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'''Chapter founded October 3, 1930'''
Elizabeth Cordelia Bell, Doris Buckalew Bidlack, Mary Elizabeth Crozier, Mary Trescott Davenport, Velma Mae Egolf, Elizabeth Everett, Rosemary Forbes, Helen Elizabeth Fowler, Fern Edvina Harmon, Margaret Scott Hopwood, Rachael Sara Anne Johnson, Helen Strickler Keepers, Sue Kern, Helen Lambert Kinsloe, Margaret Frances Knoll, Josephine Shannon La Barre, Marjorie Elizabeth Lyons, Anne Elizabeth Mellinger, Marjorie Elizabeth Stitt, Margaret Tschan, Isabelle Jayne Wielnad, Margaret Anna Yotter.
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'''Some of Delta Alpha’s Outstanding Alumnae:''' (Some of Chapter’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.)
Gay Chuba Barry: 1976 – 1980, Director ==Highlights of Alumnae; 1980 – 1988 Fraternity Vice President; 1984 – 1988, Director of Field Representatives; Patricia Coffee Gesell: 1988 – 1990, Director of Chapters; Marjorie Gohn (Felsburg): Field Secretary, 1970-71; Anne Riley: Field Secretary, 1964-1966; Linda Pierson (Henkelman): Field Secretary, 1980-1981; Catharine Carbonetta (Mayer): Traveling Consultant, 1990-1991; Niki Rawlins (Salata): Traveling Consultant, 1998-1999; Erin Wischum: Leadership Consultant, 2004-2005; Lauren Sullivan Paitson: Executive Director, 2005-2009; Beth Ann Sharp: 2010 – 2012, Director of Programs and Education, 1973-1974, Graduate Counselor at Arizona; Patricia Coffee Gesell: 2009-, National Panhellenic Conference Delegate, 1994-1996, Regional Director of Chapters, 1992-1994, Risk Management Chairman, 1990-1992, History Chairman, 1988-1990, Fraternity Director of Chapters, 1979-1980, Province Director of Alumnae. the 1930s==
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:''' In 1932 a new kind of rush, the party system, was adopted and the Kappa Monte Carlo Party was the best of all. In 1932 the dean ordered no more walkouts. (In the early 1970s the Greeks were having their own walkouts with Panhellenic approval and guidelines.) Walkouts are similar to class sneaks…a bus is rented and a cabin in the country or at a lake is the destination for a weekend of fraternity lore, group closeness, and song composition, both serious and foolish.
Gay Chuba Barry - 1996Patricia Coffee Gesell - 2016The social life of 1934 had the added attraction of an evening with the university president, his wife, and his mother, and two evenings with the dean of women. For the first year the chapter dance was held outside the chapter house.
'''Fraternity Alumnae Achievement Award Recipients:''' Jane McCormick (Lewis) – 1978, Leader The talk of the entire campus in higher education; served as president of National Association the spring of Women Deans and Counselors; Ruth Johnson (Holden) – 1980, Educator; inventor, pioneer 1939 was the fact that singer Jeannette McDonald had stayed in speech and hearing programs and tools;the Kappa house when she came to Norman for a concert.
'''Additional Outstanding Alumnae'''==World War II Era==
Patty Meily (Mershon): Graduate CounselorWith the 1940s came World War II. There was a naval base in Norman and Kappa philanthropic activities were centered there. It was a time of entertainment at the Naval hospital, 1948-1950;Ella Louise Williams (Bassett): Graduate Counselor, 1951-1952; Silvia Brown (Trumbower): Graduate Counselor, 1965-1967; Christine Lowry (McKeag): Graduate Counselor, 1970-1972;Beth Ann Sharp: Graduate Counselor, 1973-1974;Deborah Smith (Fischer): Graduate Counselor, 1975-1977;Linda Pierson (Henkelman): Graduate Counselorof blind dates with cadets, 1981-1983;Carol Bender (Mason): Chapter Consultantopen houses, 1986and present-1988;filled Christmas stockings. Knitting for the Red Cross was part of the war effort.
==The Early YearsBeta Theta was proud in 1947 when it helped install Delta Sigma Chapter at Oklahoma A&M (From now Oklahoma State University). The History scholarship point system was inaugurated and members without a certain number of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)==points could not vote. A scholarship fund was started and each girl donated $1 for a student in financial need. Beta Theta won the Panhellenic Scholarship Cup seven times between 1947 and 1953.
Chartered A change in 1855 to provide a scientific agricultural educationchapter organization took place in 1948, when the so-called Farmers High School, a misleading title, standards chairman became the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania in 1862vice-president. This experimental college was designated also a big football year at the commonwealth’s representative university. A listening party, that is a party held in the national system an especially decorated basement of state land“rec” room to listen to an out-grant colleges in 1863. Benefits from this innovative federalof-state contract to support higher education came slowly to Penn Statetown game, but in 1871 the first women were admitted, and in 1874 the name became Pennsylvania State Collegewas a happy event. In 1930 the college celebrated its 75th anniversary at “Old Main” on 1948 the site of the building which had been the entire campus when the first students arrived Oklahoma Sooners smashed North Carolina in 1859. Since 1953 it has been the Pennsylvania State University.The non-university locality is still State College, Pennsylvania, and the Sugar Bowl as many Kappa alumnae association is listeners cheered the State College Alumnae AssociationBig Red team.
The first coeds, occupying part ==Highlights of an upper floor dormitory in “Old Main,” followed strictly enforced rules for “association with the opposite sex.” Separate housing began after the first state appropriation for buildings. Maintenance was granted in 1887, a milestone year, when intercollegiate and extracurricular activities were added, national affiliations for men’s clubs developed, and campus buildings were constructed. Faculty, enrollment, and curricula grew steadily, checked only by the two world wars and the Depression.1950s==
When Pennsylvania State trustees authorized By 1950 the organization university carnival had become the Sooner Scandals. Competing acts satirized university life, and Kappa Doll House took first place. Being first was not news…there is a long-standing tradition of women’s social groups leadership in 1922, six girls met in a campus oak grove and founded Sychorthe chapter. The plan In 1951 one girl stands out: Nadine Nortan (Holloway) was to petition Kappa elected president of the Senior Class – an honor for her and for Kappa Gamma as soon as national affiliations were permitted.
Sychor, Pennsylvania State’s In 1952 Beta Theta received the Standards Cup at Convention and in 1955 the silver service of the highest average at Kappa’s State Day. Kappas won second women’s localplace at the Sooner Scandals in 1956, became Delta Alpha Chapter of Kappa and seven intramural trophies in 1930, the sixth women’s national sorority on campus1958-1959. Sychor’s green and gold colors and its little gold acorn badge were replaced by Kappa’s light and dark blue and the key October 3That year several bedrooms, 1930an enlarged dining room, at the Wesley Foundation Hall and a remodeled kitchen helped care for a growing number of the State College Methodist ChurchBeta Thetas.
Fraternity President Florence Tomlinson Myers (Wallace), Drake, conducted the service with Fraternity Director ==Highlights of Provinces Eleanor V.V. Bennett, UC Berkeley, and Kappa’s new Executive Secretary Clara O. Pierce, Ohio State, officiating for the first of many times. Province officers and University of Pittsburgh actives assisted.1960s==
The reception In the 1960s Homecoming was given in Beta Theta Pi’s new chapter full of excitement. Not only were there queens, there were extravagant housedecorations. The next day One was a huge, revolving, musical birthday cake. When a Daily Oklahoman photographer asked to have the chapter’s first President Margaret Knoll (Oliver) conducted initiation for 28 Sychor alumnae including two founderscake’s motor turned off so he could snap a picture, Elsie Kohler Moore he was surprised to see it stop on its own, a move inspired by the 20 Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges and Ruthanna Sharpless Ely. Founders Day dinner was in 10 Kappa actives inside the Centre Hills Country Club.cake!
With dormitory space at a premium in Three annual dances of the 1960s were the 1920sBarbeque, women’s social organizations enjoyed the use of former faculty residencesChristmas Formal, but had all meals and the Monmouth Duo with the Pi Beta Phis. This started in 1960 as the McAllister Hall dining commonsannual spring party. The three-story frame Willard Cottage annual philanthropy became the Sychor and later the Kappa house, and a Christmas party for mission children which was operated as dormitorygiven with Delta Upsilon. When it There was moved slightly west in 1938 for the building of Pattee Library, Delta Alpha had much social activity among the one and only private chapter room in Greeks: the new basement. Moves to McElwain Hall in 1949 Chi Omega pizza party (which became an annual Owl-o-ween celebration) and to Cooper Hall in 1958 were to suites in the large residence hall complexes that Penn State had begun to builddinner exchanges. Each group rents a living roomGreek Week was exciting, with exchanges, kitchenetteGreek Games, and storage closet unit; occupies adjacent dormitory rooms; and shares larger facilities for meetings and initiations. The old Kappa house, renamed Moffat Cottage, was torn down in 1964 to make way for the west addition of the libraryawards banquet.
Sensing problems which might arise in an unhoused (by Kappa definition) chapter bound by In 1963 lending a hand to neighbors became a social affair. Early that fall the local Panhellenic policy of sophomore pledging, ΣΑΕ house next door burned nearly to the Fraternity assigned a graduate co-organizer, Marion Cheyne (Felton), William ground and the Kappas did the neighborly thing and Mary, to live with invited the Delta Alphas during 1931guys-32. Marjorie Matson (Converse), Purdue, was Delta Alpha’s Graduate Counselor 1945next-46door to lunch.Kappas made lovely houseboys!
Delta Alpha’s small group of State College alumnae served as advisers and formed an association The campus turned in 1933, with Margaret Oliver again as first Presidentthe 1960s to philanthropic involvement through Campus Chest. The chapter was cited several times for the best booth, and association were hostesses in 1964 the pledges’ marriage cave within a mountain took the honors.Having fun while helping others is one matter; there was also fun for fun’s sake. Fraternities developed contests for Beta Province Conventions in 1933the afternoons of big spring parties and all sororities took part. Egg hunts (raw eggs); tricycle relays, pie-eating, tugs of war, pillow fights over mud pits, and later, 1955 beer-drinking contests were just a few. Nearly all involved slime and 1967grime for the contestants.Kappas often won a muddy prize. It was all in fun!
Anne Riley Cars on the campus were growing in number and there was Delta Alpha’s first Field Secretarya parking problem, 1964-66so in 1962 a parking lot was finished behind the house. She was followed by Marjorie Gohn (Felsburg,) 1970-71After a “lot warming” members of Beta Theta Pi decided to share this wonderful facility. Ella Louise Williams (Bassett) Finally the problem was sent to Beta Phiremedied with a fence, Montanaa guard, 1951and a few towed-52; Silvia Brown (Swiss) away cars. The Kappa lot was called the Graduate Counselor for the Puget Sound, meanest and Beth Sharp was Graduate Counselor at Arizona in 1973-74.most exclusive on campus!
Helen Kinsloe, charter member and notable Kappa personality, has been honored by the chapter’s only memorial award for Fraternity loyalty and In 1960 a record-breaking class of 53 was pledged. These were days of Panhellenic concern over scholarship. It was established by Delta Alpha alumnae and State College Kappas girls were required to stay in 1963 after her deaththeir rooms studying, which deprived the Fraternity of a dynamic leader whose rapport with the chapter was enhanced by her faulty position as student adviser and teacher of bacteriologyno talking, no music, no television, for nearly every hour they were not in class. Such campusing lasted for one week before finals.
