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→The Early Years (Excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity: 1870-1976)
High standards in scholarship have always been stressed. Study buddies, files of old tests, and a quiet chapter room are available. In 1943, Beta Nu was awarded a handsome silver coffee urn for top scholarship for three consecutive years. In 1964, the chapter took first place in three out of the possible six scholarship awards at the annual Panhellenic Scholarship Banquet. In 1967, Beta Nu gained permanent possession of a scholarship trophy and in 1970, was leader in scholarship among the women's fraternities at Ohio State. In 1973 the chapter was again at the top winning the Panhellenic active chapter award and the pledge class award.
High standards in personal conduct were recognized in 1966 when Beta Nu received the Gracious Living Award. Good habits and manners are stressed through informal skits and discussions, frequent house meetings, telephone hostesses, house rules and quiet hours.
Participation in campus affairs can be seen in the numerous activities involving Beta Nus. There have been many queens, cheerleaders, activity leaders, and committee members. Beta Nu has given volunteer service to the Ohio State University Speech and Hearing Clinic, participated in the annual Heart Fund Drive, and given seasonal parties for handicapped children.
Columbus alumnae adopted Huckleberry House as a philanthropy in 1972. Huckleberry House is a home near the campus for runaway teenagers, which endeavors to provide resources and alternatives to youths before they get deeply into trouble. It offers emergency housing and individual and family counseling on a voluntary basis.
Clare O. Pierce stands at the top of Beta Nu's list of outstanding members. She served as executive secretary from January 1, 1929, until January 1, 1969. The Gracious Living Award is given in her honor at Fraternity conventions and a memorial fellowship for graduate study has been established in her name. A significant event of the 1954 Convention was the ceremony marking her 25th year in office. The ceremony was conducted by Beta Nus.
Katharine Wade Pennell was executive secretary-treasuer from 1969 to 1970 and executive secretary from 107- until her retirement in 1972. Betty Sanor Cameron is executive secretary at the present time.
Many members of Beta Nu have been province officers. Many have held positions of leadership within the Fraternity. Sally Moore Nitschke served as chairman of pledge training; was the first editor of Speak Up; is a past director of field representatives; and is currently a member of Council as director of membership. Betsy Molsberry Prior is director of alumnae. Ruth Bollock Chastang has served as chairman of the Hearthstone and of Fraternity extension, director of personnel, and national Panhellenic delegate for the Fraternity. She is currently Fraternity research chairman. The Columbus City Panhellenic presented the Fraternity Woman of the Year Award to her in 1971.
Isabel Hatton Simmons was editor of ''The Key'' for many years, a position held now by Diane Miller Selby. Juliana Fraser Wales, a past field secretary, is chairman of Fraternity education for chapter programs. Jill Eversole was a field secretary, 1974-75. Jane Emig Ford has planned and supervised convention photography for many yers.
Ann Scott Morningstar, Achievement Award winner in 1958, was the first national scholarship chairman and chairman of public relations for many years. Catherine Schroeder Graf is a past chairman of Fraternity publications and is editor of the 1975-76 ''History of Kappa Kappa Gamma''.
Among the many Beta Nus who have held Fraternity posts in the past are Mignon Talbot, who was grand registrar, 1894-1900, and Lucy Allen Smart, who was editor of The Key, 1900-1904.
Chapter traditions are held dear: initiation with a banquet at noon; a formal dance every year, "Thank God it's Friday" parties, the annual Kappa-Kappa Alpha Theta party, after-the-game open houses, entertainment of campus officials and alumnae. The pinning ceremony is a favorite Ohio State tradition. Pinning serenades by Greek letter groups are held at night, usually after an exciting "candle-passing" in which the girl announces her pinning or engagement. During the ceremony fraternity men arrive to sing and exchange songs with the girls who stand on the porch holding lighted candles.
Beta Nu helped install Rho Deuteron Chapter at Ohio Wesleyan in 1925 and Gamma Omega Chapter at Denison in 1929.
Beta Nu celebrated its first 50 years in October, 1938. The festivities began on Friday with a concert by Beta Nu's soprano Margaret Speaks (Pearl), and a reception at the chapter house. There were luncheons for 10-year groups and a banquet on Saturday. Three of the founders returned for the celebration: Alice Moodie Hartwell, Alla Berta Rickey Cless, and Carrie Pocock Ward.
The chapter's 75th anniversary was celebrated on an Ohio State football weekend in 1963, beginning with a banquet on Friday night and ending with an open house at the Beta Nu house after the Homecoming game on Saturday. Eleanor Penniman Boardman was banquet toastmistress at both the 50th and 75th anniversaries.
Beta Nu looks forward now to its 100th anniversary with pride in the past and the knowledge that college lifestyles may change, but all that has made Kappa great will remain steadfast.
==Highlights of 2012==
