of California at Riverside.
World War II brought an abrupt halt to the good times with “the boys from Old Florida.” Gas rationing Installing officer Marian Schroeder Graham, Beta Phi—Montana, Fraternity President, was assisted by many others including Phyllis Brinton Pryor, Beta Mu—Colorado, National Panhellenic Conference Delegate and colonizing officer; Patti Ball Hillyard, Delta Chi—San Jose State, installation chairman and the departure President of me from campus resulted in “not enough to go around.” A brighter day dawned with the reactivation Riverside Alumnae Club; Lyn Conway Madding, Delta Gamma—Michigan State, Kappa Province Director of Dale Mabry Field as an air baseAlumnae; Kay Reid Tennison, right on the edge Epsilon Delta—Arizona State, Kappa Province Director of TallahasseeChapters; and Janeen Gould, Beta Beta Deuteron—St. After World War IILawrence, returning GEpsilon Pi Graduate Counselor.I.s filled the University of Florida Also, several advisers and Graduate Counselors to overflowing, California chapters and the Florida legislature ordered the Gainesville school alumnae from all over southern California gathered to be coeducational. This brought men participate in and to honor the College for Women campus… men!Installation of Kappa’s 95th chapter.
MeanwhileThe setting for the ceremonies was the chapter house of Epsilon Pi’s sister chapter, Delta Tau—Southern California. It was agreed by all and well stated by Phyllis Pryor that “no more perfect arrangements could have been made for an unhoused chapter to be assimilated into a “small but enthusiastic” group totally Kappa setting where a true feeling of Kappas from other campuses had periodically urged the Fraternity to consider a Tallahassee chapterbelonging could be imparted. The break-through came with cooperation and hospitality of those members of Delta Tau who made this possible will be long remembered as a very vital aspect of the arrival happy Initiation of coeducation there, in 1947Epsilon Pi. Kappa officers” She also noted that “the beautiful, headed by Fraternity President Eleanor Goodridge Campbellwarm, Colorado, traveled to Winter Park, supposedly to considering a third Florida chaptervery adequate facilities of the Delta Tau house accommodated the influx of extra people and activities gracefully and with no evidence of inconvenience or interruption.”
Indications pointed to GainesvilleFern Crane, but enthusiastic Tallahassee alumnae contacted the officersDelta Tau Housemother; Katie Finnegan, and Louise Barbeck LittleDelta Tau President; Kris Kline, Southern Methodistchapter coordinator, Director of Chapters, was sent to look over and chapter members were thanked for their superb planning and for making the situation. By changing her flight reservation to come to Tallahassee she escaped her original plane, which crashed in the Gulf, killing everyone on boardguests and participants feel welcomed and prepared.
The local Kappa alumnae went into action with unprecedented zeal. Up to now, their biggest moment in history had been a joint picnic with It was here that the scene for the Gainesville Alumnae Clubentire weekend, scheduled in including a state park half way between the two townslovely Friday night Fireside Service and dinner. Unfortunately, no one had specified which state park—there were two, on two separate roads—and each group went Delta Tau members added to a different park, waiting without result for the other, ate the picnic chicken beauty by sharing some of their traditional pre-initiation thoughts and returned homesongs.
NowMany gifts to the new chapter were recognized at the luncheon banquet, concerted action which was called for, and held at the small group actedUniversity Hilton Hotel following Saturday’s Installation. Appointments Two special gifts were scheduledaward badges for outstanding new members, notably one with given to the university new member class president , Debbie Dietrich, and the dean of women who became staunch supporters. Forces were combined one to make “Lou’s visitation” memorable. It wasRobin Rose, Recruitment Chairman, and it resulted in such Kappa Kohesiveness that it has been oft-used as an example of “What Kappa means to me—Before and After.” The visit was an unqualified success and Florida State University was designated as focus for the new Florida chapter after Kappa was officially invited by the more than enthusiastic Florida State administrationscholarship.
From then on it was “total involvement.” Martha Walker Puri and Martha Lee Boone Kuersteiner literally walked all the blocks around the university looking for a location for a Kappa house—they wound up with a grocery! In the fall of 1960 the Fraternity laid the foundations for Greetings to the new chapter; increased even more when more than 150 guests came in February, 1961, actives from the Rollins and Alabama chapters arrived heavy rain to rush for a reception Sunday afternoon in Riverside at the new colony, and on February 21, 25 girls were pledgedhome of a recent Delta Tau active. Parties UC Riverside administrators and meetings were held in Florida State University’s Longmire Lounge Panhellenic representatives and talk centered around the house which was to be built members of other Greek-letter groups on the site campus along with friends and family members of the old College Park Grocery Store. Groundbreaking was held under a tremendous live oak on a chilly hill November 19, 1961. The beautiful, pillared colonial house was ready for occupancy by fall 1962new chapter members honored Epsilon Pi with their attendance.
For every chapter everything that happens in Prior to Installation, the beginning is an exciting first. For the Tallahassee Alumnae ClubEpsilon Pi new members were busy with campus activities including selling cotton candy during Homecoming, a pizza party with alumnae, nothing will ever equal a new member retreat and joining the excitement of securing other fraternities and starting Epsilon Zeta. For sororities in the actives, to whom Greek cheering section for football games and for Christmas caroling before the events winter break. Epsilon Pi members also created a wooden plaque with pictures of college days are the important eventscharter members, and to the archivist, other firsts are significantthey worked together on a hooked rug with an owl design for Delta Tau Chapter.The previous information was excerpted from (unknown source-most likely The Key.)
Remembrances include the first rush--------------------------------The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, the first Kappa Key Manchapter meeting minutes, Karl Kuersteiner, the Kappa husband letters and comments from chapter members and Florida State University dean, who had called “Goodie” Campbellalumnae, and negotiated for the purchase of the lot; the first student senator; first members of Sophomore Council; the first junior councilor; first Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa initiates; the first “Best Dressed Girl” the first “Calendar GirlGamma Fraternity Archives,” first Kappas in Florida State University Circus; the first Kappa on Greek Goddess Court; and the first Kappa Sun Goddess The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at Stkkghq@kkg. Petersburg, Flaorg with questions.--------------------------------
Very special firsts for the chapter were graduate counselors Margaret (Maggie) Miller (Brucker), Drake, and Karen Haun (Barlow) Texas, who lived off campus in those “early days,” but were vital trouble shooters. They got the chapter on its feet, and Maggie stayed long enough to marry a Florida State professor.
Through ==Highlights of the years since colonization there have been many firsts1970s== From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, some happygroup honors/awards, some sadtraditions, some funny. As Lou Barbeck said special events, changes on her first visit, “Starting a campus or within chapter is a rough, rocky road” The “Old Faithful” overall nature of the Tallahassee alumnae are still “in there pitchingchapter, chapter goals,” along with many new members. They found in working together the largerchallenges and how they were overcome, lifetime experience that Fraternity had to offer. Their cooperation was a real tribute to fraternityetc.:
Probably The chapter’s first formal, called “Sea and Sky”, was held in a multipurpose room in one of the apartment complexes near campus since the budget for the rockiest problem event was only $75; $25 was spent on Epsilon Zeta’s road decorations and $50 was the fact that all the other sororities were already so strongly entrenched spent on this campus—40 or more years before Kappaa band. Florida was peopled in its southern area by northern families who knew Kappa One sister, and in the central section by those who were Kappa-oriented through Rollins and the University of Miami. But in the northern Panhandle, was dating a Sigma Alpha Epsilon from which Florida State University drew most of its studentsUCLA, Kappa was new. Epsilon Zeta had pioneered and was particularly proud him fix up some of having familiarized Northern Florida the Kappas with blind dates with his brothers. Charter President Kim Braun Padulo recalled the fleur-de-lis—and getting “cream surprised reaction of the crop” girls in spite boys when they entered the room as it was not the kind of such long-standing oppositionreception they were used to.
The Kappa alumnae in Tallahassee were proud Epsilon Pi faced its challenges head on and ultimately succeeded. In the fall of 1976, they welcomed a second pledge class that nearly doubled the size of the Fraternity organization which stood behind themchapter. Following soon after, grateful in spring quarter the women had to write their chapter Bylaws. After getting the alumnae foundations of 50+ years ago whose dedication promoted the effortchapter set, and to those whose added effort made the women focused on their sisterhood. To improve this fine Epsilon Pi chapter, participated in a potluck with its helpful house directors, a realitythe Northern Orange County Alumnae Association. Florida State Kappas are happy The theme was to bring with the tale of how the Greek maidens of KK made a newyou your favorite Kappa memory to share. After doing so, good life and became recognized as leaders in the “high and lovely hills” of Tallahasseewomen realized that while they were close, where once Indians liveda house would bring them much closer to each other. They hoped that one day they would reach this goal for Epsilon Pi to have a chapter house.
--------The previous information was excerpted from The History October of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity1977, 1870thirteen more lovely ladies were pledged after an informal Yell-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reportsin, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnaeon Inspiration week, in October 24-29; the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Keywomen were initiated. Each With rush again in the spring the chapter is expected was able to grow from 13 actives to update its history record annually30 by 1978. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.---------------
==Highlights of the 1980s==
The 80s were a busy time for Epsilon Zeta Chapter. From Rush to philanthropies and socials, there always seemed to be something going on. In addition there were intramurals and visits from Fraternity officials.
Between the years 1980 to 1984 Florida State's football team played Auburn's football team where the War Chant started in 1984 during the Auburn game. Also during this game the Tomahawk chop started and Kappa's actively participated. The chapter had traditional events during football season such as Parent’s Weekend, Homecoming and Founders Day which was celebrated with local alumnae.Chapter Convention Awards:'''
The 1984 pledge was named the best by Rho Lambda and the 1985 Rush theme “We’re Greek and Lovin It” won the Panhellenic contest for themes. The chapter had difficulty making quota for several years in a row so the women started a campaign to improve the results. They set a goal of meeting 75% of quota which was achieved in 1989.
The chapter participated in the many philanthropies sponsored by other Greek organization on campus. The women also participated in many socials with campus fraternities. Some of the activities included Greek Week, Sapphire Ball, Kappa Kidnap, Hayride, Monmouth Duo and Homecoming. The chapter won first place over all for Homecoming in 1985 paired with Delta Tau Delta and Delta Chi. The chapter won several Intramural championships during this decade.
The chapter was given a warning ==Highlights of probation in the 80s. They received a visit from Jean Hess Well, Georgia, Fraternity Ritualist. She attended spring initiation and gave the chapter a new perspective on ritual. The following year the Fraternity Scholarship Chairman visited the chapter and worked diligently with Chapter Council. She was a tremendous asset to the chapter and her fresh insight helped the chapter grow and improve its G.P.A.1980s:==
The From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter held a variety , overall nature of sisterhood events. These included Kappa Kickbackthe chapter, movie nightschapter goals, Kappa Kuisine Nightschallenges and how they were overcome, and a family picnic. This enabled the women to get to know each other better and have fun togetheretc.:
Women Small "get to know each other" parties were involved in held at the Bannockburn pool, so that all the women could get to know each other activities such as student government, student senate better and various other organizations around campuscreate stronger sisterhoods. They were also involved held exchanges. Epsilon Pi had an annual "walkout" in honor societies such as Gold Keywhich the pledges would plan to "kidnap" actives and have them do funny antics like sing Kappa songs and Kappa Dances at different stops on campus like the library, residence halls, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma classrooms. Every stop would earn them a clue that would lead them to the location that the pledges had chosen to name host them for dinner. They experienced the debut of MTV and this spurred lip-synching contests in the dorms, which were a few.blast!
The University’s Panhellenic won second place for Rush at the National Panhellenic Conference After just a few years of being established Epsilon Pi was honored to participate in 1989. The same year the chapter won an award for most improved scholarship founding of new chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the Mu Province meetingUniversity of California, Irvine and University of California, San Diego.