Individual interests give It was quite a chapter its personalityyear. Delta Alphas are recognized for scholarship, student leadershipOne dark, stormy night there was a two-hour power failure and word came by special messenger that the arts, in publications and in athleticschapter had won the Kappa Sigma trophy for “Sorority of the Year. Before beauty ” Everyone gathered for a spirit session with songs and talent queens were out of fashion, Kappas frequently wore their crowns, including that of Miss Penn State. Delta Alphas were among cheering despite the charter members when Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Alpha Lambda Delta, Cwens and other honor societies were installedstorm.
In 1972, Rhonda Egidio was one of the two first women elected to Lion’s Paw, a prestigious senior “men’s” honorary. A Sychor-Delta Alpha, Dr. Mary R. Freer Keeler, was an early recipient of the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award. She was Penn State’s “Women of the Year” young Kappa made history in 1959 1965 for academic achievement and as dean of faculty of Hood College. When the title University of “Dean of Women” was abolishedOklahoma, Jane Eas well as for her chapter. McCormick, Penn State, became head Vicki Gotcher was elected the second woman administrator Student Senate president in the university’s student affairs officecountry. Donna Symonds Clemson, associate editor of She was the Penn State Alumni publications, now limits her Kappa activity to chapter advising. Another good friend to Delta Alpha was Doris M. Seward, Delta, Indiana, executive assistant to first woman president of Pennsylvania State and professor of human developmentat Oklahoma.
Consistently high rating among Penn State’s Panhellenic groups strengthened Delta Alpha for survival during And so, the partial eclipse of the Greeks in the late 1960srolled along, and membership quotas were maintained. By 1970 sorority chapters on the chapter continued in campus leadership; social events crowded study time; scholarship awards were in the low 20s won, with smaller memberships, after peaking at nearly 30 more Kappas in Mortar Board and honoraries than any other group. One year the early 1960spresidents of three major honoraries were all Beta Thetas.
Firmly established chapters are coping The Centennial Year of the Fraternity was entered into with changes in campus situationspride as Beta Theta alumnae, old and playing young, joined actives for a vital role on campuses where liberalized housing creates problemsbanquet and heritage program. By exerting Panhellenic leadership in the 1970s, Delta Alpha hoped Those new to Kappa were awakened to become free of the unstructured disunity of knowledge that they stood on the chaotic 1960s and to combine recognition threshold of individuality a second century with Kappa’s traditional values the challenge of honor through group organization and making the second one hundred years as outstanding as the loyalty of membersfirst.
==Highlights of There were several improvements to the 1970s:== Delta Alpha, like many of our chaptershouse, which was affected by always filled to the events of the worldbrim with Kappas. In 2007, alumnae donated a new building called Kappa Hall, which is used for chapter meetings, practice, banquets, and parents’ weekend, among other things. The campus became more involved In 2008, new wood floors were laid in issues of our country the upstairs hallway, the study room was completely redone, the dining room chairs reupholstered, and the ongoing war in Vietnamwalls repainted. Saigon fellIn 2009, the Watergate scandalhouse got a new heating and air conditioning system, President Nixon had left office and Gerald Ford became presidenta new sound system for recruitment, which all left their mark. Peace movements began and hippies were everywherea new ice cream machine. The Delta Alphas answered by focusing on philanthropies hoping to attract more members. Disco fashion were sweeping the nation – bellbottoms, platform shoesAnd in 2010, mini-skirts there were in vogue and flower power influence permeated the campusnew wood floors.
Rush (Recruitment) numbers were noticeably lower in the 1960s Beta Theta hosted two events for alumnae and continued into the 1970s. For those years the total membership was just in the 30s. It wasn’t until 1979 that it was back in fashion to be their children every year: a Greek. Academic achievement was foremost on the members’ minds spring Easter egg hunt, and Halloween trick or treating at the GPA average for the decade was 3.21Kappa House.
Coach Joe Paterno had Chapter women were awarded Outstanding Sophomore, Big Woman on Campus and Homecoming Queen in 2004, and there was a decade of winning football seasonshomecoming queen finalist in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Saturdays were always In 2007, there was also a highlight for runner up in the campus known as “Happy ValleyLambda Chi Alpha rose pageant, and in 2008 a Miss Oklahoma University pageant runner up.” The campus continued to grow not only There were also Lambda Chi Alpha rose pageant winners in the number of students but in increasing the number of academic buildings2008 and 2009.
Spring Week and Greek Week were major highlights for the Delta Alphas as well as for the campus. The Delta Alphas in conjunction with their partner fraternity always gleaned several awards each year. ==Highlights of 2011==
January 15, 1979, the 1,000th member of Delta Alpha was initiatedKappa had another successful year in 2011.
'''Philanthropy:''' Beta Theta chapter was runner-up for the President’s Trophy, the University of Oklahoma’s most prestigious award in the Greek community. We hosted five multicultural events, more than any other sorority or fraternity on campus. Some of these were mixers with the student organization Pan-Am.
The Kappas were well-known We also had members involved in every single Campus Activities Council Executive Committee, a leadership organization in charge of almost all of the events on campus for their participation and involvement in philanthropies. They participated We had Kappas participate by serving in the Delta Gamma Anchor Splash CAC and THON, now one volunteering at each event. The Vice President of UOSA (University of Oklahoma Student Association) and the largest student run philanthropic events CAC Homecoming Queen was Laura Bock, a junior Beta Theta member. Our chapter also won first in the country as well as other Greek groups’ eventshomecoming float contest and third in homecoming overall. THON is short In another CAC event, Dance Marathon, which raised over $73,000 for a mara”thon” dance competition which takes place during a four-day periodChildren’s Mercy Network, we won the highest attendance award.
==Highlights The year 2011 brought 71 new Kappas into our chapter. This year’s pledge class received second in grades. As a sorority, we received third in grades overall. This is a wonderful accomplishment because our sorority is one of the 1980s:==On few houses on campus the Paterno Library was dedicated that does not have a rigid study hour system requirement. We had a very successful and named eventful year in football Coach Joe Paterno’s honor not only for his major gift 2011 and are looking forward to the project but because of the importance he placed on academics with his teams. It almost doubled the size of the existing Patee Libraryan even more prolific 2012.
“The Dairy” continued to be a favorite of undergraduates and returning graduates. Penn State began as the Farmer’s High School so it is only natural that the Agricultural degree were highly acclaimed. Various flavors of ice cream and cream cheese were the favorites.
Ice skating, square dances and popcorn parties were held monthy and were well attended. Tailgating occurred before each home football game and “mother/daughter” events were held often culminating in a Mother’s Day tea party.==Highlights of 2012==
The chapter continued to maintain a high ScholarshipSpring 2012 GPA and the members participated in many campus events- 3. Since the chapter was essentially unhoused it was difficult to plan sisterhood events on campus372 - Rank - 4th Place Fall 2012 Member GPA - 3. The chapter strived to maintain the importance of sisterhood. Founders Day was celebrated every year with the State College alumnae and was one of the opportunities to bring together the whole chapter4 - Rank - 1st Place Fall 2012 New Member GPA - 3. 313 - Rank - 3rd Place
Many of the '''Kappa Tutors''' The Beta Theta chapter provides members were involved with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in intramural sports and student councils across the campus. March 31, 1980, Delta Alpha was recognized as the outstanding chapter on Penn State campuswhich members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This award is given by an administrative committee tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and was most prestigiousbuild relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
'''Philanthropy:''' In the fall of 2012, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
For the third decade THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world'''Smart Cookie''' Every week at chapter, was not only the major focus our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the entire campus but of Greeks drawing by placing their name or work in generala folder. The money raised was for the Four Diamonds Fund member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center which primarily treated children with cancer. Kappas and their partners raised on average more than $40,000 a yearpositive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
==Highlights of the 1990s'''2012 Kappa Convention Awards'''New Member Program Award Winner Honorable Mentions:==Delta Alpha continued to be proud of its many philanthropic efforts.The members were proud to be carrying on the traditions of the past. For example, still participating in Derby Days and winning Spring Week with the Sigma Chis as well as the participation Advisory Board Award; House Board Award; Chapter/Advisory Board Relations Award; Technology Award; Philanthropy Award; Philanthropy Signature Event Award; PanHellenic Award; Recruitment Award; Public Relations Award; Excellence in THON. Chapter Management AwardKappas maintained a great relationship with other Greek organizations by continuously attending their events and getting to know other members involved in Greek life. This helped to boost Kappa’s reputation on campus and in the community. Traditions
During these years Senior Bump LineThe last chapter meeting of the Delta Alpha Chapter won year, all active members, except seniors, recreate the outstanding chapter at Penn State award multiple timesrecruitment ‘Bump Line’ in Kappa Hall. The award was based on activities in philanthropies seniors then enter and involvement we ‘bump’ them in THON. Kappa was one of the top organizations that raised money for THON over the course of years.Delta Alpha was excited to host the Beta Province Meeting. The their last chapter prided itself on its GPA for the decade and continued to express the importance of academic studies.
==Highlights of 2000-2010:==
Penn State is known for having excellent academic programs. In fall 2010 The Wall Street Journal named Penn State as the number one school where business recruiters seek to hire students. Also, the Women’s Volleyball Team won its fourth consecutive national championship.
Here at Penn State the chapter is very well respected. It has a reputation on the campus and among fellow students of having outstanding members. The chapter continues to participate in Greek Week and Spring Week – a major event on the campus each year.
Scholarship was once again •Dad’s Day: For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a prime focus with lunch the afternoon before a decade average of 3.42. The chapter also hosted a LEAD seminar home football game complete with the Dickinson pictures and Bucknell chaptersa raffle.
'''Philanthropy•Mom’s Day:''' For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
In 2004, Delta Alpha with its partner fraternity raised $81,875 to contribute to •Relay for Life:One of the fight against pediatric members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer – THON. The campus in total raised $3.5 millionearly 2012.In 2006honor of her mom, $91,1798 was raised; Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in 2009 Delta Alpha raised an unbelievable $136,443 Relay for THON, placing third. Also, in 2004 the chapter began its decade association with Reading Is Fundamental. Life at The first activity was a story time and help with an elementary school.Other RIF activities University of Oklahoma for the decade to raise money were an ice cream eating contest, “Kappa Klassic” tennis tournament; Kappa Winter Tales – children attended an event to listen to a profession story tellerpast three years .
The Delta Alphas are proud of their long heritage of contributing to society •Soonerthon:Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and at participated in the 12 hour event. Sarah Campbell, a junior kappa, was the chairman for the same time making academic success event and philanthropy involvement its top prioritiesended up raising $318,711.14 to donate to the OU Children’s Hospital.
'''Chapter Convention Awards•University Sing:'''Beta Theta was paired with Delta Tau Delta for U-Sing 2014. The chapter had to choose a picture from an old year book and build a performance around it.
