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'''2,037 084 initiates (as of 2011June 2012)'''
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When, in the spring of 1903, six Kappas representing five chapters, organized the St. Louis Alumnae Association, it was with the idea that organization at that time might be the means of bringing about pleasant meetings between resident and visiting Kappas during the months of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The Kappa corner in the “Anchorage” on the exposition grounds proved a convenient meeting place. The 1904 Convention, entertained by Theta Chapter from the University of Missouri, brought Kappa enthusiasm to a white heat.
In the spring of 1920, the St. Louis Alumnae Association decided to take steps to establish a chapter at Washington University. Eight girls were selected and pledged. In July of the same year, at the Convention on Mackinac Island, an alumna representing the St. Louis Alumnae Association told what had been done and pleaded for interest in the University and the group.
In the fall, the Alumnae Association, with the aid of the group of eight girls, rushed and pledged seven more girls. The group was inspected on February 11, 1921, by the Grand Secretary, Della Lawrence (Burt), Beta Xi, Texas, after which petition booklets were sent out. On May 27, 1921, a charter was granted by the unanimous consent of the active chapters and one dissenting vote of the alumnae associations. Each member of the group was formally pledged to Kappa Kappa Gamma on June 6, 1921.
'''Housing:'''
Washington University sororities did not have houses. Instead, each chapter had a living-room- style suite in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These non-residential suites provided a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings. Most fraternities resided in University-owned houses.
The Vietnam War fought from November 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975, had a great influence on campus life as students discussed the pros and cons, and young men went off to war.
'''Housing:'''
Washington University sororities did not have houses. Instead, each chapter had a living-room- style suite in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These non-residential suites provided a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings. Most of the fraternities resided in University-owned houses.
Gamma Iota’s contributions and interests extended beyond sorority and university activities. During the Vietnam War, the chapter subscribed to a newsletter distributed periodically by the Friends of the Children of Vietnam, an organization which provided food and clothing for needy Vietnamese children. The chapter sent donations to the Providence Orphanage in Sa Deo.
'''Housing:'''
Washington University sororities did not have houses. Instead, each chapter had a living-room- style suite in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These non-residential suites provided a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings. Most of the fraternities resided in University-owned houses.
The Vietnam War finally came to a close. National attention focused on alcohol policies. The Legal Drinking Age (LDA) for beer was lowered from 21 to 18. LDA for wine and liquor remained at 21 years old. This had an effect upon the social lives of Greek members. Throughout the latter part of this decade, the percentage of students involved in Greek Life increased from 10% to 25%.
'''Housing:'''
Washington University sororities did not have houses. Instead, each chapter had a living-room- style suite in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These non-residential suites provided a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings. During this time, the House Board was formed and more long-term planning was instituted for the Kappa room.
'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
1974 Best Chapter Advisory Board Relations;
1974 The Efficiency Award for Unhoused Chapters;
Impacting the college social life were changes in the Legal Drinking Age. In 1981 the LDA for beer remained at 18 for on-premises consumption but was raised to 19 for off-premises consumption. In 1983 LDA was raised to 19 years old for all sales of beer. In 1985 those born on or after July 1, 1966 were able to purchase beer, wine and liquor on and after their 21st birthday. Persons born before July 1, 1966 retained the privilege of purchasing, possessing and consuming beer.
Awards received by the chapter included the Friendship Key, the Spirit Key, and the highest GPA award.
'''Housing:'''
Washington University sororities did not have houses. Instead, each chapter had a living-room- style suite in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These non-residential suites provided a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings. Most of the fraternities resided in University-owned houses.
'''Philanthropy:'''
Kappa was well represented at all Greek philanthropy events winning Beta 4-Square, Sigma Chi Derby Days and the Chi Omega Volleyball Classic. Gamma Iota participated in the Thurtene Carnival as well as other events with Sigma Alpha Mu, Theta Xi, and Sigma Nu.
Greek life has played an important role for undergraduate students for more than 100 years at Washington University. Approximately 2,000 students were members of Greek organizations equaling 25 to 30% of the undergraduate population. The Greek community at Washington University was comprised of seven international sororities, 12 international fraternities, and nine city-wide National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Greek organizations.
'''Housing:'''
Washington University sororities did not have houses. Instead, each chapter had a living room- style-suite in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These non-residential suites provided a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings. Most of the fraternities resided in University-owned houses.
On September 11, 2001, there was a series of suicide attacks on the United States which killed nearly 3,000 people. Terrorists from the Islamist militant group al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger jets, crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York City, and one into the Pentagon. The fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.
'''Housing:'''
Washington University sororities did not have houses. Instead, each chapter had a living-room- style suite in the Ann Olin Women's Building. These non-residential suites provided a place on the main campus for members to hang out, conduct study groups, and hold chapter business meetings. Most of the fraternities resided in University-owned houses.
'''Philanthropy:'''
Gamma Iota Chapter distinguished itself for many years with its academic and campus prowess. However, during this period of time it also excelled in its involvement in philanthropic events. The St. Louis, Washington University, and Kappa communities all benefited.
'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
2004 Most Improved GPA award
2004 Honorable Mention in Finance
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:'''
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:'''
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'''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!