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'''Housing:''' Beta Xi continued to occupy the chapter house throughout the decade. ==Highlights of 2016==
'''Philanthropy:'''2016 was a year characterized by strength, endurance, and evolution for Beta Xi. Still without our beloved house, the Kappas faced new challenges, bound together by friendship instead of the walls of the house itself. The campus climate was tumultuous. The chapter itself stumbled and fell on a few occasions. But as the year comes to a close, we can look back and say that in spite of all of that, we learned and we grew. We are finishing 2016 stronger, more unified, and better than when we began it. We are excited to move into our house come January! But before we transition into 2017, we want to look back and reflect on all we learned.
Philanthropy was a priority for In January, the new Beta Xi in Chapter Council was eager to continue the twenty-first centurylegacy of great leadership of past officers, as well as accomplishing new goals for out chapter. The chapter maintained traditions such as the Kappa Klassic Pool TournamentFor President, Ellen Crowe served; For Vice President Standards, Anna Wittenmeyer served; For Vice President Organization, Hailey Becker served; For Vice President Academic Excellence, Erin Kreindler served; For Recording Secretary, Ali Purnell served; For Corresponding Secretary, Charlotte Paine served; For Treasurer, Payton Scott served; For Assistant Treasurer, Camille Szelc served; For Registrar, Avery Travis served; For Marshal, Hannah Love served; For Education Chairman, Caroline Smyrl served; For House Chairman, which raised almost $5Sara Shaw served; For Membership Chairman,000 for a charity in 2006. Other philanthropic activities included holding a Chili Cookoff with the Tri-DeltsRiley Longtain served; For New Member Chairman, volunteering with for the SPCA and the Highland Park Elementary Halloween carnivalTai Massimilian served; For Panhellenic Delegate, decorating the Children’s Hospital for various holidaysAlex Page served; For Philanthropy Chairman, hosting Easter and Halloween parties for local childrenBerkley Johnson served; For Public Relations Chairman, and making Christmas cookies for hospitalized children. Children have always been a major focus for the groupKathryn Stouffer served; For Risk Management Chairman, Grace Winston served; and in 2008For Event Chairman, the sisters provided free winter coats to children through Coats for KidsMallory Morris served.
Two new philanthropy traditions Without our trusty senior girls to guide us and without a house to meet in, Chapter Council braved the unknown and began during this decadeto meet. In 2009Ellen Crowe (President) began the year with efficiency and care, Beta Xi hosted its first Kappa Cookoutplanning and leading Chapter Council meetings. They finalized edits on the chapter bylaws and standing rules, an event that invited community members educated themselves on how to join use the sisters for delicious catered food. That yearKappa drive and webinars, and reviewed the proceeds from selling tickets to expectations and responsibilities of Chapter Council members with the event, $7,600, help of Hailey Becker (VP Organization). She went to The Austin Children’s Shelter. The following over goals for the year, the including chapter raised more than $8unity, continuing to revamp philanthropy,000 and donated getting the proceeds to chapter on board with the RIF (Reading is Fundamental)of AustinRisk Management policies, specifically to as well as the Palm Elementary Schoolrules and goals of Standards Committee. Donations were also made Chapter council discussed some ways to hold the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation. The other chapter accountable for their actions at events and to reinforce new philanthropic event was a powder puff football game with Pi Beta Phistandards for behavior for everyone. Proceeds We decided to change our buddy system from the tickets were donated “bigs” and “littles,” to a “pick-a-buddy” system, where the Davis Moon Project, girls signed up with a non-profit organization that collects books friend before events to be handtheir accountability partner. Grace Winstonbus-delivered through organized literacy mission trips in Addisriding attendance at events, Ethiopiawhile AnnaWittenmyer (VP Standards) streamlined the way we approach standards decisions.Sara Shaw
'''Convention Awards:'''(House Chair) worked tirelessly alongside our House Board, as renovations plowed on. Kathryn Stouffer (Public Relations Chairman) continued to educate members about the GIN system and published yet another great issue of “Round Up”, the annual Kappa newsletter. The new leaders conducted the first few chapter meetings with thoroughness and efficiency, growing more comfortable meeting in the Student Union and in their new positions. The year started off with a bang, with an organized Chapter Council and an excited group of Kappas.
==Highlights Then came March, another great month for Beta Xi, as the spring semester was in full swing. Hannah Love (Marshal) led a successful and efficient ritual workshop to refresh the chapter on the ritual and history of 2011-2019==our organization. Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellence) continued to encourage the girls to study hard, with fun Study Snacks events like pizza catering and coffee after chapter! Riley continued to hold Rush Workshops with the freshman and the older girls to prepare for recruitment and develop a strategy to show girls what Kappa is all about, despite our lack of a house. Hailey Becker (VP Organization) worked hard to plan for the leadership consultant’s upcoming visit in April.
==Highlights of 2011==In 2011, April was a busy month as usual for Beta Xi focused on strengthened sisterhood . Our leadership consultant, Kate Burton, came and encouraging scholarly achievementbrought some amazing ideas for our chapter with her. A chapter retreat was held for the benefit of the She hung out with our members , doing fun things around Austin and “get-to-know-you” games were played helped our officers grow in their leadership abilities. Hailey Becker (VP Organization) did an amazing job making Kate feel at the Kappa househome. Sisterhood activities included Nightmare on 6th StreetBerkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) helped plan our fundraiser, TriKappa Pi-Delt RanchPhi Carnival, Kappa Cocktailcomplete with snow cones and live music, raising money for our philanthropy. We love joining forces with another sorority who also cares about supporting literacy, and Monmouththe event was a blast as usual. She also held a successful RIF event at Wooldridge Elementary. The Vice President-Academic Excellence stressed entire chapter came together and set up stations at the school to play games, read, decorate bookmarks, and get their faces painted. At the importance end of good grades the laughter-filled event, each child took home a book (or two!). Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) planned an awesome Dad’s Weekend, with food catered on a fun rooftop venue and the chapter attending the new “Smarty Pants” system Spring football game with their dads. She and Grace Winston (Risk Management) also planned another successful event with our friends in Theta, called Kite & Key. The event was held at chapter meetingsa venue downtown and everyone had a wonderful time. Alumnae members are often invited to campus to speak A senior Kappa, Kallen Dimitroff ran for Student Body President of the University of Texas, and despite her campaign’s loss, it wasincredible to see the whole chapter about job applications gather around her and careerssupport her with pride.
'''Housing:'''Kappa events slowed and finals approached, as May rolled around. Caroline Smyrl (Education Beta Xi is currently one of only two Greek houses on Chairman) conducted Senior Sendoff, a fun event after chapter where we recognize the University of Texas at Austin campus seniors and hear funny memories from years past, including poems and “twinkies” from some seniors’ parents. These very seniors then became alums after graduation celebrations, and it was made official in whichKey Reports. 60 members are able Some of them got into top graduate schools to livecontinue their studies, most usually live while others headed off to work in during their junior or senior cities around the country. They were off into the world! Payton Scott (Treasurer) worked hard to set up the budget for the upcoming school year. Every Monday, and held budget meetings with all of the sisters gather Chapter Council officers. Tai Massimilian (New Member Chairman) and Riley Longtain (Membership Chairman) both worked hard to prepare for dinner before recruitment and the chapter meetingnew pledge class coming in August, with the added challenge of finding a home for Spirit and lunch is provided every day for membersRecruitment weeks without our house. Every two weeksWe talked to event halls and fraternity houses, and we finally found a delicious Mexican Guest Lunch is place to hold the events and welcome our new members…stay tuned below! Riley also held where Kappas can bring a guest from outside the last recruitment workshop and began planning for the summer with her incredible team. The girls in dorms, apartments, and houses packed their bags and headed out of the FraternityAustin, waving goodbye to this school year.
'''Philanthropy:'''Beta Xi continued hosting Over the spring Easter party and summer, Kappa sisters spread out across the fall Halloween party globe for local elementary students every yearinternships, jobs, and study abroad programs. In 2011From Spain, to New York, to Paris, to Dallas and Houston and Galveston, to all the way in Australia, Kappas took the Kappa Cookout was again held world by storm. But the chapter and raised $7months flew by,800 for the Davis Moon Projectas summer always does, an organization previously supported by Beta Xi’s effortsand came to a close. By August, everyone was ready to get back to their Kappa once again faced off in a game of powder puff football against Pi Phifriends, an event that raised approximately $5to Austin,000 for and to the Austin Children’s ShelterUniversity of Texas.
==Highlights of 2012==But unlike years past, when Kappas ran into our house on University Avenue to prepare for recruitment, this year we ran into…the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house, another temporary home! The 2012 calendar year started off SAE fraternity boys kindly let us borrow their conveniently located house for a few weeks. And as we did with the newly elected officers Union, we turned the SAE house into a home. Kappa seems to have an uncanny knack of the Beta Xi chapter making anywhere feel like a smooth transition into their new positionsloving home. Chapter Council also kicked off It could be a room in the year by hosting the LEAD seminar with Student Union, a study abroad dorm, a cramped apartment full of Kappas from Texas A&M and Texas Tech. The chapter councilworking in New York city, led by President Erin Weitzelor a fraternity house, met every Sunday evening to plan upcoming meetings and events throughout the yearbut if Kappas are together, it feels like home. Erin implemented pillars It is definitely a skill we are proud of organization and enthusiasm which set the tone for the chapter council officers. This was a very important year for Beta Xi and many improvements were made to better our chapter this past year. The officers worked very hard to better the chapter and efficiently and effectively follow out their duties.!
Callie Williams, Vice President Riley Longtain (Recruitment Chair) and her team’s hard work over the past semester culminated at the end of OrganizationAugust. Spirit week was a blast, maintained an organized calendar and the chapter’s hard work during a long week of all recruiting paid off when 68 awesome new members came running to the events throughout the year and communicated Littlefield fountain on campus, to be welcomed by our chapter with officers open arms. The stresses of a long Recruitment and being without a real home took a toll on the chapter about what events to put , however. Our chapter stumbled on the calendarBid Night with some behavioral issues that we know are unacceptable. Along with Callie Ellen Crowe (President) and the Chapter Council put together a great Leadership Action Plan that highlighted quickly jumped into action, taking ownership of our mistakes and trying to get the chapter back on track. We would have been lost without the fearless leadership of Ellen, the goals patience of Anna Wittenmyer (VP Standards), the Chapter for planning of Hailey Becker (VP Organization), and the upcoming yearmaturity of Tai Massimillian (New Member Chairman). Callie also assisted with giving chapter members the ability to fill out a Google Form to indicate which committee they are interested in We knew there would be consequences and this would prefer to be ina long road ahead, rather than simply designating members but we also knew that changes that needed to random committeeoccur. This was a big change We were nervous but excited for how our Chapter Committees that made members at large much more dedicated to their committee. Callie also prepared for the Leadership Consultant's visit to the the Beta Xi Chapter and hosted her during her staychapter would evolve because of this challenge.
