Difference between revisions of "Eta Iota"
(→Highlights of 2017) |
|||
| Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
| − | ''' | + | '''600 initiates (as of June 2018)''' |
Revision as of 21:40, 16 August 2018
| Eta Iota | |
|---|---|
| HI | |
 | |
| Founded | April 2, 2005 |
| College | Creighton University |
| Location | Omaha, NE |
| Homepage | Eta Iota Homepage |
| Media related to Eta Iota Chapter | |
Eta Iota, Creighton University, established in 1878 in Omaha, Nebraska
Chapter Founded April 2, 2005
600 initiates (as of June 2018)
Some of Eta Iota’s Outstanding Alumnae: (If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.)
Fraternity Council Officers: Leadership Consultant Tara Singhal 2008-2009; Leadership Consultant Sarah Roszhart 2010-2011
Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:
Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:
Contents
- 1 The Early Years
- 2 The First Year (From The Key, spring 2005)
- 3 Highlights of 2000-2010
- 4 Highlights of 2011-2019
- 5 Highlights of 2011
- 6 Highlights of 2012
- 7 Highlights of 2013
- 8 Highlights of 2014
- 9 Highlights of 2015
- 10 Highlights of 2016
- 11 Highlights of 2017
- 12 Highlights of 2018
- 13 Highlights of 2020s:
The Early Years
Edward Creighton, born in Ohio in 1820, was a successful businessman before he moved to Omaha in 1856. In addition to his significant role in developing the transcontinental telegraph line, Edward figured prominently in cattle ranching, banking and freight operations. When he died in November 1874 without a will, his fortune passed to his wife, Mary Lucretia Creighton.
Mary Lucretia Creighton was known for her charitable work; Mary personally delivered food, money and other items to needy Omaha families. After her death in 1876, Mary’s will — drafted after inheriting her husband’s wealth — provided $100,000 as a memorial to her late husband “to purchase the site for a school in the city of Omaha, and erect buildings thereon for a school of the class and grade of a college.”
The responsibility of starting a school with Mary Lucretia Creighton’s bequest fell to Bishop James O’Connor, and it was the bishop who enlisted the Society of Jesus to operate Creighton University. Since Fr. Roman Shaffel led five Jesuits (and two lay teachers) to open Creighton in September 1878, Creighton has been home to hundreds of Jesuits. More than 50 Women attended Creighton University as early as 1892, when Kate Drake was part of the first class of the College of Medicine. As members of Creighton’s professional schools and University College, women attended many of the same classes as male undergraduates. However, it was not until fall 1951 that women were allowed to enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The First Year (From The Key, spring 2005)
On April 2, 2005, 44 Creighton University women were initiated as members of the Eta Iota Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. The new members were initiated and the chapter installed by Fraternity President Priscilla Murphy Gerde, Purdue. Katie Rieff, Eta Iota’s first chapter President, was honored to have the Fraternity President pin her badge on her during this memorable occasion.
Assisting in the Installation service were Susie Eynatten Hughes, Missouri, Director of Membership; Joan Cook Cohen, Colorado, Extension Chairman; Stacie Quinn Neely, Idaho, Regional Director of Alumnae; Mary Campbell Ford, West Virginia, Regional Director of Chapters; Jayme Morris-Hardeman, Kansas State, Province Director of Alumnae; and Risa Pierce Flanders, Kansas State, Province Director of Chapters. Carlan Lind Wolfe, Nebraska, served as Eta Iota’s Coordinator of Chapter Development, and Kara Albert, Westminster, served as the Chapter Leadership Consultant.
Sigma, Nebraska, was Eta Iota’s Key Sister Chapter with members of Theta, Missouri; Omicron Deuteron, Simpson; Omega, Kansas; Chi, Minnesota; Beta Zeta, Iowa; Gamma Alpha, Kansas State; Gamma Theta, Drake; Gamma Iota, Washington (St. Louis); Delta Omicron, Iowa State; and Zeta Zeta, Westminster, serving as Key Sisters for the charter members. All those involved in the weekend’s activities provided a warm welcome to the new chapter.
Highlights of 2000-2010
Creighton University is a top ranked Jesuit University with more than 7,000 students of diverse faiths and races from across the United States and 41 countries.
Eta Iota has grown steadily from their initial 44 charter members. The Creighton Greek community has also grown from five to seven NPC members.
