Changes
→Highlights from the early 2000s: typo
|Image= [[File:Delta_Lambda.jpeg|200px]]
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1940|11|09}}
|College= [httphttps://www.miami.muohio.edu/ Miami University]
|Location= Oxford, OH
|Homepage= [httphttps://www.unitsmuohio.muohiokappa.eduorg/saf/gra/Chapters/KappaKappaGamma.html Delta Lambda Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Delta_Lambda Media related to Delta Lambda Chapter]}}
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'''Miami University established in 1809, Oxford, Ohio'''
'''Delta Lambda founded November 9, 1940''' '''2,689 858 initiates (as of June 20152018)''' ---------------------------------------
'''Charter Members:'''
Louise Cora Bath, Nancy Grey Biltz, Helen Elizabeth Cavangh, Shirley Haughton Cordes, Anna Louise Elwell, Harriet Sheldon Hall, Jane Kathryn Hart, Ruth Leona Heuer, Marion Bruce Hubach, Ruth Mary Hughey, Dorothy Elizabeth McCoy, Shirley Leona Parker, Ruthanna Jeane Rudolph, Jane Elizabeth Storer, Betty von Schrenk, Virginia Elizabeth Wolfe.
'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''
Jean Schmidt, Treasurer 1978-1982; Susan Pile, Director of Membership 2012-2016; Vice President 2016 -
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:'''
Ruth Owens, 1976; Virginia McMichael Sittler - computer scientist for the Department , director of pediatric endocrinology and assistant professor of Defense, 1994pediatrics at Western Reserve University; Nancy Lou Paterson, 2006, international lawyer, promoter of social justice;
'''Additional Outstanding Delta Lambda Alumnae:'''
==The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)==
An earlier history of Delta Lambda was written by Ethel Russell Wickenden, Gamma Omega- Denison, who had been instrumental in establishing the chapter. For 22 years she was a devoted and enthusiastic worker and adviser.
The Wickenden history opened with a statement about the university, the second oldest collegiate institution west of the Alleghenies. It was established under Land Grant provisions made in the Northwest Territory Act of 1787, incorporated in 1809, achieved collegiate standing in 1824, and grew until the outbreak of the Civil War when financial and enrollment problems caused it to be closed.
The college reopened in 1885. Women were admitted in the 1890s.
The Miami Triad of fraternities was founded here. Delta Zeta and Delta Sigma Epsilon were founded on the Miami campus in 1902 and 1914. Kappa interest began when a local group wanted to petition and Fraternity officers visited them in 1935.
"A local Kappa alumna, " writes Ethel modestly, "made illustrative charts to go to the convention along with information about the university."
Eight nearby alumnae signed a petition in the spring of 1939, which was presented by Frances Kimbrough, Beta Chi- Kentucky, a Miami faculty member. A group of Fraternity officers, actives, and alumnae from a number of Ohio cities met on November 18, 1939. Ethel and Frances were there, of course. The situation was "canvassed," and it was suggested that these two women organize a group for colonization with Harriet S. Hall (Bennett), niece of a Beta Nu, and two others as nucleus. Later a letter from a Lambda introduced her freshman granddaughter, Marian Huback (Workman). This was followed by their recommendations, and so the foundations of Delta Lambda were laid.
An important tea was given January 14, 1940, for actives and alumnae from Cincinnati. About 30 Miami faculty, administration including the president's wife, members from Ohio State, Denison, and Ohio Wesleyan were invited to meet the dozen Delta Lambda Colony girls. Weekly meetings followed. The group was already active on campus and would have won the scholarship cup but was not eligible to compete. Material and credentials were shown at the Sun Valley Convention. By unanimous vote Delta Lambda's petition was accepted.
Installation was November 9, 1940, with Fraternity President Elizabeth Bogert Schofield, Mu- Butler, presiding, and Beta Rho Deuteron the installing chapter. Assisting were Elizabeth Kimbrough Park, Beta Chi- Kentucky; Edith Reese Crabtree, Beta Gamma- Wooster; Clara O. Pierce, Beta Nu- Ohio State; Martha Combs Kennedy, Omega- Kansas; Nora Wilson Tomkinson, Lambda- Akron; Gem Craig Reasoner, Upsilon- Northwestern. There were 16 charter members and two other initiates. Mrs. Harry Williams, a Pi Beta Phi, is listed as financial adviser on the first advisory board.
At the time of installation Miami enrollment was a little over 3,000, with 240 faculty members and 44 buildings. By 1973, Miami was a three-campus institution, with 16,591 students on all three campuses (13,208 at Oxford alone), 782 faculty (many teaching on two or more campuses), and 110 buildings (96 on the Oxford campus.)
"Old Harrison Hall," where the Kappas held many early meetings, was torn down in 1957 and "new" Harrison Hall is on the site. The suite, decorated for the chapter's use in 1940, was soon outgrown and meetings took place in Wells Hall as well as Harrison. In February, 1952, a move was made to a larger suite in Richard Hall- and word was awaited for permission to move to a larger suite. It was almost impossible to have rush parties, even with all the furniture removed.
