Difference between revisions of "Delta Sigma"

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Revision as of 14:22, 14 July 2016

 

Delta Sigma
ΔΣ
Delta Sigma.jpg
FoundedApril 12, 1947 (1947-04-12) (76 years ago)
CollegeOklahoma State University
LocationStillwater, OK
HomepageDelta Sigma Homepage
Media related to Delta Sigma Chapter

Oklahoma State University (formerly Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College) established in 1890, Stillwater, Oklahoma


Delta Sigma founded on April 12, 1947


2,762 initiates (as of June 2016)


Charter Members: Sheila Thomas Alexander, Betty Lou Bailey, Shirley Gay Dufford, Patricia Ann Flikkema, Sallie Lou Fowler, Donna Marilyn Gordon, Mac Leone Hefton, Shirley Annette Kyle, Mary Joe McCullough, Virginia Lee Mock, Barbara Lee Moyse, Suzanne Payne, Mary Frances Purvis, Mildred Freeman Robinson, Salley Jean Sale.


Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:


Fraternity Council Officers:


Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:

Linda Price Patton, 2014


Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:


Additional Outstanding Delta Sigma Alumnae:

The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)

The movement to establish a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, later Oklahoma State University, was instigated by Jessa DeFoliart (Scott), Gamma Nu- Arkansas, and Melba Errebo (Cordell), Alpha- Monmouth. These two had enrolled at Oklahoma A and M and roomed together, but they missed the chapter life they had enjoyed, and so wrote to Kappa Headquarters about the possibility of establishing a chapter.

In 1946 Eleanore Goodridge Campbell, Beta Mu- Colorado, came to Stillwater to organize an alumnae club. Eliza Gaffney Leachmen, Beta Theta- Oklahoma, was elected the first president.

The Key for October, 1946, announced "a trio of potential chapters" at Tulsa, Stillwater, and Oxford, Mississippi. That fall Graduate Counselors Marjorie Cross (Bird), Beta Mu- Colorado, and H. Stuart Smith (Asquith), Gamma Iota- Washington University, were sent to Stillwater to start the colonizing process.

Membership for the colony was delayed until the established groups on campus had ended formal rush. When the Delta Sigma Colony enrolled its first members, 15 choice girls were pledged without compromising quality for numbers. Counselors were sent to work with the chapter for several years and the success of the chapter is due, in great part, to their work.

Installation took place in April 11 and 12, 1947, with Director of Alumnae Helena Flinn Ege, Gamma Sigma- Pittsburgh, as installing officer. The Fireside service was at the Kappa Sigma house; installation at the YWCA; and the banquet in Willard Hall. Beta Theta, University of Oklahoma, was the installing chapter. Sunday afternoon a reception for more than 500 invited guests was given at the Kappa Alpha Theta house and it seemed to the hostesses that at least 500 attended.

It had been recognized from the start that housing for a colonized chapter with two active members would pose a problem. The colony members lived in a dormitory and, thanks to Fred G. Drummond (president of the Board of Regents, and husband, later to be a father and grandfather of Kappas) they were able to occupy a complete floor of North Murray Hall and have their own hostess.

Lots were purchased in January, 1947, at the corner of Lincoln and College Avenues. Herbert and Frances Sutton Schmitz, Beta Delta- Michigan, were appointed to draw up plans for an attractive, but cheap, house for 45 girls...a difficult assignment. Two of the existing houses on the lots were sold and a third was converted into a lodge, attractively furnished. There the girls met and the two colonizers and a hostess lived. This house was torn down when construction started in 1948. During that school year the girls lived in a crowded rented house on Ramsey Street. When the girls moved in the fall of 1949, the new chapter house seemed immense and luxurious. However, the house, designed for 45 girls, was holding 65 in the 1960s with other members very unhappy about not being able to live in it. The house could not be enlarged because new city building codes required adequate parking space.