2000 – Scholarship Honorable Mention•Homecoming: Greatest Scholarship Improvement Honorable Mention2002 – Efficiency Award“Bound as One” was the Homecoming theme for 2014. Each group chose a story book of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Lambda Chi Alpha, Ritual Honorable MentionPhi Kappa Psi, Scholarship Honorable Mention, Recruitment Honorable Mention, Advisory Board Honorable Mention, 2006 – Risk Management Honorable Mention2008 – Panhellenic Award, Standards Honorable Mentionand Lambda Phi Epsilon to the theme ‘Water for Elephants.
==Highlights of 2011-2019• Monmonth:==Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park.
==Highlights of 2011==
The Delta Alpha Chapter now consists of 91 active Philanthropic Involvement •RIF Book Drive: Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our membersgenerously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. This year we had the opportunity to donate to our local philanthropy, CCFI, after this past fall when we received a new fairly large pledge class of 31 new sisters! We also just welcomed a spring pledge class of 9 new girls currently going through . They used the books in their pledging processHoliday Wishes gift drive. Seven of our active This year we collected over 2,000 books from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. We are currently studying abroad now participating in Florence, Barcelona a volunteer and Parismentoring program with one of the schools that received donations from us. This The book drive was extremely successful this year, 2012, and we received a new THON family! We are very excited happy to spread the love for reading to welcome this young girl into children all around Norman. •Kappa Kupcakes: "Kappa Kupcakes” is our THON familypublic philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester. THON Last year we had it in April and this year was a bit different than it will be held on March 4th. At this event, the Norman and OU community have the past due chance to a tragic car accident of a girl in another sorority who was traveling come to Kappa and eat cupcakes to someone's home support our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. Attendees enjoy cupcakes and a cake-decorating contest, along with a canning weekendphoto booth and lovely outdoor seating. A “canning” weekend means going to Last year we presented a fellow sister’s house and being welcomed by her family check for a weekend$4, The family provides shelter 800 to CCFI. This year we aim to make above and home-cooked meals beyond last year’s total. This event is not only full of yummy treats, but it benefits a great cause and during provides wonderful community interaction. •Goodwill At the day end of each semester, we go into take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in. •Local Fire Department When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty. Chapter Goals For the streets year 2014, our chapter goals were to: Green Quadrant: •Improve Chapter Council's understanding of chapter budget •Prepare chapter budget and raise money present to chapter •The treasurer will hold office hours once a week •Familiarize members with Panhellenic and encourage greater participation •Provide incentives for attending weekly Panhellenic meetings •Continue to nominate at least two individuals for Panhellenic office •Increase member involvement with chapter events •Utilize Chapter Council to individually encourage the chapter to support members who have planned events •Improve attendance at campus events •Have campus applications readily available in the Hershey Medical Center’s Four Diamonds Fund.house to encourage member involvement
After this incident •Post weekly campus events calendars around the THON committee proceeded to put regulatilons on canning weekend and require students participating to go to a workshop that talked about how to ensure our safety. You would then receive a wristband that showed you completed this workshop and were allowed house to go! Kappa is paired with Delta Chi Fraternity once again for THON 2012. We had a birthday party for Ashley, one of our THON family remind members at Delta Chi which was a lot of fun, and a good chance for the new girls to get to know the family better. We held a philanthropy event this year with obstacle courses and pie eating contests, that Kappa actually won! In addition we held a Founder's Day brunch this fall at the Nittany Lion Inn. All of our sisters and alumni came together to reminisced on Kappa traditions and passed events. Here at Pennsylvania State University the Delta Alpha Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is very respected and we have a very classy reputation among the campus and fellow students. opportunities
'''Campus:''' This past fall a very sad scandal actually came out about. A former football staff members here at Penn State was charged with counts of child sex abuse which shocked the campus and the entire Penn State community. There was a definite gloom that hung over the campus for a week or two, but the entire school really came together to show that this one staff member's actions do not reflect the Penn State community and the students here •Implement “Kappa on campus. The members of Kappa supported the victims that were apart of these awful events by attending a football game in all blue for child abuse, and attending a candle light vigil here on campus in support of the young boys affected. In response Kampus” to this, former icon football coach, Joe Paterno was fired. This caused reward a great unroar and a lot of emotions on campus. Though, the students stuck together and supported this man member each month who has done so much for our school. The following football game that would be the first that Joe Paterno was not present at, was sold out to capacity and the student section was louder and had more spirit than ever. As a result there has been more student leadership, and more alumni support and a call for more transparency and administration. In the end the campus has become more unified to maintain Penn State's future goals and reputation. shown great involvement
'''Chapter Blue Quadrant:''' Due to these events this year on campus, the Delta Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma we made an effort to represent Penn State as best as we could as a chapter to show the outside world that Penn State is not one person. We strived to raise even more money for THON, which is such an incredible cause here that our school does, and we did not want the previous events to lead us to any financial losses for this great cause that helps so many people in need. Here on campus Kappa has one of the highest held GPA's and we take great pride in our academic success. Many of our members also participate in club activities. We are a very well rounded group of young ladies.
A recent visit from a Leadership Consultant helped us identify things we can improve on in our •Increase chapter. This includes become more open and welcoming to the members of other sororities who participate in our philanthropies or come to our suite for activities. In terms of making relationships, we also need to try to reeach out to nationals to and create a better relationship with the people out there who want to help us most! We also need to do a better of job knowledge of getting in our paper work on time. We are very motivated to step up History and improve these things that we need to work on. We are constantly trying to better ourselves. Ritual
==Highlights of 2012==•VP - Organization will have a meeting with each committee head to discuss leadership strategy and plans Yellow Quadrant: •Motivate and encourage members in their academic endeavors •Continue to update and organize the chapter’s test files
The Delta Alpha Chapter had a great year. The Chapter consists of 117 active members •Implement incentives program and welcomed a new pledge class of 36 girls in the fall! Several girls are currently studying abroad in places such as Paris, Barcelona, Argentina, and even Africa! This year we went on many canning trips to support and raise money recognition for THON. Our chapter is thrilled to be working with three amazing THON families and we are so proud to say we help them individuals with all of our hearts. Through raising money for the Hershey Medical Center's Four Diamonds Fund we have gained a full understanding of how lucky we are and how our actions and hard work can help so many people that are in need of love and care. We hosted a birthday party for one of our THON childrenhigh GPA, Ashley, at our partner, Delta Chi Fraternity's house. We also raised not strictly those who receive a lot of money to donate to our philanthropy by holding different philanthropy events throughout the year. Our chapter had very successful recruitment periods and gained so many great friendships and bonds4. Many pearls were given out to reward the sisters who received GPA's of 3.8 or higher. Although Penn State has been going through a tough time in the recent years0, Kappa Kappa Gamma has kept like a very leveled head and worked to improve the campus. As a whole chapter we supported the football team and many campus events to show our loyalty as a sisterhood and as a Penn Stater. All year we were proud to wear our KKG letters around and spread information about why we love being a sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma.weekly “smart cookie” award
As a chapter we have changed over the years. Bonds have grown stronger and it is apparent that each individual is making a huge effort to give Kappa Kappa Gamma •Reinstall academic excellence as a great reputation. Recently there has been a strong effort to make the new pledge class feel at home and a desire to get them very involved. Our chapter continues to work with our philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental, as well as Penn State's dance marathon will all of our hearts. Kappa has one of the highest GPA's among other sororities and we have maintained that and are so proud. priority in recruitment Red Quadrant:
Some chapter challenges included miscommunication between all members •Further accountability of the Delta Alpha Chapter. We have been aiming to meet Standards and overcome these challenges by working with our advisers and talking things through in a mature and lady-like way. We have attended many meetings to help us open up and learn how to communicate properly and womenly. We are working hard to develop a strong communication with the sororities around us on campus and to nationals. One last thing we have struggled with in the past is turning in paper work on time and finishing important documents and webinars. The new CC is working so hard and coming up with many ideas to keep us on top of our tasks so we can improve!increase morale
Our campus has gone through many changes that have to do with the scandal involving the coaches on our beloved football team. Like the previous year all Penn State students kept a positive attitude •Pursue consistent and maintained their pride. Kappa made sure to attend the Blue-out game to support victims of child abuse. Other recent changes on campus have included new sorority housing being built in which the Delta Alpha chapter will be able to live in next year. Many sororities are moving into the new buildings along with us, which will help us get to know many other people. The amount of girls that decided to go through recruitment this year was very high, and the Delta Alpha chapter worked their hardest to have the most successful recruitment process as possible.fair consequences for Standards violations
==Highlights of 2013==•Morale will plan and host sisterhood events to increase morale and bond within the chapter
-The Delta Alpha Chapter had a very fulfilling year. The Chapter now consists of 149 active members and initiated a new pledge class of 54 girls in the fall, including three legacies! Our chapter had a very successful recruitment process and integrated our new members with the enthusiasm to uphold Kappa’s traditions. This year our chapter participated in many fundraising activities to raise money for both THON and our national charity. We went on many canning trips with our partners in the Delta Chi Fraternity, sent Thonvelopes, and created many fundraising events with the local restaurants such as Five Guys and Cold Stone. This year our chapter is working with two amazing THON families, who are loving and caring. It has brought our chapter so much pride to get to know these families and we are so excited to spend the weekend with them for THON weekend. Participating in such a meaningful organization has made every girl in our chapter proud to be supporting such a cause. In academics, our •Improve chapter gave out many pearls to image within the girls that earned a GPA of 3.8 or higher to recognize and reward their academic achievements.community
As a whole chapter we work to improve our sorority•Promote positive PR through social media outlets, local newspapers, our school and our community. All year we work to spread awareness of the great benefits of sisterhood and the bonds formed in Kappa Kappa Gamma. However, like every other organization we have faced some challenges that we have worked to overcome together as a chapter united. Some chapter challenges that we have met in the past and continue to work on is being more organized with our documents and struggling to turn in important paperwork in on time.
Our members and the new CC has been working endlessly to overcome these challenges •Promote positive PR throughout campus by working with our advisers and staying on top of our tasks. Every girl takes their individual responsibility seriously in order to achieve everything our chapter is capable of. The last challenge that we have met as a sorority is being able to handle a new pledge class of fifty- four girls, the biggest pledge class we have had yet. This was hosting a challenge for not only our sorority, but all sororities on campus as the number of girls going through recruitment has increased yearly. Integrating such a big group of girls into our chapter brought about many organizational issues within the sorority. This is a challenge that we faced with grace and our now proud to say that by working together have successfully integrated the new pledge class. social media awareness event
Our Penn State campus •PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy:The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has undergone many changes this year including new housing for all sororities recently decided to move into. Our chapter moved into adopt a new building this spring semester‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. This move has given us In the opportunity Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to meet a vote of the other sororities that also moved into chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the building, allowing all policy did not pass by one vote. Although the sororities on campus to become closer to each otherpolicy did not pass, and given all Pan-Hellenic women the opportunity Beta Theta still decided to get to know each other and make us closer as change recruitment by having a whole. There have also been some changes within Pan- Hellenic itself because new sororities have been invited to join the Greek day focused on community on campusservice. Some new sororities will be coming on to our campus for Out of the upcoming yearOU PanHellenic system, and we have also said good -bye Kappa was the only chapter to other sororities that have left our campusstart moving in this direction. Pledge classes are now bigger than they have ever been on Penn State campusThe policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment. This increased Greek life as Beta Theta has continued improved over the two years and has expanded from a whole day focused on campusindividual community service to the chapter's heart for philanthropy.