While attitudes towards the Greek system were favorable with increasing numbers of students joining Greek organizations the university enrollment declined due to a decline in financial assistance and an increase in admissions requirements. The Greek system remained strong with 16 Sororities and 21 Fraternities.'''Philanthropy:'''
The main floor of Epsilon Pi held many different Philanthropy events such as making rabbit-like Easter baskets to give to the house was redecorated Sunshine School in Riverside, dressing up around Halloween in 1985. The dining room costumes and foyer received new parquet wood floorsvisiting the Riverside Community Hospital patients with candy. Everything One popular tradition was repainted a "Grandparent Adoption" from convalescent homes where the chapter women would visit their adoptee twice a month and bring them carnations and new wall paper was installedhomemade spice ropes. In addition, the living rooms received new carpet. Epsilon Zeta was ready to move into the 90s!Chapter Convention Awards:
Admission standards continued 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.: In the early 1990’s, the chapter was focused on scholarship, improving rush, and philanthropy. The chapter tied for the 2nd highest GPA on campus in 1991 and placed 35 members on the Dean’s List. And in 1993-94, the chapter received the Dean’s Scholarship Trophy for the highest percentage of members on the Dean’s List. The chapter maintained a high level of academic excellence throughout the decade, due in part to weekly mandatory study hours for actives and pledges. To prepare for rush, the chapter started early the prior school year with a 10 day work week. Rush quota gradually decreased on the UCR campus in the early 90’s. Quota was 32 in 1991, 24 in 1993, to 16 in 1994, and 13 in 1995. However, quota was back up in the 20’s by 2000. These smaller pledge classes, however, allowed the chapter to increase at Florida State University be fully involve the new members in all aspects of chapter life. Early in the 1990sdecade, making it more difficult the chapter accepted the Challenge to gain admissionExcellence issued to all chapters by the Fraternity. Work on the Challenge to Excellence continued during the rest of the 1990’s. It strengthened the chapter and brought the members closer together. In spite 1991, nine of thisthe 13 founders of Epsilon Pi were present for the Founders Day brunch. In 1995, the chapter celebrated Kappa Kappa Gamma’s 125th birthday with Zeta Eta at UC Irvine.On the social front, the chapter continued with its annual Sea and Sky formal, Monmouth Duo with Pi Beta Phil, and Kappa Krush dances. Epsilon Pi also participated in many sporting competitions on campus, such as the annual inter-sorority volleyball tournament, Sports week, the Greek system continued Games and the annual Run to thrivethe C. However, Sigma Sigma Sigma left campus while Delta Zeta built The chapter also hosted a huge new houseParent’s Day each year. Through a lot of hard work The chapter focus shifted to sisterhood, public relations and participation in the mid-1990’s.Housing: In 1991 the chapter lounge was removed from its warning redecorated. The last update was 16 years prior! Also in this year, the university offered sororities a hall in one of probationthe dorms to have as their own. The chapter felt this would be a good way to improve chapter bonds, and would show the university that they were serious about having a house in the future.
The chapter continued to participate in philanthropies to support fellow Greek organizations’ efforts. It also held many socials with fraternities. Some of the chapter activities included Kappa Kidnap, Hayride, Kappa Krush, Greek Week, Monmouth Duo and Founders Day. In 1997 Dance Marathon was started. This was a fund raiser for the Children’s Miracle Network.'''Philanthropy:'''
Founders Day brought Epsilon Pi won the pledges, sisters and alumnae together to share Kappa’s historyPhilanthropy Award at the 1991 Kappa Province Meeting. A The chapter colonizer attended one year! Another year there was a 50-year pin awarded to an alumna. The women continued to excel on campus participated in athletic, academic the Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon and philanthropic eventshelped clean up downtown Riverside. They worked hard also continued their tradition of visiting the Sunshine House and usually finished at or near their association with the Riverside section of the California School of Deaf. In the top in intramural activitiesmid-1990’s, Epsilon Pi began a new philanthropy called Night Run.
In 1990 the chapter made quota in Rush. More and more chapter women became involved in campus and community activities strengthening chapter bonds with the public. This interaction with the community enabled the women to see the pride and culture of Tallahassee. An Epsilon Zeta member was named Greek Woman of the Year for 19 94. The chapter continued to have successful rushes throughout this decade. '''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
In 1997 EZ was a pilot for the New Member Program. This brought changes that were an adjustment for the chapter but they were ready when it was time for new members. Other changes around the house included new paint inside and out, new carpet and new decorations.
The chapter worked on improving their knowledge of ritual. They promoted Strive for Pi! through rewards for those who achieved Pi and helped those who needed to improve academically.
In 1998 the chapter was third in scholarship. They held the first Kappa Klimb which was a rock climbing event as a benefit for the Rose McGill Fund. The chapter placed second on campus for the New Member Program. The pledge class ranked sixth in scholarship that year. The chapter revived its newsletter, the Kappa Kourier.
While the chapter participated in the many campus-wide philanthropies which included Dance Marathon where many ==Highlights of the women danced for 322011-hours straight, and many others were involved on the Dance Marathon Committee. Dance Marathon raised funds for the Children's Miracle Network. Another prominent philanthropy in which the women participated on campus was Relay for Life, which was founded on Florida State University's campus by an Epsilon Zeta Kappa. The chapter often placed in the top or won this competition. Epsilon Zeta began its own philanthropic events with its first annual Kappa Klassic to raise money for Reading Is Fundamental, Kappa Kombat which is a laser tag tournament between the fraternities and the Kappa Krawfish Boil. All of these philanthropy events were huge successes.2019==
Founders Day is celebrated in October. Local alumnae were invited to the Kappa house where history From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the Fraternity and the chapter were shared and refreshments were served. Homecoming , chapter goals, challenges and Parent’s Weekend how they were other big events celebrated each fall semesterovercome, etc. :
The chapter had continued to improve its G.P.A. It implemented probation for those women whose G.P.A. fell below a 2.5 and the members are required to meet weekly with a member ==Highlights of the academic excellence committee. The chapter exceeded the Panhellenic Goal of a 3.14 G.P.A. by achieving a 3.17 G.P.A. and received recognition in doing so. Thirty-six members were on the Dean's List (3.5 G.P.A.), and eight women were on the President's List, 4.0 G.P.A. in 2006.2011==
During 2011 was a busy and great year for Epsilon Pi Chapter. Winter quarter started out with the summers improvements were made nomination process, leading to the election of a strong, new Chapter Council. That quarter we participated in two philanthropic events at Madison Elementary School, Where the Wild Things Read and Dr. Seuss Day. Both events involved reading to the chapter housestudents and encouraging literacy. Greek Unity Week also took place during the winter. The columns Our members were replaced to improve paired with the structure men of Pi Kappa Alpha to compete in various activities throughout the house as well as refinishedweek meant to strengthen Greek unity on campus. As our winter quarter event, the floors were refinished and painting inside and out. The chapter had a “Finally Famous” themed semi-formal and informal living rooms were updated , in which couples dressed as wellfamous couples throughout history.
FSUThe chapter also enjoyed a scholarship dinner at Ciao Bella restaurant and a go-cart racing sisterhood event held at K1 Speedway. For the spring quarter, Epsilon Pi Chapter continued its emphasis on philanthropy. We volunteered at the Inland Agency’s Shop to Stop Breast Cancer event. Also, our sister Brittany Altamirano competed in and won the 2011 Delta Queen Pageant hosted by the men of Delta Tau Delta, raising around $7000 for City of Hope cancer research. During this quarter, the campus’ Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Center hosted a Pillar’s Reception where Epsilon Pi was proud to receive the Friendship Pillar Award. The Chapter hosted Parent’s Day at the Benedict Castle and a formal at the Pomona Valley Mining Co. Another major accomplishment for the chapter during spring was our Sports Week participation. Members assembled teams for volleyball and football, and did excellent in both sports, taking home the overall win for Sports Week. In April, a few members of our chapter went to Kappa Province in Tucson, AZ, where we were awarded the Rose McGill Magazine Award. As fall quarter began, the members of Epsilon Pi were eager for recruitment, to gain more assets to our chapter. After going through formal recruitment, the chapter welcomed 31 New Members on Bid Day. The New Members were taken to a taco dinner afterwards to celebrate and get to know the chapter. This year, the chapter invited local alumnae and the women of the Zeta Eta Chapter at UC Irvine to our Founder’s Day brunch at the Riverside Art Museum. Many of our members also participated in the Pink on Parade breast cancer walk, as well as the 5K run held by the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Our chapter enjoyed a movie night sisterhood as we went to go see the film 50/50, as well as a Thanksgiving potluck themed meeting to end the quarter. '''Campus:'''s This year, the Panhellenic Organization decided Board on campus tried to expand really encourage unity among the Greek community, but the panhellenic organizations in particular. Kappa encouraged this as well, as we participated in Panhellenic’s Cookies and welcome Crafts event. All 6 of the 16th sorority on panhellenic organizations came together to get to know each other better, as well as learn more about one another’s philanthropies. We also participated in the kickball tournament thrown by the women of Gamma Phi Beta, to further demonstrate our support of panhellenic. The campushosted many annual events like Spring Splash, Alpha Phi Bear Facts Orientation, and Block Party, all of which had Epsilon Pi participated in. '''Chapter:''' If one word were chosen to describe the overall nature of our chapter in 2011 it would be growth. We suffered some minor setbacks, but with positive mindsets and a very successful recruitment strong chapter council, we pushed through and began making necessary changes for our chapter to head in the right direction. Epsilon Pi has taken pride in both its diversity and large chapter size and has continued used both of those factors to grow along with strengthen the chapter as a whole. One main challenge for the other sororities chapter was attendance. With such a large chapter size, we expected high numbers of attendance, but were not seeing that. Chapter Council began a point system for attendance. A minimum requirement of points was made necessary for fun/positive things later on campus, such as getting a little sister in the fall. In addition, our VP Standards took attendance into account as she looked over members who needed standards appointments. She stressed the importance of going to mandatory events in these meetings and the consequences of not doing so. Future expansion has been plannedThe attendance problem was not completely erased, but the chapter hopes to see improvements, continuously reminding members of the attendance policy in our chapter’s bylaws and standing rules.
==Highlights of 2011-2019==
We Our sisters did an amazing job playing and dedicating their time to practices. This quarter we also have campus representatives for companies had our annual formal, "A Night In Spain", which was held at the Green River Gold Club in our Corona. It was an amazing event where we danced the night away and appreciated the seniors, as it was their last formal with the chapter . As the quarter continued, we hosted "A Day In The Life" where we hosted students from VictoriaMadison Elementary School and showed them the campus. We introduced them to the soccer team and cheer leaders and gave them a tour of the campus. We wanted to encourage the sixth graders to continue on to college to get a higher education and to show them that anyone can achieve that with hard work and dedication. We ended this quarter with a fun filled water themed sisterhood at our president, Brittany Altamirano's Secrethouse. There was a water maze, Lily Pulitzerwater guns, Southern Tide and Vineyard Vinesof course water balloons. The sisterhood definitely helped relieve some stress that we had pertaining to the upcoming finals.One of Later that weekend we also had our chapter goals for annual Parent's Day at the 2012 calendar year was to increase campus involvement and Canyon Crest Country Club, where we accomplished that goal by older had a nice lunch with all our sisters encouraging and helping the younger girls to apply for positionstheir parents. In fall 2012 we had more We also appreciated our sisters apply for leadership positions around campus than ever before who stood out exceptionally in being a good sister and kappa and sisters that stood our chapteracademically as well.
The Florida State University campus has a very diverse culture that is always evolvingAfter returning from summer vacation, Epsilon Pi was eager for recruitment and to gain new assets to our ever growing sisterhood. Here in Tallahassee Following formal recruitment we have students and professors from all different backgrounds who contribute were more than happy to welcome the melting pot style of 30 Beta Alpha new member class. After bid day on campus we call home. Florida State has a very strong Panhallenic association which provides us with a large greek life that supports us in took them to one of our philanthropy, social events sister's house to have dinner and community involvement. The nature of our meet the chapter is similar to that ; there were also an abundance of FSUice breaking games. This year, the Orange County Alumni Association hosted Founder's campus in that Day at the Tustin Senior Center. After thoroughly educating the Beta Alpha new member class with Kappa history and creating a new love for Kappa we are very uniquehad Inspiration Week and Initiation. We have 219 active members, all It was again a beautiful ceremony where each sister was able to appreciate and remember why we joined one of which share the values of love, friendship and loyalty but have very different personalitiesstrongest sisterhoods. We are a chapter concluded this quarter with a lot of acceptance of and embrace our differences in the process of bettering ourselves as womenKappa Thanksgiving, a goal every single member strides for and contributes to which brought our chaptertogether once again.
Many of the sisters of the Epsilon Zeta chapter have the honor of accepting the Bright Futures scholarship that helps to alleviate tuition for students attending universities in the state of Florida. A few of our new sisters have received further scholarships, including the Freshman Scholarship that is good for $1,200 a semester. Our academic success continued in the 2013 school year by a large number of sisters being recognized with high honors on the Dean’s List as well as the President’s List for many semesters in a row.
Not only has Epsilon Pi had a truly remarkable year in 2013 with all that we accomplished and participated in. As our winter quarter began, we had the opportunity to help recruit members for the new chapter been involved academically, but that was established at Chapman University with our focus on philanthropic involvement is also very important sisters from USC. The recruitment was so successful that we had the amazing honor to usbe apart of their initiation ceremony and be their big sis chapter. Both our Kappa Krawfish Boil in Towards the Spring and our Kappa Kombat event in end of the Fall supporting quarter we were partnered up with the Gretchen Everheart School men of Phi Gamma Delta and Reading is Fundamental had the highest level women of Omega Zeta Chi to participate in a week of participation from the Greek community that it has ever seenUnity. The main event was a dance competition in which we were elated and humbled to have won first place. So much so that As the quarter continued we participated in our Kappa Krawfish Boil ran out annual philanthropy of crawfish for our guests due “Reading is Key” in which we traveled to Madison Elementary school and spent the large turnoutday reading and doing crafts with the children. We returned also had a delicious Scholarship dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory in which we gave awards to the support in our Greek community by participating in Chi Omega’s Kisses for sisters who had accomplishments such as the Troopsmost study hours, Gamma Phi Beta’s GPhi-Joe eventhighest GPA, and being on the Theta fest for Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Delta Pi’s BBQ dean’s list. The last major event supporting of winter quarter was our semi-formal in which we went to a lovely Italian restaurant and had a great time dancing the Ronald McDonald House Charities, as well as Alpha Phi’s Red Dress Gala supporting the American Heart Association night away with our sisters and many moredates.