At one time men's fraternity houses were used for parties, allocation determined by a drawing. In the fall of 1965 the Delta Lambdas drew the Delta Kappa Epsilon house, one known for unconventional behavior. A pet iguana was let loose, and Dr. Susan Rockwood, Beta Rho Deuteron- Cincinnati, chapter council adviser, saved the evening by holding the creature at bay with a broom. Her report to Panhellenic read in part: "The specific episode in question concerns the deliberate unleashing of a living lizard (very closely resembling an iguana) of light green and yellow coloration, measuring approximately 18 to 20 inches in length with a girth of nearly six inches..."
For this and other reasons the campuses sororities voted to rush in their own suites...For Homecoming that year the Dekes entitled their huge lizard-like construction "The Night of the Iguana."
The Fraternity has recognized Delta Lambda often: 1950- honorable mention, Standards; 1956- Gracious Living; 1964- Efficiency for Unhoused Chapter; 1968- Outstanding Pledge Program...twice the Fraternity Scholarship Cup. More awards: 1960- second place, Standards; also 1960- honorable mention for Efficiency (Unhoused). A pewter pitcher for Gamma Province efficiency, the Toledo Alumnae Award, was retired by the chapter in 1971- it had won the award every year but one.
The pages of Delta Lambda's history are full of accounts of rushing, initiation, Dads' Day, Mothers' Tea, Pumpkin Walks, Sigma Chi Melon Mess, Greek Week, Homecoming, Founders Day, Miss Miami Pageant, May Day retreats at Camp Hook, Pi Phi cozy, Monmouth Duo, Christmas parties, New Year parties, spaghetti-bean dinners (For scholarship), and Powder Puff Bowls (football between sororities).
There are also pages filled with campus honors: Cwens, Spurs, Mortar Board, Phi Beta Kappa, Air Force Angels, dormitory counselors, queens, outstanding junior, senior, etc. With all the activities, scholarship is maintained and the campus trophy has been won 19 times during the chapter's first 23 years.
To celebrate the 20th year, funds for an annual scholarship award were deposited in 1960. In 1967, plans were begun for a circular bench to commemorate the Kappa Centennial, an idea initiated by Dr. Susan Rockwood. The arrangement is on Slant Walk, the middle oval bench surrounded by smaller curved benches. A large bronze plaque with the Kappa crest is embedded in the stone seat, and the whole area is complete with paving and landscaping, making a lovely addition to Miami's campus.
There was often discussion of scholarship and grades during early chapter meetings. A bylaw of February 25, 1942, states, "Girls in the semi-professional course will definitely not be considered for pledgeship. If pledges enter (this) course after being pledged their pledgeship will be automatically broken, and they will not be initiated on the basis of grades made in the semi-professional course. No exceptions..." Later on it is recorded that lowering of initiation requirements caused a great discussion. Reasons pro: the stress of war, the amount of time required for war work, and the fact that "scholarship is not necessarily indicative of character and ability" were balance with the reasons con: Kappa stands for high scholarship, the importance in wartime of getting as much as possible out of academic work, and the dangerous precedent which might weaken the chapter and lead to laxness...Initiation requirement remained at 2.3...Later it was lowered to 2.1 but now has returned to 2.3.
During the formative years there were special programs for strengthening scholarship: in 1941, no dates for pledges on week nights; 1942, actives below 2.3 to keep time charts and no dates on week nights; 1943, "all with a 2.0 and below must spend all free time Monday-Friday in the library..." Standards must have been an issue in 1945: "On May 14, 1945, at a regular meeting...Mrs. Wickenden spoke to us...of the moral tone of the campus...It was decided that a large scale show of public opinion against it would be helpful and it was suggested that AMI, the fraternities, and Panhellenic take action..."
By the end of 1972 Delta Lambda had initiated 800 members. An item of December 11, 1946, reads, "It was announced that a 50 cent fine will be imposed on those members who do not attend initiation or who do not help in setting up and taking down the frameworks. To avoid extra expense, it was decided to collect greenery for decorations from the surrounding countryside."
Following the Kent State Tragedy may 1970, the university closed for 10 days when students were sent home because of administration apprehension about riots. At province convention in April, 1971, an Undergraduate Council was formed by the Fraternity Council in an attempt to give undergraduate Kappas more voice in the Fraternity. Delta Lambda's Lynda Green (McDermott), who represented Gamma Province, was selected to be first president of the Undergraduate Council.
Ethel Wickenden's 1943 history at Delta Lambda ended on a high note of optimism about the three-year-old chapter's future. Her feelings have been substantiated throughout Delta Lambda's first 35 years. The chapter shares Ethel Wickenden's optimism as it anticipates its next 35 years.
==Highlights from the 1980s==
Kappa Klamour continued to be Delta Lambda’s yearly newsletter. It highlighted pledge classes, officers, as well as philanthropy and social events throughout the year. Delta Lambda alumnae were also featured about happenings in their lives.
Kappas participated in events such as rush, Greek Week, Kappa Kanoe Date Party, Founders Day, Kappa-FIJI Ultimate Frisbee tournament, Parents’ Weekend, clothing drives, and visits to local nursing homes.
Money raised from philanthropy events went to Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, The Fund for the Mentally Disable of Bulter County.
In the late 1980s, the Kappa suite in Hamilton Hall was redecorated.