Our chapter is full of charming, intelligent young women who enjoy spending time with each other. Some of Kappa's best moments are the Sisterhood retreats we have every semester. These retreats are a great way to bond with the older active members, and can be a lot of fun; Just last year we sported our very own "Kappa Olympics." We also have many social events throughout the year, from date parties and formal dances to sisterhood retreats and study hours. Over half of our chapter is involved in three or more organizations outside of Kappa, and many hold executive positions in those organizations. Kappas are known for their presence at other Greek organizations' philanthropies, and most recently, Eta Iota was recognized for its superb involvement in Relay for Life, an all night event to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Locally, Kappa Kappa Gamma can provide a welcoming “home away from home” for any woman who wants to pursue new avenues, challenge conventional wisdom, and seek a leadership organization whose main goal is the success of each individual member. Members of Kappa Kappa Gamma can support each other and learn about themselves while participating in philanthropic endeavors, social events, academic pursuits, and leadership opportunities
Many philanthropic efforts involved the gift of time, including volunteering at the medical center, teams for Race for the Cure and Relay for Life, KORE groups volunteering at the Hope Center, and Hunger Clean Up. The Chili Feed fundraiser became a regular philanthropic event.
Campus Panhellenic honors for Eta Iota included Scholarship Honorable Mention, Excellence in Recruitment and Campus Involvement, New Member Scholar and New Member of the Year, Kallie Woodward. Eta Iota was recognized at Zeta Province meetings.
Convention Awards
The chapter received received Risk Management Honorable Mention and Excellence in Chapter Management at the Fraternity Biennial Convention.
Highlights of 2011-2019
Highlights of 2011
Formal Recruitment of the Kappa Class, Dinner and a Movie Sisterhood Event, New Officer Installations, Formal Pledging, Sisterhood Retreat at the Zoo, Sin City Date Party, Jazzercize New Member Retreat, Jail and Bail Philanthropy Event with the Greek Community, Reading is Key Philanthropy Event, Anything But Cotton Date Party, Inspiration Week, Sisterhood Event and Big Sister Reveal, Fireside, New Member Sleepover, one Relay for Life Team, Initiation and Brunch, Saphire Ball Formal, Greek Unity Week.
Zeta Province Awards (Risk Management, Chapter Excellence, Honorable Mention for Philanthropy, Honorable Mention for Gracious Living), Composite Picture taken, Kickball for Kids Philanthropy Event, Alumni Spring Banquet, Greek Awards (Risk Management, Honorable Mention Alumni Relations), Senior Night, Greek Lip Sync Contest, Kappa Kooldown Public Relations Event, Continuous Open Bidding Process for Lambda Class, Made Pottery for Bid Day, Formal Pledging, Kappa Kappa Gamma Pajama Date Party, Hollywood Themed Sisterhood Event, Homecoming Week, Leadership Consultant Visit, Kappa Klips Philanthropy, Chili Contest Philanthropy, Appointed Nominaiton Committee, Sail Away With Kappa Date Party, New Member Retreat, Pre-Recruitment Workshops, Founder's Day, Kappa Parent's Day, Reading is Key Philanthropy Event, Breakfast at Tiffany's Semi-Formal, Inspiration Week, Big Sister Reveal, Fireside, New Member Sleepover, Initiation and Brunch, History Night before Chapter, Christmas Card Photo Shoot, Senior Night, Kappa Kissmas Public Relations Event, Weekly Study Hours, Mid-Terms and Finals Study Breaks, New Member Program and Study Hours, Themed Programming Nights, Intramural Teams (Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, and Volleyball)
Campus: Creighton University has approximately 4,000 undergraduate students. There are 6 established Panhellenic Sororities, including Kappa, with Alpha Phi chosen to join at the end of 2011. There are 5 Male Fraternities, with Beta Theta Pi joining the community in Fall 2011. Academically, Creighton is the top ranked Jesuit School in the Midwest. A small campus size allows for a close-knit community where all student organizations support each other.
Chapter: Starting from 44 charter members only 6 years ago it is amazing to see that our chapter has grown so much. Involvement in and out of Kappa makes for a rich diversity in our chapter. Many leaders in and out of council lead us on as we are still changing, adapting, and setting traditions for future Kappas.
