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Epsilon Zeta
EZ
Founded	December 9, 1961 (1961-12-09) (62 years ago)
College	Florida State University
Location	Tallahassee, FL
Homepage	http://www.kappa.org
Media related to Epsilon Zeta Chapter

Florida State University established in 1851

Epsilon Zeta founded in 1961

____ initiates (as of 2011)

Some of Chapter’s Outstanding Alumnae:

Fraternity Council Members:

Susannah Erck Howard, Fraternity Treasurer, 1988-1992

Fraternity Loyalty Award:

Susannah Erck Howard, 2006

Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:

Early Years:

This is the tale of a remarkable but little-known event, the story of the coming of the Greek maidens of Kappa Kappa Gamma to the Land of Flowers, on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

At the southern tip of the Appalachian Plateau lies an area long a crossroad for nomadic tribes of Indians, hunters and fisherman. The now-extinct Apalachee Indians founded a community there; later Creeks and Seminoles replaced them. The place was called Tallahassee, (“Old Town” or “Old Fields”). For centuries the people lived undisturbed. Then came the conquistadors searching for gold and the fountain of youth. They named the area Florida, (“Land of Flowers”). De Soto’s band, wintering in Tallahassee, is thought to have celebrated the first American Christmas there, in 1539.

The priests of San Luis Mission, one of the chain built by the Spaniards, lived in peace with the Indians. The mission was destroyed by the English in 1704 as bitter rivalry developed. Americans fought for and received independence; there were Indian uprisings. Ultimately most of the southeastern tribes were moved west in the infamous “Trail of Tears.”

Tallahassee became a frontier town, named state capital in 1824. In 1851 a school, the West Florida Seminary, was established. Within a few years the seminary cadets, with the old men of the town, marched down to Natural Bridge to “whip the Yankees”---Tallahassee was the only capital not captured east of the Mississippi.

After the war, the seminary, succumbing to charges of sex discrimination, opened a separate female department. The University of Florida for men was developed in Gainesville, and in 1909 the school in Tallahassee became Florida State College for Women. A number of sororities sprang up there, but not Kappa Kappa Gamma.

Following World War I, the automobile came into wide use and life became more entertaining for the southern belles, with the lively traffic pattern which developed between Tallahassee and Gainesville. However, the young ladies still wore hats and gloves and were allowed in downtown Tallahassee in groups only. All social events were chaperoned.

World War II brought an abrupt halt to the good times with “the boys from Old Florida.” Gas rationing and the departure of me from campus resulted in “not enough to go around.” A brighter day dawned with the reactivation of Dale Mabry Field as an air base, right on the edge of Tallahassee. After World War II, returning G.I.s filled the University of Florida to overflowing, and the Florida legislature ordered the Gainesville school to be coeducational. This brought men to the College for Women campus… men!

Meanwhile, a “small but enthusiastic” group of Kappas from other campuses had periodically urged the Fraternity to consider a Tallahassee chapter. The break-through came with the arrival of coeducation there, in 1947. Kappa officers, headed by Fraternity President Eleanor Goodridge Campbell, Colorado, traveled to Winter Park, supposedly to considering a third Florida chapter.

Indications pointed to Gainesville, but enthusiastic Tallahassee alumnae contacted the officers, and Louise Barbeck Little, Southern Methodist, Director of Chapters, was sent to look over the situation. By changing her flight reservation to come to Tallahassee she escaped her original plane, which crashed in the Gulf, killing everyone on board.

The local Kappa alumnae went into action with unprecedented zeal. Up to now, their biggest moment in history had been a joint picnic with the Gainesville Alumnae Club, scheduled in a state park half way between the two towns. Unfortunately, no one had specified which state park—there were two, on two separate roads—and each group went to a different park, waiting without result for the other, ate the picnic chicken and returned home.

Now, concerted action was called for, and the small group acted. Appointments were scheduled, notably one with the university president and the dean of women who became staunch supporters. Forces were combined to make “Lou’s visitation” memorable. It was, and it resulted in such Kappa Kohesiveness that it has been oft-used as an example of “What Kappa means to me—Before and After.” The visit was an unqualified success and Florida State University was designated as focus for the new Florida chapter after Kappa was officially invited by the more than enthusiastic Florida State administration.

From then on it was “total involvement.” Martha Walker Puri and Martha Lee Boone Kuersteiner literally walked all the blocks around the university looking for a location for a Kappa house—they wound up with a grocery! In the fall of 1960 the Fraternity laid the foundations for the new chapter; in February, 1961, actives from the Rollins and Alabama chapters arrived to rush for the new colony, and on February 21, 25 girls were pledged. Parties and meetings were held in Florida State University’s Longmire Lounge and talk centered around the house which was to be built on the site of the old College Park Grocery Store. Groundbreaking was held under a tremendous live oak on a chilly hill November 19, 1961. The beautiful, pillared colonial house was ready for occupancy by fall 1962.

