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|Image= [[File:Upsilon.jpg|200px]]
|Founded= {{start date and years ago|1882|04|18}}
|College= [http://enwww.wikipedianorthwestern.orgedu/wiki/Northwestern_University Northwestern University]
|Location= Evanston, IL
|Homepage= [http://www.kappanorthwestern.orgedu/gogreek/community/chapters/kkg.html Upsilon Homepage]
|Media= [http://wiki.kappakappagamma.org/index.php?title=Category:Upsilon Media related to Upsilon Chapter]
}}
'''3,060 303 initiates (as of 2011June 2018)'''
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'''Outstanding Upsilon AlumnaeCharter members:''' Anna M. Boyle, Grace Little, Minnie Louise Scott, Katharine Lucinda Sharp, Lucy Katharine Wood.
'''Fraternity Council Officers:'''
Katherine Lucinda Sharp, Charter member of Upsilon, initiated in 1882; as the first charter member of Upsilon to graduate, Kate received a diamond badge from the chapter. This badge would become the official badge of the President after Kate’s death. It was used until 2000 then retired to Fraternity Headquarters. Elected sixth Grand President 1894 – 1896; the force behind the charter granted in 1899 to Beta Lambda, Illinois. Known as a pioneer in library science; Founded and Directed the Library of the University of Illinois
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
Mary Agnes Graham Roberts (Gray) – , 1976, Convention Chairman 1972 – 1982; , Field Secretary 1945-1947 and Loyalty Award recipient 1976
'''Alumnae Achievement Award recipients:'''
Margaret Dickson Falley, 1970, American genealogist expert and author of Irish and Scotch-Irish Ancestral Research: A Guide to the Genealogical Records, Methods and Sources in Ireland; Elizabeth Baumann Cook, 1984, Expert in building hospital volunteer programs, 1939; Julia “Judy” Ade Levering, 2002, First female president of the U.S. Tennis Association; seniors’ tennis championship finalist, Virginia "Ginni" Nicosia Rometty, 2016, business; Punch Hutton, 2016, Deputy Editor of Vanity Fair
'''Additional Outstanding Upsilon Alumnae'''
Betty Robinson Schwartz, Olympic gold & silver medalist; Betty Robinson was the first woman to win a track event in an Olympic Games capturing the 100 meters at the 1928 Olympics; silver medalist as a member of the 4x100m relay in 1928 Olympics; gold medalist on the 4x100m relay at the 1936 Olympics; member of the Track & Field Hall of Fame; the first woman to receive a varsity "N" from Northwestern.
The Barta sisters, Lexi , Romi and Marni all of Upsilon founded their nonprofit organization, Kid Flicks in 2002. The Barta sisters have received numerous awards for their work. In 2011, the sisters received the Harlequin More Than Words Award, honoring ordinary women for their extraordinary commitment to women and the causes dearest to them.
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“In 1882 there was at Northwestern only one women’s fraternity, Alpha Phi. During the winter, several freshmen conceived the idea of starting a chapter of a rival fraternity, and the result was Upsilon Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.” So wrote an early Upsilon historian. One of those freshmen, Anna Boyle Brown, learned of fraternities through her brother, a Butler graduate, and together they wrote Kappa’s Grand President Tade Hartsuff (Kuhns), M—Butler, a good friend of Clarence Boyle, about forming a chapter at Northwestern.
Minutes from the turn of the century are full of participation in campus activities, selection for academic and social honors, annual dances and parties, and even trips to Urbana, Illinois, for the Northwestern–Illinois football game.
During 1914-1918, World War I had an effect on chapter activities. The minutes record: a “clothing for Belgian children” drive, a “less expensive party so that money could be donated to worthy causes,” … War Bond drives, and a donation to the Prisoners of War Fund … “Nancy Knight (Slight) is head of the Red Cross Chapter of the University. Here many of us spend our leisure hours and find it quite worthwhile.” However, a semi-normal campus life is indicated, with rushing parties, football games and summer house parties. After the Armistice in the fall of 1918, the influenza epidemic ground activities to a standstill. There were severe restrictions on campuses across the country for many weeks.
'''Housing'''
Records of 1921 say that “future generations living in the house will find it hard to realize the thrill we all had when the battle to be allowed to build houses was at last won, and the enthusiasm with which we undertook money-raising activities.” The next years were full of this effort, led by Isabel Drew Fowler, and in September 1927, the present chapter house, 1871 Orrington Avenue, was occupied by 27 girls. Mrs. Fowler, lifetime contributor to Northwestern, to Kappa, and to her community, died in 1973 at the age of 100.