Alumna Involvement: Inviting a different adviser or alumn to attend chapter each week with introductions each week. Inviting alumna to help facilitate and answer questions for programming nights. Campus Image and Involvement: Encouraging girls to tell the chapter about upcoming events on campus during the "new business" portion of chapter each week. Selecting girls to make teams for other greek organization's philanthropy events. Making sure girls wear their letters as much as possible, especially on special weeks like Recruitment and Inspiration week and on Wednesdays. Simply by saying hello to sisters when you see them helps as well. Chapter Unity/Sisterhood: Planning more non-mandatory events, like stay in Saturdays. More of an emphasis on planning non-mandotory events between two different classes, that way girls get to meet and become close to all chapter members. Also, making mandatory events more fun by doing things like going to a movie instead of chapter helps girls to hang out and have fun with one another.
Highlights of 2012
Formal Recruitment for Mu Class, Bid Day at Jones Bros., Sisterhood Event, New Officer Installation, Formal Pledging, Sisterhood Retreat at Family Fun Center, Kappa’s Best Dance Crew Date, Party, New Member Retreat, Reading is Key Philanthropy Event, Inspiration Week, Sisterhood Event, Big/Little Sister Reveal,Fireside, New Member Sleepover, Relay for Life Teams, Initiation and Brunch, Sapphire Ball Formal, Greek Unity Week, Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention, Composite Picture Taken, Kickball for Kids, Philanthropy Event, Alumnae Spring Banquet, Greek Awards, Senior Night, Greek Lip Sync Contest,Kappa Kooldown Public Relations Event, Continuous Open Bidding Process for Nu Class, Jones Bros. Pizza Party for Bid Day, Formal Pledging, Tiki Tiki Date Party, Sisterhood Retreat, Homecoming Week,Leadership Consultant Visit, Kappa Kupcakes Philanthropy, Academic Excellence Appointed,Nomination Committee, Kappa Goes to the Kapitol Date Party, New Member Retreat, Pre-Recruitment Workshops, Founder’s Day, Kappa Parent’s Day, Reading is Key Philanthropy Event, Kentucky Derby Semi-Formal, Inspiration Week, Big/Little Sister Reveal, Fireside, New Member Sleepover, Initiation and Brunch, History Night before Chapter, Christmas Card Photo Shoot, New Officer Installations,Kappa Kissmas Public Relations Event, Weekly Tutoring for Girls Inc., Weekly Study Hours, Mid-Terms and Finals Study Breaks, New Member Program and Study Hours, Themed Programming Nights,Intramural Teams (Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, and Volleyball)
Campus: Creighton University has approximately 4,000 undergraduate students. There are 7 established Panhellenic sororities, including Kappa. There are 5 Male Fraternities. Academically, Creighton is the top ranked Jesuit school in the Midwest. A small campus size allows for a close-knit community where all student organizations support each other.
Chapter: Starting from 44 charter members only 7 years ago, it is amazing to see that our chapter has grown to 105 active members. Involvement in and out of Kappa makes for a rich diversity in our chapter. Many leaders in and out of council lead us on as we are still changing, adapting, and setting traditions for future Kappas.
