11
edits
Changes
m
'''Founded April 18, 1998'''
'''447 Initiates (as of June 2018)'''
------------------'''1,127 initiates (as of June 2018)'''
'''Fraternity Officers:'''
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award:'''
'''Additional Outstanding Eta Delta Alumnae:'''
Lisa Thomas '''Additional Outstanding Epsilon Pi Alumnae:''' Kyle Donnelly: Fraternity Finance Committee (Mathews2006-2008), Province Director of Chapters (2008-2011), Chapter Consultant 2004Assistant to Fraternity Treasurer (2011-20052014), Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Finance Committee (2011-2012), Scholarship Reader (2015-2018), Fraternity House Board Chairman (2018-2020).
==History of University==Jessica Coffield: Nominating Committee (2014-2016), Standards Specialist (2016-2020), Kappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (2018-2019), Standards Director (2020-2024).
Valparaiso UniversityTraci Evans: Programming Specialist (2016-2018), known colloquially as Valpo, is located in Valparaiso, Ind. The university is a coeducational, fourKappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (2018-year2019), private Lutheran institution founded in 1859 which had five colleges District Director (arts and sciences, business administration, engineering, nursing and honors2022-2024) when the Fraternity installed Eta Delta Chapter on the campus. It is the largest independent Lutheran university in the United States and is home to the second-largest collegiate chapel in the world, The Chapel of the Resurrection.
In its more than 150Stephanie Hammond: Public Relations Specialist (2019-year history, Valparaiso University has passed through three distinct phases. Founded by Methodists in 1859 as an institution pioneering coeducation, the Valparaiso Male and Female College was forced by the reverses of the Civil War to close its doors in 18712021).
It was revived in 1873 by an enterprising educator, Henry Baker Brown, as the Northern Indiana Normal School, renamed Valparaiso College in 1900 and rechartered in 1906 as Valparaiso University. During the next 20 years, it established business and law schools and won national recognition as a lowKim Braun Padulo: Province Director of Chapters (1987-cost1988), noProvince Director of Alumnae (1989-frills institution of higher learning. Many alumni of this period achieved distinction in their fields as governors, legislators, scientists, business leaders and other professionals1990).
Despite its decades of successHailey Grisel: Leadership Consultant (2015-2016), the university again experienced financial hardship as the United States entered World War I. The Lutheran University Association, a group of clergy and church laity who saw a bright future for the university, purchased it in 1925, ushering in the modern era of Valparaiso’s history. Distinguished by its Lutheran heritage of scholarship, freedom and faith, Valparaiso University continues to fulfill the dreams of these modern foundersPhilanthropy Specialist (2016-2017).
Valparaiso has established itself as a premier Midwestern university that combines a thorough grounding in the liberal arts with solid professional training. In the 1940s, the university, spurred by student actionMeredith Hutcheson Reuter: Chapter Consultant (1990-1991), established a school Province Director of engineering and adopted a studentChapters (1993-administered honor system. The Christ College honors program and a school of nursing further enriched the university’s offerings1995).
In 1956Lise Haxton: Traveling Consultant (1993-1994), Valparaiso’s chapelChapter Consultant (1994-auditorium was destroyed by fire. In 19591995), it was replaced by the majestic Chapel of the Resurrection, a fitting symbol of the university’s commitment to its Lutheran ideals—and of the thriving community’s renewed growth.Chapter Support Committee (2004-2005)
Covering 320 acres, Valpo’s campus is positioned one hour southeast of Chicago and just 15 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan. The town of Valparaiso is considered to be the southeastern-most suburb of the Chicago metropolitan area.
==The Early Years== ----------------------------------
When the Fraternity Council voted to accept the petition from a local sorority at Valparaiso University, planning to establish a chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma on the campus began. In February 1998, members of the local group Phi Beta Chi were formally pledged during colonization services ==The Early Years -- Colonization and planning for installation began. Installation==
On April 18, 1998, Eta Delta Love and guidance by many caring Kappas allowed Epsilon Pi chapter was installedto enjoy a great beginning. The installation culmination of this love and concern was conducted by Fraternity President Cathy Thompson Carswell, Illinois Wesleyan; Director exemplified in the beautiful Installation held the first weekend in February 1976 when 13 new members of Epsilon Pi Colony were initiated as charter members of Chapters Ann Stafford Truesdell, Ohio Wesleyan and Chairman Epsilon Pi Chapter at the University of Extension Juliana (J.J.) Fraser Wales, Ohio StateCalifornia at Riverside.
Other Installing officer Marian Schroeder Graham, Beta Phi—Montana, Fraternity President, was assisted by many others including Phyllis Brinton Pryor, Beta Mu—Colorado, National Panhellenic Conference groups on Delegate and colonizing officer; Patti Ball Hillyard, Delta Chi—San Jose State, installation chairman and President of the campus in 1998 were Riverside Alumnae Club; Lyn Conway Madding, Delta Gamma—Michigan State, Kappa Province Director of Alumnae; Kay Reid Tennison, Epsilon Delta—Arizona State, Kappa DeltaProvince Director of Chapters; and Janeen Gould, Delta Delta DeltaBeta Beta Deuteron—St. Lawrence, Alpha Delta Epsilon PiGraduate Counselor. Also, Gamma Phi Beta several advisers and Graduate Counselors to California chapters and alumnae from all over southern California gathered to participate in and Chi Omegato honor the Installation of Kappa’s 95th chapter.
==Highlights The setting for the ceremonies was the chapter house of 1997-1999:== Epsilon Pi’s sister chapter, Delta Tau—Southern California. It was agreed by all and well stated by Phyllis Pryor that “no more perfect arrangements could have been made for an unhoused chapter to be assimilated into a totally Kappa setting where a true feeling of belonging could be imparted. The cooperation and hospitality of those members of Delta Tau who made this possible will be long remembered as a very vital aspect of the happy Initiation of Epsilon Pi.” She also noted that “the beautiful, warm, very adequate facilities of the Delta Tau house accommodated the influx of extra people and activities gracefully and with no evidence of inconvenience or interruption.”
(From chapter’s History Report: ScholarshipFern Crane, group honors/awardsDelta Tau Housemother; Katie Finnegan, traditionsDelta Tau President; Kris Kline, special eventschapter coordinator, changes on campus or within and chapter, overall nature of members were thanked for their superb planning and for making the chapter, chapter goals, challenges guests and participants feel welcomed and how they were overcome, etcprepared.)
Approximately 35 percent of It was here that the scene for the undergraduate students were Greek in 1998entire weekend, including a lovely Friday night Fireside Service and dinner. Eta Delta Chapter had 41 active Tau members added to the beauty by sharing some of their traditional pre-initiation thoughts and 11 new members which was more than the average chapter size on campussongs.
Throughout Many gifts to the 1997-1998 school yearnew chapter were recognized at the luncheon banquet, Phi Beta Chi/Kappa Kappa Gamma had as its goal to receive which was held at the President’s Award of Excellence on campusUniversity Hilton Hotel following Saturday’s Installation. Phi Beta Chi had last received this Two special gifts were award in 1992. Eta Delta was confident that it will continue badges for outstanding new members, one given to be the new member class president, Debbie Dietrich, and one of the truly distinguished chapters at Valpoto Robin Rose, Recruitment Chairman, for scholarship.
Eta Delta Chapter was guided by Chapter Consultant Heather Siegel, Iowa, as Greetings to the new chapter began transiting from a local sorority increased even more when more than 150 guests came in heavy rain to a chapter reception Sunday afternoon in Riverside at the home of Kappa Kappa Gammaa recent Delta Tau active. She was not only a consultant, but also a friend to UC Riverside administrators and Panhellenic representatives and members of other Greek-letter groups on campus along with friends and family members of the new chapter membershonored Epsilon Pi with their attendance.
At the beginning of fall semesterPrior to Installation, the Epsilon Pi new members set the chapter goal: to do more were busy with campus activities as including selling cotton candy during Homecoming, a chapter pizza party with alumnae, a new member retreat and joining the other fraternities and to participate more sororities in campus activitiesthe Greek cheering section for football games and for Christmas caroling before the winter break. The chapter accomplished this through intramuralsEpsilon Pi members also created a wooden plaque with pictures of the charter members, participating in community service projects and being involved in Panhellenicthey worked together on a hooked rug with an owl design for Delta Tau Chapter.The previous information was excerpted from (unknown source-most likely The Key.)
In 1999, the chapter raised its GPA to 3.26 which was above the all-campus average, and the chapter had grown to 51 members.
The greatest challenge ==Highlights of the 1970s== From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter faced was apathy. This was overcome by encouraging , overall nature of the members to be involvedchapter, scheduling fun events chapter goals, challenges and giving out prizes and awards for participation including Kappa of the Week to the member who was the most involvedhow they were overcome, etc.:
In 1999The chapter’s first formal, called “Sea and Sky”, Eta Delta Chapter took an active role was held in philanthropic activities. The members volunteered at a multipurpose room in one of the Valparaiso Guild Bazaar, participated in apartment complexes near campus since the Breast Cancer Walk, continued visiting and supporting budget for the Kappa Grandma who lived at Canterbury Place event was only $75; $25 was spent on decorations and participated in highway clean-up$50 was spent on a band. In addition to these events One sister, who was dating a Sigma Alpha Epsilon from UCLA, had him fix up some of the chapter also participated in Kappas with blind dates with his brothers. Charter President Kim Braun Padulo recalled the all-Greek activity surprised reaction of Trick-or-Canning which collected food for needy families in the areaboys when they entered the room as it was not the kind of reception they were used to.
To celebrate Epsilon Pi faced its challenges head on and ultimately succeeded. In the fall of 1976, they welcomed a second pledge class that nearly doubled the size of the chapter. Following soon after, in spring quarter the women had to write their chapter Bylaws. After getting the foundations of the milleniumchapter set, the women focused on their sisterhood. To improve this Epsilon Pi chapter held participated in a date party potluck with Chi Omega which the Northern Orange County Alumnae Association. The theme was its first double-date party to bring with another sororityyou your favorite Kappa memory to share. After doing so, the women realized that while they were close, a house would bring them much closer to each other. They hoped that one day they would reach this goal for Epsilon Pi to have a chapter house.
==Highlights October of 20001977, thirteen more lovely ladies were pledged after an informal Yell-2010:== in, and on Inspiration week, in October 24-29; the women were initiated. With rush again in the spring the chapter was able to grow from 13 actives to 30 by 1978.
(From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship1979 was kicked off with Formal Fall Rush. The first night the girls attended open house and had sandwiches while getting to know each other. The second night was theme night, in which the chapter put on their annual performance of “Kapparet”. On the second to last night the chapter had project night in which the women used felt letters and animals to spell their names, group honors/awardsthese where then to be used for philanthropy. The final night, traditionswas preference night. Here the women all dressed up formally, special eventsand had dessert together while sharing stories in a circle. Epsilon Pi once again initiated more women, changes on campus or within making the chaptergrow a little bigger every year. With the goal to become one of the largest chapters, overall nature Epsilon Pi continued learning ways of improving and growing closer in sisterhood. To do so, their goal was set to focus on social graciousness, organization, and sisterhood (SOS). Memorable events from the chapter70s include hanging out at the pool at Bannockburn, chapter goalsyearly pledge class songs, challenges and how they were overcome, etcexchanges with other groups on campus.)
The chapter celebrated Founders Day on October 13, 2005. The chapters displayed a set of letters from Phi Beta Chi, the local sorority which became Eta Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma in 1998. Also displayed were Phi Beta Chi composites, the first Kappa Kappa Gamma composite and memorbilia from the local sorority days including a bunny because it was known as the Beta Bunnies.'''Philanthropy:'''
The chapter received six awards at the 2005 Delta Province Meeting including house board/chapter relations, greatest improvement, new member program, most improved scholarship and received an honorable mention for unity, loyalty and gracious living as well as membership.
The chapter was proud to be second academically among the women’s groups on the campus. The chapter had the most 4.0s of any sorority on campus fall semester, and the new member class had the highest GPA compared to other new member classes. This year there were 49 chapter members.
The members enjoyed a hayride date party, homecoming week and an exciting Hollywood semi-formal dance in November. Kappa’s campus-wide philanthropy, Battle of the Sexes, was successful this year. Throughout the semester, the members worked on changes in the chapter room and added a new dining room table. '''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
This fall, the campus changed from informal recruitment to continuous open bidding. Eta Delta was unfamiliar with this method of fall recruitment so several workshops were held to prepare the actives for it.
The chapter wanted to unite off-campus and on-campus members. They did that by setting up a buddy system and creating a screen name that let all the members know what activities were going to take place during the week.
The chapter members wanted to encourage more alumnae to attend events by letting them know a month ahead of upcoming activities.
In 2006, the 50th anniversary of the former local chapter was celebrated by holding a banquet and dance that was attended by many Kappa alumnae. Alumnae and active members spoke at the banquet. A big room of the chapter’s dorm was reserved to display archives including old composites. The members made a quilt out of old letters that had been in storage and displayed it on a wall. Scrapbooks from past years were on tables for the guests to see as well as cut-out wooden letters and Kappa memorabilia.