World War II found most girls enrolled in defense courses. Campus events were canceled, nearby military men were entertained, and funds were raised for War Bond purchases. Shortage of materials wiped out floats, decorations and campus theatricals. Nurses’ aid duty was performed at Evanston Hospital, USO volunteer staffs were manned and blood banks were supplied.
After the war, life returned to normal.
The late 1960s and early 1970s were characterized by comparatively abrupt and progressive change. The Greek system at Northwestern was under great pressure, its very existence in question. By 1970, only four sororities, Kappa included, were attaining pledge quota, and four other relinquished their charters. The over two-thirds of undergraduate women who had been sorority members diminished to less than one-third in the early 1970s. Local autonomy, the self-governing of each living unit, became the biggest issue at Northwestern, as the university withdrew all controls in university-owned housing. In addition, the university requested all Greek-letter organizations to become fully self-governing, independent of alumnae and/or national control. Furthermore, each organization was asked to state in writing that no discrimination practices concerning race, color or creed were employed in membership selection. With the aid of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Council, Upsilon Chapter was able to satisfy each university request.
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In February 1970 William Kunstler, defense lawyer for the Chicago Seven on trial for disruption during the 1968 Democratic Convention, was invited to speak on campus by the Northwestern Faculty Action Committee. After the lecture, a crowd went on a rampage in downtown Evanston, smashing windows and causing several thousands of dollars in damage.
Picture scrapbooking became the trend at the Upsilon chapter in 1984-1984. From 1985 through 1995 scrapbooks of both photographs and impressive artwork, writings and newspaper clippings reflected the individuality of the talented women in the chapter.
The 1987 Homecoming theme was “Play It Again Cats.” The Upsilon Kappas partnered with Sigma Nu to build a Victrola with a spinning record as their float for the October 16 parade day. An active dressed as Willie the Wild Cat danced with a costumed Michigan Spartan on the float flanked by chapter members escorting the float through the parade route.
On October 26, the Upsilon actives and pledges joined the North Shore Alumnae for a Founder’s Founders Day celebration. Alum, Catherine Cutter of Evanston provided her home for the program. The women had the opportunity to mingle, share stories of Kappa days and taste many wonderful treats donated by local alumnae. The program began at 8 p.m. with a dramatic presentation of short skits by an Upsilon alum and her husband as actors. The skits were based upon everyday life situations. The chapter members participated in the evening presentation with performances by “Pickers,” a Kappa rush tradition, and Pledges, who sand “The Pat Song.” After the entertainment, two Fifty-Year pins as well as one Sixty-Year pin were presented to alumnae.
Based on chapter evaluations and officer training, the chapter goal for the year was: We will work to enhance loyalty and caring for Kappa and each other. Six steps were created to help the chapter members achieve their goal: Respect for ritual during chapter and functions; implementing parliamentary procedure during meetings; employ a Kappa-of-the-Week program recognizing individuals within the chapter; emphasize hospitality to all; improve faculty and alumni relations and improved education on Kappa finances.
In 1990-1991, Upsilon chapter dealt with women and alcohol abuse which had become a growing concern on college campuses from coast-to-coast. The chapter actively participated in experiments concerning alcohol by teaming up with the Northwestern University Psych Department.
The United States became involved in Desert Storm on January 16, 1991. The women of the Upsilon chapter began efforts to raise money in support of the Gulf War. Many members however were opposed to the war and this raised concerns over the amount of involvement and participation the chapter should provide. By February 27, President Bush declares suspension of offensive combat and lays out conditions for permanent cease-fire.
In 2000, the Upsilon women hired Empire Photography to photograph their social parties and activities. Fraternal Composite Service was hired to photograph each girl for the house composite.
In academic year 2010-11, Northwestern enrolled 8,397 undergraduate and 7,870 graduate and professional students. Northwestern is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference and remains the only private university in the conference. Northwestern's approximately 225,093 alumni include leaders in government, law, science, education, medicine, media and the performing arts. The Northwestern Greek Community was recognized nationally for having a higher All-Greek GPA than the All-Campus GPA.