Highlights of 2013
Formal Recruitment for Mu Class, Bid Day at Jones Bros., Sisterhood Event, New Officer Instillation, Formal Pledging, Sisterhood Retreat at Family Fun Center, Kappa’s Best Dance Crew Date Party, New Member Retreat, Reading is Key Philanthropy Event, Inspiration Week, Sisterhood Event, Big/Little Sister Reveal, Fireside, New Member Sleepover, Relay for Life Teams, Initiation and Brunch, Sapphire Ball Formal, Greek Unity Week, Kappa Kappa Gamma Convention, Composite Picture Taken, Kickball for Kids Philanthropy Event, Alumni Spring Banquet, Greek Awards, Senior Night, Greek Lip Sync Contest, Kappa Kooldown Public Relations Event, Continuous Open Bidding Process for Nu Class, Jones Bros. Pizza Party for Bid Day, Formal Pledging, Tiki Tiki Date Party, Sisterhood Retreat, Homecoming Week, Leadership Consultant Visit, Kappa Kupcakes Philanthropy, Academic Excellence Appointed Nomination Committee, Kappa Goes to the Kapitol Date Party, New Member Retreat, Pre-Recruitment Workshops, Founder’s Day, Kappa Parent’s Day, Reading is Key Philanthropy Event, Kentucky Derby Semi-Formal, Inspiration Week, Big/Little Sister Reveal, Fireside, New Member Sleepover, Initiation and Brunch, History Night before Chapter, Christmas Card Photo Shoot, New Officer Installations, Kappa Kissmas Public Relations Event, Weekly Tutoring for Girls Inc., Weekly Study Hours, Mid-Terms and Finals Study Breaks, New Member Program and Study Hours, Themed Programming Nights, Intramural Teams (Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, and Volleyball) Lip sync, recruitment practice, continuous open bid, formal pledging for Omicron class, Duck calls and overall date party, sisterhood retreat at Bellevue Berry Farm, new member retreat, Parent’s brunch at Tip Top, Kappa trainer visit, Kappa Kupcake philanthropy event, Founders day, senior programming, recruitment practice, LC visit, council slated, instillation of three council replacements, inspiration week for Omicron class, Big/Little reveal, election of council, Christmas card pictures, Fireside, new member sleepover, initiation of Omicron class, all sorority pre-recruitment meeting, sisterhood retreat, recruitment practice, training of new council, new officer installations, and semi-formal.
Our chapter’s challenges for alumna involvement included inviting a different adviser or alumna to attend chapter each week with introductions each week. Inviting alumna to help facilitate and answer questions for program nights.Campus Image and Involvement: Encouraging girls to tell the chapter about upcoming events on campus during the “new business” portion of chapter each week. Selecting girls to make teams for other Greek organization’s philanthropy events. Encouraging girls to wear their letters as much as possible, especially on special weeks like Recruitment and Inspiration week and on Wednesday helps to create and enhance a positive image for Kappa Kappa Gamma to new members, actives, and others on Creighton’s campus. Simply saying hello to sisters when you see them helps as well.
Our chapters challenges for chapter unity/sisterhood included planning more non-mandatory events, like stay in Saturdays. More of an emphasis on planning non-mandetory events between two different classes, that way girls get to meet and become close to all chapter members. Also, making mandatory events more fun by doing things like going to a movie instead of chapter helps girls to hang out and have fun with one another.
Creighton University has approximately 4,000 undergraduate students. There are 7 established Panhellenic sororities, including Kappa. There are 5 Male Fraternities. Academically, Creighton is the top ranked Jesuit school in the Midwest. A small campus size allows for a close-knit community where all student organizations support each other. As for our chapter, starting from 44 charter members only 7 years ago, it is amazing to see that our chapter has grown to 105 active members. Involvement in and out of Kappa makes for a rich diversity in our chapter. Many leaders in and out of council lead us on as we are still changing, adapting, and setting traditions for future Kappas.
Highlights of 2014
Formal Recruitment of the Pi Class (40 girls), Bid Day at the Holiday Inn, New Officer Installation, Formal Pledging, Sisterhood Retreat in the Opus Community Room, “The Thing That I Love” Date Party, New Member Retreat in Lower St. John’s, Composite Pictures, Inspiration Week, Big/Little Sister reveal week, FS, New Member sleepover in the Opus Community Room, Initiation, Initiation Brunch, Relay for Life team at Creighton, Kappa Kickball at the Rasmussen Center, Greek Unity Week, Greek Awards, Senior Night at chapter, Risk Management Picnic with Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Sapphire Formal Ball, Spring Banquet at Joselyn Art Museum, Greek Lip Sync Contest, Kappa Kooldown PR Event, Continuous Open Bidding is cancelled due to quota being met, Tiki-themed Date Party, Recruitment Practice, Homecoming Week, Monmouth Duo Spelling Bee with Pi Beta Phi, Kappa Klassic golf outing and Philanthropy Event, LC Visit, Anti-Hazing Week, Academic Awards Banquet, Risk Management Lawn Bowling Event, Sisterhood Retreat at Ditmar’s Apple Orchard, Founder’s Day Celebration at Oak Hills Country Club, Greek Week, Kappa Trainer visit, Chapter Slating, Sisterhood Retreat in Opus Community Room, Recruitment Practice, Elections, Kappa Christmas-themed chapter, “Casino Royale” Semi-Formal, Cookie Exchange with actives and alumni, Recruitment practice with Kappa alumni, All-Sorority Recruitment Workshop, New Officer Installations, Christmas card photo, Fundraiser for the KKG Foundation at Noodles and Co., Finals Study Break, Pi Class pie event, Weekly volunteering at Conestoga Elementary School (who also works with Reading Is Fundamental), Weekly study hours hosted by VP Academic Excellence, Intramural teams (flag football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer), Senior Programming nights.