Eta Delta started a new philanthropy activity with ==Highlights of the Midwest Center. The members went to this home which serves children who have been abused and as a result have emotional disabilities. They started a library there and began a library night. The chapter is the only group that goes to the center and spends time with the children who love being with the women. Eta Delta was featured in the center’s newsletter and was asked to come back again. 1980s:==
The From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter pledged four girls in the fall and 11 in spring recruitment. The staff member who was in charge , overall nature of all the sorority recruitment said that Eta Delta’s spring rush was the best she had ever seen by the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.:
The students on Small "get to know each other" parties were held at the Valpo campus are very close. All of Bannockburn pool, so that all the chapters support women could get to know each other’s philanthropic activitiesother better and create stronger sisterhoods. Also, there is a good relationship between They also held exchanges. Epsilon Pi had an annual "walkout" in which the Greeks pledges would plan to "kidnap" actives and independents. Eta Delta members are very involved have them do funny antics like sing Kappa songs and Kappa Dances at different stops on campus like the campus library, residence halls, and are classrooms. Every stop would earn them a clue that would lead them to the location that the only chapter pledges had chosen to participate in each Greek organization’s philanthropic eventhost them for dinner. There is at least one chapter member who participates They experienced the debut of MTV and this spurred lip-synching contests in each organization on campus.The chapter meets in a university-owned chapter room the dorms, which makes it inconvenient to install anything such as were a fan or pictures on the wall.blast!
During Valparaiso’s homecoming weekend After just a few years of being established Epsilon Pi was honored to participate in 2006founding of new chapters of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of California, Eta Delta invited Kappa alumnae Irvine and University of California, San Diego. '''Philanthropy:''' Epsilon Pi held many different Philanthropy events such as making rabbit-like Easter baskets to give to its the Sunshine School in Riverside, dressing up around Halloween in costumes and visiting the Riverside Community Hospital patients with candy. One popular tradition was a "Grandparent Adoption" from convalescent homes where the chapter women would visit their adoptee twice a month and bring them carnations and homemade spice ropes.Chapter Convention Awards: ==Highlights of the 1990s== From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.: In the early 1990’s, the chapter was focused on scholarship, improving rush, and philanthropy. The chapter tied for the 2nd highest GPA on campus in 1991 and placed 35 members on the Dean’s List. And in 1993-94, the chapter room received the Dean’s Scholarship Trophy for the highest percentage of members on the Dean’s List. The chapter maintained a few high level of academic excellence throughout the decade, due in part to weekly mandatory study hours for actives and pledges. To prepare for rush, the chapter started early the prior school year with a 10 day work week. Rush quota gradually decreased on the UCR campus in the early 90’s. Quota was 32 in 1991, 24 in 1993, to 16 in 1994, and 13 in 1995. However, quota was back up in the 20’s by 2000. These smaller pledge classes, however, allowed the chapter to be fully involve the new members in all aspects of chapter life. Early in the decade, the chapter accepted the Challenge to Excellence issued to all chapters by the Fraternity. Work on the Challenge to Excellence continued during the dayrest of the 1990’s. It strengthened the chapter and brought the members closer together. In 1991, nine of the 13 founders of Epsilon Pi were present for the Founders Day brunch. In 1995, the chapter celebrated Kappa Kappa Gamma’s 125th birthday with Zeta Eta at UC Irvine.On the social front, the chapter continued with its annual Sea and Sky formal, Monmouth Duo with Pi Beta Phil, and Kappa Krush dances. Epsilon Pi also participated in many sporting competitions on campus, such as the annual inter-sorority volleyball tournament, Sports week, the Greek Games and the annual Run to the C. The chapter also hosted a Parent’s Day each year. The chapter focus shifted to sisterhood, public relations and participation in the mid-1990’s.Housing: In 1991 the chapter lounge was redecorated. The last update was 16 years prior! Also in this year, the university offered sororities a hall in one of the dorms to have as their own. The alumnae had chapter felt this would be a good time looking at old scrapbooks way to improve chapter bonds, and composites while reminiscing would show the university that they were serious about their college dayshaving a house in the future. '''Philanthropy:'''
The chapter pledged 12 new members Epsilon Pi won the Philanthropy Award at the beginning of the year and seven more women during fall semester1991 Kappa Province Meeting. The members continued to focus on scholarship and philanthropy. At chapter participated in the 2007 Delta Province Meeting, Eta Delta received six awards: first place for philanthropy and honorable mention in academic excellence, membership, new member program, advisory board/chapter relations and unity, loyalty Cystic Fibrosis Walkathon and gracious livinghelped clean up downtown Riverside. Kappa’s dedication was displayed when it received several Greek Life awards: President’s Award for Excellence, Adviser They also continued their tradition of visiting the Year Award Sunshine House and Outstanding Philanthropy and Community Award. The chapter was proud their association with the Riverside section of Kappa Jennifer Cole who was named Greek Woman the California School of Deaf. In the Yearmid-1990’s, Epsilon Pi began a new philanthropy called Night Run.
Renovations were made to the chapter room including new carpeting and plans were made to install a keypad and new cabinetry. '''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
Valparaiso University built a new student union in the center of campus to bring students together for dining, mail and student organization meetings. University President Alan Harre announced his retirement during the summer of 2007, and Mark Heckler was named as his replacement effective in October 2008.1992 Efficiency Honorable MentionOne of the biggest challenges the chapter faced this year was communication among its members. The members realized it was important to talk face-to-face rather than relying on email so much, and confidentiality was stressed. 1994 Standards Honorable Mention1994 Scholarship Honorable Mention1996 Scholarship Award Honorable Mention
During 2008, Eta Delta celebrated its 10th anniversary. Kappa alumnae were invited to come to the chapter room where desserts were served while everyone reminisced as they looked back on the growth of the chapter. Chapter scrapbooks, awards, and pictures were on display. The undergraduates and alumnae enjoyed putting Kappa stickers and bookmarks into books which were donated to Reading is Fundamental (RIF). It was special for the active members to listen to alumnae stories. This display brought a lot of memories to the alumnae as well as the undergraduates and reminded everyone of her continuing sisterhood.
The chapter room had been under construction and everyone was pleased to see the outcome. With the new entertainment system, cable and welcoming atmosphere, the chapter room had become a place where members could get together outside of scheduled meetings.
Eta Delta continued the tradition ==Highlights of philanthropy by collecting small stuffed animals and won the H.U.G. challenge on campus. In addition the chapter added two new philanthropies: Kappa Goat Regatta and Kappa Kasino. During the year, the chapter donated more than $2,650 to several philanthropies such as the Midwest Center and Hilltop. With its dedication to philanthropy and sisterhood, the chapter was pleased when it received third place for its academics in the spring. 2000-2010==
Greek Life Awards the From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus received were President’s Award or within chapter, overall nature of Achievementthe chapter, chapter goals, Outstanding Public Relations Award challenges and Outstanding Chapter Programming Award. These awards show the chapter’s commitment to the campus and communityhow they were overcome, etc. :
Valparaiso University The chapter actively participated in campus events such as BEAR Facts Orientation, Block Party, Homecoming and Spring Splash as well as Panhellenic sponsored events such as Sports Week, Greek Unity Week with Greek Pyramid, and Presents. Founders Day was often celebrated its 150th anniversary during the fall of 2008with Zeta Eta, UC Irvine and several activities were held on campus. Kappa hosted the Duck PondOrange County Alumnae Association. The new student union building A yearly Scholarship Dinner was dedicated in January 2009 held to honor outgoing President Harrethe sisters with the highest GPA, most improved GPA, and all sisters with a 4.0 in a quarter. Yearly chapter events included a fall Date Party, a winter Scholarship Banquet, and a Parent’s Day in the spring.
The chapter faced challenges with Recruitment. Valparaiso had its lowest number of rushees in 10 years and decided not to conduct a fall Recruitment. Eta Delta had trouble filling its council positions although the nominating committee did a good job of slating members in positions for which they were well qualified.
To connect the new members and seniors, there was a focus on having the Fleur-de-Lis be senior members during the new member period.'''Housing:'''
Since the chapter Epsilon Pi was on probation, the morale was low. Its social and philanthropic events on campus were limited, and a variety of educational events and workshops were held. To raise morale, several sisterhood events were held which helped the chapter realize it wanted first Greek organization to be proactive invited to participate in Valparaiso University’s communityUCR’s Greek Housing Pilot Program. With Recruitment The chapter was able to rent five units in an apartment complex near campus and 10 members lived there during the 2009-2010school year. However, the chapter moved forward using the lessons it had learned and with due to a class lack of 15 fabulous new members who invigorated the chapter. In Marchcontracts and security, the chapter held its second annual Kappa Boat Regatta in the campus pool. Several other Greek groups participated, and their creativity program was amazing. There were many surprises along the waydiscontinued. '''Philanthropy:'''
In April, Eta Delta served as hostess Members of Epsilon Pi volunteered yearly for a local breast cancer fundraiser put on by the Delta Province meetingInland Agency, called “Shop to Stop Breast Cancer. It was such fun ” Each year, chapter members volunteered to read to meet undergraduate and alumnae students at Madison Elementary School on Dr. Suess day. In Spring 2009, the members from throughout the provinceof Epsilon Pi hosted sixth grade students for “A Day In The Life” at UCR. The chapter was proud to receive Kappas gave them tours of the Advisory Board/Chapter Relations campus and Standards awards. The chapter received the following awards from sixth graders got to meet the university: Men’s Basketball Team and the President’s Award of Achievement UCR Cheerleaders and adviser Valarie Thayer, UC San Diego, received an Advisory Board awardDance Team. As The finale of the semester closed, the chapter day was received a focus letter from lunch on the Fraternity Council. The members looked forward to commons lawn where the next semester sixth graders read their favorite books to regain the chapter’s direction and conquer the challenges facing it. Eta Delta members returned for the next semester in high spirits, planning monthly sisterhood events and looking forward to philanthropyKappas.
Sisterhood events brought everyone together, and members participated in the Watermelon Mayham and Sigma Chi Derby Days. For Founders Day, we toured the campus to learn about the first Kappas through crossword puzzles, clues and walking to the chapel steps. It was wonderful to have a lot of alumnae share the day with the chapter.
The second-annual Kappa Kasino philanthropy event was a huge success. Many attended, and it proved to be another great way to unite with other Greek organizations and also reach into the community to gain their involvement as well. To close the year, the chapter participated in the Kappa Foundation Holiday Sharing program. The members purchased gifts and raised money for a fellow sister.On campus, the 50th anniversary of the Chapel of Resurrection was celebrated, a new fitness center was completed in the fall and new campus apartments were finished for fall semester. The chapter worked to increase the bonds of sisterhood, get its GPA above the all-sorority average and was involved in other campus activities and service projects.'''Chapter Convention Awards:'''
In 2010, the chapter initiated 19 new members and was third among the seven sororities in academics. Eta Delta placed second in the first-ever Valpo Cup in the fall and had some great sisterhood events: hayride and ice skating. The chapter raised $400 from the Boat Regatta which benefited RIF. Eta Delta participated in intramurals such as water basketball, volleyball, floor hockey and soccer. At Greek Awards, the chapter received the public relations award. 2008 Rose McGill Award
The chapter was sad to have 18 seniors graduate in the spring and pleased to pledge five new members for the fall class. Several Kappas went abroad to study. Eta Delta received a warning of probation letter as the year closed. It included a checklist of what the chapter has accomplished so far and looked very good. The chapter was very positive about the progress it had made during the past year.