Our philanthropic involvement continued Spring quarter began with 6 sisters attending Kappa Province. In addition to improve learning valuable skills and information for our fraternal relations by participating in Theta Chi’s Cheers for Childrenchapter, Alpha Tau Omega’s FratiatorEpsilon Pi was honored to have received 2 awards: the New Member Program Award and the Norma Dow Patton Gracious Living Award. Soon after, Pi Kappa Alpha’s Christmas for we had a visit from the ChildrenLC, just to name which gave the new officers a few. Our sisters continued chance to be involved get ideas and information about her new positions in one of the largest events personal meetings that takes place on campuswere set- Dance Marathon at FSUup. With more than half of We also had our chapter participating in Dance Marathon formal at FSU, whether as a dancer, Morale Captain, or selected to be on beautiful venue at the Executive Board of the event, Kappa Kappa Gamma’s participation Glen Ivy Spa and golf course in the success of this event was detrimental to its success. We continued to be involved which we had a great night taking pictures in Light the Night in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Societya photo booth, as well as Relay for Lifeeating delicious food, of which our chapter originally brought to the Florida State University. Last year, Kappa Kappa Gamma placed first in the event for Relay for Life for our hard work and participationgiving out senior recognition awards.
Epsilon Zeta members have This quarter was also been involved very philanthropic. Not only did we host our annual “Day in world the Life” event for Madison elementary school children to come and local events including many mission trips by sisters see what it is like to Haitibe a college student, and Jamaica. One but we also partnered up with the women of Pi Beta Phi to create our sisters also helped very own join philanthropy on campus called “Words with Friends”. It was a spelling bee and speed read event in which all the organizations could compete with each other and donate either money or books to campaign for our philanthropy. This quarter, as well as supporting many other philanthropies throughout the Republican partyyear, while others work at we also supported the capital just a short trip from campusmen of Delta Tau Delta's annual Delta Queen Pageant. Another Our sister worked as a group leader , Hailey Grisel, received second place and remarkably raised $6,000 for Vacation Church Camp over the summer, while others were camp counselors at their local summer camps as wellCity of Hope cancer research.
Within our chapter, sisters have noticed many positive changes that have helped us improve a large amount when compared We continued to 2012. Sisters have reported an increase in confidence within ourselves due to the support of our sisters. Weekly awards, such as Supportive Sister chapter and Sister of partook in the annual Sports Week, have helped our chapter work to be the best sisters we can e to where each sorority competes against each other. Every weekin track and field, the Supportive Sister of the week receives an oversized pink bravolleyball, of which they are to add to the decorations however they wishand football. They receive the bra by supporting another sister during a hard Our sisters did an amazing job playing and dedicating their time, or just by lending a helping hand. Sister of the Week is given to a woman who has done something excellent during practices because we ended up winning the week, whether it is doing exceptionally well on a test or representing our chapter in a positive way on campusentire event. Sisters have also noticed the improvement Later that month we had parent’s day which was so special in outside involvement, both in the Tallahassee community and Panhellenic. There has also been being able to show our families a push to become more well-rounded in little bit of what Kappa by acquiring leadership positions around campus and in the communityis like. Due We were able to our increase in participation of other chapter’s events within honor the Greek community, our events including sisters who truly embody what Kappa Krawfish Boil is and Kappa Kombat have become more successful, which helps also got to improve see what our personal relations as wellchapter used to be like through the heritage display.
Within There is also an annual awards ceremony for the Panhellenic Greek community, Kappa Kappa Gamma has continued on our campus in which we were honored to stay involved by serving on have received the Panhellenic recruitment staffUniversity of California, both on Riverside Marguleas Sororotiy/Fraternity Service Award in recognition of our leadership and philanthropic efforts in our community. To finish off the quarter and the academic year we had a sisterhood in which we were able to go go kart racing. We had such a fun time competing with each other for the technology team fastest time and just be able to spend time bonding together. Fall quarter was a very hectic quarter for Epsilon Pi. We had another LC visit during recruitment which helped us make sure we were going about things as best as Rho Gamma’swe could. Our sisters helped Although we did not expect for the large increase in the size of our new pledge class, we were so grateful to welcome home over 1,000 45 new members amazing women into the Panhellenic Community to join wonderful sisterhoodsour organization. At the end of 2013Soon after, one of we celebrated founder’s day with our very own lovely Chapman sisters, Maria Stamatoinokis, which was selected special because we got to be see them experience it for the Head Rho Gamma for Fall 2014very first time as a chapter. It was so touching to see alumni from decades ago being recognized and pinned and being able to do our ritual together.
During our Founder’s Day Our chapter also hosted an amazing event held called “Finding Kind” in which we had the screening of the back yard, both sisters and Alumni gathered around documentary to fight against female teen bulling. We then all took individual pledges to celebrate better ourselves and honor the six founders of our fraternityway that we treat others. This event, filled with singing, writing We were so pleased to other chapters congratulating their Founder’s Day, reflecting see how many women from different organizations on our chapter’s historycampus came to support this cause. Towards the end of the quarter, candle lightings we had a super hero themed date party in honor which we got to go to Sky Town and jump around and play various games involving foam pits and trampolines. Inspiration week and Initiation of our founders, new Beta Beta pledge class was a very special week for all of us. We were so happy to officially welcome them into our chapter and many other share our ritual events helped to remind with them during such a beautiful and special ceremony. We also had fun during that week roller-skating and playing laser tag together during our big/little night. To finish off the women of Epsilon Zeta why quarter, we are had a part of such an incredible sisterhoodthe week before finals at the movie theater in which we were able to take a couple hours away from studying to relax and laugh with our sisters while watching Grown Ups 2. It had been events like this that keep us close and strong as a chapter.
As one of This past year brought changes that mainly affected our recruitment. Since our goals for the 2013 calendar year was school decided to be admit more involved around campusstudents, there were more women that went through recruitment that the sisters of the Epsilon Zeta chapter certainly achieved this goalsororities were not prepared for. Multiple sisters are involved in the Student Government Association at FSU, as well as the National Society of Leadership Success, FSU’s School Newspaper The Odyssey, Seminole’s Futures Ambassadors, Although we thought it would be overwhelming and near impossible to have such a Union Productions volunteer, membership in the Freshman Leadership Institute, as well as Hall Ambassadors for Dormitorieslarge pledge class, we pulled through together and many clubs relating were blessed to our sister’s selected majors. These membership positions around campus have helped Kappa to establish ourselves as leaders who are helping to evolve received 45 new members instead of our university into one of the best universities in the nationanticipated 30.
Many of our sisters have reported the nature of our chapter as being a loving, dedicated, and diverse group of women. A large amount responded by elaborating on the sisterly love that we show one another. Our chapter was described the most by our sisters as being supportive, determined, classy, and sisterly. These four adjectives portrays the kind of relationships we build with not only our sisters, but our Panhellenic sisters, the entire Greek community, and the local and national communities our chapter touches as well.
Honors During this same week we had one of our favorite philanthropies, A Day In The Life. For this event, we bring sixth grade students from Madison Elementary to UCR to visit, take a tour, have lunch, and Awards: play fun activities with us all in the hopes of inspiring these students to go to college and strive for higher education. This year we divided into different tour guiding groups and played interactive games such as red rover. It was a perfect day to have the students on campus because they were all able to see a busy campus full of students due to the fact that it was Pillars Week. These students had such a great time that even some boys flashed the Kappa sign in pictures as the proclaimed "I can't wait to go here!"
•Vanessa Domingo’s-light With school coming to an end in a few months, it was the perfect time for our Beta Beta New Member retreat. Our New Member chair planned a daring evening of rock climbing at a local rock climbing gym, Hangar 18. Girls harnessed in and chalked their hands as they used their upper body strength and raced to the top of the rock walls. It was a perfect night marketing directorfor Beta Beta to be reconnected and have a little fun work out. For one of the last meetings of the year, member our whole chapter went to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor to feast on all different flavors of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Societyice cream, while discussing business, of course. This event is one of our most delicious sisterhood events since we get to eat all the ice cream we want, Presidentbe sung to by Farrell's Listemployees, and get to be with our sisters.
•Hayley Granger For the last event of the year, Epsilon Pi Chapter boarded buses with our dates for a special night at Green Rivers Country Club. This year's Formal was awarded one eventful and filled with memories. Girls piled into the photo booth to take adorable pictures while some danced the night away and others ate their gourmet meal. During the celebrations, seniors were recognized, given crowns, and watched a video slide show of pictures that brought back many memories and even happy tears to many eyes. Formal was the four scholarships of $2,000 perfect way to attend UIFI (Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute) from end the FSU Panhellenic Association •Janay Holloway2013-FSU competitive cheer team2014 school year.
•Lydia Mansfield-served Although college may have been over for some, many girls who had just decided to come to UCR were making their way on campus for summer orientation in the 5 Women Student Union executive board months of July and August. During every orientation, Epsilon Pi Chapter hosted a table where we answered questions about our organizations, sorority life, UCR and college in general. We hoped to get incoming freshmen and transfer students excited for college and hopefully interested in becoming a Kappa. Not only that, but almost as a summer reunion, all of our girls got together to film our, almost famous, recruitment video. We went to the beach, our campus-wide Women's History Month Director, interns as and the park to film a short video embodying Kappa and our strong sisterhood. It turned out to be a GIS Analyst hit on our campus and with Tallahassee-Leon County's joint GIS department, nominated and selected other chapters from other campuses as a Seminole Torchbearerwell.
•Ashley Cook-Light The Monday following recruitment, Bid Day, we welcomed all of our bright and spectacular New Members with "Key to Paradise" tank tops and a BBQ fit for beach queens. Our chapter transitioned so quickly to this shocking number of new ladies, and chapter council immediately understood that with a larger chapter, we would all have to grow together, and that is exactly what we did. New Members went to meetings every week to get acquainted with Kappa policies and jumped right into Kappa activities with our first sisterhood of the Night Executive Board 2014, Clutch Magazine editor-2015 school year. Our VPS planned a morning yoga session ina peaceful park for all of our members. It was relaxing and just what everyone needed as a de-chief •Jennifer Wallacestressor. Our New Members were also able to attend our Date Party at a roller skating rink sponsored by the Anaheim Ducks hockey team. Every member received a glitter Kappa snap back and Beyonce themed tank tops, while their dates received a Jay- Executive Position Z themed crew neck. Everyone was so exited for their new Kappa clothes. Soon after, our New Members received their Big Sisters in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; President such a cute and creative reveal. New Members were given a key to a specific car in the school's parking lot and had to find the right car to which the key belonged. Inside the car trunk, driver seat, or back seat was their Big. The excitement of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; accepted into the Transfer Leadership Institute Program; Graduated from the Transfer Leadership Institutewhole chapter was present as girls embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and joy. That same night, New Members were ushered to their New Member sleepover where they bonded over games, learned about our Founders, and laughed over stories.
•Crystal QuirinoA couple weeks later, Bigs drove their Littles to our fall social with the men of Sigma Psi Epsilon. Since it was the Halloween season, girls paired up with a Sig-Bright Futures Academic ScholarshipEp and carved pumpkins. This was one of our most attended and loved socials. As initiation approached, our Marshal hosted Big and Little Night at a local ice skating rink. Bigs and Littles dressed in matching outfits and skated together, fell together, and drew closer as sisters. Our last and most important event of the year was the initiation of our New Members of the Beta Gamma class. It was a beautiful ceremony welcoming our deserving members into Kappa Kappa Gamma. They discovered the true meaning of all our beliefs and values and finally understood what makes Kappa so strong. It was the perfect way to end such a successful year for Epsilon Pi Chapter.
•Lucy Smith-Phi eta sigma honor societyOne of the biggest changes to our campus occurred just this Fall quarter. In the past year, young entrepreneurship societyrecruitment has grown as more and more girls become interested in sorority life at UCR. One of the biggest changes to our chapter was the welcoming of the biggest new member class we have ever welcomed. Our chapter almost doubled, national colligate scholars, deans list but our chapter handled the change smoothly without a falter.