Our chapter prides itself on its strong sisterhood and involvement. Although our chapter is large at 104 active members, events such as Sisterhood Retreats ensure that all of our members have the opportunity to get to know one another. In terms of involvement, the members of our chapter are involved in many other activities both inside and outside of the Creighton community, and many of our members hold prominent leadership roles, whether on Chapter Council or in other organizations on campus. This powerful combination of strong sisterhood and leadership creates a diverse environment where our members are challenged to be the best that they can be while still having the love and support from our chapter.
As a chapter, we continuously challenge ourselves to attend non-mandatory events, such as chapter study breaks and other events happening in the Greek community and on Creighton's campus. By motivating and encouraging one another to support our own chapter as well as our surrounding community, we continue to increase our outside involvement as well as our presence in the Creighton community. In addition, one of our other challenges that our chapter faces is decreasing the negative stigma surrounding our Standards committee. Our Standards committee not only provides support to our members in times of need, but recognizes and rewards our members in times of triumph. By striving to reward our members for their accomplishments, we will continue the strong traditions of sisterhood that are already present in our chapter. Finally, our chapter strives to form leaders in each one of our members by assigning each member to a committee. We hope to increase the involvement of each and every one of our members by using our committees to our fullest potential and instilling the point that all of our members play an important role in the workings of our chapter.
Creighton University is home to over 4,000 undergraduate students and almost 8,000 students overall. Kappa Kappa Gamma is part of a rich Panhellenic community, which consists of 7 sororities and 5 fraternities. Academically, Creighton is the top ranked Jesuit school in the Midwest. A small campus size allows for a close-knit community where all student organizations support each other. Creighton continues to increase our Panhellenic spirit through various all-Greek events and workshops throughout the year as well as several opportunities to support other fraternities and sororities in the Greek community at on-campus events, such as philanthropy events.
It is amazing to note the growth in our chapter after almost 10 years since our founding. We continue to grow as a chapter and continue the tradition of excellence established before us. Eta Iota continues many of the traditions formed since our founding as well as paving the way for the future members of Eta Iota chapter.
Both chapter and council meetings are held in meeting rooms owned by Creighton University. Eta Iota chapter is currently unhoused.
Highlights of 2015
Formal Recruitment of the Rho class, Bid Day at Pump it Up, Ice Skating Sisterhood Retreat, Big/Little Week, Big/Little Reveal, Inspiration Week, FS, Initiation, Initiation Brunch, Kappa Kupcakes fundraiser for RIF, Eta Iota 10th Anniversary Dinner at Hilton Omaha, Spring Banquet at Joslyn Art Museum, Regional Leadership Conference in Schaumburg, Sisterhood Retreat at Memorial Park, Installation of PR Chairman, Kappa Kooldown PR event, Installation of Treasurer, Nautical-themed mixer with Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Klassic golf tournament benefitting RIF and Conestoga Magnet School, Continuous Open Bidding for the Sigma class (2 new members), Sisterhood Retreat at Family Fun Center XL, Founder’s Day celebration at Oak Hills Country Club, Recruitment practice, Slate presentation, Recruitment practice, LC visit, I-Week, Officer elections, Initiation of the Sigma class in Lincoln (Sigma Chapter), “Fire and Ice” Semi-Formal at Omaha Livestock Exchange Building, Leadership Day for incoming and outgoing council, Officer installations, Panera fundraiser for the KKG Foundation, Recruitment practice.
Our chapter has excelled this year at reducing the stigma surrounding Standards. This is something that the Standards committee has worked really hard on and is something to continue into the next year. Another one of our strong suits as a chapter is our philanthropy involvement. This year, we raised over $5000 for Reading is Fundamental during our Kappa Klassic golf tournament, which is the most that our chapter has raised at any philanthropy. The Philanthropy committee has put on several successful fundraisers this year, giving Eta Iota a chance to meaningfully impact the organizations we support.