As •PanHellenic Community Service Hours: PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a chapter we continue to change and improvesemester. Our members are still working tirelessly to represent Kappa Kappa Gamma accuratelyrequires 15 hours of community service per semester, giving our sorority the reputation that it deservesper member. As a chapter we stick together and support We offer endless opportunities for our sisters to the fullest. The biggest change within our chapter has been the increase in pledge class size and our sisters are also working very hard to include the new pledge class that has grown significantly this year and will probably continue members to grow in serve the upcoming yearscommunity.
==Highlights of 2014==World/Local Events The Delta Alpha Chapter had a very rewarding year. At the 2014 convention, the Delta Alpha chapter was awarded the Chapter/Advisory Board Relations Award, as well as Honorable Mention •OKies for Greatest Improvement! We were also fortunate enough to had been given two awards from the Greek Column Awards ceremony. There we were awarded Chapter Africa: A member of Excellence and Most Improved Chapter by the Penn State Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. In additionKappa, out chapter has flourished planned and took organized a concert in a large, quota pledge class of 66 amazing New MembersKappa Hall, who have all been initiated and remain dedicated to the sisterhood! For 2014 one huge goal was to attain that Chapter of Excellence status, so where we are very proud to say we have accomplished that. We will continue to strive for this in 2015 and in years to come. Some other goals we have been working on raised money and will continue sold shirts to work on this year include establishing a signature philanthropy event and furthering member commitment and involvement at chapter events. These are both areas of struggle for our chapter that we have been making great strides assist an orphanage in through strong leadership and standards. As evident by the Honorable Mention from Kappa and the award from Panhellenic, we have made great strides in 2014, but there is always room to growAfrica.
Our Penn State campus has undergone many changes •Opportunity Boxes: Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in the past yearHaiti. One addition is the new south dorm located right near the sorority suites. There has also been a recent addition to the HUB-Student Center which is a great place for sororities to meet Kappa ending up and hold events. There have also been some changes within Panhellenic itself. New sororites have joined our campus and we have also said goodbye to others. Pledge classes are now bigger and greek life as a whole has really grown on the Penn State campussending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
The Delta Alpha Chapter •Guatemala Mission Trip:Three members of Kappa Kappa Gamma holds chapter meetings weekly in the chapter room which is located Beta Theta raised money to go on the ground floor of Ewing Halla mission trip to Totonicapan, Guatemala. This building is owned by the Pennsylvania State University They worked with Habitats for Humanity and is considered on campus dormbuilt two homes for those in need.
Thirty three sisters of the Delta Alpha chapter get the opportunity to live on the sorority floor each semester. During the fall, six girls are placed in supplemental housing located in overflow housing. Then in the spring they get the chance to move onto the floor when other girls move out for study abroad. Our chapter was housed in Cooper Hall since 1958, and in January of 2014 we moved to the renovated Ewing Hall. In the renovated "Greek Village," suites are now located right on the chapters' floors, while they used to be all on the first floor. This gives the hall a more house-like feel. The suite was beautifully decorated and stocked with the help of our advisers and House Board.
We recently gained a new THON family and could not be more excited to be working with them! Our THON families have brought our chapter so much pride and excitement to have the opportunity to dance FTK and spend the most amazing weekend with all of them. One of the challenges that our chapter faced this year was the loss of two canning trips, where a majority of our fundraising for THON occurs. To overcome this challenge, we needed to be creative and think of alternative ways to support THON and raise funds For The Kids. Our chapter overcame this challenge together and brainstormed effective way to fundraise. Our sisters all sent out THONvelopes, donation boxes were set up around numerous hometowns, and we also are holding fundraisers at local restaurants, such as Cold Stone.
We have also been working hard towards promoting our philanthropy, Reading is Fundamental. We held a philanthropy event recently at a local church with 1-4 year olds to promote our philanthropy and it was a great success! Our sisters and the local children really enjoyed the time we spent together. One ==Highlights of our goals for this year that we will continue to strive for is to create a signature philanthropy event. We have been making remarkable achievements in 2015, but there is always room to improve and continue to grow! We are very excited for the year to come.2019==
Our Penn State This year, the Beta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was honored to have our house completely redone! It has been such an honor for our chapter to get this wonderful opportunity to have a new home for PC 19 to live in next year. In addition to our house, Beta Theta chapter members received five different Kappa scholarships from nationals for $3000 each ($1500 per semester). The members who were awarded these scholarships were on regular status and were all enrolled in a minimum of twelve hours. Also, we are really excited for the new initiative from nationals to provide the need-based scholarship for $5000 in addition to the $3000 scholarships. This year, our freshman pledge class, PC 19, had the amazing opportunity to be finalists for the 2019 University Sing. University Sing, also called U Sing, is a theater type performance and competition against all of the sororities and fraternities on campus always seems . The Beta Theta Chapter had the opportunity to perform at Holmberg Hall, the theater stage where University Sing occurs. The awards we got were Best Choreography, Best Directors, Best Act Add, and Reynolds Performing Art Center Award. This was a big deal for our chapter and we were so excited to be improving take part in one way or anotherit. In March, we hosted our annual Kappa Kupcakes event and made $10,662!! All of the proceeds from our event were given directly to CCFI, Center for Children and Families INC, the local organization our chapter works with directly. This year we paired with other Greek organizations and created a Halloween Haunted House open to all of the University of Oklahoma and all of the proceeds we made on the tickets were donated to CCFI and USO, the United Service Organization. Our impressive In November, we hosted our annual Kappa Kookout and had the amazing opportunity to pair up with Lambda Chi Alpha, a fraternity on OU's campus offers renovated housing . We were so privileged to have raised $10,537!! All of the proceeds were given directly to CCFI from this event as well. In addition to our big philanthropic events, we have had many coat/book drives for CCFI and have had many girls go and volunteer at CCFI each sororityweek. Also, and each our members have done a great job in supporting other Panhellenic organizations by going to other sorority floor 's philanthropic events. This year has been amazing and a suite as welllittle challenging for the Beta Theta Chapter. The suites are perfect places We have had to accommodate for not having our sisters house, but we have been really lucky to meet up have Kappa Hall for everything involving our Chapter. Overall, 2019 has been a great year for the Beta Theta Chapter and study we are excited to see what is ahead!The biggest change that our chapter took on this year was the house renovations that took place. We have had major changes with the sophomore Kappas living inCross, an on-campus living area, and with having everything take place in our beloved Kappa Hall. Kappa Hall has been such a privilege and blessing to us because we have been able to have many events take place in there. House Board set up a living room area and had tables out for us to sit if we wanted to do homework or just relax together after eat a busy day meal. We are so lucky to have our amazing chef Brenda able to cook for us Monday-Friday, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We had all of classesour initiation services take place in Kappa Hall as well. Because of the lack of housing, initiation was a combined service. This service ended up working out for us really well and the alumni were very pleased how it went. The Delta Alpha Chapter New Members were able to have an initiation very similar to the past besides the combined service. Overall, the Beta Theta chapter has taken this renovation in a positive route and we have accommodated smoothly to any problems that happened due to the lack of Kappa Kappa Gamma has a sorority suite located house. The chapter's overall nature is kind, giving, and inclusive in all aspects. We are always kind and uplifting to each other by encouraging each and every member to do the renovated Ewing Hall best they can in schoolwork and in everyday life. We are giving to our organization CCFI and to other local organizations around Norman. Lastly, we are inclusive with other sororities and with each other within our chapter. Beta Theta is an exceptional chapter filled with girls who are willing to help and encouraging to all. CCFI(Center for Children and Families Inc.) is doing amazing things in the South Residence areaNorman community for foster children and broken homes. We get to play a really hands on role with them by being just down the street! We love CCFI because we are able to be hands on with our philanthropy. It is an local organization, so we have members go there and help the children with homework everyday. Because it is children based, which our national organization of Reading is also Key plays into what we do at CCFI. Our members help the children learn how to read and we have book drives where we hold donate to the books straight to CCFI.How did the chapter celebrate Founders Day? Please attach any photos. We had a barbecue food truck at Kappa Hall for the chapter. We recognized our weekly founders and the making of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Everyone hung out and talked to each other in Kappa Hall after chapter meetings in . Unfortunately, there was no photos taken at this event. How has the chapter room on begun to celebrate Kappa's 150th anniversary? Share what you have done this year and are planning to do in 2020. Saturday, December 7th, the ground floor of EwingMinnie Stewart van will be coming to Kappa Hall from 10 am-1 pm. There will be food and drinks provided to members and alumni. Also, we will be streaming the Big 12 championship for everyone to watch!
Thirty three sisters ==Highlights of 2020==This past year, the Delta Alpha Beta Theta Chapter had to adapt to new ways during these troubled times. Our year first started with moving rush online. We had a very successful rush, but I know it was difficult for morale to be up at times since so much of it was online. However, our rush chairs did an amazing job and making sure an online rush ran smoothly. This year we had to do Big/Little in shifts in order to practice social distancing. We also had an online initiation. Even though we were not able to a full ceremony, alumni were allowed to be with their daughter/ granddaughter, etc. This was very meaningful because we were allowed to have the pinning ceremony stay true to its roots. This year we had online chapter are given every Monday. I think this was helpful since people could stay at home and not spend time commuting to chapter. As a chance junior I know school has ramped up and become more difficult. The 10 minutes it took to drive to and from chapter allowed me more time to study which was helpful. Even though attendance seemed to live on be up, I think it affected the sorority floor chapter seeing every sister’s face. I know we all missed each fall. In the spring, many of our juniors travel abroadother, but we would stay on after chapter was over and zoom with everyone. It was nice to be able to talk even though it was via computer.Our chapter chose this gives organization because it helps support our national philanthropy; Reading is Fundamental. CCFI is a numerous amount of other sisters local organizationin Norman that we get the chance to help promote literacy in children. We got the opportunity to move onto the floor do a book drive this year for the spring semesterchildren. Living on In years past we read to the floor is a wonderful fortune children and help promote literacy and reading skills, but COVID-19 made that our sisters valuedifficult.