During 2011was a busy and great year for Epsilon Pi Chapter. Winter quarter started out with the nomination process, Eta Delta organized leading to the election of a strong, new Chapter Council. That quarter we participated in two successful philanthropic events: Kappa Cardboard Boat Regatta at Madison Elementary School, Where the Wild Things Read and Dr. Seuss Day. Both events involved reading to the students and Mrencouraging literacy. & Miss Greek Life PageantUnity Week also took place during the winter. Together these two events successfully raised money for RIFOur members were paired with the men of Pi Kappa Alpha to compete in various activities throughout the week meant to strengthen Greek unity on campus. Also this yearAs our winter quarter event, the chapter had a “Finally Famous” themed semi-formal, in which couples dressed as famous couples throughout history. The chapter also enjoyed a scholarship dinner at Ciao Bella restaurant and a go-cart racing sisterhood event held at K1 Speedway. For the spring quarter, Epsilon Pi Chapter continued its emphasis on philanthropy. We volunteered at the Inland Agency’s Shop to Stop Breast Cancer event. Also, our sister Brittany Altamirano competed in and won Homecomingthe 2011 Delta Queen Pageant hosted by the men of Delta Tau Delta, raising around $7000 for City of Hope cancer research. During this quarter, the campus’ Fraternity and Sorority Involvement Center hosted a Pillar’s Reception where Epsilon Pi was proud to receive the Friendship Pillar Award. The Chapter hosted Parent’s Day at the Benedict Castle and a formal at the Pomona Valley Mining Co. Another major accomplishment for the chapter member Alex Moulchin during spring was crowned Homecoming Queenour Sports Week participation. Members assembled teams for volleyball and football, and did excellent in both sports, taking home the overall win for Sports Week. In academicsApril, Eta Delta had 14 a few members make of our chapter went to Kappa Province in Tucson, AZ, where we were awarded the Dean’s ListRose McGill Magazine Award. As fall quarter began, and two the members had 4of Epsilon Pi were eager for recruitment, to gain more assets to our chapter.0sAfter going through formal recruitment, the chapter welcomed 31 New Members on Bid Day. The New Members were taken to a taco dinner afterwards to celebrate and get to know the chapter. This year, the chapter initiated 20 new invited local alumnae and the women of the Zeta Eta Chapter at UC Irvine to our Founder’s Day brunch at the Riverside Art Museum. Many of our membersalso participated in the Pink on Parade breast cancer walk, as well as the 5K run held by the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Our chapter enjoyed a movie night sisterhood as we went to go see the film 50/50, as well as a Thanksgiving potluck themed meeting to end the quarter. '''Campus:''' This year, Valparaiso University hired a new the Panhellenic Board on campus tried to really encourage unity among the Greek Life coordinator: Allison Cathcommunity, but the panhellenic organizations in particular. Kappa encouraged this as well, as we participated in Panhellenic’s Cookies and Crafts event. All 6 of the panhellenic organizations came together to get to know each other better, as well as learn more about one another’s philanthropies. We also participated in the kickball tournament thrown by the women of Gamma Phi Beta, to further demonstrate our support of panhellenic. The campus hosted many annual events like Spring Splash, Bear Facts Orientation, and Block Party, Northwesternall of which Epsilon Pi participated in.The '''Chapter:''' If one word were chosen to describe the overall nature of our chapter in 2011 it would be growth. We suffered some minor setbacks, but with positive mindsets and a strong chapter council, we pushed through and began making necessary changes for our chapter worked hard to meet head in the terms right direction. Epsilon Pi has taken pride in both its diversity and large chapter size and has used both of those factors to strengthen the chapter as a whole. One main challenge for the warning chapter was attendance. With such a large chapter size, we expected high numbers of probation from attendance, but were not seeing that. Chapter Council began a point system for attendance. A minimum requirement of points was made necessary for fun/positive things later on, such as getting a little sister in the Fraaternityfall. The In addition, our VP Standards took attendance into account as she looked over members became familiar with who needed standards appointments. She stressed the Fraternity’s Bylaws importance of going to mandatory events in these meetings and Standing Rulesthe consequences of not doing so. The attendance problem was not completely erased, and each member was expected but the chapter hopes to hold herself to high standards see improvements, continuously reminding members of conductthe attendance policy in our chapter’s bylaws and standing rules.
Eta Delta Each year Epsilon Pi chapter continues to reach and exceed previous years' achievements. 2011 was an amazing and notable year for Epsilon Pi chapter. In January, we began 2012 with inspiration week filled with a strong formal recruitment variety of ten womenbig and little and sisterhood bonding events. Soon after, who the Alpha Omega pledge class was initiated. It was a beautiful and special ceremony that we got were able to know share with the newest members of our wonderful chapter. The following week we had an amazing Semi Formal which was hosted at a sisterhood event on bid daythe Caspian in Irvine, where we enjoyed an Arabian night filled with kabobs and belly dancers. We Soon after we had elections and welcomed them the newly elected chapter council. During that time period we were graced with blue the Leadership Officer and blue cupcakes received an abundance of tips and played get-advice on how to-know-you gamesmake our chapter even stronger than what it was then. Soon after Following elections and the LC visit, we had Greek Unity week on campus which brings the Greek and cultural sorority and fraternities together. This year we were paired with the new chapter council met for men of Phi Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Epsilon. During this week we are separated into teams and participate in a variety of team and at the end of the week perform a leadership retreat team dance that is appreciated by the whole Greek community. As we continued into winter quarter we held two amazing philanthropies at Madison Elementary School; Kappa Kamp and Dr. Seuss Day. Both event encouraged the students to discuss read and enjoy books. We also had a delicious scholarship dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory where we acknowledged our hard working sisters that make the chapter’s goals for Dean's List, have the most study hours, and the highest overall GPA. Towards the upcoming yearend of winter quarter we held our Leadership Day, which aimed at better training our newly elected chapter council to ensure that they would be confident in achieving everything their position asked them to, as well as doing their little perfectly.
After initiating Our sisters did an amazing job playing and dedicating their time to practices. This quarter we also had our newest Kappasannual formal, "A Night In Spain", we got to know which was held at the men of Phi Kappa Psi at a unity Green River Gold Club in Corona. It was an amazing event where we danced the night awayand appreciated the seniors, as it was their last formal with the chapter. As the quarter continued, we hosted "A Day In April, The Life" where we focused hosted students from Madison Elementary School and showed them the campus. We introduced them to the soccer team and cheer leaders and gave them a tour of the campus. We wanted to encourage the sixth graders to continue on our philanthropic involvementto college to get a higher education and to show them that anyone can achieve that with hard work and dedication. We hosted ended this quarter with a very successful Mrfun filled water themed sisterhood at our president, Brittany Altamirano's house. There was a water maze, water guns, and Mrsof course water balloons. Greek Life Pageant The sisterhood definitely helped relieve some stress that we had pertaining to raise money for Reading is Fundamental, stayed up all night the upcoming finals. Later that weekend we also had our annual Parent's Day at the University’s Relay for LifeCanyon Crest Country Club, where we had a nice lunch with all our sisters and participated in Phi Psi 500their parents. We celebrated the Monmouth Duo by having also appreciated our sisters who stood out exceptionally in being a unity event with Pi Beta Phi, where we highlighted good sister and kappa and sisters that stood our shared tradition of academic excellence by coming together to studyacademically as well.
To strengthen After returning from summer vacation, Epsilon Pi was eager for recruitment and to gain new assets to our ever growing sisterhood, . Following formal recruitment we had movie nights in were more than happy to welcome the Chapter Room every other week, and 30 Beta Alpha new member class. After bid day on campus we took them to one of our sisterhood on the road by traveling sister's house to have dinner and meet the Indiana Dunes for a picnic with a viewchapter; there were also an abundance of ice breaking games. To honor This year, the women who raised us, we invited our mothers to a Mom’s Orange County Alumni Association hosted Founder's Day brunchat the Tustin Senior Center. Greek After thoroughly educating the Beta Alpha new member class with Kappa history and creating a new love for Kappa we had Inspiration Week and Initiation. It was also in April, so again a beautiful ceremony where each sister was able to appreciate and remember why we partnered up with joined one of the men of Sigma Phi Epsilon to participate in trivia contests, relay races, and other friendly competitionsstrongest sisterhoods. Sigma Phi Epsilon also joined We concluded this quarter with us to participate in a cookout and bag-o tournamentour Kappa Thanksgiving, which brought our chapter together once again.
At This year, the end of Panhellenic Board on campus was continuing to encourage unity among the month, we dined Greek community. The board hosted many events where each sorority could come and danced in style at a formal Sapphire Ballsupport panhellenic. The following morningSuch events were "blankets for babies", we paid tribute to our seniors at our Senior Banquet"cookies and crafts", where we enjoyed light refreshments as and staff appreciation. Kappa families gave speeches supports the board and parting gifts tries to the bigs and grandbigs that they’d miss! In may, we wrapped up our semester get more involved by bumpparticipating. Kappa also participates in Block Party, setSpring Spash, and spiking our way to third place in Sigma Pi’s volleyball tournament, and gathering together as a sisterhood to watch the Kentucky DerbyBear Facts orientation.
Over the summer, we had the opportunity to send five women to the national convention in Jacksonville, Florida, where we met Kappas from around the world, learned about our fraternity, and received an honorable mention award for our Exemplary House Board. ==Highlights of 2013==
When we reunited in August, we got to know the freshmen by volunteering at Move In Day, Dunes Day and at the Welcome Back Block Party, where we also met Valparaiso’s new Assistant Dean of Students for Greek Life, Carolyn Whittier. With her help, we recruited a large fall pledge class, adding eight new women to our sisterhood in September. We celebrated Bid Day with a sisterhood event full of food and games. Soon after, we invited our fathers to cook out and play outdoor games with us at a Dad’s Day event. We also supported Sigma Chi’s philanthropy by competing in Derby Days and participated in Valparaiso’s Day of Caring. Near the end of the month, we spent the day together at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. We also received a letter placing us on an academic focus plan, to assist us in improving our grades.
The beginning of October was also the beginning of Homecoming Week. We Epsilon Pi had a truly remarkable year in 2013 with all that we accomplished and participated in the week’s activities and were proud of . As our sister who earned second place in winter quarter began, we had the race opportunity to becoming Homecoming Queenhelp recruit members for the new chapter that was established at Chapman University with our sisters from USC. The same week, recruitment was so successful that we stood by two had the amazing honor to be apart of our women who strutted their stuff in Tri Delta’s Fat-Talk-Free fashion showinitiation ceremony and be their big sis chapter. We came together to decorate paddles at a sisterhood event. Eta Delta hosted our most successful Boat Regatta fundraiser yet, and Towards the end of the quarter we also celebrated Founders Day were partnered up with our alumni over brunch the men of Phi Gamma Delta and the women of Omega Zeta Chi to participate in a presentation about our historyweek of Greek Unity. This month, The main event was a dance competition in which we had another visit from a leadership consultant, Rebecca Shawwere elated and humbled to have won first place.
After fall break, As the quarter continued we helped Lambda Chi Alpha raise money at their Pumpkin Palooza, before donning participated in our best plaid annual philanthropy of “Reading is Key” in which we traveled to Madison Elementary school and overalls for a Kappa barn dance. We also spent time with the men of Phi Sigma Kappa at a unity event cook out. In November, we initiated our fall pledge class day reading and elected our new chapter council. We finished out the month doing crafts with a Christmas themed dance. In December, the Christmas holidays were on our mindschildren. We also had a Christmas party delicious Scholarship dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory in our chapter room, where each sister made her own ornament for our brand new Christmas treewhich we gave awards to the sisters who had accomplishments such as the most study hours, ate Christmas cookieshighest GPA, and put together Christmas cards being on the dean’s list. The last major event of winter quarter was our semi-formal in which we went to send to Eta Delta’s alumnia lovely Italian restaurant and had a great time dancing the night away with our sisters and dates.
We stayed in the Christmas spirit Spring quarter began with a unity event with Phi Delta Theta6 sisters attending Kappa Province. In addition to learning valuable skills and information for our chapter, where we decorated cookies Epsilon Pi was honored to take to Hilltop preschoolhave received 2 awards: the New Member Program Award and the Norma Dow Patton Gracious Living Award. In Soon after, we had a visit from the spirit of holiday givingLC, we purchased gifts as which gave the new officers a chapter chance to send to a sister get ideas and information about her new positions in need through the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation’s Holiday Sharing Programpersonal meetings that were set-up. Keeping We also had our academic focus plan formal at a beautiful venue at the Glen Ivy Spa and golf course in mindwhich we had a great night taking pictures in a photo booth, we studied hard for finalseating delicious food, and raised our overall GPA back above the all sorority average, ending our year with much to be proud ofgiving out senior recognition awards.
In This quarter was also very philanthropic. Not only did we host our annual “Day in the past year, Greek Life on Valparaiso University’s campus has seen significant growth Life” event for Madison elementary school children to come and undergone many positive changes. In the fall of 2012see what it is like to be a college student, but we welcomed Carolyn Whittier as our new Assistant Dean also partnered up with the women of Students for Greek Life, and she implemented many changes Pi Beta Phi to Greek Life create our very own join philanthropy on our campuscalled “Words with Friends”. She began to host monthly roundtable meetings for the officers of It was a spelling bee and speed read event in which all of the fraternities organizations could compete with each other and sororities donate either money or books to meet and discuss issues pertaining to their position togetherour philanthropy. For exampleThis quarter, as well as supporting many other philanthropies throughout the year, we also supported the Risk Management and Event Chairmen from all men of the organizations meet to discuss social events on campus and within Greek LifeDelta Tau Delta's annual Delta Queen Pageant. In addition to these meetingsOur sister, Hailey Grisel, which keep us all informedreceived second place and remarkably raised $6, she has formed committees to update all 000 for the City of our campus documents for Greek Life, such as how Greek Judicial Board will operateHope cancer research.
In addition to these organizational changes, Greek Life hosted Valparaiso’s first ever Dance Marathon We continued to support Riley’s Children’s Hospital. It was fun, great for Greek Life’s image on campusour chapter and partook in the annual Sports Week, where each sorority competes against each other in track and we raised over $10field,000! Overall, it was a successvolleyball, and football. Our sisters did an amazing job playing and dedicating their time to practices because we will continue to host this ended up winning the entire event together in the future. This year also saw changes Later that month we had parent’s day which was so special in the way being able to show our campus hosts formal sorority recruitmentfamilies a little bit of what Kappa is like. Many changes We were made, including replacing a skit night with a sisterhood night and having more open houses in the fall able to raise interest sooner. These changes and Ms. Whittier’s guidance helped all of honor the Panhellenic sororities have their largest recruitment in several years. One other change on our campus this year sisters who truly embody what Kappa is that the President of and also got to see what our University has begun to plan for the fraternities and sororities chapter used to get their own houses on a new greek row. This is in the University’s ten year plan for be like through the campusheritage display.