For every chapter everything that happens in the beginning is an exciting first. For the Tallahassee Alumnae Club, nothing will ever equal the excitement of securing and starting Epsilon Zeta. For the actives, to whom the events of college days are the important events, and to the archivist, other firsts are significant.

Remembrances include the first rush, the first Kappa Key Man, Karl Kuersteiner, the Kappa husband and Florida State University dean, who had called “Goodie” Campbell, and negotiated for the purchase of the lot; the first student senator; first members of Sophomore Council; the first junior councilor; first Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa initiates; the first “Best Dressed Girl” the first “Calendar Girl,” first Kappas in Florida State University Circus; the first Kappa on Greek Goddess Court; and the first Kappa Sun Goddess at St. Petersburg, Fla.

Very special firsts for the chapter were graduate counselors Margaret (Maggie) Miller (Brucker), Drake, and Karen Haun (Barlow) Texas, who lived off campus in those “early days,” but were vital trouble shooters. They got the chapter on its feet, and Maggie stayed long enough to marry a Florida State professor.

Through the years since colonization there have been many firsts, some happy, some sad, some funny. As Lou Barbeck said on her first visit, “Starting a chapter is a rough, rocky road” The “Old Faithful” of the Tallahassee alumnae are still “in there pitching,” along with many new members. They found in working together the larger, lifetime experience that Fraternity had to offer. Their cooperation was a real tribute to fraternity.

Probably the rockiest problem on Epsilon Zeta’s road was the fact that all the other sororities were already so strongly entrenched on this campus—40 or more years before Kappa. Florida was peopled in its southern area by northern families who knew Kappa, and in the central section by those who were Kappa-oriented through Rollins and the University of Miami. But in the northern Panhandle, from which Florida State University drew most of its students, Kappa was new. Epsilon Zeta had pioneered and was particularly proud of having familiarized Northern Florida with the fleur-de-lis—and getting “cream of the crop” girls in spite of such long-standing opposition.

The Kappa alumnae in Tallahassee were proud of the Fraternity organization which stood behind them, grateful to the alumnae of 50+ years ago whose dedication promoted the effort, and to those whose added effort made this fine chapter, with its helpful house directors, a reality. Florida State Kappas are happy with the tale of how the Greek maidens of KK made a new, good life and became recognized as leaders in the “high and lovely hills” of Tallahassee, where once Indians lived.

The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.

Highlights of the 1980s

The 80s were a busy time for Epsilon Zeta Chapter. From Rush to philanthropies and socials, there always seemed to be something going on. In addition there were intramurals and visits from Fraternity officials.

Between the years 1980 to 1984 Florida State's football team played Auburn's football team where the War Chant started in 1984 during the Auburn game. Also during this game the Tomahawk chop started and Kappa's actively participated. The chapter had traditional events during football season such as Parent’s Weekend, Homecoming and Founders Day which was celebrated with local alumnae.

The 1984 pledge was named the best by Rho Lambda and the 1985 Rush theme “We’re Greek and Lovin It” won the Panhellenic contest for themes. The chapter had difficulty making quota for several years in a row so the women started a campaign to improve the results. They set a goal of meeting 75% of quota which was achieved in 1989.

The chapter participated in the many philanthropies sponsored by other Greek organization on campus. The women also participated in many socials with campus fraternities. Some of the activities included Greek Week, Sapphire Ball, Kappa Kidnap, Hayride, Monmouth Duo and Homecoming. The chapter won first place over all for Homecoming in 1985 paired with Delta Tau Delta and Delta Chi. The chapter won several Intramural championships during this decade.

The chapter was given a warning of probation in the 80s. They received a visit from Jean Hess Well, Georgia, Fraternity Ritualist. She attended spring initiation and gave the chapter a new perspective on ritual. The following year the Fraternity Scholarship Chairman visited the chapter and worked diligently with Chapter Council. She was a tremendous asset to the chapter and her fresh insight helped the chapter grow and improve its G.P.A.

The chapter held a variety of sisterhood events. These included Kappa Kickback, movie nights, Kappa Kuisine Nights, and a family picnic. This enabled the women to get to know each other better and have fun together.

Women were involved in other activities such as student government, student senate and various other organizations around campus. They were also involved in honor societies such as Gold Key, Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Eta Sigma to name a few.

The University’s Panhellenic won second place for Rush at the National Panhellenic Conference in 1989. The same year the chapter won an award for most improved scholarship at the Mu Province meeting.

While attitudes towards the Greek system were favorable with increasing numbers of students joining Greek organizations the university enrollment declined due to a decline in financial assistance and an increase in admissions requirements. The Greek system remained strong with 16 Sororities and 21 Fraternities. Sigma Delta Tau joined the Greek community at FSU in 1989 while sadly Sigma Chi and Chi Phi were removed from campus.