Laurel PuglieseIn spite of the chaos, Vice President of StandardsSeptember rolled around, and the Kappas were back. With a crazy Longhorn football win against Notre Dame, worked we began our classes with her committee to perfect excitement and our horns up high! We continued holding chapter meetings in the Student Union, our temporary home. The first meeting ran smoothly as chapter council got back in the bus system swing of things, and make sure the new members learned the ins and outs of their new chapter. Following the events of Bid Day, we were upholding visited by Emily Murdock and Illiana Garcia, our Theta District director and specialist. They helped our Chapter Council remember the standards “why?” of our chapter, as well as realign the goals of Beta Xi with that of the national organization. They inspired our leaders to be better and to lead our chapter out of this slump. They began helping us build a strategic plan to improve our chapter and help us rectify the mistakes of the weeks prior. Weeks passed, with the first formal meeting held by Hannah Love (Marshal) and program nights like the one featuring Shannon Moody, where we learned about the Jeremiah Project, a center for single mothers, organized by Caroline Smyrl (Fraternity policyEducation Chairman). Laurel Hailey Becker (VP Organization) revamped committee nights, helping each committee set goals for the semester. We also organized had an exciting visit from the Chapter retreat Fraternity President Beth Black, held at Alamo Draft an alumni’s house in January Austin. It was incredible for some of our officers to encourage meet such an inspiring leader of the organization that we love so much. Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellence) was happy to report that 13 of our chapter-wide bondingmembers received 4. All 0 GPA’s in the spring, and the chapter’s cumulative GPA was 3.47, as the grade report came in. Kappa competed in the second annual Greek Get Down dance competition—and though we didn’t place like we did last year, we had so much fun dancing! Much of Beta Xi attended the team was made up of our new members, so it was a great way for singing freshmen, sophomores, juniors and dancing seniors to all get to 90's musicknow one another. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) organized our first fun event, Kappa Kidnap, at a dance hall outside of Austin. Laurel also planned many events for With cowboy boots and dresses on, the Kappas danced the Chapter night away to increase bonding such as movies at country music from a live band. Soon enough the house or profit shares at Red Mangosemester was in full swing.
Ady WetegroveOctober was yet another busy month for Beta Xi. The TX-OU football game was a blast, Vice President Academic Excellenceeven though our beloved Longhorns lost. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) planned a fun date event with Tri-Delt, helped and ended the month with our Chapter improve traditional Halloween dance, called Owl-o-ween, with Chi Omega. We absolutely love doing events with our overall GPA to be above friends in other sororities! But double the All Sorority Average for girls, means double the Spring amount of 2012people trying to safely get home. She Despite some bumps in the road in our risk management policies in the past, Grace Winston (Risk Management Chair) and her committee held individuals Anna Wittenmyer (VP Standards) did an amazing job encouraging everyone to follow our policies. The buddy system became more accountable for their individual grades while providing them assistancesuccessful as the semester went on, and as well as bus riding attendance. Hannah Love (Marshal) did a stellar job planning and executing Initiation, in our second year without a house. She also incorporated “office hours” for New Members Initiation was held in a different church than the year before, but Hannah was calm in the face of chaos, and any other the event ran as smoothly as ever. The newly initiated members needing further guidance during registration had a wonderful morning, and afterwards joined their parents and friends for the Spring 2013 semestera fun brunch at Hotel Ella near campus. Caroline Smyrl (Fraternity Education Chairman) did an outstanding job planning Founder’s Day. She also organized study snacks The event was held at AT&T Conference Center. Actives and alumnae alike enjoyed stories from alums, songs from the Kappa pickers, and a presentation by the House Board, who has worked so hard on the house renovations. Hannah Love (Marshal), Kaki Miller (Key Sis Chair), and Tai Massimilian (New Member Chairman) worked together to organize a “Big Sis, Little Sis” event with photos by the University Tower, then on Tuesday to fun event at a trampoline park! Avery Travis (Registrar) planned composites, and continued the "Smarty Pants" system Kappas “smiled pretty” for their photos. Avery coordinated with the same company from last the yearbefore to have composites taken in the Union. Our temporary home at the Union was really starting to feel like ours own—we had taken over! Many chapter members said they will actually miss our makeshift Union “house.”
Philanthropy In November the semester was quickly wrapping up. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman Margaret Smith ) did a great job planning a fun parent’s weekend and Assistant Philanthropy Chairs a Kappa Kasual, our last event of the semester. The event was held at Cedar Street Courtyard downtown, with a fun live band. Then came the tumultuous 2016 Presidential Election that divided our campus. Kappas went out and voted for their choice, but our nation was not the only thing that was struggling to unify in the face of adversity. Ellen Perkins and Courtney Catalani worked together theofficers continued to plan all chapter-wide philanthropy eventsedit and work on the Strategic Plan for upcoming year. Margaret made some changes this year to our program with With Ellen’s great vision and the help of the national philanthropyorganization itself, Reading is Fundamental. She planned a Reading Festival for our specialists and the whole chapter members, we were able to attend construct a plan that would allow Kappa to teach kids grow in the coming years. Avery Travis (Registrar) was elected slate chairman, and spend the day working worked extremely hard to conduct meetings with them her dedicated and having fun passionate slate committee to nominate the officers for next year. This year was tougher than ever, with kids. She also planned a book drive so that each kid could take home a bookmany great candidates stepping up for officer positions. Margaret also helped The Slate Committee knew how important these choices were, considering the issues from Bid Day, the strategic plan , and the new trajectory that Kappa Cookout in was on—in order to improve and come back stronger. The committee worked hard to pick the best possible girls for the Fall, Pi Phi vschapter council of 2017. Kappa philanthropy powder puff game The committee gave the slate presentation at meeting in the springNovember, and officer transitions began quickly after, and got members involved with the Wonderball where we went dressed up as princesses new and helped with face paint and costumesold Chapter Councils began working together. Margaret provided the chapter with many other volunteer activities such as Kisses from Kappa on Valentines Day where we took valentine goodies As usual, Kappas were able to come together to create a retirement homeunified group of sisterhood and friendship.
Sara Beth TunnelNovember turned quickly into December, Event Chairmanwith only one week in between Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks for some girls. Hailey Becker (VP Organization) planned a wonderful Leadership Day at a delcicious restaurant, worked hard to plan where the new and old officers can get together with their advisors and schedule all of go over the social events expectations and goals for the upcoming year. She Our chapter worked very closely with Risk Management hard to plan events that would be safe get through final exams and uphold the Fraternity standards. She found fun and unique venues to host end of the semester, with Erin Kreindler (VP Academic Excellance) planning yummy Study Snack events with other sororities or parents throughout the weeks of finals! The Kappaswrapped up a long but fun year. In 2012 she planned Kappa Pi Phi Monmouth2016 was a challenging but incredible year for growth for the Beta Xi chapter.Despite challenges from the house renovation, Kappa Mom's Weekendthe political and campus climate, Kappa Dad's Weekendand our own behavioral issues and changes, Kappa Date Dashour chapter grew stronger and closer than ever, Kappa Chi O Owloween, Kappa Tri Delt Ranch, Kappa Parent's Weekend, Kappa Kidnapevolving to become the best chapter we can be. We cannot wait to move into our beautiful new home, and Kappa Cocktail. These events were fun, safe, organizedwe look forward to taking on 2017, equipped with everything we have learned and help brought the chapter closer together. goals we plan to accomplish in the next year!
Kelsey Koentges, Pubic Relations Chairman, did a great job of helping keep members active Describe the recent changes on your campus and bridged the gap between describe the chapter, university, parents, and alums. She created a monthy newsletter to send out to parents overall nature of Kappas and the Beta Xi your chapter. She also planned the Easter and Halloween party, both were held at the house for alumni and their children. She helped organize the babysitting list and the Kappa Chirstmas card which was sent out to other UT sororities and families of Beta Xi members. Kelsey also kept the system of the "Round Up Newsletter which summarized the year and sent it out to the Chapter.
Kathryn UeckerCampus climate was tense in 2016, Fraternity Education as it was much of the world. Yet another Student Government election occurred on campus in the Spring, this time with a Beta Xi running for office. Chairman, was Racial tensions and a new campus carry law caused protests and fractured our student body. The year culminated in charge one of planning program nights at the housemost controversial Presidential Elections ever, occurring in November. She provided Our own chapter faced some of the chapter with fun speakers biggest pitfalls and programs such as Zumbahardships we have ever faced. Another large improvement was We lost loved ones and made mistakes. But through all of this, Beta Xi Kappa persevered together. We stood up for our beliefs and for each other, admitted our faults, and grew into a stronger chapter. Our chapter is well known at the University of Texas for being involved in and well liked by Kathryn by reall groups on campus. Kappas are friendly, open-implement Senior Programming – a once a month program night for Seniors minded, intelligent and active in place of meetinguniversity life. Kathryn also planned Founders Day Kappas are so well integrated and involved in our diverse on-campus commitments, that our main goal in October where the 2016 was to increase Beta Xi chapter unity. In spite of a rocky campus climate and our own troubles within Beta Xi , we hoped to increase the bond of sisterhood in our chapter recognizes . Doing so without a home during the founding members house renovations proved to be a challenge, but our chapter did a great job finding ways to unite, around causes like our philanthropy and hosts an event each other’s successes.Chapter Philanthropy:What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for alumni , or donated hours to, in the Austin area. your community?Wooldrige Elementary, RIF, B+ Foundation (new this year)
Mary Beth BurgherThis year, Membership ChairmanBerkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) completely revamped and re-energized our philanthropic efforts. Kappa adopted another philanthropy in addition to Reading Is Fundamental. The B+ Foundation raises money for cancer research and pairs sororities and fraternities nationwide with a “Hero:” a child battling cancer. We were paired with our Hero, assisted by Sullivan FranklinMoriah. She is an eight-year-Mitchell, Isabel Dannold girl with cancer, Molly Henson and Kat Schindler succesfully prepared for Recruitment. They held 3 recruitment workshops in the spring newest and youngest Beta Xi Kappa ever! She gets to wear our letters, come to plan for recruitment in the fall. They also implemented new some fun ways to celebrate recruitment such as having members talk about their favorite parts events, and be a part of recruitment during chapter meetingsour Kappa family. They set up different committes Beta Xi embraced our newest sister with love and helped implement new changepride. Beta Xi greeted Kappas made visits to her at the largest pledge class in Kappa history hospital, had her over to our apartments, took her to Mozart’s Coffee Shop to see Christmas lights, made her a scrapbook and battled her disease alongside her. And we celebrated the new members on Bid Day by taking them are thrilled to report that her cancer is in remission! We hoped to Abel's on the Lake be a light in Moriah’s life this year…but it turns out that Moriah remained a shining light for a fun dinnerour chapter, uniting us in some of our hardest seasons.
Katie SatterwhiteWe remained passionate about encouraging childhood reading, New Member Chairmanas well! From profit shares organized by chapter members to a book drive to our annual fundraiser, worked hard alongside Avery Walker to integrate we definitely did not let our passion for this issue fall by the new members into wayside. We have a great relationship with Wooldridge Elementary where we have our annual RIF event every spring for the whole chapter. They organized many different activities for This year, Berkley added an event there in the new members and helped bring them together fall, as a pledge class and as a well! Half the chapter. They taught volunteered at the new members elementary school on a Saturday, while the traditions and history of Kappa. They worked alongside Caroline Cooper our Marshall other half gave their time to teach the New members the rituals of Kappa after Initiation. They made Inspiration week fun for the new members and helped Caroline with InitationNeighborhood Longhorns tutoring program.
Kelly Bowman, House Chairman, served as a liason between the in house girls, staff, and Miss Judi. She helped organize and clarify the house points system and selecting 60 members of the chapter to live in the house. She met with the staff and Miss Judi to make sure the house was running smoothly and attended house board meetings. Kelly provided gifts for the staff throughout the year. She also organized Sunday dinners for in house girls that were provided from local Austin restaurants.
Sarah SnellingWhile we await the opening of our newly renovated house on University Avenue, Treasurer, was we have been renting rooms in charge on handling the chapters financesUT Union building for chapter meetings and for our chapter lunches. She worked extremely hard to make sure that the new Bill Highway system was working well It is usually a large meeting room with screens and that members could understand how to use it. She was dining space in charge of the dues, budget for Chapter Counci, and any other charges that needed to be made. She also worked to reinburse members and offiers and worked with favors to bill members through bill highwayback.
Ksenia KolesnikovaOral HistoryAre there any current members, Panhellenic Delegate, served as the liason between Panhellenic and Beta Xi. She represented the alumnae or advisers from your chapter by voting that you recommend for Panhellenic initatives. She also attended meetings each week and reported back to the Chapter about new policies set by Panhellenic. This was a big year in the Nation's Fraternity’s oral history. President Obama was reelected as President of the United States and project? We are looking for Kappas gathered in the living room with stories to watch the events unfold and watch the weekly debates between candidates. Many Kappas donated to the different campaigns and almost every tell – funny chapter memories, great professional achievement stories, heartwarming stories of how Kappa participated in voting. Another big event in 2012 was the London Olympics. A few Beta Xi members actually attended events at the Olympics. Beta Xi members were involved in many different organizations worldwide from volunteering in South Africa to traveling to South America for mission workhas helped them, etc.