One of our remaining challenges this year is attendance at non-mandatory events, such as Greek Week and other events put on by Creighton’s Greek community. Although many of our members are actively involved in other organizations, it is important to stress making time for Kappa in order to increase our presence in the Greek community. In addition, although several of our members achieve high grades, there are too many members currently on Period of Concern, something the Academic Excellence committee has been actively working to improve throughout the latter half of the year and will continue to work on throughout the next year.
Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter. Creighton University is home to over 4,000 undergraduate students and almost 8,000 students overall. Kappa Kappa Gamma is part of a thriving Panhellenic community, which consists of 7 sororities and 5 fraternities. Academically, Creighton has been ranked #1 in the Midwest for 13 consecutive years. A small campus size allows for a close-knit community where all student organizations support each other. Philanthropy and service are integral parts of the Creighton experience. Creighton continues to increase our Panhellenic spirit through various all-Greek events and workshops throughout the year. This year, Creighton had its first Dance Marathon, led by the Greek community, and it was a resounding success.
This past year, Eta Iota chapter celebrated 10 years of excellence. This was an opportunity for us to reflect on our growth as an organization and look ahead to the future. Eta Iota continues many of the traditions formed since our founding as well as paving the way for the future members of Eta Iota chapter.
Chapter Philanthropy: What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?
Conestoga Magnet School is an elementary school in the Omaha community and is supported by Reading is Fundamental. Many of the children at Conestoga come from underprivileged families where education is not necessarily a priority. Our members sign up weekly to go to the school and are given opportunities to read to the children.
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
Volunteering with Conestoga allows our members to get a better grasp of the impact that mentoring a child, even for a short while, can have on their attitude towards education. Since Conestoga is a RIF school, our volunteer time demonstrates on a face-to-face level the impact of reading on a child’s education, which in turn demonstrates the importance of RIF for these students. In addition, many of our members come every week to the same classroom, which allows them to foster stronger relationships with the children at Conestoga. Our time at Conestoga gives members a chance to reach out and make a meaningful difference in the Omaha community.
Highlights of 2016
Eta Iota's events over the past year included a successful Geaux Kappa themed formal recruitment, bid day at Skate City, Kappa Kupcakes, new member retreat, FunPlex sisterhood retreat, Flashback Friday Date Party, Big/Little Week, Spring Banquet at the Joslyn Art museum, COB, an overnight sisterhood retreat, and the Sapphire Ball in the spring. In the fall we were involved with Kappa Kooldown, Welcome Week Lip Sync, COB, Kappa Klassic, a mini-golf sisterhood outing, Kappa goes Kountry date party, new member retreat, Founders Day, Academic Excellence Banquet, a scavenger hunt sisterhood event, Leadership Day, and a Masquerade Semi-Formal. A goal of ours over the past year was to increase our Greek spirit by participating in other organization's events. We have made great progress in this area. In addition to our own events, Kappas participated in Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Greek Week, Greek Unity week, many other Greek events, and held leadership positions on the Panhellenic Council. Over the last year we were recognized by both Creighton University and Kappa Kappa Gamma for awards celebrating our chapter. We received the risk management award from Creighton and the Standards Award at Kappa Kappa Gamma's 71st Biennial Convention. In addition to being recognized as a chapter, a number of our members were recognized for their individual accomplishments. Over 40 of our members were on the Dean's list and several received competitive academic awards. We also had two members be initiated into Order of Omega this semester,
Last year, Creighton University welcomed its 25th president, Fr. Daniel Hendrickson. Since his inauguration, we have seen several changes associated with this new leadership. One of the President's main initiatives is to increase Creighton's global presence; Eta Iota is well represented in this regard, with several members studying, working, or serving abroad. Creighton University is home to about 4,000 undergraduates and 8,000 students overall. The Greek community is thriving, with 7 sororities and 6 fraternities who support each other very well. Creighton in general has a very close-knit community thanks to our small campus size and focus on a values-based education. Creighton is academically strong and has been ranked #1 in the Midwest for 14 consecutive years.
Each year we raise money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We also raise money for and volunteer at Conestoga Elementary School in Omaha. We were drawn to Conestoga for a few reasons. The first being it is a Reading is Fundamental school. This is a great way to see how Kappa Kappa Gamma is making a difference in the education of students. The children at Conestoga bring great joy to us! Their enthusiasm to learn is what makes us truly want to volunteer there each week.