•Kasey Braden-Relay for Life of FSU Fundraising ChairAlso due to the immense interest in panhellenic, The Vitality Party (political party the whole panhellenic community got together to listen to presentations from three possible new sororities hoping to colonize on the UCR campus) Director . In the end, our chapter was more than happy to hear about a new sorority expanding our panhellenic community. Epsilon Pi Chapter is so strong in our bonds of Panhellenic Relationssisterhood that we are more than willing to help the new chapter get accommodated to UCR.
•Catie Richardson - 2014 recruitment counselor; honors delegate Chapter meetings are held in various on campus lecture halls and classrooms. This makes it easier for FSU honors collegemembers to go to meeting since most new members live on campus and other members live near by. Our chapter does not have a house and has not had a house in the past. We have a storage unit near campus where we keep and organize our supplies. For living situations, some girls live on campus, but most members rent houses where some members live together and sometimes end up living with other panhellenic women. Our living situations are perfect for building sisterhood and provide various places for members to hangout, study, and host various gatherings.
•Megan Simmons-Bright Futures Scholarship; Deans List fall 2014
•Alex Jones - Planned the two service events for FSU Homecoming: Karaoke for a Cure and Renegade Recess •Jessica Jermer-Dean's List, Seminole Scholars, Slated Senator Candidate, Honors College Acceptance==Highlights of 2015==
•Madison Lizek - S-Stem ScholarshipThis past year, Epsilon Pi has had many defining moments that continue to shape each of our member’s college experiences. After coming back from a very well deserved winter break surrounded by family and sisters, we began a new quarter in January and quickly put our heads back in to the game, starting with elections. As always, our sisters made excellent decisions when selecting our new Chapter Council that consist of strong, efficient, Kappa leaders.
•Emily Holmes-FSU Spring Break Study Abroad Scholarship Shortly after, our Event Chair planned our first social of the quarter at a nearby community park with one of the IFC fraternities on campus. Our members and the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta decked out in white apparel in preparation for a fun night filled with glow in the dark paint and athletic activities. We separated into teams and Kappas proudly showed off their flag football skills, all while glowing in the dark.
•Kelsey Lather-Accepted into Towards the Rho Lambda Honor Societyend of the month Beta Gamma, became Doulos Co-Leader for Greek ministryour newest pledge class, Studied abroad attended a retreat. This retreat took place at our newly remodeled recreation center on campus. There was a rock climbing wall and a ropes course. They participated in Londonactivities that all revolved around teamwork and some critical thinking. During one of the activities, sisters had to figure out a way to get a rope to the other side without moving by working together. They were also blindfolded and were instructed to give clues to one another in order to find certain objects. They participated in multiple obstacle courses and activities that strengthened the Beta Gamma pledge class. Overall, Beta Gamma had the opportunity to bond with their pledge class sisters and learn how to help each other out by using teamwork. This was an excellent way to prove that any challenge can be overcome with sisters by our sides.
•Jenna Elliott-Dean's list Fall 2014There was no better way to begin the month of February than by having our annual scholarship dinner. Our Vice President of Academic Excellence worked very hard in order to recognize and honor our smart, studious sisters and give them the credit they deserve. We all met at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Riverside in our sharpest key attire. We were excited and anxious to eat delicious Italian food and hear all about our sister’s amazing accomplishments. Some of the awards included most study hours, highest GPA, most improved GPA, Emerging Leaders programand many more. This was a proud night for many, Part of as well as an encouraging one for other girls who decided they want to work even harder than usual and strive to be the Edison Pageant of Light in Fort Myers FLbest Kappas they can be. This night was filled with positive and uplifting words that reminded and encouraged all Kappas to make academics a priority.
•Niki LittleA few weeks later, it was time for our Semi-Member Formal. Our spectacular Semi was located in Redlands, at the Fox Event Center. We got ready in our best cocktail dresses and every Kappa looked extraordinary. As we arrived, the words “Kappa Kappa Gamma” beautifully lit up on the outside billboard of Phi Eta Sigma Honor Societythe venue. We ate a delicious dinner of various foods and danced the night away on a beautifully set dance floor that was beneath sparkly chandeliers. If sisters weren’t dancing, many of them were also taking a galore of pictures to capture all of the fun and lavish moments. A professional photographer was also available at our photo booth, which was set up using a bohemian backdrop that was of course, dark and light blue. This magical and fun night with our sisters and dates couldn’t have been better.
•Sara Demetree-Dean's List 2014Reading Is Key, Honor Rollour winter philanthropy, Advanced Acting quickly approached after. Our theme this year was a circus theme. All of our sisters received a red shirt with an owl in the middle portrayed as a ringmaster and Audition Awardcircus animals surrounding it. We decorated Madison Elementary’s cafeteria accordingly with circus posters, popcorn machines, and face painting. Sisters enjoyed painting everyone’s face whether it was a simple design, or creative circus animals. The book we chose to read was Clifford Goes to the Circus, and each kid received one of their very own to take home. This was very exciting for them since most of these kids are from under privileged households and the books we give them are usually the first books they own. We also donated many books to their library in hopes of exposing them to learn about how important and fun reading can be. This philanthropic event was also extra special because our leadership consultant from the previous year joined to help and support us. Our day was filled with reading, crafting, and delicious snacks, and Kappa’s had such a fun time interacting with these wonderful kids.
Philanthropic Involvement: During the month of April we also held our joint philanthropic event, Words With Friends, with the ladies of Pi Beta Phi. Both of our philanthropies revolve around literacy, so this competitive event is focused on spelling and reading. We had representatives from each sorority and fraternity competing in speed-reads and spelling bees while their organizations cheered them on from the stands. For this event, admission was bringing in a new book that we could donate or a fee of $5. In the end, we raised over $1,250 and five hundred books. We donated the books we received and part of the proceeds to Madison Elementary and the rest of the proceeds to RIF.
•Epsilon Zeta Chapter 1st place overall The month of May was full of many events and festivities, starting with Parents Day. Sisters and parents gathered at the Indian Hills Golf Club to proudly demonstrate what our organization is all about. We ate a delicious brunch together, sang to them, and had tables displaying our history, crafts, and awards. It was a great time, and every parent fell even more in FSU Relay for Life 2014love with Kappa Kappa Gamma. To deal with the hot Riverside weather, our sisters collaborated with the brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi a couple weeks later and had a fun day at the park with water balloons and ice cream. Water splashing on us and the cold taste of ice cream in our mouths was a perfect way to combat the heat.
•Chapter involvement Our last, and a top favorite, philanthropy of the 2015-year was Day in the Life. We bring sixth graders from Madison Elementary to UCR to visit, take a tour, have lunch, and play fun activities with us all in the hopes of inspiring these students to go to college and strive for a higher education. Sisters are divided into different touring groups in order to get to know the kids personally and be able to be more hands on and interactive. We teach them spirit chants and walk around the busy hallways of campus so they can experience for themselves what its like to be a college student. This philanthropy is so rewarding because every student anticipates going to college, UCR in specific, at the end of the day. They also fall in Light love with our amazing organization and want to be future Kappas, even the Night 2014boys.
•Making Strides Against Breast CancerBefore heading into summer, we had one last sisterhood at the drive-in. Sisters dressed up in their best 50’s themed clothes while watching movies in their cars and eating yummy snacks. The group of girls with the best outfits received a gift certificate to make a sweatshirt with our letters imprinted, which was a big plus. After anxiously waiting for our Formal throughout the year, Kappas got dolled up and boarded buses to the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach to have a spectacular night with their dates. The venue was right on the bay, which was perfect for capturing memorable pictures. We ate a delicious gourmet meal, and danced the night away in front of the gorgeous waterfront view. During the celebrations, seniors were recognized, given crowns, and watched a video slide show of pictures that brought back many memories and even happy tears to many eyes.
•Participated One of our last events before summer vacation was an event UCR holds every year, Pillars Week. Pillars week is a whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for a successful organization. All greek organizations were placed in teams that competed in competitions focused on a different trait each day starting with leadership, friendship, service, and scholarship. This whole week is dedicated to uniting the community of greeks at our school. With Epilson Pi Chapter being so dedicated to these traits and greek unity, we worked hard and won awards including Chapter of the Year, Highest GPA, and Best Collaborative Program. Everyone was so Kappa proud and this was an excellent way to end the Aids Walkschool year.
•PikeAlthough it was summer for some, Kappas were still working hard on campus partaking in every freshman orientation in order to get incoming freshmen and transfer students excited for college and hopefully interested in becoming a Kappa. Epsilon Pi Chapter hosted a table where we answered questions about our organizations, sorority life, UCR and college in general. During the summer, we also reunited to film our recruitment video. Some of the places we went to included the beach, an amusement park, and one of our sister's Christmas for the Kidsbeautiful home. Our amazing video embodied Kappa and our strong sisterhood very accurately.
•Kappa KombatAlthough our fun-filled, adventurous summer was coming to an end, Kappa’s were excited to go back to school for recruitment. On the weekend of October 2nd, our chapter was able to socialize with girls and make them fall in love with everything that we do. We showed them the meaning of Kappa, our values, and our philanthropy that we hold so dear to us. Our dedication and hard work paid off and we received an amazing new pledge class of well-rounded and kindhearted girls. The Monday following recruitment, Bid Day, we welcomed all of our bright and spectacular new members with baseball themed apparel, and had hot dogs and burgers for dinner. It was definitely one of the best ball games for our Kappa sisters. After a week of clues, room decorating, and anxiousness, we ended October with our Big Little Reveal. Littles unwrapped their Bigs and embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and joy. That same night, new members were ushered to their new member sleep over where they bonded over games, learned about our founders, and laughed over stories.
•Chi O Kisses The start of November consisted of asking dates to our Kappa Date Party. We received matching carnival crewnecks, and headed to Scandia Amusement Park. We spent the night playing mini-golf, riding rollercoasters, driving bumper cars, and eating delicious fair food. Quickly after, initiation week approached. Our Marshal hosted a Big and Little night at a local ice-skating rink. Bigs and Littles dressed in matching outfits and skated together, fell together, and drew closer as big and little. Our last and most important event of the year was the initiation of our new members of the Beta Delta class. It was a beautiful ceremony welcoming our deserving members into Kappa Kappa Gamma. They discovered the true meaning of all our beliefs and values and finally understood what makes Kappa so strong. It was the perfect way to end such a successful year for the TroopsEpsilon Pi Chapter.
•Journey Foundation Food/Clothing DriveOne of our most recent changes on campus is the addition of a new sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. This was very exciting for Epsilon Pi, and an excellent opportunity to help colonize and make new friends. There are now seven panhellenic sororities at UCR, and there has been an overall increase in interest in the Greek community. With so many more girls interested in the recruiting process, each year our chapter seems to grow immensely with a great amount of new members. Our chapter has handled the increase well, and has accommodated accordingly. We are always happy and ecstatic to welcome new chapters, and new girls.
•Habitat Chapter Philanthropy:What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for humanity, or donated hours to, in your community?The organization Epsilon Pi traditionally raises money for is Madison Elementary, our adopted underprivileged elementary school in our area. We put three events for them throughout the year, Reading is Key, Words With Friends, and A Day in the Life.
•Best buddiesWhy did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support? We chose to support this organization because our chapter enjoys working hands on with the children in our area, and we know our service and donations are impacting them directly. We prefer actual interaction, rather than simply handing a check. It is very rewarding to see how our philanthropy affects these children for the better.
•Sister Nicole Grant volunteered through Pura Vida Missions in San Ramon, Costa Rica==Highlights of 2016==
•Running for Ryan 5KOver the past year, the members of Epsilon Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma have created many amazing memories that have enriched their college experience. Our chapter started the year off strong by holding elections in January after our lovely winter break which was quite a bit longer this year then in years past. As usual our sisters chose extraordinary women to help lead the chapter as Chapter Council. Shortly after, our education chair held the first education program of the year. The education program was all about proper etiquette, as a chapter we all ate California Pizza Kitchen and watched the presentation that our education chairman gave on good vs poor etiquette.
•Sister Katie Gettys went on two mission trips On February 25th our chapter got together to Guatemala in May and December where she helped build a housedo what we do best, a wall around eat. We had an amazing sister hood that was at the churchKickn Crab, we all bonded over a very messy meal and played made lasting memories with our sisters. A few days after our sister hood our chapter got together yet again for our Semi-Formal. Our spectacular semi formal was located at a beautiful club in Long Beach. We all got dressed up in our best cocktail attire and every Kappa and their dates looked fantastic. Kappa’s all danced the kidsnight away and took many lavish photos. At the venue itself there was a professional photographer who helped to capture every moment of the stupendous night. This extraordinary night with sisters and their dates couldn’t have gone better.