==Highlights of 2014==
In 2014 our chapter accomplished a great amount. Our officers worked incredibly hard to better organize the entire management of the chapter and took on the responsibility of redefining the culture within our chapter. All bylaws were updated and chapter council gained an entire advisory board to work with following our April meeting with the Fraternity. The chapter also focused a lot of energy on Northwestern's largest philanthropic even, Dance Marathon (DM). Individuals worked hard to raise enough money to participate, and the chapter also worked together to create a successful event, Kappasta. The event was incredibly fun and was a great way to promote new member bonding. The money raised at Kappasta was put towards our general Kappa DM fund and we ended up raising $90,000 and winning second place for large Greek teams for the fourth year in a row. Upsilon also connected to the Evanston community by volunteering at the YMCA and reading to children. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the YMCA and volunteering there again. Sisterhood events were another great highlight of the year. The chapter had a sisterhood event every month and we enjoyed various activities such as pumpkin carving, tie dying, kappa notebook decorating, and pledge family photos. Our chapter also received the awards Highest Quarterly GPA and most improved quarterly GPA in fall 2013 from the Order of Omega.
Upsilon chapter is a caring and involved group of young women. Members are very active on campus and this keeps us informed and active with any recent changes occurring on campus. Members also keep up with changes in Kappa Kappa Gamma and its members as well as other members in the Greek community. For example, our chapter ended a traditional philanthropy event called Jail N Bail this year because other members of the community as well as our own members believed that the event could be perceived negatively by people with sensitive beliefs about the issue of incarceration in America. Our women worked hard to come up with other ideas for philanthropy events that would be less controversial or offensive at a time when our campus is becoming more diverse and when people are striving to be as sensitive as possible towards all cultures. We have embraced this incident as an opportunity to educate ourselves and the larger Northwestern Greek and non-Greek community on the different between intent and impact.
We hold meetings in a university owned Kappa house on campus. Our chapter has been at NU in the same facility for 122 years. We are incredibly lucky that our house is large enough to hold an entire sophomore pledge class as well as many juniors each year. Our house is university owned and 60 woman are able to live in the house at once.
The president wears a historical badge that has been handed down to each Upsilon president.
==Highlights of 2015==
In 2015, our chapter accomplished a great amount. Our chapter council officers worked hard to continue what we started in 2014 to better organize the entire management of the chapter and to redefine the culture within our chapter. All officers worked with their advisors as well as LCs to brainstorm and devise more successful strategies to accomplish the duties of their positions and to encourage involvement and cooperation in all chapter members. We even participated in our first retreat where chapter council members met with advisors and members of the Fraternity to re-strategize for the upcoming school year. We also worked hard to better our sisterhood. We started “senior of the week” presentations at each chapter meeting so that the underclassmen could really get to know the senior pledge class. We also implemented coffee dates where underclassmen get coffee with upperclassmen who share similar interests. This was helpful both socially and academically because underclassmen could seek upperclassmen with the same majors or job interests and get their advice.
In 2015, the chapter focused a lot of energy on Northwestern’s largest philanthropic event, Dance Marathon (DM). Individuals worked hard to raise enough money to participate (at least $400), and the chapter also worked together to create a successful event, Kappasta. The event was successful, fun, and a great way to promote new member bonding. The money raised at Kappasta was put towards our general Kappa DM fund and we ended up raising $68,000 and winning second place for large Greek teams for the fifth year in a row. Upsilon was also able to connect to the Evanston community towards the end of 2015 and continue our relationship with the YMCA. Sisters volunteered by reading to children and donating children’s books to the YMCA. This was a fun and rewarding experience for the chapter. Sisterhood events were another highlight of the year. The chapter held a sisterhood event every month and we enjoyed various activities such as pumpkin carving with Pi Beta Phi, tie dying, movie night, and KKTea party.
The campus at Northwestern University has undergone changes over the past year. One history building on campus, called “The Black House,” was established years ago to provide a safe, comfortable space for black students to visit during their time at Northwestern. Northwestern administration wanted to bring the Campus Inclusion and Community offices into the Black House. This was met with great uproar, as students and alumni expressed deep concerns about encroaching on the Black House. Most recently, the University announced that they would not make these changes because of the aforementioned issues. There have also been several historic campus protests in relation to the events that occurred at the University of Missouri earlier this year. The nature of our chapter is very much focused on diversity and inclusion, and we have several members who have participated and supported activism on campus. Each member of Upsilon is very different than the other members of our house, and we greatly appreciate having friends and sisters of various backgrounds, cultures and personal histories.