Eta Delta has certainly seen some changes There is also an annual awards ceremony for the Greek community on our campus in which we were honored to have received the University of California, Riverside Marguleas Sororotiy/Fraternity Service Award in recognition of our leadership and philanthropic efforts in our community. To finish off the quarter and the past academic yearwe had a sisterhood in which we were able to go go kart racing. We had such a fun time competing with each other for the fastest time and just be able to spend time bonding together. Fall quarter was a very hectic quarter for Epsilon Pi. We have worked hard had another LC visit during recruitment which helped us make sure we were going about things as best as we could. Although we did not expect for the large increase in the size of our new pledge class, we were so grateful to welcome 45 new amazing women into our organization. Soon after, we celebrated founder’s day with our lovely Chapman sisters which was special because we got to see them experience it for the very first time as a chapter. It was so touching to address some organizational see alumni from decades ago being recognized and risk management issues, pinned and I believe we’ve done a good jobbeing able to do our ritual together. Our chapter is now running more efficiently also hosted an amazing event called “Finding Kind” in which we had the screening of the documentary to fight against female teen bulling. We then all took individual pledges to better ourselves and participating the way that we treat others. We were so pleased to see how many women from different organizations on campus came to support this cause. Towards the end of the quarter, we had a super hero themed date party in dances which we got to go to Sky Town and other social events more safelyjump around and play various games involving foam pits and trampolines. While those aspects Inspiration week and Initiation of our new Beta Beta pledge class was a very special week for all of us. We were so happy to officially welcome them into our chapter have improved this past yearand share our ritual with them during such a beautiful and special ceremony. We also had fun during that week roller-skating and playing laser tag together during our big/little night. To finish off the quarter, we have struggled had a sisterhood the week before finals at the movie theater in which we were able to take a couple hours away from studying to relax and laugh with our sisterhood sisters while watching Grown Ups 2. It had been events like this that keep us close and making an impression on strong as a chapter. This past year brought changes that mainly affected our recruitment. Since our school decided to admit more students, there were more women that went through recruitment that the larger campus communitysororities were not prepared for. We are turning now Although we thought it would be overwhelming and near impossible to focus on growing closer have such a large pledge class, we pulled through together again and stepping up our participation on campus were blessed to improve have received 45 new members instead of our imageanticipated 30.
Eta Delta received an honorable mention This past year has been one of glee, many accomplishments, and ongoing improvement for New Member Programming at Epsilon Pi Chapter. We commenced the year after a refreshing winter break with the 2014 Conventionprivilege of participating in a leadership conference, Lead Today. Lead Today took place on January 22 on our campus with our entire chapter and alumnae. Coordinators were trained to help us grow and prosper as a chapter with novel leadership skills and progression in areas needing improvement. We won participated in various hands on activities, games and discussions concerning the vitality of management, organization, and the Ausensen Award for Excellence overall aspect of a chapter working and developing in Campus Involvement unison. Epsilon Pi Chapter was so thankful and gained an award immense appreciation and understanding for Excellence leadership and how to use it, not only in Kappa, but in Public Relations our everyday lives. This conference could not have come at a better time, due to the fact that elections were right around the corner. Our Kappa sisters did a wonderful job selecting our new Chapter Council and we knew Epsilon Pi Chapter was in good hands. Shortly after, we had our annual Valpo Greek Awards ceremonyscholarship dinner to honor all of our hard working members who did exceptional in their academics. This year, we dressed in key attire and ventured out to The Old Spaghetti Factory located in Downtown Riverside. We loaded up on carbs and applauded our accomplished sisters when they received awards for most study hours, improved G.P.A., highest G.P.A., and many more. This night allowed our sisters to feel honored and made others strive to improve. After a few weeks of being back in school, it was time for Semi-Formal. Semi was held at Aroma Grill in Upland, CA. We had teams participate all got dolled up in cute cocktail dresses and invited dates to escort us. Kappas danced the night away on the dance floor, took a plethora of photos in the photo booth and in front of the backdrop with a professional photographer, and ate a delicious variety of food. To end the month of February, our sisters headed to K1 Speed Zone for a fun packed sisterhood. Our sisters headed to the race tracks and raced in Dance Marathon full geared helmets and Relay mask and hopped in go-carts for Lifesome competitive fun. A few weeks later, we had our first social of the quarter with the men of Phi Kappa Psi. Together, we had so much fun playing laser tag dressed up as Disney characters. Originally, we were supposed to go roller blading, however, the outdoor rink got rained out. Yet, Kappas always know how to make the best of things and we ended the night having a jovial time. To end our quarter, Epsilon Pi Chapter hosted our Reading is Key Philanthropy at our adopted school, Madison Elementary. Eta Delta This year's theme was "Under the Sea" and the book we gave every student who attended was "The Magic School Bus Live on the 2014 WomenOcean Floor". We loved seeing the students's Division Runner-faces light up in Songfestas they read to us, crafted with us, which is an annual sing and dance competition between campus Greek Lifeenjoyed some delicious snacks. Our Spring Gpa The whole cafeteria was 3neatly decorated with fish, kelp, and other underwater creatures to create a fun, aquatic atmosphere.295 We donated books to their library and our Fall GPA hoped to encourage them and show them how important, and intriguing, reading can be. This experience was 3so rewarding due to the fact that many of these students are from underprivileged households and the books we give them are usually their first books.201 At the start of Spring Quarter, we attended an annual philanthropy conducted by the fraternity Delta Tau Delta. Our They hosted a pageant that every sorority participated in by nominating one representative to compete in the event. This event raised money for HomecomingThe City of Hope through fundraisers and donations. This year, Amanda Moulchinwe selected Justine Sterling, won homecoming queenwho perfectly embodies Kappa as a whole. Justine worked extremely hard raising funds via bake sales on campus (Kappa Kappacino), and Karaoke singing night (Kappa Karaoke), as well as various dining and recreational events. We became SAAFE certified Justine rasied over $4,000 for The City of Hope and took home the years 2013-crown as Miss Delta Queen 2014 by having 80% . Her hard work and dedication paid off making all of us proud. Not to mention, we loved watching her in the pageant, especially her talent portion of rapping. In the month of April, we hosted our chapter participate joint philanthropy event, Words With Friends, with the ladies of Pi Beta Phi. Since we both share a philanthropy centered on literacy, our competitions were focused on spelling and reading. We had representatives from each sorority and fraternity competing in speed reads and spelling bees while their organizations cheered them on from the stands. For this event, admission was bringing in SAAFE certified workshops throughout a new book that we could donate or a fee of $5. In the end, we raised over $2,000 and over a hundred books. We donated the books we received and part of the proceeds to Madison Elementary and the rest of the proceeds to RIF. Every year, UCR hosts a sports week where each sorority comes up with teams to play dodge ball, volleyball, and football with different fraternities coaching and arranging practices. This whole week is filled with friendly competition and unity between our sorority and the whole Greek community. This year, we worked hard at many practices and came up in second place. Eta Who knew we were so athletic? After sports week, we decided to have a social with the men of Phi Gamma Delta signed , who were our coaches for sports week. Bowling for strikes and spares was the One Valpo pledgeevent of the night while dressed in our Hawaiian skirts, shirts, which and leis. Another event UCR hosts every year is Pillars Week. Pillars Week is a pledge saying whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for a successful organization. All Greek organizations were placed in teams that competed in competitions focused on a different trait each day starting with leadership, friendship, service, and scholarship. This whole week is dedicated to uniting the community of Greeks at our school. With Epsilon Pi Chapter being so dedicated to these traits and Greek unity, we will "celebrate diversity worked so hard and ended up placing first along with our team. During this same week we had one of our favorite philanthropies, A Day In The Life. For this event, we bring sixth grade students from Madison Elementary to UCR to visit, take a tour, have lunch, and play fun activities with us all in the hopes of inspiring these students to go to college and strive for higher education. This year we divided into different tour guiding groups and raise awareness played interactive games such as red rover. It was a perfect day to have the peaceful outcomes students on campus because they were all able to see a busy campus full of inclusionstudents due to the fact that it was Pillars Week. These students had such a great time that even some boys flashed the Kappa sign in pictures as the proclaimed "I can't wait to go here!" With school coming to an end in a few months, it was the perfect time for our Beta Beta New Member retreat. Our Panhellenic community adopted Circle New Member chair planned a daring evening of rock climbing at a local rock climbing gym, Hangar 18. Girls harnessed in and chalked their hands as they used their upper body strength and raced to the top of the rock walls. It was a perfect night for Beta Beta to be reconnected and have a little fun work out. For one of the last meetings of the year, our whole chapter went to Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor to feast on all different flavors of ice cream, while discussing business, of course. This event is one of our most delicious sisterhood events since we get to eat all the ice cream we want, be sung to by Farrell's employees, and get to be with our sisters. For the last event of the year, Epsilon Pi Chapter boarded buses with our dates for a special night at Green Rivers Country Club. This year's Formal was eventful and filled with memories. Girls piled into the photo booth to take adorable pictures while some danced the night away and others ate their gourmet meal. During the celebrations, seniors were recognized, given crowns, and watched a video slide show of pictures that brought back many memories and even happy tears to many eyes. Formal was the perfect way to end the 2013-2014 school year. Although college may have been over for some, many girls who had just decided to come to UCR were making their way on campus for summer orientation in the months of Sisterhood July and August. During every orientation, Epsilon Pi Chapter hosted a table where we answered questions about our organizations, sorority life, UCR and college in general. We hoped to get incoming freshmen and transfer students excited for college and hopefully interested in becoming a Kappa. Not only that, but almost as a summer reunion, all of our philanthropygirls got together to film our, almost famous, recruitment video. We also had went to the beach, our campus, and the park to film a short video embodying Kappa and our strong sisterhood. It turned out to be a hit on our campus and with other chapters from other campuses as well. After a nice, long break of heading to the beach, relaxing, and a lot of studying abroad, Kappa sisters united for a week of practices for upcoming recruitment. Our sisters sang their hearts out and danced their best as we learned songs and polished ourselves so we could be the best Kappas we could be for recruitment. During the week our bonds of sisterhood grew exponentially stronger and our love for Kappa radiated in preparation of finding our newest members participate . On the weekend of October 3, we spent 3 days socializing and spreading our love and excitement to every potential new member who entered our room. We fell in love with so many girls and worked so hard that this turned out to be one of our most successful recruitments ever, bringing in VU our biggest New Member class of 53 girls. The Monday following recruitment, Bid Day , we welcomed all of our bright and spectacular New Members with "Key to Paradise" tank tops and a BBQ fit for beach queens. Our chapter transitioned so quickly to this shocking number of Caringnew ladies, which and chapter council immediately understood that with a larger chapter, we would all have to grow together, and that is exactly what we did. New Members went to meetings every week to get acquainted with Kappa policies and jumped right into Kappa activities with our first sisterhood of the 2014-2015 school year. Our VPS planned a university wide day morning yoga session in a peaceful park for all of our members. It was relaxing and just what everyone needed as a de-stressor. Our New Members were also able to attend our Date Party at a roller skating rink sponsored by the Anaheim Ducks hockey team. Every member received a glitter Kappa snap back and Beyonce themed tank tops, while their dates received a Jay-Z themed crew neck. Everyone was so exited for their new Kappa clothes. Soon after, our New Members received their Big Sisters in such a cute and creative reveal. New Members were given a key to a specific car in the school's parking lot and had to find the right car to which the key belonged. Inside the car trunk, driver seat, or back seat was their Big. The excitement of philanthropic events throughout the communitywhole chapter was present as girls embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and joy. We held That same night, New Members were ushered to their New Member sleepover where they bonded over games, learned about our first Reading is Key event with Hilltop children Founders, and partnered laughed over stories. A couple weeks later, Bigs drove their Littles to our fall social with the men of Sigma Phi Psi Epsilon. Hilltop is Since it was the Halloween season, girls paired up with a Sig-Ep and carved pumpkins. This was one of our most attended and loved socials. As initiation approached, our Marshal hosted Big and Little Night at a local daycare center ice skating rink. Bigs and Littles dressed in matching outfits and skated together, fell together, and drew closer as sisters. Our last and most important event of the year was the initiation of our New Members of the Beta Gamma class. It was a beautiful ceremony welcoming our deserving members into Kappa Kappa Gamma. They discovered the true meaning of all our beliefs and values and finally understood what makes Kappa so strong. It was the perfect way to end such a successful year for underprivileged families Epsilon Pi Chapter. One of the biggest changes to our campus occurred just this Fall quarter. In the past year, recruitment has grown as more and more girls become interested in sorority life at UCR. One of the biggest changes to our chapter was the welcoming of the biggest new member class we have ever welcomed. Our chapter almost doubled, but our chapter handled the change smoothly without a falter. Also due to the immense interest in panhellenic, the whole panhellenic communitygot together to listen to presentations from three possible new sororities