•Sister Catie Richardson worked in Reading Is Key, our winter philanthropy, quickly approached after. Our theme this year was a day at the zoo. We decorated Madison Elementary’s cafeteria accordingly with zebra and cheetah print decorations, face painting station, and a reading station. Sisters enjoyed painting the children’s face whether it was a clinic simple design, or creative zoo animals. The book we chose to read was Animal Strike at the Zoo, and each kid received one of their very own to take home. This was very exciting for them since most of these kids are from under privileged households and taught English the books we give them are usually the first books they own. We also donated many books to their library in Hondurashopes of exposing them to learn about how important and fun reading can be. Our day was filled with reading, crafting, and delicious snacks, and Kappa’s had such a fun time interacting with these wonderful kids.
•Salvation Army volunteeringAt the beginning of the month of March our philanthropy chair planned an amazing event with Madison Square elementary school in honor of Dr. Seuss day. All of our sisters went to the school dressed in their best Dr. Seuss attire, and read to the children. This was such an amazing experience for us to see the joy on the children’s faces as we read the silliest of Dr. Seuss books to them. Later on in the month of March the newest member class Beta Delta got together for a new member retreat. The retreat was held on our campus at the student recreational centers excursion course. The new members all had a wonderful experience as they tried to climb up rock walls, ropes and ladders. The new member retreat was such a great bonding experience for Beta Delta.
•The Buddy Walk To start off the month of April we welcomed all of our lovely parents to our Annual Parents Day at Indian Hills Country Club. This was a fantastic day that allowed us to share why Kappa Kappa Gamma means so much to each of us with the parents . Awards were given out to Kappa’s for Downs Syndrometheir academic excellence and for their spirit and dedication to the Epsilon Pi Chapter. Parents and Kappa’s all sat and ate a wonderful brunch and learned all about the amazing things that we have accomplished throughout the year. Later into the month of April our philanthropy chair organized one of our three main philanthropic events Words With Friends. It was a night to remember as we watched many of the students form the Greek community participate in our speed read and games. The entry fee to the event was a children’s books and all of the books raised where donated to the children of Madison elementary school.
• “Reading is Fundamental” Philanthropy- Owl Read With You Book SigningAlso in the month of April Epsilon Pi participated in the fraternity, Reading with students at Gretchen Everheart schoolDelta Tau Delta’s annual philanthropic pageant, which raises money for The City of Hope through donations and fundraisers. Each sorority on campus was to choose one participant to represent their chapter and compete in the event. Our chapter couldn’t think of a more perfect candidate other than our sister Sarah Lopinski. Sarah put together many fundraisers for the event including Kappa Kappucino, where sisters helped sell baked goods on campus, and Kappa Karaoke, where sisters and friends got together and sang their hearts out. Our sisters had such a fun time supporting her and watching all of her outstanding performances.
•Kappa “Krawfish Broil”To start off the month of May we had our annual philanthropy Day in the Life, where we bus over 6th graders from Madison Elementary to UCR. We get the opportunity to show these young children what its like to not only be a college student but what its like to be a Kappa. We give all the students a tour of our beautiful campus and teach them different UCR cheers. After the tours are over, we all eat lunch together on the grass by our famous bell tower and play fun games with the children. By the end of the day all the children are telling us how they are so excited to go to college, this is such an amazing feeling knowing that you have done a part in getting one more child excited to shoot for a higher education.
These are only amongst After patiently waiting all year for one of Epsilon Pi's favorite events the few philanthropic involvements that time had finally come for our chapter has been involved annual Formal. This years formal was held at a beautiful country club located in for the 2014 calendar yearCosta Mesa. Whether it’s at Gretchen Everhart reading, forming relationshipsThis night was one to remember with lots of beautiful pictures, and sharing our love for learning delicious food Before heading into summer we had one last sisterhood in which we spent the night in a mansion in Corona. We all began by taking cute photos with the students; or supporting our Greek brothers and sisters through philanthropic events hosted many kappa props that we had brought on the outside of the mansion by our numerous organizations the beautiful pool. Later on campus, that night we got together and watched a scary movie in the home theatre that the house had. We all snuggled up in beds together hoping that we could sleep after watching such a scary movie. This sisterhood was such a great experience since Epsilon Zeta chapter at Florida State University has devoted their time Pi does not have a sorority house we all got to making our campus, our community, and our world a better place through philanthropic work. Our sisters are also huge supporters of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation through financial gifts experience for once what it would be like to help fund scholarships, confidential aid, education, training, and support of our two museumsbe living together.
Our chapter also led One of our last events before summer vacation was an event UCR holds every year, Pillars Week. Pillars week is a whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for a successful recruitment organization. All greek organizations were placed in teams that competed in which we recruited 88 new memberscompetitions focused on a different trait each day starting with leadership, friendship, service, and initiated 87 of those new membersscholarship. This allowed us whole week is dedicated to not have to participate in spring recruitment for uniting the first time in a very long time because we had met quota! We love all community of greeks at our sisters and were so excited to welcome in 88 new members who love the Epsilon Zeta Chapter just as much! school.
One During the months of summer some of our goals for the 2014 calendar year was us got together to be more even more involved than the previous year around campusfilm for our recruitment video. The We filmed in multiple locations in riverside including one of our sisters beautiful homes. After a fun filled exciting summer all of our sister where excited to be reunited once again for recruitment. On the Epsilon Zeta first weekend of October 2,, our chapter worked hard was able to achieve this and definitely went above socialize with girls and beyond all expectations! Sisters are involved make them fall in the Student Government Association at FSU, as well love with everything that we as Kappa’s do. We showed them the National Society meaning of Leadership SuccessKappa, FSU’s School Newspaper The Odysseyour values, Seminole’s Futures Ambassadorsand our philanthropy that we hold so dear to us. Our dedication and hard work paid off and we received an amazing new pledge class of well-rounded and kindhearted girls. Sunday night we held our Bid Day, we welcomed all of our new members with life guard themed apparel, and had an assortment of Mexican food for dinner. After a Union Productions volunteerfun week of room decorating, membership in the Freshman Leadership Instituteclues, as well as Hall Ambassadors for Dormitoriesand anxiousness, and many clubs relating to we ended October with our sister’s selected majorsBig Little Reveal. These membership positions around campus have helped Kappa to establish ourselves as leaders who are helping to evolve our university into one Little’s found the matching pair of sock behind a sheet and when the best universities sheet dropped their Big’s were revealed. Big’s and little’s embraced in the nationhugs and even tears of excitement and joy. That same night, new members were ushered to their new member sleep over where they bonded over games, learned about our founders, and laughed over stories.
Many The start of November consisted of the event our wonderful Marshal hosted, a sisterhood night were we all skated around the roller rink together in our sisters have reported matching inspo week shirts. The most important event of the year was the nature initiation of our chapter as being new members of the Beta Epsilon class. It was a loving, dedicated, beautiful ceremony welcoming our deserving members into Kappa Kappa Gamma. They discovered the true meaning of all our beliefs and values and diverse group finally understood what makes Kappa so strong. To finish of women. A large amount responded by elaborating on the sisterly love that year we show one anotherhad on of our most fun events Kappa Date Party. Our chapter was described the most We received matching shirts that were designed by one of our own sisters as being supportive, determined, classy, and sisterlyheaded to Boomers Amusement Park in Irvine. These four adjectives portrays We spent the kind of relationships we build with not only our sistersnight riding bumper cars, go karts, but our Panhellenic sistersclimbing rock walls, the entire Greek communityplaying laser tag, and miniature golf. Overall it has been a successful year for the local and national communities our chapter touches as wellEpsilon Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
==Highlights The most recent change on campus this year is most definitely the amount of 2015== Our philanthropic involvement is something students that is very important to our chapternow attend the University of California Riverside. For our spring philanthropythe first time in history Riverside received more than 50, we held our first “Kappa Kountry Fest000 student applications for admission.” Love and Theft performed With that many more incoming students of course there where quite a few more women who signed up for us recruitment this year as well as the members of the Greek community who had participated . With so many more women interested in the event. This event raised over $3recruitment process,700 supporting the Gretchen Everheart School and Reading is Fundamental. In the fall, we held each year our Kappa Kombat chapter seems to grow immensely with participation from the Greek communitya many more new members. Aside from these large events, our sisters also take the time out of their day We are always ecstatic to volunteer to read at the Gretchen Everheart School to support welcome new members into our philanthropy. Our chapter also participated in external philanthropies like Theta Chi’s Cheers for Children, Pi Kappa Alpha’s Christmas for and we have been handling the Kids, and many moresize increase quit well.
Our sisters are also held to high standards academically as well. We want to live up to the expectations of those who came before us. We have sisters who are involved in Phi Sigma Epsilon Pi National Honors Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honors Society, and Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. We also have sisters receiving many scholarship awards like the S-STEM scholar, Truman Scholarship Nomination, Social Science Scholar, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Retail Federations Rising Star Scholar Scholarship and many more. Our sisters are also recognized on the Dean’s List traditionally raises money for their academic Excellence. The motivation and support our sisters have are endless though the Epsilon Zeta Chapter. Within our chapteradopted local underprivileged elementary school, we pride ourselves in the role we have in the Panhellenic communityMadison Elementary. Many of our sisters have served as Rho Gamma’s and the memories they have made from that experience will truly last a lifetime. We also have a sister serving on Throughout the new Panhellenic Executive Board and year we couldn’t be any more proud of her. At Florida State, there are many large campus wide hold three philanthropic events held on campusfor them, and the Epsilon Zeta chapter has very high participation. Over half of our sisters are involved in Dance MarathonReading is Key, either as dancers, Morale Captains, Production AssistantWords With Friends, and even on the Executive Councils. As a team, we had raised over $36,000 for the cause for Children’s Miracle Network! We are also involved A Day in Light the Night, and Relay for Life, which our team had won first place!.
The sisters of Epsilon Pi choses to support this organization because it gives us the Epsilon Zeta Chapter at Kappa Kappa Gamma are very involved opportunity to work hands on both with the college campus and youth in the Tallahassee communityour area. Each sister brings a different strength It is amazing to see our chapter, which makes us a diverse group service and donations impact the the lives of well-rounded sisters. To celebrate our chapter and our new 79 initiated sisters, we held our very first ever “Kappa’s It Day” which was a big success to all the future of our sisterscommunity. Our sisters were able to take Epsilon Pi prefers the time out of their day face to come to the house face interaction that we get from our events such as Day in The Life and de-stress Reading is Key, rather then simply just raising money and have fun activities set up, like Silent Disco, a bounce house, handing in a photo booth, and much morecheck. This event truly reminded It is so rewarding to see how our chapter of philanthropy affects these young students for the amazing sisterhood and bond we all share for Kappa Kappa Gammabetter.
Our goal as Epsilon Pi typically meets once a chapter week for the 2015 calendar year was to continue our streak of academic excellence, and well as Panhellenic Involvement and community service, and our chapter did just that! Sisters continue to stay involved meeting in Student Government Associations, FPRA (Florida Public Relations Association), aHackFSU, Transfer Leadership Institute Facilitator of Administration, Homecoming Executive Council, and the Seminole Torchbearers. Sisters are also Orientation Leaders helping the future students of our school feel welcomed on their first arrival. Sisters have also been interning for the Republican Party a larger classroom or Florida, working on the Rick Scott Governor campaign, and on the Florida Democratic Party Convention. Our 262 sisters pride themselves in being well rounded and are prepared to take lecture hall on life post-collegecampus. Kappa’s it!
Chapter Philanthropy:==Highlights of 2017==
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money forIn 2017 Epsilon Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma achieved many things and participated in many philanthropic and social events within our greek community and the real community surrounding Riverside. At our Pillars Award ceremony, hosted by Panhellenic, or donated hours towe were rewarded with the award of Best Chapter Management honoring our Chapter Councils hard work in managing our chapters affairs. Starting slow in January with fewer events following our winter break, we kicked the year off with the Scholarship Dinner which was held on January 26th. Our Scholarship Dinner was put on by our Vice President of Academic Excellence with the help of her committee. It was held at the Old Spaghetti Factory in your community?Downtown Riverside. Every girl was provided with dinner along with our advisors and various alumnae who attended. Throughout the night the Vice President of Academic Excellence gave out awards based on members' various academic achievements the previous year. This event celebrated members who may have had great academic improvements ad promoted the importance of academic achievement in our chapter.
Our chapter raises In the following month Epsilon Pi was a bit more busy. The first event in February was a sisterhood event which was put on by our Vice President Standards. This sisterhood was held at Build-a-Bear where members each made two bears. One for the member to take home and one to donate to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. This sisterhood was a good way for members to get together and bond as well as do something good for the community. The following weekend on February a team of Kappa sisters participated in Gamma Phi Beta’s annual Moonball which is a volleyball tournament that helps raise money for Gamma Phi Beta’s philanthropy. Not only did members play in the tournament, they also came out to support and cheer on their sisters who played in the Gretchen Everheart Schooltournament. February 10th is when Epsilon Pi held their annual winter philanthropic event, RIF (Reading is Fundamental)Key. During this event the chapter went to a local elementary school, Dance MarathonMadison Elementary, Light and decorated their multipurpose room up to the Nighttheme which was carnival. First grade classes got to come to the MPR throughout the day and the chapter facilitated many activities for the kids to do. These activities were things such as face painting, coloring, and Relay the final station being chapter members reading a book to the children. At the end of the day each child got to go home with a book of their own. Also, the chapter donated books to the school as well. The final event Epsilon Pi held in the month of February was a sisterhood with Gamma Phi Beta. The chapters came together and decorated cookies for LifeValentines Day. The chapters also did Ice Breaker games and just bonded. Lastly, in the month of February chapter elections were held. The new chapter council was elected and joint Chapter Council Meeting was held the last week of February.