Kappa goes computerized with Delta Lambda being a pilot chapter for using an IBM-PC that was purchased by the House Board. The computer was used to implement a computerized treasury system to handle all of the chapter budgeting. After the pilot period, the computer was available to members for scholastic use.
In the 1980s, many Kappas lived at the Hut-Hut house. This was a house shared by 8 women and became a gathering place outside of the Kappa Suite at Hamilton Hall. The Hut-Hut house held study nights, tie-dye parties, as well as big/little sister outings.
Scholarship continued to be a goal of the Delta Lambda chapter. Decisions during rush included reviewing high school GPA. “Save Our Scholarship” or “SOS” push allowed Delta Lambda to move up their scholarship ranking on campus to number seven.
Members were involved with many campus organizations and clubs including Business Affairs, Student Government, Varsity Cross Country, Varsity Track, Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Delta Lambda (freshman honoraries), SPERS (junior honorary), Miami College Democrats, Pi Sigma (physics honorary), Greek Week Committee, Miami University Student Foundation, Ohio Fellows Honorary, Homecoming Committee and Homecoming Court.
The Delta Lambda chapter began hosting Mud Tug during Greek Week in 1984, the sorority version of Puddle Pull. For the first few years, it was a standing competition, but sororities eventually adopted the seated style that the men used. Kappas continued hosting Mud Tug until 1997 or 1998 when it was merged into just Puddle Pull.
'''Request''': Is there any information about the start of sorority [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tug_of_war#Miami_University Puddle Pull]/Kappa Mud Tug? [http://digital.lib.miamioh.edu/cdm/ref/collection/student/id/4646 Miami Student with Mud Tug Ad] - A. Cramer (crameraj@miamioh.edu)
==Highlights from the 1990s==
The 1990s started off with Delta Lambda receiving local and national awards such as first place in Chapter Publications and Public Relations, and Honorable mention for Chapter Finance at the 1990 General Convention. Panhellenic also awarded Delta Lambda most outstanding sorority on campus.
Social and philanthropic events included Kappa Klassic Golf Tournament, celebrating Delta Lambda’s 50th anniversary where charter members attended, Greek Week, Parents’ Weekend, Sisterhood Retreat, Crush Party with Chi Omega, Spring Formal, Kite and Key Date Party, 70’s Date Party, Sisterhood events (ice skating, movie nights, tie-dye, visit to Kappa Headquarters at 530 E. Town, Columbus, Progressive Dinner, Kappa Kore Olympics), Dad’s Weekend, Mom’s Weekend, Chapter Council Retreat, Halloween Date Party and Bingo with Senior Citizens.
Money raised from philanthropic events went to Kappa Kidney Kamp, Can Count, and Miami Service Network. The chapter also focused on planning service projects that gave time rather than money.
Campus safety became an area of focus for Miami University. Miami Metro was implemented and safety programs were offered to increase awareness of surroundings. Speakers did workshops on drugs, alcohol, AIDS, date rape and KEEPSAFE Program.
Goals in the 1990s included: Academics, Accountability and Outstanding Attitudes, increase attendance, increase pride and morale, increase the number of sisterhood events, increase chapter involvement, respect and respect of ideals through positive, support and flexible leadership.
In the 1990s, Miami University switched to a deferred rush program. Rather than having rush in August, the University moved it to January. The sororities had to adjust for officers, weather, outfits and change the focus of getting to know campus to getting to know Kappa.
Members were involved in Miami Correspondence, Campus Crusade for Christ, MUSF, SPERS, Adopt-a-School, International Business Designers, Business School Advisory Council, Zoology Club, Student Dietetic Association, Pre-Vet Club, club soccer, Order of Omega, St. Mary’s Eucharistic Minister, Equestrian Team, Dance Theater, Varsity Swim Team, Academic Peer Mentor, Miami Service Network, Crew Team, Panhellenic Council, Pre-Law Society, Hearing and Language Association, Golden Key National Honor Society, LuxClub, Tutor, Hall Government, Greek Leadership Officer, waterski team, Student Council for Exceptional Children, Praise Choir, Microbiology Club, club tennis, Habitat for Humanity, WMSR Radio, sailing team and broomball team.
Delta Lambda found themselves a bit over programmed in the mid-1990s which allowed them to look at their academic and social calendar and focus on programming using the Fraternity MAP program. National and local alumnae offered much support and guidance. The chapter started ‘freezing’ the calendar to be sure no additional events were added. This increased attendance as well as awareness of scholarship and risk management.
In the late 1990s, Delta Lambda was selected by the fraternity to pilot a New Member Orientation Program. This six-week program was much different than an entire semester of being a pledge. Sisterhood events included outings to Chuck E. Cheese, getting facials, playing games, and learning Kappa songs.
The Kappa suite was redecorated with overstuffed gingham print couches, chairs, fleur-di-lis walls, an award case and new art. The suite has a more comfortable atmosphere for sisters to gather, hangout and study. The kitchen is due for the next renovation.
The 1990s ended with Delta Lambda feeling proud of their award case showing Best New Member Program Award, Most Improved Chapter, Honorable mentions in Public Relations, Advisory Board and Finance, Andrew Herman Chapter Excellence Award, Honorable mention in Ritual and New Member Programs, Challenge to Excellence Award and other awards.