Every Wednesday we meet in a classroom of the Haprer Center at Creighton University. This building serves as a welcome center for students, as well as the business school.
Highlights of 2017
The Eta Iota Chapter started the year of with a “Sapphire City” themed recruitment. We gladly welcomed 44 new members into our sisterhood. Our Spring philanthropy event, Kappa Kupcakes, was a huge success. We sold 735 cupcakes and raised over $4,000 for our philanthropy. In April, we held our Spring Banquet at the Joselyn Museum and enjoyed celebrating our chapter! We wrapped the year up with a fun formal where our sisters enjoyed taking pictures in the photo booth and dancing all night long! Kappa also got the privilege to have pizza with Father Hendrickson, which was a great opportunity to ask him questions and learn about our growing campus community. Kappa also got to put on a few yoga chapters throughout the Spring- to promote body positivity! To wrap the spring semester up, our chapter won multiple awards at Creighton’s Greek Awards. We were recognized as Membership Development Chapter of the Year, Recruitment Chapter of the Year and Risk Management Chapter of the Year.
Kappa had multiple successes during the Spring Semester, to get the school year started- some of our sisters were a part of Lip Sync which is an event put on by Creighton University every year. Kappa girls this year went full "teen angst" as their theme! We started fall semester off with our annual golf outing, Kappa Klassic. We held this event during parents’ weekend and had a great turnout! The outing included baskets to bid on and an optional brunch beforehand. Overall, it was a huge success, and a great time to spend with our sisters and families. Kappa had the pleasure of welcoming back Katrina Rieff (Eta Iota's 1st President) to speak at our Founders Day event. We also had multiple Cane's fundraisers- which were all very successful! Kappa also held it's annual Kappa Kooldown, where our sisters stand out on the mall and hand out refreshments!
Our chapter is also incorporating more events with other greek organizations. Kappa and Pi Phi held our annual monmouth duo during the fall semseter, where one of our sisters won the competition! Kappa also held a mixxed fit with Tri Delta, which is a fun fitness program that includes boot camp and dancing. We were also fortunate enough to have an overnight sisterhood retreat held outside of Omaha. This was a great opportunity for us to bond together as pledge classes and as chapter. The semester was tied up with a “Kappa Kissmas” themed semi-formal full of holiday cheer!
Recent changes on Creighton's campus include increasing campus security by increasing the hours of the shuttle and jayride. Also by adding security cars south of the interstate- for students who walk underneath the interstate. Kappa has expressed their interest in this issue by talking with Father Hendrickson and Public Safety. Eta Iota even had the privilege of learning some self-defense moves from a Public Safety officer. Another change on Creighton's campus includes the opening of two CHI health facilities, the production of the new dental school and Creighton also received a 10 million dollar donation to increase the College of Arts and Sciences. Kappa has been blessed this year to be a part of a growing community here at Creighton.
Eta Iota supports Conestoga Magnet School, an elementary school minutes from Creighton, and this continues to be our philanthropy. It’s great to see how we have become more involved with the school over the years. From assisting teachers’ in their classrooms or helping out with the school Halloween party we enjoy making a difference in the lives of the students at Conestoga. Kappa also held a fantastic Reading is Key event at Conestoga! We also held multiple Cane's fundraisers to raise money for our sisters in areas affected by the recent hurricanes. Kappa also joined the rest of the Creighton community during Dance Marathon and raised $5, 495 for children! We also had the pleasure of competing for Phi Delt's Miss Athena, which was Ana Balintona this year- who raised $917!
Eta Iota understands the relationships they foster with the students at Conestoga makes a meaningful difference in their lives and in the Omaha community. Conestoga is a Reading is Fundamental school, and our weekly volunteer work demonstrates the importance of reading and the impact it can have on a student’s life. We continue to be drawn to Conestoga because of the meaningful work we have done there and the potential to continue to make a difference.
Eta Iota found out we will be hosting Girls Academy next year and our chapter and the Omaha Alumnae Association is eager to begin preparing for the weekend long event. We understand this is an honor and we cannot wait to inspire girls in Omaha!
Highlights of 2018
Highlights of 2020s:
From chapter’s History Report: 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.: Housing: Philanthropy: Chapter 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!