Why did your March of 2017 kicked off strong with a sisterhood held with the girls of Delta Gamma. Our chapters got together and tie dyed shirts together and hung out at a local park. This sisterhood allowed our chapter choose this organization(s) to support? bond with a Panhellenic sister which we don’t often get to do much with strengthening our Panhellenic bonds. On March 3rd a group of Epsilon Pi members volunteered for Read Across America at a local elementary school. They got to spend the day reading and promoting literacy to the children in our surrounding community. Later that evening on March 3rd, we held our Semi Formal put on by our Event Chairman along with the help of her committee. It was held at a local country club and many Alumni joined and it was a successful event barring a few mishaps along the way. Following Semi Formal Leadership day was held for the new and old Chapter Council members on March 5th. Leadership day was planned by our Vice President of Organization in order to allow the time for old Chapter Council members to teach new Chapter Council members what their new job entailed and all the responsibilities their new job required. At the event all the advisors for the various Chapter Council positions were there and also met with their new officer. Also the new Chapter Council got to discuss goals that they wanted to achieve in their time in office and all the things they wanted to improve within the chapter. Many things were discussed that day and the new Chapter Council got a great start and great motivation from each other and the advisors to start their position strong and make some good changes within the chapter. The following meeting the new Chapter Council members were installed into their positions.
Our Throughout the next couple of weeks Epsilon Pi was involved in a philanthropy called Miss Minerva held by a fraternity on our campus, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This was a pageant type fundraiser that helped raise thousands of dollars for their philanthropy with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Kappa helped in this by having one girl volunteer to represent our chapter chose Reading is Fundamental and do various fundraisers throughout the weeks leading up to the competition. Epsilon Pi also participated in a similar philanthropy held by another fraternity, Delta Tau Delta, titled Delta Queen this philanthropy helped raise money for the City of Hope Cancer Research Foundation. Both the representatives for both events held many small events to raise money for each chapter’s philanthropies. These events varied from holding fundraises at local restaurants to coming up with small clever fundraisers to give back do on campus at letters. One example of a small fundraiser held by our Delta Queen was titled Kolor a Kappa where people paid money to the throw paint at members of our chapter. Although it doesn’t sound very eventful it was a vey successful event help on our campus. Epsilon Pi itself helped raise a large amount of money that we donated to each chapter’s philanthropies. These events also strengthened our ties within our Panhellenic community because every chapter had a representative and to all the kids chapters competed against each other hopes to help them find win the joy in readingpageant.
==Highlights April was a rather slow month compared to March aside from the various activities going on with both Miss Minerva and Delta Queen. April 22nd Epsilon Pi held a social event with fellow Fraternity on campus, Delta Chi. Members of 2016==both organizations got together on Earth day and volunteered at our campus garden the R’garden. Members planted plants and tended to the garden at our school. The following week Epsilon Pi had a visit from a Leadership Consultant. She stayed with our Vice President of Organization. While she was here she attended our chapter council meeting and visited with each member of Chapter Council to see how they were adapting to their new position. The Leadership Consultant was very helpful to our chapter giving the Chapter Council guidance onto how to deal with the problems in our chapter. On April 25th Epsilon Pi held another sisterhood event which was a kickboxing class held at the local UFC gym. The members of Epsilon Pi all joined together sweated and laughed while working out all together. On April 29th Epsilon Pi was involved in Alpha Chi Omega's annual philanthropy the Carnation Carnival. Epsilon Pi held a both making Kappachinos and a both doing a coin toss at the event. Sisters volunteered to work both booths throughout the day. The following day Epsilon Pi participated in Delta Gamma’s annual philanthropy titled Anchor Splash. A group of girls got together to compete in various competitions throughout the day. Epsilon Pi winning one of the events which was synchronized swimming. All in all the busy weekend was a success for Epsilon Pi.
The May 2017 was a very busy month for Epsilon Pi starting off with Salads with Seniors an event for the seniors and alumnae to get together and to have a lunch starting the seniors' transition from active member toan alumnae. On May 5th Epsilon Pi participated in a powderpuff football tournament held by Fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. A group of sisters got together and formed a team competing against other chapters in a football tournament. On May 11th Epsilon Pi’s annual Sapphire Ball was held at a local venue in Downtown Riverside. This event was thrown by our Event Chairman throughout the night seniors got recognized and celebrated as this is their last formal Kappa event of college. On May 17th Epsilon Pi held another philanthropic event called Day in the Life. At this event Epsilon Zeta Chapter have always been well-rounded Pi bused over 6th grade students from Madison Elementary, the same elementary school that was collaborated with for Reading is Key, and did many activities with them. The 6th graders were given a tour of our campus and actively involved both inside done various smaller activities with. This philanthropy is very near and outside dear to our hearts because it allows us to promote higher education to kids who may have no knowledge of Kappa Kappa Gammawhat college is like or why it is important.
This year Parents' Day was especially commendable for our chapter because we achieved the triple crown for the most fundraising for the top three campus-wide philanthropies held on May 21st at Florida StateIndian Hills Golf Club. Our organization was Thrown by the top fundraiser for Dance MarathonPublic Relation Chairman, Relay Parents' Day was a brunch for Life, both members of Epsilon Pi and Light their parents. During the Night. In addition brunch, awards were given out to fundraising for these philanthropies, many outstanding members of our chapter held positions on . Also, during the brunch presentations were given to the executive boards. Our sisters also had exceptional involvement within our own chapter this year. Our philanthropies supported parents from various Chapter Council members, such as registrar and education chairman, about the Gretchen Everheart School history of Kappa Kappa Gamma as a whole and Reading is Fundamental OrganizationEpsilon Pi Chapter itself. For our spring philanthropy this year we hosted Overall Parents Day was successful in showing the parents why Kappa Kappa Con Queso Gamma is such an important organization and what it does for the first timetheir daughters. We raised money by having a queso bar in The week of May 22nd was Pillars week where our front yard where everyone in the FSU and whole Greek community could come comes together while enjoying chips to do various activities throughout the wee, some competitive activities and quesoothers to raise money. It was such At the end of this week a success that we are planning banquet is held to give out awards to host it again chapters for various achievements throughout the year. Epsilon Pi was awarded with Best Chapter Management celebrating our spring philanthropy in 2017Chapter Council's recent achievements. For our fall philanthropy we hosted our third annual Kappa KombatOn May 24th the Education Chairmen held a final sisterhood for the seniors. This event is sisterhood was held at a paint ball tournament that gives local trampoline park, Skyline, where the sororities seniors were allowed to jump and fraternities a way to friendly compete hang out with each other one anotherlast time all together. The sisterhood retreat was held on May 27th and 28th at a house in Corona. Sisters got together and had a giant sleepover at a house. Our During this sleepover sisters also participated bonded doing various ice breaker activities and watching movies and such. It was very successful in “Owl Read With You”, where they read different books to classes at the Gretchen Everheart schoolbonding of our chapter.
Not only were The next week starting May 30th through to the beginning of June was sports week for our sisters involved with Greek community. Epsilon Pi participated in many of the executive boards for Dance Marathonsports such as football, Relay for Lifesoccer, and Light volleyball it was very successful having teams in every event throughout the Night, but we were involved on campus week. June 3rd was another philanthropy that Epsilon Pi held in a multitude of other ways. Some of our sisters had the opportunity order to be Orientation Leaders where they were able raise money to welcome the class of 2020 donate to Florida State University. One of our sisters Reading is involved in an organization called STARSFundamental. This organization works philanthropy was a Kappa Karwash. Sisters got together at a local burger joint and washed cars in order to increase minorities with technology by helping them integrate technology into the workforceraise money for Kappa’s national philanthropy. She travels around The next few weeks of June events died down because it was the state end of Florida to talk to high school students about college the quarter and technology paths as well as companies in order to create finals were nearing but our Vice President of Academic Excellence did hold a pipelineKappa Study Party on June 11th for all our members. Additionally, another She rented out a study room at one of our sisters is involved with campus libraries and held a study party for all our members. At the Academic Recruitment Organization where study party she works to get high-achieving high school students to come to Florida State Universityprovided many things for our sisters such as scantrons, blue books, and pencils sisters might need for their finals.
Not only During the moths of July and August sisters were our sisters able home for the summer, yet the recruitment chair along with the help of her committee started to bond with one another at our philanthropies but we also bonded at our sisterhood retreatsprepare for recruitment. In September the spring our week before school started recruitment workshops were held September 21st through the 26th. At these workshops sisters were brought together for “Loyal-tea learned songs and Friendshippracticed all the things that needed to be perfected before formal recruitment.” This event Formal recruitment was held October 5th through the 8th. Bid day was then held on October 8th at a tea party full of teafellow sister's house welcoming home our new pledge class Beta Zeta. That following Monday, food, rafflesOctober 9th, the new pledge class was formally pinned and friendshiptheir new member education began. In the fall October 14th our Founders Day brunch was held at Canyon Crest Country Club. It was a brunch held by our Education Chairman in which celebrated our chapter Founders Day. It was blessed a very successful first event with our new pledge class setting the opportunity tone for them for the rest of the year. In the following weeks new members got to go meet with the sapphires weekly leading up to Disney World, where we spent big and little week which occurred the day riding roller-coasters, meeting Disney charactersweek of October 23rd. That Friday, eating good foodOctober 27th, big and bonding with little reveal was facilitated by our sistersNew Member Chairman on campus.
The sisters of Florida State’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma go above and beyond in Following reveal the new members were driven to an active's house where they had their academics first sleepover as well as their involvementa pledge class. We have many sisters who have made They bonded with the dean’s list, New Member Chairman and with each other throughout the president’s listnight. Sunday October 29th was Epsilon Pi’s October Sisterhood which was held at The Pumpkin Factory, or are a part local pumpkin patch. Sisters got to bond with their new littles and with the new pledge class. The Week of Florida State’s honors collegeOctober 29th through November 3rd Epsilon Pi was visited by another Leadership Consultant who checked up with Chapter Council’s progress that they have made this year. Some of our sisters are The Leadership Consultant also was able to come to chapter meeting to meet with new members and give a presentation to the whole chapter on the importance of professional fraternities such as Phi Eta Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa, or Alpha Kappa Psiattendance. The Leadership Consultant visit was successful in that she was able to help out chapter council with any guidance they needed leading their way into initiated the new pledge class.
(Information from Over the year, the Epsilon Pi chapter history reports, scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special of Kappa Kappa Gamma has participated in many events, changes on the UC Riverside campus or within chapter, overall nature and has been tremendously rewarded for its involvement and service in the community. We started off the year in January when we welcomed and transitioned the new leaders of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges during leadership day. This was a special time because the new officers were transitioning into their new positions and how they were overcome, etclearned from the old officers everything their position entails.)
'''Philanthropy:'''In March, we started the month with composites. All the girls met in the Highlander Union Building and got their portraits taken, which was set up by the chapter’s Registrar. We ended the month with our semi-formal, set up by our Event Chair, where the whole chapter comes together for food and music. Our semi-formal was March 3rd in Downtown Riverside, where we celebrated a lovely evening with appetizers, a photobooth, and dancing.
'''Housing:'''In May, we got to celebrate our achievements at our Formal, which is a night of celebration for the seniors. The chapter came together for food and dancing all put together by our Event Chair, where we handed out awards to all of the seniors for the end of the school year was approaching fast for them. We also kicked back and had our sisterhood, a kappa luau. Our VP Standards put together the luau where we hung out by the pool, got snacks, had cute hawaiian decorations and took pictures. It was a great way for our sisters to bond under the sun. We ended May with our second biggest philanthropy, A Day in the Life, which is also entirely put together by the philanthropy Chair. We had local middle schoolers come to UC Riverside, where we took the kids on tours, played fun games with them, and answered all their questions about college life. First we welcomed the kids to the campus, and played games with them to get know their names and interests. We then started by taking them on tours, based on their different teams, and ended the day with snacks and refreshments for the kids. The chapter showed them how great school and education can be, and hoped to inspire them to pursue a higher education.
'''Convention Awards:''' Ultimately, it has been a very successful year for Epsilon Pi. Not only did we win many awards, but we were very involved with other philanthropies and fundraisers. Our philanthropies main goal is to encourage kids to learn, read, and pursue a higher education. We do that by emphasizing the importance of reading and going to college, for these kids to understand that education is very important.