Campus: Beta Xi is very involved with the University of Texas. We try to promote members of the chapter to be involved in different organizations on campus. Many Kappas are members of honors societies such as the Dean's list or Order of Omega. A few Kappas participate in Student Government Kathryn Stouffer, current member, outgoing PR Chair Sarah Shaw, current member, outgoing House Chair Tricia Cury, former president and the Texas Athletic program. There were a few changes that were made to our campus in 2012 such as adding new buildingsrecent alum Chandler Foster, banning smoking on campusrecent alumHannah Meehan, and having the library open 24 hours a day. Beta Xi Chapter Council advisor
Chapter: The Beta Xi chapter has many strengths and some weaknesses that we improved on in 2012. As a chapter we are extremely unified. Throughout all grades girls are friends and spend lots ==Highlights of time together. Every day you can see many girls across campus wearing Kappa shirts. We are extremely proud of our Chapter and members are very dedicated to Beta Xi. We lacked in communication between the Chapter and Chapter Council and we worked very hard to fix that and now have clarity between the two.2017==
==Highlights The Beta Xi Chapter of 2013==Kappa Kappa Gamma had an excellent year of growth and bonding in2017. In January, a new group of Chapter Council members began meeting and carrying on thelegacy of excellent, cooperative leadership our chapter has had in recent years. Hannah Love wasPresident, Tai Massimilian was VP Standards, Kaki Miller was VP Organization, Payton Scott wasVP Academic Excellence, Lauren Fisher was Recording Secretary, Emily Parnell wasCorresponding Secretary, Cameron Shepherd was Membership Chairman, Sarah Gregory was NewMember Chairman, Camille Szelc was Treasurer, Jennifer Harbour was Assistant Treasurer,Emma Riddle was Philanthropy Chairman, Hallie Smith was Event Chairman, Caroline Smyrl wasRegistrar, Grace Winston was House Chairman, Charlotte Fitzpatrick was Marshal, AudreyHalbrook was Risk Management Chairman, Regan Ewing was Panhellenic Delegate, TessaLauritzen was the Public Relations Chairman, and Allison Ainsworth was Education Chairman.2017’s Chapter Council has worked tremendously hard to implement our strategic plan to get ourchapter back in good standing with both Kappa nationals and the university.By far the most exciting thing for our chapter in 2017 has been being able to be back in our newlyremodeled house! We have been so grateful for the Beta Xi House Board and all the time, money,energy, and thought that they put into the plans to remodel our historic chapter house. Before thebeginning of school, the House Board hosted an open house for alumnae, donors, families, andmembers to view the amazing changes to the house. It was such a special time for Beta Ximembers of all ages to come together and share in the excitement of the opening. The very nextday, active members moved in, and the house immediately sprang to life. It has been such ablessing for the chapter to have a common meeting grounds again and to share meals together,study together, and have our meetings as a chapter in the house.Also in January, Hannah (President) began Chapter Council meetings by having all of ChapterCouncil read the Strategic Plan for our chapter’s Warning of Probation and review the goals andcalendar we had set for the semester. Some of our goals included improvement in chaptermanagement, recruitment, new member experience and programming, standards and riskmanagement, and panhellenic leadership. Hannah also scheduled and coordinated a meetingbetween Chapter Council and Katherine Latta, our Leadership Development specialist, for aStrategic Plan workshop and a discussion over Start With Why , a book that all of Chapter Councilhad read over Christmas break. During our first Chapter meeting of the semester, Hannah wentover the strategic plan, emphasizing its importance for all members, and reading our ChapterMission Statement. Tai (VPS) also went over standards behavioral expectations during the firstmeeting and also held elections for the new Standards Committee members. Grace (House Chair)organized an Orientation for the in-house girls from House Board to explain the rules andorganization of the house. Grace and Tai also gave a presentation to the chapter during the firstmeeting about respecting our newly remodeled house. Cameron (Membership Chair) also held aworkshop for the freshmen on a Sunday at the end of the month to teach them the ins and outs ofrecruitment on the other side and to emphasize the importance of our strategic goals for therecruitment process.February began with a visit from our Leadership Consultant, Maddy. Kaki (VPO) organized agreat week in Austin for her, and chapter council enjoyed spending time with her at the house andmeeting with her individually to discuss ways to improve each office. Hallie (Event Chair) andAudrey (Risk Management) planned a great Monmouth formal with the Pi Phis at Palm Door.Everyone had a great night with their dates, dancing with the band all night and taking pictures inthe photo booth. Emily (Corresponding Secretary) also gave a presentation to the chapter on theGIN system, which the officers have been using more effectively throughout the year tocommunicate information to the chapter. Sarah (New Member) also finalized the plans for the newmember bid day retreat in the Fall, which was something that our chapter had never done before.She did an excellent job planning and communicating to Chapter Council, and Reagan(Panhellenic) discussed our exciting plans with other chapters, who followed Kappas lead inimplementing an off-campus retreat in their bid day plans rather than releasing the girls aftermidnight.March was another exciting month for Beta Xi with lots of events and activities for our actives to allbond. Cameron (Membership) hosted another recruitment workshop for the freshmen where shebegan to teach them the songs and dances. Her and her team began to familiarize the freshmenwith more details of recruitment week. They also met with the newly appointed area assistant todevelop strategies. In the middle of the month, the doors of Kappa locked and the chapterdispersed across the country and the world for a fun-filled Spring Break! As soon as everyonereturned from their trips, Emma (Philanthropy) began getting everyone excited for the upcomingphilanthropy opportunities. In the week after Spring Break, she encouraged the entire chapter toget their families and friends to participate in the B+ Campaign. The campaign was acampus-wide competition before the Round Up weekend, and Kappa proudly raised around$4,000. Emma also planned our annual Pi Phi Kappa Karnival event, hosted at the Pi Phi housewith live music, snow cones, face painting, and a petting zoo. Beta Xi raised $6,000 from Karnival todonate to RIF! During April, we said goodbye to our house mom, Ms. Judi. We are so grateful forthe years she spent making sure the Beta Xi house felt like a home for all the members. Hallie(Events) wrapped up the month by planning an awesome Dad’s Weekend. The chapter enjoyeddinner with their dad’s at Dirty Martin’s on Friday, and the next day everyone got to enjoy a tour ofthe Kappa house and a private tour of the Darrell K. Royal Memorial Football Stadium! We alsohad very productive chapter meetings during March. In fulfillment of our probation terms with theUniversity, we had an informative and interactive alcohol awareness presentation from UniversityHealth Services. Although it was a required program, the entire chapter found it interesting andhelpful to understand the best way to socialize responsible in a college environment. Kaki (VPO)also continued to work on making Committee Chapter Meetings a fun way for every member tofeel like they contribute to our chapter. She restructured the Committee Night schedule to makesure that committees completed their agendas.In April, the semester was in full swing and we had another great month for Beta Xi. At thebeginning of the month, we welcomed our new house mom, Ms. Sherri to the Beta Xi house! Wehave loved the life, love and warmth she has brought to her house with her constant cheeriness andfamous shortbread. Nicole Covert, our Recruitment Advisor, received the award for OutstandingAdvisor from University Fraternity and Sorority Life. Nicole is more than deserving of this award.Not only does she put in countless hours of work for our chapter, but she is an outstanding mom,friend, and volunteer. We are so proud and thankful to have her as part of our amazing advisoryboard! Tessa (PR) also planned an Easter Party at the Kappa house, with an Easter egg hunt,cookie decorating, pictures, and more fun. Hallie (Event Chair) planned two great events duringApril. We had another fun semi-formal, Kite and Key, with Theta at the Summit. She also plannedan awesome Mom’s Weekend, with a shopping event at Adelante on Friday, a dinner at Max’s, andbrunch at the house on Saturday. Cameron (Membership) closed out the month with achapter-wide recruitment workshop, the last workshop of the semester. In accordance with ourStrategic Plan, the recruitment team updated the members on Panhellenic and Kappa NationalsrulesIn May, things at the Beta Xi house started to quiet down as all the members began to prepare fortheir finals and the semester came to an end. Before everyone dispersed for the summer. Allison(Education) conducted the Senior Sendoff, a humorous and sentimental event where the seniorsget to share funny memories from their college years and share what their next chapter has in storefor them as they leave UT and Kappa. The Alumnae Board also gave a presentation to the seniorsto tell them about the opportunities the Kappa alumnae network has for them. Caroline (Registrar)also put them on alumnae status on Key Reports. Chapter Council ended the spring by settinggoals and preparing for the upcoming semester. Grace (House) worked with the Sophomores toget roommate requests for the upcoming year. Sarah (New Member) and Cameron (Membership)continued to make plans for recruiting new members and making their experience in Kappa thebest ever.Over the summer, the members of Beta Xi parted ways for summer school, internships, and studyabroad experiences. Tessa (PR) collected photos from all the different adventures to post on ourchapter’s Tumblr, Instagram, and other social media accounts. Cameron, her team, and the areaassistants worked extremely hard all summer to prepare for recruitment week, and all of their effortpaid off. We had a fun and successful work week and recruitment week in August. We happilywelcomed 73 new members to their home at 2001 University Avenue on Bid Day! Sarah’s plan forthe new member bid day retreat at Camp Balcones Springs was very well received, and all the newKappas had an enjoyable and safe time playing games and getting to know their new sisters intheir pledge class.In September, school came in full swing, and the chapter enjoyed spending time together, eatingmeals at the house, studying together, and attending football games. Chapter Council worked tomake sure that the New Members really felt that the Beta Xi house was their home on campus.Grace (House) got all of their fingerprints in our lock system, and Emily (CorrespondingSecretary) and Caroline (Registrar) entered their contact information into Key Reports and the GinSystem to make sure they received all chapter correspondence. After a post-recruitment meetingwith Panhellenic, Tai was happy to report to the chapter that we had significantly reduced ourfines from previous years! Before the first date event, Tai also gave a presentation to the entirechapter during meeting to lay out expectations and the standards that we hold each other to insocial settings. Hallie and Audrey planned our fun destination date event, Kappa Kasual, at theOasis. Although the event was cut short by the event staff for behavioral problems, ChapterCouncil took the opportunity as an experience to make a better Risk Management plan for themembers before date functions. Tai, Hannah, and Hallie gave a presentation at chapter meetingthe following week to re-emphasize the importance of safety during social events and the privilegeit is for us to be able to have these functions. We also used our Committee Night to to get feedbackfrom the entire chapter and brainstorm ideas about how we can improve our date events to makethem as safe and enjoyable as possible! It was an excellent way for our members to come togetherand resolve a chapter-wide problem. Payton (VPAE) recognized the members who had received a4.0 GPA the previous semester during chapter and gave them a goody bag. Her and her committeealso decided to give goody bags to members who had made a 3.8, deciding that their hard workshould also be noted. Caroline (Registrar) also scheduled the composite photos for the chapter atthe end of the month.October was a busy month with many exciting chapter events to celebrate our heritage and history!Tai (VPS) and Audrey (Risk Management) continued to work on Risk Management policies forthe chapter and gave presentations before TX-OU Football weekend and our Owl-O-Ween Dateevent on safety and behavior. The members had a fun weekend in Dallas for the football game,spending time with each other and rocking all of their new Kappa t-shirts and gear made byFavors. Allison (Education) also planned a wonderful Founder’s Day dinner. The event was hostedat AT&T Conference center, and it was a great time for the chapter and Austin alumnae tocelebrate the history of our fraternity. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together, presentations fromthe advisors and house board, and music from Pickers. Charlotte (Marshal) and Emma(Philanthropy) rallied a group of our members to participate in Greek Get Down, a dancecompetition fundraiser hosted by AEPhi to support the B+ Foundation. The members whoparticipated had so much fun getting to know each other and representing Kappa at the event.Charlotte (Marshal) did an amazing job planning and coordinating Inspiration Week at the end ofOctober. The new members were put in their new Kappa families on big-little on Tuesday, Fridaywas Fireside, and on Saturday we happily initiated all of our new members as actives! Sarahplanned a brunch for the new actives and their families at AT&T following the ceremony. Beforeour Owl-O-Ween date event with Chi-O, Audrey put a new wristband process and bus buddysystem into place to make sure that we did not repeat the same problems we had at Kasual. Hallie(Events) planned the event at Clearport and the night was a huge success. Tessa also planned aHalloween Trick-Or-Treat party at the house for alumnae to bring their kids. The in-house girlsdecorated their rooms, put out candy, played with all of the kids, and had a great time!Nothing slowed down in November, with many events and lots of time together for the chapter tobond! Kaki hosted the Leadership Consultant, Casey, at the Kappa house and all of the officersenjoyed meeting her and hearing the ways that she thought we had improved within the last year.Hallie organized a fun Parent’s Weekend, with desserts on Friday night at Concrete Cowboy andBar-B-Que at the house before the football game on Saturday! Hallie finished her term as EventsChairman with a bang by planning our last semi-formal of the semester, Kappa Klassic, atSpeakeasy, and the chapter danced all night to the jazz band. Regan (Panhellenic) continued tomeet with Panhellenic to discuss changes to the bylaws and did an outstanding job of respectfullypresenting our chapter’s stance on the proposals. Our chapter also elected Riley Longtain as SlateChairman at the beginning of the month, and her and her committee put in so many hours pouringover applications and nominating officers for 2018. Elections were held, and we are so proud of andexcited for the upcoming Chapter Council! We know they will carry on the legacy of hard work andthoughtfulness that Beta Xi officers are known for!In December, the semester began to wrap up as the weather changed and finals approached. Kakiplanned a leadership brunch at the house for the old Chapter Council, the new Chapter Council,and their advisors. It was a wonderful time to share all of the accomplishments of the past year andto transition the new officers into their positions. Emma also planned the final Philanthropy eventfor RIF at Wooldridge Elementary. The upperclassmen contributed to a book drive that Kappadonated to the school. The underclassmen got to spend a Saturday morning at Wooldridge,playing basketball with the kids, painting their faces, and getting them excited about their newbooks. 2017 has been a great year of unity and growth for Beta Xi. We have so enjoyed being ableto spend time in our beautifully newly-renovated house, and we are excited for all the memoriesthat will come there in 2018!Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.We welcomed a new football coach, Tom Herman, in 2017, and it has been an exciting time for ourteam as they continue to improve. There were also several emergency incidents on campus thisyear, causing the campus to unify and rally around support for mental health and campus safety.Our chapter is known on campus for being a well-rounded and open minded group of youngladies. We are proud to have so many members involved in other organizations and makingimportant changes on our campus and in Austin. Beta Xi allows its members to be the bestversions of themselves, and we love that those things are reflected in our house as well as on ourcampus!Chapter Philanthropy:What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, inyour community? Wooldridge Elementary, B+ FoundationWhy did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?We have had a great relationship with Wooldridge Elementary School throughout the years. Severalof our members enjoy our RIF events so much at Wooldridge that they volunteer independentlythere as mentors. Our chapter even received an award from the Wooldridge Elementary School forour outstanding volunteer work with their school.Several sororities and fraternities on campus have also adopted B+ heroes, who are kids battlingcancer. Beta Xi has adopted a sweet little girl, named Moriah, who comes to the house about oncea week. We feel like Moriah is one of our sisters, and it has been such a joy for our chapter tosupport her and her family as she goes through her journey. Moriah is one of the reasons ourchapter has been so passionate about fundraising for the B+ Foundation, and we are proud of themoney we have raised for such an awesome organization!Chapter Facility:In what kind of a facility does your chapter meet? Please attach a clear photo of where you typically holdchapter meetings – whether in a classroom, chapter house or elsewhere.We have a beautiful newly renovated house. We use our main dining room as the chapter room,where hold meetings throughout the year.
The newly elected officers were very excited to get into their positions for the 2013 calendar year. After completing triplicate meetings in December, the officers all felt that they were ready to continue the great leadership that was in place before them. Our first order of business as Chapter Council was to create a Google Drive for us to share. We were astounded by previous the chapter councils’ ability to work without the technology we have today. As a chapter, we communicate much of our information through emails, Google documents, and the Kappa website. We also employed the use of the Gin system to provide all our information to the entire chapter. Our improved use of technology allowed for clearer channels of communication between officers and the chapter as a whole.
In our first Chapter Council meeting we created our 2013 Leadership Action Plan. We spent time working on a plan that would guide us to chapter improvement and would help us hold each other accountable in our various offices. Our first area was Self-Discovery and Intellectual and we chose our focus to be to support future career endeavors. We made 3 goals for this area: implement Owl ==Highlights of the Week (an time for a chosen Kappa to describe her internship), host a resume workshop and mock-interview session, and offer additional resources such as networking and internship lists. Our second area was Interpersonal Development and our focus was to increase chapter unity. Our three goals were family (plan 2 spring family events), fitness (encourage weekly workout classes at the Kappa house), and film (feature a “Rom-Com” of the Month after study snacks at the house). Our third area was Leadership and Skill Building with a focus on clarity and transparency. Our four goals were to increase chapter usage of the Gin system, make house points viewable and update them monthly, keep a detailed record of the budget, and present information in a comprehensible and entertaining manner. Our fourth area was Understanding and Appreciation of Kappa and we wanted to emphasize Kappa Then and Now. Our three goals were to promote better understanding of formal meeting, ritual, and the history of Kappa, expand the size of Pickers and increase their involvement, and look to alumni for opportunities and guidance after college. We are proud to say that all of these goals had a clear presence throughout 2013, and we successfully followed through on them to make sure they will be implemented in the future as well. 2018==
In January, the chapter was in the midst of getting adjusted to the new semester and Chapter Council. We received 2 new affiliates, Ella Coffey and Danielle Fenson, and voted to accept them into our chapter. Molly McConn, Membership Chairman, immediately got started on the recruitment process by recruiting freshman to become Area Rush Captains. She also held a meeting for the freshman in order to start teaching them about the rush process. Willa Jolink, Education Chairman, planned a cooking class for the seniors to replace one of the meetings that they are required to attend. Willa also planned the program night for January and brought in Kendyl Richards from Austin Smiles to speak about her non-profit and the importance of volunteering. Peyton Bivins, Public Relations Chairman, worked on the January newsletter. The officers also made a fun video for the chapter that introduced the new leaders and explained their positions. It was a fun way to get the New Year started!
February The 2018-19 school year began with our first “Rom-Com” a new Beta Xi Chapter Council ready to work hard and continue the amazing work of the month on February 5thprevious council. All The new Chapter Council was comprised of many new members, as well as some returning faces. Camille Szelc advanced from the girls came role of Treasurer to President, and Jennifer Harbour took her place, moving up from Assistant Treasurer. Helen Williams took over the house role as Assistant Treasurer, the only sophomore position on Chapter Council. Emma Riddle and Tessa Lauritzen returned to watch their respective positions of Philanthropy Chairman and Public Relations Chairman for the second year in a fun movie after study snacksrow. There Carter Pittman was VP Standards, Charlotte Fitzpatrick was VP Organization,Peyton Travis was VPAE, Emily Parnell was Recording Secretary, Linda Castranova was Corresponding Secretary, Caroline Cannan was Membership Chairman, Cameron Crawford was New Member Chairman, Madison Rigby was Event Chairman, Cameron Shepherd was Registrar, Katie Bell was House Chairman, Lexie Alexander was Marshal, Sarah Boatwright was Risk Management Chairman, Kate Kaiser was Panhellenic Delegate, and Paige Nelson was Education Chair. As the year began, Camille (President) got the Chapter Council in order by determining a huge turnout set time for weekly meetings. She efficiently created an easy way for all Council members to communicate, set up a Google Drive folder for notes and forms, and reviewed the necessary expectations and responsibilities of Chapter Council officers. The Council discussed their personal and group goals for the semester, focusing mostly on encouraging attendance and bolstering chapter morale throughout the year. To build a stronger community within the chapter, Carter (VP Standards) created a Kappa Kompliments box where members could leave encouraging notes to fellow Kappas to be read out at chapter. Cameron (Registrar) made sure Key Reports was in order and allowed access to the new officers. Jennifer (Treasurer) worked with the Chapter Council to set budgets for a fun night the 2018 spring semester and continued with billing of the chapter for the new semester. Linda (Corresponding Secretary) introduced her goal of bonding at moving everything over from the ListServe system to GinSystem and began the houseswitch. On February 10th we held “Rookie Rush” at Peyton (VPAE) started off the house year by creating a consistent schedule of study snacks, available every Tuesday as a place for chapter members to take a mental break and grab a cookie or two. At the freshmanfirst chapter of the year, Camille (President) did a great job of welcoming everyone back and introduced transfers. They were taught The chapter voted on a new Standards Committee and AE Committee. To begin the basics process of recruitment, and all Caroline (Membership) sent out Area Rush Captain Applications to be due at the end of the month. Sophomores are encouraged to apply to be an Area Rush Captain as a fun way to get more involved in recruitment and assist the rush team worked in the busy months to come. In early February, the first formal chapter of the year was held. Camille (President) and four other officers attended Ladder of Risk, a workshop designed to introduce the FIGP policy and build a community between fellow sorority and fraternity leaders. Emma (Philanthropy) began the application for GIRLS Academy, an opportunity for Kappa chapters to partner with them to learn chantsand mentor young girls from a local middle school. As a chapter, Beta Xi raised over $1, 000 for RIF at an event held by Outdoor Voices and was named one of the stack20 highest donating KKG chapters. Charlotte (VPO) did a great job of placing chapter members into their respective committees, based off of their requests and needs of the general officers. Kate (Panhellenic Delegate) sought to build better relationships between the Beta Xi chapter and Panhellenic by encouraging members to apply to be a Rho Gam for the following year’s recruitment process. All Cameron (Registrar) planned “Rom Com of the freshmen were so excited Month” around Valentine’s Day, featuring a night with popcorn, candy, and cheesy movies. The Kappas joined Pi Beta Phi for Monmouth, a wonderful formal event held at The Belmont. Everyone had a blast at the Masqueradethemed party, spending the night dancing to the band, posing for photo booth pictures, or coming up with a crazy design to meet request from the new girls that could potential be our new Kappa membersface painters. AdditionallyPaige (Education) planned an interesting and informative program night about self-defense, every year focusing on what we can do as women if we participate are placed in Kisses a threatening situation. The past two years of rush teams met with Caroline (Membership) and her rush team at a triplicate meeting, allowing them to impart their advice and wisdom. Caroline (Membership) also began meeting with Panhellenic at bimonthly Recruitment Roundtables as a way to learn the rules and routines of recruitment and led her first rush workshop with PC’ 17. On the last chapter of February, Alumnae Relations Specialist for Theta District, Amy Sutton, visited to announce to the chapter that the Warning of Probation had been lifted. The month ended with a Ritual Workshop held by Lexie (Marshall) as a way to refresh the chapter’s memory of important Kappahistory. We donate March came and make goody bags went quickly with the nice week of Hershey’s kisses Spring Break to give everyone a break from school. Emma (Philanthropy) invited the founders of the B+ Foundation to come speakto the chapter. They educated the chapter about their mission and main goals, while also introducing their Roundup fundraising campaign. Peyton (VPAE) held a wonderful Professor Dinner at the Kappa house, giving the members of our chapter a chance to get to know their esteemed professors in a more intimate setting. She designed coffee cups as a party favor so that each professor would remember the hospitality displayed by each girl. Before Spring Break, the Not On My Campus committee gave a local elderly home brief but informative presentation on Valentine’s Daystaying safe and watching out for your sisters during the break. Catherine WilsonThe next week, Philanthropy ChairKappas set off all over the