-----------'''Note to Chapter Registrar:''' Please refer to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes and back issues ==Highlights 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. 2021==
Your efforts will ensure The Beta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma enjoyed a wonderful and successful 2021. The year was plentiful with events, accomplishments and the great company of sisterhood. To kick off the year we hosted a Valentines Day sisterhood event on February the 14th that included bouquet making, cookies and goodie baskets. This event was beautiful and such a fun way for the chapter to come together in the newly remodeled house for the very first time! On March 6th, the school hosted its annual “University of Oklahoma Dance Marathon (OUDM)” which is the official philanthropy event of the Campus Activities Council at the University of Oklahoma. OUDM benefits Oklahoma's children by raising money for the Oklahoma Children's Hospital Foundation and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Kappa participated and celebrated our Miracle Child, Lucy, and had one of the largest groups of participants at the event! Beta Theta has been celebrating and raising funds for Lucy for a long time and we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to do it again in 2021. On March 7th, we hosted “Kappa Kares”. Kappa Kares was a complete philanthropy event in which Beta Theta collected school supplies and raised money for Reading is Fundamental. Kappa paired with Kennedy Elementary School in Norman and accurate history collected wish lists from teachers. In total, our chapter gifted Kennedy over $5,600 worth of your school supplies and donated $2,000 to Reading is Fundamental. On April 9th, Beta Theta hosted a Greek Preview Day. For Greek Preview Day, due to COVID-19 still being a large factor last Spring, OU Panhellenic chose the day to be virtual. As a chapter we submitted graphics that contained facts about KKG such as our philanthropy, our values, our “nickname”, and a fun fact. In addition to the graphic, we provided a video to give the PNM’s a look into what it is like to be a Kappa and a Q&A session through Instagram. On April 21st, Beta Theta had our annual “Kappa Kupcakes.” Kappa Kupcakes is our chapter's signature philanthropy event that benefitted the Center for future generations Children and Families Incorporated. Members sold tickets to the OU community who are encouraged to come and enjoyunlimited cupcakes on the lawn. The cupcakes were bought and/or baked and decorated by members and their sisters. Our chapter raised over $7000 at this event and a good time was had by all participants. Work week, designed to prepare for our New Member Class 21’ began on the 7th of August and the sisters of Beta theta experienced ‘work week’ and getting ready for rush until the 17th of August. During work week, we hosted an “Alumni Night” for Alumni to come visit, speak with us about rush, and hear our intentions for the New Member class. During Alumni night, we started off in Kappa Hall with a brief presentation from the recruitment advisor and chairman. The presentation included introductions of the rush team, a Pickers performance, our sisterhood video, and an introduction into Kappa’s new philanthropy. The presentation concluded with a “Kappa through the decades” which included a performance/dance from the seniors and members “bumping out” the alumni as they left. The night was a great morale booster for the upcoming rush week and it was great for us to get to know alumni and learn some of their “rush tips”. The 2021 rush week began on August 17th in person. The members and potential new members all wore masks and after each party sanitation guidelines were followed. The week went splendidly and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of the fine young women who came through recruitment in 2021. Bid Day was on August the 22nd, and Beta Theta active and new members enjoyed a DJ, goodie baskets, and celebrated the joy of gaining 81 new forever sisters. On September 1st, Beta Theta enjoyed our first date party in a year since the COVID-19 pandemic halted all in-person events in 2020 and part of 2021. The evening was called “Kappa Kounty Fair” and the night consisted of cotton candy, fair activities such as balloon art and caricatures, and lots of dancing. It was a super fun event that our chapter really enjoyed, and felt extremely lucky to be able to host together in person again. On September 20th, we had Bliss E. Brown the Program Coordinator of Gender-based Violence Prevention Gender + Equality Center come to our chapter to educate us on the important of “Our Voice” and sexual prevention. On October the 13th, we celebrated the 151st anniversary of Kappa Kappa Gamma! We gathered to “Taco ‘Bout 151 years” with a taco food truck on the lawn. Our chapter met at the house and ate dinner and reflected on how far our chapter has come as we celebrated everything Kappa! On October the 15th, We celebrated the University’s Homecoming by participating in a variety of events throughout the week of homecoming! We hand popped a float for the parade, created a dance for the rah rally with a fraternity on campus, and participated in a handful of other events to raise our school spirit. From October the 18th-22nd, we hosted our 2nd ever “Blake’s Week.” Blake’s Week was a partnered philanthropy event with Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 2020, Blake Burgess fellow OU student suddenly passed away. This event benefited the Blake Burgess scholarship fund in his honor. During this week-long event Kappa and Sig Ep hosted a powder puff football game, a cornhole tournament, and a movie night on the lawn. In total, we raised $11,438 throughout the week. This event is extremely special to many members in Beta Theta and across our whole campus. On October the 22nd-23rd New Members participated in an event called “Walkout.” Walkout is a freshman new member event where they get to have a big sleepover with their new sisters!This is one of the best ways that they get to know each other and form lasting friendships. This year it was at an alumni’s house where the freshman and new member chair enjoyed s’mores and ice breakers. On October the 30th, Beta Theta hosted a House Dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. We invited alumni to come and tour our newly renovated home. We held a short ceremony that highlighted all of the amazing alumni who assisted with the large project. After the ceremony, we had an official ribbon cutting and ended the event with house tours. On October the 31st, we hosted an Alumni Trick-or-Treat. The chapter invited alumni to bring their children to Trick-or-Treat throughout the Kappa house. We had members dress up and decorated the entire area in cobwebs and festive decor. The children went up and down the halls of the second and third floor ending their time by painting pumpkins and doing crafts outside. On Friday and Saturday November 5th and 6th, the New Members became actives in a very special initiation. Joined by our ritual specialist and members from nationals, Beta Theta PC’21 was welcomed into being official with the traditional ceremony and celebratory brunch afterwards. From November the 10th-13th Kappa participated in performing in the “University Sing” showing, an OU event where sororities and fraternities pair together in a student-led musical. Kappa, paired with Beta Theta Pi, took home the awards, “Best Directors,” “Crowd Favorite,” and “Spirit of University Sing.” The chapter was very proud of the hard work and determination that went into this performance. On November the 29th, Beta Theta hosted their second and final date party of 2021, “Kappa Derby.” We got to watch live horse races at the venue along with delicious food, a DJ and a photo booth. The event was very fun and interactive. On December 1st, we welcomed our new national philanthropy with our final philanthropy event of 2021, “Kappa Kookout.” Kappa Kookout was our first ever mental health awareness philanthropy event benefiting The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Southern Smash. Our chapter provided hot dogs and hosted a “smash the scale” event. Attendees were invited to come and write on a scale and smash the stigma surrounding disordered eating both metaphorically and physically. In total, we raised over $6,500 for The National Alliance on Mental Illness and Southern Smash. Our final event of 2021 was a Holiday sisterhood event that we hosted on December 5th to get morale up for everyone to finish the semester strong. It consisted of cookie decorating, goodie bags, a holiday movie, and a mini donut truck. The goodie bags were full of fun little gifts to help out with finals and self care. The sisters enjoyed a movie while they decorated their cookies. Some even took pictures of their decorated cookies so they could be posted on Instagram. For the Beta Theta chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, 2021 was an amazing year packed with events that promoted joy, philanthropic endeavors and bonds that will last a lifetime. Beta Theta is proud of the history of 2021, and is excited for it to be remembered in Kappa’s history for years to come.
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{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Delta AlphaBeta Theta|GreekSymbol= ΔABΘ |Image= [[File:Delta_AlphaBeta_Theta.jpegjpg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|19301914|1008|0325}}|College= [httphttps://www.psuou.edu/ Pennsylvania State web.html Universityof Oklahoma]|Location= University ParkNorman, PAOK|Homepage= [httphttps://chaptersou.kappakappagammakappa.org/deltaalpha/pages/welcome.php Delta Alpha Beta Theta Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Delta_Alpha Beta_Theta Media related to Delta Alpha Beta Theta Chapter]}}
'''Pennsylvania State Universityof Oklahoma, established 1890''', formerly the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania established in 1855. At that time, it was a village in the wilderness in the geographic center of Pennsylvania with no name.
'''2Chapter founded in 1914''' '''4,179 242 initiates (as of June 20162018)''' ----------------------------------------------
'''Charter Members:'''
Avis Caroline Barbour, Nellie Jane McFerron, Perrill Elizabeth Munch, Stella Cecilia Ostenberg, Florence Nellie Van Buskirk, Lillian Ethel White.
'''Fraternity Council Members:'''
Helen Smart Brenholts, Director of Chapters 1943-1944, Field Secretary 1941-1944; Helen Cornish Hutchinson, Fraternity Vice President 1950-1952, Director of Alumnae 1952-1956; Jane Young Barrett, Director of Chapters 1998-2000, Director of Standards 1994-1998; Heloise Smartt (Brenholts), Field Secretary 1941-1944; Ruth Tyler, Field Secretary 1953-1956; Virginia Merritt (Autry), Field Secretary 1960-1962; Deidra Ballard, Field Secretary 1973-1975; Linda Dickey (Hilsabeck), 1974-1976; Field Secretary; Patti Gilliard (Smith), Field Secretary 1975-1977; Linda Schmidt, Field Secretary 1978-1979 Allyson Coffey, Traveling Consultant 1984-1985; Crystal Marcum (Bacon), Leadership Consultant 2006-2007 '''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:''' '''Fraternity Council MembersAlumnae Achievement Award Recipients:''' Helen Robson Walton, 1990, Philanthropist, volunteer, served on a governor’s commission on literacy among other areas; Becky Powell Casey, 2000, CEO for Harold’s Stores, Inc. (men’s and ladies apparel); Mareta West, 1970 '''Additional Outstanding Beta Theta Alumnae:''' Martha Rowsey (Anthis), Graduate Counselor 1950-1052; Lynette Mehl (Hilliard), Graduate Counselor 1965-1966; Caren Cook, Graduate Counselor 1976-1978; Patti Gilliard (Smith), Graduate Counselor 1976-1978; Lisa Schmidt, Graduate Counselor 1979-1980; Crystal Marcum (Bacon), Graduate Counselor 2006-2007 ==The Early Years (From The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma 1870–1976)==In 1912 six girls at the University of Oklahoma formed a local organization, Sigma Tau Omega, with the idea of petitioning Kappa Kappa Gamma. Other campus groups had petitioned unsuccessfully, but these girls had a quiet determination, and by the spring of 1913 were ready to reveal their plans. With the help of three faculty wives who had resigned as patronesses of other sororities, five leather-bound petitions were compiled; a Kappa national officer, Mary Rodes Leaphart, inspected the chapter; and at the 1914 Convention in Estes Park, Colorado, Beta Theta was installed. Beta Mu was the installing chapter. The new chapter, having first rented the home of a professor on leave of absence, moved into a larger house in 1915. During the World War 1 years members of the chapter did Red Cross hospital work; worked at the Food Administration whose headquarters were at the university; and sent gifts and money to the Kappa project in France. In 1918, the chapter won the Panhellenic Scholarship Cup for the third consecutive year. Shortly after that the Kappa furnace blew up and other Greek groups invited the Kappas to meals until the house was restored.A few years later, after a four-year rental of the old Sigma Nu house, a new Kappa house was built at 519 Boulevard. From 1923 to 1939 that was Beta Theta’s address. ==Highlights of the 1920s== In the fall of 1926 the chapter was cited for a rush violation, but the penalties imposed by the campus Panhellenic were declared unjust by the national Panhellenic, and reduced to a single restriction – that the Kappas should not be permitted to attend any Fraternity affairs for one year. There was much controversy about cigarette smoking in 1928 and Beta Theta went into action with the first university approved smoking room. Other houses followed quickly. The Hoover-Smith presidential race brought excitement to the Kappa Kitchen and Herbert Hoover, who had been a KKB, was officially invited by the Kappa Kitchen Boys to become an honorary Beta Theta KKB. The chapter was host to a smashingly successful state convention in the spring of 1929, its purpose to arouse alumnae support.A large pledge class of 37 in the fall of 1929 meant remodeling the third floor of the house, lovingly called thereafter “Seventh Heaven.” Many girls could not return to school during the Depression, but Beta Theta continued to pledge in the high 20s. Some traditions begun in the 1920s have lasted. Faculty tea became faculty dessert in 1970. Kappas won campus stunt night time and again. The first two Engineer Queens were Kappas and there have been many winners since. Homecomings, Moms Day and Dads Day began in the 1920s.