------We support our local Elementary School Madison Elementary which is in an under served community.We chose this school, to only because we’ve worked with them many years prior, but also because a alumna from Epsilon Pi Chapter hasworked as a teacher there in the past and explained how our chapter could positively impact the students
'''Note We appointed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chairman and she aided in all the programming that was being planned as well as sent out little reminders throughout the quarter on how to Chapter Registrar:''' Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes be inclusive and back issues of The Key how to fill in any gaps in be more conscious through 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 assistancegroup me.
Your efforts will ensure We appointed a complete sesquicentennial chairman who would kept us updated on new and accurate fun stuff from HQ as well as would share various chapter history PowerPoints and we were so lucky to have been visited by the Minnie Steward Van to celebrate such an amazing milestone! During Founders Day we joined on zoom together as a chapter and did our Founders Day ceremony and then join the zoom call with all of your chapter for future generations our sisters nationwide to enjoy!share this special moment in history.
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{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Epsilon ZetaPi|GreekSymbol= EZEΠ|Image= [[File:Epsilon_ZetaEpsilon_Pi.jpgjpeg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|19611976|1202|0907}}|College= [httphttps://www.fsuucr.edu/ Florida State Universityof California, Riverside]|Location= TallahasseeRiverside, FLCA|Homepage= [httphttps://kkgfsuucr.kappa.comorg/ Epsilon Zeta Pi Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Epsilon_Zeta Epsilon_Pi Media related to Epsilon Zeta Pi Chapter]}} '''Florida State University established in 1851of California at Riverside, Tallahassee1954''' '''Epsilon Pi founded February 7, Florida1976'''
'''Epsilon Zeta founded on December 91, 1961127 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
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'''2Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:''' (If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories,241 initiates please list them with the date(as s) of June 2016recognition.)'''
'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''
Kyle Donnelly, Fraternity Treasurer, 2022-2024
Ella Gaumer Vieria: Traveling Consultant (2000-2001), Province Director of Chapters (2005-2009), Technology Committee (2009-2010), Regional Director of Chapters (2010-2012, 2012-2014), Long Range Planning Task Force (2013-2016), Assistant to Director of Chapters (2014-2016), Public Relations Content Director (2016-2018), Leadership Education and Development Committee (2018).
Yvonne Kim: Province Director of Chapters (2011-2015).
Vicki Hill Carrigan: Kappa Trainer (2010-2016), Publications Committee (2010-2014), Technology Committee (2010-2014), Leadership Academy Facilitator (2012, 2016, 2017), Betty Brady Award (1995), Coordinator of Chapter Support (2014-2016), Convention Committee - Music Chairman (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022), Adviser Academy Facilitator (2016), Kappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (2018-2019), Ritual & History Specialist (2019 - 2024).
Traci Evans: Programming Specialist (2016-2018), Kappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (2018-2019), District Director (2022-2024).
Stephanie Hammond: Public Relations Specialist (2019-2021).
Kim Braun Padulo: Province Director of Chapters (1987-1988), Province Director of Alumnae (1989---------------------1990).
1979 was kicked off with Formal Fall Rush. The first night the girls attended open house and had sandwiches while getting to know each other. The second night was theme night, in which the chapter put on their annual performance of “Kapparet”. On the second to last night the chapter had project night in which the women used felt letters and animals to spell their names, these where then to be used for philanthropy. The final night, was preference night. Here the women all dressed up formally, and had dessert together while sharing stories in a circle. Epsilon Pi once again initiated more women, making the chapter grow a little bigger every year. With the goal to become one of the largest chapters, Epsilon Pi continued learning ways of improving and growing closer in sisterhood. To do so, their goal was set to focus on social graciousness, organization, and sisterhood (SOS). Memorable events from the 70s include hanging out at the pool at Bannockburn, yearly pledge class songs, and exchanges with other groups on campus.
'''Philanthropy:'''
==Highlights of the 1990s==
1992 Efficiency Honorable Mention1994 Standards Honorable Mention1994 Scholarship Honorable Mention1996 Scholarship improved with the chapter placing first in 1994. Academically the chapter stayed above the Panhellenic all sorority G.P.A. Many of the women were inducted into the various honor societies on campus.Award Honorable Mention
==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.: The millennial years often began with a week of chapter actively participated in campus events such as BEAR Facts Orientation, Block Party, Homecoming and Spring Splash as well as Panhellenic sponsored events such as watching movies Sports Week, Greek Unity Week with Greek Pyramid, and Presents. Founders Day was often celebrated with Zeta Eta, UC Irvine and playing board games which resulted in new members joining the chapterOrange County Alumnae Association. Initiation A yearly Scholarship Dinner was held jointly to honor the sisters with the Eta Eta Chapter at University of Central Florida highest GPA, most improved GPA, and all sisters with a 4.0 in a quarter. Yearly chapter events included a fall Date Party, a winter Scholarship Banquet, and a Parent’s Day in 2006the spring. Formal Recruitment '''Housing:''' Epsilon Pi was held the first Greek organization to be invited to participate in August UCR’s Greek Housing Pilot Program. The chapter was able to rent five units in an apartment complex near campus and 10 members lived there during the steamy hot often rainy weather in Tallahassee2009-2010 school year. Each year the size However, due to a lack of contracts and security, the new member class increased in size which program was been great discontinued. '''Philanthropy:''' Members of Epsilon Pi volunteered yearly for a local breast cancer fundraiser put on by the Inland Agency, called “Shop to Stop Breast Cancer.” Each year, chaptermembers volunteered to read to students at Madison Elementary School on Dr. We also had women serve as Rho GammasSuess day. In Spring 2009, a person who leads the girls through rush members of Epsilon Pi hosted sixth grade students for “A Day In The Life” at UCR. The Kappas gave them tours of the campus and encourages them the sixth graders got to continue with meet the Men’s Basketball Team and the UCR Cheerleaders and Dance Team. The finale of the day was lunch on the commons lawn where the process while keeping sixth graders read their house a secretfavorite books to the Kappas. '''Chapter Convention Awards:''' 2008 Rose McGill Award
==Highlights of 2012==
Each year Epsilon Pi chapter continues to reach and exceed previous years' achievements. 2011 was an amazing and notable year for Epsilon Pi chapter. In January, we began with inspiration week filled with a variety of big and little and sisterhood bonding events. Soon after, the previous calendar year Alpha Omega pledge class was initiated. It was a beautiful and special ceremony that we were able to share with the newest members of our wonderful chapter. The following week we had an amazing Semi Formal which was hosted at the Epsilon Zeta Caspian in Irvine, where we enjoyed an Arabian night filled with kabobs and belly dancers. Soon after we had elections and welcomed the newly elected chapter council. During that time period we were graced with the Leadership Officer and received an abundance of tips and advice on how to make our chapter have been very involved even stronger than what it was then. Following elections and the LC visit, we had Greek Unity week on campus which brings the Greek and cultural sorority and in our communityfraternities together. At This year we were paired with the national convention men of Phi Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. During this summer week we received honorable mention for our excellence are separated into teams and participate in Rituala variety of team and at the end of the week perform a team dance that is appreciated by the whole Greek community. As we continued into winter quarter we held two amazing philanthropies at Madison Elementary School; Kappa Kamp and Dr. Seuss Day. Both event encouraged the students to read and enjoy books. We have several also had a delicious scholarship dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory where we acknowledged our hard working sisters in that make the following academic based honor societiesDean's List, Phi Eta Sigmahave the most study hours, Order of Omega and Rho Lambdathe highest overall GPA. We also have three sisters who are Relay for Life team captains Towards the end of winter quarter we held our Leadership Day, eight Rho Gammaswhich aimed at better training our newly elected chapter council to ensure that they would be confident in achieving everything their position asked them to, two Dance Marathon assistantsas well as doing their little perfectly. In the spring quarter, one Dance Marathon Morale Captainour sisterhood took a great start with having a fun and exciting event at Dave and Buster. We This quarter we also have sisters pursuing career based interests; our supported the men of Delta Tau Delta's annual Delta Queen Pageant. Our sister Brianna Barnabee was , Lauren Montes, won the Florida Public Relations Association Digital Coordinator; Angeline Lenz was the membership chair Delta Queen Pageant raising $6,000 for the Society City of Women Hope cancer research. We continued to support our chapter and partook in Engineering; the annual Sports Week, where each sorority competes against each other in track and Ashley Cook writes for the campus fashion Magazinefield, volleyball, Clutchand football.
This year, the Panhellenic Board on campus was continuing to encourage unity among the Greek community. The board hosted many events where each sorority could come and support panhellenic. Such events were "blankets for babies", "cookies and crafts", and staff appreciation. Kappa supports the board and tries to get more involved by participating. Kappa also participates in Block Party, Spring Spash, and Bear Facts orientation.
==Highlights of 2013==
==Highlights of 2014==
This past year has been one of glee, many accomplishments, and ongoing improvement for Epsilon Pi Chapter. We commenced the year after a refreshing winter break with the privilege of participating in a leadership conference, Lead Today. Lead Today took place on January 22 on our campus with our entire chapter and alumnae. Coordinators were trained to help us grow and prosper as a chapter with novel leadership skills and progression in areas needing improvement. We participated in various hands on activities, games and discussions concerning the vitality of management, organization, and the overall aspect of a chapter working and developing in unison. Epsilon Pi Chapter was so thankful and gained an immense appreciation and understanding for leadership and how to use it, not only in Kappa, but in our everyday lives. This conference could not have come at a better time, due to the fact that elections were right around the corner. Our Kappa sisters did a wonderful job selecting our new Chapter Council and we knew Epsilon Pi Chapter was in good hands. Shortly after, we had our annual scholarship dinner to honor all of our hard working members who did exceptional in their academics. This year, we dressed in key attire and ventured out to The Old Spaghetti Factory located in Downtown Riverside. We loaded up on carbs and applauded our accomplished sisters when they received awards for most study hours, improved G.P.A., highest G.P.A., and many more. This night allowed our sisters to feel honored and made others strive to improve. After a few weeks of being back in school, it was time for Semi-Formal. Semi was held at Aroma Grill in Upland, CA. We all got dolled up in cute cocktail dresses and invited dates to escort us. Kappas danced the night away on the dance floor, took a plethora of photos in the photo booth and in front of the backdrop with a professional photographer, and ate a delicious variety of food. To end the month of February, our sisters headed to K1 Speed Zone for a fun packed sisterhood. Our sisters headed to the race tracks and raced in full geared helmets and mask and hopped in go-carts for some competitive fun. A few weeks later, we had our first social of the quarter with the men of Phi Kappa Psi. Together, we had so much fun playing laser tag dressed up as Disney characters. Originally, we were supposed to go roller blading, however, the outdoor rink got rained out. Yet, Kappas always know how to make the best of things and we ended the night having a jovial time. To end our quarter, Epsilon Zeta Pi Chapter hosted our Reading is Key Philanthropy at our adopted school, Madison Elementary. This year's theme was "Under the Sea" and the book we gave every student who attended was "The Magic School Bus Live on the Ocean Floor". We loved seeing the students' faces light up as they read to us, crafted with us, and enjoyed some delicious snacks. The whole cafeteria was neatly decorated with fish, kelp, and other underwater creatures to create a fun, aquatic atmosphere. We donated books to their library and hoped to encourage them and show them how important, and intriguing, reading can be. This experience was so rewarding due to the fact that many of these students are from underprivileged households and the books we give them are usually their first books. At the start of Spring Quarter, we attended an annual philanthropy conducted by the fraternity Delta Tau Delta. They hosted a pageant that every sorority participated in by nominating one representative to compete in the event. This event raised money for The City of Hope through fundraisers and donations. This year, we selected Justine Sterling, who perfectly embodies Kappa as a whole. Justine worked extremely hard raising funds via bake sales on campus (Kappa Gamma Kappacino), and Karaoke singing night (Kappa Karaoke), as well as various dining and recreational events. Justine rasied over $4,000 for The City of Hope and took home the crown as Miss Delta Queen 2014. Her hard work and dedication paid off making all of us proud. Not to mention, we loved watching her in the pageant, especially her talent portion of rapping. In the month of April, we hosted our joint philanthropy event, Words With Friends, with the ladies of Pi Beta Phi. Since we both share a philanthropy centered on literacy, our competitions were involved focused on spelling and reading. We had representatives from each sorority and fraternity competing in speed reads and spelling bees while their organizations cheered them on from the stands. For this event, admission was bringing in an extraordinary amount a new book that we could donate or a fee of $5. In the end, we raised over $2,000 and over a hundred books. We donated the books we received and part of the proceeds to Madison Elementary and the rest of eventsthe proceeds to RIF. Every year, UCR hosts a sports week where each sorority comes up with teams to play dodge ball, volleyball, organizations and honors through football with different fraternities coaching and arranging practices. This whole week is filled with friendly competition and unity between our campus sorority and the whole Greek community. The following This year, we worked hard at many practices and came up in second place. Who knew we were so athletic? After sports week, we decided to have a social with the men of Phi Gamma Delta, who were our coaches for sports week. Bowling for strikes and spares was the event of the night while dressed in our Hawaiian skirts, shirts, and leis. Another event UCR hosts every year is Pillars Week. Pillars Week is a list of just whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for a successful organization. All Greek organizations were placed in teams that competed in competitions focused on a select few different trait each day starting with leadership, friendship, service, and scholarship. This whole week is dedicated to uniting the community of Greeks at our school. With Epsilon Pi Chapter being so dedicated to these incredible achievements traits and involvementGreek unity, we worked so hard and ended up placing first along with our team.