country, exploring new places, relaxing at home, or visiting friends studying abroad in foreign countries. After Spring Break, helped lead the chapter nominated Avery Campbell as the new Nominating Committee Chair Representative. Emma (Philanthropy) also joined forces with Pi Phi to throw Kappa Pi Phi Karnival. The event was held in making goody bags the front yard of the Pi Phi house with cotton candy, face paint, and delivering even a mechanical bull! Chapter members sold wristbands to their friends, encouraging them to stop by as a kickoff party for Roundup Weekend. Tessa (PR) invited alumni and friends to the house that Sunday for a fun Easter party. Alumni were welcome to bring their lucky recipientschildren for a fun afternoon of cookie decorating and egg hunting. It brightened Cameron (New Member) began discussing Bid Day with Chapter Council, throwing around ideas and asking for the day opinions of the people chapter. Madison (Event) planned a completely new event, naming the party “Kappa Krush”. Chapter members secretly invited dates for their friends, but the girls did not find out until their date found them wearing their tie at the party! Everyone was excited to try something new, and the event held Vulcan was a huge success. April was another busy month for the Beta Xi chapter as the school year began wrapping up. Camille (President) and Kate (Panhellenic Delegate) presented the new Diversity and Inclusion Statement written by Panhellenic to the chapter and encouraged members to apply for the new Diversity and Inclusion committee. Katie (House) sent out new room assignments to the sophomores eagerly awaiting their year living in the home house. To continue boosting morale, Carter (VP Standards) and the standards committee planned a night at the baseball park for fun sisterhood event in early April. The Kappas took over the stands, eating hot dogs and cheering on the UT baseball team as they took on the Baylor Bears. Peyton (VPAE) recognized girls in the chapter who received a 4.0 in the fall and made Valentine’s Day special also announced that the chapter had moved up in the UPC GPA rankings to the 7th position! The new members advanced even higher, ranking 3rd. Chapter members visited Wooldridge Elementary for all their biannual Reading is Key event, engaging the students through basketball, bracelet making, and of course, dance parties! Each student got to leave with a few books donated by the members of our chapter. Cameron (Registrar) planned this month’s “Rom Com of the Kappa Month” around The Bachelor, having a fun night of snacks and gossip as chapter members that participatedgathered together to watch the finale. Caroline (Membership) held two recruitment workshops this month, re-familiarizing the entire chapter with the songs, chants, and strategies soon to be used. The recruitment team spent endless amounts of time meeting with the ARCs and taking on their respective roles to prepare for the summer months. Later in They did a great job of introducing new changes and getting the chapter excited about a new season of recruitment! Paige (Education) planned a final wrap up event for the seniors at Painting With a Twist. The seniors got to visit a studio to recreate their own painting to take home, and they had a blast! Madison (Event) was busy this month, our biggest planning both the last date event of the year, MonmouthKite and Key, was held on February 16th with Pi PhiKappa Alpha Theta and Parent’s Weekend. The party was date event featured a fun band Cedar Street Courtyard. Instead of doing separate Mom’s and Dad’s weekends, Madison combined the two into one big Parent’s Weekend at the Hyatt Regency with huge success! We had end of April. On Friday, chapter members attended a face painterjoint shopping event and Happy Hour between Adelante and Santa Rita. To show off the new house, photo boothKappa hosted a brunch for all parents before the UT baseball game. Towards the end of the month, foodthe chapter welcomed back Casey, and a bandKappa Leadership Consultant. It succeeded due Each Chapter Council officer met with Casey to get advice and set goals for the next semester. Charlotte (VPO) did a lot great job in planning activities for Casey to introduce her to more of work from Isabel DannAustin. As a whole, Social Chairmanthe chapter was so grateful that Casey was able to make time to come back and visit again. The school year came to an end in May as Kappas began making their summer plans. Paige (Education) brought back the tradition of Chapter Awards, much to the surprise and Julie Parmaexcitement of the chapter. Outstanding Freshman went to Gigi Hanna, Outstanding Sophomore went to Risk Management ChairmanChair Sarah Boatwright, Outstanding Junior went to Peyton Bertram, and Outstanding Senior went to Hannah Love. Hannah was also presented the Eleanor Niggli-Tyler Award for outstanding contributions to Beta Xi Chapter Kappa Kappa Gamma. Kristen Graham won Lillian Lurker, a comedic award presented to a house girl who spent hours in the Lillian, our beloved living room. For outstanding contribution to the University of Texas and Kappa Kappa Gamma, senior Riley Longtain received the Braun-Maynard Award. Last, Sally Cisarik won the Heather Lynn Dealy Award, nicknamed the “Sunshine Award”. Paige (Education) also planned Senior Sendoff to honor those leaving us. Each senior received a small present from the chapter and announced their future plans. The Jennifer (Treasurer) explained payment plans to the chapter , as she would begin billing for the Fall semester in August. During the summer months, Beta Xi Kappas set off to do wonderful things all over the world. Several members studied abroad, becoming familiar with the lifestyles in Spain, Italy, Croatia, and more. Older Kappas began internships and summer jobs, hoping to gain experience and make connections. Other members entered summer school or attended summer camps. To keep in touch, Tessa (PR) kept up the chapter’s various social media accounts, gathering pictures from everyone’s exciting summer experiences. Camille (President) and Emily (Corresponding Secretary) took buses off to Denver to attend the Kappa Convention. They had an incredible time getting to and know Kappa chapters from all over the event country and safely enjoyed developing stronger relations with the advisors who attended as well. Beta Xi was lucky enough to win the advisory board of the year award for the chapter connections with the eveningadvisors. On February 18thThe most notable part of their trip was the presentation by Lawrence Ross, who came to UT this past Fall as well to discuss race relations in Sororities and Fraternities. Caroline (Recruitment) and her rush team stayed busy reviewing letters of recommendation, planning out the fun days of work week, and creating a strategy to use in the upcoming weeks. Chapter Council met members moved back to Austin in early August to participate in a week of preparing for recruitment. Caroline (Recruitment) and her team even surprised the chapter with a swimming barge as a way to cool off in the Alpha hot summer heat. A great work week led into an even better recruitment week. Beta Xi Delta was proud to show off the their unique personalities, and on Bid Day, we welcomed 68 amazing new girls into our chapter! The festivities planned by Cameron (New Member) included dinner at Matt’s El Rancho, a dance party, and a sleepover at the house for all new members. The girls loved getting to know their future sisters in a more intimate setting. The school year started up again in September. Kappas welcomed the fall semester with open arms, entering new classes and cheering on the Longhorns football team. Chapter Council gathered together again on Sundays to communicate their semester goals and plan for how to achieve them. After an orientation put on by Katie (House), PC’ 16 moved into the house, enjoying the comfort of living so close to campus. The New Members eagerly explored their new home, eating meals together, studying in the basement, and showing off the house to their friends during guest lunches. They attended a New Member Orientation put on by Panhellenic to learn all of the policies and responsibilities expected of newmembers. Within Kappa,Cameron (Registrar) and Linda (Corresponding Secretary) worked with Cameron (New Member) to gather all of the New Member information to input them into the various systems. Linda (Corresponding Secretary) also gave a presentation on Ginsystem as the chapter officially moved over from ListServe. Carter (Standards) elected a part new member to the Standards committee to replace the senior who graduated in May. Once again, Charlotte (VPO) worked on organizing committees in time for the first committee night. Peyton (VPAE) proudly announced that our chapter moved from 8th place to 4th place out of 14 sororities in the UPC GPA rankings with an average GPA of 3.5581. Cameron (New Member) began the New Member meetings before chapter each week to educate the New Members on various aspects of Kappa, introduce them to the Chapter Council officers, and answer any questions they had. The Kappas attended their first date event in late September, a Panhellenic sisterhood fun, ranch style joint date event with Tri Delta. Our chapter was approved for GIRLS Academy, so Emma (Philanthropy) began working on those details. Tessa (PR) gathered pictures and stories from the summer to publish the summer newsletter. As October came around, energy in the house was at an all time high with the excitement of Halloween, the Texas-OU game, and our date event with Chi Omega. The month began with chapter composites planned by Cameron (Registrar). Avery Steen worked closely to pair the sophomores and New Members for Key Sis dates, giving the newer members a chance to spend time with their older sisters. Emma (Philanthropy) scheduled a bat tour for girls in the chapter to spend time with Moriah, our B+ Hero. In preparation for the big game in Dallas, Sarah (Risk Management) worked with the NOMC leaders to give a helpful presentation on the risks of party weekends and how to stay safe. She also organized a list of girls going to the game by fraternity so that Sara Hollall Kappas knew who to turn to if they needed help. On Friday, Kappas loaded up buses and cars to head to the Red River Rivalry. After a nerve-wracking game, the Longhorns came out on top with a 48-45 win. To celebrate Halloween, Madison (Event) planned our annual Owl-o-ween with Chi O. From Ghostbusters to movie stars, everyone enjoyed dressing up with their date. Tessa (PR) hosted a Halloween party at the house for alumni and their children. In-house girls participated by handing out candy in a mock trick-or-treat activity. Towards the end of the month, Kappas went back to Wooldridge Elementary to host their fall Reading is Key event. Everyone loved seeing the children again, and we even saw some returning faces! The month culminated with a sisterhood hangout with Kappa Delta. Kate (Panhellenic delegate) invited the KDs into our house to build ice cream sundaes and socialize. November kicked off with a fun-filled Parent’s Weekend, featuring a great brunch at the house before a big football game against West Virginia. The following week was an amazing Inspiration Week planned by Lexie (Marshal). Casey the Leadership Consultant returned that week to act as a guide and organizedmentor through all of the Initiation rituals. Chapter Council was so fortunate to have someone who knew our chapter so well to be there during this special week. The week began with Big-Little reveal as the new members were welcomed into their new families, dressing up and eating Amy’s ice cream. On Friday, Fireside was held at the house. After bonding all night, the new members were finally initiated early Saturday morning. To celebrate, Cameron (New Member) planned a wonderful brunch for the new actives and their families. The weekend culminated with Founder’s Day, a special event held each year to embrace our Kappa history and celebrate our esteemed alumni. This year, Paige (Education) planned Founder’s Day at the Kappa House as a way to show off our beautiful home and make the event more intimate. Kappa also went through participated in Greek Get Down, a dance competition put on by AEPhi to raise money for their philanthropy. Peyton (VPAE) held another Professor Dinner, giving the new actives a chance to talk to the people who led their classes each day. On the Standing Rules last Thursday in November, Kappas attended Kappa Klassic, a semi-formal held at Summit. Everyone had a blast, and By-Laws during their February Kappa commends Madison (Event) for the wonderful job she did planning events all year. The Slate committee worked endless hours, pouring over Chapter Council meetings applications and made sure debating who would be the next leaders of Kappa. After long nights, they presented their nominations to the chapter, which were up to date warmly received. Kappa thanks Slate for the wonderful job they did, and correct we are all very excited for each positionthe new Chapter Council to lead us into next year. February 21st As the year came to a close, December was our an important time for transitioning. New Chapter Retreat Council members met with those who held their positions currently to learn the ins and outs of each job. As a wrap-up and official transition day, Charlotte (VPO) planned the Leadership brunch at Jump Streetthe house. The chapter rode buses out Old and new Chapter Council members gathered with their advisors to celebrate everything that has been accomplished in the event past year and had discuss goals for the semester to come. Chapter Council members also attended the State of Panhellenic dinner to present what Kappa achieved in the last year. As a blast jumping on all of treat, Carter (VP Standards) and the Standards committee replaced the trampolines last chapter with a sisterhood party. The house transformed into a Winter Wonderland as chapter members took a break from studying to enjoy free massages, cookie decorating, and playing dodge balla chocolate fountain. February Overall, 2018 was a busy monthremarkable year for Kappa as we transitioned off of a Warning of Probation, introduced a wonderful new pledge class, and grew stronger together. We are very fortunate to have had such an exciting year, and we anticipate that 2019 will be even better!