==Highlights from the early 2000s==
Delta Lambda continued with philanthropic, social and sisterhood events that were well attended and fun including Greek Week, Kappa Klassic Golf Tournament, Kappa and FIJI Dog Night, Tutoring, visits to Adult Day Care, Four-way socials, Rollerskating, Crush Party with Delta Gamma, Puttin’ on the Hits, Pledge Puddle Pull, Bump It Thump It, Kite and Key Date Party, Dad’s Weekend, Mom’s Weekend, Halloween Party, Cincinnati Reds Game, Kappa Kore, Formals, Kappa Kappacino the Founders Day brunch, progressive dinners, holiday gatherings in the suite, movie nights, visiting Kappa Headquarters in Columbus and chapter council retreats.
The increase in scholarship focus proved to be a reachable goal as Delta Lambda strived toward excelling academically. At each meeting members were honored for outstanding scholarship. Members who had a 4.0 were recognized at the Founders Day brunch.
They also saw an increase in members who studied abroad as well as program offerings at Miami’s fourth campus, located in Luxemburg, France.
Delta Lambda continued to review calendar events and fill out appropriate risk management forms as they created their annual calendar. As attendance went up and down for events, the chapter was able to assess which events draw members and which ones don’t. The chapter council officers really worked on using committee members so that each member of Delta Lambda had a specific duty. By 2010, the university saw an increase in reckless consumption of alcohol by the greek community and enacted a requirement of non-alcoholic event for every social Delta Lambda held. This was based on a point system.
==Highlights of 2011==
'''Chapter:''' The members of Delta Lambda hold themselves to the highest standard of scholarship with a cumulative GPA average of 3.40. We had 4 members who achieved a 4.0 GPA this past semester; these ladies were honored at Founders Day Brunch. Several of our members were abroad last semester in Prague, Rome, China, and France. As well as traveling the globe, many of our members are also actively involved in various campus activities and service organizations including Campus Activities Council, Adopt-A-School, Best Buddies, Miami University Women in Business, Opening Minds Through Art, and the Women’s Club Lacrosse Team. We are very proud of our sisters’ involvement throughout the Miami and Oxford community, and the positive representation that they bring to Kappa.
One of our biggest problems was our chapters’ lack of knowledge and awareness of Kappa history. We have addressed this problem by placing a larger emphasis on our history; we have increased ritual and song review as well as implemented other important Kappa facts. Once a month our Marshall will provide the chapter with “Kappa Fun Facts”. This has been a great way to teach out chapter fun and interesting things about Kappa that they will remember, and want to learn. Our chapter was also concerned with the lack of commitment in committees that every girl is assigned to. In order to increase committee involvement, each committee has sub-leaders, and committee nights are held twice a semester after chapter. We continue to pass around a box for suggestions for improvement where people can give their personal feedback.
==Highlights of 2012==
Our chapter enjoys getting involved and helping raise money and giving of our time to help these organizations. We are involved with RIF: Reading is Fundamental because we have been working with them for years and it is so rewarding knowing that the children love the books! We enjoy working with Kappa Kidney Camp because it’s in Ohio and every Ohio chapter helps them because they rely on our donations and it is very fulfilling. Our chapter, in the end, loves to get involved and help out any organization!
==Highlights of 2016==
2016 has been a busy year for the Delta Lambda chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In February, we brought in 64 new members through recruitment. The new members participated in Delta Zeta's philanthropy, Putting on the Hits. This is a dance competiton that different Greek chapters particate in, choreographing a dance for new members to perform. This year, Delta Lambda did KKG P.D., a police theme. Many new members also participated in Tri Delta's puddle pull event and the FTK (for the kids) dance marathon. This was a great bonding moment for new members and actives. They also participated in CAP events with other fraternities and sororities on campus about transitioning into careers and advice. With all the excitement of these events, it was a nice break for Kappas to have mom's weekend. We hosted a brunch with a silent auction of several prizes that different members could bid on. Next, the new members were initiated and finally able to call themselves sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma. After initiation, they were surprised by their families at Left Field Tavern for brunch. A few weeks later, people filed onto buses to go to Cincinnati for spring formal in Mount Adams. A night in Cincinnati made formal especially fun for our sisters! Later in the semester, we had our philanthropy event, Kappa Dog Night, where we sold hot dogs for Reading is Fundamental. We hosted the event with Sigma Phi Epsilon and raised $1000.
Over the summer, at the 2016 Kappa Convention, the Delta Lambda chapter was proud to receive the award for most improved academic excellence award. This was an honor for Delta Lambda to receive and members were excited to receive the news!