hoping to colonize on the UCR campus. In the end, our chapter was more than happy to hear about a new sorority expanding our panhellenic community. Epsilon Pi Chapter is so strong in our bonds of sisterhood that we are more than willing to help the new chapter get accommodated to UCR. Chapter meetings are held in various on campus lecture halls and classrooms. This makes it easier for members to go to meeting since most new members live on campus and other members live near by. Our chapter does not have a house and has not had a house in the past. We read have a storage unit near campus where we keep and organize our supplies. For living situations, some girls live on campus, but most members rent houses where some members live together and sometimes end up living with other panhellenic women. Our living situations are perfect for building sisterhood and provide various places for members to hangout, study, and host various gatherings. ==Highlights of 2015== This past year, Epsilon Pi has had many defining moments that continue to shape each of our member’s college experiences. After coming back from a very well deserved winter break surrounded by family and sisters, we began a new quarter in January and quickly put our heads back in to the game, starting with elections. As always, our sisters made excellent decisions when selecting our new Chapter Council that consist of strong, efficient, Kappa leaders. Shortly after, our Event Chair planned our first social of the quarter at a nearby community park with one of the children IFC fraternities on campus. Our members and did the brothers of Phi Gamma Delta decked out in white apparel in preparation for a craft fun night filled with them glow in the dark paint and athletic activities. We separated into teams andKappas proudly showed off their flag football skills, since all while glowing in the dark. Towards the end of the event month Beta Gamma, our newest pledge class, attended a retreat. This retreat took place at our newly remodeled recreation center on campus. There was a rock climbing wall and a ropes course. They participated in activities that all revolved around Christmas timeteamwork and some critical thinking. During one of the activities, Sigma Phi Epsilon gave each child sisters had to figure out a way to get a presentrope to the other side without moving by working together. Eta Delta They were also blindfolded and were instructed to give clues to one another in order to find certain objects. They participated in multiple obstacle courses and activities that strengthened the Beta Gamma pledge class. Overall, Beta Gamma had two new philanthropy events the opportunity to bond with their pledge class sisters and learn how to help each other out by using teamwork. This was an excellent way to prove that any challenge can be overcome with sisters by our sides. There was no better way to begin the month of February than by having our annual scholarship dinner. Our Vice President of Academic Excellence worked very hard in order to recognize and honor our smart, studious sisters and give them the credit they deserve. We all met at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Riverside in 2014our sharpest key attire. We were excited and anxious to eat delicious Italian food and hear all about our sister’s amazing accomplishments. Some of the awards included most study hours, highest GPA, most improved GPA, and many more. This was a proud night for many, as well as an encouraging one for other girls who decided they want to work even harder than usual and strive to be the best Kappas they can be. This night was filled with positive and uplifting words that reminded and encouraged all Kappas to make academics a priority. A few weeks later, it was time for our Semi-Formal. In MarchOur spectacular Semi was located in Redlands, at the Fox Event Center. We got ready in our best cocktail dresses and every Kappa looked extraordinary. As we held arrived, the words “Kappa Kappa KarnivalGamma” beautifully lit up on the outside billboard of the venue. We ate a delicious dinner of various foods and danced the night away on a beautifully set dance floor that was beneath sparkly chandeliers. If sisters weren’t dancing, many of them were also taking a galore of pictures to capture all of the fun and lavish moments. A professional photographer was also available at our photo booth, which was set up using a bohemian backdrop that was of course, dark and light blue. This magical and fun night with our sisters and dates couldn’t have been better. Reading Is Key, our winter philanthropy, quickly approached after. Our theme this year was a circus theme. All of our sisters received a red shirt with an owl in the middle portrayed as a ringmaster and circus animals surrounding it. We decorated Madison Elementary’s cafeteria accordingly with circus posters, popcorn machines, and face painting. Sisters enjoyed painting everyone’s face whether it was a community wide carnival simple design, or creative circus animals. The book we chose to read was Clifford Goes to the Circus, and each kid received one of their very own to take home. This was very exciting for them since most of these kids are from under privileged households and the books we give them are usually the first books they own. We also donated many books to their library in hopes of exposing them to learn about how important and fun reading can be. This philanthropic eventwas also extra special because our leadership consultant from the previous year joined to help and support us. In October Our day was filled with reading, crafting, and delicious snacks, and Kappa’s had such a fun time interacting with these wonderful kids. To end the month, we had a very eventful sisterhood. Kappas loaded their cars with tents, blankets, jackets and firewood, and were off to camp overnight at Lake Perris. We began by forming groups to build the tents. Building them was no easy task, and just when we held thought it couldn’t get any harder, rain started to pour on us. We laughed off our struggles, and tried to finish up quickly. Although the rain was on and off throughout the night, Kappas always know how to have a good time, and our camping experience was nothing but fun and adventure. We walked to the beautiful lake that was surrounded by mountains, ate pizza, sat by the campfire, and ate an abundant amount of smores. Connecting with nature with our sisters by our Kapture side was truly a memorable day, and Kappa camping was a success despite some obstacles. Our Spring Quarter began by participating in the Flag eventfraternity Delta Tau Delta’s annual philanthropic pageant, which raises money for The City of Hope through donations and fundraisers. Each sorority on campus was to choose one participant to represent their chapter and compete in the event. Our chapter couldn’t think of a capture more perfect candidate other than our sister Krystal Neag. A few of the many fundraisers Krystal put together were Kappa Kappucino, where sisters helped sell baked goods on campus, Kappa Karaoke, where tickets were sold to sing one’s heart out, and a fundraiser at Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt, where people were able to satisfy their sweet tooth. Our sisters had such a fun time supporting her and watching all of her outstanding performances, including a dance that was based on different decades. Krystal won Highest Fundraiser, and raised one-third of the total of the flag tournamentmoney, which was very impressive.
Eta Delta is relatively small compared to chapters at other schools. We pride ourselves in having a diverse group During the month of women who are active on campus and off whether that is through sports teamsApril we also held our joint philanthropic event, clubsWords With Friends, jobs, volunteer groups, etcwith the ladies of Pi Beta Phi. In January Both of 2014our philanthropies revolve around literacy, Eta Delta received its largest pledge class ever of 22, making us the largest so this competitive event is focused on spelling and reading. We had representatives from each sorority and fraternity competing in speed-reads and spelling bees while their organizations cheered them on campusfrom the stands. During fall recruitmentFor this event, admission was bringing in a new book that we had eight more members joincould donate or a fee of $5. Beacon HallIn the end, a new dorm on campuswe raised over $1, was opened250 and five hundred books. The sorority housing proposal process began We donated the books we received and part of the proceeds to Madison Elementary and Pike was approved the rest of the proceeds to come on campusRIF.
In previous years we have held chapter in The month of May was full of many events and festivities, starting with Parents Day. Sisters and parents gathered at the Indian Hills Golf Club to proudly demonstrate what our chapter room, which organization is located in the all sorority dormabout. HoweverWe ate a delicious brunch together, because of sang to them, and had tables displaying our large chapter sizehistory, crafts, and awards. It was a great time, this spring we moved to and every parent fell even more in love with Kappa Kappa Gamma. To deal with the hot Riverside weather, our sisters collaborated with the Brown brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi a couple weeks later and Gold room in had a fun day at the Harre Union park with water balloons and ice cream. Water splashing on us and the cold taste of ice cream in our mouths was a perfect way to combat the fall we moved to Niels 234heat.
Our president's badge is from 1998Before heading into summer, when we were foundedhad one last sisterhood at the drive-in. Sisters dressed up in their best 50’s themed clothes while watching movies in their cars and eating yummy snacks. The group of girls with the best outfits received a gift certificate to make a sweatshirt with our letters imprinted, which was a big plus. After anxiously waiting for our Formal throughout the year, Kappas got dolled up and boarded buses to the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach to have a spectacular night with their dates. The venue was right on the bay, which was perfect for capturing memorable pictures. We ate a delicious gourmet meal, and danced the night away in front of the gorgeous waterfront view. On During the celebrations, seniors were recognized, given crowns, and watched a video slide show of pictures that brought back is inscripted "PRES 4/18/98"many memories and even happy tears to many eyes.
==Highlights One of 2015:==In Januaryour last events before summer vacation was an event UCR holds every year, Eta Delta took part Pillars Week. Pillars week is a whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for a successful organization. All greek organizations were placed in Formal Recruitment and welcomed 18 new members with teams that competed in competitions focused on a 50s themed bid different trait each daystarting with leadership, friendship, service, and scholarship. In February we participated in Valparaiso University's Dance Marathon eventThis whole week is dedicated to uniting the community of greeks at our school. We also held Kappa ManicureWith Epilson Pi Chapter being so dedicated to these traits and greek unity, a new mini philanthropy event where we painted nails. Members also attended Meet worked hard and won awards including Chapter of the Pike's Night this monthYear, Highest GPA, a semiformal event welcoming the members of the newly chartered Phi and Best Collaborative Program. Everyone was so Kappa Alpha chapter proud and this was an excellent way to campusend the school year.
Over Spring BreakAlthough it was summer for some, three members attended the first annual all greek service trip Kappas were still working hard on campus partaking in every freshman orientation in order to Tennesseeget incoming freshmen and transfer students excited for college and hopefully interested in becoming a Kappa. In March, Epsilon Pi Chapter hosted a table where we held answered questions about our second annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. In Aprilorganizations, sorority life, Eta Delta had four members participated UCR and college in Stgeneral. Baldricks by shaving their headsDuring the summer, we also reunited to film our recruitment video. We had a sisterhood event where Some of the places we painted tiles went to decorate included the new house beach, an amusement park, and a unity event with Pi Beta Phi where we tie dyed shirtsone of our sister's beautiful home. We won 2nd place in Songfest with a Beattles themed danceOur amazing video embodied Kappa and our strong sisterhood very accurately.
At Although our fun-filled, adventurous summer was coming to an end, Kappa’s were excited to go back to school for recruitment. On the weekend of October 2nd, our chapter was able to socialize with girls and make them fall in love with everything that we do. We showed them the Valparaiso University Greek Awards meaning of Kappa Kappa Gamma was recognized as a 2013, our values, and our philanthropy that we hold so dear to us. Our dedication and hard work paid off and we received an amazing new pledge class of well-2014 SAAFE rounded and Empowering Organizations and won kindhearted girls. The Ausensen Award for Excellence in Campus Involvement 2013-2014Monday following recruitment, Bid Day, Excellence in Public Relations 2013-2014we welcomed all of our bright and spectacular new members with baseball themed apparel, and Received Honorable mention had hot dogs and burgers for dinner. It was definitely one of the best ball games for New Member Program Awardour Kappa sisters. In May 2015 After a week of clues, room decorating, and anxiousness, we had ended October with our Sapphire Ball Formal dance Big Little Reveal. Littles unwrapped their Bigs and embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and fifteen seniors graduated from our chapter this monthjoy.Construction began That same night, new members were ushered to their new member sleep over where they bonded over the summer for the new Sorority campus housing games, learned about our founders, and are planned to be completed by the end of the 2015-2016 academic yearlaughed over stories.
In AugustThe start of November consisted of asking dates to our Kappa Date Party. We received matching carnival crewnecks, and headed to Scandia Amusement Park. We spent the night playing mini-golf, Eta Delta had a field day event with members from Sigma Chiriding rollercoasters, Pi Kappa Alphadriving bumper cars, Asian American Pacific Islander Coalitionand eating delicious fair food. Quickly after, initiation week approached. Our Marshal hosted a Big and Latinos Little night at a local ice-skating rink. Bigs and Littles dressed in Valparaiso for Excellence where we participated in various activitiesmatching outfits and skated together, fell together, and drew closer as big and little. Relay for Life was held in October Our last and most important event of the Kappa team year was the top fundraising team, raising $1,508initiation of our new members of the Beta Delta class. Later that month, sixteen It was a beautiful ceremony welcoming our deserving members participated in into Kappa Kappa Gamma. They discovered the annual VU Day true meaning of Caring event where they went all our beliefs and values and finally understood what makes Kappa so strong. It was the perfect way to end such a local nature preserve to do restoration work. That same day, we had a sisterhood event where we made 15 tie-blankets successful year for Project Lynas, an organization that sends donated blankets to children in hospitalsEpsilon Pi Chapter.
In November, we had One of our most recent changes on campus is the first annual Kappa Cooks for Books, addition of a waffle breakfastnew sorority, where we raised $115 Alpha Delta Pi. This was very exciting for Reading is Fundamental. We also had a Dad's day event where we learned Epsilon Pi, and an excellent opportunity to ballroom dance help colonize and later we initiated a make new member class of twofriends. There are now seven panhellenic sororities at UCR, and there has been an overall increase in interest in the Greek community. We ended With so many more girls interested in the recruiting process, each year our chapter seems to grow immensely with our annual Thanksmas sisterhood event a great amount of new members. Our chapter has handled the increase well, and has accommodated accordingly. We are always happy and ecstatic to welcome new chapters, and a "Crazy Holiday" themed dancenew girls.