After a nice, long break of heading to the beach, relaxing, and a lot of studying abroad, Kappa sisters united for a week of practices for upcoming recruitment. Our sisters sang their hearts out and danced their best as we learned songs and polished ourselves so we could be the best Kappas we could be for recruitment. During the week our bonds of sisterhood grew exponentially stronger and our love for Kappa radiated in preparation of finding our newest members. On the weekend of October 3, we spent 3 days socializing and spreading our love and excitement to every potential new member who entered our room. We fell in love with so many girls and worked so hard that this turned out to be one of our most successful recruitments ever, bringing in our biggest New Member class of 53 girls.
To end the month, we had a very eventful sisterhood. Kappas loaded their cars with tents, blankets, jackets and firewood, and were off to camp overnight at Lake Perris. We began by forming groups to build the tents. Building them was no easy task, and just when we thought it couldn’t get any harder, rain started to pour on us. We laughed off our struggles, and tried to finish up quickly. Although the rain was on and off throughout the night, Kappas always know how to have a good time, and our camping experience was nothing but fun and adventure. We walked to the beautiful lake that was surrounded by mountains, ate pizza, sat by the campfire, and ate an abundant amount of smores. Connecting with nature with our sisters by our side was truly a memorable day, and Kappa camping was a success despite some obstacles.
Our sisters are dedicated to being involved throughout our campus and community in every way possible. We have sisters involved Spring Quarter began by participating in honor societies, competitive teamsthe fraternity Delta Tau Delta’s annual philanthropic pageant, which raises money for The City of Hope through donations and many other organizations fundraisers. Each sorority on campuswas to choose one participant to represent their chapter and compete in the event. Many Our chapter couldn’t think of a more perfect candidate other than our sisters have also been awarded scholarships through Florida Bright Futures, which awards them for academic excellence through providing financial stability and support for tuitionsister Krystal Neag. Many A few of our the many fundraisers Krystal put together were Kappa Kappucino, where sisters have also been awarded with Honor Rollhelped sell baked goods on campus, Kappa Karaoke, Deans Listwhere tickets were sold to sing one’s heart out, and even President’s List! Epsilon Zeta a fundraiser at Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt, where people were able to satisfy their sweet tooth. Our sisters are committed to academic excellence had such a fun time supporting her and campus involvement watching all of her outstanding performances, including a dance that was based on different decades. Krystal won Highest Fundraiser, and show this everyday through their extraordinary actionsraised one-third of the total of the money, which was very impressive.
On November 4th Epsilon Pi participated in a philanthropy held by fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This year has definitely been philanthropy was a milestone soccer tournament for the various sororities to compete against each other and raise money Epsilon Pi had two teams competing in the event and took both second and first place in the tournament. On November 10th Epsilon Zeta chapter of Pi competed in another sports related philanthropic event held by Phi Kappa Kappa GammaSigma. Our chapter has not only grown This event was titled The Phi Kap Olympics in which teams competed in 2016 but it has various activities and games. Epsilon Pi also improved took first in many waysthis philanthropic event as well. This year our sisters have focused more Inspiration Week started on November 13th, this being the period before initiation where girls sit back and think about Kappa and the true meaning of sisterhood and involvement inside and outside values that Kappa instills in each of its members. Throughout that week our Philanthropy chair held Epsilon Pi’s first philanthropy event for the school year being a Kappa Kappa GammaCanned food drive. Our recruitment process became more efficient Epsilon Pi collected cans and donations from various greek organizations on our Initiation campus with an incentive that the organization structure that donates the most cans will get a $100 check written out to their philanthropy. This however was a bigger success than our philanthropy chair had expected with around two thousand of cans donated and around $350 raised. On Thursday November 16th Epsilon Pi held their Big and Little Night put on by our Marshall. Big and Little Night was held at a local ice rink, IceTown, where sisters skated and bonded with their family lines. November 17th Fireside was strengthenedheld for the new members followed by initiation the next morning. Our On November 27th chapter has expanded elections will be held for the new Chapter Council. On November 30th Epsilon Pi held their Date Party at a minor league basketball game. On December 3rd Epsilon Pi’s Vice President of Academic Excellence planned a Kappa Study Party so sisters can get together and study before finals in our presence on campus this year library. On December 6th the Education Chairman held a senior sisterhood where the seniors meet at a sisters house and decorated ornaments and we hope cookies to continually expand next year as wellcelebrate the holidays. Through all these success for Epsilon Pi Chapter throughout 2017 the chapter’s morale has gained strength. In All in all 2017 we intend to make our chapter more cohesive, maintain was a strong sisterhood, and leave a positive impact good year for changeEpsilon Pi.
==Highlights of the 2020s2018==
In February, the new chapter council was excited to start working on Parent’s Day which is a day where all the girls bring their parents together to show them what Kappa is all about. Our Parent’s Day was February 24, celebrated with brunch and set up by the Public Relations Chairman. Throughout the day, we awarded advisors and members for their dedication to the chapter, and had presentations about our chapter history. There were tables setup that displayed old archives like old composites, and scrapbooks for the parents to see. It was a great time for the members and their families to come together to take pictures, and learn Kappa’s history. We also had our sisterhood in February, where all the girls dressed in cute pajamas and went to the movie theatre where they had a viewing of Pitch Perfect. Many sisters came in matching pajamas, especially bigs and littles. The chapter even had a contest for the cutest pajamas, and the winner got a prize. Our biggest event in February would have to be Reading is Key, our philanthropy that is put together entirely by the Philanthropy Chairman. We went to a local elementary school, where we held many activities such as face painting and crafts for the kids to do. The theme for the day was “Under the Sea”, with many decorations and books set up for the day. The whole chapter came throughout the day and managed the different stations for the children to go through. Our goal was to show the kids how much fun reading and learning can be, so we had many books for them to see and an individual copy for them to take home. The kids were very excited and we even had a few sisters get on stage and do a reading of the books to the children.
April was a very busy month with many fundraisers and awards. We kicked it off with winning Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash, where the members in the chapters won a dance and swimming competition. Our team came together and held many practices in order to make sure their routine was perfect. Not only did we participate in Anchor Splash, but we also were involved with the blood drive, and held a yogurtland fundraiser for our philanthropy. Mid April, we held our scholarship dinner at Cheesecake Factory where the chapter was awarded with their academic achievements. Throughout the night, there were a lot of awards to give considering the drastic rise in our chapter’s GPA. This was put together by our VP Academic Excellence and there were different awards such as ‘Highest GPA’ or ‘Most Improved GPA’. It was a great way to celebrate the academic achievements of the chapter and recognize all the hard work we put into for school. We ended the successful month off with our participation in Powderpuff which is a greek soccer tournament held by Phi Kappa Psi.
Prior to the Pillar’s Awards, we have Pillar’s week, which is a week of competitions that organizations do on campus as teams. We were the red team, and our panhellenic chair along with our chapter council made sure we participated in all the tasks they gave us. The Chapter Council and the President put in countless hours filling in the forms and requirements for Pillars week. The award accounted for many things such as how involved the chapter is on campus, how much attendance does the chapter have at other organizations and philanthropy, and how well our academics and community service is. All the hard work paid off when our chapter won “Chapter of The Year” and the “Service Award”. It was a very exciting night that made the chapter very proud of its accomplishments.
As June started, the school year was coming to an end and many sisters went home for summer vacation. While some sisters were doing internships, or going on cool vacations, the girls that stayed in town started working on recruitment. The membership chairman along with her committee spent many days tabling meeting the new students of UC Riverside, and answering all their questions about our chapter. Before the start of school, the chapter came together for recruitment workshops where we all learned songs and recruitment etiquette. It was five days of practice that really brought the chapter together in time for welcoming the potential new
members into recruitment. When school finally started again, it was time for Formal recruitment which was all managed by the Membership Chairman. The chapter was so excited to welcome home the class of Beta Eta at our olympic themed bid day put together by our New Member Chairman. Following Bid Day, the new members got a weekly sapphire that guided them throughout their first few weeks in the chapter. One important event in October was our Founder’s Day, put together by the Education Chairman. On October 10, the chapter came together at the Canyon Crest Country Club, where we celebrate with brunch and presentations of the founding of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We remember the six founders and the symbols that make Kappa so special to all of us.
The new members finally got to find out who their bigs were during big and little reveal. During that week, bigs decorated their little’s rooms and gave them secret hints as to who they were. The bigs decorated cute boxes and popped out of them to surprise their littles, and the boxes had cute themes to them. In the month of November, the chapter had big and little night, which was put together by the Marshall and was held at a roller skating rink. Bigs and littles spent the night roller skating around and taking cute pictures in their matching outfits. We ended the month off with our participation in Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s soccer tournament to raise awareness for cancer. We had our strongest soccer players compete against other sororities and we were able to win first place. It was a great way for the chapter to come together, and for the Greek community as well to raise awareness for the cause. In the last meeting, November 26, elections were held for the new chapter council, and the chapter spends one last meeting together before the year ends.
==Highlights of 2020s==
Starting out our Winter Quarter of 2020, on January 5th our newly elected chapter council had their first chapter council meeting as well as the following day, January 6th, we had our first formal meeting of the quarter where new officers got formally transitioned into their positions. On January 11th, we scheduled and attended our first leadership day where we invited advisors, outgoing cc, as well as incoming cc to create a smooth transition for new positions. On January 26th our newest pledge class had their new member retreat where they got to rock climb on the ropes course at UCR. On January 31st we were so fortunate to celebrate our 150th anniversary of the organization by being visited by the Minnie Stewart van! On February 6th we held a social with a Panhellenic organization, Alpha Chi Omega. On February 26th, we held our annual Reading is Key event at Madison Elementary where it was Alice in Wonderland themed and we read and did crafts with the 1st grade classes. On March 1st we held our Semi-formal event where we danced the night away with all of our sisters. On March 2nd, we participated in a joint philanthropy event with Sigma Pi Epsilon at a local elementary school reading to kids. On March 6th we held our Winter Sisterhood event at Hangar Trampoline Park. During the week of March18-22nd, we began our finals week while transitioning to a complete remote learning environment. Although many of us assumed we would be coming back after spring break, we ended up coming to terms that we would be having both our Spring and Fall Quarters completely online. On April 1st we held our first virtual meeting through zoom. On April 14th we began to review and evaluate the best and worst case for the budget with the treasurer. On April 26th we began to reevaluate and get on the same page for tackling the actions on our action plan. On April 29th we supported Denim Day virtually through our platforms. On May 27th we decided on the budget proposal and to put all of our members on a payment plan due to pandemic circumstances. On June 16th we raised and donated $2,700O to act able. On September 26th we began recruitment workshops every day until to 30th. On October 8th through the 11th we held formal recruitment through zoom. Although this process did look a bit different than usual years, everything ran very smoothly as we conducted conversations and voting on zoom and in break out rooms. On October 11th, we welcomed our newest pledge class, Beta Iota to the chapter as the bid day theme was Kappa and Co. We held our New member pinning ceremony on October 12th. On October 13th we all joined the zoom call with our chapter first to go over some history fun facts as well as conduct our founders day ceremony then joined the zoom call with our sisters across the nation to help celebrate our 150th milestone! On October 12-16th our lovely leadership consultant Cait Berosh held a virtual meeting with a majority of our chapter council members. On October 18th we held a virtual committee night.
On October 22nd we held a virtual COB night where we welcome a few more members to our new member class. On October 25th we were visited by a facilitator from HQ for a Aspiring to a higher type of Sisterhood Workshop. On October 29th we held a Spooky fall quarter sisterhood where we all carved pumpkins together. On November 4th, we held a sisterhood where we made fun PowerPoint on random topics. On November 13th we held big little reveal where a majority of new members got their bigs. On November 16th-20th we began Inspiration week where we did various writing prompts to reflect on our values as well as had big little night on November 18th. On November 18th the rest of the new members who were COBs got their bigs as well. On November 20th, our new members were officially initiated into our chapter. On November 16th we were presented with the slate from the nominating committee. On November 23rd, we held chapter elections where we elected prospective new officers. On December 4th we held a virtual baking sisterhood with a Panhellenic organization Gamma Phi Beta. On December 7th, we held our last meeting of 2020 and the quarter and after finals we will begin winter break.