Chapter Philanthropy:
What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community? Reading is Fundamental and the YMCA
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
Reading is Fundamental is the Fraternity’s official beneficiary, and we all greatly appreciate the importance of literacy and furthering education in our community. The Evanston “Y” has provided an excellent venue for our continued support of literacy and working with children in our community.
==Highlights of 2016==
This past year was a great year for Upsilon chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma at Northwestern. Our year was filled with scholarship, sisterhood, charity, and more. We sent three of our members to Convention in San Diego this summer, which was great and allowed them to bring their new information to the chapter. We also started out our year with a newly renovated home, which made living in the house even more enjoyable for everyone. We used the new living room to host movie nights or to bring together the chapter to watch the election or political debates.
We also had many sisterhood events such as Kappa Thanksgiving or when we went pumpkin picking. These were great opportunities for our chapter to bond and make everlasting memories. This year Upsilon also made a lot of internal changes and made progress in pushing our chapter in the right direction. We updated our risk policies and created a Change Management Team . In terms of philanthropy, we hosted many events and raised a lot of money through events such as our Spelling Bee and reading events. Not many noticable changes have occurred on the Northwestern campus, however, in terms of the nature of our chapter, Upsilon has made a lot of internal changes and has made a lot of progess in order to make our chapter a better, more sustainable, and value-based chapter. We have implemented a Change Management Team, updated our risk management policies, and more.
Besides supporting our national philanthropy Reading is Fundamental, we also support Northwestern's Dance Marathon. Each year Dance Marathon chooses a new charity to support and the whole school raises money in individual teams. Kappa Kappa Gamma teams up with a fraternity each year to raise money for the cause. This year, Dance Marathon will be supporting Gigi's Playhouse, which is a nonprofit that provides support and programming to individuals with Down Syndrome. Through multiple fundraising efforts, Upsilon Chapter will raise money to support Gigi's playhouse, as well as dance for 30 hours in Dance Marathon. Each year we support and raise money for Dance Marathon because we believe it is an important part of being an active member of the Northwestern community as well as supporting local causes. As students at Northwestern, we want to give back in any way we can, and supporting Dance Marathon allows us to help charities that are close the campus, whether that be in Evanston or Chicago.
We hold informal chapter meetings in our living room. We are fortunate enough to have a beautiful home where many of the women in our chapter can live. In this house, we have a beautiful and newly renovated living room where we can host informal chapter, and we host formal chapter in the lower level of the home.
==Highlights of 2017==
2017 was a transformative year for Upsilon. From January to today, the chapter held a number of events and achieved many milestones. The winter quarter period, from January to March, began with a succcesful recruitment. Upsilon welcomed a pledge class of 36 new women. In between Big/Little week, Rock 'n Bowl and other activities, the quarter was also dedicated to transitioning the new chapter council. Our Marshal organized a phenomenal Initiation in the presence of alumnae and advisers. One of our favorite events was "Galentine's Tea" to celebrate each other and the annual favorite philanthropy event, Kappasta, was also organized to raise money for Dance Marathon. After a refreshing spring break, the chapter came back in the spring to wrap things up and prepare for summer. A few of our sisters represented Upsilon at the Leadership Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. While there, they met with our advisers and We held our spring formal at Zed451 with a fun twist: superlatives. Sisters voted on who best fit categories such as "Kappa Kat Lady," "Kween of the Kitchen,"Kappa Kardashian," "#1 Kappal," "Kappa Kouple," "Kappa Tough Kookie," "Kappa Kackle," "Kappa Kouch Potato," and others. Winners were given sashes during the formal. As the academic year wrapped up, NPC recognized the chapter for excellence in Congruencce and Accountability and Kappa HQ changed our status from Warning of Probation to Focus Letter. We accomplished many things from January to June and we left Evanston happy with the progress and focused on keeping up the work.. When we came back in September, the chapter council decided to focus on wellness. Upsilon organized a body image workshop with author and professor Dr. Renee Engeln about her book, Beauty Sick, that discusses the problematic cultural discussion of women's bodies. Upsilon and NPC partnered for the event and made it a campus-wide event, in which there were copies of the Engeln book raffled to audience members. Upsilon continued to have wellness conversations throughout the quarter. Fall quarter was also dedicated to recruitment preparation, and several workshops were held for the chapter to begin getting ready for recruitment in January. Women also volunteered at the YMCA to read to kids. Lastly, Upsilon held its fall formal at Key Club in downtown Chicago in late November. The theme was "Sapphire Ball" with women wearing blue dresses and the famed campus photographer, Justin Barbin, taking photos of the event. The House Committee also planned a staff appreciation event by making a poster with all chapter members writing their appreciation for Leo, Aida and Ms. Murray. Lastly, the quarter wrapped up with a visit from ABC News' 20/20 show crew to film the house for a special about Upsilon Kappa, Meghan Markle. Meghan will marry Prince Harry of Great Britain in May 2018 and will become a Duchess.