In 1965 this house was sold to the new Phi Gamma Delta chapter. Lots were purchased at the corner of Lincoln and Fourth Avenues. Gwendolyn Barnes Uzzell, Gamma Nu- University of Arkansas, was chairman of the house Building Committee and the Schmitzes were again the architects. Mrs. Uzzell was liasion person for more than two years, and seemed to devote every free minute to the project. Delta Sigma's Martha Puckett Miller accepted the responsibility of raising funds for furnishings and had moderately good results from three mailings to her up-dated alumnae file.

Delta Sigma moved into the new house in March, 1968.

Members of the local alumnae group have nearly all served as advisers, some almost continuously. Martha Miller; Eliza Leachman; "Gwen" Uzzell; Gladys Sullivant McGaugh, Gamma Nu- Arkansas; Jean Clark Berry, Beta Theta- Oklahoma; Shirley Love Murphy, Beta Theta- Oklahoma; and Delta Sigmas Althea Jacobson Wright, Ruby Eager Moore, Alice Cudd Bauter, Merna Jo Hart Robinson, Nancy Hamra Patton, and Alice Davis Waughtal have been especially loyal. These same women have served on the house board and been officers in the alumnae club.

There are good reasons for Delta Sigma's outstanding reputation at Oklahoma State. The Fraternity made special concessions to the needs, financial and otherwise, of the chapter. The high regard in which Beta Theta at the University of Oklahoma and other chapters in surrounding states have long been held has reflected favorably upon Delta Sigma.

Delta Sigma members served often as student government representatives and as presidents and vice presidents of Angel Flight, Blades, and Mortar Board, Many are members of honoraries.

The chapter has won the Zelma Patchin award as "outstanding sorority on campus" five times, and has received or been runner-up for the scholarship cup at least 10 times. During the 1950s, Delta Sigma won or took second place at the Varsity Review Show, judging campus talent. There have been numerous yearbook beauty queens, queens of fraternity dances, Who's Who selections, and "Top Student" choices from the chapter members.

Probably the best-remembered member of Delta Sigma is the late Mary Ann Stewart, who was killed in a plane accident the year after her graduation. She won numerous awards and honors on campus, and was president of the chapter in 1962-63. A scholarship providing money for fees to a deserving student was established in her honor. Mary Ann's younger sister, Nancy, was an outstanding accounting student, served as treasurer when the move was made into the new house, and was president of the chapter in 1969-1970.

Highlights of 2012

Our spring semester started off great with a third place in Varsity Review with the men of Farmhouse. The theme was 'Where the Wild Things Are.' We participated in many of the spring philanthropies including Lambda Chi pledge pagaent, Sigma Chi's Derby Days, Kappa Sigma's Krazy Dayz, Greek Week and Relay for Life. Our chapter president attended Kappa National Convention, and the Delta Sigma chapter was awarded Most Improved chapter. We teamed up with Stillwater Elementary School, and a group of Kappas read to the children every Friday to support Reading is Fundamental. We also hosted legacy night; a night in which active members entertained upcoming Kappa legacies. The recruitment team did a great job planning this night including a fashion show, snacks and games. Legacy night was followed with Greek Discovery Day where Kappa participated in a mock recruitment for Potential New Members. Also, Kappa held the annual Mom's Day celebration. Kappas and their mothers attended a tea party brunch and a silent auction. We ended the semester with the Blue and Blue date party. It was a fun night of dancing and Kappa's dressing up in their favorite dark blue and light blue clothing. We also paired with the women of Pi Beta Phi and Kappa Alpha Theta for our PTK date party. It was a hippie-themed date party.

The fall semester began with work week in the last week of July and continued into formal recruitment. During recruitment, we decorated sacks and filled them with goodies for children participating in a run for Juvenile Diabetes in Oklahoma City. On bid day, we welcomed 62 new members. We also welcomed back 9 recruitment counselors from Kappa Kappa Gamma. Our dad's day chairmen did an excellent job of planning and executing dad's day. On this day, Kappas and their dads participated in an early lunch and silent auction before attending an Oklahoma State football game.