After a long and fun-filled summer, things are in full swing for the girls of Delta Lambda. First, we participated in Greek Week with a plethora of Greek chapters in sports like swimming, volleyball, etc. Many girls participated in events, while others came out to cheer their sisters on. Dads were excited to come in for dad's weekend, where they tailgated, played friendly games of football and went bowling. With the great fall weather and the other athletic events happening, Kappa Klassic came at the perfect time. Our annual golf tournament for our philanthropy had many teams signed up and was a succcess. Though the weather wasn't to our advantage, we still raised $12,000 for Kappa Kidney camp. With the fun fall weather in full swing, we took a trip as a chapter to Butterfield farms for a tractor ride, s'mores and an overall fun, bonding sisterhood event. Next, we had our Founders' Day event in Dayton. We met women who were Kappas for fifty years and had us appreciate the legacy and history of Kappa. To wrap up the year, we had Kappa study rooms booked to prepare for finals and our annual Kite & Key christmas party with Theta. Overall, Delta Lambda had a exciting year and a lot of memories were made.
Miami University has several organizations on campus for students to join and over 50 Greek organizations. Most girls in Delta Lambda participate in a variety of these organizations on campus. Business fraternities, OMA, Best Buddies, club sports, MedLife and Women in Business are only a few of many of these organizations with a Kappa presence. Kappas hold themselves to a high standard, including their GPAs. Many of the members within the Delta Lambda chapter are challenged with tough course loads and study abroad all around the world. In fact, the Kappa has one of the highest GPAs for a sorority on campus. In essence, Delta Lambdas are very well-rounded girls with a great reputation on campus. We continue to uphold this positive presence through our philanthropy and sisterhood events.
The Delta Lambda chapter gets involved in many events throughout campus, donates money to other organizations and hosts events to raise money for organizations we support. The chapter hosts many events throughout the year such as Kappa Dog Night, Kappa Klassic and OMA. The girls also donated books to read to kids at Booker T. Washington Community Center. For Kappa Dog Night, all proceeds go to Reading is Fundamental. The girls sold hot dogs with another frat at a popular location on campus to raise the money. This year, we raised around $1000. In the fall, Delta Lambda hosted Kappa Klassic, which is a popular golf tournament where two kappas will caddy for a group of boys and all proceeds go to Kappa Kidney Camp. This year, we raised about $12,000. For OMA: Opening Minds through Art, we send a group of about ten girls to a local retirement home every Wednesday to spend time with the patients. Every girl is paired up with an elder who is suffering from dementia and they paint with them.
==Highlights of 2017==
2017 has been a busy year for the Delta Lambda chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In February, we brought in 61 new members through recruitment. Shortly after, the new members participated in Delta Zeta's philanthropy, Putting on the Hits. This is a dance competition that different Greek chapters participate in, choreographing a dance for new members to perform. This year, Delta Lambda did an army/cadet theme. Many new members also participated in Tri Delta's puddle pull event and the FTK (for the kids) dance marathon. This was a great bonding moment for new members and actives. Additionally, members also participated in a series of workshops for philanthropy, standards, academic excellence, finance, chapter history, etc. for them to become more familiar with Kappa. With all the excitement of these events, it was a nice break for Kappas to have mom's weekend, which was hosted on the first weekend of March. We hosted a brunch with a silent auction of several prizes that different members could bid on. Next, the new members were initiated and finally able to call themselves sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma. After initiation, they were surprised by their families at Left Field Tavern for brunch. A few weeks later, people filed onto buses to go to Dave & Busters for spring formal located roughly a half hour outside of Oxford. A night at a new venue made formal especially fun for our sisters! Later in the semester, we had our philanthropy event, Kappa Dog Night, where we sold hot dogs for Reading is Fundamental. We hosted the event with Sigma Phi Epsilon and raised $249. To end the semester with a bang, our VPAE hosted a finals brunch for the girls of Kappa and everyone studied hard for finals.
After a long and fun-filled summer, things are in full swing for the girls of Delta Lambda. First, we participated in Greek Week with a plethora of Greek chapters in sports like swimming, volleyball, etc. Many girls participated in events, while others came out to cheer their sisters on. Dads were excited to come in for dad's weekend, where they tailgated, played friendly games of football and went bowling. With the great fall weather and the other athletic events happening, Kappa Klassic came at the perfect time. Our annual golf tournament for our philanthropy had many teams signed up and was a success. The weather was perfect for a day of golfing and we raised $1422 for Kappa Kidney camp. With the fun fall weather in full swing, we had fun sisterhood events with bonfires and a big/little movie night in the suite for Kappas to enjoy. Next, we had our Founders' Day event located in the Shriver Center on campus. We met women who were Kappas for many years and had us appreciate the legacy and history of Kappa. To wrap up the year, we had Kappa study rooms booked to prepare for finals, a finals brunch and our annual Kite & Key christmas party with Theta. Overall, Delta Lambda had a exciting year and a lot of memories were made. "
Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.
Miami University has several organizations on campus for students to join and over 50 Greek organizations. Most girls in Delta Lambda participate in a variety of these organizations on campus. Business fraternities, OMA, Best Buddies, club sports, MedLife and Women in Business are only a few of many of these organizations with a Kappa presence. Kappas hold themselves to a high standard, including their GPAs. Many of the members within the Delta Lambda chapter are challenged with tough course loads and study abroad all around the world. In fact, the Kappa has moved up in the ranks and is now placed as the chapter with the 3rd highest GPA of all Greek chapters. In essence, Delta Lambdas are very well-rounded girls with a great reputation on campus. We continue to uphold this positive presence through our philanthropy and sisterhood events.
