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→The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)
==The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)==
Chapter history unfolds with the first meeting of 11 enthusiastic girls as members of Delphian January 8, 1898, in the Y.M.C.A. in East Lansing. There was some dissatisfaction at the time with the name and the charter, so the following fall the name was changed to Themian Literary Society and a new charter adopted. The name came from Themis, Goddess of Justice. Membership increased to 13, who are regarded as charter members. The constitutional object of the society was to promote the literary and social culture of its members and to develop human fellowship, stressing loyalty and friendship.
Consequently, what started 32 years earlier became Delta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma November 7, 1930. The chapter was installed by Alice Tillotson Barney, Chi- Minnesota, grand president, and Clara O. Pierce, Beta Nu- Ohio State, executive secretary. Members of Beta Delta Chapter, University of Michigan, helped with the installation.
Delta Gamma Kappas have a chapter house of which to be proud. A drive down M.A.C. Avenue reveals a lovely red brick Georgian Colonial house with white shutters that catch the eye with their fleur-de-lis motif. This warm inviting house has been home for the chapter since 1931.
A beautiful addition, which enhanced its graciousness and nearly doubled its size, was built in the back of the house in the spring of 1956. This project brought actives and alumnae close together as plans were made, change and finalized.
Worth mentioning are some of the novel ideas incorporated into the addition, admired and copied by some of the other houses on campus. In addition to four more bedrooms and bath, a combination sewing-pressing room was added to the second floor. This room, equipped with a studio couch, easy chair, and long mirror, can also be used as a guest room. The ironing board and sewing machine can be stored out of sight in an adjacent closet. A third floor storage space includes a 40 foot pole which holds garment bags and accessories. A feature of the bedrooms are built-in chests, dressing tables, wardrobes and book shelves, which contribute to the neatness of the rooms.
A spacious dining room opens out to a lounge and terrace- great for rush affairs and mixed parties.
Adjoining property has been purchased and houses the overflow of girls. Eventually this property (which has much historical interest in that the house on it was moved to its present location from the campus long ago) may be utilized for additional parking spaces, as required by local ordinance.
Astute financial management has enabled the chapter to burn mortgages in 1947 and 1974.
Delta Gamma philanthropies have always been in the field of rehabilitation. At present and in years past, members have worked at an extended care facility in Okemos. Members of the active chapter and alumnae also do volunteer service in the local hospitals at Christmas time.
On this campus of approximately 45,000 students, one of the spring, 1975, highlights was a style show and luncheon given by alumnae of Kappa, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Pi Beta Phi, evidence of the comaraderie that exists at Michigan State.
==Highlights of 2012==