In October, we initated 62 new members following Inspiration Week. Following that week, Kappa participated in America's Greatest Homecoming where we paired with the men of Sigma Chi. Our house decoration was titled "Traditions," inspired by all of the traditions of Oklahoma State University. Also in October, we held our annual Founder's Day dinner, which honored our founders and the date of Kappa's establishment. Kappa held the annual philanthropy, Kappa Con Queso, to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Before the big night, numerous local busineses agreed to donate a small portion of each sale to our philanthropy. On the night of Kappa Con Queso, members fed mexican food to the OSU community. Kappa raised $10,000 for our philanthropy. We ended the month of November with the Monmouth duo formal date party with the women of Pi Beta Phi. The freshman did an excellent job in Freshman Follies this year with the men of Sigma Nu. They placed 4th overall with the theme of 'Tarzan.'

One of our biggest accomplishments was reaching the All Sorority Average after not reaching it for nine straight semesters. Overall, the entire year was filled with great accomplishments, and we were delighted with the successes of our chapter. This includes all the support and involvement from our House Board, Parent's Club, and especially our Advisory Board.

Oklahoma State University continues to be nationally recognized as one of the best universities in the Big 12. Oklahoma State hosts five campuses and currently has approximately 35,000 undergraduate students enrolled. Renovations took place in the Student Union and on Monroe Street throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

Members of Delta Sigma are involved in a wide variety of organizations and committees on campus including academic clubs, sports and event committees. Several Kappas were key players in starting the first Dance Marathon event on Oklahoma State's campus. Nine members were selected as recruitment counselors during fall recruitment. New Members were eager to participate and represented Kappa in Freshman Representative Council, Junior Greek Life, Orange Pride and many other philanthropic committees. Members who participated in sports including soccer and cheerleading. In many areas of campus Kappas show their talents and provide leadership to support Oklahoma State's organizations.

Highlights of 2013

2013 was a big year for the Delta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. To start off the year we participated in an all-Greek show at Oklahoma State called Varsity Revue. We were paired with the men of Sigma Chi and used the theme The Grinch. The cast took home fourth place after 3 incredible shows and months of hard work.

Kappa was lucky to welcome 9 new initiates in April to the Delta Sigma chapter after participating in Continuous Open Recruitment. Women of the fraternity participated in many different campus wide events; including continuing the tradition of Dance Marathon that was started on the Oklahoma State campus by a Kappa two years ago.

Along with staying involved on campus, Kappas also did different events off of campus including supporting our philanthropy Reading is Fundamental by going to the local elementary school and reading them books and also donating books. Spring sing was another show that Kappa was heavily dedicated to in the spring of 2013 semester with the men of Farmhouse. We were lucky enough to win best vocals, best choreography, best song choice and placed second in the overall show.

We continued our hard work through the summer and had a successful recruitment giving out 59 bids, all of which were accepted. Our new member program was a success. The chapter was ready and excited to welcome them into our sisterhood on October 5th. Two weeks later was Oklahoma States homecoming, the largest homecoming in the nation. After several months of dedication, all of our hard work paid off when we got 1st in a community service carnival called harvest carnival, second in the sign competition and overall got third.

Kappa Con Queso was a huge success in 2013 when we raised around 10,000 for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which was one of the largest amounts we have ever raised. This was a combination of different fundraisers and the event itself. We ended the year with a sisterhood event decorating cookies to take some stress before our finals began. This was a great way to bond with all of us together in one place.

We finished the semester strong with an overall chapter GPA of 3.349, which was above all sorority average. Also, last year we received outstanding standards awards and relations between house boards.

Our chapter strives to become more involved on campus and have been working hard to keep good relations with Panhellenic. We are a close chapter where everyone is friends with each other. It was announced that Alpha Xi Delta would be joining our Greek community in the upcoming years. During rush in 2013 some correspondents for the sorority came to oversee how Oklahoma State does recruitment. They were excited to become part of this campus and we look forward to welcoming them in the near future.