Chapter Philanthropy:
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
The Delta Lambda chapter gets involved in many events throughout campus, donates money to other organizations and hosts events to raise money for organizations we support. The chapter hosts many events throughout the year such as Kappa Dog Night, Kappa Klassic, Booker T. Washington and OMA. The girls donated books to read to kids at Booker T. Washington Community Center. For Kappa Dog Night, all proceeds go to Reading is Fundamental. The girls sold hot dogs with another frat at a popular location on campus to raise money. This year, we raised around $249. In the fall, Delta Lambda hosted Kappa Klassic, which is a popular golf tournament where two kappas will caddy for a group of boys and all proceeds go to Kappa Kidney Camp. This year, we raised about $1422. For OMA: Opening Minds through Art, we send a group of about ten girls to a local retirement home every Wednesday to spend time with the patients. Every girl is paired up with an elder who is suffering from dementia and they paint with them.
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
Our chapter enjoys raising money and getting involved with different organizations through philanthropy. We are involved with Reading is Fundamental because it has been a traditional philanthropy we have been involved with for years and Delta Lambda loves expanding childrens' knowledge and creativity through reading with them and donating books. In addition, we enjoy working with Kappa Kidney Camp because it is located in Ohio and the other Ohio Kappa chapters raise money for this organization, as well. It is very fulfilling to raise money for kids, who cannot have the typical summer camp experience due to an illness. In being involved with these organizations, we are helping others and making a difference, an overall fulfilling experience for the Delta Lambda chapter as a whole.
Chapter Facility:
We hold chapter in an academic building on campus that is university owned, Hughes Hall.
https://miamioh.edu/cas/_files/images/chemistry/facilities/hughes.jpg"
Oral History
Are there any current members, alumnae or advisers from your chapter that you recommend for the Fraternity’s oral history project? We are looking for Kappas with stories to tell – funny chapter memories, great professional achievement stories, heartwarming stories of how Kappa has helped them, etc.
Barbara Quilling
Photographs
Are there any interesting photos in your chapter’s archives that you would like to share with us?
"http://kkgmiamiu.tumblr.com/
==Highlights of 2018==
2018 has been an eventful year for the Delta Lambda chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. In
February, we brought in 58 new members through recruitment. Shortly after, the new members
participated in Delta Zeta's philanthropy, Putting on the Hits (known across campus as POTH).
This is a dance competition that many different Greek chapters, both fraternities and sororities,
participate in. Kappa especially enjoys this event every year as members of the Sophomore and
Junior pledge classes help the incoming pledge class choreograph their routine. This year our
theme was circus! Many new members also participated in Tri Delta's puddle pull event and the
FTK (for the kids) dance marathon. This was a great bonding moment for new members and
actives. Additionally, members participated in a series of workshops for philanthropy, standards,
academic excellence, finance, chapter history, etc. for them to become more familiar with
Kappa. With all the excitement of these events, it was a nice break for Kappas to have mom's
weekend, which was hosted on the first weekend of March. We hosted a brunch with a silent
auction of several prizes that different members could bid on. Next, the new members were
initiated and finally able to call themselves sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma. After initiation, they
were surprised by their families at Left Field Tavern for brunch, a favorite tradition of the Delta
Lambda chapter. A few weeks later, people filed onto buses to go to the Newport Aquarium for
formal. A night at a new venue made formal especially fun for our sisters! Later in the semester,
we had our philanthropy event, Kappa Dog Night, where we sold hot dogs for Reading is
Fundamental. We hosted the event with Tau Kappa Epsilon this year and raised over $500! We
also participated in Sigma Chi’s week long philanthropy event, Derby Days. To end the
semester with a bang, our VPAE hosted a finals brunch for the girls of Kappa and everyone
studied hard while enjoying delicious Panera bagels!
After a long summer filled with fun and friends, things were back in full swing for the girls of
Delta Lambda. First, we participated in Greek Week with multiple Greek chapters in sports like
swimming, volleyball, etc. Many girls participated in events while others came out to cheer their
sisters on. Dads were excited to come in for dad's weekend, where they tailgated, played
friendly games of football and went bowling. This is always a great weekend in the Delta
Lambda chapter! With the great fall weather and the other athletic events happening, Kappa
Klassic came at the perfect time. Our annual golf tournament for our philanthropy had many
teams signed up and was a success. The weather was perfect for a day of golfing and we
raised over $8,000 for Kappa Kidney camp. Next, we had our Founders' Day event located in
Dayton. We met women who were Kappas for many years and had us appreciate the legacy
and history of Kappa. To wrap up the year, we had Kappa study rooms booked to prepare for
finals and a finals brunch, this time with McDonald’s hash browns! This new addition to the
finals brunch menu is one that everyone hopes will stick around. Overall, Delta Lambda had a
exciting year and so many amazing memories were made!
Miami University has several organizations on campus for students to join and over 50 Greek
organizations. Most girls in Delta Lambda participate in a variety of these organizations on
campus. Business fraternities, Best Buddies, varsity and club sports, MedLife and Women in
Business are only a few of many of these organizations with a Kappa presence. Kappas hold
themselves to a high standard, including their GPAs. Many of the members within the Delta
Lambda chapter are challenged with tough course loads and study abroad all around the world.