The main floor of the house was redecorated in 1985. The dining room and foyer received new parquet wood floors. Everything was repainted and new wall paper was installed. In addition, the living rooms received new carpet. Epsilon Zeta was ready to move into the 90s!

Highlights of the 1990s

Admission standards continued to increase at Florid State University in the 90s making it more difficult to gain admission. In spite of this, the Greek system continued to thrive. However, Sigma Sigma Sigma left campus while Delta Zeta built a huge new house. Through a lot of hard work, the chapter was removed from its warning of probation.

The chapter continued to participate in philanthropies to support fellow Greek organizations’ efforts. It also held many socials with fraternities. Some of the chapter activities included Kappa Kidnap, Hayride, Kappa Krush, Greek Week, Monmouth Duo and Founders Day. In 1997 Dance Marathon was started. This was a fund raiser for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Founders Day brought the pledges, sisters and alumnae together to share Kappa’s history. A chapter colonizer attended one year! Another year there was a 50-year pin awarded to an alumna. The women continued to excel on campus in athletic, academic and philanthropic events. They worked hard and usually finished at or near the top in intramural activities.

In 1990 the chapter made quota in Rush. More and more chapter women became involved in campus and community activities strengthening chapter bonds with the public. This interaction with the community enabled the women to see the pride and culture of Tallahassee. An Epsilon Zeta member was named Greek Woman of the Year for 19 94. The chapter continued to have successful rushes throughout this decade.

Scholarship improved with the chapter placing first in 1994. Academically the chapter stayed above the Panhellenic all sorority G.P.A. Many of the women were inducted into the various honor societies on campus.

In 1997 EZ was a pilot for the New Member Program. This brought changes that were an adjustment for the chapter but they were ready when it was time for new members. Other changes around the house included new paint inside and out, new carpet and new decorations. The chapter worked on improving their knowledge of ritual. They promoted Strive for Pi! through rewards for those who achieved Pi and helped those who needed to improve academically.

In 1998 the chapter was third in scholarship. They held the first Kappa Klimb which was a rock climbing event as a benefit for the Rose McGill Fund. The chapter placed second on campus for the New Member Program. The pledge class ranked sixth in scholarship that year. The chapter revived its newsletter, the Kappa Kourier.

Highlights of 2000-2010

The millennial years often began with a week of events such as watching movies and playing board games which resulted in new members joining the chapter. Initiation was held jointly with the Eta Eta Chapter at University of Central Florida in 2006. Formal Recruitment was held in August in the steamy hot often rainy weather in Tallahassee. Each year the size of the new member class increased in size which was been great for the chapter. We also had women serve as Rho Gammas, a person who leads the girls through rush and encourages them to continue with the process while keeping their house a secret.

While the chapter participated in the many campus-wide philanthropies which included Dance Marathon where many of the women danced for 32-hours straight, and many others were involved on the Dance Marathon Committee. Dance Marathon raised funds for the Children's Miracle Network. Another prominent philanthropy in which the women participated on campus was Relay for Life, which was founded on Florida State University's campus by an Epsilon Zeta Kappa. The chapter often placed in the top or won this competition. Epsilon Zeta began its own philanthropic events with its first annual Kappa Klassic to raise money for Reading Is Fundamental, Kappa Kombat which is a laser tag tournament between the fraternities and the Kappa Krawfish Boil. All of these philanthropy events were huge successes.

Founders Day is celebrated in October. Local alumnae were invited to the Kappa house where history of the Fraternity and the chapter were shared and refreshments were served. Homecoming and Parent’s Weekend were other big events celebrated each fall semester.

The chapter had continued to improve its G.P.A. It implemented probation for those women whose G.P.A. fell below a 2.5 and the members are required to meet weekly with a member of the academic excellence committee. The chapter exceeded the Panhellenic Goal of a 3.14 G.P.A. by achieving a 3.17 G.P.A. and received recognition in doing so. Thirty-six members were on the Dean's List (3.5 G.P.A.), and eight women were on the President's List, 4.0 G.P.A. in 2006.

During the summers improvements were made to the chapter house. The columns were replaced to improve the structure of the house as well as refinished, the floors were refinished and painting inside and out. The formal and informal living rooms were updated as well.

FSU's Panhellenic Organization decided to expand and welcome the 16th sorority on campus, Alpha Phi which had a very successful recruitment and has continued to grow along with the other sororities on campus. Future expansion has been planned.

Highlights of 2011-2019 (Information from chapter history reports, scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)

Philanthropy:

Housing:

Convention Awards:

Highlights of the 2020s (Information from chapter history reports, scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.)

Philanthropy:

Housing:

Convention Awards:

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 a complete and accurate history of your chapter for future generations to enjoy!