Highlights of 2014

The Delta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had a very successful 2014 year. To kick the year off we participated in an all-Greek show at Oklahoma State called Varsity Revue. We were paired with the men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and the cast took home the Most Philanthropic Cast Award. The women in the fraternity participate in many different events on campus and are apart of many clubs. At Oklahoma State there is a continuous tradition of numerous Kappas being apart of Dance Marathon, since it was started on campus by a Kappa three years ago. To give back to the community by supporting our philanthropy Reading is Fundamental, Kappas visited the local elementary school to read books to children and to also donate books to the school. One other all-Greek show that Kappa participated in was Spring Sing with the men of Sigma Chi. During Spring Sing, we received the Most Entertaining Cast Award. Delta Sigma was recognized at National Convention this summer by receiving the award Most Improved Academic Excellence and honorable mentioned for Risk Management and House Board Relations.

After returning from summer break our success and hard work paid off by having such a rewarding recruitment. 59 bids were given out, and all were accepted. Our new member program is very helpful and a great asset to the women who were excited to call Kappa their new home. The chapter welcome these 59 new members into our sisterhood on October 18th.

Oklahoma State's homecoming was just around the corner, which is the largest homecoming in the nation. Kappa Kappa Gamma was paired with the men of Lambda Chi Alpha. After several months of hard work and dedication, we had a very rewarding and successful homecoming. All of our hard work paid off when we placed third in the sign competition, third in a community service project called harvest carnival, third in a flag football game called football frenzy, and second in house decoration. By placing high in all of those events and taking home many trophies, we received first in homecoming sweepstakes over the rest of the Greek community. Kappa has not won homecoming sweepstakes in in the last 15 years, so this was a great accomplishment by the sisters in our chapter.

Our philanthropy event, Kappa Con Queso was a big success raising around $10,000 for JDRF. This amount keeps increasing every year that we do Kappa Con Queso at Oklahoma State. There were numerous events that helped to reach the $10,000 mark, and Kappa Con Queso was the main event. This past year, three of our sisters have held a position on Panhellenic Executive council, this is such a high honor at Oklahoma State. To finish up the year, we had a sisterhood event to decorate Christmas cookies and we went to purchase gifts for a local angel tree project. The women of Delta Sigma finished the semester with a 3.34 GPA, which was above the all sorority average. 2014 was such a great year for the Delta Sigma chapter and we are looking forward to seeing what 2015 holds for our sisterhood.

Delta Sigma strives to get involved on campus in many clubs and activities, and to keep good relations with Panhellenic. At Oklahoma State, Delta Sigma holds a close relationship with everyone that is on campus. With Alpha Xi Delta being new on campus and participating in formal recruitment for the first time, a couple of recruitment officers from their chapter came to oversee how we practiced for formal recruitment. During the year of 2014, a member of another chapter passed away in an accident. Delta Sigma and the men of Delta Kappa Epsilon hosted a benefit cookout, and all the money that was raised was donated to a scholarship fund in her name.

The Delta Sigma chapter at Oklahoma State has been on campus since April 12, 1947. Our house has moved locations twice, we currently reside at 1212 W. 4th Ave in Stillwater, OK. All of our members have had the chance to live together in our chapter house during their years at Oklahoma State. The Kappa house is chapter owned. The house the we all call home is three stories tall and will house 90 women.