In essence, Delta Lambdas are very well-rounded girls with a great reputation on campus. We
continue to uphold this positive presence through our philanthropy and sisterhood events.
The Delta Lambda chapter gets involved in many events throughout campus, donates money to
other organizations and hosts events to raise money for organizations we support. Our most
prominent events Kappa Dog Night during the spring semester and Kappa Klassic in the fall. In
addition to this annual philanthropy events, many members of the Delta Lambda chapter also
participate in weekly philanthropies in the Oxford and Hamilton communities. Monday through
Thursdays Kappas can be found at the Booker T. Washington Center in Hamilton, Ohio tutoring
elementary and middle school students during an after school program. On Mondays, Kappas
can be found at Adult Day Services, located near campus, participating in OMA. OMA stands for
Opening Minds through Art and each week Kappas and their partners, adults with Alzheimer's
and Dementia, work together to create beautiful pieces of abstract art. The Delta Lambda
chapter is proud to support local philanthropies in addition to Kappa’s national philanthropies.
Our chapter enjoys raising money and getting involved with different organizations through
philanthropy. We are involved with Reading is Fundamental because it has been a traditional
philanthropy we have been involved with for years and Delta Lambda loves expanding
children's' knowledge and creativity through reading with them and donating books. In addition,
we enjoy working with Kappa Kidney Camp because it is located in Ohio and the other Ohio
Kappa chapters raise money for this organization, as well. It is very fulfilling to raise money for
kids, who cannot have the typical summer camp experience due to an illness. In being involved
with these organizations, we are helping others and making a difference, an overall fulfilling
experience for the Delta Lambda chapter as a whole.
Our chapter meetings were held in classrooms or meeting rooms on campus. Starting in the fall
semester, a few chapter meetings were held in the Shriver Center or Armstrong Student Center
instead of our usual location in Hughes Hall. Prior to these chapter meetings, Kappas enjoyed a
dinner together sometimes as a whole chapter and other times between specific pledge classes.
This was a great way for the Delta Lambda chapter to get to spend some quality time together
despite not having a house. Chapter dinners were a great way to bring pledge classes and the
chapter together as a whole.
Overall, 2018 was a fun and eventful year for the Delta Lambda chapter. It was filled with old
traditions as well as the introduction of new ideas that someday may become traditions of their
own. It is clear that the women of Delta Lambda continue to be dedicated to their studies, their
philanthropy, and their sisters!
==Highlights of 2019==
In the previous year we have made numerous strides to become a well functioning chapter council that allows for open communication and innovative ideas. This has been successful due to our efforts to the implementation of strategies learned at KLC (Kappa Leadership Conference) in Atlanta, TWIK (This Week in Kappa) newsletter, and transparency with the chapter. We have revamped and implemented stronger standards by correctly using probation and terms. As a chapter this year we have held members more accountable for their service hours and as a result we have completed over 1,500 hours of service. Along with community service, we hosted philanthropy events both semesters helping us to donate $500 towards Reading is Fundamental and $5,500 toward Kappa Kidney Camp. Holding one of the top GPAs on campus, we currently have a 3.5 average and 14 girls with 4.0s. In the previous year we have devised an incentive program to recognize the scholar of the week and ran our first ever Career Fair workshop. In order to strengthen our sisterhood we held a number of new events including a yoga sisterhood, Camp Kappa, and a Reds baseball game. Because of the recent strides made toward mental awareness, we have implemented a new mental health initiative Kappa Kares which aims to spread awareness and support our members. To better prepare for recruitment and initiation we have had a Marshal Melody each chapter as we practice our ritual songs. We have also held recruitment and sprite day workshops earlier to best prepare both our members and the 58 new initiates in the spring.
Recently our campus has been striving to focus on balancing the activities of greek organizations. The idea behind this is that there should be a nice balance of social, ritual, and sisterhood events in efforts to strengthen the bond between sorority sisters. There has also been a push on campus to normalize mental health and ensure that members are looking out for each other and feel comfortable and safe to speak out.
Our chapter supports:
• Reading is Fundamental
• Kappa Kidney Camp
• Opening Minds Through Art
• Booker T Washington
We choose to support Booker T Washington because it related to Reading is Fundamental as it is a tutoring center for young children from lower income areas. By teaming with Booker T Washington, we have had the opportunity to work with students on a weekly basis and help children with homework who may not have as much support at home. Opening Minds Through Art originally started with just a few girls volunteering and as word spread more and more girls wanted to join the organization that works to engage young adults and patients with dementia in art making.
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==Highlights of 2020==
In 2020, the Delta Lambda chapter was eager to continue and improve on previously implemented approaches to create a strong chapter council that led the chapter with unity, direction, and new visions for Kappa’s future. Significantly, the chapter dealt with the effects of COVID-19 and worked together to maintain the bonds of sisterhood throughout a pandemic. The chapter worked hard to maintain connection and keep all women motivated to be apart of the bond that Kappa offers.
When the new chapter council was installed, the year ahead was filled with new ideas. As a chapter, we wanted to balance the number of sisterhood activities and social events. We were also ambitious about continuing our work with our four philanthropies, Reading is Fundamental, Kappa Kidney Camp, Opening Minds Through Art, and Booker T Washington.