The chapter newsletter, A Peek in Beta Theta’s Keyhole, was started in 1935, and was first a fortnightly, now an annual publication. Blind Dates for pledges were started in 1935, a custom which has varied from actual dates nightly for several consecutive nights to several 30-minute mixers in an evening. Blind Dates live on!
The excitement of 1936 was placing third in a radio sorority singing contest. Another highlight of the year was planning a new chapter house. Kappa architect Margaret Read, Colorado, helped local architects, and in 1939 the Kappas moved into a new house. Although there would be an addition and occasional redecorating, this was to remain the chapter house for years to come.
Frontier Week highlighted the 1945-1946 school year. Everyone wore blue jeans to class. Second semester started with a bang…a dance…and the boys were back on campus!
A Kappa memorial scholarship for graduate study abroad, in languageslandmark year was 1964-1965, Beta Theta’s 50th Anniversary. There was endowed in 1966 by a splendid banquet with all the husband remaining founders as guests of Susanna Stover Root, a Sychor alumnahonor. The chapter supports a university scholarship in memory program telling of Alona Williams, who died of leukemia the chapter’s founding stirred pride in 1969, her junior yeareveryone there.
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The previous information was excerpted from The History of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity, 1870-1976. The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and alumnae, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Key. Each chapter is expected to update its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org with questions.
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==Highlights of the 1970s==
While a students in the 1970s mostly wore straight leg Levi’s or bell-bottomed blue jeans to class, the women of Beta Theta chapter wore dresses to dinner two nights a week. It was a time when participation in the Greek system had declined in popularity, and chapter members rarely wore a Kappa T-shirt on camps, because professors were prone to discriminate against sorority and fraternity members. The houses were smaller and chapter members worked hard to prove themselves academically, on campus and in the community.
New members had to achieve a minimum 2.5 grade point average in their first semester in order to qualify for initiation, and Kappas participated in campus events like Homecoming, Sooner Scandals, the University Sing and intramurals. Kappas supported the Norman community with Head Start, and cheered on the Sooner football team, which was at its pinnacle during the mid 1970s, when Barry Switzer and his Wishbone offense winning two national championships back to back. Games were usually won in the first quarter, so Kappas would retreat early to the Kappa house to enjoy a post-game spread of delicious snacks, often with family and friends.
==Highlights of the 1980s==
For the women of Beta Theta in the 1980s, the height of fashion meant Mopeds, madras, Cole Haan loafers, Laura Ashley, topsiders, big T-shirts or sweatshirts, and white Keds with bows in their hair. There were protests against the Shah of Iran in south oval, and members remember watching the first Space Shuttle Mission land from the television in the six-girl room.
Kappas were regularly first academically, and took on many leadership roles on campus, serving as Panhellenic presidents and cheerleaders, and one Kappa was even a Miss Oklahoma.
The chapter purchased the annex (the little house right behind the chapter house) to accommodate overflow, and it became a home for seniors. All chapter members were expected to live in the house for three years, as a sophomore, junior and senior. There was one formal meal a month with the chapter’s house mom, where the chapter members could learn formal manners.
There were many events with fraternities, and Pinnings were celebrated a lot: if a fraternity brother was dating someone seriously, he would pin her with his fraternity pin, a candle would be lit, and then he would be thrown into the duck pond by his fraternity brothers. Another popular event was Fraternity Lil Sis – when a fraternity would pick girls to be their “Lil Sis’s”. They’d come to the Kappa house during formal dinner in coat and tie, give a chosen girl a rose, and then serenade them.
Football continued to be big on campus, as the university continued to be national champs, and Brian Bosworth was the big man on campus.
==Highlights of the 1990s==
In the 1990s, chapter members bobbed their hair, donned big hoop earrings and wore flowery skirts and dresses from Laura Ashley as they listened to Bon Jovi.
All the fraternities and sororities worked on becoming more diverse, a trend the chapter also followed. Kappas were awarded Outstanding Senior Women, and served as Panhellenic president.
==Highlights of the 2000s==
The members of Beta Theta chapter continued to be a strong and very active presence on campus and beyond during the 2000s. Recruitment ranged from 60 to 80 new members per year, and the chapter consistently ranked in the top half of that all sorority GPA.
The chapter led the Greek system in campus involvement. They participated in University Sing, regularly winning awards for their performance, competed in Sooner Scandals where they regularly won awards, and many chapter women served on Campus Activities Council Executive Committees.
Beta Theta actively supported philanthropies at other fraternity and sororities, and hosted two key philanthropy events each year. The Kappa Klassic annual golf tournament raised money for the JD McCarty Center in Norman, and the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser raised money for the Rose McGill Fund. Beta Theta also rang bells for Salvation Army donation buckets at Christmas, volunteered at Oklahoma University gymnastics meets, and participated in blood drives and Big Event, a campus-wide community service project. Other highlights included building a Habitat for Humanity home for a Norman family, and reading bedtime stories to young children with developmental disabilities as part of the Fairy Tale Friends program at the JD McCarty Center.
In the area of philanthropy, we also hosted our first ever Reading Is Fundamental book assemblies in three Title 1 Elementary schools. Each student got to choose a book to take home. At the assemblies, Kappas acted out The True Story of the Three Little Pigs for the elementary school students and shared our favorite books. Held on the Kappa lawn, The Reading is Fundamental Book Bash, which features tacos and a DJ, was a huge success. Another philanthropy event was Kappa Kupcakes, where we sold tickets to people who could then enjoy cupcakes from bakeries across the Norman area. We had a DJ on the Kappa lawn, Christmas lights and over 2,000 cupcakes at the event, with 100% of the proceeds benefitted the Center for Children and Families in Norman. We raised $4,500, four times the amount we raised from our Spaghetti Dinner in 2010. As a house, we supported numerous Greek philanthropic events such as Chi Omega Cravings, Pi Phi Gives You Wings, Delta Delta Delta Pancake Breakfast, Theta Pancake Breakfast, Delta Gamma Anchorsplash, Fiji Olympics, Sigma Chi Derby Day, and Gamma Phi Chill CookOff.
Other important accomplishments of the Beta Theta chapter include placing first in intramurals and participating in both Sooner Scandals and University Sing. These two competitions involve musical productions put on by different pairs of Greek houses. Our chapter won numerous awards in both of these competitions such as Best Song and Best Beatles rendition.
'''Adopt-a-Prof'''
In spring of 2012, Kappa was happy to be matched with Juanita Vargas, prominent leader and professor from the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. Many of our members have enjoyed meeting with her and welcoming her and her family into our home.
'''Period of Support'''
This is a new program that Kappa established to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
'''Owl Groups'''
Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
'''Group Honors/Awards - University of Oklahoma'''
Homecoming Queen 2012 - Maggie Cannon
Campus Activities Council Sooner Scandals - 1st Place
Campus Activities Council University Sing - 2nd Place
Best Supporting Actress
Campus Activities Council Homecoming - 3rd Place Overall
Banner Competition - 1st Place
Float Competition - 2nd Place
Panhellenic Standards of Excellence Awards
Academic Achievement
Commitment to Founding Values
• Leadership and Membership Development
• Risk Management and Social Responsibilities
• Recruitment and Education of New Member
• Develop & Foster Relationships with Stakeholders
• PanHellenic Outstanding Alumni Award - Jane Barrett
• PanHellenic House of the Year for International Greek Exchange 2012
Special Events
• Soonerthon Miracle Child - Lucy
Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy. We threw her a birthday party with presents, cakes and ended the night with a sleepover.
Owl-O-Ween
For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks.
Dad’s Day
For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle.
Mom’s Day
For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show.
Relay for Life
One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma.
Soonerthon
Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event.
Big Event
Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
University Sing
Beta Theta was paired with Sigma Phi Epsilon to the theme “Picture Perfect” for U-Sing 2012. The chapter had to choose a picture from an old year book and build a performance around it.
Sooner Scandals
To the theme, “Be Careful What You Wish For,” Kappa put together an incredible show alongside Delta Tau Delta about a boy who wished to be apart of the circus and later finds out, it was not what he expected. Kappa took first place in Scandals 2012!
Homecoming
“Let the Games Begin” was the Homecoming theme for 2012. Each group chose a board game of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Sigma Alpha Epsilon to the theme ‘Jumanji’.
Kite and Key
Paired with Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa had a formal evening with a live band at the Farmers Market in downtown Oklahoma City.
Glo Kappa
Kappa’s dance the night away in all neon gear at Norman’s Red Room
Monmonth
Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park.
KKG Where Will You Be
Kappa’s dressed as who they wanted to be in ten years. Everyone made their costumes unique and all their own.
Philanthropic Involvement
RIF Book Drop
Beta Theta hosts an annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. In years past, we were able to give to a book to every child. This year in particular,we collected over 2,500 from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. One elementary school was a low income rural school just outside of the Norman. This school had been hit by a tornado so our books help rebuild their school library.
Kappa Kupcakes
"Kappa Kupcakes," a public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester in April. At this event, local businesses collectively donate thousands of cupcakes for attendees, a local DJ plays music on the front lawn, the chapter house is decorated, chapter members dress up (some actually dress up as cupcakes) or wear our Kappa Kupcakes t-shirt, and PanHellenic chapters participate in a cupcake cook off. Funds raised go to Center for Children and Families Inc.
Goodwill
At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in.
Local Fire Department
When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty.
'''Chapter Goals''' For the year 2012, our chapter goals were to:
Increase academic accountability
To achieve this goal, we put a huge emphasis on academics on a weekly basis. At the beginning of the fall semester, we had each member and new member write down their GPA goal. We combined them all and came up with a chapter goal. Throughout the semester, we had encouragement to help us reach our goals.
Increase campus involvement and leadership
Beta Theta successfully had continuous involvement in over 70 different student organizations on campus. Campus Actives Council (CAC) hosts the campuses main events throughout the year such as Homecoming, Dance Marathon and ten other campus wide activates. Kappa has representation in all twelve executive committees.
Educate members of general etiquette
To better inform our members on general etiquette, we invited Kate Stanton, Executive Director of Student Affairs, to speak about the importance of maintaining social etiquette. She was engaging, funny and members learned a lot from her presentation.
Invite honored Beta Theta alumnae to speak at chapter
Chapters advisors came to introduce themselves at weekly chapter meetings. We hope to expand beyond advisers this year to alumnae that are prominent leaders in the state.
Increase attendance on campus events
As a chapter, we provided more incentives to get involved. The New Member Educator also invited organization liaisons to the new member meetings to better inform them on organizations on campus. We also added calendars on the back of chapter announcements.
Improve visibility on PanHellenic leadership
This past year, Beta Theta strived to have at least two people apply for every open PanHellenic position. We also had several members as Rho Gamma’s during formal recruitment.
Host a multicultural event
Beta Theta hosted three different multicultural events including a pumpkin carving night with a multicultural group on campus.
Publicize philanthropic causes
Beta Theta has gone to great lengths to insure quality PR. We updated our website, set up a twitter and instagram account and utilized social media. We also continue to make t-shirts for events as well as banners to hang outside our house. This past year we have also personally gone to other chapters on campus to share events.