==HIghlights of 2018==
2018 was a great year for Kappa Kappa Gamma. We began this school year welcoming new house mom, Lynn. She has been a great addition to our chapter! Our officers continued working hard to facilitate a healthy environment in the sorority and worked to formulate a new chapter council structure. We are excited to see this play out next year. This calendar year the chapter raised money for Northwestern Dance Marathon at our annual Kappasta event. It was a great way for the new pledge class to bond with each other and older members. The chapter is now looking forward to next years Dance Marathon where we will be supporting Chicago Public Schools and the Evanston Community Foundation. Each year we support and raise money for Dance Marathon. Dance marathon is an important part of Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Northwestern community because we feel it is important to support local causes and support each other at the same time. As students at Northwestern, we want to give back in any way we can, and supporting Dance Marathon allows us to help charities that are close the campus, whether that be in Evanston or Chicago.In the fall the chapter supported Reading is Fundamental by sponsoring a profit share at Blaze Pizza where part of the profits from each pizza sold were donated to RIF. It was such a fun time and a great way to raise money and awareness for RIF. The chapter also took trips to local elderly homes and read to the residents there to further help the Evanston community. The chapter holds their meetings on campus in the sorority house. Due to an influx of violence on campus, there have been increased secruity measures around the sorority quad and the chapter has responded by walking in groups at night and being aware of our surroundings. All sororities came together to implement group walking and safety measures. The chapter was very happy for our alumnae Meghan Markle on her marriage to Prince Harry. We are very fortunate as the house board has recently provided our kitchen with new appliances for the members to use. We now have access to a toaster oven as well as a panini maker, allowing the members more freedom in the kitchen.
==Highlights of 2019==
2019 was a great year for Upsilon! The winter quarter period, from January to March, began with our formal recruitment. Upsilon was honored to receive a pledge class of 25 new members. From Big/Little week to Rock 'n Bowl, our new members began to feel right at home on 1871 Orrington Avenue. Four of our chapter members additionally visited Dallas, Texas for Kappa Leadership Conference, where they learned the importance of leading by example. Thanks to our VP Member Development, we participated in a fabulous education programming about eating disorders. Our annual philanthropy event, Kappasta, was an extreme success, organized to raise money for Dance Marathon. Upsilon and Pi Kappa Alpha raised over $2500 for Communities in Schools of Chicago! Alongside Kappasta, Upsilon engaged in a Soul Cycle fundraiser for NUDM as well. To end out our winter quarter, the Kappa NUDM team raised $71,000, placing second in the large team category for best performing fundraising teams! After our spring break, the chapter came back in to wrap things up and prepare for summer. During our spring quarter, we engaged in many programmings, on topics such as sexual assault and bystander intervention. We additionally met with our district specialists and advisers to develop an Action Plan in lieu of the probation we were placed on in March. Our Philanthropy chair additionally planned an impressive event at our local philanthropy, Cornerstone Community Outreach Center, reading with underprivileged Evanston youth. To end April, we engaged in a homemade fondue sisterhood event in the Kappa Kitchen! May was filled with Kappa fun - including a great formal at Trophy Room as well as a laser tag sisterhood event! When we returned in September, we picked up right where we left off, progressing through the Action Plan and making strides towards becoming the best possible version of Upsilon. We were lucky enough to be visited by the 150 Year Sisterhood Van, where we learned a bit about the past 150 years of Kappa history as they made their way across the country from Monmouth to Convention! Additionally, our Risk Manager presented an incredible hazing prevention workshop in preparation for new members this winter. In November, we hosted an impressive philanthropy event, our first ever Family Weekend Brunch & Silent Auction to support our local philanthropy, Cornerstone Community Outreach and our national philanthropy Reading is Fundamental in the Kappa house. Finally, we closed off November with a fabulous Sapphire Ball formal at Clutch Bar in Chicago as well as a cookie decorating sisterhood event before reading and finals weeks. We can’t wait to see what is in store for Upsilon near year, and how great of a chapter we can continue to aspire to be! "
Northwestern has become a politically correct and inclusive campus. Northwestern has begun creating gender neutral bathrooms throughout campus buildings as well as engaging in discussions pertaining to how journalists should report on traumatic situations, as per the Daily Northwestern's coverage of the protest surrounding Jeff Sessions' speech on campus. Additionally, Northwestern celebrated its 150th anniversary of admitting women into its student body this past year, which was an incredible feat for the women of Kappa Kappa Gamma to celebrate. Northwestern is also experiencing a decline in terms of Greek life - less women are choosing to undergo recruitment overall, which results in smaller pledge classes for all chapters. This makes ensuring that Kappa's brand is a positive and welcoming one overall all the more important for Upsilon in order to ensure its success for many years to come.