March opened with This year,the Texas Longhorns played a fantastic season and played against the Province Retreat Oklahoma Sooners in LubbocktheBig 12 Championship at the AT&T Stadium. Chapter Council got on a bus with This was the first year since 2009 that the Longhorns madeit to the A&M Kappa chapter council Big 12 Championship,and headed out for to meet with all it was the first time since 1903 that the two teams played eachother Kappa chapters twice in our provinceone season. We all had a great time The Longhorns will go on to play the Georgia Bulldogs in Lubbock talking with other chapters and learning more about leadership in Kappa. Our chapter received the award for Best RitualSugar Bowl on New Year's Day. Overall, it was After a great bonding long campaign season and learning experience for our chapter council a runoff,Colton Becker and helped kick start Mehraz Rahman were electedas the month of Marchnew student body president and vice president. The first week Our chapter is known throughout campusfor being very involved in March was also House Mother Appreciation weekmultiple school functions and clubs. After our first meeting of the month we all wrote notes to our House MotherThe traditional "Kappa"girl is known for being respectable, Miss Judiresponsible, and true to express our appreciation for her dedication to our herself.Our house. Additionally, each day Macy Barnettis a landmark on campus, House Chairman, planned something special for Miss Judi. Spring Break was March 11-17 and the Kappas traveled across the nation and abroad we take pride in welcoming people to enjoy the week off from schoolsee thisspecial place. Our chapter supports Reading Is Fundamental,B+ Foundation
When we got back from Spring Break, our Leadership Consultant, Kristi Watts, came to visit our Our chapter from the 17th to the 22nd. She had a presentation has been raising money and activities gathering books for RIF over the chapter at our meeting on Mondaylast few years. We also had partner with Wooldridge Elementary to host a RIF event there twice a program night where Willa Jolinkyear, Education Chairman, brought invitingstudents from the Ransom Notes (an on campus a cappella group) school to sing for our chapter. On April 19thcome play games, Kristi Watts held a Zumba class for the chapter before study eat snacks, and Lea Edwardsget their faces painted.Each child leaves with books donated by our members. Throughout the year, Registrar, hosted the “Rom-Com” chapter membersvolunteer as mentors for some of the month for students at the chapterschool. March 22-24 was Round-Up weekend We received our B+ Hero,Moriah,a few years ago,along with many other sororities and all fraternities on campus.Moriah has become part of the fraternities and sororities hosted fun philanthropy events sisterhood, and concerts throughout the weekend. On March 25th the freshman had another recruitment event where each Area Recruitment Captain told she is well loved by everyone in the chapter about the incoming freshman that they were excited about. The girls made cute posters We spend lots of time taking her and signs her friends to participate in things around Austin as wellas hosting them to help people remember their names. On March 27th Peyton Bivinsthe house to paint, Public Relations Chairmansing, hosted our Easter party for alumni or play hide-and their kids-go-seek. We had face painting Throughout the year, games, candy, and an Easter Bunny at wealso raise money for the partyB+ Foundation through fundraising campaigns. Many Kappa alumni brought their kids As Moriah grows older,we are so lucky to have had the party, chance to get to know her and it was a huge successher family.
April 1st started off with a resume workshop to help prepare for Our chapter meets every Monday at 6 pm in what we call the upcoming round of job interviews. Caroline Cooper, VP Academic Excellence, hosted "Great Room" in the event and everyone found it very helpful and informativehouse. On April 5th Catherine WilsonAt 5pm, Philanthropy Chair, hosted our annual Kappa Pi Phi Powder-Puff game at the intermural fields we offer chapter dinner to raise money for RIF. It was a huge success with a snow cone maker, prizes, and a raffle. Kappa won the game for the 3rd year in a row! On April 6th we had our annual Reading is Key party at Zavala Elementary Schoolentire chapter. Our chapter brought books for every kid hosted As dinner comes to an afternoon party, complete with gamesend, crafts, and face paint. On April 7th we had our third recruitment workshop with HouseBoys assist us in moving the freshmen tables and sophomores. The sophomores demonstrated their rush skills by helping them with the songs, dances, and noise level. Nancy Ellison, our PDC, who was regularly updated by Sullivan Franklinchairs from a dining room setting to more of apresentation-Mitchell, Recording Secretary, attended our Chapter Council meeting on April 7th. It was fun for Chapter Council to chat with her and get to update her in person rather than through emailstyle setting.
On April 9th Every year,we had have multiple girls from our “Romchapter apply to ride for Texas 4000. Texas4000 is a non-Com” profit organization that hosts one of the monthlongest bicycle rides in theworld. The Kappas who apply and are accepted raise thousands of dollars, which was right after study snacks and was training a fun break ll year for everyonetheir ride from Austin to Alaska. Soon afterOur chapter assists these members by postingon social media, Junior/Senior night was on April 11th. It was a special night where the upperclassman had dinner together at Iron Cactus and talked about all the fun memories they’ve had at Kappa. April 12selling t-14 was our annual Mom’s Weekend. Isabel Dannshirts, Social Chair, planned a fun weekend with a happy hour at a local store, Adelante, and a brunch at The Driskill Hotel. It was a great weekend spent showing our mom’s Austin and the Kappa househelping raise money. On April 18th Not only are we had incrediblyproud of our very owngirls who take on this task, Kappa Kasual, as we also commend our second date party of chapter for the semester. It was a fun party at a local Austin venue called Haven, outpouringlove and girls invited dates and danced to the bandsupport they provide. The next day we kicked off Dad’s weekend with dinner at Serrano’s. We ate fajitas on a patio Summer 2018 Riders:PeytonBertramand enjoyed live music under the stars. The next night we paired up with the Texas Cowboys to have an event at a local venue called The Stage. Overall it was a great weekend with our Dads. LindaCastranova;Summer 2019 Riders:JulieDeLaRosa
On April 24th Caroline Cooper, VP Academic Excellence, planned a networking event at the house for all chapter members. She brought in various Kappa alumni form different industries to talk to chapter members about future careers. On April 26th we had Kappa family night at a local Austin movie theatre drive-in. They showed the film Grease and all the Kappa families carpooled together to see the movie. On April 28th the entire chapter participated in another Rookie Rush event. We all worked together in preparation for recruitment before the summer. Our last meeting of the semester was on April 29th, which included the Senior Send-Off during the meeting. This includes all of the seniors sharing a funny memory from their four years of being a Kappa. It was a bittersweet way to end the semester by saying goodbye to our beloved seniors.
Over the summer, Kappa members took jobs all across the world. Some traveled and studied abroad, while others took classes in Austin or worked in New York. From diving with sharks in South Africa to spending an afternoon at Barton Springs, Kappa was represented all around the world.
August 12th kicked off Work Week for the chapter in preparation for recruitment. The week was filled with fun events along with a lot ==Highlights of time spend preparing. The Recruitment Team, led by Molly McConn, planned fun events for the chapter, such as a petting zoo in the key garden, while also organizing slide shows and bump group practices. Throughout the week the seniors had fun skits that they presented to the chapter and the rush team gave out fun prizes. August 15th was our Date Dash party that was planned by Isabel Dann at Recess, a local venue. It was a fun break during Work Week, and some of the previously graduated Kappas joined in on the fun. August 21-27 was Recruitment Week for the Kappas. It was an extremely successful year with a new pledge class of 71 members. Everyone at Kappa was so excited to see all of the new members running down University Avenue toward the house when they got their bids. Tatum Jolink, New Member Chairman, planned a great Bid Night for the new pledge class with dinner at Abel’s on the Lake and a face painting. They got decked out in all new Kappa gear and had a great night meeting their new Kappa sisters. And quickly after, the next morning was back to school for a new semester.2019==
September started out Several members of Kappa are a part of the peer buddy in Best Buddies. They ar epaired with an adult with our first meeting back from school an intellectual disability and formal pledging he’s their"buddy"at all the events for the new pledge classrest of the school year. Lea Edwards, Registrar, put It is a great way for our members to stay involved in the information for community as well as make an impact in someone's life. I would say that all of our members involved in Best Buddies have learned more from the new program than they expected. Our members into Key Reports. Tatum Jolink, New Member Chairare also involved in our philanthropy, started holding pledge meetings after chapter meetings on MondaysReading is Fundamental. She planned There is an event at Wooldridge Elementary School where members go hang out a full semester of appearances from each Kappa officer to enhance understanding of with the children at the inner workings of Kappaschool, paint their faces, make bracelets, draw pictures, play basketball and everyone's favorite, play musical chairs. Macy BarnettThere are also other events we are involved in such as an online fundraiser for B+ Foundation, Girls Academy (middle school girls retreat on leadership, House Managerservice, updated and respect), book drives, participated in Phi Psi Stuff the Gin systemTruck, DG Desserts, Alpha Phi's Mac N' Phis, Pi Phi's Pi Burger's & Phries, improving the house point system. Margaret SmithADPi's PiHop, won SDT EAT your way around competition, Kappa Pi Phi carnival, VP Standardsfundraising for Texas4000, scheduled meetings donated menstrual products to PERIOD.Each of our members are dedicated to meet individually with each new membertheir success and have achieved incredible things while at the University of Texas. It One of our members was also awarded a nice surprise when Caroline Cooper$1500 grant for thesis research, VP Academic Excellenceshe is the co-president of Plan II student association, was one of six invited to attend also awarded the Academic Excellence conference at the Kappa headquartersAJ and Lynda Hare Scribante Scholarship for $3000, and is a counselor for Dell Medical Summer Science Camp. She had an excellent time strategizing with We have a lot going on but we are all there to support each other VPAEs about grade improvement in each chapter and learning ways to promote academic excellencehelp out when someone could use another hand.
October started with our annual TriDelt/Kappa Ranch Date party on October 3rd. It was held at a new venue called Brazos Hall and people danced all night in cowboy boots. On October 7th the new members had an orientation with all of the new members in the UT Panhellenic system. On October 12th the Kappas headed north to Dallas for the annual TX/OU weekend. This was the first year in 3 years that Texas pulled out a win and everyone was very excited! On October 14th we had program night during our meeting and Willa Jolink invited the UT Slam Poetry team to come perform for us. It was a great way for the chapter to see a different side of campus. Lea Edwards, Registrar, planned composites pictures to be taken on October 15-16. Everyone dressed up in black to take pictures in the side living room. On October 16th Chapter Council had a fun dinner with all of their advisors at Santa Rita. It was a great way for everyone to hang out with their advisor and meet the other advisors who do so much for our chapter. We celebrate Kappa Founder’s Day on October 21st. Willa Jolink, Education Chairman, planned a wonderful event at the AT&T Conference center across from the Kappa house. We honored Kappa alumni and remembered our founders. We even had an appearance from the Pickers! On October 29th Peyton Bivins, Public Relations Chairman, planned the alumni Halloween party. All of the local alumni brought their kids dressed up for Halloween, and our chapter hosted a party with trick or treating, face painting, and games. On October 31st we had our annual party with Chi Omega called Owloween. It was at a local venue downtown and was a great way to celebrate Halloween as a chapter.