In JanuaryReading Is Key, our winter philanthropy, quickly approached after. Our theme this year was a day at the zoo. We decorated Madison Elementary’s cafeteria accordingly with zebra and cheetah print decorations, face painting station, Eta Delta took part in Formal Recruitment and in February we welcomed 23 new membersa reading station. We had an "Up" (Sisters enjoyed painting the movie) themed bid daychildren’s face whether it was a simple design, or creative zoo animals. Our chapter also had The book we chose to read was Animal Strike at the pleasure Zoo, and each kid received one of their very own to take home. This was very exciting for them since most of meeting Jim O'Heir (an actor these kids are from Parks under privileged households and Recreation) during one the books we give them are usually the first books they own. We also donated many books to their library in hopes of our chapter meetingsexposing them to learn about how important and fun reading can be. Our day was filled with reading, crafting, and delicious snacks, and Kappa’s had such a fun time interacting with these wonderful kids.
In February Kappas won At the Phi Kappa Psi Chili Cook-off beginning of the month of March our philanthropy chair planned an amazing event with Madison Square elementary school in honor of Dr. Seuss day. All of our sisters went to the school dressed in their best Dr. Seuss attire, and read to the children. This was such an amazing experience for us to see the second time joy on the children’s faces as we read the silliest of Dr. Seuss books to them. Later on in the month of March the newest member class Beta Delta got together for a row and we new member retreat. The retreat was held on our Kappa Krush dancecampus at the student recreational centers excursion course. The new members all had a wonderful experience as they tried to climb up rock walls, ropes and ladders. The new member retreat was such a great bonding experience for Beta Delta.
March, To start off the month of April we held our third annual Kappa Karnival fundraising event. Five welcomed all of our sisters traveled lovely parents to Washington Dour Annual Parents Day at Indian Hills Country Club.CThis was a fantastic day that allowed us to share why Kappa Kappa Gamma means so much to each of us with the parents . over spring break Awards were given out to Kappa’s for their academic excellence and for their spirit and dedication to volunteerthe Epsilon Pi Chapter. We had Parents and Kappa’s all sat and ate a unity event with Pi Beta Phi where wonderful brunch and learned all about the amazing things that we hosted have accomplished throughout the year. Later into the month of April our philanthropy chair organized one of our three main philanthropic events Words With Friends. It was a fashion show. Eta Delta also participated night to remember as we watched many of the students form the Greek community participate in Song Fest our speed read and our theme games. The entry fee to the event was Disney villainsa children’s books and all of the books raised where donated to the children of Madison elementary school.
At Also in the month of April Epsilon Pi participated in the Valparaiso University Greek Awards Kappa Kappa Gamma was recognized fraternity, Delta Tau Delta’s annual philanthropic pageant, which raises money for the best recruitment award The City of Hope through donations and fundraisers. Each sorority on campus was to choose one of our members won sorority woman of participant to represent their chapter and compete in the year awardevent. In May 2016 we had Our chapter couldn’t think of a more perfect candidate other than our Sapphire Ball Formal dancesister Sarah Lopinski. We had a unity Sarah put together many fundraisers for the event with Phi Sigma including Kappa Kappucino, where we watched movies in our pajamassisters helped sell baked goods on campus, and Kappa Karaoke, where sisters and friends got together and sang their hearts out. At the end of the semester we moved out of Scheele hall for the last Our sisters had such a fun time supporting her and packed up our chapter room to move into our new Kappa housewatching all of her outstanding performances.
Construction for To start off the month of May we had our annual philanthropy Day in the new sorority houses continued Life, where we bus over 6th graders from Madison Elementary to UCR. We get the summeropportunity to show these young children what its like to not only be a college student but what its like to be a Kappa. At Convention we earned Honorable Mention in We give all the areas students a tour of Finance, Philanthropyour beautiful campus and teach them different UCR cheers. After the tours are over, we all eat lunch together on the grass by our famous bell tower and House Boardplay fun games with the children. We also received By the end of the day all the Kappa Kappa Gamma National Panhellenic Awardchildren are telling us how they are so excited to go to college, this is such an amazing feeling knowing that you have done a part in getting one more child excited to shoot for a higher education.
In August, After patiently waiting all year for one of Epsilon Pi's favorite events the time had finally come for our new house annual Formal. This years formal was finally finishedheld at a beautiful country club located in Costa Mesa. Eta Delta This night was one to remember with lots of beautiful pictures, and delicious food Before heading into summer we had an America themed dance party one last sisterhood in which we spent the night in a mansion in Corona. We all began by taking cute photos with the brothers many kappa props that we had brought on the outside of Sigma Pithe mansion by the beautiful pool. Relay for Life was held Later on that night we got together and watched a scary movie in October and Kappa participated by walking and giving out temporary tattoosthe home theatre that the house had. In September some of our members participated We all snuggled up in beds together hoping that we could sleep after watching such a scary movie. This sisterhood was such a great experience since Epsilon Pi Kappa's Alpha's firemen's challenge and does not have a sorority house we prepared all got to experience for fall recruitment. Kappa won homecoming week for the second time in a rowonce what it would be like to be living together.
In October, we held One of our fall dancelast events before summer vacation was an event UCR holds every year, which was themed famous couplesPillars Week. Pillars week is a whole week dedicated to different traits necessary for a successful organization. We held our first ever Fall Festival All greek organizations were placed in teams that competed in competitions focused on a different trait each day starting with leadership, friendship, service, and scholarship. This whole week is dedicated to uniting the brothers community of Phi Kappa Psi. We initiated three new members. We joined them greeks at the Boys and Girls Club where we held a variety of different booths that the children could play. We also held our first sorority interest event called Kamp Kappaschool.
In NovemberDuring the months of summer some of the us got together to film for our recruitment video. We filmed in multiple locations in riverside including one of our sisters beautiful homes. After a fun filled exciting summer all of our sister where excited to be reunited once again for recruitment. On the first weekend of October 2,, our chapter was able to socialize with girls and make them fall in love with everything that we as Kappa’s do. We showed them the meaning of Kappa, our values, and our philanthropy that we hold so dear to us. Our dedication and hard work paid off and we received an amazing new pledge class of well-rounded and kindhearted girls. Sunday night we held our Bid Day, we welcomed all of our new members with life guard themed apparel, and had an assortment of Mexican food for dinner. After a Dad's Day event where fun week of room decorating, clues, and anxiousness, we hung out ended October with our dads at Big Little Reveal. Little’s found the matching pair of sock behind a football gamesheet and when the sheet dropped their Big’s were revealed. Big’s and little’s embraced in hugs and even tears of excitement and joy. We also had That same night, new members were ushered to their new member sleep over where they bonded over games, learned about our annual Thanksmas dinner founders, and gift exchangelaughed over stories.
We hold our chapter meetings in The most recent change on campus this year is most definitely the chapter room amount of our new house starting students that now attend the beginning University of California Riverside. For the fall semesterfirst time in history Riverside received more than 50,000 student applications for admission. The university owns our house. There are a variety With that many more incoming students of different room styles. The president has course there where quite a room to herself and there are two floors of rooms that have triples, doubles, and quadsfew more women who signed up for recruitment this year as well. 25 sisters are able to live With so many more women interested in the house. This is our very first recruitment process, each year in our chapter seems to grow immensely with a many more new members. We are always ecstatic to welcome new house members into our chapter and we are very excitedhave been handling the size increase quit well.
The only historical badge Epsilon Pi traditionally raises money for our adopted local underprivileged elementary school, Madison Elementary. Throughout the year we have hold three philanthropic events for them, Reading is Key, Words With Friends, and A Day in the Life. Epsilon Pi choses to support this organization because it gives us the opportunity to work hands on with the youth in our chapter area. It is amazing to see our president’s badge which service and donations impact the the lives of the future of our community. Epsilon Pi prefers the face to face interaction that we have had since we came get from our events such as Day in The Life and Reading is Key, rather then simply just raising money and handing in a check. It is so rewarding to see how our philanthropy affects these young students for the better. Epsilon Pi typically meets once a week for chapter meeting in a larger classroom or lecture hall on campus in 1998.
On February 25thPrior to the Pillar’s Awards, we welcomed 22 new members into have Pillar’s week, which is a week of competitions that organizations do on campus as teams. We were the sisterhoodred team, and our panhellenic chair along with our chapter council made sure we participated in all the tasks they gave us. This brought The Chapter Council and the President put in countless hours filling in the forms and requirements for Pillars week. The award accounted for many things such as how involved the chapter's active member total up to 82is on campus, how much attendance does the chapter have at other organizations and philanthropy, and how well our academics and community service is. We held All the hard work paid off when our Kappa Krush dance at Casa del Romachapter won “Chapter of The Year” and the “Service Award”. It was a very exciting night that made the chapter very proud of its accomplishments.
In AprilAs June started, the school year was coming to an end and many sisters went home for summer vacation. While some sisters were doing internships, or going on cool vacations, the girls that stayed in town started working on recruitment. The membership chairman along with her committee spent many days tabling meeting the new students of UC Riverside, and answering all their questions about our chapter. Before the start of school, the chapter came together for recruitment workshops where we participated all learned songs and recruitment etiquette. It was five days of practice that really brought the chapter together in Dance Marathon time for welcoming the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitalspotential new members into recruitment. In MayWhen school finally started again, we had it was time for Formal recruitment which was all managed by the Membership Chairman. The chapter was so excited to welcome home the class of Beta Eta at our olympic themed bid day put together by our New Member Chairman. Following Bid Day, the new members got a weekly sapphire that guided them throughout their first few weeks in the chapter. One important event in October was our Sapphire Ball Formal dance Founder’s Day, put together by the Education Chairman. On October 10, the chapter came together at Casa del Romathe Canyon Crest Country Club, where we celebrate with brunch and presentations of the founding of Kappa Kappa Gamma. We remember the six founders and the symbols that make Kappa so special to all of us.
In AugustThe new members finally got to find out who their bigs were during big and little reveal. During that week, bigs decorated their little’s rooms and gave them secret hints as to who they were. The bigs decorated cute boxes and popped out of them to surprise their littles, and the boxes had cute themes to kick off them. In the school yearmonth of November, Eta Delta the chapter had big and little night, which was put together by the Marshall and was held at a Hawaiian themed dance party roller skating rink. Bigs and littles spent the night roller skating around and taking cute pictures in their matching outfits. We ended the month off with our participation in Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s soccer tournament to raise awareness for cancer. We had our strongest soccer players compete against other sororities and we were able to win first place. It was a great way for the chapter to come together, and for the brothers of Phi Kappa PsiGreek community as well to raise awareness for the cause. In Septemberthe last meeting, November 26, six of our members won elections were held for the Pi Kappa Alpha Fireman's Challengenew chapter council, and we prepared for fall recruitmentthe chapter spends one last meeting together before the year ends.
In OctoberUltimately, it has been a very successful year for Epsilon Pi. Not only did we win many awards, but we initiated five new memberswere very involved with other philanthropies and fundraisers. Our philanthropies main goal is to encourage kids to learn, read, and pursue a higher education. We had our first sisterhood retreat at Camp Butternut Springs. Many Eta Delta members participated in Relay for Life for do that by emphasizing the American Cancer Society. In Novemberimportance of reading and going to college, we had a Great Gatsby semi formal at Casa del Romafor these kids to understand that education is very important.
In December, had our annual Thanksmas dinner featuring an ugly sweater contest and a Secret Sister gift exchange. We also made cards for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Having moved in during the fall ==Highlights of 2016, Eta Delta marked the first full year of having its own university-owned house in 2017. The facility can house 25 members in a variety of triple, double, and quad rooms, while the president or Vice President of Standards has the luxury of her own room. The house can comfortably accommodate weekly chapter meetings with seating for all members. We can also now perform the initiation ceremony within the chapter facility.2020s==
Eta Delta’s historical badge is its President’s badge which dates back Starting out our Winter Quarter of 2020, on January 5th our newly elected chapter council had their first chapter council meeting as well as the following day, January 6th, we had our first formal meeting of the quarter where new officers got formally transitioned into their positions. On January 11th, we scheduled and attended our first leadership day where we invited advisors, outgoing cc, as well as incoming cc to create a smooth transition for new positions. On January 26th our newest pledge class had their new member retreat where they got to rock climb on the chartering ropes course at UCR. On January 31st we were so fortunate to celebrate our 150th anniversary of the chapter organization by being visited by the Minnie Stewart van! On February 6th we held a social with a Panhellenic organization, Alpha Chi Omega. On February 26th, we held our annual Reading is Key event at Madison Elementary where it was Alice in 1998Wonderland themed and we read and did crafts with the 1st grade classes. Eta Delta received 2 Greek Awards from On March 1st we held our Semi-formal event where we danced the Panhellenic/InterFraternity Council: “Excellence night away with all of our sisters. On March 2nd, we participated in New Member Education” and “Most Improved Chaptera joint philanthropy event with Sigma Pi Epsilon at a local elementary school reading to kids. On March 6th we held our Winter Sisterhood event at Hangar Trampoline Park.” Our recruitment counselorDuring the week of March18-22nd, Leah Birhanuwe began our finals week while transitioning to a complete remote learning environment. Although many of us assumed we would be coming back after spring break, received we ended up coming to terms that we would be having both our Spring and Fall Quarters completely online. On April 1st we held our first virtual meeting through zoom. On April 14th we began to review and evaluate the best and worst case for the budget with the “Sam Salvador Living Your Values Awardtreasurer.” This award was created in honor On April 26th we began to reevaluate and get on the same page for tackling the actions on our action plan. On April 29th we supported Denim Day virtually through our platforms. On May 27th we decided on the budget proposal and to put all of our members on a Chi Omega who passed away payment plan due to pandemic circumstances. On June 16th we raised and donated $2,700O to act able. On September 26th we began recruitment workshops every day until to 30th. On October 8th through the 11th we held formal recruitment through zoom. Although this yearprocess did look a bit different than usual years, everything ran very smoothly as we conducted conversations and voting on zoom and in break out rooms. On October 11th, we welcomed our newest pledge class, Beta Iota to the chapter as the bid day theme was Kappa and Co. We held our New member pinning ceremony on October 12th. Rin Seibert received “Sorority Advisor On October 13th we all joined the zoom call with our chapter first to go over some history fun facts as well as conduct our founders day ceremony then joined the zoom call with our sisters across the nation to help celebrate our 150th milestone! On October 12-16th our lovely leadership consultant Cait Berosh held a virtual meeting with a majority of the Year”our chapter council members. On October 18th we held a virtual committee night.