We support Cornerstone Community Outreach. It is a local homeless shelter in Evanston. The women of Upsilon are lucky enough to have a home on 1871 Orrington Avenue and we want to enable other Evanston residents to have somewhere they can call home like we call the Kappa house.
We welcomed the Minnie Stewart 150 Year Sisterhood Van as it stopped on our campus! We also bought a banner to hang on the porch of our house to celebrate."
==Highlights of 2020s==
2020 was a difficult year for everyone as we balanced living in a new normal during a global pandemic. Upsilon chapter had a successful winter formal recruitment where we were pleased to welcome and initiate 25 new members. We had a welcoming Big/Little week, followed by Inspiration Week, and a costume-themed formal in March. We had Northwestern Dance Marathon scheduled for the first weekend of March however, Northwestern University cancelled NUDM due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country. As the pandemic worsened, Northwestern University mandated virtual or socially distanced final exams for Winter Quarter. Many students went home before finals week, including several of Upsilon’s members. Spring Quarter at Northwestern was completely virtual, so chapter operations for Upsilon were held virtually. In the spring, we held sisterhood events over Zoom and sent out weekly newsletters, where our members bonded while being all over the world. Our Upsilon members overseas were in different time zones so we structured our virtual meetings at different times. Additionally, we realized the inaccessibility of Zoom meetings for our members who may not have access to internet or Zoom-compatible devices which led us to make all chapter events optional for attendance. We were also saddened by the retirement of our House Director, Lynn, but were happy to welcome our new House Director. In October, we celebrated Kappa’s Founders Day and the 150th year anniversary over Zoom. Additionally, thanks to our VP Membership Education, Lindsay Tanney, we held a weekly speakers series, where we invited speakers from several different social justice organizations to come teach our members ways we can incorporate inclusivity in our daily lives.
Our new virtual world did not stop Upsilon from continuing our philanthropic efforts. Not only were we virtual during a global pandemic, but we witnessed the violent and unjustifiable murder of George Floyd, which forced the media to bring the issues of racial injustices to the forefront. Upsilon chapter held a virtual fundraiser, using Bingo cards, to raise money for the Chicago Community Bail Fund. We chose this organization because it advocates for low-income communities who cannot afford bail. Our members participated in protests for Black Lives Matter all over the world and continued to stand against injustice. The Upsilon chapter released a public statement condemning anti-Blackness and social injustices, as well as signing several petitions urging Northwestern University to prioritize the needs of Black and Indigenous students. Being in quarantine allowed our members to truly reflect ways which they uphold white supremacist structures and think of ways to combat exclusivity. Along with the Black Lives Matter movement, we experienced a rise in the Abolish Greek Life movement, a movement on campuses across the country trying to disband Greek institutions. The Abolish Greek Life movement reached Northwestern’s campus where some Interfraternity and Panhellenic chapters disbanded. Our Upsilon chapter experienced a large wave of resignations from members. The financial burden of membership dues on top of financial insecurity caused by the pandemic and a high volume of unemployment led several members to resign.
The Abolish Greek Life at NU rose to prominence in July and led the Upsilon chapter to have several virtual meetings to discuss our chapter’s role in maintaining exclusive membership. We met with Kappa Headquarters, the Northwestern Panhellenic community, and internally with alumnae and current members to discuss and hear the different views represented in our chapter. We found that our chapter perpetuated harm in the past and currently, especially towards marginalized communities on campus. Ultimately, the Upsilon chapter decided to draft a letter to Headquarters requesting the surrender of our charter at Northwestern. This letter was signed by ¾ of active Upsilon members and was sent to the Advisory Board for their consideration.
2020 brought along several hardships and catalyzed many necessary changes but through it all, our members were able to find community in the Upsilon chapter.
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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!