When COVID-19 hit in March, Miami University students were sent home and our members were spread across different states. CC met to discuss chapter issues and ideas for how to keep members optimistic. Each position uniquely changed and each member had to be flexible in dealing with the effects of COVID.
Our focus was to keep members as involved as possible while still not having any in-person events. We encouraged members to meet with their sisters over zoom calls and keep in touch with their kappa families to place importance on sisterhood and the bond we all share.
Checking on members to ensure that they felt supported during this time was also an important task that was mostly led by our recently formed Kappa Kares committee, the mental health initiative that aims to assist and educate members. This was especially appreciated by our women during quarantine and the pandemic. A monthly calendar was created and sent to members to remind them to focus on their mental health during this time. Fun activities were included to help inspire members to take care of themselves and others, including their kappa sisters!
Prior to COVID, we all worked together in sprite date and recruitment workshops to prepare for the new members that we would welcome in the spring semester. We successfully educated new members through in-person and then online meetings to transition them into being kappa sisters. We then initiated new members in March through a zoom call that was facilitated by Kappa national leaders. This ceremony combined the initiation process into a shorter ceremony that all of the new members would still appreciate and cherish.
In the fall semester, zoom chapters resumed and we kept in contact with our members to offer them information about how COVID would continue to change how we operated as a chapter. We wanted to maintain normalcy and routine through an unprecedented time in Kappa.
We participated in virtual sprite dates and virtual reverse recruitment put on my Panhellenic to focus and identify our values as a chapter.
Finally, we are working on moving into a new suite that will better accommodate our chapter and the number of sisters we have. We will be moving to the new space during the spring semester that will be beautifully decorated with all things kappa!
Throughout the year, each member stayed positive and we worked to support each other through the difficult circumstances that were placed on our chapter and sorority women. We made the best of our time and we found strength in dealing with the effects of COVID together. It showed that we are passionate about the bond and sisterhood that Kappa has given us and we are hopeful and optimistic about the future. We are looking forward to what we will continue to accomplish as Kappa women.
==Highlights of 2021==
It is unequivocal that the Delta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma has unprecedentedly experienced a change within 2021 that has holistically affected our members. Yet, we have persisted through the tedious challenges of life and continued in our ambitions to celebrate the formation of the lifelong sisterhood that bonds every single one of us. The dedication of our members, especially those on Chapter Council, cannot go unnoticed in the events and goals that have been accomplished this year. We have continued to implement the defining rituals and traditions in all of our efforts, whether that be visible in our formal chapter meetings, recruitment, virtual pledge pinning, and initiation ceremonies, or Founders Day Brunch. Despite the many challenges we have faced this year, we have continued to grow and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood within the chapter. Each member of Delta Lambda never fails to show what it is to be a true Kappa woman, and that is visible every day in our unity, strength, and endless dedication to the chapter and its efforts
Delta Lambda has continued to support two local organizations, Opening Minds Through Art and Booker T. Washington. As a chapter, we have decided to serve and support these two philanthropies because it is critical to give back to our community, despite COVID-19 hindering the ability to participate in serving these two organizations in-person.
Whether that be through writing and decorating cards to send to nursing home patients with dementia through OMA, or hosting a successful Kappa Dog Night following COVID guidelines and safety procedures, Delta Lambda, as a whole, has persisted in its efforts to support Kappa’s philanthropy no matter the significant impacts we have faced due to COVID-19.
This year, Delta Lambda adopted a new national organization to philanthropically support. The JED Foundation is a non-profit organization that encourages and protects mental health and suicide prevention for teenagers and young adults by providing the resources and skills they need to strengthen themselves and continue to thrive healthily. Our annual Kappa Klassic golf tournament was dedicated to promoting and supporting the JED Foundation by donating all proceeds made from the event.
Within the past year, Delta Lambda has prioritized the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programming. We began this process by adding a DEI officer to our Chapter Council in 2020. Through chapter training events, such as cultural appropriation presentations and proper social media usage, we have continued to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion and educate chapter members on the importance of these initiatives.
The beginning of 2021 was still a time of virtual trial and error, and the spring semester of your school year was heavily operated on virtually-held events and activities and chapter and formal chapter meetings. Though recruitment, pledge pinning, and initiation were all virtually held, Delta Lambda prioritized the history of Kappa through all events and expanded the connection of sisterhood to more members. We were able to host a number of virtual sisterhood events to encourage chapter-wide participation to include and familiarize the new member class of 2021. Fun and memorable events, such as bid day and big/little reveal, were all held virtually, but still contained the strong Kappa spirit at all times. We were still able to host social events consistent with Kappa and school COVID safety guidelines, as well as philanthropy events, such as our Kappa Dog Night.
The latter half of 2021 within our fall semester school year was a fortunate transition from virtual to in-person programming. Chapter and formal chapter meetings were held in-person while members were required to wear masks and socially distance throughout the entirety of the meeting. Our annual philanthropy event, Kappa Klassic, was able to be hosted in-person at a local golf course, as well as our Founders Day Brunch operated in-person this year. Similarly, with our social events, we have been able to operate them successfully in-person, still coinciding with local mask and social distancing ordinances.