'''Note We support our local Elementary School Madison Elementary which is in an under served community.We chose this school, to only because we’ve worked with them many years prior, but also because a alumna from Epsilon Pi Chapter Registrar:'''hasworked as a teacher there in the past and explained how our chapter could positively impact the students
Please refer We appointed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion chairman and she aided in all the programming that was being planned as well as sent out little reminders throughout the quarter on how to your chapter archives including chapter meeting minutes be inclusive and back issues of The Key how to fill in any gaps in be more conscious through 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 assistancegroup me.
Your efforts will ensure We appointed a complete sesquicentennial chairman who would kept us updated on new and accurate fun stuff from HQ as well as would share various chapter history PowerPoints and we were so lucky to have been visited by the Minnie Steward Van to celebrate such an amazing milestone! During Founders Day we joined on zoom together as a chapter and did our Founders Day ceremony and then join the zoom call with all of your chapter for future generations our sisters nationwide to enjoy!share this special moment in history.
no edit summary
{{Infobox Fraternity
|Name= Eta DeltaEpsilon Pi|GreekSymbol= HΔEΠ|Image= [[File:Eta_DeltaEpsilon_Pi.jpgjpeg|200px]]|Founded= {{start date and years ago|19981976|0402|1807}}|College= [httphttps://www.valpoucr.edu/ Valparaiso Universityof California, Riverside]|Location= ValparaisoRiverside, INCA|Homepage= [httphttps://chaptersucr.kappakappagammakappa.org/etadelta/ Eta Delta Epsilon Pi Homepage]|Media= [httphttps://wiki.kappakappagammakkg.org/index.php?title=Category:Eta_Delta Epsilon_Pi Media related to Eta Delta Epsilon Pi Chapter]}}----
'''Eta Delta, Valparaiso University''''''Valparaiso University founded in 1859 in Valparaisoof California at Riverside, Indiana1954'''
'''Epsilon Pi founded February 7, 1976'''
----------------- '''Some of Eta Delta’s Chapter’s Outstanding MembersAlumnae:'''(If you have chapter alumna who have received recognition in any of these three categories, please list them with the date(s) of recognition.) '''Fraternity Council Officers:'''Kyle Donnelly, Fraternity Treasurer, 2022-2024
'''Fraternity Loyalty Award Recipients:'''
Ella Gaumer Vieria: Traveling Consultant (2000-2001), Province Director of Chapters (2005-2009), Technology Committee (2009-2010), Regional Director of Chapters (2010-2012, 2012-2014), Long Range Planning Task Force (2013-2016), Assistant to Director of Chapters (2014-2016), Public Relations Content Director (2016-2018), Leadership Education and Development Committee (2018). Yvonne Kim: Province Director of Chapters (2011-2015). Vicki Hill Carrigan: Kappa Trainer (2010-2016), Publications Committee (2010-2014), Technology Committee (2010-2014), Leadership Academy Facilitator (2012, 2016, 2017), Betty Brady Award (1995), Coordinator of Chapter Support (2014-2016), Convention Committee -Music Chairman (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022), Adviser Academy Facilitator (2016), Kappa Leadership Conference Facilitator (2018-2019), Ritual & History Specialist (2019 --2024).
--------------------------------The information that follows has been gleaned from available resources including Chapter History Reports, chapter meeting minutes, letters and comments from chapter members and members of Phi Delta Theta partnered in trick-or-treating at alumnae, the pediatric ward of Porter Regional Hospital in Valparaiso. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity Archives, and The Kappas and Theta Chi held a yard sale in OctoberKey. Members were encouraged Each chapter is expected to bring clothing, household items and anthing else that could be included in the saleupdate its history record annually. Contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg. The proceeds from the event supported the Breast Cancer Society of Valparaisoorg with questions. Additional activities were Adopt-----------------------------A-Grandma, Adopt-A-Highway, Drop Walk for Hunger and traditional green events.
==Highlights of 2011-2019:==
From chapter’s History Report: Scholarship, group honors/awards, traditions, special events, changes on campus or within chapter, overall nature of the chapter, chapter goals, challenges and how they were overcome, etc.:
==Highlights of 2011==
==Highlights of 2012==
In Februarythe spring quarter, our sisterhood took a great start with having a fun and exciting event at Dave and Buster. This quarter we were visited by a Leadership Consultantalso supported the men of Delta Tau Delta's annual Delta Queen Pageant. Our sister, Lauren Montes, Haley Smithwon the Delta Queen Pageant raising $6, who stayed 000 for the week and helped our chapter work on efficiency and unityCity of Hope cancer research. We celebrated Valentines Day together at continued to support our semi-formal Kappa Krush Dance chapter and continued partook in the sisterly fun at a hilariously awesome Murder Mystery Sisterhood event. March brought even more chances to bond. We had another sisterhood event to learn about etiquetteannual Sports Week, where each sorority competes against each other in track and then we spent a week preparing for initiation by having a Kappa Love nightfield, performing new member class skitsvolleyball, and having a new member class sleepover in the Chapter Roomfootball.
==Highlights of 2014==
Our chapter lives together on last, and a floor top favorite, philanthropy of a sorority dorm owned by the university2015-year was Day in the Life. TypicallyWe bring sixth graders from Madison Elementary to UCR to visit, take a tour, have lunch, and play fun activities with us all sophomores in the hopes of inspiring these students to go to college and juniors live strive for a higher education. Sisters are divided into different touring groups in this facility order to get to know the kids personally and we be able to be more hands on and interactive. We teach them spirit chants and walk around the busy hallways of campus so they can provide housing experience for up themselves what its like to 36 membersbe a college student. In 2014This philanthropy is so rewarding because every student anticipates going to college, we received news that UCR in specific, at the university would end of the day. They also fall in love with our amazing organization and want to be building new sorority housingfuture Kappas, expected to be completed by even the end of 2015boys.
Chapter Philanthropy:What organization(s) has your chapter historically/traditionally raised money for, or donated hours to, in your community?The biggest changes to campus this organization Epsilon Pi traditionally raises money for is Madison Elementary, our adopted underprivileged elementary school in our area. We put three events for them throughout the year would include the construction of the new sorority housing , Reading is Key, Words With Friends, and A Day in the addition of two new chapters on campus- Pi Kappa Alpha and Sigma Lambda GammaLife.
Why did your chapter choose this organization(s) to support?
We chose to support this organization because our chapter enjoys working hands on with the children in our area, and we know our service and donations are impacting them directly. We prefer actual interaction, rather than simply handing a check. It is very rewarding to see how our philanthropy affects these children for the better.
==Highlights of 2016==
Over the past year, the members of Epsilon Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma have created many amazing memories that have enriched their college experience. Our chapter started the year off strong by holding elections in January after our lovely winter break which was quite a bit longer this year then in years past. As usual our sisters chose extraordinary women to help lead the chapter as Chapter Council. Shortly after, our education chair held the first education program of the year. The education program was all about proper etiquette, as a chapter we all ate California Pizza Kitchen and watched the presentation that our education chairman gave on good vs poor etiquette.
On February 25th our chapter got together to do what we do best, eat. We had an amazing sister hood that was at the Kickn Crab, we all bonded over a very messy meal and made lasting memories with our sisters. A few days after our sister hood our chapter got together yet again for our Semi-Formal. Our spectacular semi formal was located at a beautiful club in Long Beach. We all got dressed up in our best cocktail attire and every Kappa and their dates looked fantastic. Kappa’s all danced the night away and took many lavish photos. At the venue itself there was a professional photographer who helped to capture every moment of the stupendous night. This extraordinary night with sisters and their dates couldn’t have gone better.
The biggest change start of November consisted of the event our wonderful Marshal hosted, a sisterhood night were we all skated around the roller rink together in our matching inspo week shirts. The most important event of the year was the addition initiation of the our new sorority houses on campus. 6 houses were built for members of the 5 sororities on campus and one unaffiliated houseBeta Epsilon class. The houses are It was a beautifulceremony welcoming our deserving members into Kappa Kappa Gamma. They are built discovered the true meaning of all our beliefs and values and finally understood what makes Kappa so they all connect through strong. To finish of the year we had on of our most fun events Kappa Date Party. We received matching shirts that were designed by one of our own sisters and headed to Boomers Amusement Park in Irvine. We spent the basements night riding bumper cars, go karts, climbing rock walls, playing laser tag, and each sorority member miniature golf. Overall it has access to her house by using her campus ID cardbeen a successful year for the Epsilon Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
==Highlights of 2017==
In 2017 Epsilon Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma achieved many things and participated in many philanthropic and social events within our greek community and the real community surrounding Riverside. At our Pillars Award ceremony, hosted by Panhellenic, we were rewarded with the award of Best Chapter Management honoring our Chapter Councils hard work in managing our chapters affairs. Starting slow in Januarywith fewer events following our winter break, we kicked the year off with the Scholarship Dinner which was held on January 26th. Our Scholarship Dinner was put on by our Vice President of Academic Excellence with the help of her committee. It was held at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Riverside. Every girl was provided with dinner along with our advisors and various alumnae who attended. Throughout the night the Vice President of Academic Excellence gave out awards based on members' various academic achievements the previous year. This event celebrated members who may have had great academic improvements ad promoted the importance of academic achievement in our chapter. In the following month Epsilon Pi was a bit more busy. The first event in February was a sisterhood event which was put on by our Vice President Standards. This sisterhood was held at Build-a-Bear where members each made two bears. One for the member to take home and one to donate to Loma Linda Children’s Hospital. This sisterhood was a good way for members to get together and bond as well as do something good for the community. The following weekend on February a team of Kappa sisters participated in Gamma Phi Beta’s annual Moonball which is a volleyball tournament that helps raise money for Gamma Phi Beta’s philanthropy. Not only did members play in the tournament, they also came out to support and cheer on their sisters who played in the tournament. February 10th is when Epsilon Pi held their annual winter philanthropic event, Reading is Key. During this event the chapter went to a local elementary school, Madison Elementary, and decorated their multipurpose room up to the theme which was carnival. First grade classes got to come to the MPR throughout the day and the chapter facilitated many activities for the kids to do. These activities were things such as face painting, coloring, and the final station being chapter members reading a book to the children. At the end of the day each child got to go home with a book of their own. Also, Eta the chapter donated books to the school as well. The final event Epsilon Pi held in the month of February was a sisterhood with Gamma Phi Beta. The chapters came together and decorated cookies for Valentines Day. The chapters also did Ice Breaker games and just bonded. Lastly, in the month of February chapter elections were held. The new chapter council was elected and joint Chapter Council Meeting was held the last week of February. March of 2017 kicked off strong with a sisterhood held with the girls of Delta took part Gamma. Our chapters got together and tie dyed shirts together and hung out at a local park. This sisterhood allowed our chapter to bond with a Panhellenic sister which we don’t often get to do much with strengthening our Panhellenic bonds. On March 3rd a group of Epsilon Pi members volunteered for Read Across America at a local elementary school. They got to spend the day reading and promoting literacy to the children in our surrounding community. Later that evening on March 3rd, we held our Semi Formal put on by our Event Chairman along with the help of her committee. It was held at a local country club and many Alumni joined and it was a successful event barring a few mishaps along the way. Following Semi Formal RecruitmentLeadership day was held for the new and old Chapter Council members on March 5th. Leadership day was planned by our Vice President of Organization in order to allow the time for old Chapter Council members to teach new Chapter Council members what their new job entailed and all the responsibilities their new job required. At the event all the advisors for the various Chapter Council positions were there and also met with their new officer. Also the new Chapter Council got to discuss goals that they wanted to achieve in their time in office and all the things they wanted to improve within the chapter. Many things were discussed that day and the new Chapter Council got a great start and great motivation from each other and the advisors to start their position strong and make some good changes within the chapter. The following meeting the new Chapter Council members were installed into their positions. Throughout the next couple of weeks Epsilon Pi was involved in a philanthropy called Miss Minerva held by a fraternity on our campus, Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This was a pageant type fundraiser that helped raise thousands of dollars for their philanthropy with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Kappa helped in this by having one girl volunteer to represent our chapter and do various fundraisers throughout the weeks leading up to the competition. Epsilon Pi also participated in a similar philanthropy held by another fraternity, capped Delta Tau Delta, titled Delta Queen this philanthropy helped raise money for the City of Hope Cancer Research Foundation. Both the representatives for both events held many small events to raise money for each chapter’s philanthropies. These events varied from holding fundraises at local restaurants to coming up with small clever fundraisers to do on campus at letters. One example of a small fundraiser held by our Delta Queen was titled Kolor a Kappa where people paid money to throw paint at members of our chapter. Although it doesn’t sound very eventful it was a vey successful event help on our campus. Epsilon Pi itself helped raise a large amount of money that we donated to each chapter’s philanthropies. These events also strengthened our ties within our Panhellenic community because every chapter had a representative