Increase Chapter knowledge and understanding of ritual
After convention, we knew we needed to come back and improve our rituals. We held ritual reviews weekly for members to make sure everything was in place for initiation. When the time rolled around, Beta Theta was fully prepared to do everything by the book. Our chapter is extremely proud of the accomplishments and changes we have made this past year with our rituals.
Give a detailed budget presentation each semester
Nicole Upshaw, our chapter treasurer for 2012, put together a PowerPoint slideshow both semesters to better explain where each dollar of our dues was going and why.
Increase chapter unity through fun activities
As a chapter, we attended a Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball game. We also had a movie night on the front lawn of the Kappa house where we rented a giant TV screen and laid out lounged on blankets and had popcorn.
Foster an environment of accountability and increase morale in Standards Standards Committee did a great job of making sure all situations were dealt with equally and fair to all members. The Vice President of Standards made presentations throughout both semesters to make sure all members understood the standards guidelines.To increase morale, the Standards committee has several fun activities for the chapter including ‘mocktinis’ the chapter before spring break along with a standards presentation.
'''Challenges and How They Were Overcome'''
PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy
The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment.
PanHellenic Community Service Hours
PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa has adapted and encouraged our members to abide by the changes.
Emergency Plan
Over the summer of 2012, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
'''World/Local Events'''
OKies for Africa
A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall,where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa.
Opportunity Boxes
Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys.
Presidential Campaigns
Several members of our chapter were campaign callers during the presidential election. They were prepared to answer questions about the campaign as well as take donations.
Watch Party
The University of Oklahoma Student Government Association hosted watch parties for each presidential debate, at which Kappa’s were in attendance.
Natural Disasters
Fires swept through areas of Oklahoma, taking homes, businesses and caused countless other damages. Beta Theta took supplies such as food and water to rescue workers.
==Highlights of 2014==
Scholarship
•Spring 2014 GPA - 3.333
•Fall 2014 Member GPA - 3.361
Rank – 2nd Place
•Kappa Tutors:
The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field.
•Adopt-a-Prof:
In the fall of 2014, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond.
•Smart Cookie:
Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically.
•Period of Support:
Kappa established this program to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice.
•Owl Groups:
Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance.
Group Honors/Awards University of Oklahoma •Homecoming Queen 2014 – Sarah Campbell •President’s Trophy Award •Campus Activities Council University Sing •Soonerthon Miracle Network Award •Campus Activities Council Homecoming •Pep Rally Competition- 1st Place Special Events •Soonerthon Miracle Child – LucyEach year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy, whom we have been paired with in the past. The chapter focused on promoting sisterhood Kappas have developed a great relationship with special events her and her family and retreatsare happy to be able to support her again this year. Campus involvement by so many members left little time This past semester we went to Andy Alligator’s with the Soonerthon group and then continued the fun back at the Kappa house! We had presents for sisterhoodLucy and a yummy ice cream bar. We played for hours, painted each other’s faces, and shared a lot of laughs. We ended the night with a sleepover. Founders Day continued •Owl-O-Ween:For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to be a favorite event among sisters join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and a time when they can all be togetherdrinks.
•Big Event:
Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations.
•Kappa Kappa Galaxy:
Kappa’s have fun dressing up as aliens, robots, and other futuristic costumes with a kappa twist in downtown Oklahoma City.
•Centennial:
Last year, the Beta Theta Chapter celebrated their 100th anniversary! The entire chapter had a luncheon, fun activities, and a dinner party for all of Beta Theta’s past and present members to enjoy for the weekend. The Centennial Ball took place at the Embassy Suites located in Norman.
•Implement short ritual reminder of the week/kappa fact at each chapter meeting
•Enhance level of committee involvement
•Restructure committee chapters with a greater emphasis on the importance of committees
•Educate chapter on the Standards process and consequences
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
•Emergency Plan:
Over the summer of 2014, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter.
==Highlights of 2015==
Scholarship • Spring 2015 GPA - 3.396 • Fall 2015 Member GPA - 3.361 Rank – 2nd Place • Kappa Tutors The Beta Theta chapter provides members with a Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system in which members who tutor other members are paid per hour by Kappa. This tutoring system has shown to be a successful way for Kappa’s to grow academically and build relationships with fellow Kappas within their academic field. • Adopt-a-Prof In the fall of 2015, we spent time with our Adopt-A-Prof, Amy Davenport. Amy oversees and directs our campus wide workout facility. Our chapter has enjoyed getting to know her and her family. As a chapter, we send care packages, flowers, have dinners with her to form a special bond. • Smart Cookie Every week at chapter, our Vice President of Academic Excellence announces a “Smart Cookie” award to be given out to a Kappa who has received an “A” on a test or paper that week. Members can enter the drawing by placing their name or work in a folder. The member who is drawn receives a homemade baked treat. This unique way of positive reinforcement encourages members to succeed academically. • Period of Support Kappa established this program to support members after the member has earned a semester of concerning grades. These members are paired with a academically strong member on the academic excellence committee. This mentor encourages the member to use campus and Kappa learning resources. These members on Period of Support also meet regularly with the Vice President of Academic Excellence for encouragement and advice. • Owl Groups Our Vice President of Academic Excellence took up a chapter wide survey, identifying everyone’s major and minors. She then compiled them in a master list and passed them out to the chapter members. This gave the younger women in the house the opportunity to ask older members questions about their majors and use them as mentors and for study assistance. Group Honors/Awards University of Oklahoma • President’s Trophy Award • Campus Activities Council University Sing • Soonerthon Miracle Network Award • Campus Activities Council Homecoming Special Events • Soonerthon Miracle Child – Lucy Each year, Kappa gets paired with a Miracle Child from OU Children’s Hospital. This year we were gladly paired with an eight year old girl, Lucy, whom we have been paired with in the past. The Delta Kappas have developed a great relationship with her and her family and are happy to be able to support her again this year. This past semester we went to Andy Alligator’s with the Soonerthon group and then continued the fun back at the Kappa house! We had presents for Lucy and a yummy ice cream bar. We played for hours, painted each other’s faces, and shared a lot of laughs. We ended the night with a sleepover. • Owl-O-Ween For Halloween this year, we invited alumnae and their children to join us in trick-or-treating throughout the house. We also provided crafts, food and drinks. • Dad’s Day For Dad’s Day, Kappa held a lunch the afternoon before a home football game complete with pictures and a raffle. • Mom’s Day For Mom’s Day, Kappa hosted a brunch at our Kappa Hall and put on an incredible fashion show. • Relay for Life One of the members of Beta Theta’s mom passed away from cancer in early 2012. In honor of her mom, Kappa put a team together honoring her name and participated in Relay for Life at The University of Oklahoma for the past three years . • Soonerthon Soonerthon is OU’s Dance Marathon which raises money for OU Children’s Hospital. Kappa put together a very large team and participated in the 12 hour event. • Big Event Big Event is a campus wide community day of service where groups are designated to areas of service around the Norman/OKC metro. Kappa formed two teams that went to two different locations. • University Sing Beta Theta was paired with Beta Theta Pi for U-Sing 2015. The theme was "The Show Must Go On" and the chapter chose the Amazing Spiderman and built a performance around it. • Homecoming “Historical Moments from the 60s” was the Homecoming theme for 2015. Each group chose a historical moment from the 60s of their choice to build and create homecoming around. Beta Theta was paired with Phi Kappa Psi and Alpha Phi to the theme Moon Landing. • Blue & Blue Kappa’s have fun dressing up in all things blue and had a good time at Andy Alligators. • Kappa Holiday Hoopla Kappa's all dressed up as different holidays and had a fun evening in downtown Oklahoma City. • Monmonth Kappa’s and Pi Phi’s enjoyed a formal evening at Oklahoma City’s Remington Park. The event was formal with a Casino Royale theme; each girl brought a date and there was dancing, catered hors d’oeuvres, and various poker games to play. • Sundaes with Steve At one of our chapter events we hosted Steve Ashmore for Sundaes with Steve. The reason why he held the event is to understand a little bit more about Steve. He also spoke about how to better prepare ourselves in college in regards to social events. We got to discuss a little more with him about how to make wise decisions in college and in life after college. After the event was over we had Roxy’s Ice Cream come to serve ice cream sundaes to our chapter members and guests. • Military Heroes Card-Making This is our first year to partner with the Kappa Sigma fraternity for a philanthropic event! We are hosting a Military Heroes Card Making event in order to honor those who have served and still continue to serve our country. Each attendee will make five cards for the military heroes. Kappa Kappa Gamma is very excited to host this group service project at our home. We will be making new friends, while also honoring those who most deserve it before Veterans Day. • Founder's Day For our Founder’s Day we celebrate the beginning of Kappa Kappa Gamma with a ritual service every year. This year, we decided to spruce it up by asking alumnae to come and speak about their Kappa Days. We had Mollie Blackburn Andrews, class of ’85, come and speak about her experience in Kappa. She talked about how things are different and how they are the same. There were stories about recruitment then and now, and how the specific Kappa house has changed over the years. But then finished explaining that the one constant was the sisterhood in Kappa. She spoke of how her membership in Kappa has been there for life and how her friends and relationships in Kappa have been some of the sweetest in life. It was a very special time to celebrate the beginning of Kappa with a reflections and education from one of our wonderful alumna. Philanthropic Involvement • RIF Book Drive Beta Theta hosts an outstanding annual book drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate books for every grade level and both genders to give to several Title I schools in the Norman Public School District. This year we had the opportunity to donate to our local philanthropy, CCFI, also. They used the books in their Holiday Wishes gift drive. This yearwe collected over 2,000 books from both chapter members and other organizations on campus to give to several different elementary schools. We are now participating in a volunteer and mentoring program with one of the schools that received donations from us. The book drive was extremely successful this year and we are happy to spread the love for reading to children all around Norman. • Kappa Kupcakes "Kappa Kupcakes” is our public philanthropy event that takes place every spring semester. Last year we had it in April and this year it will be held on March 4th. At this event, the Norman and OU community have the chance to come to Kappa and eat cupcakes to support our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. Attendees enjoy cupcakes and a cake-decorating contest, along with a photo booth and lovely outdoor seating. Last year we presented a check for $4,800 to CCFI. This year we aim to make above and beyond last year’s total. This event is not only full of yummy treats, but it benefits a great cause and provides wonderful community interaction. • CCFI Diaper drive Beta Theta hosts an annual diaper drive in the fall semester. Our members generously donate diapers of all sizes so that families without the means to cover the costs of diapers can obtain them for free. This year, we were also able to donate 5,700 diapers to our local philanthropy, the Center for Children and Families, Inc. They used the diapers to distribute to the community from their Diaper Pantry that they house inside of CCFI. This year we had an outstanding turnout donation wise, which was a great way to start the year! The diaper drive was a great community service event to introduce the freshman to CCFI and just a little