On November 1st we had Big/Little Reveal. Tatum Jolink planned something new and fun for the girls. We had a barge out on Lake Austin and the girls dressed up in a costume to match their bigs. It was so much fun and everyone enjoyed adding a new member to their Kappa family. On November 4th we had reverse pledging for the new members and started Inspiration Week. Throughout the week we had fun events planned for the new members leading up to Initiation. We had a House Buddy reveal party and many other fun things to celebrate their transition into official members ==Highlights of Kappa. On November 8-9 we had Initiation at the house. This year, 47 alums and over 200 actives took part in our best initiation yet. Both the actives and alumnae were eager to participate; all felt a strong sense of renewal afterward. Our white room was 18’ x 32’ larger than in years past due to the extensive efforts of the Marshal, her adviser and her committee. We added an extra Red Room along with 12 Runners and four Marshals to help run the Red Room process. Everyone participated and alumni from around the country came to initiate girls they know and love. After initiation on November 9th we had an Initiation brunch for all of the girls and their moms. On November 14-17 we had a Kappa trainer come visit our chapter. She taught us about risk management and the importance of Kappa’s reputation. It was extremely helpful for our chapter to have her help us improve. On November 19th we had a sisterhood event at the house. We all brought supplies and participated in a fun event that helped boost self-esteem and demonstrate our appreciation for one another. On November 21st we had our last event of the year, Kappa Cocktail. We had a great semi-formal at a local venue Buffalo Billiards. It was a great way to end a semester!2020==
In December Beta Xi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had a great year! Multiple members were awarded KKG foundation academic scholarships. Ashley Duester (PC ’17) was awarded the UT Sorority and Fraternity Life Office Outstanding Member of 2020 award. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we finished up with our last meeting of were lucky enough host a sisterhood basketball game in February and the year Monmouth date event on March 2nd, 2020. After life started to change, sisterhood events began to look more socially distant. On November 10th, 2020 we held a sisterhood ice cream event at Zilker Park and a hot chocolate event in the old officers handed down their positionskey garden during finals week in December. We all participated continued to stay philanthropically involved by hosting a chapter drive-in donation to EJI in Spring 2020. Because of the pandemic, we created operation plans for managing chapter facilities in Triplicate the midst of COVID-19. We conducted a virtual work week, recruitment, and bid day. All new member meetings , formal and reverse pledging ceremonies, and formal chapter meetings were very excited held virtually through zoom (informal chapter meetings consisted of a PowerPoint made by the members of chapter council and sent out to pass off our positions to a great new Chapter Councilthe entire chapter). Further, initiation was completely virtual and combined into one ceremony.
This has been The Chapter celebrated Founders Day with a big year for brunch at the Beta Xi Chapter of KKG House. Kappa Kappa Gamma. Every year our chapter is expanding at a much faster rate than Alumni were invited to come celebrate the previous year, exciting day and our chapter is learning to adjust to our new large numbers. Overall, the Greek system at share with each other the University power of Texas is growing at an extremely rapid rate, and men and Kappa women across the country are realizing the value in joining a sorority or fraternity. As we grow, we are adding many new facets to the personality of our chapter. Reflecting on the nature of our chapter brings to mind a collection of different girls with different strengths, such as biology, guitar, or computer programming. Our chapter is very close due to our diversity. When studying or interacting with other students on campus it is always There was a proud moment to meet someone speaker who has previously worked with presented a little bit about Kappa. We are all eager to represent Kappa on campus and we hold ourselves to the highest standardshistory of it and everyone had a great time in each others company.
This year UT has experienced many changes. Our head coach of the football team, Mack Brown, retired from coaching after a very successful tenure at UT. A new coach from Louisville, Charlie Strong, replaced him. It will be interesting The chapter began to see his success at UT over the next few yearscelebrate Kappa’s 150th anniversary with Founders Day. The UT Board of Regents has been eventful to follow—with some members disagreeing Bill Powers, Customized cups and napkins were made for the president guests of UT. The City of Austin has also been growing at a very fast rate over Founders Day as well as for the past few years. There are many new buildings added active members to use throughout the skyline each year and Austin is becoming a destination for people around the world. Overall, Kappa is adapting to UT and Austin’s development and growth with ease, and we are excited to see what happens in the years to come.
==Highlights For our philanthropy we support B+ Foundation, Reading is Fundamental, and various COVID relief organizations: Fuel Our Heroes, Communities in Schools of Central Texas, Boys and Girls Club. RIF is our Kappa affiliate philanthropy and B+ supports children battling cancer. As for COVID relief participation, we felt that the pandemic was one of the greatest crisis of 2015:== our lifetime and we needed to help in any way possible.
Upon electing The chapter fund raised for the new officers for 2014Equal Justice Initiative, started a summer anti-racism book club, the new established a Diversity and Inclusion position of chapter council and old Chapter Council wasted no time in preparing committee for the year aheadrecruitment. After completing triplicate meetings in December, the officers all felt that they All Diversity and Inclusion positions and committees were ready to continue the great leadership that was in place before themmade permanent. Our first two orders of business were to get everyone up to speed on the Kappa Google Drive, and to create a 2014 Leadership Action plan. Chapter Council completed these two items with outstanding efficiency and thoroughness, which set all the new officers up for a very successful year!
In January, all the new officers had a great beginning to the new year. Willa Jolink (President) spent much To celebrate 150 years of her time organizing and leading Chapter Council and Chapter meetings every Sunday and Monday. Her organizational skills and heart for Kappa helped everything run smoothly in the first month of her office. The chapter also welcomed two new transfers from Texas Tech and Alabama, which Willa Jolink (President), Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) our education chair made gift packages and Leigh Robinson (Registrar) helped usher in. Tatum Jolink organized the first Sisterhood event of the semester, bowling at the underground alley on campus, which was a huge success! Becca Johnson (VPAE) also implemented a new system of gauging the academic success of the new members, which ultimately led sent them to one all of our best overall GPAs yet! Madalyn Brim (Membership) organized a successful first Rush Workshop to prepare for recruitment in the fall alumnae being honored. In these gift packs were personalized Yeti cups and began the process of preparing for a new pledge class! Meghan Lowenfield (Chapter Education) treated the Chapter to a Zumba Workout during the first program nightnotes. Overall, the 2014 year was off to a great start!
In February, the new officers began Here is a link to get the hang of their positions and began brainstorming ways to make this the best year of Beta Xi yet! Becca Johnson (VPAE) received the grade reports from the Fall 2013 semester and our Instagram that was pleased to see that we had raised run by our GPA significantly above the all sorority average PR chair. It features pictures posted following public health guidelines and was ranked 6th overall! The chapter celebrated with a cake and Kappachino party that Julie Parma (House Chairman) and Miss Judi put on! Leigh Robinson (Registrar) also held how we handled the first RomCom social media aspect of the Month on the week of Valentines Day, and partnered with Meghan McGowan (Philanthropy) to hold Kisses from Kappa, an event where the chapter writes Valentines to hospitalized childrenpandemic. It was a huge success, with the biggest turnout that both events have ever seenhttps://www. Tricia Curry (Marshal) also held a Ritual Workshop to teach the entire chapter the Kappa rituals. This was extremely helpful to the new members especially. Last, Kappa had their first formal of the semester, Monmouth, with the PiPhis in late February. It was at a new venue on 6th street, and all the girls had a fun time with their dates thanks to a lot of planning from Mimi Richardson (Events Chairman) and Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management)instagram. com/texaskkg/?hl=en
March was a big month for the Beta Xi Kappas. Julie Parma (House Chairman) began the month by analyzing House Points and assigning roommates in the house for the 2014-2015 school year. She also revamped the Lillian, a lounge on the second floor that had begun to look outdated. With the House Board’s help, the new Lillian is now a favorite hangout spot for the girls in the house! Beta Xi also had House Mother Appreciation week, where the girls honored Miss Judi and all the amazing work she does for our chapter. Peyton Bivins (VPO) also worked hard on preparing the chapter for the Leadership Consultant to visit in late March. The LC helped us so much, and we were so happy to get to gain wisdom from an older, wiser Kappa! Becca Johnson (VPAE) also went above and beyond by compiling a “Majors List”, a new resource for Kappas to find others who share the same major. Becca also planning a Registration Party, with older Kappas helping younger girls navigate the perils of registering for classes. Barbara Gass (Corresponding Secretary) took a lot of time in March to inventory and label all the resources in the basement, making it much easier for the chapter to access. Meghan Lowenfield (Fraternity Education) also organized two fun events for the chapter: a senior yoga class and a Keys Overseas presentation! Both made meetings interesting and fun! In the end of March, the girls went on Spring Break, many going on trips with other Kappas. The Kappas traveled all over the world and took advantage of a whole week off from school! Upon returning back, Beta Xi held our biggest philanthropy event during Round Up, Fajita Fiesta, with PiPhi! This was the first year to do this, and Meghan McGowan’s (Philanthropy) hard work on it paid off!
In April, Beta Xi did not slow down one bit in preparing for the end of the semester. Mimi Richardson (Social) worked with Theta to plan Kite and Key, a beloved date party with the Thetas. Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management) did a ton of work with the bus policy for this event, and spent many hours contacting the bus company and thinking of new, innovative ways to take roll on the buses. Additionally, Mimi Richardson helped plan fun Mom's and Dad's Weekends in April. The chapter loved getting to hang out with each other families in group dinners and events. Alex Collins (Panhellenic Delegate) helped run Greek Grub, an awareness event that helps Greeks meet each other on campus. She also organized a profit share with our sister sorority, AEPhi, at Red Mango. The turnout was great, and all the proceeds went to One Million for Anna, a charity that Meghan McGowan (Philanthropy) has developed a relationship with. Michelle Nash (Public Relations) threw the annual Easter Party, one the of the chapter’s favorite opportunities to meet alumni! Michelle put on an incredible party with Easter egg hunts and even the Easter Bunny made an appearance. Julie Parma (House Chairman) also assigned parking spots in the Kappa lot based on preference forms for the 2014-2015 school year.
May signaled a slow down in Kappa events as finals approached and the semester came to an end. Meghan Lowenfield (Education Chairman) conducted Senior Sendoff, a fun event after Chapter where we recognize the seniors and hear funny memories from their at KKG. Leigh Robinson (Registrar) also worked hard in obtaining all the graduating seniors’ contact information and put them on alum status in Key Reports. Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) also helped in getting the seniors to comply with the Senior Agreement, and she believes that the seniors were more aware ==Highlights of the requirements than in years past. Maggie Hood (Treasurer) worked hard in setting up the budget for the next school year. She met with all the officers individually and looked at past bills to determine the correct amount to allocate to each of the officer accounts. Maggie Hood (Treasurer), Willa Jolink (President) and Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) also worked hard to ensure that all accounts were cleared and everything was organized and squared away nicely for the chapter. Catherine Anne Prideaux (New Member) and Madalyn Brim (Membership) both worked hard to prepare for the recruitment and the new members coming in August! Catherine Anne finalized Bid Day plans and worked closely with Caroline Wallace (Favors Chairman) to design fun t-shirts and gear for the new girls to wear. Madalyn held the last recruitment workshop and began planning for the summer. Lastly, Mimi Richardson (Social Chairman) and Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management) planned a fun End of the Year Party on a barge on Lake Travis for the Kappas! It was a huge hit and a great end to the school year!2021==
Over the summer, the Kappas parted ways to do internships, study abroad, hang out at home or take classes in Austin. All the girls, especially the officers, kept up a strong line of communication and continued to uphold the Kappa name all around the world. Five members of Chapter Council attended Convention over the summer with all of the Kappa chapters in our region. The girls gained a lot of great tips in how to better run our chapter! Madalyn Brim (Membership) and the rest of Recruitment Team stayed in Austin over the summer, and attended parties and events where they could meet some of the girls who would be going through recruitment in August. The team did a ton of hard work for the rest of the chapter, but also had a ton of fun in Austin! However, in August everyone was ready to get back to the Kappa house for another fun year of Recruitment, new members, date parties, meetings, and sisterhood events.
September marked the first week of school and the first football game. This year, long time football coach, Mack Brown, left the University and Coach Charlie Strong was hired as the new Longhorns head football coach! This football season looked promising for the Longhorns, and the Kappas were excited to begin attending football games again. At Beta Xi, September was a very busy month. Unfortunately, Bid Night behavior posed some challenges that Chapter Council had to discuss how to move forward with this yearly celebration of the new members. Willa Jolink (President) led these discussions and worked as the communication between the House Board and Chapter Council. The Kappas handled this situation very well and implemented extra service events and programs to put our chapter back in good standing. We are very proud of the progress we have made! Also in September, the New Members had their retreat at the KKG house, where they played games and bonded at a pledge class. Peyton Bivins (VPO) diligently constructed the calendar for the upcoming semester and implemented a new system for Committee Night. Now, all officers have a committee and the girls have a bigger hand in choosing a committee for the semester. Becca Johnson (VPAE) also made a fun new game out of Smarty Pants, which puts the 4 grades into competition to see who can get the most As. Overall, September was a busy and challenging semester, but very rewarding overall!
