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Most of 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 HAt the University of Tennessee, as the Epsilon Lambda chapter, Kappa Kappa Gamma is committed to helping women reach their full potential and aspirations, while never losing sight of its dedication to the community. Kappa offers its members experience ranging from friendship to mentoring, from leadership to service, and from campus activities to a lifetime of community involvement. With 180 members, Kappa Kappa Gamma at UT represents a diverse group of women coming together to make a difference, a difference that the entire Knoxville community will never forget.
==Highlights of the 1980s==
During the 1980s, Epsilon Kappa was especially involved with GAMMA, otherwise known as Greeks Against Mismanagement of Alcohol, along with the other sororities and fraternities. USC tried to raise awareness about the seriousness of drunk driving and the other effects alcohol can have on students. The chapter co-hosted the annual Tiger Burn, volunteered with the annual Carolina/Clemson blood drive, and fundraised for Camp Chemo and the Ronald McDonald House. Their annual philanthropy event, the Balloon Derby, often raised funds for Carolina Sunshine, an organization that granted wishes to terminally ill children.
Recruitment numbers grew during the 1980s, and EK’s Panhellenic scholarship ranking was excellent. The chapter ranked first on campus or first in NM class rankings several semesters. Members from the chapter held offices and membership in and received awards from every organization, sports team, and honorary society on campus. The chapter always did well in “Cockfest” (Homecoming) and Derby Days. In 1985, all eight sororities received halls in one of the women’s dorms. Columbia, SC, celebrated its bicentennial in 1986. In 1987, the chapter lost a new Initiate, Rebecca Allyson Rey, in a car accident. The chapter will always hold this dear sister in their hearts. In September 1989, Hurricane Hugo, tore through Charleston, SC, with 135-mile-an-hour winds. Epsilon Kappa members responded quickly and generously. Their philanthropy project, the annual Balloon Derby, raised $4,000, with $3,000 going to Hugo assistance through the Salvation Army and $1,000 going to the Rose McGill Fund. In addition, for three weeks after the hurricane, members sorted clothes and goods at a collection center. 1989 marked the last year of the Balloon Derby, as the chapter learned that the balloon debris was harmful to local wildlife. Responsibly, they chose to end the much-loved event. ==Highlights 2011 of the 1990s== During the 1990s, Epsilon Kappa continued to work hard on academics and participate in organizations, honor societies, and athletics teams across campus. The chapter excelled in recruiting and events like the annual Greek Games. In 1990 and 1991, chapter members won Greek Woman of the Year. In 1994 an EK was Panhellenic President, and another was Mortar Board President. In 1996 an EK was Homecoming Queen, and in 1997 a chapter member was in charge of all of recruitment. The chapter was fortunate to have a traveling consultant and a lounge renovation in 1993. Specific chapter goals were set. The chapter prioritized Fraternity education, including Ritual and history. Philanthropy programming shifted from fundraising to volunteer work. Kappas volunteered together, teamed up with other groups, participated in other organizations’ events, and required each member to complete a set number of individual service hours with an organization(s) of their choosing. Participation in G.A.M.M.A (the alcohol awareness program) continued. The 1996 goal was K.A.P.P.A. P.R.I.D.E. - 2019knowledge, attendance, pride, philanthropy, appreciation, participation, respect, interest, dedication, and enthusiasm. ==Highlights of 2000-2010== Kappa Kickoff was a success along with RIF. We participated in Greek Week, and also won the Party Walk competition. We also participated in various Homecoming festivities with Kappa Alpha, and we placed 2nd in the float building contest. We also participated in several other fraternities' and sororities’ philanthropy projects. Several of our members served as liaisons for Dance Marathon. Lori Miller served as Sorority Council President. We also received the chapter of excellence award, and 2 awards from the Fraternity during the biennial Convention. Our chapter has 118 members, all of whom are extremely active all over campus and the community. Our new pledge class was one of the largest in years, which added more girls from various places all over the country into our sisterhood. A definite challenge EK faced this past year was having good attendance at all the meetings, philanthropy events, etc. The events were made a little more exciting and new activities and practices were implemented during meetings to boost attendance. Financially we struggled and had a hard time getting the house full, but with our new girls they were so anxious to get into the house that now there is a waiting list for next year. During recruitment Katti Bowling assisted us in everything we were struggling in with recruitment, allowing us to gain a great new pledge class. Lori Miller served as Sorority Council President. We also received the chapter of excellence award from Greek Life. This year at USC there were more than 350 degree programs of study, more than 25,000 students, and the university began construction on the new Innovista learning and research facility. It also began tearing down the old freshman dorms (the Honeycombs) to make room for new honors college dorms. Columbia is an extremely diverse city with a growing urban campus area. In 2008, Epsilon Kappa won the House Board Award at Convention. During 2010, The Epsilon Kappa chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma accomplished many things. EK raised over $4700 for the Relay for Life here at USC and also raised $3809 for Dance Marathon benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network. EK was the biggest Greek Life donor at Bark at the Park, where they gave homeless animals the attention and love they deserve. In addition to our successful philanthropies, EK had many successful events including an Alumnae Tea, Formal, and Kappa Rage in the spring and Buffet Bash, Fall Band Party, Backwoods Bash, Tacky Christmas Sweater Party, and Semi-Formal in the fall. EK was recognized by Greek Life for Excellence in Scholarship, Excellence in Involvement, and given the Bronze Award for Chapter Achievement. In the fall all of the new members volunteered at A.C. Moore Elementary School at a RIF Parade, and EK hosted two Jeans Sales and our annual Kappa Kickoff benefiting the national philanthropies. The biggest challenge of the 2010 year was academics. EK has recently had problems with members keeping their GPAs up, but with study hours and our mentor program, our GPA has improved and now is higher than the campus Greek Life average.
==Highlights of 2011==
In the spring of 2011 the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma had its largest spring pledge class with eight new members. After a great recruitment in the fall of 2011 the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma gained 98 new members.Our annual fall philanthropy event, Kappa Kickoff, was a successful flag football tournament, with participation from other Greek organizations and University sports teams. The Epsilon Kappa chapter has grown dramatically in the past year. We nearly doubled in size after our spring and fall recruitment, growing from 159 members to 262.
==Highlights of 2012==