and all the chapters competed against each other hopes to win the pageant. April was a rather slow month compared to March aside from the various activities going on with both Miss Minerva and Delta Queen. April 22nd Epsilon Pi held a social event with fellow Fraternity on campus, Delta Chi. Members of both organizations got together on Earth day and volunteered at our campus garden the R’garden. Members planted plants and tended to the garden at our school. The following week Epsilon Pi had a visit from a Leadership Consultant. She stayed with our Vice President of Organization. While she was here she attended our chapter council meeting and visited with each member of Chapter Council to see how they were adapting to their new position. The Leadership Consultant was very helpful to our chapter giving the Chapter Council guidance onto how to deal with the problems in our chapter. On April 25th Epsilon Pi held another sisterhood event which was a kickboxing class held at the local UFC gym. The members of Epsilon Pi all joined together sweated and laughed while working out all together. On April 29th Epsilon Pi was involved in Alpha Chi Omega's annual philanthropy the Carnation Carnival. Epsilon Pi held a both making Kappachinos and a both doing a coin toss at the event. Sisters volunteered to work both booths throughout the day. The following day Epsilon Pi participated in Delta Gamma’s annual philanthropy titled Anchor Splash. A group of girls got together to compete in various competitions throughout the day. Epsilon Pi winning one of the events which was synchronized swimming. All in all the busy weekend was a success for Epsilon Pi. May 2017 was a very busy month for Epsilon Pi starting off with Salads with Seniors an event for the seniors and alumnae to get together and to have a country themed bid lunch starting the seniors' transition from active member toan alumnae. On May 5th Epsilon Pi participated in a powderpuff football tournament held by Fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. A group of sisters got together and formed a team competing against other chapters in a football tournament. On May 11th Epsilon Pi’s annual Sapphire Ball was held at a local venue in Downtown Riverside. This event was thrown by our Event Chairman throughout the night seniors got recognized and celebrated as this is their last formal Kappa event of college. On May 17th Epsilon Pi held another philanthropic event called Day in the Life. At this event Epsilon Pi bused over 6th grade students from Madison Elementary, the same elementary school that was collaborated with for Reading is Key, and did many activities with them. The 6th graders were given a tour of our campus and done various smaller activities with. This philanthropy is very near and dear to our hearts because it allows us to promote higher education to kids who may have no knowledge of what college is like or why it is important. Parents' Day was held on May 21st at Indian Hills Golf Club. Thrown by the Public Relation Chairman, Parents' Day was a brunch for both members of Epsilon Pi and their parents. During the brunch, awards were given out to outstanding members of our chapter. Also, during the brunch presentations were given to the parents from various Chapter Council members, such as registrar and education chairman, about the history of Kappa Kappa Gamma as a whole and Epsilon Pi Chapter itself. Overall Parents Day was successful in showing the parents why Kappa Kappa Gamma is such an important organization and what it does for their daughters. The week of May 22nd was Pillars week where our whole Greek community comes together to do various activities throughout the wee, some competitive activities and others to raise money. At the end of this week a banquet is held to give out awards to chapters for various achievements throughout the year. Epsilon Pi was awarded with Best Chapter Management celebrating our Chapter Council's recent achievements. On May 24th the Education Chairmen held a final sisterhood for the seniors. This sisterhood was held at a local trampoline park, Skyline, where the seniors were allowed to jump and hang out with each other one last time all together. The sisterhood retreat was held on May 27th and 28th at a house in Corona. Sisters got together and had a giant sleepover at a house. During this sleepover sisters bonded doing various ice breaker activities and watching movies and such. It was very successful in the bonding of our chapter. The next week starting May 30th through to the beginning of June was sports week for our Greek community. Epsilon Pi participated in many of the sports such as football, soccer, and volleyball it was very successful having teams in every event throughout the week. June 3rd was another philanthropy that Epsilon Pi held in order to raise money to donate to Reading is Fundamental. This philanthropy was a Kappa Karwash. Sisters got together at a local burger joint and washed cars in order to raise money for Kappa’s national philanthropy. The next few weeks of June events died down because it was the end of the quarter and finals were nearing but our Vice President of Academic Excellence did hold a Kappa Study Party on June 11th for all our members. She rented out a study room at one of our campus libraries and held a study party for all our members. At the study party she provided many things for our sisters such as scantrons, blue books, and pencils sisters might need for their finals. During the moths of July and August sisters were home for the summer, yet the recruitment chair along with the help of her committee started to prepare for recruitment. In September the week before school started recruitment workshops were held September 21st through the 26th. At these workshops sisters learned songs and practiced all the things that needed to be perfected before formal recruitment. Formal recruitment was held October 5th through the 8th. Bid daywas then held on October 8th at a fellow sister's house welcoming home our new pledge class Beta Zeta. That following Monday, October 9th, the new pledge class was formally pinned and their new member education began. October 14th our Founders Day brunch was held at Canyon Crest Country Club. It was a brunch held by our Education Chairman in which celebrated our Founders Day. It was a very successful first event with our new pledge class setting the tone for them for the rest of the year. In the following weeks new members got to meet with the sapphires weekly leading up to big and little week which occurred the week of October 23rd. That Friday, October 27th, big and little reveal was facilitated by our New Member Chairman on campus. Following reveal the new members were driven to an active's house where they had their first sleepover as a pledge class. They bonded with the New Member Chairman and with each other throughout the night. Sunday October 29th was Epsilon Pi’s October Sisterhood which was held at The Pumpkin Factory, a local pumpkin patch. Sisters got to bond with their new littles and with the new pledge class. The Week of October 29th through November 3rd Epsilon Pi was visited by another Leadership Consultant who checked up with Chapter Council’s progress that they have made this year. The Leadership Consultant also was able to come to chapter meeting to meet with new members and give a presentation to the whole chapter on the importance of attendance. The Leadership Consultant visit was successful in that she was able to help out chapter council with any guidance they needed leading their way into initiated the new pledge class. On November 4th Epsilon Pi participated in a philanthropy held by fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon. This philanthropy was a soccer tournament for the various sororities to compete against each other and raise money Epsilon Pi had two teams competing in the event and took both second and first place in the tournament. On November 10th Epsilon Pi competed in another sports related philanthropic event held by Phi Kappa Sigma. This event was titled The Phi Kap Olympics in which teams competed in various activities and games. Epsilon Pi also took first in this philanthropic event as well. Inspiration Week started on November 13th, Sweet Home this being the period before initiation where girls sit back and think about Kappa and the true meaning and values that Kappa instills in each of its members. Throughout that week our Philanthropy chair held Epsilon Pi’s first philanthropy event for the school year being a Kappa Canned food drive. Epsilon Pi collected cans and donations from various greek organizations on our campus with an incentive that the organization that donates the most cans will get a $100 check written out to their philanthropy. This however was a bigger success than our philanthropy chair had expected with around two thousand of cans donated and around $350 raised. On Thursday November 16th Epsilon Pi held their Big and Little Night put on by our Marshall. Big and Little Night was held at a local ice rink, IceTown, where sisters skated and bonded with their family lines. November 17th Fireside was held for the new members followed by initiation the next morning. On November 27th chapter elections will be held for the new Chapter Council. On November 30th Epsilon Pi held their Date Party at a minor league basketball game. On December 3rd Epsilon Pi’s Vice President of Academic Excellence planned a Kappa Study Party so sisters can get together and study before finals in our on campus library. On December 6th the Education Chairman held a senior sisterhood where the seniors meet at a sisters house and decorated ornaments and cookies to celebrate the holidays. Through all these success for Epsilon Pi Chapter throughout 2017 the chapter’s morale has gained strength. All in all 2017 was a good year for Epsilon Pi. ==Highlights of 2018== Over the year, the Epsilon Pi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gammahas participated in many events on the UC Riverside campus, and has been tremendously rewarded for its involvement and service in the community. We started off the year in January when we welcomed and transitioned the new leaders of the chapter during leadership day. This was a special time because the new officers were transitioning into their new positions and learned from the old officers everything their position entails. In February, the new chapter council was excited to start working on Parent’s Day which is a day where all the girls bring their parents together to show them what Kappa is all about. Our Parent’s Day was February 24, celebrated with brunch and set up by the Public Relations Chairman. Throughout the day, we awarded advisors and members for their dedication to the chapter, and had presentations about our chapter history. There were tables setup that displayed old archives like old composites, and scrapbooks for the parents to see. It was a great time for the members and their families to come together to take pictures, and learn Kappa’s history. We also had our sisterhood in February, where all the girls dressed in cute pajamas and went to the movie theatre where they had a viewing of Pitch Perfect. Many sisters came in matching pajamas, especially bigs and littles. The chapter even had a contest for the cutest pajamas, and the winner got a prize. Our biggest event in February would have to be Reading is Key, our philanthropy that is put together entirely by the Philanthropy Chairman. We went to a local elementary school, where we held many activities such as face painting and crafts for the kids to do. The theme for the day was “Under the Sea”, with many decorations and books set up for the day. The whole chapter came throughout the day and managed the different stations for the children to go through. Our goal was to show the kids how much fun reading and learning can be, so we had many books for them to see and an individual copy for them to take home. The kids were very excited and we even had a few sisters get on stage and do a reading of the books to the children. In March, we started the month with composites. All the girls met in the Highlander Union Building and got their portraits taken, which was set up by the chapter’s Registrar. We ended the month with our semi-formal, set up by our Event Chair, where the whole chapter comes together for food and music. Our semi-formal was March 3rd in Downtown Riverside, where we celebrated a lovely evening with appetizers, a photobooth, and dancing. April was a very busy month with many fundraisers and awards. We kicked it off with winning Delta Gamma’s Anchor Splash, where the members in the chapters won a dance and swimming competition. Our team came together and held many practices in order to make sure their routine was perfect. Not only did we participate in Anchor Splash, but we also were involved with the blood drive, and held a yogurtland fundraiser for our philanthropy. Mid April, we held our scholarship dinner at Cheesecake Factory where the chapter was awarded with their academic achievements. Throughout the night, there were a lot of awards to give considering the drastic rise in our chapter’s GPA. This was put together by our VP Academic Excellence and there were different awards such as ‘Highest GPA’ or ‘Most Improved GPA’. It was a great way to celebrate the academic achievements of the chapter and recognize all the hard work we put into for school. We ended the successful month off with our participation in Powderpuff which is a greek soccer tournament held by Phi Kappa Psi.
In MarchMay, we held got to celebrate our fourth annual Kappa Karnival fundraising eventachievements at our Formal, which is a night of celebration for the seniors. The chapter came together for food and dancing all put together by our Event Chair, where we handed out awards to all of the seniors for the end of the school year was approaching fast for them. We raised $607also kicked back and had our sisterhood, which a kappa luau. Our VP Standards put together the luau where we hung out by the pool, got snacks, had cute hawaiian decorations and took pictures. It was split between a great way for our sisters to bond under the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation and Reading sun. We ended May with our second biggest philanthropy, A Day in the Life, which is Fundamental (RIF)also entirely put together by the philanthropy Chair. Eta Delta We had 25 members participate in Song Festlocal middle schoolers come to UC Riverside, where we took the kids on tours, played fun games with them, and answered all their questions about college life. First we welcomed the kids to the campus, and played games with them to get know their names and interests. We then started by taking them on tours, based on their different teams, and ended the day with snacks and refreshments for the kids. The chapter showed them how great school and education can be, and our theme was 90s throwbackshoped to inspire them to pursue a higher education.
On October 22nd we held a virtual COB night where we welcome a few more members to our new member class. On October 25th we were visited by a facilitator from HQ for a Aspiring to a higher type of Sisterhood Workshop. On October 29th we held a Spooky fall quarter sisterhood where we all carved pumpkins together. On November 4th, we held a sisterhood where we made fun PowerPoint on random topics. On November 13th we held big little reveal where a majority of new members got their bigs. On November 16th------------------20th we began Inspiration week where we did various writing prompts to reflect on our values as well as had big little night on November 18th. On November 18th the rest of the new members who were COBs got their bigs as well. On November 20th, our new members were officially initiated into our chapter. On November 16th we were presented with the slate from the nominating committee. On November 23rd, we held chapter elections where we elected prospective new officers. On December 4th we held a virtual baking sisterhood with a Panhellenic organization Gamma Phi Beta. On December 7th, we held our last meeting of 2020 and the quarter and after finals we will begin winter break.