November marked continued efforts to organize and communicate updates from House Board about the new upcoming renovation. Willa Jolink (President) and Julie Parma (House Chairman) worked for The chapter had a very long time walk to make sure this process ran smoothly. Leigh Robinson (Registrar) coordinated the Composite pictures and signed a contract with a different Composite company raise money for the next school year. She hopes to save money NEDA and increase composite quality with this switch! Tatum Jolink (VP Standards) Meghan McGowan (Philanthropy) and Alex Collins (Panhellenic Delegate) worked together to organize a Sisterhood event. At the event, girls decorated Thanksgiving cookies with Kappa Delta and wrote holiday cards to Dell Children’s Hospital. Mimi Richardson (Events Chairman) planned Parents Weekend and Kappa Cocktail. Kendall Sealy (Recording Secretary) worked with all the officers to revise the Bylaws and Standing Rules fundraised for the next officers. Then in mid November, Beta Xi began officer transitions, led by Peyton Bivins (VPO). Julie Parma (House and Slate Chairman) and the Slate Committee had elected new girls to serve on Chapter Council, and the groups began working together to transition all positions over smoothlyJed Foundation. The 2014 Chapter Council is extremely excited to see what the new Chapter Council will do in 2015!
In December, the semester began to come to a close, with only one week in between Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks for some. The girls worked really hard to get their schoolwork done and finish with great GPAs. Slowly but surely, girls began to move out of the house to return home for the winter break and holiday season. Overall, 2014 has been an incredible year for Beta Xi, and we could not be happier with the challenges we have overcome and the changes we have implemented.
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'''Note to Chapter Registrar:'''
Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues of The Key to fill in any gaps in the above historical highlights. If your chapter archives are not complete, please research your university library, campus newspaper and yearbook archives for newsworthy information about your chapter. Please double check your work for accuracy. Contact chapter Advisory or House Board members, local Alumnae Association members, or your Province Director of Chapters for assistance.
Your efforts will ensure Operating in a complete PandemicHow did your chapter operations change due to COVID-19 (e.g., how did it affect recruitment, initiation, etc. Were events/activities held virtually?). Share what you have done this year. Chapter operations were impacted by COVID-19. During the spring, chapter and chapter council meetings were held virtually, and sisterhood and philanthropy events were usually outside in smaller groups. Work week and recruitment were a hybrid environment. Many work week activities were in-person, wearing masks. Recruitment was virtual until the preference round, which was split into two days, socially distanced, and accurate history masked. In the fall, the chapter saw a return to many more in-person events. The initiation ceremonies were once again in-person, although Fireside was split into two groups to facilitate social distancing. The chapter also elected to use the combined service for initiation, per the recommendation of your chapter Kappa nationals, to limit close contact between initiates and alumnae. The white room had less draping to allow for future generations better ventilation, and seniors were not required to enjoy!attend so that the room was less crowded than it would have been in a pre-pandemic initiation.
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|Image= [[File:Beta_Xi.jpg|200px]]
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1902|05|12}}
|College= [httphttps://www.utexas.edu/ University of Texas at Austin]
|Location= Austin, TX
|Homepage= [https://chaptersutexas.kappakappagammakappa.org/betaxi/ Beta Xi Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Beta_Xi Media related to Beta Xi Chapter]}}
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'''4,526 817 initiates (as of June 20142018)'''
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'''Some of Beta Xi’s Outstanding MembersCharter members:''' (If you have chapter alumnae who have received recognition in any of these three categories Olatia Crane, please list them with the date(s) of recognitionHelen Olive Devine, Fanny West Harris, Alma Keturah Jones, Minnie Avelyn Petty, Marian Leigh Rather, Katherine Andrews Searcy, Eva Miriam Sodekson, Josephine Lucile Wathen.)
'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
Helen Knox, 1952, banker, author, Red Cross volunteer;
Prudence Mahaffey Mackintosh, 1988, author of books and magazines;
'''Additional Outstanding Beta Xi Alumnae:'''
Ann Haun (Barlow), Graduate Counselor 1961-1962;
Nancy Haun (Dozier), Graduate Counselor 1959-1960;
==Highlights of 2000-2010==
Beta Xi welcomed the new millenium millennium with a variety of new chapter activities. Each year, the sisters gathered at a chapter retreat in the fall to build and restore relationships within the chapter. New sisterhood programs included television nights, a makeover with a make-up artist, a cooking class, a yoga class, manicures, and a ceramics class. To prepare for Recruitment, a Work Week was held in which the entire chapter learned new skits, practiced old songs, and perfected Recruitment strategies. A leadership workshop for the outgoing and incoming officers, and their advisers, to aid in the transition process. The Vice President-Academic Excellence worked to improve the chapter’s G.P.A. by implementing the “Owl Jar” program, which recognized members for their hard work, and introducing the “Study Fairy,” a magical being who rewarded Kappas found studying on campus. Social events included Kappa Cocktail, Owl-O-Ween, Monmouth Duo with Pi Beta Phi, Kappa/Tri-Delt Ranch, Parents’ Weekend, Mom and Dad Weekends, and Junior/Senior Night. One evening the entire chapter attended a sing-a-long at a local restaurant. Beta Xi also continued the tradition of hosting a Halloween party and trick-or-treating for the children of local alumnae.
In February, Kappas were getting settled in with their classes, and the officers were beginning to
get the hang of their new responsibilities: planning events, running meetings, and fulfilling their
duties more easily. Berkley Johnson (Philanthropy Chair) took it upon herself to completely revamp
Beta Xi’s philanthropic efforts. She continued the new partnership with the B+ Foundation that
the last philanthropy chair began, combining Kappa’s passion for reading with our love of kids.
We adopted a B+ Hero named Moriah, who is battling cancer, and made her an honorary “sister.”
Kappas began visiting Moriah at the hospital, playing games, doing puzzles, and when she felt up to
it, even having dance parties with our newest little Kappa. Mallory Morris (Event Chairman) and
Grace Winston (Risk Management) pulled off a great Monmouth formal at Brazos Hall, and everyone had
a wonderful time with their dates and Pi Phi friends. Riley Longtain (Membership Chairman) held a
very successful first recruitment workshop with the freshman, teaching them the in’s and out’s of
rush and the importance of the spring semester for recruiting. While Kappa prepared for
recruitment, so did Alex Page (Panhellenic Delegate) and Grace Anne McGinnis, a Kappa who served as
Vice President of UT’s Panhellenic Council. They began a wonderful year of working together and
representing Kappa well to other sororities and to UPC. We rounded out the month with a visit from
our moms, with fun shopping events and a brunch at The Grove downtown to celebrate Mom’s Weekend.
Our meeting on September 9th was program night; it was special because a member of our chapter, Barbara Gass, discussed her experience biking from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska to raise money for cancer research members are involved in Texas 4000. Kappa Kidnap was our second event of the year certain programs and clubs on September 12th. It is campus and a very exciting event majority hold officer positions in which the chapter is unaware of the location of the event until we arrivethose organizations. This year it was hosted about an hour outside A few of Austin at the famous Coupland Dance Hall. Girls wore cowboy boots things they have worked to accomplish include improved transition for freshman Plan II students by creating new activities and dresses opportunities for involvement, contributed to enrichment and danced the night away. Parent’s Weekend was September 20th closeness of Greek community, donated 300 books to Wooldridge Elementary, and 21st. On the 20th we hosted a fun party with the Texas Fiji’s at a local venue called The Stage. There was a fun band provided support, education, and games. On Saturday night Catherine Wilsonleadership to Wooldridge students, Philanthropy ChairB+ hero, planned Kappa Cookoutand summer camp kids. Every year we have barbecue at the house and invite We support Reading is Fundamental, Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation We chose RIF because it is our parents national philanthropy and friends we want to come by after participate in the football game to raise money for Reading is Fundamentalcore values of Kappa Kappa Gamma. It was a huge success Hosting RIF events and book drives connects us with a band playing in our sisters within the key garden chapter and throughout the house set up in a football themenation. On September 27th Tatum Jolink, New Member Chair, planned We chose the new member retreat. She hosted B+ Foundation because it at the house is a local philanthropy that we can participate in with other sororities and cleared out all of fraternities on the furniture. The new members played games and watched movies and all got to know each other even better. September was a full month University of fun and educating new membersTexas campus.
In August2021, the Beta Xi chapter continued to thrive despite the complex environment of the evolving pandemic, Madalyn Brim’s officer position kicked into high gear when she led an extremely successful Spirit Week and Recruitment Weekthe chapter was a place of refuge for its members. All of In the early spring, chapter members stayed connected through virtual chapters and outdoor sisterhood events including a coffee bar in the chapter’s hard work paid off when 78 new Kappas ran KKG courtyard and a profit share with a delicious ice cream sandwich truck to raise money for our philanthropies. Later in the house on Bid Day! Everyone semester, the chapter had its first semi-formal in over a year. The event was so pleased with split up by grade level and members and their dates were COVID tested prior to the girls we event. 87 members had gotten4.0s in the spring semester, and Catherine Anne Prideaux (New Member Chairman) the chapter raised thousands of dollars for philanthropies including RIF, B+, Allies Against Slavery, and National Coalition against human trafficking. In the summer, Recruitment week was ready an exciting time for the chapter. It was the first time the entire chapter was able to begin integrating be together since early 2020, and new bonds were formed while old bonds were strengthened. In the New Members into fall, chapter events and meetings were once again in-person. The return of Kappa lunch was welcomed by the chapter! , as members were once again able to spend time together eating and studying at the Kappa house.
Chapter PhilanthropyIn Octoberthe spring, the Beta Xi was brought chapter raised money to help Austin’s homeless during the news winter storms and raised $20,000 for two organizations that combat human trafficking. Throughout the house would officially be undergoing a major renovation in the 2014-2015 school year! The girls were all very excited about the prospect of a new and improved house, but many challenges did arise in terms of housing everyone in the our chapter during supported the year that B+ Foundation, which supports the house cannot be usedfamilies of children who are fighting cancer. House Board and Chapter Council worked together to form a relationship with 2400 Nueces to get a block of rooms for the KappasThis fall, find a house for Miss Judi and locate potential new meeting and recruitment spaces. OverallChristiane, the strong team mindset in an honorary Kappa made these challenges easy to overcomewho has Batten disease, joined our chapter. She frequently visits the Beta Xi also had another visit from the LC, Riley. Peyton Bivins (VPO) ensured house for Kappa lunch where she had a wonderful stay eats and the socializes with chapter benefitted from the news ideas that the LC had to bring. Meghan Lowenfield (Fraternity Education) planned and implemented Founders Day, a time to celebrate and commemorate the founding and history of Kappamembers. The tradition is beloved by the Kappas. On October 25th, Tricia Curry (Marshal) officially initiated all 78 of the pledges in a beautifully run ceremony. Tricia organized everything with ease and made it the most efficient Initiation Ceremony in the past years. Initiation marks the end of an 8-week education process of the new memberschapter also had several canned food drives. Michelle Nash (PR) held another successful holiday event, the annual Halloween Party at the House. Mimi Richardson (Events Chairman) and Sam Stavinhoa (Risk Management) worked hard to plan and throw Kappa Kidnap and OwlOween on two back-to-back weekends, which were both fun ways to end the month of October!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2021 was the first full year of the Beta Xi chapter having a DEI chair on chapter council. She promoted university-wide diversity and inclusion seminars, speeches, and student organizations. DEI presentations were given during chapter meetings that included promoting national heritage holidays. The DEI chair also gave a DEI presentation during work week to promote inclusivity during recruitment.