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→The Early History (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)
In the mid-1950s the Kappas and the Delta Gammas purchased the lot between them and made plans to enlarge their houses. The Gamma Deltas moved into their addition in the fall of 1958. However, since the kitchen was not finished by the opening of school, the were forced (!) to eat at the various fraternities. The new chapter room was dedicated to Inez Richardson Canan, who had been both province president and vice president and who was the author of the Gamma Delta history which appeared in the 1930 ''History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity.''
At about the time of the opening of the Waldron Street house, Mother Mac, Mrs. Lena McDougle, became housemother, a position she held 23 years. She contributed so much, not only to Gamma Delta, but to all the other sororities, sharing her knowledge of management, delegating responsibilities, teaching the art of living graciously. Gamma Delta alumnae and other friends established the Mother Mac Fund in her honor to help actives in financial trouble.
Social functions have always been of importance in chapter life; and members, entertaining at faculty teas, Homecoming and Gala Week affairs, trade dinners, wartime servicemen's teas, and post football game coffees, made the phrase "gracious living" synonymous with Gamma Delta. The minutes of April 22, 1920, casually mention what must have been an important function: "Decided to entertain Jane Addams (the renowned social worker of Hull House in Chicago) for tea on May 2." The Gamma Ball with neighbor Delta Gamma has been a highlight social affair, as well as the Monmouth with Pi Beta Phi, and a slumber party with the Kappa Alpha Thetas. Each fall for many years the fraternities and sororities bordering the common alley opened the Purdue social season with an all-campus Alley Party, bringing Greeks and non-Greeks together.
Gamma Delta celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1960 with a weekend of festivities. From contributions of alumnae all over the country a silver coffee urn was purchased and presented to the house, and plans made for an outdoor courtyard to be built in 1973.
From the very beginning Kappas at Purdue have been leaders on campus. In 1916 when women were first admitted to the student council, Ada Decker (Malott), a Mu Sigma Alpha, and later a Kappa, was the first woman to be granted voting power. In the 1950s Kappas were leaders in mock political conventions. All campus plays, musicals, and variety shows have had Kappa participation, and any activity requiring dramatic ability has found Kappas taking part. Skits were given such names as "Rumpus on Olympus", "Down the Mississippi in Song", and "How're Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down on the Farm After They've Seen Purdue."
Gamma Delta has had three Olympic swimming contenders: Jeanne Wilson (Vaughan), Upsilon-Northwestern, who affiliated with the chapter in 1948; Joan Rosazza; and Edith Elizabeth "Beth" Whittall (Couvrette), who was also voted Canada's most outstanding athlete of 1955.
End of school year activities have been highlighted by the May Day pageants of the 1920s and the University Sing for the last 30 years. Grand Prix weekend, to raise money for scholarships, has ended the school year in the 1960s and 1970s.
Gamma Delta has often been first in scholarship among the Panhellenic groups. The Dean Shoemaker Scholarship Cup was permanently awarded to the chapter in 1936, and in 1958 and 1964 the Kappa Scholarship Trophy was won by Gamma Delta, with an honorable mention in 1962. A fourth consecutive year of first in campus scholarship was recognized in 1961. (The active chapter average was a "B" in 1960.) Five Mortar Boards that year and again in 1967, with at least one girl tapped nearly every year, attest to Gamma Delta's pursuit of excellence.
Gamma Delta won the Fraternity Efficiency Cup in 1952 and the Gracious Living Award in 1954.
The chapter is proud of its contribution of Fraternity officers and personnel. Katheryn Bourne Pearse was director of membership 1948-50. Marjorie Matson (Converse) was a graduate counselor to Delta Alpha, 1945-46, and a field secretary, 1946-47. Mrs. Converse served as director of field representatives, 1970-72, and was chosen Fraternity vice president in 1972 and 1974. Eloise Ryder Pingry was elected director of philanthropies, 1972 and 1974.
The administration and faculty at Purdue University have always looked to the Kappas of Gamma Delta for outstanding scholarship and leadership in campus affairs. Students regard Gamma Delta as an outstanding chapter and throughout its history the members have consistently maintained the standards expressed in the ideals of the Fraternity.
==Highlights of 2011==