Highlights of 2015

The Delta Sigma chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had a very successful 2015-year. To kick the year off we participated in an all-Greek show at Oklahoma State called Varsity Revue. We were paired with the men of Alpha Tau Omega, and the cast took home the Most Philanthropic Cast Award, Best Theme Award, and received 4th place in the show. The women in the fraternity participate in many different events on campus and are apart of many clubs. At Oklahoma State there is a continuous tradition of numerous Kappas being apart of Dance Marathon and holding positions on the executive team, since it was started on campus by a Kappa six years ago. To give back to the community by supporting our philanthropy Reading is Fundamental, Kappas visited local elementary schools reading books to children, and donating books. There was a total of 350 books donated to local elementary schools. During the spring the women of Delta Sigma participated in the Oklahoma State University Relay for Life, where the Delta Sigma chapter received the Highest Fundraising Award and the Best T-Shirt Design Award. One other all-Greek show that Kappa participated in was Spring Sing with the men of Kappa Sigma. For the second annual philanthropy event between the women of Kappa and the men of Delta Kappa Epsilon there was $5,000 raised for Make Promises Happen. Make Promises Happen is a camp that provides outdoor recreational opportunities for individuals that have special needs. After returning from summer break our success and hard work paid off by having such a rewarding recruitment. 62 bids were given out, and all were accepted. Our new member program is very helpful and a great asset to the women who were excited to call Kappa their new home. The chapter welcomed these 62 new members into our sisterhood on October 3rd. Oklahoma State's homecoming was just around the corner, which is the largest homecoming in the nation. Kappa Kappa Gamma was paired with the men of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After several months of hard work and dedication, we had a very rewarding and successful homecoming. All of our hard work paid off when we placed second in house decoration and fourth in football frenzy. This past year the women of Delta Sigma were paired with the men on Alpha Tau Omega to compete in an all-Greek house showing called Freshman Follies where only the freshman women and men from the chapters participate. Our philanthropy event, Kappa Con Queso was a big success raising around $11,000 for the Stillwater Medical Center Foundation, JDRF, RIF, and the Kappa Foundation. This amount keeps increasing every year that we do Kappa Con Queso at Oklahoma State. There were numerous benefit nights at restaurants and donations received helped the chapter reach the $11,000 mark, and Kappa Con Queso was the main event. This past year, two of our sisters have held a position on Panhellenic Exectuive council, and two more just got elected to serve for the Spring 2016-Fall 2016 semester. For 3 years in a row, Kappa has been represented on Panhellenic Council and that is such a high honor at Oklahoma State. During this past semester there were 5 Delta Sigma members initiated into Order of Omega and one freshman named to top 10 freshman men and women. These are incredible honors and we are thrilled to have Delta Sigma women be apart of it. The women of Delta Sigma paired with the men of Farmhouse to compete in the all-Greek showing called Varsity Revue. To finish up the year, we had a Christmas event with the men of Kappa Sigma to sponsor purchasing gifts for the local children involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The women of Delta Sigma finished the Spring semester with a 3.41 GPA, which was above the all sorority average. 2015 was such a great year for the Delta Sigma chapter and we are looking forward to seeing what 2016 holds for our sisterhood.

The Delta Sigma chapter is one of the most highly respected chapters on campus with close relationships with every chapter on campus. The Delta Sigma chapter is always willing to go above and beyond for other chapters in time of need. This past semester Panhellenic paired sororities up with each other to make “sister sororities” Alpha Chi Omega was our sister sorority for the fall semester. By being sister sororities we attended their philanthropy event and even hosted a special defense class for both chapters. In the Fall of 2015, the Oklahoma State University and the community of Stillwater, Oklahoma experienced a tragedy that affected everyone in the town. With this tragedy, the Delta Sigma chapter reached out to those in the community that were involved. The women of Kappa Kappa Gamma attended a vigil lighting ceremony for those who lost their lives during the crash. The tragedy did not just affect the town, but the university also.

Chapter Philanthropy:

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

Relay for Life, Kasey Waychoff Foundation, Stillwater Medical Center Foundation, Dance Marathon, Into the Streets, Big Event, Make Promises Happen, Up Till Dawn, Stillwater Food Bank, Reading is Fundamental, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Kappa Foundation.

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

The Delta Sigma chapter has raised money for these events / donated hours of service to the community for the members are very dedicated to serving others. This year for our annual Kappa Con Queso, a portion of the money went to the Stillwater Medical Center Foundation to help reduce the costs of hospital bills incurred by individuals from the accident. The Delta Sigma chapter felt as if this would be a great benefit for the community or for those individuals in their time of need. Each year there are members that dedicate their self to spending numerous hours serving to the Stillwater Food Bank, Up Till Dawn, and Dance Marathon. These are just a couple of the outreach activities that the chapter makes to help serve the community. With cancer being a prevalent disease in many individuals, some of the members and their families have personally been impacted by cancer and that is why we chose to set up a team for Relay for Life.