taste of what they offer. We are grateful for the opportunity to support CCFI in any way. It was very successful neat for our members to be able to visit CCFi to personally drop off the diapers once the drive was over. • Goodwill At the end of each semester, we take up donations to give to Goodwill. It is something so simple that our house loves to participate in. • Local Fire Department When Beta Theta has excess unopened food from a catered special event, we donate it to our local fire department for the men on duty. Chapter Goals For the year 2015, our chapter goals were to: Green Quadrant: •Improve Chapter Council's understanding of chapter budget •Prepare chapter budget and present to chapter •The treasurer will hold office hours once a week •Familiarize members with Panhellenic and encourage greater participation •Provide incentives for attending weekly Panhellenic meetings •Continue to nominate at least two individuals for Panhellenic office •Increase member involvement with chapter events •Utilize Chapter Council to individually encourage the chapter to support members who have planned events •Improve attendance at campus events •Have campus applications readily available in the house to encourage member involvement •Post weekly campus events calendars around the house to remind members of opportunities •Implement “Kappa on Kampus” to reward a member each month who has shown great involvement Blue Quadrant: •Increase chapter knowledge of History and Ritual •Implement short ritual reminder of the week/kappa fact at each chapter meeting •Enhance level of committee involvement •Restructure committee chapters with a greater emphasis on the importance of committees •VP - Organization will have a meeting with each committee head to discuss leadership strategy and plans Yellow Quadrant: •Motivate and encourage members in their academic endeavors •Continue to update and organize the chapter’s test files •Implement incentives program and recognition for individuals with a high GPA, not strictly those who receive a 4.0, like a weekly “smart cookie” award •Reinstall academic excellence as a priority in recruitment Red Quadrant: •Further accountability of Standards and increase morale •Pursue consistent and fair consequences for Standards violations •Educate chapter on the Standards process and welcomed 59 New consequences •Morale will plan and host sisterhood events to increase morale and bond within the chapter •Improve chapter image within the community •Promote positive PR through social media outlets, local newspapers, and community •Promote positive PR throughout campus by hosting a social media awareness event Challenges and How They Were Overcome • PanHellenic ‘No Frills’ policy The University of Oklahoma’s PanHellenic system has recently decided to adopt a ‘No Frills’ policy in accordance with National PanHellenic guidelines. In the Spring of 2012 this policy was put up to a vote of the chapters on campus. Kappa fully supported PanHellenic throughout this process but the policy did not pass by one vote. Although the policy did not pass, Beta Theta still decided to change recruitment by having a day focused on community service. Out of the OU PanHellenic system, Kappa was the only chapter to start moving in this direction. The policy was passed in the fall 2012 after recruitment. Beta Theta has continued to improve over the past three years and has expanded from a day focused on individual community service to the chapter's heart for philanthropy. • PanHellenic Community Service Hours PanHellenic has recently changed the minimum community service hours per member to 10 hours a semester. Kappa requires 15 hours of community service per semester, per member. We offer endless opportunities for our members to serve the community. • Emergency Plan Over the summer of 2014, a member of another sorority on campus died tragically while attending summer classes. Campus policies were strengthened and alcohol consumption was taken more seriously. The sorority involved was not aware of the rules and policies following an emergency situation. In reflection of this incident, Kappa informed its members of what to do should a crisis affect our chapter. World/Local Events • OKies for Africa A member of Kappa, planned and organized a concert in Kappa Hall, where we raised money and sold shirts to assist an orphanage in Africa. • Opportunity Boxes Beta Theta paired with Delta Tau Delta to organize and put together opportunity boxes for children in Haiti. Kappa ending up sending over 100 boxes full of children’s toys. • Guatemala Mission Trip Three members of Beta Theta raised money to go on a mission trip to Totonicapan, Guatemala. They worked with Habitats for Humanity and built two homes for those in need. ==Highlights for 2016== Pledge Date 8/16/2016Initiation 10/22/201680 active seniors, 80 active juniors 85 active sophomores, 86 active freshman 331 total active members Founders Day: Kappa’s 146th Anniversary Hannah Henry, Madison Mobley, and Sally Bock got into dental school. Sarabeth Coatney and Mallory Tucker received University College PACE Award. Heather Hamilton received a position on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Beta Theta completely remodeled the attic and the basement of the house. The basement now has a full workout room. Monmouth date party with Pi Beta Phi Kountry Kappa date party Kappa Kappa Galaxy date party Kite and Key date party with Kappa Alpha Theta Beta Theta paired with alpha Kappa Delta Phi, Kappa Sigma Sigma, and Camp Crimson. The Pirates of the Caribbean themed group won 1st for their float and 3rd with their sidewalk chalk. Beta Theta paired with Delta Upsilon in University Sing. The groups received the Best Choreography Award. Greek Preview Day provided optimal opportunity for high school seniors and unaffiliated persons and their families to connect with the five Greek councils at OU. Mom’s Day Beta Theta held a luncheon for the mom’s before the football game. Dad’s Day Beta Theta held a luncheon for the dad’s before the football game. Soonerthon Miracle Child: Lucy Beta Theta was paired with Lucy again this year. Members developed a genuine relationship with Lucy and her mother. Members participated in a movie/sleep over night and other fun activities with Lucy throughout the year. Smarty Pants Every week at chapter, Kappa members can enter their name in a drawing for a small prize. The participants must receive an A on an important academic exam or assignment. Kappa Tutors Beta Theta continued the Kappa-to-Kappa tutoring system where Kappa members can tutor their fellow Kappa sisters. The tutors are paid by Kappa. Strategic Plan Goals 2016: 1. Continued improvement in member accountability and sisterhood through the standards process2. Increased understanding and appreciation of our ritual 3. Adherence to both the new member program and senior program in their entirety and ensuring all chapter programming events enhances the lives of members 4. Improvements to chapter management through increased officer knowledge, delegation, and communication with advisers5. Thorough and continuous education of members on the importance of and adherence to all risk management policies 6. Unity in diversity The incoming freshman class of 2016 was the largest, highest academically ranked and most diverse class in Sooner history. Beta Theta members enjoyed watching the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. Beta Theta members followed the 58th US presidential election. President Donald Trump won popular and electoral vote. Our philanthropies include:Reading is Fundamental: Book Drive The Center for Children and Families Inc.: Kappa Kupcakes SoonerthonRelay for LifeBig EventGoodwill Every spring semester, Beta Theta hosts "Kappa Kupcakes," which raises money for Kappa Kappa Gamma's national philanthropy, The Center for Children and Families Inc. The Norman, OU and Beta Theta community bake cupcakes to be distributed during the event. Attendees can pay an entrance fee and eat cupcakes, participate in decorating contests and take photos during the event. This past spring, Beta Theta raised $18,500 for CCFI. Beta Theta hosts a book drive every fall semester, and members donate grade-level books to schools in the Norman Public School District and CCFI. This year Beta Theta collected 500 books to give to several Norman schools and CCFI. The book drive was extremely successful, and the schools greatly apprecaite the donations. Beta Theta hosts a diaper drive every fall semester, and members can donate diapers to donate to The Center for Children and Families Inc. CCFI distributes the diapers to the community from their Diaper Pantry. Every year, Beta Theta members participate in the campus-wide philanthropy events; Soonerthon, Relay for Life and Big Event. At the end of each semester, Beta Theta donates extra or unwanted to the local Goodwill. Weekly chapter meetings are held in Kappa Hall. Suggested for the Oral History Project are:Madalyn Mantle. Abigayle Biggs, Sarabeth Coatney, Katherine Sleem ==Highlights of 2017== The Beta Theta chapter had a Spring GPA of a 3.39 with a total of 62 members who had 4.0s. Pledge Class of 2015 member Katey Leeviraphan won Miss Asian OU 2017 as well as was nominated and awarded the 2018 Panhellenic President. Our chapter created a new philanthropy event, Kappa Kookout, which benefited a Beta Theta alumni with Cystic Fibrosis.Describe the recent changes on your campus and describe the overall nature of your chapter.Our chapter as been well adapted to our campuses change. President Boren announced in the fall of 2017 that he would be stepping down at the end of the school year, with no new President appointed at the time.Chapter Philanthropy:What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?Kappa Kupcakes in March of 2017: We raised money for Center for Children and Families in Norman, OK. Our chapter contributed to the following philanthropy events and charities: Pink and Black Ball benefiting Gender and Equality Center, Soonerthon, Relay for Life, Reading is Key, Roosevelt Elementary Carnvial, Kappa Kookout and Habitat for Humanity. Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?Beta Theta has been working with CCFI for years as our local philanthropy and we host several philanthropy events in order to benefit the community, such as coats, canned food, and diaper drives, as well as Kappa Kupcakes every spring. Our chapter has had hundreds of members donate their time, daily, weekly, and monthly to theses charities and we have created close relationships with all of the volunteers and members.Chapter Facility:In what kind of a facility does your chapter meet? Please attach a clear photo of where you typically hold chapter meetings – whether in a classroom, chapter house or elsewhere.We hold chapter every Monday at 8 p.m.. It is held in Kappa Hall, across the street from the house. The Beta Theta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma is still located at 700 College Ave. Our President, Abby Biggs, did a tremendous job leading our chapter. She held BetaTheta to a high standard and helped unite our chapter as a whole. ==Highlights of 2018== The women of Beta Theta won first place in Scandals awards this year, which was huge honor! Our girls put in so much effort into perfecting their routine. We also held our annual Kappa Kupcakes in March, which benefits CCFI. The event was a huge success and brought in a great crowd. In the fall, we had our second annual Kappa Kookout which benefited Fields and Futures. Also in the fall, we proudly initiated 83 new members to the Beta Theta chapter. Our new pledge class has shown amazing involvement and dedication to Kappa just in their first semester in college. Our chapter is also excited to announce that renovations to our chapter house will begin in May of 2019 and carry into the school year. The women of PC'18 have been so flexible with making the adjustments to living in, and have overcome this challenge with the upmost respect and grace. We are beyond thrilled and thankful to be receiving an updated chapter house! Our campus recently welcomed a new sisters university president. The student body and faculty have warmly received him and are so proud eager to be apart see what changes are in store for our wonderful school. The overall nature of our sisterhoodchapter is so inclusive, kind, warm, determined and enthusiastic. No one is a stranger to the other chapter members, and the friendships are very enthusiastic as genuine as they come. It is so encouraging to see the younger members looking for new ways to be serve Kappa, and what incredible examples the older members have set. There is a standard of excellence that our chapter has that makes us distinct among other panhellenic chapters. Our philanthropy is CCFI (Center for Children and Families, Inc.) in Norman, OK.CCFI does more than just one thing, which makes it so unique. There is divorce therapy for parents, play therapy for children, a diaper pantry for babies, and family therapy. There is also a part Boys and Girls Club attached to the CCFI building. The Beta Theta chapter loves how CCFI tends to the needs of all ages of the families in Norman. We meet in Kappa Kappa Gamma’s wonderful traditionsHall.
Our Education Chair set up a diversity/inclusive program with a speaker, and a sexual awareness and safety discussion with a
speaker. These events were mandatory to help our chapter understand the role of diversity
and inclusiveness as well as how to handle uncomfortable situations. It is important our members know when to intervene and use their resources.
Our chapter celebrated Kappa’s 150th anniversary by having the Mini Stewart Van came to our chapter house. We also had a food truck. This took place last year. This year we were not able to do much due to COVID-19. Our President and education chair did send out an informational email and encouraged Kappa families to spend time together.
